Alpha’s Rue: His Shunned Luna (Athena Enchanted) novel Chapter 419

MADDOX

Day four of running away from Aeliana, and I’ve finally been caught, and might I mention betrayed by my friends. Rowan was supposed to cover me as I slipped out this morning but forgot mid mission and Aeliana caught me.

Not only that, but Kingston had me bring her breakfast in bed this morning. I was hoping that was the last I'd see of her, but three hours later, here I am, standing at the foundation with her on my arm. Truly, this is messed up, of everyone she could be attracted to, shd chose me, im the one she wants to make miserable and uncomfortable.

I’m a flirt.

A natural with the ladies, but every time Aeliana gets close or winks at me, I’m terrified. This is my friend's mate, my Luna. It’s more than weird to receive this treatment from her, but at the same time, I have to be a good friend and show up when needed.

“What is the point of coming here?” She groans for the hundredth time since we arrived at the foundation twenty minutes ago. Kingston brought her in hopes that it could jog her memory. “I’m bored,” she whines. “I could be shopping right now.”

“I wanted you to see the kids.” He tells her, the very kids that she has shown absolutely no interest in. She looked so upset when a few of them came up to greet her.

Aeliana’s head tilts, “Can they do tricks?”

“They’re kids, Riley.” I laugh, unable to contain myself. “Not circus animals.”

“Why am I seeing them?” She sighs.

“You like kids,” Kingston tells her. “Well, these kids in particular.” He says, watching her closely. “You love coming here.”

“I need you to stop trying to mould me into something that pleases you because it's not happening,” she snaps. “I don't like kids, I hate those germ-infested brats.”

“These are orphans,” I tell her.

“Oh? Well, if no one wanted them, why would I?”

Kingston gasps, “Aeliana.”

“My name is Riley.” She grits through her teeth. Her grip on my hand is tightening painfully, I can almost feel her claws.

“She’s getting worked up again.” I swallow.

“I don’t like you.” She tells him.

“I don’t like you very much right now either,” Kingston counters.

“King,” I warn. He seems to have forgotten that she’s struggling right now, she’s not herself.

“I think we should head home,” I quietly suggest, overly stimulated by her tantrums even though they’re not directed at me.

Aeliana turns to me. “Are you coming?”

“We did bring one car, did we not?”

“Perfect, he’ll drive this time. Right?” Her eyes shift to Kingston once again.

“I prefer driving,” I counter with a nervous laugh.

“Can I sit in your lap while you drive then?”

I let out a disapproving groan. “My girlfriend would not like that.”

“You’re lying.” She squints. “You don’t have a girlfriend, you told my assistant that.”

“Are you flirting with her?”

“What? No,” I feign a gasp. But of course I’m flirting with Evelyn, she’s a very beautiful woman and smart too. I too crave a shift from the beauty-only girls that I often bed, and Evelyn seems like more than a break. “I’m just being friendly and ensuring that she’s welcome at home.” I lie. “Can we go now, or are you waiting for Miss Perfect to insult the kids to their face?”