Defining the Luna

Chapter 96

Braelynn

Donovan leaves me outside the dungeon to think over his suggestion with a soft kiss on my forehead. The decision is heavy on my shoulders, making me hunch from the excess weight. Through all the bullshit I've been through in my life, this has to be the hardest. Picking Donovan as my forever mate was nothing compared to this.

On the one hand, rejecting my mate could be just the thing we need to put a stop to all this weird nemesis shit. It would give my husband peace of mind and allow Garrison to continue with his life. But is that what I want?

I may not feel the need to jump his bones anymore, but I can still feel the connection between us. No, there are no romantic feelings. However, I have become attached. Having him and Donovan here makes me feel solid and complete. When even one of them is missing, it feels like they have taken a small piece of me with them.

Would breaking the bond between us take away that part of me as well? Would I spend the rest of my life feeling like a part of me is missing? Or is Donovan right? Are these other bonds and connections a way for the Gods to cleaning up a mess I've caused? The possibilities are endless, and I can't make heads or tails of any of it.

The truth is, none of us know what these events mean. Hell, even I didn't believe in the whole nemesis thing until I felt it for myself. But who's to say why it exists. My guess is as good as anyone's. The only things we know are the connections we have with each other and the vision we've all had. The thought alone brings chills up my spine.

I look off into the distance, finding nothing but the empty backyard. The place eerily silent without even a single person around. Not that I could blame them. We had quite the surprise tonight, so it would make sense that the pack would want to stay indoors. I begin walking through the grass, kicking a few extra-long blades.

I begin walking toward the packhouse before realizing I'm not quite ready to go inside. I still haven't a clue as to what I'm going to do, and seeing Donovan will only remind me of his opinion on the matter. While his judgment means a lot to me, it can't be the reason I make this decision. I have to think logically and take all of us into consideration.

Karen nuzzles toward the light, and I quickly make room for her to join me. This decision is a huge deal, and it affects her just as much as it affects me. Letting her take part is only fair. I subconsciously let her take control of my body, carrying us away from the packhouse. But to my surprise, she doesn't head toward the forest like I thought she would.

My feet walk toward the end of our territory, pausing as a familiar run-down house comes into view. Though I've only been here once before, I'd know it from anywhere. I don't understand why Karen has brought us here. As we get closer, I spot two figures on the porch. They each sit in wooden rocking chairs, staring out at the woods beyond them.

A slight grin comes across my face as Fletcher turns to spot me, a cocky grin stretched across his lips. Things haven't quite been the same for us since I became the official Luna, a thought that has my lips sinking down my face. Fletcher means so much to me, and the fact that I haven't shown him as much makes me feel like a terrible friend.

"Hey there, Brae. Come to make sure I'm doing as I'm told?" Fletcher laughs as he kicks himself back on the rocking chair.

"Well, I know how easily distracted you can get," I chuckle as I walk up the rickety porch steps. "These steps are rotting, Morgan. You really should let Donovan renovate the place,"