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.

as managing director

down before he slips his free hand into his

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

My hair is pulled up in a stylish updo with a small pearl hair ornament. A few small items of pearl

me as Dad continues and a few whispers, 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 the new CEO of

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

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

whispers in my ear, taking my glass from me as Dad holds his hand out to me, motioning me to

at me, and I take a deep breath, smiling for the cameras as I make my way 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

that when you are not expecting

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

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

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

and I’m lost in the sea of faces as I try to remember everyone’s names. I’m almost out of the crowd when I suddenly feel as if I’m being

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

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

just want to head home and curl up with my

the kids goodnight before ending the call. I know

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

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 sure I’ll

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

someone, making me gasp as something catches on my pearl strap and to my

loose and my hands instantly go to

“I do apologise, I…”

the husky voice behind me trails

A voice I recognise…

refusing to turn. I scan the hall, my eyes darting back to the bathroom door as

reaches over and pulls the door open. His intoxicating scent hits

are you…” I trail off, as his fingers. brush the satin until he grabs a hold of the

him in the mirror before me. However, I refuse to look at his

has an effect on me.

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