The Perfect Luna by Marissa Gilbert

Chapter 8. The Alpha Ball

Ria was descending the stairs slowly and with grace, noticing how Brayden turned to see what everybody else was looking at. He was shocked that it was his own wife. And Riannon found this offensive. So, when he offered her his hand to the displeasure of princess Peach… ghm, Roxy in her ugly peach dress, she ignored that and went past them as if they did not know each other. The move made another wave of whispers erupt. And in the werewolf world whispers were nothing – everyone could hear what the conversation was about.

Ria went to greet a few couples that she knew, all of them stretched their best smiles for her, not commenting on the awkward situation. She was done with that quickly and since the party seemed to go on, she decided to go and get herself some liquid courage. Goddess knew she needed some today.

From the corner of her eye, she noticed that the balcony on the other side of the room, the one that was usually used by the owner of the house, Alpha Richards, was covered with white curtains to hide what was going on inside. She could see a few figures moving there but that was about it. She was curious what it was about but not to the extent to actually go and

check for herself.

as

“Luna Thorn,” a male voice appeared behind her back and she turned to face an unfamiliar alpha. He was one of the new and younger ones as she didn’t know him. In some packs, alphas were changing frequently due to power struggles. She and Brayden managed to avoid those and were considered something like elders even though she was 25 and he was 26.

“Hello,” she greeted him with a soft smile. After all, it was only polite.

“Alpha Zach Morgan,” the man introduced himself and he looked to be in his late 20s as well, “The Alpha of the Emerald Mountain pack.”

“Ah, I’ve heard,” Riannon was now interested. Everybody heard the rumours about the alpha’s bastard child who challenged his elder brother (who was a moron, by the way) and won his title, “Impressive!”

“A compliment from someone like you is a compliment indeed,” he smirked and gestured for the barmen to serve them drinks, “Champagne for the lady and brandy for me.”

He didn’t even ask her. Alphas were like that.

“Riannon,” another Alpha appeared from her other side, “Looking gorgeous as ever.”

His hand wrapped around her waist as if it belonged there, making Zach growl quietly as a

warning

her. They both thought that she was back on the market.

How funny! But also useful. Because she was, after all, on the market. Even though she had another

man’s mark on her neck. But that man was with someone else now, enjoying his time. As far as Ria remembered from the previous life, the two of them had a blast while she was forgotten. She hid in a corner in a modest dress and left early. Alone. Her heart was broken and she couldn’t even talk to anyone, although she did her best. As always.

Now the game was on. Her heart was not aching anymore.

hungry gazes everyone had on her. Every. Single. Male. And maybe it was petty, but she loved the attention. She craved it after everything that happened. She needed to feel like a woman

to it that they all looked around. For a second Ria thought that it could be Brayden who finally noticed her, but he was in the other corner of the room, introducing Roxy to his Alpha pals. He gave her a glance when he felt her looking and an apologetic smile to go with it.

who was that

it!” a third Alpha joined them, “It’s just Lycans going crazy. Riannon, you are simply breath-taking

her lashes, thinking that she

is shocked. They are invited every year but they never attend, probably thinking that they are too good for us! And yesterday Alpha Jones received a call that the Lycan King himself

imagine?”

laugh, “So, Ria, will you save me a

“I don’t see why…”

she heard a firm voice behind her back and turned

the whole situation. What was his problem? “My Luna promised to

Was he

about one dance in the car. And after that,” she glanced over the company of at least five single Alphas around her, “I can dance with my old… friends. And the

her words and

effect on them. The dress was a

the Beta offered her his hand and she

winked at the other guys and they all either nodded or smirked at

knew very well that some of them were serious about her. There was Alpha Maddox, Brayden’s old rival. He stated more than once his desire to take her as his Luna back in the day. And Alpha Grayson was showing her signs of admiration before too. She always pretended not to notice before but she knew very well how they looked at her. Females with pure Alpha blood were rare. Her wolf had an immaculate silver coat, which was unique as well. On top of that,

he met his mate… Even in spite of them

having a bond of their own,

them hope, you know.” Ash told her all of a sudden and she gave

direction because his gaze seemed to burn

“You are the Luna…”

time of his life with his mate, Ash,” she rolled her eyes, “What do you want me

his grasp on her became tighter, “Is there really

think there isn’t?” she gave

voice was firm, “Brayden will never divorce you. This girl is just… for his wolf. You can find someone like that too. In our

look for my mate too!” she snorted and ignored his frown, “I am not

came to its end and she left him

her!” some girl was talking at the

reject his mate even though he already marked her!

she hangs herself

over the girl. It was just some bimbo one of the