Rebirth Of The Rejected Luna Chapter 38: How Could You Abandon Me For Her

**Theo's POV**

It took quite a while, and lots of work to get back to the pack, but we made it to the pack house. A relief came to the sight of recognizing familiar buildings but the tension from the recent battles was still running high. When we got off our horses my first action was all I could think was to look for Tiana.

As soon as possible, I left my horse to the care of a boy and pushed through the crowded pack house. In the courtyard guards and servants were at work going about their activities, yet I did not pay attention to them. My thinking was, of course, entirely concentrated on Tiana.

"Is Lady Tiana in her chambers?" I asked a maid who I knew was familiar with Tiana.

"No. She is in the garden," the maid smiled and gave a slight bow before walking off.

As promised I came to find her where she would be and there she was taking care of the herbs and flowers in the garden. She made me happy just by being there and I yelled out to her. "Tiana!"

She raised her head and smiled the moment she saw me. "Theo! You're back!" She quickly came over and then stood awkwardly. I could not help but pull her against me.

"I was so worried," she mumbled against her chest. "Layla and Amara have been. Is everything okay?"

"I'm fine," I assured her, holding her close. From what she said, it meant Peter had been able to keep the whole situation undercover which was a gold thing.

She pulled back slightly, "Are you sure you're okay?"

"I'm sure," I said, smiling down at her. "I missed you."

"I missed you too," she replied softly and hesitantly. She still was not sure where we stood and neither was I.

We talked for a few moments, catching up on what had happened while I was away. Tiana told me about the dinners and tea parties she has had with my sister and Amara.

"I have to go," I said reluctantly, knowing there were pressing matters to attend to. "But I'll see you later."

"Of course," she said, giving me a reassuring smile. "Go do what you need to do."

As I left the garden and walked through the hallways, I was suddenly accosted by Fiona. She was visibly upset, her eyes blazing with anger.

"Theo, how could you?" she demanded, blocking my path. "You abandoned me for that stranger woman you let into the pack."

"Fiona, calm down," I said, trying to keep my voice steady. "This isn't the time for this."

"Calm down?" she echoed, her voice rising. "You were gone for days without a word to any of us, and the first thing you do when you get back is go to her? What about your responsibilities here? What about us?"

"Us?" I repeated, confused. "Fiona, Tiana needed to know I was safe. I was worried about her."

"And you weren't worried about me?" she shot back, her eyes flashing with hurt and anger. "We've been best friends since we were kids, Theo. But now, it's like I don't even exist to you."

"That's not true," I said, feeling my own frustration rising. "But you need to be rational about this. There are more important things at stake here."

"Important things like Tiana?" she spat. "She's not even part of this pack. You brought her in, and now she's all you care about."

"That's enough, Fiona," I said sharply, my patience wearing thin. "Tiana is part of this pack now, and she deserves to be treated with respect. This isn't just about you or me."

Fiona glared at me, her face flushed with anger. "You're not the person I thought you were, Theo."

"Maybe not," I said, my voice cold. "But I have responsibilities, and I won't let personal feelings get in the way. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have to go."

I turned on my heel and walked away, leaving Fiona standing in the hallway, fuming. My mood was soured by the encounter, but I couldn't afford to dwell on it. There were more important matters to attend to.

I made my way to my father's chambers, where he was waiting for me. He looked up as I entered, his expression a mix of relief and irritation.

"Where did you go, Theo?" he asked, his tone stern. "You disappeared as soon as we got back."

"I went to see if Tiana was doing okay," I replied, trying to keep my voice steady.

My father's eyes narrowed, his jaw tightening. "You forgot everything else to go see Tiana first?"

I felt a pang of guilt at the disappointment in his voice. "Yes, I did," I admitted. "I needed to know she was safe."

"And what about your duties here?" he demanded. "Your responsibilities to the pack? To me?"

"I know," I said, my voice barely above a whisper. "I let my personal feelings get in the way. I'm sorry."

"Sorry isn't good enough, Theo," my father said, his voice cold. "You need to understand what's at stake here. This isn't just about you or Tiana. It's about the entire pack."

"I do understand," I said, meeting his gaze. "And I promise it won't happen again."

"It better not," he said, his expression softening slightly. "We need to stay focused if we're going to get through this."

"I will," I assured him.

"Good," my father said, nodding. "Now, let's get to work. We have a lot to do."

"Would you like to get some rest first?" I offered. "Then we go to the throne room and discuss with the courtiers?"

My father only harrumphed and said nothing. I could tell that he was still upset at me for disappearing right after we came back.

"Would you like me to call Peter and discuss with him first?" I asked. "You know...before we talk to the courtiers?"

"Not yet," he sighed. "I need to rest. In an hour's time, I'll speak with him.”