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.

a similar knit, but instead of blue, it was a nice

my smile was genuine. His excitement touched my heart and healed

Asher.

jacket,” I advised. “We need to be prepared for it to be a

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

and into the busy hall, and then we made our way to the entrance

Anemond. Much to my relief the hunting festival had just

wonderfully interesting things for sale. Trinkets, books, exotic taxidermied animals, and various other wares filled the many stalls and carts posted up on the streets, along with areas for food and beverages. made from precious plants that only grew in the

things for sale, there were talent shows and performances that I watched with curious eyes. It was an exciting time here in Anemond, and I felt a

finally made it to the main street, my

was just as bustling

filled 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

wide and his infectious smile was on full

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

this.

nodded back, I

tightly as we made our way

the various stalls and displays.

was young.

the air, and with them, a chorus of music from a few musicians perched in the center of the

when we stopped in front of it, my jaw nearly dropped again and my

see they were selling adorable puppies. When my eyes flew to

think the shop still

my father

and I had 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 by the cute puppies, and we desperately wanted Father to buy one for us.

had raised several ferocious hounds over the years that would