Marked By the Pureblood Alpha (Deanna and Luis) novel Chapter 162

**TITLE: The Heart I Buried for You by Serene Lockwood**
**Chapter 162: The Deleted Message**

**Deanna’s POV:**

As I approached Crestwood Park, a familiar rush of emotions surged through me, enveloping me in a comforting yet unsettling embrace. The evening air was thick with nostalgia, wrapping around me like an old, cherished blanket, bringing with it a mixture of eager anticipation and a gnawing unease.

With a flick of the switch, the lights sprang to life, casting a soft, golden glow that danced across the dimly lit room. Yet, despite the warmth of the illumination, an oppressive silence lingered, broken only by the gentle rustling of leaves outside, whispering secrets of the night. The faint, earthy scent of cedarwood filled the space, a fragrant reminder of the home I was desperately trying to reclaim.

Luis’s recent absences weighed heavily on my heart, each day stretching into an agonizing question mark. Why was he gone so often? What was he hiding?

I paused to take in the surroundings, my gaze sweeping over the pristine state of the house. It was immaculate, every surface gleaming and every corner meticulously cared for. Members of the Mooncrown Pack had taken it upon themselves to maintain this sanctuary, ensuring it remained a welcoming haven. They had a remarkable ability to sense when to retreat, vanishing into the shadows of the evening to spare me any discomfort.

To an outsider, it might have seemed as though Luis and I were just another couple, blissfully intertwined in a life of harmony. But beneath the surface, the complexities of our situation simmered, threatening to erupt at any moment.

Determined to bridge the growing chasm between us, I opened the refrigerator, revealing a vibrant array of fresh vegetables and seasonal fruits, each one a canvas for my culinary aspirations. The sight sparked a flicker of inspiration within me, igniting a desire to create something beautiful.

Gathering the ingredients, I made my way into the kitchen, where the familiar aromas of home-cooked meals began to swirl around me. Cooking had once been a source of joy, but after my breakup with Jake, it felt like a bittersweet memory, tainted by loss. Luis had yet to experience my culinary skills, and tonight felt like the perfect opportunity to share that part of myself with him.

As I prepared several dishes, excitement bubbled within me, mingling with the anxiety that gnawed at my insides. I settled at the dining table, my heart racing with anticipation as I left the food untouched, simply waiting for Luis to walk through the door.

The clock ticked steadily, each passing minute stretching into an eternity as the hands moved from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. Outside, the light drizzle had escalated into a relentless storm, the rain pounding against the windows with a ferocity that mirrored my rising apprehension.

From the expansive windows of the penthouse, I watched as lightning illuminated the sky, each flash revealing the chaos of the storm outside. Thunder rumbled ominously in the distance, a deep growl that resonated within my very core, amplifying the unsettling emptiness that had settled in my chest.

Perhaps it was the echoes of my childhood, shaped by Dorothy’s abandonment, that made me different from other girls, who would cower in fear at the sound of thunder. Yet, the primal instinct inherent in every werewolf stirred within me, intensifying my fear of solitude and longing for companionship.

In my mind’s eye, I could see Grandma pulling me close to the fireplace during stormy nights, her soothing voice weaving ancient tales of the Mistbane Pack, tales that had once brought me comfort. Now, all that remained was the faint scent of cedarwood lingering in the air and the dishes growing cold on the table, a testament to my deep-seated longing for connection.

With the three-month deadline looming over our relationship, nostalgia washed over me like a tidal wave, and I found myself yearning for Luis more than ever. I wanted to create beautiful memories with him, to cherish every fleeting moment we had left together. Even if our paths were destined to diverge, I hoped we could forge memories untainted by regret.

After a moment of hesitation, I picked up my phone, my fingers trembling as I typed a message. My heart raced with every word, “It’s thundering. I’m scared.”

**Luis’s POV:**

As I arrived at the Mooncrown Pack’s private hospital, the bustling hallway greeted me with a sense of urgency. The top-floor operating room was alive with activity, guards standing like vigilant sentinels, their expressions a mixture of stoicism and concern. Gamma-level warriors filled the space, transforming it into an impenetrable fortress, ready to protect what was most precious.

Just outside the operating room, I spotted two servants and the butler, Alina, their faces etched with anxiety, mirroring the tension that hung in the air.

The doors to the operating room swung open and shut with alarming frequency, each movement signaling the urgency of the situation as doctors rushed in and out, their expressions grave, their voices hushed but urgent.

Striding forward, my suit jacket draped over my arm, I felt my heart race, caught in a whirlwind of worry and determination.

Alina spotted me and hurried over, her voice trembling with emotion. “Alpha, you’re finally here. Mrs. Eaton collapsed in her study this afternoon. The doctors said her blood pressure is critically low, compressing her cerebral vessels.”

Her words settled over me like a dark cloud, and I felt my expression shift to one of grave concern.

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