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.”

this a special place to you?” Savvy decided not

the table, letting her feel the carvings on the edge. With her delicate fingers, the girl slid closer and traced the pattern engraved with what she

Ronja –

her lips parted before bringing herself to

here with your parents?”

some odd reason, that he wanted to share this memory with her. “We would come here to … to feel normal, I guess. It worked each time. Here, my mother and father weren’t the King and the Queen. They were just a

brow questioningly. “I think it is,” she agreed, a

smallest detail, even some of the most embarrassing stories of his childhood. He made Savannah laugh, and

when he was little but not quite making it past the bridge before his father’s

his face!” He tried to mimic his father’s expression, “This little brat again! Aspen and Celia were here too, watching the whole scene from the backroom, Their

Kai replied matter-of-factly, unaware of the problem. “Celia’s

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

he hadn’t tried to poison

course she does!” the giant sighed. “Ever since she became

bad,” the princess lied,

all the way to her ear and whispered something

not like it at all. “Thanks for 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 I have ever met!” “And you are.” The big guy began to say something, but this time Kai

gardeners sure are temperamental!” Savvy let out a little laugh and

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

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

and took her hand, pulling her toward the game table. “It’s not as easy as it looks, but, luckily

that one!” Aspen grunted as they

this was just a

into a wooden triangle. The “little maid” watched him and nodded as he

got it!” She smiled when he

her, pressing his hard body into hers. “I’ll help you to break the

you,” she chirped and leaned forward, taking position

bent over her, his breath tickling her ear, hands over hers. He

“Hit that one, and if you manage to legally pocket one of your balls, it

lips, and even though he did not see it, the sound alone made him

and aiming, doing a clean breaking

face, a smirk curling her lips. “You know how

little,” Savannah paid him no attention, aiming to pocket the next ball

hopes one by one, pocketing ball, after ball, after ball. When she finally missed, he managed to pocket a couple as well. When he was about to repeat his shot, she appeared at his side,

worry,” she whispered, “I am only trying to teach

brushed gently over the bare skin on his

cheating!” He

a sore loser looking for excuses!” Aspen burst out

jumped onto the table, shaking her shoulders in a

to the kitchen. Kai watched her, so

he trapped her between the table and himself. She froze, not knowing what

forward, their foreheads touching

The smile on his face was catching, and

you don’t read people too well,” she snorted, trying to break the romantic mood that suddenly

a little treat.” He grasped her by her waist and took her off the table, gently placing her back on the floor as if she was made out

go!”

argue. She also remained quiet when he laced his

a man again,

while Savvy hugged him, much tighter this time,

to his. It was undeniable

of one of the highest hills, parking his bike there. Savvy tried to get off as quickly as possible, twisting her foot

and took off her helmet as well, watching how her shiny hair tumbled over her shoulders. She looked so