I Am The Luna (Moonlight Muse) novel Chapter 11

ZAIA.

New Year’s Eve is upon us, and I am rushing around helping with setting up the banquet hall.

Atticus’s mother fell ill with the cold a few days ago and since I was helping Mrs Watson with the flower arrangements I offered to help with the event organising. I wish I didn’t, because I didn’t think it meant I’d be stuck around Atticus for the last few days.

For an Alpha, who surely has much more to do, he visited often until I was getting looks from the other female staff.

Envious, amused, and a few jealous. I did not ask for his attention, and I really wish he wasn’t so intrigued.

Since that day in the car, things have been a little more awkward between us.

“Place them to the right. They’ll fit better there.” I call out to the organisers as I make my way over to them.

“Here, Miss?” The man replies, looking confused.

I nod with a small smile. “Yes, right here.”

He obeys, before smiling slightly. “You’re right. It reflects just right. Thank you.”

“No problem. Do the same for the other tables and just make sure they’re not placed right near the mirrors.” I turn away and glance up at the floral arrangements that hang from the ceiling of the grand hall.

It’s going to be a masked ball, something I had suggested after I had learned that Sebastian will be making an appearance.

It was a risky decision and the chances he’ll see right through me are high, especially due to the fact that last time I lost my composure at the mention of Sebastian. But he hasn’t said anything again. I think for now he believes me.

I look around the hall and hide a smile, satisfied.

It’s breathtaking… but it’s also a painful reminder of every party I’ve attended with Sebastian. When he treated me like I was the only one for him…

Where did it go wrong?

“Such a pretty face in a stunning environment shouldn’t look so down.”

I spin around to see Atticus walking down the centre of the hall, hands in his pockets as he looks around the hall and whistles slowly.

“Oh, I’m fine,” I reply, smiling smoothly, squashing my thoughts.

“You did an incredible job, almost as if you’re used to it,” he says, whistling slowly. “I’m truly impressed, Zaia.”

“Thanks, I just like party planning,” I reply. By now I’ve noticed he is indeed rather sharp and I’m aware of his indirect remarks, already prepared and alert around him.

“Well, I don’t think our hall has ever looked better. Mrs Watson told me you helped with the flower arrangements, too.”

“I did. So tell me, Alpha- sorry, Atticus… why do you choose fresh flowers every year?” I ask, trying to divert the conversation from myself.

He sighs, but smiles, clearly happy I’m making conversation. “Why… I don’t really know it’s always been a tradition… but this year I chose a specific colour.”

“Lilac.”

“Yes, violet… because that’s the colour of something that I have come to admire recently,” he says. I make the mistake of looking at him and our eyes meet.

“That’s beautiful,” I reply, glancing around in hopes of a distraction.

“I’m hoping you’ll save me a dance tonight,” he says quietly, as he glances at the people working around.

“I…” I am torn. How do I tell him I don’t plan on being here tonight?

Valerie told me they will be coming and I simply can’t risk it, plus Sebastian is bringing Annalise. I don’t need to see them, only to scratch open my wounds that are still not healing.

“Please don’t deny me. I hope you will come, even if it’s simply as a gesture of goodwill towards your new Alpha and Pack.”

Our eyes meet and he couldn’t be more obvious. Disobeying him means disobeying my new Alpha and showing disrespect towards him.

“Atticus I-”

“Alpha!” Two men in suits approach Atticus, and one of them leans closer to him, but despite speaking quietly, I manage to make out what they’re saying.

“The Black Beast is almost at pack borders.”

My heart skips a beat and I try to calm myself by thinking about something else- anything else! The flowers… Think of the flowers!

The Black Beast.

A name that was given to Sebastian years ago, because of his power and the colour of his wolf’s fur.

I can feel Atticus’s eyes on me, but I’m certain I haven’t given anything away as I scan the garlands that wrap around the double-door entrance, keeping my face calm and at ease.

“Zaia, I’ll see you tonight. I have to go,” he says.

“Of course, see you then.” I smile, despite how sick I feel inside.

His final words are a command, not an offer, and if things couldn’t get any worse, Sebastian being here is the icing on the cake!

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“When did that arrive?” I ask as I stare at the unzipped dress bag that sits on my bed.

“Not long after you left,” Mom replies, shaking her head. “He had it ordered at the boutique… I knew Maggie was working on an order for the Alpha, but I did not think it was for you. It now makes sense why she has been so nice lately.”

I shake my head. “And the colour…” I say, staring at the lilac shade of tulle.

“He, for some crazy reason, is into you.”

“Mom, am I that bad?” I ask, amused despite the situation.

Mom tilts her head and wrings her hands.

“No! but you’re pregnant! With another man’s children, why would an Alpha… I don’t know, I mean it can happen and you are a beauty but…” She sits down and I’m about to speak when I pay attention to her.

Her clothes seem to be ill-fitting and only now do I realise just how much weight she has lost. I feel guilt eat up at me. This is my fault.

“You’re right,” I say quietly, looking away and back at the dress. “But he practically commanded me… I can’t refuse.”

Our eyes meet, and Mom places her head in her hands. “I’m scared Zaia…”

My heart skips a beat. I’ve never heard Mom say something like that before. I slowly kneel before her and take her hands in mine. “Mom… we’re going to be ok, I’m sorry… I know this is all very hard on you too.”

She shakes her head. “No, No Zaia, don’t ever apologise. That’s what mothers are for. Everyone will learn that the Alpha asked you to the ball.”

“Mom, he said I should come. He didn’t say about being his date-”

“The dress did Zaia!” Mom sighs and closes her eyes. Up close, I can see the wrinkles in her skin. I should be taking care of her… not the other way around… “I just don’t want you going from one ruthless alpha to the next.”