Beneath the Alpha's Moon
Chapter 95: Abandoned

Chapter 95: Abandoned

LUCIAN’S P.O.V.

I didn’t know words could sting like that. Teresa’s words were like a silver-tipped dagger straight to the heart. "What on earth made you think I’d ever climb onto the back of a monster?!" The disdain in her voice wasn’t just a casual refusal—it was a declaration of how far I had fallen in her eyes. She was appalled as if I were asking her to do something unthinkable. And being called a monster by your mate? That was on a whole new level of hurt.

I tried to keep my expression neutral, but the sting of her rejection seeped into my very soul. Ares, whimpered in the recesses of my mind, his pride wounded. "She’s allowed to be angry, Ares," I said silently.

From the corner of my eye, Adrian’s gaze sharpened. His voice filled my head through the mind link, like a cool breeze: "Lucian, are you alright? You’re masking it well, but I can feel your pain."

I didn’t look at him, keeping my eyes trained on Teresa. "It’s my fault," I admitted, my voice heavy with regret. "Everything she’s throwing at me—I deserve it. I hurt her, Adrian. I hurt her so badly."

Adrian’s mental sigh was as smooth as silk. "Still, don’t let it break you. Teresa’s anger is rooted in hurt, not hatred."

With a strained smile, I turned back to Teresa. "I’m sorry, Teresa. I know this isn’t easy, but think of it as the hard thing you have to do to keep our daughter safe."

She didn’t reply immediately, but I saw her jaw tighten as she folded her arms. Before she could fire back, Adrian’s calm, melodic voice cut through the tension. "If it helps, Teresa, I would gladly carry you myself. But my speed would be far too much for you and the babies."

Teresa’s eyes flicked to Adrian, narrowing suspiciously. "You’d carry me?" she asked, her tone skeptical.

Adrian smirked, an infuriatingly charming curve of his lips that could make anyone swoon. "Of course. But as I said, my speed would not agree with you."

Before Teresa could retort, Elizabeth stepped forward, her expression a mixture of determination and mild irritation. "I could teleport you to the forest," she offered, her voice clipped. "But I only have enough power for one trip, which means you’d arrive far ahead of us and be alone until we catch up. That would be dangerous."

Teresa blinked at her. "What kind of monster are you?"

Elizabeth flinched, visibly offended, but she swallowed her anger and replied curtly, "I’m not a monster but a witch."

The moment the word left her lips, Teresa gasped audibly and stumbled back as if Elizabeth had struck her. Her wide eyes darted to me. "A witch? Lucian! You told me witches were the ones that took Mai, caused her blindness, and brought all this chaos into our lives. Now you’re walking around with one like it’s no big deal?"

Before I could speak, Adrian stepped in, his voice calm but laced with authority. "Teresa, Elizabeth has been with me since she was a baby. I trust her with my life. She is like a daughter to me."

Teresa gaped at him, her mouth opening and closing like a fish out of water. "How...how old are you exactly?"

Adrian chuckled softly, the sound as rich as a vintage wine. "Ah, my dear, that’s a question best left unasked. I assure you, you wouldn’t like or believe the answer." Teresa didn’t ask any more questions regarding his age.

Juliette, throughout, remained silent, watching the exchange with wide eyes. Teresa finally sighed, throwing her hands up in exasperation. "Fine," she said, glaring at me. "I’ll ride on your back. But if you even think about dropping me, I swear—"

Her threat trailed off, but the implication was clear. I nodded solemnly, trying to ignore the way my heart ached at her lack of trust. Ares, however, was ecstatic. "She’s riding us! Our mate is riding us! Lucian, this is progress!"

"Calm down," I muttered. "She’s scared, not willing."

Juliette and I slipped behind separate trees to shift. Nudity wasn’t an issue for wolves, but Teresa was human, and I respected her boundaries. A moment later, I emerged, my massive form now covered in black and crimson fur—a mark of Raivo’s presence within me. Teresa’s eyes widened as she took in my wolf form, her fear palpable. Adrian stepped forward, offering his assistance.

"Allow me," he said, his voice soothing. He lifted Teresa onto my back with practiced ease. She clutched my fur tightly, her breathing shallow and rapid.

"Don’t you dare try to kill me," she muttered under her breath. "I won’t forgive you if you do."

Her words stabbed deep, but I remained silent, nodding my massive head. Then, with a bark to signal the others, I started running.

Adrian scooped Elizabeth onto his back with ease, his movements graceful despite the awkward position. Juliette, already in wolf form, let out an painful howl before bounding after me.

The journey was long, and Teresa’s grip on me never wavered. I could feel her heartbeat, rapid and frightened, but also the steady thrum of our babies’ hearts. Despite everything, it felt... right to have her so close. Ares purred contentedly, soaking in her warmth.

When we finally reached the forest of Abian, I crouched low, letting Teresa slide off my back. She landed on shaky legs but didn’t complain. Adrian and Elizabeth were already there, looking pristine as ever, while Juliette lingered nearby, her wolf form restless.

"What now?" Teresa asked, her voice laced with exhaustion.

Adrian checked his pocket watch, the gold gleaming in the moonlight. "Half past midnight," he announced, tucking it back into his coat.

I nodded. "We find a place to hide. Just as the Moon Goddess instructed."

Teresa didn’t argue, though her confusion was evident. We found a massive tree with enough cover to shield us, and as we settled in, the silence grew heavy.

Teresa finally broke it, her voice tinged with impatience. "What are we waiting for?"

Before I could respond, a figure stumbled into view—a woman in a tattered white dress, clutching a crying baby. Her hair was a tangled mess, and her movements were frantic as she looked around, fear etched into her features.

Then, to everyone’s shock, she placed the baby on the cold ground and ran.

Teresa surged forward, but I grabbed her, clamping a hand over her mouth. "Don’t," I whispered urgently. "The Moon Goddess told us not to interfere."

Her muffled protests were heartbreaking, her eyes burned with fury as she stared at me, silently demanding answers but I held her firm. All we could do now was watch—and wait.