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.

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

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,

greatest pleasure to announce none other than my daughter,

grow, to do better every single day, but I

Red,” Atticus whispers in my ear, taking my glass from me as Dad holds his hand out to me, motioning me to step onto the stage. I look

deep breath, smiling for the cameras as I make my way over to Father, and allow him to help me up the steps to the stage.

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 supporting and guiding me and above all,

Atticus Payne for always being an

it behind my ear, only for it to slip out again. Everyone

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

it makes my heart pound. I close my eyes,

on the far end, but all I see is the back

to head home and curl up with my babies. I have just gotten off the phone

had bid the kids goodnight before ending the call. I know I need to return…

on, Zaia, just a few hours left. Get back in there.” I tell myself as

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.

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

my arm knocks into someone, making me gasp as something catches on my pearl strap and

feel my dress come loose and my hands instantly

“I do apologise, I…”

the husky

A voice I recognise…

turn. I scan the hall, my eyes darting back to the bathroom door as I

making goosebumps rise 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

brush the satin until he grabs a hold

is pounding as he steps closer, and I step away, but it’s a mistake because I now see him in the mirror before

strange reason still has an effect on me.

string and I gasp, loosening my hold

his body envelops me, and his knuckles graze down my back, making my core clench and awakening a terrifying