Page 49 of Losing My Siren Luna
She tilts her head to the side, “What’s that?”
I hesitate, not sure if it is appropriate to ask this, but I need to know.
“Were you hurt in your previous pack? Did men do to you something like what was done to Yasmin last night?” I let the words escape me, probably sounding like an insensitive dolt, then held my breath, hoping she didn’t find offense at my asking.
She didn’t want me to ask Yasmin what happened to her, so she probably won’t like me asking her the same, but I need to know. I need to know how to protect her and keep her safe.
“I don’t mean to make you uncomfortable, Luna. I want to protect you from everything, though, including situations that can make you react like you did back there. If someone hurt you in that way-”
“I’m still a virgin, Delta,” she cuts off my words, “My….misfortunes were many in my uncle’s pack, but if you are worried about defending my virtue, it is still intact.”
I’m stunned by her straightforward way of speaking.
Well, I guess Lachlan does have some restraint, considering his young, lovely wife he is so obsessed with, despite his rash actions just now, is still a virgin. The poor fool.
My cheeks become hot, and I’m sure my face is as red as my bum when my mother would spank my arse for acting out when I was a lad.
“Luna,” I tried to hide my embarrassment with a cough, “Not all abuse of that nature would cause you to, uh, lose your virtue.”
She smiles sadly, “I know, Delta. I know that all too well. That is why I can never attach myself to an alpha that would condemn those who are in the most need of help. I don’t want to be the kind of person who lets victims suffer and endure by themselves. I know how lonely that can be. That is why I need you to put me down, and let me get my bearings, because that woman in there needs someone. Someone who can stand up for her when she feels too weak to stand up for herself. No one should be cast out to suffer alone. Especially for things they couldn't protect themselves from or that were done against their will.”
Wow....
My Luna.
I silently say a quick prayer up to the heavens, overcome by adoration and respect for the woman in my arms. She was weak and seemed helpless only a few minutes ago, but is pulling herself together to be the strength of someone else.
Oh, my goddess, I pledge in this moment to put this resilient and gloriously strong woman before all else in this life, because you know how badly we need her. We need a Luna as steadfast and empathetic as her, and I will be eternally grateful to you for giving me a Luna so worthy of serving.
I set Elelira on her feet, gently holding her arms as she got her balance.
She pats my cheek when she’s steady, smiling a true smile. “Thank you, Cherum. I know I was probably unpleasant when we first met, and I apologize for that, but I am grateful that you stood by me today. You have no clue how much that means to me.”
There goes my bum red cheeks again, though this time I feel the blush heating down the back of my neck.
“I will forever be happy to serve you, my Luna.”
~
Elelira POV
It takes me a moment to regain my composure. Being kissed by Lachlan when Val was the one who initiated it was very different to the fear I felt when I thought Lachlan was going to strike me. When his hands went out towards me faster than my brain could register, it was like the whole world faded around me.
Vivid and horrific memories of before my death overcame me, and the feelings that accompanied them. Val screamed in my head, louder than I'd ever heard her scream before. She had succumbed to the illusion that Lachlan cared for us, but that shattered with his actions just now.
Now we are both back on the same page; wanting to bide our time until we can leave.
"Can we find a way to leave now?"She asks, worried about what Lachlan might do to me next time we see him.
I'm more worried about what he will do if we leave before giving him an annulment or divorce. He can not take a chosen Luna until he does, at least not without aging through great lengths through the eldersof this pack, and then dealing with the broken alliance treaty with my uncle.
"We would have no place to go."
"Maybe someone here can take us in? Just until you get your magic back?"She suggests.
"Who? No one here will go against Lachlan, and we shouldn't put them in that position. I shouldn't have even faced off with him like that in front of so many in his pack."I don't regret sticking up for Yasmin, and never will regret standing up for a woman in such a helpless position, but slapping and degrading him in front of his warriors and staff was not wise. I probably made many enemies just then. I'm surprised that Cherum stood up for me the way he did. I can't imagine where I would be now if he hadn't.
I’m mortified that I let that many people see me that weak. I vowed to live like the dead, but the rage I felt at that moment, watching Lachlan’s unjust anger towards Yasmin, who had obviously come to the packhouse for safety after what I’m sure was a hellish night, I couldn’t take it. I could not be an observer to such cruelty.
