The Luna’s Choice by Kat Silver

Chapter 57: Theo

Ayla and I were trying desperately to hide our excitement throughout the entire dinner. As I looked around the table at my parents and

Briggs and Mina, it was getting harder and harder not to just blurt it out. The fact that Mina had been eyeing Ayla suspiciously all evening didn’t help. Thankfully, it was the end of the meal. I didn’t have to wait any longer.

‘Are you sure you don’t want to wait for Jimmy,‘ Ayla linked me.

‘No, he said he likely wasn’t going to make it,‘ I said, disappointed. ‘But he insisted there was something important he had to do.‘

‘Okay,‘ she replied. ‘You ready?‘

‘Are you kidding?‘ I teased, throwing my arm around her shoulder.

She elbowed me subtly before clearing her throat to get everyone’s attention.

“So, Grace,” she said. “I’m afraid I have some bad news.’

“Oh?” Mom replied, the atmosphere dropping slightly.

”

“You know the dress we had picked out for the ceremony?” Ayla stated. “Well, I think we’re going to have to return it. I don’t think the style is going to be appropriate anymore.”

“Honey, what are you talking about?” Mom said, not catching on that she was trying to tell her something else. “The dress looks stunning on you. It’s perfect.”

“Now, perhaps,” Ayla continued. “But I think I need something that will be a bit more… accommodating.” She looked at me with a wry grin and I kissed her temple. “My figure isn’t going to be the same by the solstice. I’ll probably be a bit… rounder.”

The room went silent for a moment as everyone let her words sink in. A huge smile slowly spread across Mina’s face.

was up,” she exclaimed.

looked at each other again,

“Yes,” Ayla replied.

and was around the table in a

hugging Ayla tightly. My mother was covering her mouth as tears of joy began to well in her eyes. Briggs and my father were up and clapping my back in

squeezed Ayla happily. “Let’s not

be

my arm around her waist and pulled her to me. Mom came up and grabbed

dress

all turned to see Jimmy standing in the doorway, panting and looking

problem,” he burst

on the couch. He was wearing sweatpants and a T–shirt but no shoes. He must have

happened?” I insisted, feeling his

a local group of having ties to the

“And?”

said. “They don’t come out and claim the name. At least not yet. Right now they are referring to themselves as Purists, but what they’re spouting is pure Waar

get names?‘

man, John, was

fists clenching in rage.

and that caused some issues. Theo, they weren’t just trying to run me out of the meeting. If I hadn’t gotten away… well, I’m not sure exactly what they would have done with me, but it wouldn’t have been to just let me walk away. They’re planning something they want to keep secret. We need to move fast before they

started mind–linking those we knew were loyal to us. I

here,” I said, dialing his

“Yeah?” he answered.

somewhere private?” I asked

replied casually. “I’m not sure if I