Never Getting The Luna Ritual Chapter 06

Never Getting The Luna Ritual Chapter 06

One month later.

Rowan came to me with a troubled look.

“I’m sorry, Miss Hale. I never meant to stir up sad memories for you, but the Alpha of Verdanwood Pack somehow found out you’re staying here. He sent over something… I thought it best you decide what to do with it.”

He held out an envelope.

I froze.

I opened it to find a photograph inside.

It was a picture of Forrest and me, both grinning brightly.

On the back was a line of writing:

I never threw away the photo by the door. I had it framed. Come back. I was wrong.

-Forrest Voss

I stared at the words for a long while.

“Are you all right?” Rowan asked cautiously.

Inside me, Serena echoed the same tentative question, “Are you okay?”

I slipped the photo into my bag and smiled faintly at Rowan. “I’m fine.”

He hesitated, then said, “You know, when my nephew gets in trouble for not doing his lessons, he always says ‘I’m sorry.’ But it’s not regret. It’s just… not wanting the scolding.”

“Quite the profound observation,” I said dryly.

I spoke silently to Serena in my mind, “You hear that, my naive little wolf?”

Serena let out an indignant howl deep in my soul.

After that, Rowan and I patrolled the forest border together. Ancientgrove Pack had few members, yet its boundary was frequented by ancient mystical creatures. The wizarding world’s magical beast chronicles could have taken inspiration right here.

We fell into an easy rhythm of conversation. I could feel his gaze on me, holding a quiet curiosity, and something that felt like concern.

That afternoon, I returned to my now lavish cave–I’d spent time decorating it.

I set the photograph on the table and stared off into space.

Over the past month, Forrest’s daily calls had dwindled from dozens to a handful.

His long, rambling text messages shrank down to simple lines asking about the weather where I

was.

I never replied to a single one.

Still, I never blocked his number.

I knew better. If I did, he’d just get countless new numbers to reach me.

He’d always been stubborn.

I knew him too well.

My phone vibrated suddenly.

It was a message from my

friend.

Do you have any idea what Forrest’s become lately?

Before I could reply, she sent over a photo.

In the photo, Forrest sat alone in the mead hall we used to frequent. He looked gaunt, his hair a mess. A ghost of the meticulous Alpha he’d once been.

Lila’s left the pack entirely. I just found out she’s been sending you provocative messages this whole time-even spamming you with staged intimate photos of her and Forrest. How could you put up with it? I would’ve torn her throat out ages ago!

Turns out Lila finally told the truth. All those photos were just clever posing. Nothing ever actually happened between her and Forrest… I’m not making excuses for him, but he’s spent ages digging up proof himself. He’s barely holding it together without you.

He

goes to all your old meeting spots every single day, sitting there alone for hours on end.

He deserves it, honestly… but I can’t help feeling a little sorry for him.

You’ll always have me, though.

My finger hovered over the screen for a long time as I looked at the photo,

Another message popped up right away.

Word is the Alpha’s planning to come find you.

I let out a long, weary sigh.

Moments later, a text came in from Rowan.

I’ve gotten word the Alpha of Verdanwood Pack intends to pay a visit. Do you need me to step in and help?

I typed back.

Such as?

I could pretend to be your new mate, scare your ex off for good. For the record… I’m not exactly hard on the eyes, you know?

I let out a soft laugh and replied.

This isn’t some romance novel plot.

I’ll face him on my own.