Luna Forsaken (Arya and James) novel Chapter 10

Arya’s POV

Lev’s hand stayed steady at my waist as we moved.

The music was loud, but the murmurs were louder.

Every step I took felt like a statement the pack didn’t want me to make.

Why is she dancing?

She’s trying to provoke Leah.

She’s going to ruin everything.

Rogue bed warmer…

I kept my face calm. I kept my spine straight.

Lev didn’t flinch once. He guided me like he didn’t hear any of it, like the room’s spite couldn’t touch us.

Then the link snapped tight in my skull.

Arya. Stop flirting with the guests.

James’s voice.

Hard. Possessive.

The audacity of it nearly stole my breath.

You’re embarrassing yourself.

I felt my hands tighten. Lev’s grip didn’t change, but his chest rose slightly, like he sensed the shift in me.

James pushed again, sharp and insistent.

Remember who you belong to. You are my wife. You are my mate.

Mate.

Wife.

Words he was throwing at me while he stood up there marrying someone else.

My throat burned.

I leaned closer into Lev’s chest, deliberately. Let the room see. Let James feel it through the bond.

Lev’s arm tightened slightly around me, protective, not possessive, like he was bracing for impact.

I linked James back.

If I was your wife, you wouldn’t be marrying someone else today.

A pause, one beat of silence, like I’d slapped him through the bond.

I held it.

Then I sent the next words clean and cold.

I wish you all the best.

James’s presence surged, anger flaring.

Arya,

I cut him off, still dancing, still smiling faintly like nothing was happening.

Don’t.

Lev’s voice came low near my ear. “He’s linking you.”

“Yes,” I said, jaw tight.

Lev’s hand shifted slightly at my waist, steadying me. “Do you want to stop?”

I shook my head once. “No.”

Lev watched me for a beat, then spoke quietly, as if we were the only two people in the hall.

“I’ve heard a lot about you.”

I blinked, startled. “About me?”

He nodded once. “The fierce Luna.” The corner of his mouth twitched, almost a smile. “Mighty in battle.”

My chest tightened. “That name…”

“Carries weight,” he finished calmly. “I admire your strength.”

I swallowed hard, because hearing admiration today felt like touching warmth after being frozen.

Lev’s gaze stayed steady. “And knowing James is supposed to be your mate…” His voice cooled. “Learning he did this just for a seat at the Union table, ”

My breath hitched.

Lev didn’t soften it.

“Well done,” Maxwell murmured, and then, louder, “Arya, ”

I looked at him.

His expression softened in a way it hadn’t all day.

“I wish I had a daughter like you,” he said simply.

My throat tightened so sharply I nearly looked away.

I forced myself to nod. “Thank you.”

Lev sat beside me, quiet again, but attentive. Not in a way that demanded anything, just present. Offering small courtesies without making them feel like pity. Refilling my glass. Asking if I wanted food. Watching the room so I didn’t have to.

And for a few fragile minutes, it worked.

For a few minutes, I forgot the pain sitting in my ribs like a knife.

I forgot the vows.

I forgot Leah’s smile.

I forgot James’s voice in my head.

I breathed.

I ate a little.

I even almost, almost, felt normal.

And then the yearning hit.

Not desire.

Escape.

A sick, desperate need to disappear somewhere no one could touch me.

Somewhere my baby could live.

My fingers pressed lightly to my belly under the table.

My mind flicked to Lev again, his calm, his authority, the way Marcel had backed down from him so fast.

A thought rose, dangerous and hungry.

Ask him. Ask him if he can find you a new pack.