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.

of my ivory-fitted dress that reaches the floor. My hair is pulled up in a stylish updo with a small

been a while since

of this empire! It is with my greatest pleasure to announce none other than my daughter, Ms Zaia Toussaint!) Dad says and everyone begins clapping as the cameras pan

have aimed to grow, to do better every single

glass from me as Dad holds his hand out to me,

way over to Father, and allow him to help me up the steps to the stage. I glance out at everyone gathered here, waiting for

do that when you are not expecting

light laughter, and I smile. “I want to 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

last but not least, I want to thank Atticus Payne for always being an incredible friend, and for always supporting

behind my ear, only for it to slip out again. Everyone claps and Dad gives me

are surrounding 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 when I suddenly feel as

intense gaze that reminds me of one person and it makes my heart pound. I close my eyes, my

all I see is the back of a man in a black suit,

hard part is over. I’m exhausted mentally from all the socialising, and I just want to head home and curl up with my babies. I have just gotten

know I

just a few hours left. Get back in there.” I

I know my personal assistant picked it out, but this single 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 sure I’ll be

face and exit the ladies’ room, almost tripping over the hem of my skirt. I frown, bending

gasp as something catches on my

dress come loose and my hands instantly

“I do apologise, I…”

heart thuds as the husky voice behind me

A voice I recognise…

I say quietly, refusing to turn. I scan the hall, my eyes darting back to the bathroom door as I clutch my dress

on my 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

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

pounding as he steps closer, and I step away, but it’s a mistake because I now see him in the mirror before me. However, I refuse to look at his face. If I don’t see it, it’s not

effect on me. I spent years trying to get rid of those

the string and I gasp, loosening my hold a little. Deftly, he pulls the strings tight, yanking

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