The Luna Trials by Marissa Gilbert

20. Breaking Balls

Savvy tensed as her head snapped in the direction of an enormous lycan walking out of the door in front of them. Tall, with longish ginger hair and a short beard, he was a beast of a man. Bigger than Kai and Lachlan put together. So big that Savvy wondered in her mind where he purchased clothes his size because his jeans and red black flannel shirt were fitting him perfectly. It must have been a special order.

“Aspen, old mutt!” Kai chuckled at the stranger, and Savvy relaxed instantly. So, it wasn’t a dangerous situation of any kind. “Still can’t get over your loss last time? Mind your mouth today, though. I brought a lady to this gods’ forsaken place.”

“Fenrir with you,” the giant let out a chesty laugh. “And I thought you were a king who could afford to take women to a decent restaurant! How cheap are you to bring the lady here?!”

“Maybe I am just not that special to him,” Savvy offered, cockily deciding to rub salt in the wound. Immediately Kai’s hand wrapped around her waist possessively.

“We’ll see about that one,” Aspen’s eyes traced his movement, and a discerning smile appeared on his face. “Well, don’t just stand there! Come inside!”

The three of them walked into the spacious but cosy pub. It was decorated according to the best northern traditions, and a white bear’s head on the wall did not escape Savvy‘s eyes. No wonder they never liked each other with the lycans.

The entrance hall to the pub was painted with white and blue traditional northern patterns, while the fireplace welcomed them with a crackling fire and the comforting light of the flame. There were a few private cabins on the left with soft leather seats, a bar with light-coloured wooden tables, and high stools with windows running along one wall for their customers to enjoy

a picturesque view of the forest. Although, at the moment, they could only see the darkness of the night.

The chatter and laughter of the customers created a lovely atmosphere, and an old song was playing from the speakers.

At the very back of the establishment, Savannah noticed a pool table, but Aspen guided them the opposite way.

“I guess today you are taking the cabin,” he stated as he winked at the northern king.

“Yes, please.” Kai nodded in agreement and nudged Savvy slightly to follow the big man. He led them to a cabin hidden from everyone else and handed them their menus.

“No need for those.” The king shook his head. “We’ll have two rabbit liver pies.”

He winked at her as she stared at him in shock before quickly regaining her composure and looking at Aspen with a grin.

“Those are for him. And I’ll have your Special Burger!”

“Burned!” Aspen whispered so loudly that probably everyone in the building heard him. ” must warn you that it’s a huge burger, though.”

“Good!” Savvy nodded. “I am starving! Add a coke with some fries to that.”

“I’ll have the same then,” Kai chuckled.

“What, no rabbit liver today?” his companion questioned, arching her brow playfully, as he admitted defeat by lifting his hands in the air. The pie wasn’t his favourite either.

“I was just trying to introduce you to a taste of northern food.” He pretended not to care, crossing his hands on his chest and looking away.

“Hey, Aspen,” Savvy looked up at the lycan, who was watching the two of them with amusement and asked. “Are you a northerner?”

“Born and bred.” He hit himself on the chest with pride. “Who will be cooking these burgers?” she asked innocently.

“For him, some intern in my kitchen. For you, I will do everything myself!” The giant snorted, and they heard Kai growl a warning.

“See?” Savannah rolled her eyes, “I still have northern food made by the best the North has to offer!”

Aspen disappeared into the kitchen, and for the first time, they found themselves alone… Neither of them knew what to say

“This is probably not what you imagined?” He tapped his fingers over the wooden surface of the table.

“I never imagined us having a date at all,” she admitted softly. “Here or anywhere else.”

“I imagined it since the moment I met you, but it was today that I knew I’d be taking you here.”

a special place to you?” Savvy decided not to beat around the

and moved it to the corner of the table, letting her feel the carvings on

Ronja –

the carving for a while with her lips parted

your

memory with her. “We would come here to … to feel normal, I guess. It worked each time. Here, my mother

questioningly. “I think it is,” she agreed, a little smile dancing

he did, not sparing the smallest detail, even some of the most embarrassing

away from his house when he was little but not quite making it past the bridge before his father’s Beta caught him. He delivered him here to his parents, who probably were trying to have a normal

father’s expression, “This little brat again! Aspen and Celia were here too, watching the whole

choked. “Is Aspen Celia’s brother?!” “Yeah,” Kai replied matter-of-factly, unaware of the problem. “Celia’s brother is making me food?” The girl’s

trouble for you?” Aspen reappeared, wearing an apron, and carrying two plates in his large hands, placing them on the

cleared her throat uncomfortably, hoping that he hadn’t tried to poison her food and forced

course she does!” the giant sighed. “Ever since she became friends with Penelope, she has been

the princess lied,

this,” he leaned all the way to her ear and whispered something that

your help, Buddy!” he snarled at his friend. “I think we can take it from here.” “Thank you, Aspen,” Savannah grinned, “you are the best northerner

sure are temperamental!” Savvy let out a little laugh and took her burger

and so comforting for both of them. As if this was how

with her gaze. “I am not sure how” She bit

game table. “It’s not as easy as it looks, but, luckily for you,

one!” Aspen grunted as

clear that all this was just a joke to him. “It’s just that you are a sore loser looking

watched him and nodded as he explained every single detail, her fingers brushing over the wooden cue in her hand, drawing his attention each

it!” She smiled when he was

behind her, pressing his hard body

sweet of you,” she chirped and leaned forward, taking position and aiming at the cue

that,” Kai gently bent over her, his breath tickling her ear, hands over

to move the cue and then pointed at the shiny white ball. “Hit that one, and

not see it, the sound alone made

cue ball with precise strength and aiming, doing a clean breaking and pocketing one of her balls along

sly look on her face, a smirk curling her lips. “You

him no attention, aiming to pocket the next ball and doing so brilliantly. “We call

finally missed, he managed to pocket a couple as well. When he was about to repeat his

am only trying to teach

on

cheating!”

excuses!” Aspen

and jumped onto the table, shaking her shoulders in

Aspen snorted and went back to the kitchen. Kai watched her, so happy and daring, knowing

trapped her between the table and himself. She froze, not knowing what he was about to do. His lips curved cunningly like a predator toying

touching and noses brushing over

on his face was catching, and soon

snorted, trying to break the romantic mood that suddenly overwhelmed and scared

the table, gently

go!”

argue. She also remained quiet when he

was terrifying to start trusting a man again, but with him. With him,

drove off while Savvy hugged him, much

his. It was undeniable that he was

to get off as quickly as possible, twisting her foot in her high-heeled shoes during the attempt, but luckily he

and took off her helmet as well, watching how her shiny hair tumbled over her shoulders. She looked so tiny in his huge leather