Reclaiming My Broken Luna by Selene Souchon

Chapter 239: Undeserving Astrid's POV "That's not what I want. I don't want innocent people to be implicated by the actions of two people," I managed to answer firmly despite the tears blocking my throat.

"Then letdeal with Killian and Giselle directly," Alpha Theron suggested, his voice steady "No!" I didn't mean to raise my voice, but the word escaped me, sharp and urgent. "They ruined my life. They killed my son. I must deal with them myself." Alpha Theron's expression shifted with a mixture of concern in his eyes. I could see how much he wanted to take things into his own hands.

"This is betweenand them. I want to face them instead of avoiding them. If I hadn't avoided them before, my son would still be alive. I would have heard his first word and seen his first steps. He would have been able to experience the world." My voice trembled as I continued, the raw pain spilling out. "I'm partly responsible for my son's death. I was a coward, and I didn't deserve to be his mother. Givethis chance to be the mother he deserves, just this once." Alpha Theron's expression softened, but his eyes held a deep concern. "Astrid, be honest with me. What are you planning to do to them?" I met his gaze, feeling the weight of his question. "I don't know exactly," I admitted, my voice trembling slightly. His brows furrowed at my answer. "Vengeance can be a double-edged sword. What you're planning can lead to dangerous outcomes. Letbe your knife. I can handle whatever danger may come. I just don't want you to put yourself in harm's way." I scoffed at his words, frustration bubbling to the surface. "Ever since I lost my son, I have never been afraid of danger." I turned to glance at him, my heart heavy with the truth. "My son was the only one I had, and he was taken from me. I no longer have anything to lose and nothing to fear." Alpha Theron let out a heavy sigh, his expression a mixture of resignation and concern. "If that's what you want, I'll grant it." I lowered my head as I felt bad for still choosing to pursue what I wanted and put myself in danger despite his wise words and his offer to help.

"Just remember my words, Astrid. Just one word from you, and I'll do it. You don't have to worry about what other people may say. I am the Alpha of the Shadowfang Pack. I can handle everything," He remindedfirmly, makingnod my head. I felt a flicker of gratitude for his unwavering support, but the weight of my decision still pressed heavily on my chest.

"You don't have to endure everything alone," he continued, his voice softening. "Remember, you still have something to fight for your future and your well-being. Don't lose sight of that in your quest for vengeance." A lump formed in my throat as I looked up, my voice barely a whisper. "Is there really still a future that I can look forward to?" "Of course, there is!" he answered readily, his expression reflecting disbelief at my doubt. "There is still Drystan waiting for you." I looked at him in surprise and saw him looking atteasingly. "What are you talking about? There's nothing betweenand Drystan," I shook his words off easily.

"Well, I never said that there was something, he replied, a playful smile playing on his lips. "Drystan has been waiting for you for more than three years. When are you going to answer him?" My cheeks flushed at his words. "We're just friends!" I protested. My voice cout sounding higher than I intended, betraying my unease.

Alpha Theron suddenly sighed, shaking his head. "What a poor guy.

Every week, he travels to our Pack just to see you, yet you still see him as a friend. Can't you see how much that guy cares for you?" I looked away, the weight of his words settling in. "It's complicated," I murmured, feeling the tension in my chest tightens.

"Complicated or not, you need to recognize that kind of loyalty," Theron urged. "Drystan has shown you he's willing to stand by you, even when you've pushed him away That's not something you should take lightly." I felt a mixture of frustration and warmth at the thought of Drystan's dedication. "I just don't want to hurt him," I admitted quietly.

"Or yourself by keeping him at arm's length," Theron replied gently. "You deserve a chance a happiness, Astrid. Don't let fear hold you back from what could be something beautiful."

I fell silent at his words, feeling the weight of his insight. Ever since everything fell apart betweenand Killian, Had convinced myself that there would be no more second chances for me. But clearly, I was wrong - Drystan proved that to me. It turned out I was the problem. I had been so focused on my own hurts that I struggled to open my heart again.

The realization hithard, and I felt a mixture of sadness and hope swirling within.

"Don't keep Drystan waiting, Astrid," Alpha Theron encouraged me. "Don't let him slip away." I took a deep breath and faced him fully. "Drystan doesn't deserve me. He would be better off with someone else." Alpha Theron's eyes widened. "How could you say that? Drystan likes you, and you don't have the right to dictate what he deserves or not."

"Alpha," I spoke up to stop him. "I'm too broken, and a person likewould only break him. only wish nothing but to have my revenge, and he will only get hurt if he continues to follow me. Someday, I know he is going to realize that, and he will find someone who will put him first."