His Reluctant Luna novel Chapter 36

"I am fine, Rick, honestly. Lucian saved my life for the second time." I told my brother.

Rick frowned and glanced at Lucian, then me.

"Second time?" He asked.

"Yes, when dad died in that hotel fire. Lucian was there. He saved me. I remember everything now."

I explained how we met in that burning hotel when we were kids. Rick blinked as if trying to comprehend the information.

"How did you get back your memory?" Rick asked puzzled.

"I don't know, probably because of the repeated incident related to fire. A doctor might explain it better." I replied. 

"You saw who killed our father?" He asked softly.

I nodded. Though I did not know anyone by their faces. Rick then turned towards Lucian; he had a much softer demeanour now.

"Thank you for saving my sister's life. I owe you one, Lucian Blake. I wasn't aware that you were also present in that Alpha meeting," Rick said a little stiffly. 

I rolled my eyes; I did not understand why my brother hated Lucian.

"I was 13, and my dad started me early for taking over the Alpha role. I had no idea she was your sister and my future mate. I would have done the same for anyone." Lucian said shrugging.

"How are you feeling, Alice? Are you strong enough to travel? Linda and everyone else is worried sick, and the twins haven't stopped asking about you." Rick asked.

"I am fine Rick, but Lucian and me, we need to sort out a few things," I said turning towards Lucian meaningfully.

"I don't have any objection. But I am worried about her security. It's the second attempt on her life...." Lucian started to say.

"Which happened on your compound. I can take care of my sister; she was pretty safe at Jade Moon until you dragged her away against her wish." Rick snapped.

"What do you mean dragged her away, she is my mate! She came here with me as per her wish." Lucian retorted, anger emanating off him.

"Oh! Stop it, both of you!" I finally lost my patience.

"I don't care what issues you both have, but for God's sake, stop quarrelling like kids. I am old enough to make my own decisions." I stood up from the bed and glared at both Lucian and Rick. Both towered over me by at least 1 foot, but it was comical the way they both shut up after my outburst.

"Rick I will return with you, but first I need to clarify a few things with Lucian," I turned towards Lucian who had an unreadable expression.

"Very well, I will wait for you," Rick replied.

It was a similar scene again. Rick waited downstairs while Lucian and I were in his study, sitting across the table as if ready for another negotiation.

"Go ahead," I prompted when neither of us said anything for several minutes.

He cleared his throat as if waking up from a daze.

"Well, as I was saying. I agree with you, we must reject each other?" He said stiffly as if fighting with himself. 

"So, you are rejecting me?" I could feel a lump in my throat. Lana was restless and mourning. 

"You brought his upon us!" She hissed.

He did not reply, instead fished out something from his pocket. He opened his palm and revealed the ring. My engagement rings! 

It was smudged a bit with soot, but after a little cleaning, it would be as good as new.

"You found my ring!" I blurted.

"The Betas found it while dousing the fire," he looked down at his palm, "it survived the fire, miraculous, isn't it?" He said softly as if talking to himself.

"Lucian...." 

"Take it," he ignored my remark and placed the ring in my palm. 

The ring weighed heavy, not due to its physical weight, it was a symbol of my arrogance and stupidity. I closed my hand tightly, hoping to crush it.

"So, that's it?" I asked questioningly.

He leaned back in his chair and folded his arms. His lips twitched into a slight smile.

"Isn't that what you wanted, mate? To be free? I am rejecting you, Alice, you are free to leave. I hope you have a good life. Ex-mate." 

The impact of those words was so strong, it knocked the wind off my lungs. I placed my hand on my chest, as it was ready to explode with pain. I deserved it.

"I am sorry, for everything," I managed to say through the lump which was hurting my throat.