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.

knows, my Daughter Zaia Toussaint has been a great asset to my company for the last 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

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

it’s 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

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 liner and

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

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

aimed to grow, to do better every single day, but I never

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

deep breath, smiling for the cameras as I make my way over to Father, and allow him to

when you are not expecting

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 and above all, I want to thank my mother, Melanie Walton

thank Atticus Payne for always being an incredible friend, and for always supporting me.

hair back, tucking it behind my ear, only for it to slip out again. Everyone claps and Dad gives me a hug,

I try to remember everyone’s names. I’m almost out of

of one person and it makes my heart pound. I close my eyes,

eyes darting around the hall before I find the doors on the far end, but all I see is the back of a man

the socialising, and I just want to head home and curl up with my babies. I have just gotten off

the kids goodnight before ending the call. I know I need

on, Zaia, just a few hours left. Get back in there.” I tell myself as I look in

personal assistant picked it out, but this single pearl strap just doesn’t feel enough to support my breasts. Well, I’ve made it through more than half of the evening. Just another hour or so to go. I’m

almost tripping over the hem of my skirt. I frown, bending down

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

hands instantly

“I do apologise, I…”

husky voice behind

A voice I recognise…

I say quietly, refusing to turn. I scan the hall, my eyes darting back to the

comes, still 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

I trail off, as his fingers. brush the satin until he grabs a hold of the string that once held the pearl’s- in his fingers,

him in the mirror before me. However, I refuse to look at his face. If I don’t see it, it’s not

his deep voice that for some strange reason still has an effect on me. I spent years trying to

and I gasp, loosening my hold a