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?”

something might actually get done,” Julian

would lead to widespread panic!” Nicholas replied, just as

to this anymore. I would not continue

me and my

forced my muscles to move until I pulled myself upright

on the bed.

me first.

softened and he came closer.

not, this truth needs to be exposed, Nicholas. That’s the only way this will end.”

Julian, but it was with the same kind

do not outweigh the cons. Especially

full truth is Terry,” Julian

at him. “You

“No, but-

what I

Nicholas’s attention. “Let us continue to investigate, then.

not. You would only be

suddenly, I felt lightheaded. I clutched my face

I wanted to pull my

the upper arms. His hands were so big and strong, they nearly seared me with their touch. I wanted him to keep touching me.

back down onto the bed. “Careful, now,” he said in a whisper that

back a whimper.

one arm to touch

back on my arm.

my clothes.

“Nicholas, please…”

he started to move away, I reached for him with both hands, wanting to keep him right where he was, if not bring him closer. My hold was

but he stilled all

drugged her with?” Julian said. He

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

so I can call the

hoarse and whiny. I was begging my heart

him near.

clothes and mine and touch me all over. I wanted him to bury himself