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?”

then something might actually get done,”

to widespread

I would not continue to rest here

me and

my muscles to move

on the bed.

noticed me first. “Piper.”

he came closer. “Piper,

not, this truth needs

did to Julian, but it was with the same kind of stern warning in his

outweigh the cons. Especially

is Terry,” Julian said.

looked at him. “You have a confession,

“No, but-

I thought.”

leaned forward, reclaiming Nicholas’s attention. “Let us continue to investigate, then. When we have the proof

be placing yourself in more danger

I clutched my face with both hands

all over, too hot. Like I wanted to pull

big and strong, they nearly seared me with their touch. I wanted him to keep touching me. I wanted him to touch me everywhere.

eased me back down onto the bed. “Careful, now,” he said in a whisper that sent goosebumps across my skin. “Not

bit back a whimper.

Piper, does it hurt?” He moved one arm to touch my forehead.

louder this time. I wanted his hand back on my arm. I wanted it on my chest,

my clothes.

“Nicholas, please…”

Nicholas said. When 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 weak, my fingers

stilled

her with?” Julian said. He was closer

gaze that never

The way I pressed my breasts forward, up into the friction of my bodice. The way my fingers

so I

and whiny. I was begging my heart out.

him near.

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