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?”

pressed my hand to my forehead.

good enough explanation by far, but in the moment, all I

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

people are homeless. I’ve had to work two or three jobs

a roof over

jobs?” Nicholas repeated like he didn’t

I

find such a good person to room with.

Elva more than I could ever thank her for. I’ll be indebted to her the rest of my

of

steering wheel. “Things have been

it, but I still

definitely been better than others. Though the jobs that usually paid well didn’t

business. It’s tough all over. During some of the low points, I’d have

sure Elva always got hers.”

window, at the burned out streetlights and the tired people trekking down the sidewalks.

cars anymore. Walking and buses were

on

palace has felt like a dream. I’ve never eaten so well.”

arrived,” Nicholas said. He sounded distant,

not from the

my attention to him. “Nicholas?”

mouth was a hard

have let my people