Chapter 62: Actions Rather Than Words

Sebastian had been so focused on the physical threats to the pack, so fixated on defending their borders and protecting them from external danger with weapons, that he hadn’t stopped to consider the possibility of an enemy that didn’t come fighting their way in through the border. And now, as he looked back on everything that had happened, he felt incredibly stupid for not understanding sooner that they were already in a war.

Enora’s anger still hung heavy in the air between them, her words echoing in Sebastian’s mind as he replayed their conversation over and over again. He couldn’t shake the feeling of guilt that gnawed at him, the knowledge that he had let her down in more ways than he could count. He had failed to listen to her, to support her, to be the mate that she needed him to be.

“Enora, I…”, Sebastian began, his voice tentative as he reached out to her.

But Enora cut him off with a sharp gesture, her eyes flashing with fury as she glared at him. “Don’t.”, she snapped, her voice cold and biting. “Don’t you dare try to apologize to me, Sebastian. Not after everything you’ve put me through.”

Sebastian recoiled at Enora’s words, the sting of her anger cutting through him like a knife. “Enora, I…”, Sebastian tried again, his voice pleading as he searched for the right words to say.

But Enora was not interested in listening to him, her anger boiling over as she lashed out at him with all the pent-up frustration and resentment that she had been holding in for so long. “You never listen to me, Sebastian.”, she spat, her voice filled with venom. “You never take my seriously, you never support me, you never even bother to ask me how I’m feeling. You treat me like I’m some easy lay, some trophy wife, some pretty little thing to be paraded around and shown off to the rest of the pack that you can fuck when you like. Well, newsflash, Sebastian, I’m not. I’m a damn Luna, and I deserve to be treated with respect.

Sebastian felt a surge of shame wash over him at Enora’s words, the realization of just how badly she felt hitting him like a punch in the gut. He had been so caught up in his own worries and insecurities, so blinded by his own selfishness, that he hadn’t stopped to consider how his actions were affecting her. And now, as he looked into Enora’s eyes, he could see the pain and hurt that he had caused reflected back at him, and it was more than he could bear.

“I’m sorry…”, Sebastian said quietly, his voice barely above a whisper.

But Enora just shook her head, her anger still burning bright as she turned away from him, her jaw set in a defiant line. “It’s too late for words, Sebastian.”, she said coldly. “You need to show it now. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have wounded pack members to tend to.”

With that, Enora gathered up her breakfast and stalked out of the kitchen, leaving Sebastian alone in the silence that followed. He sat there for a long time, his mind reeling with the weight of his mistakes, until finally, with a heavy sigh, he pushed himself to his feet and made his way out of the kitchen.

As Enora left the kitchen, her steps were heavy with the weight of her responsibilities and the burden of her emotions. She knew she had to focus on the wounded pack members, setting aside her personal turmoil for the time being. Arriving at the makeshift infirmary, she found the doctors and nurses working diligently, their expressions determined as they tended to the injured werewolves.

Enora approached a doctor that stood a bit off to the side, Dr. Rodriguez, her voice calm despite the storm raging within her. “Dr. Rodriguez, what’s the status of our patients?”

Dr. Rodriguez glanced up from her clipboard, her brow furrowed with concern. “Luna, we’re doing everything we can, but the two patients who deteriorated overnight are still in critical condition. We’re doing our best to stabilize them, but it’s touch and go at the moment.”

Enora nodded, her heart heavy with worry for the pack members fighting for their lives. “Keep me updated on their condition.”, she instructed, her tone firm. “And let me know if there’s anything else I can do to help.”

With a nod of acknowledgement, Dr. Rodriguez turned back to her work, leaving Enora to stand alone in the infirmary, the sounds of the medical equipment humming softly in the background. She felt a pang of helplessness wash over her as she watched the doctors and nurses move with purpose, their skilled hands working tirelessly to save the lives of their pack members. But as much as she wanted to stay and help, Enora knew that she needed to step aside and let the professionals do their job. With a heavy sigh, she made her way to her office, feeling the weight of the world pressing down on her shoulders with every step.

Enora settled into her chair in the office room, trying to push aside the overwhelming sense of despair that threatened to consume her, Enora was startled by a knock on the door. “Come in.”, she called out, her voice weary.

The door creaked open, and Evan stepped into the room, his expression solemn as he regarded Enora. “Luna.”, he said quietly, his voice tinged with sorrow.

Enora’s heart sank, a sense of dread settling over her as she braced herself for what was to come. “What is it, Evan?”, she asked, her voice quietly.

Evan hesitated for a moment, his gaze dropping to the floor before he spoke. “I couldn’t find Alpha or Beta. So, I hope it’s okay.”, he said, and he took a deep breath. “We lost five people yesterday. They had ingested too much wolfsbane, and we couldn’t save them in time.”

Enora felt her heart shatter into a million pieces at Evan’s words, the weight of her grief threatening to crush her. Tears welled up in her eyes, blurring her vision as she struggled. But even as her own sorrow threatened to consume her, Enora knew that she had to stay strong for the rest of the pack.

“Thanks, Evan. We’ll take it from here.”, she heard for the door opening. Adam had entered without her noticing. Evan nodded at him and walked out the door.

“Are you okay, Enora?”, Adam asked her kindly.

Enora swallowed hard, trying to push down the lump that had formed in her throat as she nodded in response to Adam’s question. “I’m… I’m trying to be.”, she admitted, her voice wavering with emotion.

Adam approached her slowly, his expression filled with concern as he took a seat across from her. “I know this is incredibly hard, Enora.”, he said gently, his voice soft and reassuring. “I know Sebastian had his head up his ass, but that doesn’t mean you have to do this alone. Lucas and I are still here.”

Enora felt a rush of gratitude wash over her at Adam’s words, the warmth of his kindness soothing some of the ache in her heart. “Thank you, Adam.”, she murmured.

Adam reached out to gently squeeze her hand, offering her a comforting smile. “You don’t have to have all the answers right now, Enora. We’ll figure it out.”

Enora nodded, feeling a flicker of hope ignite within her chest at Adam’s words. “Okay.”, she whispered, her voice filled with a mix of uncertainty and determination. “Okay.”

Adam gave her hand one final squeeze before releasing it, his gaze warm and reassuring as he met her eyes. “Now, let’s focus on what needs to be done. We’ll help you arrange the funerals and talk to the families. You don’t have to bear this burden alone.”

Enora felt a surge of gratitude wash over her at Adam’s offer of support, the weight of her grief easing ever so slightly as she realized that she didn’t have to face this tragedy alone. “Thank you, Adam.”, she said sincerely, her voice choked with emotion. “Thank you for being her for me.”

Adam simply nodded in response; his expression filled with understanding as he rose from his seat. “I will go get Lucas, and we’ll go to the families together. Let’s do that first, and then arrange for funerals.”

Enora nodded and took a deep breath as Adam left the office to get Lucas. It felt good to know that there were still people left in her corner.