The Luna Choosing Game

Tonight at the Second Ball felt like a night where anything could happen.

As Nicholas pulled back from our kiss, I immediately wanted him to return for another. I had butterflies in my stomach, remembering the way he said my name.

He said it again now.

“Piper.

“How did you know it was me?” I asked.

“I told you I would.” He lowered both hands down to my waist and squeezed me tighter to him. “I would

know you anywhere.”

He leaned in again. I wanted him to kiss me so badly.

But then I felt a familiar pull, almost as if someone or something was tugging me at the heartstrings. I

knew that feeling.

It was my wolf.

But how could it be here? Now? I hadn’t gone anywhere. Had the mysterious person from the car outside

of Terry’s mansion come to the Second Ball? Why?

L

“I’m sorry, I…” I stepped back from Nicholas, out of his hold.

His eyes behind his mask hardened at once. His smile slipped away. “Piper? What’s wrong?”

my hand to my forehead. “I…I have to

far, but in the moment, all

kingdom looks like this. Over the past few years, there’s been such an

that many people are homeless. I’ve had to work two or

over Elva’s head.”

three jobs?” Nicholas repeated like he didn’t

I

didn’t find such a good person to room with.

her for. I’ll be indebted to

couple of years.”

white on the steering wheel. “Things have been that dire.” It

not the way he said it, but I still treated it like

definitely been better than others. Though the jobs

before they went out of business. It’s tough all over. During some of the low points, I’d have to

to make sure Elva always

the burned out streetlights and the tired

had their own cars anymore. Walking and buses were

buses ran on time, or showed

a dream. I’ve

were too skinny when you arrived,” Nicholas said. He sounded

from the seat

my attention to him.

a

said, “I have let my people suffer