His Abandoned Luna, Her Disabled Alpha

CHAPTER 5

News of Ivy's return spread like wildfire through the Silver moon pack. Rumours sprouted like weeds as people who saw Ivy, discussed her sorry state.

One such person was a friend from her high school named Juan. The young girl tucked back her voluminous golden hair, looking sad as she described Ivy's state to her friends.

"I shouldn't be saying this, only because you guys asked. I couldn't believe it was her. She looked so thin and her hair was just so lackluster. Ivy used to be full of spirit, didn't she? When I saw her on the street, she seemed to have lost all her strength. I was worried she might fall.."

The others around her exchanged looks. Ivy and Juan were friends who could be considered as rivals, both academically and in love. Growing up together, Juan constantly tried to one up Ivy but never succeeded.

Seeing Ivy in that state, no one was as happy as Juan. She quickly made calls and gathered their old classmates, just to pour acid on Ivy's clear image in their minds.

The classmates hadn't seen Ivy in many years. There were rumours that Ivy was working as a maid in the capital but those were just that. Rumours without basis.

But now...

"It doesn't feel right to talk about her like this." A quiet girl sitting on the far left intervened.

Juan rolled her eyes, "I'm just telling you what I saw. Don't act like I'm bitching. If you are so concerned, why don't you go see her instead of listening to me talk?"

"I will meet her when I can. It's not your place to spread rumours about her. Wait until the Alpha hears about it." The girl said.

"Are you serious, Gigi?" Another girl said. "Alpha, Luna and even Luke haven't even mentioned her in public for years. They only talk about Emma. I almost forgot Ivy existed."

The cafe was crowded this evening. They were seated by the door and their voices were not low. Anyone entering or exiting the cafe could hear them clearly.

Jaxon was a frequent customer of this cafe. He would get a coffee anytime he visited the silver moon pack. Today was no different, except suddenly the entire pack was filled with Ivy's name.

He paused in front of the door, listening to them talk about Ivy. The streets were talking about her too, but Jaxon couldn't just stop and eavesdrop.

"Her personal life isn't our business. It's not right -"

"We're just talking, Gigi. Don't act like we are stabbing her or something. You can stop being her dog. It's been years."

Gigi blushed and stopped talking after that. She fiddled with the empty coffee cup for a while before deciding to leave.

"You're seriously leaving? Come on." Juan teased. "Ivy isn't gonna reward you for being loyal to her. She doesn't have anything left."

Gigi picked up her bag, looked back and said, "You got it wrong, Juan. I just can't stand you. That's why I'm leaving."

Juan glared until she was gone. "She's not hoping to gain Ivy's favour, is she?"

"If the rumours are true, what kind of life Ivy's gonna have? Is she still capable of keeping such loyal dogs?"

Another one chimed, "We were smart to switch over to Emma when we had the chance. She's so generous and kind. We were blinded by Ivy's lies."

"True." Juan smiled sheepishly. "I swear it was a horrid sight when I saw her. She was walking with a stick. What if she's sick? Will it spread..."

Jaxon shut the cafe door as he left. He eyed the group through the mirror once before getting in the car. He started the car but didn't drive away immediately.

Because his mind kept playing a scene on repeat. He met Ivy at the palace gate this morning. Was there anything wrong with her? He didn't notice it.

Ivy was never the one to tough it out. It was quite the opposite. She liked to let everyone know if she was sick. So why didn't she say anything if she was sick?

Why would she rather go with a stranger than take his help? In Jaxon's mind, they were still childhood friends who could rely on each other.

Frustration built up high as he thought about it. He scrolled up the contacts on his phone and called an old friend.

"Hey, Carl. Are you free at the moment? Can we meet?"

The pack house was far from rumours but the tension inside was far worse.

"Where is Ivy? Isn't she hungry?" Emma asked once everyone else had arrived at the table.

Her question froze the hands reaching for food. Luna Doris curled her fingers, just realising what was missing from the table. It was Ivy.

They were so used to this setup that no one noticed her absence. Or that Ivy had not eaten anything since she arrived.

"She'll eat when she's hungry." Luke took what he liked on his plate, not troubled by his conscience. "She's doing this on purpose to get our attention. Don't let it get to your head."

He was still bitter about their argument.

"That's rude, haha. I'll send someone to call her down." Emma waved for a maid and instructed her to call Ivy for dinner.

The maid looked reluctant to agree. It was less about her attitude and more of a space issue. The table has been a four seater since they remember. Ivy left and the seat was given to Emma. The only empty seat at present belonged to the Alpha. No one was allowed to sit there.

There was no place for Ivy at the table.

At the same time, a maid arrived at the doorway and said, "Luna, we have some guests."

"Who is it at this time?"

"Alpha Jaxon and his friend." The maid answered.

Emma beamed with joy. She hurried to fix her posture and dress so it flowed nicely. Luke saw her acting like a pretty teenager and laughed, teasing her.

"How old are you? He's your friend, not a judge. Relax." Luke waved at the maid, "Bring him in. Set up more chairs."

Emma added, "Add three chairs. One for Ivy as well."

Luke glared at her. Emma stuck out her tongue at him. Their antics made Luna Doris smile as well. The maids worried about Ivy presence ruining their appetite were also relaxed.

Sure enough, Emma was their real miss.

Jaxon walked in steadily. Right behind him was a familiar face. Luke and Jaxon had an overlapping circle. Anyone Jaxon knew, one would assume Luke was also acquainted with them. Carl was one of such mutual acquaintances.

Luke stood up to greet him. After all, he was still an Alpha. "You didn't say you were coming. Make do with whatever is made. Sit down."

Jaxon wasn't a stranger. He took a seat next to Luke as he exchanged greetings with Luna Doris and Emma. Emma just nodded, looked down at her fingers and blushed furiously.

Jaxon looked around the room but did not see Ivy, so he asked, "Where is Ivy?"

The room froze again. Luke stared at his friend, "Word travels fast, I guess. You heard she's back and rushed over to see her?"

Emma's smile disappeared. Her hands clenched on her knees, holding onto her skirt to keep calm. Her fervent gaze was locked on Jaxon, though he seemed to not notice it.

The Alpha shook his head and laughed, "What's gotten in your pants today? Ivy is my friend too. I heard she's sick so I brought Carl with me to check on her."

"What? Where did you hear that?" Luke asked. "Besides, we can treat her on our own if she's sick. Why are you going an extra mile for her? Jaxon, are you taking Emma for granted?"

His voice was laced with accusation as well as warning. Emma was now his destiny. Their engagement had been recognised by everyone in the pack as well as other packs, though it wasn't official. Jaxon's attitude towards Ivy was a direct threat to Emma.

Luke had used up all his patience today to deal with Ivy. He didn't have anymore to spare on Jaxon. He was ready to kick him out if Jaxon said anything wrong to make Emma cry.

"That's not what I mean." Jaxon glanced in Emma's direction and smiled, "Ivy and I grew up together. She's like a sister to me. Can't I care for her like you care for Emma? Is it wrong?"

"Sister?" Luke scoffed. "Then keep it that way. Don't cross the line. Don't you dare hurt Emma."

He gestured at Carl and said, "We don't need him for now. Stay away from Ivy."

Jaxon wasn't deaf to Luke's warning. He was not ready to make an enemy out of him for Ivy's sake. He recalled how Ivy rejected him and decided to step back.

He stayed briefly for dinner. Nobody ate well because of the tense atmosphere. Jaxon politely declined Emma's request to stay for dessert and left with Carl hot on his heels.