I Am The Luna

77. A Challenge

ZAIA.

“So how old are you, Zaia?” Gerard asks as he sits back, that unnerving smirk on his face getting to me. “I am in my mid-twenties,” I reply cordially.

“A good age. Once you get to my age, you have to take care of yourself a little more,” he chuckles. “It takes a lot longer to recover from tumbles and falls.”

I raise an eyebrow. “Oh? Well, I beg to differ. I think regardless of our age, we all need to take care of ourselves.” I reply. He raises an eyebrow before he nods. “I guess that’s true, we can all be permanently wounded…”

What a strange thing to say….

“So, when did you come to the States?”

I ask. “Not too long ago. “That isn’t very clear, Mr King… Not too long ago could mean a few days, a few weeks or even a few months.” I reply.

He watches me intently before leaning forward, sparing the clock a glance before giving me all his attention. “So… why do I feel like you don’t trust me, Zaia?” Oh? How exactly did he deduce that? Unless, of course, he has something to hide…

“Oh, not at all. I don’t have an opinion of someone I have just met yet. I usually decide an opinion on what I feel depending on one’s actions… and I can’t do that so soon, We have… just met, right? Time will tell, Mr. King.” “I see…”

His demeanour changes for a second before he looks away. “Unless, of course, you expected me to recognise you,” I add quietly.

I might just be making a fool of myself, or worse, even offending someone innocent, but it is the only way I can think of to get answers.

By pretending to know more than I do. His eyes glimmer, his smirk faltering as he watches me. “The thing is… Mr King. You confuse me.” I continue.

you don’t watch the news… yet you knew of me becoming CEO.” I say, sitting back and crossing my legs gracefully. “As

your way.” “Getting rid of?” He throws his head back, roaring with laughter, a sound that grates on my nerves. “Those words are a little… extreme,

as I look across at him innocently. “Extreme? For someone who used the

as I’m enjoying this conversation, Zaia… I do take offence when insulted and you are incredibly brave to do so to my face… or incredibly stupid.” His voice

the room shifting. Our eyes meet and I refuse to back down by looking away first. I pull on every emotion in my body, feeling

he clenches his jaw. “And what façade might that be?” he asks, almost challengingly. My next sentence might

why you are here, to see for yourself? Or to attempt to kill me once

and scorn. There’s a sliver of fear that ripples through me but I refuse to show him that After all, he is possibly the one who tried to murder Val… tried to kill me… and Sebastian. He stands up, towering

you will win…because I will make sure you will not succeed.” His poisonous words are barely above a

about one thing.” I begin. He runs his fingers through my hair and

world needs to

small threats have not been enough… don’t anger me because now that you have chosen your side,

completed, that is the end of it. We have as good as won.” I say sharply. He chuckles, “Oh,

tauntingly. “I don’t get it… I understand wanting to hurt me, to hate me, but how could you try

was in. He chuckles. “Oh, that was not my doing. The boys got a little carried away.” I clench my fists trying to contain my anger.

thought makes me sick. There’s a glimmer of surprise on his face before

“Indeed.”

who don’t deserve to be called werewolves… but you, Zaia, are the perfect she- wolf,” he smirks. “You can still change your mind. Join us. What do

have made your decision, I am here to give you a warning, Zaia… so listen well. By

I don’t think he realises I am not so weak. “What warning?” I say. Now that we have a face for the attacker, we can do

tell Sebastian and together we will end his

deeply. From the very start, those messages

keeping us apart benefit them? “And why do you want us apart? I deserve

Now… here’s the deal. If you refuse… your little Sia, who is already near the end of her life, might just die a little faster… If you don’t want that, you will stay away from Sebastian.” He warns

sick. The terrifying truth that maybe she won’t live long, which I have always tried to deny has been spoken aloud and it shatters

her out of this,” I warn, my voice shaking. “The thing is Zaia, you have proven to be disobedient… so I need to keep you in line,”

at him. Not Sia…

I scream, shoving him away from

your little dew drop will be fine… In fact, I have the antidote to the poison that was given to her before she was even born.” He whispers sinisterly, his words make