Alpha King’s Lost Luna by Aubrey Pepper

Chapter 268

CASSANDRA

When Ms. Benn arrived at my room to pick up Lila, she handed me a small, folded–up piece of

paper.

“It’s an updated list of guests,” she explained when I frowned at her in confusion. “Many of the guests originally listed didn’t come and some new names have been added.”

When I nodded my head, she released a reluctant sigh.

“I also did as you requested and arranged most of the Southern guests in this building,” she revealed, a pained expression in her voice.

Though I wasn’t proud of my actions, I knew they’d been necessary. Just before Ms. Benn had left my chamber earlier that day, I’d demanded that she move the Southerners to the same building I resided in. She’d been reluctant to oblige my request, but I hadn’t taken no for an answer.

I was pleased to know that at the very least, she’d followed through. I hadn’t liked my actions, but this was too important of an opportunity to waste.

“Thank you, Ms. Benn,” I said.

“I don’t need your thanks,” the head housekeeper sniffed and her ice–blue eyes glared at me for a moment before they softened slightly. Still, her irritated expression remained. “I want you to keep your promise, Cassandra, and bring no harm to my daughter. Lila is a good girl, and even though she has some constrained thoughts, she’s still my daughter. Nothing could take her away from me. I would do anything for her.”

I nodded my head. “I know. I understand the feeling of being a mother. e-”

“You know nothing,” Ms. Benn rudely cut me off as her eyes shot daggers in my direction. I noticed the dark circles beneath them, as well as the redness. Something had happened, though I knew she would not tell me what. Ms. Benn seemed to have a million secrets, and while I was curious, I knew they didn’t matter. I had too many other things occupying my mind to bother.

Just as I was about to turn around and close the door, Ms. Benn’s lips parted and then trembled, as if she wanted to say something else. I stood there patiently for the briefest of moments, arms awkwardly hovering on the doorknob as I waited for her to speak, but instead, she let out a soft exhale and then turned and left.

***

That night, after Erika and Finnick had fallen asleep, I carefully dressed myself in the blackest clothes I owned and pulled my hair back into a braid so it wouldn’t get in my face. I pulled on a comfortable and quiet pair of shoes, and once they were secure, I put on the tiny necklace weapon Helene had gifted me so long ago. I tucked it beneath the neck of my shirt and then walked over to the small dresser beside my bed and retrieved my medical kit. I grabbed a few syringes of

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Chapter 268

my pocket, ensuring that they

in the side building and wanted to make sure that I

been very thorough and noted both the names and the room numbers of all of the Southern wedding guests. I was very grateful for this attention to

had memorized a good chunk of the names and numbers, but I studied it

deep breaths, I touched my golden

sure Finnick and Erika

than I’d expected, and I hadn’t thought to bring lights with me. I supposed I didn’t need them really. Something about the darkness weirdly made me feel safe. I had once feared the shadows, back when

that dreaded fire. It had been absolutely terrifying to not be able to see at first, but after a while, I felt safer

of Emmett, the man I had once believed was a hero. Everything was so different now.

identity, of course… so was I really Cora?

I shook

away.

at the notion. Cora had died, her family had vanished, and her wolf had gone

crushed and rebuilt and

instinct. Even though my wolf was gone, her instinct

in my thoughts, I heard a slight noise from upstairs. A crack of the wooden staircase beyond me. I was

nothing. Whoever was there walked

sneaking around like I was? Who was it? An assassin?

to hold my breath as my eyes darted around, but my heart