Alpha King’s Lost Luna by Aubrey Pepper

Chapter 47 Pet store

CA SSANDRA

As the days went by, I couldn’t get the cold look on Asher’s face out of my mind. It lingered there like a ghost and haunted my every move.

The way he’d dismissed me, the way his lips had drawn into a thin line…

But what else had he expected me to do? I didn’t want to stay here or compète with Adalyn for his affection. I wanted to complete my research, find a cure for the Alpha King’s mysterious condition, and leave Anemond for good.

And yet, the image of Asher’s face made my heart wrench.

“Mommy!” Finnick called out and interrupted my thoughts. I shifted my attention to my son and forced a smile. He was dressed up in brand new clothes and his normally serious face was bright and cheery.

Though I tried to replicate his enthusiasm, he saw through me right away, and

his smile turned into a frown.

“Mommy,” he complained. “What’s wrong? You’ve been so distracted.”

It was an intelligent observation and I knew I needed to save face.

“I’m sorry baby,” I apologized. “I’ve just been so busy that I’m a little tired. But you look so nice in your new clothes.”

Finnick’s frown shifted back into a grin.

It was true. He’d been gifted a whole set of new clothing from the royal staff, and he looked like a proper young man. Today, he’d chosen a pair of tan trousers and a navy blue sweater that made his eyes even more gray than usual.

“Thanks, Mommy,” he said.

own new sweater. Mine was a similar

you ready to go?” I asked, and when Finnick nodded, my smile was genuine. His excitement touched my heart

Asher.

your jacket,” I advised. “We need to be

Mommy,” Finnick replied, and after he grabbed his jacket, I double-checked my purse and made sure I had everything necessary. Once I was certain I was ready, I grabbed my own jacket and took my son’s

of the room and into the busy hall, and then we

going to visit the main street of Anemond. Much to my relief the hunting festival had just ended, so it wouldn’t be as bustling as

for sale. Trinkets, books, exotic taxidermied

and I felt

finally made it to the main street, my jaw dropped a little.

was just as bustling as the

streets, maneuvering around each other like schools of fish. For a moment, I was a little overwhelmed by the sheer amount of activity, and when I looked down at Finnick, I expected the same reaction. But

surprise, Finnick was thrilled. His eyes were wide and his infectious smile was

him. Back in Wild Crawler territory, we didn’t

this.

nodded back, I took a deep breath, and we walked into

we made

out all of the various stalls and displays. He was in awe of everything, just

was young.

perched in the center of the market. Their exotic instruments sent a chill

we stopped in front of it, my jaw

were selling adorable puppies. When my eyes flew to the sign above the

the shop

with my father and brother when

dragged Father to the shop. It took a lot of convincing but he finally caved and took us there. The moment we stepped foot in the shop, Ector and I were absolutely enamored

over the years that would