I Am The Luna (Moonlight Muse) novel Chapter 52

I Am The Luna by Moonlight Muse Chapter 52

A Jealous Sister

ZAIA. The glimmering fairy lights and the lanterns twinkle in the night. The music is soft and soothing, the opposite of the storm that rages inside of me. I am still unable to fully process the information that Mom shared, and neither can Dad…

Mom decided to stay home. She had originally been extremely worried about facing Annette. and with what happened, she couldn’t do it and I can’t blame her. Since we moved here, both women have avoided one another at all costs.

Dad is greeting everyone, but his constant tugging at his tie and readjusting tells me he’s stressed. Right now, I could use Sebastian’s arms around me…

Wait, stop. Did I just say that? My cheeks burn as I step out into the open. A silence falls as all eyes turn to me and hopefully, the cameras catch everyone’s expressions…

My eyes find Atticus and he’s staring at me with an expression I can’t make out. Interesting… is it me or the symbol?

“Ms Zaia Toussaint.” Someone announces me and I gracefully walk down the steps. Atticus glances around before he swiftly crosses the garden and holds out a hand to me.

“Hey…” He says. I take his hand hesitantly, but instead of his normally charming smile, he’s looking me over with a tiny frown. “Hello, Atticus,” I say. “Are you alright? You look a little… shocked.”

He tenses before he shakes his head. “No, not at all. So shall we?” He offers me his arm and although I’m tempted to refuse, his reaction has intrigued me, although after Mom’s, nothing feels like a surprise anymore.

“Congratulations Ms Toussaint, it is a pleasant surprise to learn that you will head this pack. I hope our alliance will continue.” An older Alpha from an allied pack says.

“Thank you, Alpha Bruce,” I say politely, giving him and his Luna a grateful smile. “Will we perhaps see another alliance between you and Alpha Payne?”

“If I’m lucky,” Atticus says with a charming smile, whilst I simply smile politely, not wanting to cause a scene. “Excuse us,” I say politely before I lead us away, taking a glass of wine from a passing waiter. Atticus does the same.

“You’re annoyed.” He states as he guides me towards one of the larger oaks at the further end of the grounds.

“Well, I did tell you no. I’ve made my decision, Atticus. Sebastian and I have patched things up.” I say quietly.

He stares at me. Any spark he had in his eyes vanishes as he stares at me with eyes that now look extremely cold.

“Really… after everything he has done?” he asks, clenching his jaw. “I’m sorry, but I have never led you on, Atticus, what I do is up to me.”

“Don’t make a mistake, Zaia. He can’t protect you.” He says, glancing around before he looks down. “We’ll talk later.”

What is there to talk about? I frown but I don’t argue as someone else approaches us and pasting a smile on my face, Í step forward to greet them.

The night has passed by with ease and with the full moon at its fullest I feel even more confident that it’ll help Valerie. Dinner is almost over, and I’m almost done with having to sit through Annette’s displeasure.

She’s got her lips pursed in a pinched line, irritation clear on her face as she stares at me haughtily, making snide indirect jabs every chance she gets.

She’s a little too touchy-feely with Dad, but he is still distracted, not noticing nor entertaining her. Not that he usually entertained her much.

I know he feels guilty for the fact that he had pushed Mom away so she didn’t think she reach out to him…

Life can be painful sometimes…

Would “I still wonder how you think you will manage, Zaia. Are you prepared for such a position? I’m worried you are biting off far more than you can chew.” Annette murmurs the moment Dad is distracted by another Alpha.

I look at the woman seated beside me and wish I wasn’t sitting right beside her but when Dad had made to sit between us; she had pushed herself in between. I now raise an eyebrow.

“You need not worry, Luna. Dad knows I am capable.” I reply, taking a spoonful of my chocolate cake. She rolls her eyes, picking up her drink. “Well, as long as you are confident, what’s with the getup?”

“I was trying something,” I reply simply. “Trying to look like a fool.” She mumbles her breath, but I hear under. She looks me over, her eyes lingering on the henna before she shakes her head and looks away.

“Zaia. Ready?” Dad says quietly and I pick up my napkin, patting my mouth and nod. “Whenever you are,” I respond with a smile.

He gives me a nod before he stands up and clinks his glass as he looks out over the garden. We’re dining out in the open. The weather is good save for little bursts of wind at times.

“May I have everyone’s attention?” Dad says. The chatter dies down as everyone turns to the front, giving Dad their full attention. “As you all know, recently I have made my daughter the head of my company and named her my heir. Today, I wish to announce that I am also naming her the future Alpha of this pack.”

A ripple of surprise flits through the room and although it’s not unheard of to have a female alpha, it is rare.

“My daughter has proved time and time again that she is suitable for this position…” Dad says quietly. He’s not himself… I can see it in the way he’s talking. He’s distracted and upset. For Dad’s. emotions to show through, it’s obvious Mom’s secret has impacted him.

He doesn’t need to do this… maybe he’s even rethinking if he wants to make me his heir, and I don’t mind. But right now, he needs me, I stand up and move past Annette, placing a hand on my father’s arm. He observes me for a moment before looking ahead.