CHAPTER 55: LUNA TO JUST ONE?

Leia set her fork down on the plate and gently placed a hand over her stomach. "I think I ate more than I should have," she murmured, leaning back slightly in her chair with a soft sigh. "I feel completely full."

Ronan chuckled lightly, then raised his hand subtly to gesture for the bill and have the table cleared. His attention quickly returned to Leia, curiosity flickering in his eyes.

"Tell me," he said, his voice gentle but inquisitive, "what was your childhood like? You mentioned your mother never wanted you around wolves."

As Leia glanced toward him, a busser approached and quietly began clearing the table, moving swiftly and professionally. A moment later, the waiter arrived with the bill in hand, placing it neatly before Ronan without interrupting the conversation.

"I suppose my childhood was normal in many ways," Leia began. "But I always felt the absence of my father. Being a wolf, I grew up a little faster than most kids my age."

She paused, glancing down at her hands before continuing.

"My mother did everything she could to protect me. She even chose to homeschool me, thinking it was safer, especially in those early years. Over time, things got a bit easier, but... it was never simple for her."

Leia’s eyes grew distant as she recalled the weight of those memories. "Being a single mother in a big city, with no one to rely on but yourself, is incredibly hard. And yet, she never showed how exhausted she was. She just... kept going."

A silence followed, during which Leia reached up and gently wiped away the tears forming at the corners of her eyes.

"Sorry," she whispered, offering a small, shaky smile. "I always get emotional when I talk about her."

"It’s natural," Ronan replied gently. "That’s what happens when we speak of those we truly love."

Leia looked away briefly, her gaze turning distant. "Delia was like a sister to me," she murmured. "It still amazes me... how something so strong can fall apart, how fragile a bond becomes when the past isn’t forgiven."

She let out a soft sigh, her voice tinged with sadness. "Sometimes, I wonder if things could have been different... if we had just tried to understand each other sooner."

"It wasn’t your fault that Delia chose not to understand your side," Ronan said calmly. "Using you to create instability among the wolves... that was her mistake. You didn’t even know your father. She exploited your identity for her own agenda."

Leia lowered her gaze, her fingers absently brushing the rim of her glass. "I didn’t know my father was someone important... or dangerous. It makes me wonder who he truly was. But none of you seem to have heard of him."

"Lucien has," Ronan revealed. "But we were all quite young back then, and our knowledge is limited. Besides, the packs are spread across the world. To trace your father, we need to find out which region, or kingdom, he ruled."

Leia looked at him with curiosity. "And Lucien can’t find out now?"

Ronan shook his head lightly. "He could have if he attended the royal ball at the palace. It was a good chance to gather information. But with his rut, it’s become impossible for him to focus, let alone appear in public. The same goes for us. We can’t go to the palace without him."

"Hmm. No worries. I’ll ask Lucien later," Leia said softly. "Once he’s feeling better."

Ronan settled the bill and stood up. "Well, since Lucien’s in rut, we don’t exactly need his permission to take you out." He offered her a playful smile and extended his hand. "Come on, I’ll show you around the city."

Leia placed her hand in his, her fingers brushing his palm as a familiar yet strange warmth crept up her spine. "Isn’t this... odd?" she murmured as they walked. "What if someone sees us and assumes we’re a couple? People in the pack already think I’m the Luna."

Ronan glanced sideways at her with a faint smirk. "And why does that bother you so much? Most women would kill for that title, especially the ones with alpha blood running through their veins."

Leia looked down at their hands, then back at him with quiet honesty. "Because the three of you want something more with me... How am I supposed to be Luna to just one?"

Ronan slowed a little, as if her words pulled at something deep within.

Leia glanced at him, noticing a flicker of something unreadable in his expression, perhaps worry, or hesitation. The weight of their conversation still lingered between them. Quietly, she slipped her hand out of his, not wanting the moment to stretch into something uncomfortable.

Ronan didn’t comment. He simply turned ahead, and walked on without a word.

Leia hurried after him as she caught up.

"So, where are we going?" she asked, tilting her head slightly, curiosity gleaming in her eyes.

"You’ll see soon enough," Ronan replied with a small smile. "I bet you’re going to love it."

"Then I’m keeping my hopes high," Leia said, her voice playful. "Oh! I almost forgot, starting tomorrow, I have to get back to work. Since you seem to have some time, maybe you could join me?"

Ronan let out a soft chuckle. "I wish I could, but I’ll be busy training the new lads. The fresh recruits just joined as pack warriors."

"Oh, that’s wonderful too!" she beamed. "Honestly, I don’t think this pack could function without you. They should all be grateful to have such a skilled warrior around."

Ronan glanced at her, amused. "You flatter me too easily."

"But you deserve such praises!" Leia said, twirling on her heels, giving him her sweet smile.

In that moment, Ronan’s heart skipped a beat, a feeling that never occurred before.

"You shouldn’t smile like that," he remarked, brushing past her.

Leia was confused with her statement and ran after him again. "What do you mean? Don’t act like Lucien," she complained and huffed.

"Your smile... It does something to me," Ronan admitted, causing their feet to slow down.