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.

asset to my company for the last few years. Being voted in as managing director of the company last year by the board itself.

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

handling every hurdle, as well as her work ethic and professionalism towards our clients, have not only been appreciated by others, but above

pulled up in a stylish updo with a small

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 the new CEO

is with my greatest pleasure to announce none other than my daughter, Ms Zaia Toussaint!) Dad says and everyone begins clapping as

in surprise. Yes, I have aimed to grow, to do better every single day, but I never

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

over to Father, and allow him to help me up the steps to the stage. I glance out at everyone gathered here, waiting for the clapping to die

you do that when you are not

I smile. “I want to thank everyone for attending tonight and being a part of this beautiful moment. I want to thank

thank Atticus Payne for

only for it to slip out again. Everyone claps and Dad

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

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

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 disappears

to head home and curl up with my babies. I have just gotten off

before ending the call. I know I need to return… the quietness of the hotel

hours left. Get back in there.” I tell myself as I look in the mirror at

personal assistant picked it out, but this single pearl strap just doesn’t feel enough to support my breasts. Well, I’ve

sigh heavily, before pasting a small smile on my face and exit the ladies’ room, almost tripping over the hem of my skirt. I frown, bending down as I

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

hands instantly go to my dress, my heart

“I do apologise, I…”

husky voice behind

A voice I recognise…

hall, my eyes darting back

rise on my skin as he reaches over and pulls the door open. His intoxicating

until he grabs a hold of the

pounding as he steps closer, and I step away, but it’s a mistake because I now see him in the mirror before me. However, I refuse to

that for some strange reason still has an effect on me. I spent years trying to get rid of those emotions… I

let go,” he repeats, yanking at the string and I gasp, loosening my hold a little. Deftly, he pulls the strings tight, yanking me against