Alpha King Chases Abandoned Luna novel Chapter 348

(Victoria's POV)

I stared at my reflection, carefully covering the bruise where Olivia had slapped me. My wolf purred with satisfaction beneath my skin. Everything was going exactly as planned.

When my deception about being Ethan's childhood sweetheart was exposed, I feared losing everything. But I had underestimated Emma's place in his heart.

Even in his rage, Ethan couldn't bear to see Emma suffer. What I thought would be my downfall had unexpectedly become my lifeline.

I finished my makeup and entered Emma's hospital room. The pack healer Ethan had assigned was checking Emma's vitals.

"You can leave now," I said coldly. "I'll take care of my daughter."

The healer frowned but eventually left. I couldn't risk her speaking to Emma about what was happening between me and Ethan.

I sat on Emma's bed. She tensed as I reached out to stroke her hair. Poor thing had learned to associate my tenderness with pain.

"Emma, darling," I said softly, "Daddy will be visiting soon."

She nodded, still rigid beneath my touch.

"When he comes, I need you to cry. Tell him that some mean wolves came into our room and attacked us."

Emma's eyes widened. "But that didn't happen, Mommy."

I pinched her arm, hard enough to leave a mark. "It did happen. You just don't remember correctly."

I spent the next twenty minutes coaching her, making her repeat the story until perfect. When she faltered, I'd pinch her again, leaving small bruises to support our fabricated attack.

"Good girl," I praised when she finally recited the story flawlessly. I kissed her forehead. "You're such a smart pup."

Emma beamed at the rare praise. I pulled out my Alpha Phone—it was time to set our plan in motion.

(Ethan's POV)

I sat in my Midnight Maybach outside Crescent Moon Medical Center. Through the tinted windows, I could see the entrance to Evelyn Winters' ward.

My wolf paced anxiously beneath my skin. I wanted desperately to see Evelyn—to see Olivia. But I knew I wasn't welcome.

Maxwell Chen approached and slid into the passenger seat.

"Alpha Stone, I've arranged for the premium moonlight herbs to be delivered to Mrs. Winters' room," he reported. "The best healers are monitoring her condition."

I nodded. "Good. And did you..."

"Yes, sir," Maxwell confirmed. "I made sure both Mrs. Winters and Luna Olivia know the treatments are coming from you."

My wolf rumbled with approval. It wasn't much, but it was something—a small gesture to show I cared.

"How did they react?" I couldn't help asking.

Maxwell hesitated. "Luna Olivia accepted the treatments for her mother's sake, but..."

"Daddy..." she called hoarsely.

I rushed to her, gathering her into my arms. My wolf whined at the sight of bruises on her face and arms.

"What happened?" I demanded, my Alpha voice reverberating through the room. "Who did this?"

The pack healer shrank back. "I-I wasn't here when it happened, Alpha Stone."

Victoria emerged from the bathroom looking even worse than Emma—clothes torn, hair tangled, angry scratches marking her skin.

"I'm sorry, Ethan," she said, voice breaking. "I tried to protect her, but there were too many."

Emma sobbed harder. "It wasn't Mommy's fault! Those mean wolves were so cruel! They attacked Mommy and threw trash at her."

Her small body shuddered against me.

"Mommy only got hurt because she was protecting me," she continued. "They said awful things about her—and about me too!"

My wolf growled protectively. I knew what had happened. The pack's retribution for Victoria's deception had spilled over onto Emma.

"Daddy," Emma pleaded, "please help Mommy. She's hurt, and she's so sad. The mean wolves said you hate her now and that you'll take me away."

Her tears soaked my shirt. "Please don't take me away from Mommy. I love her, and I love you."