Rejected Luna Returns with Secret Twins (Lysandra) novel Chapter 144

Chapter 144

“Kieran spoke the truth,” Alaric replied smoothly. “But I fail to see why this concerns you in any way.”

I tilted my head, startled by my brother’s confirmation of the lie.

“So,” Tristan’s voice hardened, anger finally seeping through his carefully controlled facade, “you’re saying you’ve arranged her marriage without her consent?”

“Who said anything about lacking her consent?” Alaric countered. “Didn’t you overhear their conversation earlier? They’re close, they’re happy…”

Tristan’s gaze found mine again, clearly waiting for me to speak up, to deny what my brother was claiming. I knew Alaric was lying, knew I should set the record straight, but some stubborn part of me refused to undermine my brother in front of Tristan. I kept my expression neutral and remained silent.

“How nice, Tristan muttered, a cold laugh escaping him.

“Yes,” Alaric shot back. “It is a joyous development.”

Several servants entered the room then, bowing slightly to Alaric. “Alpha, lunch is served.”

Alaric stood, adjusting his shirt cuffs with deliberate casualness. “You wanted to experience our hospitality. Join us for lunch. That’s part of the welcoming, after all.” He started toward the dining room, his officials–including Kieran–falling into step behind him.

Tristan rose to his feet. “I’d rather not stay.”

“Suit yourself, Alpha Tristan,” my brother replied without turning back, as if he’d expected this response all along.

I noticed Kieran glance back at me, but I didn’t return his look. The betrayal of him perpetuating this engagement lie to outsiders had stung deeply. I decided against following them to the dining room.

My brother, as predictable as sunrise, called back to me from the doorway: “Lysandra, come. You haven’t eaten anything

this morning.”

“Yes, Ric,” I replied automatically, the force of habit stronger than my irritation.

his As the others disappeared into the dining room, I stood, intending to follow–only to find Tristan still watching me, intense gaze pinning me in place. I tried to ignore him, moving toward the dining room, but he stepped directly into my

path.

“What is your brother talking about?” he demanded. “Are you actually with Beta Kieran?”

I rolled my eyes, doubling down on the lie. “How many times do I need to tell you? Yes, I’m h him. Why do you even care? It’s not exactly a secret that Kieran and I are involved.”

“I think you’re lying to me,” he said, eyes narrowing.

“Why would I lie? I countered.

“You- he began, only to be interrupted by Varian’s hand on his shoulder.

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Chapter 144

“Tristan, we should go,” his Beta urged. “We have paperwork waiting for our attention.”

Tristan turned, pinning Varian with a glare so fierce it could have melted steel. “Wait for me outside,” he ordered, his voice dropping to a dangerous register.

Everyone froze at his tone. Varian glanced at me briefly before nodding. “Of course, Alpha.”

I almost felt sorry for Varian as he and the other officials filed out. Being spoken to like that in front of an outsider had to sting, especially for a Beta of his standing.

Once we were alone, I couldn’t help myself. “Was that necessary? He’s your Beta, not your slave.”