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

into my

to visit the Pack leaders staying in the side building and wanted to make sure that I was armed in case

the room numbers of all of the Southern wedding guests. I was very grateful for this attention to detail. It

of the names and numbers, but I studied it again anyway to make sure I hadn’t gotten

to gather myself, and after I took a few deep breaths, I touched my golden eagle necklace. I could do this. I had to do this,

was feeling calm, I carefully crossed the room and then opened the door. I waited to make sure Finnick and Erika hadn’t

safe. I had once feared the shadows, back when I was alone in Rosepetal, waiting for Asher to return every night. Back then, darkness had meant endless waiting. And after the inferno, when

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

Everything was so different now. I had no idea who Emmett was. I didn’t even know who

identity, of course… so was I

I shook

away.

family had

had been crushed and rebuilt and then

I had to move on, by instinct. Even though my wolf was gone, her

upstairs. A crack of the wooden staircase

Whoever was there walked in the darkness as I

around like I was? Who was it? An

breath as my eyes darted around, but my heart bumped drastically