Fake Heiress True Luna (Irina) novel Chapter 86

Chapter 9: Challenge the Luna

Irina’s POV

…Oh.

Oh.

My breath caught.

Aiden was not one to sleep around, but I know he wasn’t a virgin. I never imagined he would invite someone from his past life to this event, though.

“It is a Harvest Moon, he has to,” Theia replied.

“I know, but it would have been nice if he had given us a heads up. And why did he leave and didn’t tell us who he was meeting?” I questioned.

Jealousy was not a nice feeling, and the fact that I didn’t find out about this woman from his own mouth…

Yeah, I’m getting mad.

“But don’t worry, he was never serious about that girl. He kept her at arm’s length and sent her home before dawn. I’m sure he never used his bedroom either. Aiden was adamant that place should only be for his luna and him.”

My heart thudded painfully even if Debbie tried to cheer me up.

“And she’s here?”

Debbie nodded.

I swallowed hard, trying to keep my face neutral even though I wanted to stand up and go after him. The least he can do if he is going to meet a fling from the past is take me with him.

Debbie placed a hand on my arm, eyes softening. “Irina… please don’t jump to conclusions. I can assure you that nothing will happen between them.”

I exhaled shakily.

Aiden’s secrecy suddenly made a lot more sense.

And I wasn’t sure if that made me feel better-or worse.

“Besides, I’m not sure if you noticed, but Ethan isn’t here either, meaning Aiden must have

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Chapter 9. Challenge the Luna

asked him to come. They are not alone,” Debbie assured.

Still, I’m nervous.

Claim

I clutched my glass, a little too tightly, forcing myself to breathe evenly. Yeah, being nervous doesn’t even begin to cover my true feelings.

Across the table, Derek was talking to someone, but even he kept flicking glances toward the hallway where all the maids disappeared into.

I kinda understand what’s going on in his mind.

That’s what I thought, but his situation is worse. At least Aiden claimed me as Luna before everyone, while Derek still needs to keep silent about his mate.

Yeah, thanks to this issue, I already figured out what is wrong with him.

And given that someone in the pack has had some trouble accepting her Alpha mate, I think I may need to have a brief chat with Cindy.

I forced a smile at a passing warrior who nodded in my direction, pretending everything was perfectly fine and my mind wasn’t spiraling.

“Irina… you know Aiden. He would never disrespect you. He acted like a douche before, but ever since he admitted his feelings for you, he hasn’t let you down. Right?” Debbie squeezed my hand.

“I know,” I answered, but the words felt thin, fragile. “I just-stars, Debbie, I hate feeling out of the loop. You know what has happened in this pack, and if they see their Alpha is keeping secrets from me, rumors are just going to get worse. He should have told me who he was meeting and asked me to come, even if I told him no.”

“And he should have,” she admitted without hesitation. “But him not saying anything doesn’t mean he wants her. It only means… he was nervous about telling you. Aiden may act all strong, but I can tell he is walking on eggshells and is scared of you leaving.”

“…Leaving?” I frowned.

“Yeah, he is scared shitless. Everyone knows you aren’t an omega; most of the Alphas from other packs are after you, darling.”

I looked down at my hands. They weren’t shaking, but they felt cold.

“Thanks, I feel a little bit better,” I said to stop worrying her, but the truth was, Aiden and I

needed to talk.

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Chapter 9. Challenge the Luna

Claim

Debbie didn’t believe me, but she knew it was time to drop the subject. “So, you know, in this Harvest Moon, anyone can challenge the Alpha, right?”

I nodded. “And you already know what my plan is.”

“Yeah, although I doubt your mate agreed with your little plan.”

I shrugged. “He can’t stop me, Debbie. We are mates, but he doesn’t own me. I can choose what I want to do, and this will stop the rumors about me. Some heard what happened during the trial, when I revealed I am an enigma, but many don’t believe it.”

She snorted. “The ones who don’t must be blind. During your Luna ceremony, everyone could

feel your aura.”

“I know, but they may think I don’t know how to fight,” I stated. “Who knows? All I want is to end the rumors, the sooner the better.”

“You don’t need to prove anything to anyone,” Debbie sighed.

I opened my mouth to answer, but the room fell silent so abruptly it made the hairs on my

arms rise.

Aiden had returned.

Every conversation died; every head turned as he walked in, tall, composed, radiating authority so effortlessly it was almost unfair. Ethan was two steps behind him-relaxed but alert-and beside them trailed two strangers. I may not know them, but I can already guess who they are based on what the warrior said.

Karen Reymond. And her brother, Levin-the Alpha of Black Claw.

My stomach twisted, but I straightened, keeping my expression calm.

Aiden stepped into the center of the room. He didn’t need to ask for anyone’s attention; they were already waiting.”

“Thank you for your patience. Allow me to introduce the Alpha of Black Claw, Levin, and his sister, Karen.”

A few wolves bowed in acknowledgment. Karen smiled-just a little too sweetly, like she was enjoying this more than she should.

“They will be attending the Harvest Moon with us,” Aiden continued. “And as many of you have noticed, Alpha Derek of Silver Fang arrived early. Tomorrow, more Alphas will join us.”

Derek inclined his head respectfully, though his eyes flicked to me, then to Aiden, assessing

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* Chapter 9 Challenge the Luna

everything.

Aiden turned to me next. “Irina, my Luna,” he said gently, “stand with me.”

My breath caught, but I rose.

Clam

The moment I reached his side, he leaned down and pressed a slow, deliberate kiss to the top of my head.

Heat shot straight into my cheeks. The entire room saw that. Everyone.

From the corner of my eye, Karen scoffed and rolled her eyes. Ethan glared at her instantly.

“I think we have another Julie…” Theia mumbled, shaking her head.

It seems like it. The good thing is, I’m not the same woman I was months ago.

Before we sat, Aiden addressed the room again, tone firm:

“Tomorrow, any wolf may submit their challenge to challenge me for the Alpha position. I know many of you are not happy with my current Luna; this will allow anyone who isn’t happy with me or my Luna to get it out of their system. Even if I win, no harm will come to you, but if you lose, I don’t want to hear a single word against the woman I love.”

Everyone in the room exchanged a glance with each other.

Many were unhappy with me, but to challenge an Alpha… They were asking to get their ass

beaten.

“Once the names are in, the fights will be organized. For now, continue enjoying the feast.”

He squeezed my hand lightly, ready to guide me back to my seat.

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