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.

up,” she exclaimed. “You’re

at each other again, pure happiness flowing

“Yes,” Ayla replied.

and was around

tears of joy began to well in her eyes. Briggs and my father were up and clapping my back in congratulations. Over the next five to ten minutes, more smiles

said as he squeezed Ayla happily. “Let’s

will be just

pulled her to

go back to the dress shop as

see Jimmy standing in the doorway, panting and looking disheveled.

problem,” he burst

hall behind him, checking in all directions before shutting and locking the bolt before coming in and collapsing on the couch. He was wearing sweatpants and a T–shirt but no shoes. He must have shifted to get here. Ayla

insisted, feeling his

group of having ties to the Waar Pak.

“And?”

Pak, alright,” he said. “They don’t come out and claim the name. At least not yet. Right now they are referring to

names?‘ I

me gravely. “Yeah,” he replied with a nod. “A few actually. Sarah Walport’s man, John, was there. I know you were worried about him. But… the

my fists clenching

nodded in confirmation. “I got a good look before someone recognized me. I didn’t raise any flags at first. But someone voiced my loyalty to Luna 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.

mind–linking those we knew were loyal to us. I pulled my phone out of my pocket.

need Randy here,” I said,

“Yeah?” he answered.

private?” I asked

he replied casually. “I’m not sure if I can but what’s the plan?”