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.

few years. Being voted in as managing director of the company last year by the board itself. I can assure you that had nothing to do

down before he slips

the truth. She has proven herself greatly and not only to me but to our company. Her hands-on approach to handling every hurdle, as well as her work ethic and professionalism towards our clients, have not only been appreciated by others, but above all by myself.”

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

and a few whispers, which I don’t bother with. “It has been a while since Mr. Simmons has been contemplating retiring from

to the majority of this empire! It is with my greatest pleasure to announce none other than my daughter, Ms Zaia Toussaint!) Dad says

I have aimed to grow, to do better every single day, but I never expected Dad to name me

me as Dad holds his hand out to me, motioning me to step onto the stage. I

make my way over to Father, and allow him to help me up the steps to the stage. I glance out at

you do that when you are

and 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

thick and thin… last but not least, I want to thank Atticus Payne for always being an incredible friend,

brush a strand of my hair 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 blind me

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

makes my heart pound.

the far end, but all I see is the back of

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

kids goodnight before ending the call. I know I need to return…

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

pearl strap just doesn’t feel enough to support my breasts. Well, I’ve made it through more

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

going, my arm knocks into someone, making me gasp as something catches on my pearl

and my hands instantly

“I do apologise, I…”

thuds as the husky voice behind me trails

A voice I recognise…

my eyes

making goosebumps rise on my 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 of

as his fingers. brush the satin until he grabs a hold of the string

I now see him in the mirror before me.

deep voice 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