The Luna’s Choice by Kat Silver

Chapter 21: Theo

“Everything okay?” Will asked.

I had shot out of bed in a panic when Ayla’s pain woke me up. I ended up knocking the clock off the nightstand as I searched for my phone, so Will was up with me now.

I nodded. “Yeah, she’s fine,” I told him. “Just tripped.”

I ran my hands over my face. I should have tried to get some more sleep, but I was wide awake. So, that wasn’t going to happen. Especially since I could still feel the sting of Ayla’s injury. The pain wasn’t bad, but it was just another reminder that I wasn’t there with her.

I headed to the bathroom to take a cool shower. I might as well get back to the station to get this over with. When I got out, Will was on the phone with Beth and the kids. I had felt guilty about keeping my distance as long as I had, but that guilt lessened every time I heard him on the phone. He may have felt hurt, but when I thought about my complicated life and relationship, I couldn’t feel bad for not dragging him into it all. I just hoped that he would be able to go back to his life after this trip.

I got dressed and grabbed my wallet and keys as Will got off the phone.

“You get cleaned up. I’ll grab us something to eat,” I told him as I headed for the door.

There was a diner a few doors down from the hotel. I pulled up and went in to order something to go. I sat at the counter and grabbed a

menu. A waitress came over with a bright smile and was entirely too perky for me to handle today.

“Hey, there,” she greeted me. “My name is Maddi. What can I get for you today?”

I gave her the food order, letting her know it was to go.

“Aw, that’s too bad,” she said. “You sure you don’t want this for here? I would love the company.”

I would like this to go, please,” I said, trying to remain polite. “But you can bring me a cup of coffee while

“Will do.”

I pulled my phone out, texting Ayla. I knew she was probably in class by now, so it was a pleasant surprise when she messaged me back right away. I messaged her back and our conversation continued. She told me about

think I’ve ever seen you here before,” the waitress said as she leaned on the counter in front of me. “Are you passing through

she was trying to make. There were other customers she could

time while you’re here,” she said, her

my chest. I snapped my hand away, appalled that

like that,” Maddi

to the mark

hand

My fists clenched as my aura began to

room.

called sternly behind me. I turned to see Sheriff McCabe approaching. “Get back to work. Go check

eyes went wide, looking back at me. She

the kitchen without another word. McCabe dropped into the stool

can forgive our town floozy. She has

If only because this town has been through enough. But she’s lucky my

our Luna may not be the stupidest thing she’s done. but I would guess it would have the

had come out carrying my order and a to–go cup of coffee. She shot McCabe a dirty look and aggressively set the paper cup in front of him.

McCabe said. Maddi started to protest but was cut

replied shortly, escaping quickly back to the

his coffee and turned to me. “You heading to the

to swing by the hotel to pick