I Am The Luna

A Scatter of Pearls

ZAIA. “Have I already told you that you look beautiful tonight?” Someone whispers in my ear. My breath hitches, not sensing him coming closer and I almost turn when a hand touches my waist, stopping me.

His scent fills my nose and I smile, tilting my head and poking my eyes out playfully at Atticus. “Twice actually,” I say softly, sipping the champagne from my glass. He smirks. “I guess I just can’t express it enough.”

I am about to reply when Dad taps the microphone, capturing my attention. “Ladies and gentlemen, all esteemed guests, may I have your attention,” Dad says, making the chatter die through the hall.

We are in one of the lavish five-star hotels not far outside of the Crystal Shadow Pack territory for Dad’s dinner party he is hosting in my honour.

The night has been a blur of meeting people and making small talk, and not all of them are werewolves, hence Dad’s use of a microphone.

Atticus raises his eyebrows playfully at me as we both give Dad our full attention. Atticus’s pack and our pack became allies thanks to the friendship between Atticus and

Although Atticus still makes it clear that I am the one he wants, we are simply friends, but I won’t deny that I appreciate having him in my life. Even the children like having him around and call him Uncle too.

It’s nice having a friend. I never heard back from Valerie and, for some reason, the emails that I sent returned to my outbox with a ‘failed’ notification.

the last few years. Being voted in as managing director of the company

allowing the rush to die down before he slips his free hand into his pocket and looks

hands-on approach to handling every hurdle, as

him, as I adjust the pearl strap of my ivory-fitted dress that reaches the floor. My hair is pulled up in a stylish updo with a small pearl hair ornament. A few small items of pearl jewellery adorn my ears and hands. Winged

which I don’t bother with. “It has been a while since Mr. Simmons has been contemplating retiring from his position and tonight, hot only will I be announcing

pleasure to announce none other than my daughter, Ms

grow, to do better every single day, but

ear, taking my glass from me as Dad holds his hand out to me, motioning me to step onto the stage. I look up at Atticus, my heart skipping a

as I make my way over to Father, and allow him to

do you do that when

I smile. “I want to thank everyone for attending tonight and being a part of this beautiful moment. I want to thank my father for believing in me, the board members for always supporting and guiding me

I want to thank Atticus Payne for always being an incredible friend, and for

back, tucking it behind my ear, only for it to slip out again. Everyone claps and Dad gives me a hug, congratulating me as the camera flashes

of people are surrounding me, and I’m lost in the sea of faces as I try to remember everyone’s names.

gaze that reminds me of one person and it makes my heart pound. I close my eyes, my heart thumping, goddess why does it

eyes darting around the hall before I find the doors on the far end, but all I see is the back of a man in a black suit, but it’s only for a second before he

all the socialising, and I just want to head home and curl up with my babies. I have just gotten off the phone with Mom, having excused myself to

I know I need to return…

few hours left. Get back in there.” I tell myself as

I know my personal assistant picked it out, but this single pearl strap just doesn’t feel enough to

face and exit the ladies’ room, almost tripping over the hem of my skirt. I frown, bending

my pearl strap and to my horror, the violent tug breaks

hands instantly go to my

“I do apologise, I…”

heart thuds as the husky voice behind me

A voice I recognise…

hall, my eyes darting back to the bathroom door as I clutch my dress

skin as he reaches over and pulls the door open. His intoxicating scent hits me and I’m about to rush into one of the stalls when his fingers go to the side

brush the satin until he grabs a hold

mistake because I now see him in the mirror before me. However,

go,” He commands in his deep voice that for some strange reason still has an effect on me. I spent years trying to get rid of those

“I said let go,” he repeats, yanking at the string and I gasp, loosening my hold a little. Deftly, he