The Heartless Alpha's Beloved Luna Novel

---- Chapter 183 Perhaps I had been mistaken. Perhaps she did truly enjoy this simple, menial labor over the pleasure of my company in the pack house. Out here, her body language seemed more relaxed, and she moved well despite her healing injuries. Though, I did wonder at Dierdra assigning her these sorts of tasks when her arm was still not fully healed. Should I intervene? Or was she happier out here? 2 Another wave of guilt washed over me at the thought that I had possibly been a source of discomfort for Avery.

I hadn't intentionally meant to become a painful part of her life, but it was obvious at the Alpha Council that she had chafed at the restrictions I had placed on our relationship. I quickly turned away and returned to the pack house as the memories of that final night at the Alpha Ball roared through me. The memory of Avery spread out on the bed beneath me, her starry dress spread beneath her like a celestial bed... She was so lovely. Not for the first time, I regretted my actions following that morning. My loyalty to Dierdra had been weak, and I hated myself for it.

Avery had just been so enthusiastic about welcoming me into her bed... Besides, I couldn't have left her with that blackguard Reynaud, who was clearly angling to compromise her reputation. It had turned out for the better this way, I told myself. ---- I knew Avery was hurt that I hadn't acknowledged our connection after that night, but couldn't she see that my hands were tied by my connection to Dierdra? What would she have me do? Turn away my true mate? It was unheard of. Still, it was hard to stay away from her, even after she had been moved to the village.

I found that I missed her quiet presence, and had decided to come visit daily. Until news had come about her mother, and she had pushed for a commitment I couldn't give. I couldn't condemn more warriors to die in a senseless battle. I pushed through the doors into the pack house, and paused in surprise at the sight of my family standing there waiting for me. "What's this?" I asked, cautiously. "Ah, son. We were hoping to have a word..." My father said in the tone that usually meant he was about to lecture me. "How can I help you?" I said formally, with just a hint of ice in my tone.

In my experience, there was no way to avoid my father's lectures. It was best to just get them over with as soon as possible. It's about your marriage..." My mother began, "Yes, your wedding to Avery was arranged solely for political reasons and to produce heirs, but a child from your fated mate is even more important.

We were concerned that you might not be considering the changing variables in this situation..." »What variables am I neglecting to consider?" I said, coldly, "It ---- is not like you to meddle in my affairs." amily affairs effect us all," My father cut in, "Legacy is more important than tradition." "I seem to remember you saying the exact opposite when you were raising me to be Alpha," I pointed out, watching my father redden and turn away. He, like me, was remembering several heated arguments we'd had when I claimed they loved the pack more than their own son.

"That's different," my mother whined, "Dierdra is carrying your pup now, you must do everything to secure the child's future. Divorce Avery, and make Dierdra your wife! By all accounts, Avery is little better than a feral wolf anyways. You can't keep someone like that around." »Can't I?" I snapped, then forced myself to take a calming breath, "Thank you for your concern. I will handle it," I strode quickly towards my office, and escape. But Gideon...!" Their surprised voices followed me down the corridor, but I shut the door on their concerns.

In the quiet of my office, I took a deep breath and rubbed my hands over my face. Thad said that I would handle it, and I would... But first I had to decide what I truly wanted. ? Tradition had bound Avery and I together, and I had stubbornly refused to consider any reason to dissolve our union. ---- But Dierdra carried my child... and she was my true mate. Wasn't that more important? 1 felt that for any other wolf it would be more than enough. Finding our mate and building a family was supposed to be the happiest act a wolf could do. So why wasn't I happy?? 2