Moonlit Bonds

chapter eleven : A bitter homecoming

The tension between Kai and Luca had simmered in the days following their confrontation in the woods. Kai had distanced himself even more, throwing himself into pack duties with an almost obsessive focus. Luca watched from afar, his heart heavy but his resolve unshaken. He had promised himself he wouldn't give up on Kai, but he knew pushing too hard would only make things worse. So, he waited—hoping that, eventually, Kai would come to him on his own terms.

One morning, as Kai prepared to head out on a solo patrol, he received unexpected news.

"Kai," one of the pack's messengers said as he approached, "there's been a summons from your family. They're requesting your presence immediately."

Kai's entire body went rigid at the mention of his family. His first instinct was to refuse, to ignore the summons and pretend it didn't exist. But he knew better than that. His family wasn't the type to be ignored, especially not when they demanded something. His jaw clenched as memories of cold stares, harsh words, and indifference flooded his mind.

"Tell them I'll be there," Kai said in a low, even tone, though his fists clenched tightly at his sides.

The messenger nodded and hurried off, leaving Kai alone with the weight of his past suddenly pressing down on him like an anchor.

As he turned to leave, Luca appeared in his path, his expression unreadable. "You're going to see them, aren't you?"

Kai didn't respond at first, his eyes narrowing slightly. "It's none of your concern, Luca."

Luca's eyes darkened with concern. "I know how they are, Kai. You don't have to face them alone."

"I do," Kai snapped, the bitterness in his voice sharper than he intended. He sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Look, I can handle it. This is my problem."

Luca studied him for a moment, his brow furrowed in worry. He wanted to argue, wanted to insist on going with Kai, but he knew that wouldn't work. Kai's family was a sore spot—one that Luca knew he couldn't touch without risking pushing Kai even further away.

"Fine," Luca said finally, his voice low. "But I'm not going to stop worrying about you. Just... be careful, okay?"

Kai didn't respond, turning and heading toward the forest path that led to his family's territory. As he walked, his mind raced with memories of his childhood—of the cold indifference of his parents, the constant pressure to be perfect, and the way he had always felt like he didn't belong. No one in his family had ever treated him with kindness or warmth. In their eyes, he was a tool to be used, not a person to be cared for.

The walk felt longer than usual, each step heavier with the weight of his emotions. By the time he arrived at his family's estate, his heart was pounding in his chest, though his expression remained cold and unreadable.

The estate was grand and imposing, a reminder of his family's power and influence. The high stone walls and iron gates gave it an air of intimidation, and Kai couldn't help but feel a sense of dread wash over him as he approached.

The door swung open before he could knock, revealing a familiar figure—his younger brother, Theo. Theo's face twisted into a sneer as he looked Kai up and down.

"Well, look who decided to show up," Theo said, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "I thought you'd forgotten all about us, brother."

Kai's eyes narrowed, his posture stiffening. "I came because I was summoned. I have no interest in staying longer than necessary."

Theo smirked, stepping aside to let Kai in. "Still the same cold, distant Kai. You haven't changed a bit."

Kai ignored the comment, stepping inside the grand entrance hall. The familiar scent of the estate brought back memories—none of them good. The air was thick with the same oppressive atmosphere that had suffocated him as a child, the weight of expectations and judgment hanging over him like a cloud.

As he made his way deeper into the estate, he could hear voices in the dining room—his parents, no doubt. His stomach twisted in knots, but he kept his expression stoic, unwilling to show any sign of weakness.

When he entered the dining room, his parents were seated at the long table, their expressions as cold and distant as ever. His father barely glanced up from the papers he was reading, while his mother's lips pressed into a thin line as she regarded him with a mixture of disappointment and disdain.

"Kai," his mother said, her tone clipped and formal. "You've finally decided to grace us with your presence."

Kai's jaw tightened, but he forced himself to remain calm. "You summoned me. I'm here. What do you want?"

His father looked up then, his gaze hard and calculating. "There's been talk among the other packs. They're questioning your loyalty, Kai. They don't trust a lone wolf, and it's reflecting poorly on us."

Kai's blood ran cold. "I don't answer to them. I've built my own path."

His mother's eyes narrowed. "Your actions affect this family whether you like it or not. You can't just run off and pretend you're not one of us. The blood that runs in your veins binds you to this family."

Kai's hands clenched into fists at his sides, his anger bubbling beneath the surface. He had always known that his family saw him as nothing more than a tool—a way to increase their power and status. But hearing them say it so bluntly still stung.

"I'm not your puppet," Kai said through gritted teeth. "I don't owe you anything."

His father's eyes flashed with anger. "You owe this family everything, boy. Without us, you'd be nothing."

The words cut deep, but Kai refused to let them see how much they affected him. "I'm leaving," he said coldly, turning on his heel.

"You walk out that door, and you're dead to us," his mother called after him, her voice icy.

Kai paused, his heart pounding in his chest. For a brief moment, he considered turning back—considered trying, once again, to win their approval. But then he remembered Luca's words, remembered the pack that had become his real family. He didn't need them. Not anymore.

Without another word, Kai walked out of the estate, the heavy door slamming shut behind him.

As he made his way back to the pack's territory, he felt a strange mix of emotions—anger, sadness, and a sense of relief. He had finally cut ties with the family that had never cared for him, but the scars they had left behind were still there, still raw and painful.

When he arrived back at the camp, Luca was waiting for him, his expression filled with concern.

"How did it go?" Luca asked quietly.

Kai shook his head, his voice soft but firm. "It's over. I'm done with them."

Luca didn't say anything, but the look in his eyes said everything. He understood. And for the first time, Kai felt a small sense of peace, knowing that, no matter what, Luca was there for him.