Rise of the Rejected Luna - Chapter 146

Chapter 146: _Catherine Confesses

Kaene

~~

Everything seemed to be turning out okay between me and Phoebe.

Scratch that, it was perfect.

Well, apart from the part where some maids seemed to be bullying her in the hallways.

I had to step in and watch as Phoebe took back control and gave them a lenient punishment.

She fired them. I would’ve done worse, but just let her do her thing.

I thought back to this when it was late in the evening and I stood on the balcony of my suite.

My gaze scanned the estate as far as my eyes could see, not searching for anything in particular.

I caught my face lighting up with a smirk as I thought about Phoebe. The way she’d been so patient and understanding during our earlier sexual encounter sent a warm feeling through me.

“Someone looks bubbly.” A feminine voice spoke up from behind me just then, forcing me to swerve my head backward.

My mother stood there with a smile on her face, seeming hesitant to take another step. “Can I join you?” She asked calmly.

I arched an eyebrow but nodded, allowing her to join me. I tightened my grip subconsciously on the railing of the balcony.

I wasn’t exactly comfortable with my mother after all she’d done. She’d put Phoebe through hell and was buddies with Elsa Thatcher— who almost succeeded in killing me.

It seemed she noticed my mood as she coughed awkwardly before speaking. “This is the first time in a long time that I’ve seen you standing here without a drink in hand.”

Oh… That’s right. Usually, standing on this balcony meant I wanted some alone time to unwind with alcohol.

But now, the only thing I wanted to do was think about the love of my life.

“Phoebe has you smitten. It’s very obvious.” My mother suddenly stated knowingly, placing her hand on my shoulder. “I’m so glad I didn’t let my desire to protect our family name destroy what the moon goddess has blessed you with. Who knows what would’ve happened to you if Phoebe wasn’t there that night.”

I sighed, rolling my eyes silently.

Turning my gaze to my mother, I arched an eyebrow before I asked. “So, Phoebe is a ‘blessing’ now because she saved my life while the girl you’ve been cheerleading for since day one is nowhere to be found? After trying to kill me, by the way.”

My mother paused, her lips pouting. But she couldn’t say anything. All I said was merely the truth.

I shook my head, placing my gaze on the moon in the sky.

It peeped through the clouds, shining its silver light on the estate and beyond.

Just then, my mother withdrew her hand from my shoulder, sighing heavily. “I know all I did was wrong. Two innocent people died in my attempt to get rid of Phoebe. The affair would’ve probably never happened if I hadn’t–”

“What?” I fixed my gaze on her, my eyebrows furrowed with confusion. “What the heck are you talking about?”

I swerved my body to my mother, causing her to gulp as she looked away from me, scratching the back of her neck.

She couldn’t be saying what I thought she was trying to say, right?

“I– I’m the one who bribed Negan’s butler to place a powerful aphrodisiac in Phoebe’s and the Beta’s drinks that night.” She blurted, lowering her gaze. “Then I managed to get that footage of them after the drug started taking effect. Also, I– I wanted to get rid of Phoebe in a silent way and was going to use the poison at the Luna ball, but someone sabotaged me.”

What the fuck?!

I shook my head erratically, stepping away from her before I did something rash. Could this woman hear herself right now?

“You caused the death of a Luna of another pack, mother!” I yelled, staring at her in disbelief. “The Crescent moon pack broke their alliance with us because of you. Our pack lost an important member of the elites because of you!”

She shivered, bringing her hands to her face and rubbing her palms together. “I’m… I’m sorry. I’ve committed grave sins. I don’t know who was trying to sabotage me that night at the Luna Ball, but–”

“If the person hadn’t sabotaged you, my mate would’ve been dead!” I snapped, stepping menacingly toward her.

However, I stopped myself just mere inches away from her, brushing my hand through my hair trying to calm myself.

At this point, my mother broke down into sobs, falling to her knees and looking away from me.

“Phoebe would’ve never cheated if you hadn’t spiked her drink.” I scoffed at the thought, smiling bitterly. “Negan would’ve never betrayed me. You single handedly almost destroyed a friendship, a marriage, and the stability of this pack in general.”

My gaze became cold as I glared at her, balling my hands into fists.

She remained kneeling on the ground; my own mother. Her crimes were just too grave.

If I hadn’t found out so dramatically about Phoebe’s infidelity, which should’ve never happened in the first place, then my mind wouldn’t have weakened enough to give Elsa and the Delta the room to betray me.

I would’ve probably noticed the signs.

“The punishment for such grave crimes is equally grave, Mother,” I uttered coldly, my voice remaining firm. “I hope you know that?”

She stiffened but didn’t dare look at me. She remained kneeling on the ground, her head buried in the ground.

“I’ll… I’ll accept any punishment you give me, Kaene.” She stuttered, her voice shaking. “I’ll… I’ll accept my fate. I– I deserve whatever you want to do. Just please, forgive me.”

My heart softened briefly just then. I tilted my head, playing around with my fingers while closing my eyes and trying to catch my breath.

This was… A lot. She’s my mother, but I also had my duties to fulfill as Alpha.

I couldn’t be impartial but I didn’t want to be cruel either.

“I’m relinquishing you of all your privileges as former Luna,” I announced, my tone and facial expression remaining neutral. “You’ll no longer be assigned maids, or be given the respect of a former Luna. You can continue staying in this mansion if you want, but that’s it.”

My mother hesitated at first but soon nodded profusely, accepting her punishment just like she said she would.

“I… I accept. Thank you, Kaene. I–”

“I’m not finished.” I interrupted her, drawing in a deep breath. “You’ll also have to confess to Phoebe. I’ll do that for you if you want, but your fate truly lies in her hands.”