Luna Aleksa's Escape
Luna Aleksa’s Escape Chapter 36

*Aleksa POV*

A wave of apprehension overtook me after learning of Lachlan’s attempts at finding us. Confirming that he was actively searching for us, and how much closer he was getting made me feel nauseous. I felt like I was going to be sick. My stomach was churning at the thought of him finding us. It wasn’t myself that I was worried about, it was Liam and Layla.

I would never let him take my pups from me. I would never go back to Evergreen with him. I had loved that pack like family. I was so broken when I realized that they had all known what was happening all along. I still felt so betrayed by them all. With the exception of Caleb and Kali of course. Caleb was under an alpha command, I know now that he couldn’t physically tell me. And they had both risked so much to help us all escape from Evergreen. And for that, I would be eternally grateful.

I had hoped that Lachlan would just go about his business with Eva and forget about us. Actually, I take that back as I remember that Eva is Sam’s mate. Poor Sam. I wish I had let him know what I had discovered before I escaped. I had been so caught up I hadn’t even considered that he would still be suffering at the hands of Lachlan and Eva.

I would need to discuss this with Kingston. I’m sure he could help me think of something. Some way we could ease his suffering. How Eva could hurt someone as sweet as Sam I’ll never know. He deserved so much better. I needed to make that right somehow. And I would. I just wasn’t sure how.

I was interrupted from my thoughts when Kingston placed his hands on mine and I felt tingles and the calm of our mate bond.

As Mason looked at me with grave concern on his face I had no words. I didn’t want Kingston to know how terrified I was right now. He already had so much on with the Royal Alpha Summit that was fast approaching.

This was such bad timing. We were just starting to settle here at Rocky Mountain. The pack members were all so welcoming and accepting. Mason and Kaia were settled and had roles within the pack hierarchy. Liam and Layla were settled at daycare and thriving. I was about to officially become Luna. I couldn’t expect the pack to fight for me. They hardly knew me. It was only a matter of time before Lachlan found us – especially if he was distributing our images.

“Aleksa, I can feel your fear through our bond. I know you are nervous – but you don’t need to be. I will protect you and our pups. I realize Lachlan is their biological father, but I also have a bond with Liam and Layla and I will protect them both with my life. I will not let him take you or take them. You are Luna of this pack. We will all protect you with our lives.” Kingston declared to me looking into my eyes and cupping my face with his strong and calloused hands.

“I would never expect anyone to risk their life for me. Kingston, they don’t deserve this. They hardly know me. I can’t put this on the pack.” I told him trying to fight the tears that were starting to well up in my eyes.

“Aleska, you are safe. You always will be safe. And whatever you are thinking right now – stop it. You will not run. You are not putting anyone out. Rocky Mountain has waited for you for a long time. You make the pack stronger just by being here. The fact that you want to protect the pack shows how amazing you are. We will figure this out.” Kingston reassured me, pulling me into his chest for comfort. This action alone gives me a sense of security and calms my nerves somewhat.

“Alpha, if I may suggest something?” Mason interjected.

“What if you sent an announcement out to the media and to all of the packs. Informing them of Rocky Mountain’s new Luna, and your true mate. That would let Lachlan know that Aleksa had found her second chance mate and had been claimed by another alpha. It will help to draw some attention to this. The council will be watching no doubt. It will be much harder for him to make a move, or do anything underhanded if he is being closely watched.” Mason suggested.

Kingston took a moment to consider the idea. “It could work. It would definitely be the more diplomatic approach and it would put the spotlight on it for a bit. It would make it more challenging for Lachlan to act on any urges he may have.”

I took a breath and tried to imagine what Lachlan’s reaction to such an announcement might be. I was interrupted from my thoughts when I notice both Kingston and Mason looking at me as if they were waiting for my response.

“Sorry. I kinda zoned out then. Did you say something?” I asked them both simultaneously.

“I asked you how you felt about us putting out an announcement? Perhaps a follow up to that might be a phone call or a video conference if required.” Kingston added.

“Uh, yeah let’s give it a go I guess,” I said, still feeling unsure about it all, and still feeling a bit distracted thinking about Sam.

“He might be willing to let me go, but I worry about Liam and Layla, he’s biologically their father, he does have a claim to them. But I absolutely refuse to give them up to him. I will not let him take them!” I said exasperatedly, feeling my heart racing in my chest, and feeling my anxiety surge through me.

“Aleksa, we will work something out. I promise you. No one will take Liam and Layla from you. You are their mother. And an amazing one at that.” Kingston declared to me, and I found a sense of calm in his words.

“Aleksa – Luna, we have all come so far. We will not let anything happen to you or your pups. We are a family. And family protects one another.” Mason declared. He looked at me with determination and sincerity.

I looked into Mason’s eyes and I felt tears start to fall from my eyes. I felt so blessed and so lucky to have made strong bonds with people that I now call my family. I felt such a sense of belonging.

My stomach growled loudly, snapping me out of my train of thought. I felt a warm blush creep over my face, of embarrassment. Kingston and Mason chuckled. “Perhaps we should have some breakfast?” Kingston suggested.

“Sounds like a good idea. I’ll mind-link Quinn to bring Liam and Layla down to join us.” Mason replied to Kingston.

“Come, my love, let’s get some food into your stomach. We have a big day ahead of us.” Kingston remarked to me.

“Mason, thank you, for everything. I am so lucky to have you in my life. You are like the brother I never had.” I tell him, as I launched at him for a hug. Mason embraced me for a hug also, however, at that moment Kingston growled at our closeness, and Mason and I both looked back at him.

“Sorry guys, Sabre gets a little overprotective of his mate” Kingston replied chuckling.

Mason then added, “That’s understandable Alpha.”

“Aleksa, I feel the same way about you. Ever since we met in the dungeons of Evergreen I’ve felt this overwhelming urge to protect you. You are also like a little sister to me.”

My heart instantly swelled at Mason’s words.

“I sure am a lucky girl. I have some really special people in my life. And I feel so grateful for you all.” I said to Mason, while I locked hands with Kingston getting ready to leave the room.

“See you at breakfast!” I called out to Mason, as Kingston lead me out the door.

***

It was approaching midday, and in light of the news that we had learned of earlier this morning, I had decided to cancel my brunch date with Quinn and Kaia. I ended up explaining the situation to them since it directly involved them both anyway. They pretty much repeated what Mason had told me, about us all being family, and having each other’s backs. Again my heart swelled with love, I had always wanted sisters, and now that dream had come true. I loved them both with all my heart. Sometimes when you meet people you just instantly click, and that’s exactly what happened when I met Kaia and Quinn.

They both offered to watch Liam and Layla for me while I met the Healer. This was a relief for me because I didn’t know what to expect from our meeting today. I was nervous yet excited, and I was curious to learn more. It all felt very surreal.

I was on my way to meet Xanthe and to learn more about my birth parents and my lineage. It was a gorgeous sunny day and it was so warm. Too warm to be sitting inside even though there is air conditioning. I thought it might be nice to chat outside, so we are on our way to a gazebo that was located near the rosegardens.

It really was a sight to behold, the roses were in full bloom and they smelt amazing. There was a crawling red rose bush covering the sides of the gazebo, and it looked so magical. Kingston must have asked someone to bring a table and chairs prior to our meeting because the set in front of us didn’t look like it was supposed to be there. It looked brand new rather than the weathered set you would expect to see outside. There was a large jug of water and some glasses in the centre of the table.

We took a seat, and moments later Xanthe appeared before us.

“Hello Aleksa, I trust you are well-rested and ready to hear what I have to say?” Xanthe looked at me with a small smile on her face.

“Hello Xanthe, yes, please let me apologise for my behaviour yesterday, I was rude. I am not usually that way towards others. I was just dealing with a lot, and everything kinda overwhelmed me.” I said pausing to take a breath. Xanthe just watched me and waited patiently as if she knew I wasn’t finished.

“I think I just needed a good night’s sleep and to spend some time with Liam and Layla. Thank you so much for coming back to speak with me. It means the world to me. I have so many questions!” I said, ready to unleash my questions on Xanthe.

”No need to apologize. How about you hear what I have to say. Then we can have question time afterwards.” Xanthe said rhetorically.

“That sounds fair,” I said. Although I was a little disappointed that I would have to wait. Chill Aleksa, I thought to myself. Yesterday I didn’t want to hear any of this, and today I want to bombard her with questions. I swear I am all over the place at the moment. I looked up at Xanthe who was ready to speak.

“Let’s start at the beginning then shall we.” Xanthe begun.