I Am The Luna

I Am The Luna by Moonlight Muse Chapter 28

A Secret Visit

ZAIA.

The Moonlight Waterfall Pack. This pack used to be the home of Valerie’s mother before she met her father. Growing up, although Valerie and I were from different packs, attending the same college brought us together.

Valerie had wanted to get away from everything after her mother’s death, wanting to just be in a new place so she could heal.

The Moonlight Waterfall Pack is small, and it usually avoids making enemies. It took me over three hours to drive from my pack to get here. I’ve come alone, not wanting anyone to know, aside from Mom. Telling her I’ll be back late in the evening.

No one, including my guards, knew I’ll be leaving the pack territory. I’ve donned a wig and am driving a rental car that I booked in the name of one of our staff. I’m now waiting for someone to go collect Jai, as I wait at pack borders.

I have parked my car in the visitors’ parking lot. I’m now waiting by the side of the building where the guard is watching me with interest. I sigh heavily, remembering Atticus’ proposal last night.

(FLASHBACK)

“Zaia… I know that this is a big step… but I want to ask you… will you, my beautiful, feisty queen, marry me?”

He is down on one knee, holding up a ring with a stunning diamond sparkling under the night sky. Time seems to slow as I find myself questioning if I ever led him on? I’m certain I made it clear… 2

I know my smile has faded and I see the glimmer of disappointment in his grey eyes as I ruin the ray of hope that he held without even saying a word. “Atticus…” I say, reaching for his hand. I wrap mine around it.

I see the flash of a camera go off to the side and suddenly I realise I need to be careful about how I react. I have just become the CEO, and I can’t let a scandal tarnish my name so soon. Everyone will be observing my reactions and decisions going forward. I can already see the headlines; Zaia Toussaint, the divorcee, rejects an excellent proposal.

“Walk me to my car?” I ask him. He looks up at me and nods before forcing a smile that doesn’t reach his eyes as he slowly stands up. “It’s a no, isn’t it.” He states quietly as we fall into step with one another.

“I’m sorry Atticus… I truly am. You have given me so much… despite everything I have gone through, and even when I kept secrets from you, you stayed by my side and supported me. But… I’m not ready for marriage or a relationship.” I whisper regretfully.

Not when I just saw the man who somehow still has a hold on me. But I also know it’s not the same, it’s just pain that I’m unable to forget, a deep wound that will never heal fully.

“You are simply letting me down slowly. Don’t worry, I won’t break,” he says jokingly, placing his arm around my shoulders and kissing my forehead.

sorry,” I say, looking up at him. He snaps the ring box shut and slips it into his pocket and deep down I wonder if Sebastian hadn’t shown up, would I have accepted it for the sake of

him too. Mom has taken a liking to him. despite how uncertain she had been of him, to begin

initially, it boggled my mind how he could even be interested in a woman who was pregnant, I can’t deny that after I had the babies, even

swear, you are the Luna I want,” he whispers, cupping my face. I’m about to speak when he bends down and

going to wait, even if you

(END OF FLASHBACK)

on my face make me blink and I look up at the

A storm is coming…

of rain is growing in the air and I wrap my arms around myself. I’m wearing a tan-coloured

finally came.” My heart skips a beat as I’m brought out of my reminiscing by Jai’s voice.

and I’m wearing a cap and sunglasses, he still recognised me,

more rugged, but there’s also a tiredness in his eyes. He’s been here with Valerie all these years. It must have been so hard. “Jai… I’m so sorry

back an hour later asking how soon I wanted to come,

quietly, making my heart clench as he wraps his arms

should have been

he says, moving back and turning away from me,

gets in. The pack is pretty quiet,

many trees. Jai mentions he also lives with them. He’s been by her side. for the last

for her. That he’s been right here and

they aren’t around as Sebastian made it clear you being here should

be coming

a secret? He curses under his breath and looks at me apologetically, rubbing the back

you would message me, nothing more. He has his reasons to be careful Zaia… trust me, he’s only keeping an eye out for

even cares is on the tip of my tongue but I don’t say anything further.

I notice, the steady beep of a machine loud in the silent room. The door opens wider and my eyes fall on the hospital bed that sits to the left

on her side, her back to the door, the bed sheet over her and Jai instantly goes

in a coma means she needed constant care for the last three years of her life. Which would include her body being exercised to keep her body muscles trained, being cleaned, changed, and fed. Things that can take up to several hours. Seeing Jai now made it even clearer how much he

ever after. I can’t let them pull the plug on her. Not like this. She

see you?” Jai asks as he steps back and motions me

and I lay my eyes upon my best friend. She’s lost weight, her hair has lost its lustre and in those moments,

Goddess…

fact I have not been by her side, that not once have I visited her. Through the intense emotions I’m feeling, I remember the email reply and

What is going on?

Val…

look up, my heart thumping as I stare

I whisper. “We can’t let them pull the plug,” Jai says quietly and although I’m too overwhelmed to speak, I

beside Valerie. The guilt that eats up at me