Page 50 of The Possessive Alpha’s Reborn Luna

I choked down the urge, but the violence and pain inside nearly broke me.

She'd admitted it. The child wasn't mine. She'd betrayed me.

I couldn't stay here. God knows what I'd do if I did. I stormed off the square, through the corridors, and burst into my study.

The door crashed shut behind me, the sound echoing through the room. I braced my hands on the desk, gasping for air, trying to get a grip. But all I could see was her face—calm as she admitted the child wasn't mine. That cold, indifferent back as they dragged her away.

"Damn it!" My fist slammed into the desk.

My wolf raged in my chest, roaring, suffering, demanding to know why I didn't go after her.

But what could I do? She betrayed me! She's carrying another man's child! I should listen to the elders and have her executed!

But I couldn't say those words. I didn't want her dead. Even though she betrayed me. Even though she carried his child.

I clawed at my hair, pacing the study. My shoulder still bled, the wound burning, but that pain was nothing compared to the tearing in my chest.

The door opened softly.

"Cedric..." Victoria's gentle voice.

I turned to see her carrying a tray with tea and a cup. She spoke softly, "Your favorite tea. I know you're hurting. I thought you might need someone to talk to."

She set the tray on the desk, her brow furrowing, worry flickering in her eyes. "Cedric, your wound opened again! Let me call the healer."

"Don't bother." My voice was cold. "Victoria, go back. I need to be alone."

Alice filled my head. I had no patience for Victoria. I needed quiet. Space.

"Cedric," Victoria didn't leave. She stepped closer, nearly pressing against me. "Don't bear this alone. I know Alice hurt you, but you have me. I'll always be here for you. I would never betray you..."

Her voice turned soft, intimate. That lavender perfume hit me, making my stomach turn.

I backed away, putting distance between us.

My wolf growled low in my chest—a warning. He didn't want another woman close. He was rejecting her.

"Victoria!" I frowned, my voice sharp. "You shouldn't be saying these things!"

Shock flashed across Victoria's face. Her eyes widened. "Cedric, I just want to be there for you—"

"Enough!" I cut her off. "Victoria, leave my study. Now. And don't come in again without my permission."

Victoria's face drained of color.

"Also," I took a breath, "since you've recovered, move out of Alice's room. That's the queen's quarters."

"What did you say?" Victoria's voice rose. "Cedric, how can you do this to me?"

My tone grew colder. "I won't repeat myself. And don't let me hear you say things like that again. Or else—"

She bit her lip, staring at me. "You put me in the queen's room. You cared for me, looked after me. Cedric, you love me too, don't you? I know it's because of Alice that you can't show your—"

"Shut up!" My body reacted before my mind could. I shouted Victoria down. I stared at her in disbelief. How could she think that? "What the hell are you talking about? Victoria! Drop these ridiculous ideas and get out of my study! Now!"

Victoria's eyes went wide, disbelief written all over her face. "You... what are you saying?"

"Victoria," my voice turned ice-cold, "I've never loved you. Every bit of care, every concern—it was all because of Arcales' dying wish. It's duty. A promise to my dead brother! That's all it ever was!"