Alpha King’s Lost Luna by Aubrey Pepper

Chapter 265 Good news and bad news — BECKY Before Rayden departed for the king's cousin’s wedding in Yurene, he came to visit us in Anemond. When he arrived at the clinic, he was disguised as one of the businessmen who had swarmed the city in the hopes of attracting the attention of Oliver Moses. They wanted to show their loyalty to the Moses Family since they now controlled all of Anemond.

In the Alpha King’s absence, they had taken over the capital of Wegalla, and much to my surprise, as well as Dickson’s everyone seemed to forget about the king. I wasn’t an optimist in the slightest, but to see the citizens of

Anemond switch up their loyalty so quickly only added to my dislike of this place. While the Alpha King and I | didn’t know each other outside of our interactions at the clinic, he seemed like a nice enough man, one who didn’t deserve any of this.

We accepted Rayden into the clinic and then escorted him to the meeting room in the back. Dickson prepared us some fragrant tea, and once it was ready, we all gathered around the table.

Wild Crawler’s Alpha took a moment to relax after his long journey, and once he was more steady, he shared with us some news.

“I have two messages for you both,” he announced as he wrapped his hands around the mug. “One is good, but the other... it’s decidedly not. Which would

you like me to share first?” Dickson and I exchanged glances. = “I suppose the good news first?” I spoke up.

Rayden nodded and then ran a hand through his thick black hair. “The good news is that the medicine is working very well. Patients’ conditions are improving day by day and no major side effects have been detected. If things continue like this, you and Dickson should be clear to come to Wild Cralwer and see the progress for yourselves. If all goes well, the medicine should be able to move to mass production.” I lit up at the idea and it took all of my effort to remain composed. This was incredible news! I had spent many a sleepless night tossing and turning, 2/19

wondering if the medicine was | working as I'd theorized it would.

Knowing that the people of Wild | Crawler were getting relief and their conditions were improving filled me with joy for the first time in a long time.

But before I could get too excited about this, I remembered that Rayden had also expressed that he had bad news. I couldn’t let myself forget the reality of our situation. My hands began to shake at the prospect, so I tucked them beneath me and steadied my breath.

“That’s wonderful,” I said. “I'm glad to hear it’s working.” Dickson nodded in agreement and then adjusted his glasses. “Now, what’s the bad news?”

Rayden gulped and then leaned forward. | “I heard from an Alpha Inv hac Cassandra is going to marry the King of Yurene.” “What?” I gasped, and I nearly fell out of my chair as I stared at Rayden in shock. “No, there's no way!” Rayden nodded solemnly. “I wish it wasn’t true, but it seems that the king of Yurene is forcing her. I’ve heard that she’s been literally confined in his castle, unable to leave.” Anger swelled in my belly and I wanted to cry in anguish at the idea. I'd known all along that Cassandra was likely having an unpleasant time in the Northern country, but I hadn’t expected her to practically be a prisoner there. That conniving, terrible s/19

king! “Anyway,” Rayden said with a small ras. meeting ih Cassandra in person. She never should have gotten involved in business like this, and I have every intention of bringing her back with me. None of this would have happened if she’d stayed in Wild Crawler.” His last sentence was said so low that it was nearly a whisper, and he stared off into the distance as he said it.

I felt as if my heart had been clenched by a large hand. Cassandra must have been suffering a great deal in Yurene. | was both fearful and angry. I feared the possibility that my friend might not be able to come back, and I was angry with myself for not stopping Cassandra from meeting Kaleb alone.

If I'd been there too... things could be different.

Ee “Do you know anything more about Cassandra?” I asked. “Did your Alpha tell you anything else?” The Alpha shook his head. “That’s all I know.” I nodded and then swallowed hard.

“please be careful, Rayden.” “Twill,” he swore. “I promise I'll bring her back, even if it means my own death. I'll do all in my power to get her back to Wegalla.” “I don’t want anyone to die,” I replied, and then I reached out and touched his arm. “We need both of you to come back alive.” Rayden nodded.

We chatted for a while longer and then the Alpha of Wild Crawler departed. We wished him luck on his mission.and— then watched his car drive away. As he continued down the street, I said a small prayer to the Moon Goddess for his and Cassandra’s safe returns to Wegalla.

A little while after he left, I heard a noise outside of the door, followed by a series of loud knocks.

“Open the door!” a deep voice demanded and my heart dropped in my chest.

Who was on the other side of the door? Dickson rushed over to me and held me back.

“Get behind me,” he insisted and I did

so without question.

Was it Oliver Moses outside of LE clinic? Was he here to execute me for my closeness with Cassandra? Or perhaps my mate bond with his son? Though Dickson was shielding me, there was nowhere for me to escape.

So, I took a few deep breaths and then told him to answer the door.

Dickson didn’t want to, but after I urged him again, he agreed.

He opened the door and revealed a guard wearing the uniform of the Moses family. The guard fixed his dark eyes on me and then spoke.

“Where is the royal healer?” he asked sharply.

My heart stopped in my chest and I

forced down a gulp.

“She isn’t here,” 1 answered through shaky breath. “She isn’t in Anemond.” The guard frowned at me. “Are you a royal healer, then?” I frowned, confused by the intention of his question. “I’m not officially a royal healer. What do you need?” The guard looked impatient and rolled his eyes. “I just need a healer.” I was a little surprised by his answer.

He didn’t seem to be looking for Cassandra specifically, so I wasn’t sure what was going on. As I tried to make sense of things, he reached into his pocket, retrieved a paper and pen, and scanned the list on the note. It was a list of location names, and Kellers was

listed at the bottom.

“Stay prepared and don’t leave this place,” the guard said sternly. “You might be summoned at any time.” “Summoned?” I repeated back in surprise. “Sir, what’s going on?” The guard stashed the note back into his pocket and then glanced down at me.

“You haven’t heard anything?” he asked and when I shook my head, he frowned. “The Beta Silas has returned to Anemond severely wounded and on the verge of death. Lord Oliver demanded the best healers for his son, so all of the royal healers are being summoned. If any let his son die, they will face a death sentence as well.” [ felt my blood freeze. The guard

frowned further as I stiffened in place and then huffed.

«phere’s no need to worry,” he said.

“you aren’t a royal healer. But you'd better pray that Silas lives. There’s no telling what Oliver Moses will do if he does.”