Page 20 of My Only Luna

“Baby, tell me… what did he do?” I plead softly, moving back slightly and cupping her face, forcing her head up so I can look into her eyes. She turns away, but not before I see the pain in them.

“He was about to penetrate me… but he didn’t get that far, thanks to the fact he let his guard down at the last moment. I guess if I wasn’t strong enough, he would have raped me in that cave.” Her words become cold. “But I’m glad I was strong enough because we’re not all Fiona, who will have her knight inshining armour there to save her.”

Her words are like a knife to the gut. She roughly pulls away, spinning on her heels, and leaves the room, slamming the door behind her. For a moment I’m unable to move as pain, regret and guilt hit me like a fucking tonne of bricks. I was unable to protect the woman I should have been able to shield from all harm. I wasn’t there for her when I should have been. She had to fight to defend herself.

I exhale, trying to control my emotions. One silver lining in all of this is the fact Hank hadn’t gotten to her and, as selfish as it is, I am glad. Not only that Scarlett was saved from such an ordeal, but I’m saved too from the guilt that would have destroyed me. Running my fingers through my hair, I leave too, ready to grab the results from Aaron and head to the meeting hall at the packhouse.

It’s time to let everyone know what he did.

A Gunshot

Scarlett

Istay in the downstairs bathroom until I hear Elijah leave, closing my eyes when I hear the door slam shut. I let out a shaky breath as I stay there, staring at my reflection for a moment before I leave the bathroom, just as there’s a knock on the door.

I stop in my tracks as Grandma Amelia exits the kitchen, giving me a small smile as she opens the door. I’m about to step back into the bathroom but when I pick up Liam’s scent, I stop, wondering what he’s doing here.

“Hey Mrs Westwood, is Scarlett here? I wanted to-”

“Yes, yes, she’s here but we’re leaving soon. So don’t be too long.”

I exhale, not really wanting to talk to anyone, but this is Liam. I walk down the hall until he can see me. A smile crosses his face, and my attention falls to the bouquet he’s holding in his hand. Red roses.

“I just wanted to drop by to see how you are. I’m glad you’re feeling better,” he says, holding up the bouquet as if it’s a peace offering.

“Thanks…” I say, motioning with my head towards the dining room. I lead the way in, and he follows, before he holds the flowers out again. I take them, smelling the roses. I don’t know what to say. “Why are you here?”

Shit, he already told me.

“To see how you are,” he repeats with a smile, “I’m glad you’re ok, Scarlett. I was worried about you.”

The concern in his warm brown eyes makes me feel a pang of sadness. Why couldn’t I fall for someone like him? I could have lived a much less complicated life…

“I uh, I won’t keep you long, but all the best for today. Not that you need the luck. Justice will be served.”

I nod, “Yeah, I guess. We’ll see,” I answer quietly.

“Well, I always knew you were incredible. I’m proud of your self-defence skills, you were always my favourite warrior.” He gives me a thumbs up, and this time I smile slightly.

“Thanks, Liam. Not just for these or your words, but for being you.”

He runs his fingers through his hair, chuckling slightly, and I raise an eyebrow. Is he shy?

Before I can even tease him or anything Mama pops her head in.

“Hello, Liam. Ready, honey? We need to go.” Her voice is gentle, and I can see she’s worried about the trial.

“Hello, Luna, I’ll be off too. I’ll see you soon, Scarlett.” He raises his hand almost as if he wanted to do something then drops it, shoving it into the pocket of his jeans.

“Thanks,” I reply, raising my fist in offering.

He smiles slightly as he bumps his fist with mine. Our eyesmeet for a moment before he steps back and gives me one final smile before leaving.

I take a deep breath and look at Mama.

“Let’s go.”

We leave shortly after; it’s me, Mama and Grandma Amelia. I didn’t realise until now that Dad’s been absent. I frown slightly, it isn’t because of Elijah, is it? I know they all know about me and Elijah. After all, we spent the last few days together.