Luna's Heart

Chapter 16. Banishment

x Rosie x

I can feel the packs tension and worry for what's to come. Not just for the impending war from Alpha Dax, but for the decision about Romero. This may not be an easy decision, but he's forced our hands in having to make a decision at all with what he's done. He's betrayed not only his pack, but also our Alpha, his brother. I look up to Gray with sorrow as I can feel his heartache of the situation.

I know for him this will not make the situation any easier. It weighs on us both. Luca goes to the living room once we are inside and turns the tv on. I want to shield him the best I can but there's only so much I can do. I hope he understands that.

I can't believe he got tied up and used as bait to be bargained with. It makes me sick that he got used in such a way. I can't forgive myself for that. He is so precise.

"Rose stop worrying. It isn't your fault that my psycho brother used him to try and get us to step down. That is on him and he will punish for that." Gray says pacing the kitchen as I sit at the island, bouncing my leg nervously.

"I can't help it. I'm responsible for him. His health, happiness and future. I feel like I failed him today because of all of this." I tell him as tears blur my eyes. Gray looks at me and tilts his head to the side as he stands beside me.

"Love. He is both of our responsibility. Not just yours ok. He is safe and protected because of what you did. You saved him from anything bad happening. You saved him." He tells me firmly as he wraps his arms around my shoulders as he pulls my head into his chest. The tears flow from my eyes, taking the pain with them.

He runs his fingers through my hair soothingly, letting me cry it out. He has only ever believed in me and never put me down. I am thankful for that. I sniffle as the tears subside.

"Thank you." I softly whisper to him.

"Always my love. You are a fiercely loyal person and it makes my heart grow fonder of you all the time. You are the protector, the Luna of myth. You're the one who will lead us all to a safer world. You Rosalind Flame are the mythical Protector. You can sense those worthy of second chances and who is lying. Together we will get through this." He says tracing my back as he talks. I know he's telling the truth. We can get through this together.

"I'm not the mythical Luna. I'm just like any other Luna." I tell him enjoying his fingers trailing my back.

"You didn't see yourself in your wolf form dear. Your coat flourished like a prism of colour. Just like the myths. You are the one who can sense a truth and a lie. Your amazing Rosie. You are the one who stood up and put him in his place that very first day of coming here. You are special." He tells me truthfully. I can feel his keenness to this. He truly believes it.

"If you say so. We need to make a decision about your brother, Gray. I know its hard but its something we need to do for the good of this pack. For the good of every pack out there right now. They are all in danger because they back us. We start with this and go from there ok. Our days are numbered as it is." I tell him as I look up into his eyes pleading for him to see we don't have as much time as we think.

"I know. I know how you feel about it and I know you know how I feel about this as well. Its very complicated. I don't like that we are put into this situation." He says resting his head on top of mine. I do feel his anxiety and frustration about this. I know he doesn't like it at all, but no one would if they were put into this situation.

I watch Luca as he does one of the puzzles on the table. Children are resilient and I am thankful that he seems to be alright. Though he could just be putting on a brave face for us. He knows we are here if he ever needs to talk. I know what I want to do with his brother. Killing might be to easy so I won't suggest that to him. As much as death would be the best option, I don't think he would go for it.

Gray goes back to pacing the kitchen as I rub my eyes from crying. I know he isn't liking his options with his eyebrows furrowed like that. I think he's coming to the same conclusion that I may have come to. He looks up at me with a frown. I open my arms and he let me hug him tightly. He exhales, unhappy. I kiss his cheek, trying to help.

"I know this isn't easy but it has to be done ok. Then we can focus on other things. Like our engagement, the baby shower and doom." I say trying to find the humour in this situation. I giggle lightly.

He smiles to me nodding his head in agreement. There's so much going on, good and bad that need our attention as well. We don't need this to get in the way. He gives another sigh.

"You are wonderful Rosie. I agree there are more pressing matters we need to concern ourselves with. I think we are on the same page of what needs to be done with him. We should go deal with that now so that we don't linger on it." He says knowing its for the best. Being a leader is never easy, especially one thats respected.

"Luca we will be right back ok. If you need anything you know how to get us, or go right to the beta's house ok." I tell him.

"Ok. Can I please come with you? I know he's locked up but can I please just come with you?" He asks walking up to us. He's worried. I can understand why he is. I look at Gray and he nods his head. He looks worried as well. I think we are on exactly the same page with what's going to happen.

"Ok Luca. We are going to go talk to him and give him our decision about what's going to happen alright. I want you to stay back and behind Alpha Gray and me ok. We will protect you, along with the pack." I tell him trying to make him feel better. He nods his head and takes my hand.

We walk out the back door, across the yard and out towards the training yard. Thankfully its quiet along the way there. The pack will know soon enough what the decision is. Link and Hesperos are standing in front of the cage. It isn't the biggest. It looks like it held some antique looking things in it from whats on the ground beside it. Romero has some burn marks on his hands from trying to open the cage.

"Thank you Link and Hesperos for standing watch. We have made our decision." Gray says to them both and they step behind him with a bow of their heads. He looks at me as Luca takes his hand and lets go of mine. I am glad he cares about Luca like I do.

I take a few steps towards the cage. Romero shoots his arm out trying to grab me by the throat. I stare at him with a straight face as he burns himself with the cage before cringing back from it. His teeth are bared at me, hissing at me as though I'm the one in the wrong. He is sadly mistaken.

"We've come to a decision." I start off. I place my hand up for him to not talk. "You are banished from our pack. You will leave and never return on pain of death. I am sure if any of our pack see you on our land, they will enjoy the honours. That is if you haven't been found by another first." I say to him plainly. He growls at me as I feel his link dissolve from me with a sizzle. The rest of the pack will feel it as well and know what has happened.

What ever happens from this point forward is anyone's guess. Anything is possible, so it nothing. We can only hope for better days to come. Hesperos opens the cage with the sleeve of his shirt covering his hand, saving him from hurting to much. Romero scowls as he runs off. Good riddance.

I look to Gray who isn't happy about it but knows that it needs to be done. I walk up to them both and give them a big hug. They hug me close as well. We head back to the house as Gray informs everyone what has happened, even though I'm sure they already know. Plus, there's something he wants to inform them of.

I smile and try to move past this bump in the road.