The Forgotten Luna (Adessa)
Chapter 20

KAEL.

When we arrived at the shop, the ring was still on display. I expected them to tell me to wait until the buyer showed himself, which I hated. I was never the one with the patience to wait, but I had no choice. But then, waiting never happened.

The store manager was there; I was sure she was the female in the video with Adessa.

"Alpha Kael..." she greeted me as she approached. The man I spoke with, Philip, just told me the buyer hadn't shown up yet.

"You know me," I told her.

"Of course," she smiled as she bowed her head at me, and I returned her nod. "Everyone around here knows you."

I just shrugged my shoulders. We used to own the building in this block and the other side before Dad sold them because Miranda insisted it was too far to manage.

"My name is Corrine. I'm the manager here. I was told that you're interested in that ring," she said, pointing to the display case on the other side.

I nodded my head. "I am."

"Oh, it's a good choice. It's beautiful." She smiled broadly. "Perfect for an engagement ring or a wedding ring. Really exquisite, and the diamonds are pure." "I know." I chuckled.

I was not used to smiling or laughing with strangers, but I forced myself to. I wanted her to feel comfortable with me, and then maybe I could ask her about my ex-wife.

"So... Is it for a proposal?" She asked, raising her eyebrows. If this were another scenario, I would be frank and tell her it was none of her business, but I needed something from her.

"A proposal?" I laughed, throwing my head back as I did. This was getting weird, but I just let it play. "I just want the ring back. This ring belonged to my wife. She left me and took that ring." "She left you? Oh, I'm sorry. I didn't know you got married. But then Ironcrest is too far from here, and your pack has always been..." She paused, her eyes rounding as if she realized something. "Isolated..." I continued for her.

"I'm sorry, Alpha. I talk too much."

"No harm done." I smiled at her. "Do you think I can buy the ring back?"

Corrine nodded, and my heart picked up its pace. "The buyer called yesterday and said she was not interested anymore."

Philip's head snapped in her direction, and she smiled at him before patting his hand on the glass counter in front of us. "Complete the inventory for the sale next week. I'll take care of Alpha Kael." He didn't say anything and just left after excusing himself.

She took out a calculator and pressed something before showing it to me. "This is the price of the ring."

"This is quite low compared to what I expected," I told her, my gaze scrutinizing her face.

"The one who sold that didn't want to take too much money for it. She said she just needed emergency money and would return for it. I guess she didn't get any money to buy it back."

"So she's just letting it go." My forehead creased. The first part gave me joy, but the realization she would just let this ring go annoyed me.

"She knows you're interested in buying it." She smiled, but she had already dropped her gaze away from me, but her words left me speechless. Adessa knew I was buying it.

"Are you still interested in buying it, Alpha?" She asked, snapping me back to the present.

"Did she know it was me, as in Alpha Kael, or did she know someone was buying it?" I had to be sure.

"I told her that Alpha Kael of the Ironcrest Pack is interested in buying it." She replied. "Do you want to see it first?"

"I'll buy it." I slipped my hand inside my pocket and pulled out my wallet. I took my card, and she gave me the terminal to swipe it into.

"Perfect," she said once the transaction was done.

I slipped my wallet back and was about to say something when the door chimed, drawing my attention to it, and I saw Alpha Draco's Delta stepping in together with one of his men.

"I will prepare the item and the receipt. I'll be back," Corrine said and I just nodded, even if I was already facing the door.

"Alpha Kael, I didn't expect to see you here. It's been a long time since we felt your presence. I heard you've been sick."

"Been sick. I'm good now and functioning well. Anything I can do for you?" I replied, crossing my arms against my chest.

"I just want to say hi. We're off. We have things to do. Have a great day, Alpha Kael." He gave me a salute before he turned around.

I didn't reply and just looked at them as they left the shop.

"I'm still not on good terms with Draco, right?" I asked Landon, who stood beside me.

"Yep. I don't think you'll ever be. Alpha Draco tried to make a pass at Luna Adessa one time, and it almost ended in a brawl."

A scowl formed on my face. "Did he hurt her?"

"He tried to grab her when she ignored him."

"The fuck!" I grunted.

"Don't worry. The Luna slapped him, and he attempted to strike her back, but you came and stopped him. It almost turned into chaos if the people around were not fast enough to stop both of you."

"I wish they didn't stop me."

"Me, too, Alpha. I wanted to strike him, but I didn't want to leave Luna Adessa unattended while you handled him."

"You like Adessa." My head snapped to the side to look at him, and I was sure I was frowning.

"I like her for you." He chuckled. "Stop looking at me as if I were lusting over your ex-wife because I don't."

"Excuse me, Alpha Kael. Here's the ring and the receipt." Corrine spoke from behind me.

I turned around and took the small paper bag she handed me. "Thank you."

"Are you not going to check if the ring is there?"

"I'm sure you won't double-cross me."

"No." She chuckled. "Not in this lifetime, sir."

I wanted to ask about Adessa, but she was already asking questions before I could say something. "The one who sold the ring, she's your wife, right?" "How did you know?"

"The picture in your wallet. That is the woman who came here last week."

She was too nosy, but I was grateful for it.

"I see." I used the wallet I saw in my drawer and didn't take anything from it, so I still have her notes and her picture. Have you seen her again? I know you mentioned she called yesterday. Do you know if she's okay?"

"I haven't seen her again. And I'm sorry, I don't know if she's okay. All I know is she was worried about how she would buy the ring back, but when I mentioned your name, she calmed down and said I could sell it forward to you. She actually

Ove

requested that we don't put a higher

price on it. Of course, ita higher

not good

for the business, but I tried to meet her halfway. She seemed to be a sweet woman."

"She is..." I answered even before I could think of my reply and my action. "You know what. Can you give this to her?"

I pulled out my wallet again and took Adessa's bank card. "It's hers, so she knows her code. She left it, and you said she needed money. She can use it."

"I don't think I will meet her again."

"I'm sure she will call and ask about the ring. Tell her I bought it, and I left something for her."

She nodded her head. I let out a sigh and thanked her before turning around, motioning for Landon that we were leaving. We were about to open the door when she spoke again. "Do you want to see Adessa, Alpha Kael?"

One question, but I felt my soul leave my body.