Chapter 13

ELIZA’S POV “We need to talk.” I spoke into the phone, wanting to get to the bottom of Derek’s abusive call. He couldn’t accuse me of trying to harm his mother when I had no hand in it. “Eliza?” Diana’s voice came through the phone, her voice sounding weaker than when I left her and yet still snarky. “It’s me. What’s going on? Your son called me.” I told her, shifting in the tub. Diana’s once calm voice went sharp as she spoke up again. “What’s going on?” She seemed to ask through gritted teeth. “Dr. Ardan is gone.” Diana ended, her breathing on the other line getting heavy. The venom in her tone didn’t surprise me considering the way we left things but it still stung. Just a bit. "Gone?" I asked, puzzled at her words. "What do you mean, gone?" "What do you think I mean?" Diana snapped at me, causing me to roll my eyes. "He packed up and left, just like you did. No warning, no explanation. Just... gone." "So Ardan just... left?" I asked, surprised at the revelation. Ardan had been loyal to the Crescent Moon Pack for several years even though he did some jobs for other packs on the side. He wouldn’t just pack up like that and leave. "Yes," Diana's voice was clipped. "Right after you did. Now I have no access to the specialized treatment I need. Are you happy?" She spat more venom at me. As Diana explained the situation, I understood what had happened. Ardan, their trusted wolf doctor, had apparently followed in my footsteps and left the pack shortly after my own departure. I didn’t ask him to but I guess he was as fed up with Diana and Derek as much as I was. “I have no idea why he walked out but …” “You have to get him back.” Diana cut me off, making me scoff at her entitlement. I didn’t wish her dead but I didn’t sign up to still be her lackey after what she did to me. "Of course you want me to fix this." I couldn't keep the sarcasm out of my voice. "Like I'm somehow responsible for his choices?" "You were always close to him," Diana countered. "He respected you, listened to you. Maybe if you hadn't left—" "Don't." I cut her off when she began to tread into closed territory. "My leaving had nothing to do with his decision. But you're right about one thing – I can reach out to him." I said to her, feeling a bit remorseful that Ardan had left the woman high and dry. "You will?" The surprise in Diana's voice was almost comical, like she hadn’t expected me to help out. Truth be told, I wasn’t expecting this either. "How generous," Diana's tone dripped sarcasm. "And I suppose you'll cover the costs as well?" "No," I replied firmly. "Your medical expenses are your responsibility. I’m done being your personal ATM whenever you please." “You caused him to leave. It’s only fair that you…” She pushed on but I was having none of it. “Let me spell this out for you Diana. Me helping you to get Ardan back is a good will that I didn’t plan on doing. You will stay alive and well because of me. And because of my good will, I will not be subjected to pay for your expenses. Your son is back so he can pick up from where I left off. That’s if he has the money to do so.” I put her down. Diana muttered something undoubtedly unflattering that I didn’t quite catch before hanging up. I sighed at her disrespect before scrolling through my contacts until I found Ardan's number. I called his line and he answered on the second ring. "Luna Eliza?” He started. “This is unexpected." "Ardan," I said, relief flooding my voice. "I hear you've been making waves." His chuckle was tired but genuine. "Following in your footsteps, it seems. Though I doubt that was your intention by this call." "You left them without a doctor, Ardan." I deadpanned, the now lukewarm water swirling around me. "I left them without ‘their’ doctor. There are others. I've served the Crescent Moon Pack since before you became Luna, Eliza but watching how they treated you these past years..." He sighed heavily. "Some lines shouldn't be crossed." My throat closed up for a second and my heart went warm at his words. He left because of me? That was unexpected. “Regardless of how they treated me, Diana needs you." "You're asking me to go back? Even after everything?" He asked me, his voice conveying his shock at my request. "I am." I answered him shortly, my tone not holding any jokes. “You aren’t joking are you?” He said slowly. “Unfortunately, I’m not.” I replied. Ardan chuckled softly. "Very well. Your father would be proud. Always thinking of others, just like him." The mention of my father sent a pang through my chest. "Have you been to Western Plains recently?" I asked, changing the direction of the conversation. "Not recently but the Silver Moon Pack isn't what it used to be," he said gently. "After your father’s death, many scattered. The territory's been unclaimed for years." I remembered how it was before. Our vast territories, the tight-knit community, the tradition. Everything that my father had built and protected. All gone in the blink of an eye. I wanted to bring it all back. I was going to bring it all back. "Not for much longer." My voice hardened with determination. "I'm going to rebuild it." "Rebuild your father's pack?" Ardan questioned me before going quiet for a moment, making me worry that he didn’t have trust in my abilities. "It won't be easy.” He finally said. “Recruiting members, establishing territory claims – the challenges will be significant." "When has that ever stopped me?" I told him, a small smile creeping onto my face when I realized he was still on my side. He laughed, reciprocating my thoughts. "True enough. Well, you can count on my support, Eliza. I'll return to treat Diana, but my loyalty remains with you." Ardan informed me swiftly. He wasn’t in front of me but I gave him a nod of appreciation. "Thank you, Ardan. That’s all I ask for.” I thank him before ending the call and moving on to other matters. After ending the call, I peeled off the mask from my face and stepped out of the tub, feeling the cold night air on my skin. It wasn’t the relaxing bath I had hoped for but at least I had sorted out some things. I wore my robe and stepped into my bedroom, heading straight for my laptop on the bed. I turned it on, my eyes looking through the spreadsheets for the hotel operations that awaited my attention. I had a few hours of work ahead of me before I could prepare for my return back to the Crescent Moon Park to confront my old family. Things would be different this time. They would see my value whether they liked it or not. This time I would make sure that everyone understood the value I had brought to their lives.