Page 13 of The Possessive Alpha’s Reborn Luna

His last words, hand gripping mine, "Cedric, promise me... take care of Victoria for me."

I'd promised.

Arcales died a hero. His final wish—I had to honor it.

"Cedric?" Victoria's voice pulled me back. Worry creased her face. "Are you okay? Did I say something wrong?"

"No." I shook it off. "Rest. Don't think too much."

"Then... can you stay with me tonight?" Hesitation. Hope in her eyes. "I keep dreaming about Arcales. I miss him so much. If you're here, maybe I can sleep."

Her voice weakened on the last words, disappointment flickering through.

I stared at her. Victoria needed me. I should stay. But my mind went back to the wedding—Alice's eyes when she looked at me. Cold. Distant. Like I was a stranger she couldn't care less about.

My wolf suddenly roared in my chest, nearly splitting my skull. Thrashing. Snarling. Fighting to break free.

Go to her. Go to Alice. Go to our mate.

The urge made me blurt it out. "Tonight's my mating ceremony with Alice. She's waiting. I have to go back."

The words shocked even me. I told myself it was duty. I'm the king. For the kingdom, I need Alice pregnant as soon as possible. A child born from fated mates would be stronger than any ordinary werewolf. That child's power would keep the other packs in line and stabilize the kingdom's politics.

That's all.

"I'm sorry, I shouldn't have said that," Victoria said immediately, voice even lower. "Go. Alice is waiting. I just hope she won't blame you for me..."

She trailed off, turning away. Shoulders trembling.

The gesture reminded me of Alice. She used to do that when she was upset—head down, thin shoulders shaking. Fragile. Pitiful. It always triggered my protective instincts.

But now she'd changed completely. Not the Alice I remembered. She shouldn't be so cold. She should try to keep me, should...

I took a breath, forcing down the churning in my chest.

"Rest well." I turned and left.

The corridor was silent except for my footsteps. My wolf still tearing at me. Pushing me toward Alice.

I didn't understand. Alice was just a task I had to complete. So why couldn't I calm down? Why had she been so composed today? Why had she let me leave so easily? Why did she look at me like that—so distant?

She used to be different.

She used to look at me like I was her whole world. Eyes bright. Blushing, shy, stealing glances then looking away fast. Like a frightened rabbit.

Now she looked at me like a stranger. One she didn't want near. The change grated on me.

I walked faster. Through the corridor. Pushed open the door to the bridal chamber.

Moonlight spilled across the room. I saw her.

Alice sat on the edge of the bed in her nightgown, hair loose over her shoulders. At the sound of the door, she turned. Eyes went wide. Shocked.

"Cedric? What are you doing here?" Surprise filled her voice, like I had no business being there.

I frowned, strode in, and shut the door.

"Should I not be here?" I shot back, irritation seeping through. "You're my mate. This is my room too. Where the hell else would I go?"