Page 11 of My Only Luna

“Scarlett, are you hurt?” Dad asks as Mama pulls me into her arms the moment Uncle Nick places me down. The hug only agitates my extra sensitive skin, but I can hear her heart thumping extremely fast.

“I’m fine, I just want to go to my room. Can I get ice?” I whisper to her. Mama looks me over, panic filling her as she searches for any mark on me.

Grandma Amelia hurries out of the house. She looks worried and exhausted, as if she has aged ten years in the last half hour.

“Of course! Indigo, Jackson, get ice,” Mama orders as she and Grandma Amelia lead me inside.

“Scarlett, oh I wish I never left you,” Grandma whispers. There’s guilt in her eyes and I know she’s feeling responsible.

“You were doing what you could to help her. This is her pack, where she’s supposed to be safe,” Mama says caressing my hair softly. “And she’s ok, there isn’t a scratch on her.”

I look at Mama. My body feels numb. I can still feel the scorching pain inside of me and his lingering, disgusting touch. She still doesn’t realise…

But I have no energy to cry or explain anything, instead, I turn to Grandma Amelia.

“It isn’t your fault, it’s my luck, Grandma. It always is,” I mutter as I’m led upstairs to the bathroom I share with Elijah. Although I was here just this morning, it feels like so much time has passed.

Indigo looks up as she empties another packet of ice into the bath. Her eyes are glittering with unshed tears, her heart racing as she looks me over, similar to Mama. But unlike Mama, my bruise-free state doesn’t lighten the worry and fear in her eyes. It’s almost as if she can see into my soul.

“Can everyone just leave? I just want to be alone,” I say, not liking it.

“Nick will fill us in… I’ll leave,” Dad says, placing a hand on my head for a moment.

“Everyone,” I say quietly.

Grandma Amelia purses her lips. “You don’t mean that child, at least let me stay.”

“Or me. I promise, I’ll just get you more ice, whatever you want. I won’t annoy you,” Indigo offers quietly, her lip trembling slightly as she tries to keep herself together.

“No one needs to stay. I said leave, just bring me ice every hour. Please just listen,” I whisper. A weak whimper escapes me as another spasm shoots through me and I buckle, falling to my knees. Mama catches me, but I push her away.

“Ok, ok, let’s listen to her.” She’s about to touch my cheek, then decides against it. “It must hurt. I’m so sorry, my child.”

“I’ll be fine,” I groan, gripping onto the bathtub.

There is a knock on the bathroom door, and I turn to see Dad has returned. He’s visibly distraught as he watches me, concerned.

“Scarlett, I know this might not be what you need your old man to tell you, but what about the boy you love? I’m sure if you called him... he’d... you know…” Dad’s ears became red at his own words as Grandma Amelia frowns at him.

She at least knows that’s not a good idea.

“Nonsense!”

“She’s in pain. Do you think I would say it otherwise? I’d rather no boy was here!” Dad argues.

“What if that boy didn’t love her back? Would you want her to use her heat to seduce him? You really are stupid! How did you even become Alpha? Now get out!” she snaps, making Dad flinch. Grandma Amy really can be a ruthless woman. She looks at me, and I don’t even react, pain contorting my face, but even this torture can’t fill the void in my chest.

“Where’s Elijah?” Indigo asks suddenly, making my heart ache a little more. “He should have been there to protect her.”

“I do agree. But right now, he’s with the rest investigating this matter. But I think it’s best he is away from home, anyway. They aren’t real siblings. Her heat could… affect him,” Dad admits.

I almost smile ironically.So now we aren’t siblings? When it comes to the very laws of nature…I don’t care, not anymore. I am done.

“Biologically, that’s true,” Mama agrees. “I didn’t even think of that.”

“Can everyone just leave now?” I state, my voice sounding icy. Mama places a gentle kiss on my forehead before she stands up, trying her best not to break into tears. Even though it is hard for her, she is trying to remain strong.

“If you need anything, just shout. We will leave your bedroom door open.”

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