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.

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

before he slips his free hand

hands-on approach to handling every hurdle, as well as her work ethic and professionalism towards our

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 glossy lips finish off

many eyes on 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

It is with my greatest pleasure to announce none other

every single day,

taking my glass from me as Dad holds his hand out to me, motioning me to step onto the stage. I look

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 die

you do that when you are

by light laughter, 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 for always supporting and guiding me and above all, I want to thank

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

out again. Everyone claps and Dad gives me a hug,

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

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

all I see is the back of a man in a black suit, but it’s only

is over and I’m glad that the hard part is over. I’m exhausted mentally from 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 go to the

I know I need to

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

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.

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

making me gasp as something catches on my pearl strap and to my horror, the violent tug breaks the

my hands instantly go to my dress, my

“I do apologise, I…”

thuds as the husky voice behind me

A voice I recognise…

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

voice 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

grabs a hold of the string

see him in the

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

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