Moonbound: The Rogue's Second Chance-Chapter 44 - FOURTY-FOUR - LETTER TO THE AMBASSODOR

The pen in Darius’ hand fell onto the table. He tilted his head slightly and raised a brow.

"Pardon?" he asked, hoping what he heard was wrong.

"I would like to return to the manor," Serena repeated.

Darius had pushed her too hard last night, that’s why she wanted to leave. They hadn’t even completed the tour of the castle.

He leaned back in his seat, studying her. "Are you certain?" he asked, quieter this time, almost hopeful. "You’re still unwell."

"I’m just fine," Serena interjected quickly. She placed her hands on the edge of the table, her fingers twisting together restlessly.

Darius turned from her and straightened the papers beside him with forced care. He didn’t want her to see how much it bothered him. If she wanted to go, he wouldn’t stop her.

He ran his hand through his hair. He had to remind himself that she was still a rogue. Darius knew deep down that no matter how many times he said that to himself, nothing ever changed.

He kept making the same mistakes over and over again, but he simply couldn’t let go of what had happened to his father, and how he had come to take leadership of Ironshade.

He looked at Serena, who had her gaze fixed on the fireplace. The logs were cold, they were only lit at night or whenever he was cold.

With a grave sigh, which drew Serena’s attention, he spoke. "If that is what you want, then I will arrange your transportation back to Black Thorn Keep."

Serena nodded, acknowledging his statement. She drew back the chair, making her way to stand.

"Before you leave, would you like to finish the tour?" he asked, hating the way his voice sounded in his ears.

He hated how much it sounded like a plea.

Serena looked back at him, giving it a thought before she rose. "Thank you for the offer, but I’d have to pack my things for the journey."

Darius clenched his fists and nodded stiffly. "I understand."

Darius rose to see her to the door. He would not dwell on it, he had much on his plate, and the tour would be a distraction.

She did not spare him another glance, and soon he was alone in the office again. Darius exhaled and placed his head on the door. He was losing himself.

His fingers hovered on the doorknob before he shook his head and returned to his desk.

—

Serena rested her head on the window. She closed her eyes and enjoyed the journey. Her clothes had already been neatly folded in the trunk, she just did not want to be around him.

She looked down at her hands. Livia’s words echoed in her head. Stay away from Darius.

This was the right thing to do, she told herself. Her head throbbed; she had been letting her thoughts speak too loudly.

This would be best for everyone. She would remain cordial with Darius and everyone else, but she had to keep away. She squeezed her hands as doubt crept into her thoughts.

Half of her didn’t want to go through with it, the part of herself she called childish and impulsive. Lodging herself deeper into this pack would have its consequences, which she did not want to deal with.

Serena sighed softly, her breath fogging the corner of the window as the scenery blurred past. The manor would be in sight soon.

—

Serena watched as the coachman left. He had hauled the chest that contained her clothes to her room. She said her thanks and settled down on the bed.

She immediately shot up and stared at the place where she had hidden her pendant. The board was not in place, someone had been in the manor.

Serena rushed to the floorboard, her knees scraping against the floor. She ignored the pain and shoved the loose plank aside with trembling fingers.

Her heart dropped when she didn’t touch the jewellery.

"No..." she whispered, eyes scanning the small cavity again.

Then she saw it. She reached in and pulled out the pendant, the chain cool and familiar against her skin. She clutched it tightly to her chest.

She must have moved it before she had gone to see the Moonseeker. She chalked it up to her frayed nerves.

She put the necklace back and pushed the wood into position, pounding on it with her fist to set it in place. Serena exhaled and sank into her bed.

In a few minutes, the woman was fast asleep, worn out from the activities of the previous nights.

—

Serena inspected the whole house. Everything had been in order, just the way she left it. No one had come. She was paranoid.

Then came a knock on the door, it was rapid and impatient. Serena walked quickly and unbolted the door.

Annamarie stood, all smiles. Serena’s shoulders relaxed and she smiled.

"Anna," Serena greeted. The blonde woman stepped aside for the younger woman to make her way in.

"I have not seen you in ages," Annamarie chirped.

"Oh, it has not been that long," Serena replied, a laugh escaping her lips as she closed the door behind her.

Annamarie looked around before turning to meet Serena’s curious gaze. "This place looks so much better now. I used to think it was haunted."

Serena bit back a smile as she ushered Annamarie to the main living room. The brunette sank into the opposite couch, placing her bag on her lap.

"We have much to talk about," Annamarie said.

Serena nodded and relaxed into the cushion. Emmett, Jack, and Annamarie were the only wolves she felt she could completely trust. That did not mean she would tell them of her true origin, but their presence was comforting.

Serena recounted the events that had happened to her between the last time she had seen Annamarie and now. She purposely left out the business of her being Darius’ fated mate and the ugly encounters with Livia.

Annamarie paid rapt attention to her words, interjecting every now and then.

"I understand why the Alpha would be so quick to come up with that absurd tale," she said with a shake of her head. "Aunt Beatrice talks more than she breathes. If she even suspects something, the whole pack knows before dawn."

Serena laughed, waving Annamarie aside. "I’ll be sure to keep my windows shut next time."

The younger woman gasped, digging into her bag. She retrieved a letter and handed it to Serena.

"That would be the handiwork of Aunt Beatrice. I was sent to deliver this to the Ambassador."