Chasing His Betrayed Luna

AURELIA

Hazel gave me a stiff smile as she stepped out of the bathroom. I smiled at her, feeling guilty because a part of me assumed she couldn't wait to return home.

I should have given her a specific date, instead of making her wonder when exactly "in a few days" meant. I couldn't deny the truth that my desire to find answers was clouding my sense of decision. Hopefully, I'll get more answers from Iris tonight.

"Let's move." Katie sing-song, performing a little dance to show her excitement.

I chuckled at my daughter's happiness and quickly glanced at Kyle, ruffling his hair as I asked, "Are you okay with walking or do you want Mama to carry you in her strong arms?"

"I'm fine, Mama. I can walk and my only issue is my stomach." Kyle responded, rubbing his belly as we all strolled towards the front door.

My brows furrowed, "What's wrong with your belly? Is it aching?"

"No, Mama." Kyle laughed. "It's grumbling. I'm so so hungry and my tummy wants some delicious food."

I laughed at his silliness. "It's a good thing we were invited to dinner, baby."

The rest of the walk to Raiden's mansion was used to chat and I'd be lying if I said my heart wasn't beating faster with every step I took towards his home. I hated it there and I promised myself that this would be the last time I'd be stepping into that house. "Welcome..." We were ushered into the mansion by a servant and she led us to the dining area.

It was hard not to think about the days I used to prepare meals for Raiden, leave them on the dining table, and take myself away from the space before he returned home. Back then he didn't want to see me or have me in the same space except that room- I sucked in a sharp breath, wondering what that room had become after I left the pack.

Not like it mattered.

Fortunately, Iris and Raiden walked into the dining area, hand in hand, and interrupted my thoughts before I could lose myself in its interwoven maze.

"It's good to have you all here." Iris cooed, giving everyone, including Hazel, a warm hug before she sat beside me. Raiden simply nodded my way and kissed the twins before walking to the head of the table and taking his place. "Thank you for inviting us to dinner," I said to Iris and she waved, telling me it was her pleasure.

After a few minutes of chatting, Raiden called the kitchen servants in and three of them entered with massive trays in their hands, Nina right behind them. Sensing my gaze on her, Nina looked at me, and to my surprise, she smiled at me. A genuine smile that had me questioning her sanity.

"You saved her daughter from Larisa's lair." Inara reminded me and I finally understood the glints of appreciation in Nina's eyes.

Inara and I were still not on good terms since the argument that occurred between us earlier but I was no longer mad at her. I have considered the fact that she could be right. My mind was clouded and I wasn't thinking from a logical perspective. "Starting without me?" Andrew's voice resonated, hitting my eardrums as he entered the dining room with a huge smile on his face.

Iris scoffed jokingly, her eyes sparkling with affection. "We would have, Andrew. I see you still don't know how to keep to time."

"Your lovely son has me working

extra hours for the pack so he can spend time with you, Iris. I dare not say no." Andrew retorted, kissing

Iris's cheek before moving to the et

twins who were sitting on the other side of the table, beside each other. Seeing the glare on Katie's face and Kyle's folded arms, Andrew apologized with a smile, "Sorry I'm late, darlings. I had to take care of something."

No one asked any more questions as we began to eat in silence. Of course, Kyle and Katie shared some inside jokes, giggling a couple of times while the rest of us just stared at them amusingly. Raiden was the first person to clear his plate and

soon enough Kyle joined him, belching.

"Someone is full," Raiden muttered and Kyle didn't hesitate to nod, filling my heart with joy.

It felt good to see my son eating after many days of undeserved suffering.

Dinner in Raiden's mansion was going well until Katie mouthed, grabbing our attention with the words she directed at Iris. "Are you really my Dad's mom?"

My body stiffened. I've been avoiding this topic but leave it to my kids to dig out the truth no matter how ugly. Thankfully, this one wasn't ugly.

"Yes, Katie. He might look big but he is my baby." Iris responded fondly.

"Just like I'm my mom's baby," Katie muttered, oblivious to the tension in the room.

Iris matched her energy as she chimed, "You sure are. You are a replica of her."

While Katie giggled, Kyle mumbled, "So you are our grandmother?"

"Lucky for me, I am, child," Iris answered.

"Why are we just meeting you? Did you just return from a trip? I also saw you at the hospital. Are you sick too?" Kyle threw questions at Iris, barely having the time to breathe properly.

I was about to cut in but Iris laughed, "I see you have a sharp mind, Kyle."

Without delaying or thinking twice, Iris continued speaking. As if life hadn't been hard for her, Iris held on to her smile. "I kinda traveled, Kyle but I'm back now and I'd like to get to know you and your sister."

"But we're leaving soon. Tristan has been waiting for us at home." Katie chimed innocently, looking at me before shifting her gaze back to Iris. "How do you intend to know us when we won't be together?"

Before Iris could utter a word in

response the loud sound of the front

door slamming caught our attention. Raiden was quick to jump to his feet

and Andrew did the same while rushed over to shield my kids

without having a clue about what

was about to happen.

The question of who slammed the door was answered when Jake appeared in the dining room, panting like he had been in a long-distance race.

"Jake! What the hell?" Raiden exclaimed.

And Jake dropped a huge bomb on us.

"T-they escaped." Jake panted, his eyes as wide as the mouth of a wallet.

Raiden growled, "Who!"

But It was clear as day that he already knew the answer to that question.

Yet, Jake still replied, "Nolan and Helen."