I Am The Luna

I Am The Luna by Moonlight Muse Chapter 26

A Scatter of Pearls

ZAIA. “Have I already told you that you look beautiful tonight?” Someone whispers in my ear. My breath hitches, not sensing him coming closer and I almost turn when a hand touches my waist, stopping me.

His scent fills my nose and I smile, tilting my head and poking my eyes out playfully at Atticus. “Twice actually,” I say softly, sipping the champagne from my glass. He smirks. “I guess I just can’t express it enough.”

I am about to reply when Dad taps the microphone, capturing my attention. “Ladies and gentlemen, all esteemed guests, may I have your attention,” Dad says, making the chatter die through the hall.

We are in one of the lavish five-star hotels not far outside of the Crystal Shadow Pack territory for Dad’s dinner party he is hosting in my honour.

The night has been a blur of meeting people and making small talk, and not all of them are werewolves, hence Dad’s use of a microphone.

Atticus raises his eyebrows playfully at me as we both give Dad our full attention. Atticus’s pack and our pack became allies thanks to the friendship between Atticus and

Although Atticus still makes it clear that I am the one he wants, we are simply friends, but I won’t deny that I appreciate having him in my life. Even the children like having him around and call him Uncle too.

It’s nice having a friend. I never heard back from Valerie and, for some reason, the emails that I sent returned to my outbox with a ‘failed’ notification.

“As everyone knows, my Daughter Zaia Toussaint has been a great asset to my company for the last few years. Being voted in as managing director of the company last year by the board itself. I can assure you that had nothing to do with me!” He chuckles and others do, too.

He takes a moment, allowing the rush to die down before he slips his free hand into his pocket and looks at me.

“Well, it’s the truth. She has proven herself greatly and not only to me but to our company. Her hands-on approach to handling every hurdle, as well as her work ethic and professionalism towards our clients, have not only been appreciated by others, but above all by myself.” Dad continues.

the pearl strap of my ivory-fitted dress that reaches the floor. My hair is pulled up in a stylish updo with a small pearl hair ornament. A few small items of pearl jewellery

can sense many eyes on me as Dad continues and a few whispers, which I don’t bother with. “It has been a while since Mr. Simmons has been contemplating retiring from his position and tonight, hot only will I be announcing the new

this empire! It is with my greatest pleasure to announce none

eyes widen in surprise. Yes, I have aimed to grow, to do better every single day,

Atticus whispers in my ear, taking my glass from me as Dad holds his hand out to me, motioning me

allow him to help me

do that when you are not

thank everyone for attending tonight and being a part of this beautiful moment. I want to thank my father for believing in me, the board members for always supporting and guiding me and above all, I want to thank my mother, Melanie Walton for

not least, I want to thank Atticus Payne for always being an incredible friend, and for always supporting me. Thank

brush a strand of my hair back, tucking it behind my ear, only for it to slip out again. Everyone claps and Dad gives me a hug, congratulating me

me, and I’m lost in the sea of faces as I try to remember everyone’s names. I’m almost out of the crowd

reminds me of one person and it makes my heart pound. I close

I see

from all the socialising, and I just want to head home and

before ending the call. I know I need to return… the quietness of

Get back in there.” I tell myself as I

pearl strap just doesn’t feel enough to support my breasts. Well, I’ve made it through more than half of the evening. Just another hour or so to go. I’m

and exit the ladies’ room, almost tripping over the hem of my skirt. I frown, bending down as I tug it

gasp as something catches on my pearl strap and to my horror, the violent tug breaks the string, making pearls go flying

feel my dress come loose and my hands instantly go to my dress,

“I do apologise, I…”

husky voice

A voice I recognise…

my eyes darting back to the

skin as he reaches over and pulls the door open. His intoxicating scent hits me and I’m about to rush into one of the stalls when his fingers go to the side of

as his fingers. brush the satin until he grabs a hold of the string that once held the pearl’s- in

and I step away, but it’s a mistake because I now see him in the mirror

has an effect on me. I spent years trying to get rid of those emotions… I don’t need him

this have to happen? “I said let go,” he repeats, yanking at the string and I gasp, loosening my hold a little. Deftly, he pulls

and his knuckles graze down my back, making my core clench and awakening a terrifying desire I never knew