The Alpha’s Rejected Luna: Crown of Thorns Chapter 14

The Alpha’s Rejected Luna: Crown of Thorns Chapter 14

My hand trembled, but I signed.

He slid a small box across the table. I opened it. A ring sparkled inside-customized, glowing like it cost more than

my entire old life. He picked it up, slid it onto my finger without asking. “You’re mine.”

Then he stood, cold as stone. “I have business with Roman.” He left without another word.

I just stood there, heart racing, staring at the ring on my finger. Mrs. Volkov.

When I got back to my room, Lily was curled up with a storybook, her little reading glasses slipping down her nose.

She looked up, spotted the ring, and gasped.

“Mama, are you mated to him now?”

I sat down beside her. “Are you upset with me?”

She shook her head quickly. “No. I like him for you. He might look cold and scary, but he’s not like Papa. Papa always

hurts you, always humiliates you. Uncle Wolf is gentle to you.”

My heart fluttered at the way she said it. “Uncle Wolf?” I laughed a little through my nerves.

“Yeah! He has so many scars but they’re so cool. Oh-and Uncle Roman gave me this phone. It has connection

already. I don’t really use phones, Mama. You can have it.”

She placed it in my hand like it was nothing. I kissed her forehead and tucked it away.

Later, when Lily was asleep, I sat on the edge of the bed, staring at the ring again. My finger felt heavier, like it was

carrying the weight of a world I didn’t choose. I pulled the phone out, scrolling through feeds, trying to make myself

tired enough to sleep. I laughed quietly at a silly video, then froze.

My face. Splashed across the headline of a pack news channel.

My heart stopped.

I couldn’t breathe when I saw it. My face plastered across every screen, the headline screaming like silver claws. “Sera Voss-Unstable. Dangerous. Kidnapped her own pup.” And below it, in bold letters, a hundred million reward for turning

me in.

I pressed the phone close to my chest, shaking. Of course. Kael. Who else could twist the world so fast, so cruel?

Beside me, Lily stirred awake. Her sleepy little voice cut me open. “Mama… are you the villain now?”

I forced a smile even though my eyes burned. “No, baby. I’m still your mama. Villains don’t tuck their pups in at night.

remember?”

She looked at me for a long moment, then hugged me tight. I stroked her hair until she drifted off again, whispering

promises she couldn’t hear: I will fix this. I will not let him destroy me, not in front of you. Never again.

When she was sound asleep, I slipped outside. The sea wind was sharp, filling my lungs, but it still couldn’t calm

I saw Damien leaning against the balcony rail, a glass of liquor in his hand. The moonlight carved his scars into
something dark, beautiful, dangerous.

I walked over and handed him the phone. “Look.”

He studied the screen, then smirked like a wolf who already saw this coming. “He’s turning feral. I like it.”

My voice shook. “By painting me as the villain?”

He sipped his drink, eyes never leaving me. “That world is poison. Forget it. You’re mine now.”

I shook my head, my hands curling into fists. “I can’t forget. He’s destroying me publicly. What will happen to Lily in the future? Will they point at her and call her the bastard pup of a feral she-wolf?”

Damien tilted his head, studying me. His gaze was heavy, testing. “So. You want to fight back. You want to burn Kael?”

I swallowed, but my voice came out clear. “Yes. I want to clear my name. I won’t hide anymore.”

Something flickered in his eyes-approval, maybe danger, maybe both. He stepped closer. “Then listen carefully. From now on, you and your daughter need new names. You are no longer Sera and Lily. That woman is dead. I’ll build you again, on my terms. Don’t worry, sweetheart-I’ll show you just how wrong you were for choosing him over me before.”

The words cut deep. Shame burned my chest. “I know. And I’m sorry,” I whispered. “I should have chosen you.”

Damien touched my chin, forcing my eyes up to his. His hand was warm, steady. “From now on, don’t apologize. I don’t want you to fear me. I am not Kael.”

The air between us was thick, my heart pounding loud enough I was sure he heard it. Before I could speak, the door

burst open.

Roman walked in, smirking. “Boss, your grandfather’s on the line. He wants you. Urgently.” He held the phone up.

Damien cursed under his breath. “Fuck.” He grabbed the phone and brushed past me without another glance.

Roman lingered, closing the door behind him. His smile didn’t reach his eyes when he looked at me.

“Sera,” he said slowly, “listen carefully. Damien might keep you safe. But his world is blood. If you’re not careful, you and your pup won’t just be hiding from Kael. You’ll be swallowed whole.”