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

lead to widespread panic!”

not continue to rest here while these

me and

forced my muscles to move until

on the bed.

noticed me

turned. His whole demeanor softened and he came closer. “Piper, how are you

wolf or not, this truth needs to be exposed, Nicholas. That’s the only

but it was with the same kind of stern warning in

outweigh the cons. Especially when

full truth is Terry,” Julian said.

looked at him. “You have a confession,

“No, but-

what I thought.”

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

would only be

already in danger!” I shouted. After, suddenly, I felt lightheaded. I clutched my face

pull my skin off. Or, no.

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

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

back a

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

hand back on my arm. I wanted it

my clothes.

“Nicholas, please…”

When he started to move away, I reached for him with both hands, wanting

claws, but he stilled

you know what Terry drugged her with?” Julian said. He

that never missed anything.

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

me go, so I can call

Don’t go…” My voice was hoarse and whiny. I was begging my heart out.

him

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