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?”

to my forehead. “I…I have

far, but in the moment, all I could think

Nicholas, much of your kingdom looks like this. Over the past few

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

over Elva’s

three jobs?” Nicholas repeated like he didn’t

I

I didn’t find such a good person to room with. Anna has helped me

than I could ever thank her for. I’ll be indebted to her the rest of my life already, for

couple of years.”

steering wheel. “Things have been that dire.” It wasn’t

way he said it, but I still treated it

definitely been better than others. Though the jobs that usually paid

went out of business. It’s tough all over. During some of the low

sure Elva always got hers.”

window, at the burned out streetlights and the tired people

Walking and buses were the only way to get anywhere.

was if the buses ran on time,

at the palace has felt like a dream. I’ve never eaten

too skinny when you arrived,” Nicholas said. He sounded distant, like he

not from the

turned my attention to him.

was a

let my people suffer for too long.”