The Luna Choosing Game

In sleep, I felt safe and warm, like I was rocking in a boat on gentle waves under a bright sunny sky. Here,

my troubles seemed so far away. I was at peace, distant from those who wanted to hurt me or bring my

family harm.

Once, I had thought myself to be in Nicholas’s embrace. I almost recognized it somehow, the fierce hold

of his arms and the wall of his body. His figure had shaped out since we were teens, but the way h

he

embraced was the same. So gentle. So tender, like I was the most important person in the world.

But then Nicholas’s arms went away.

This good feeling was not meant to last.

Soon, I was stirred awake to the thunderous sounds of a loud argument.

“You purposefully placed Piper into harm’s way!” That was Nicholas’s voice. I’d be able to pick it out of a crowded room, though it wasn’t so crowded now.

“She’s the only one who can feel her wolf. If we don’t follow her, then we have nothing.” That voice was Julian’s. He wasn’t quite as loud, though his words held the weight of shame.

“Then have nothing,” Nicholas growled. “But do not endanger her! You yourself might as well have put the target on her back for Terry to see!”

“She agreed to go along with it. I did not force her.”

“You likely led her on with false promises of returning her wolf to her.”

“It’s not all that false, maybe!”

“Her wolf is gone, Julian. That is that. There is no reason to put her in further danger. Whatever you were doing before, you have to stop. I don’t care what it was or how close you think you were to a breakthrough.”

“Now, Nicholas. If you would calm down just a second

“Calm down? You want me to calm down?” Nicholas sucked in an angry breath. “You say that Terry is involved. What, exactly do you think will happen when the public learns the royal family might have something to do with this?”

actually get done,”

lead to widespread panic!” Nicholas replied, just as sharp.

this anymore. I would not continue to rest here while

me and my wolf,

cripple my body, but I forced my

on the bed.

noticed me

demeanor softened and he came closer. “Piper,

off his concern. “Whether I ever find my own wolf or not, this truth needs to be exposed,

me than he did to Julian, but it was with the same kind of stern warning in

Especially when we may

is Terry,”

at him. “You

“No, but-

I

us continue to investigate, then. When we have the proof –”

would only be placing yourself in

already in danger!” I shouted. After, suddenly, I felt lightheaded. I clutched my face with both hands and shifted heavily to

pull

strong, they nearly seared me with their touch. I wanted

Nicholas eased me back down onto the bed. “Careful, now,” he said in

bit back

He moved one arm to touch

whimpered again, louder this time. I wanted his hand back

my clothes.

“Nicholas, please…”

both hands, wanting

he stilled all the

Julian said. He was closer now too. He looked

that watchful gaze that never missed anything.

he see the flush to my cheeks? The way I pressed my breasts forward, up into the friction of my bodice. The way

let me go, so I

voice was hoarse and whiny. I was begging my heart out. My whole

wanted him

me all over. I wanted him to bury himself in me to the hilt and claim me as his own. I wanted… I