My Marked Luna (Apphia and Nicholas) novel Chapter 47

**In Fragile Moments We Discover Strength Hidden In Stillness by Tao Cole Rynn**

“Hi,” I manage to say, my voice barely above a whisper. The man standing before me has an intense gaze that feels like it’s piercing straight through me, sending a shiver racing down my spine. He takes a deliberate step closer, his hand extending toward me in a gesture that feels both inviting and intimidating.

“Hello there. I’m Alpha Maximus Jere,” he introduces himself, his tone smooth yet commanding.

I hesitate for a moment, unsure if I should accept his hand. His dark, piercing gray eyes remain locked onto mine, and I feel a flutter of apprehension.

“Apphia,” I finally reply, reaching out to shake his hand, my grip tentative.

“I don’t believe we’ve crossed paths before, Miss Apphia,” he remarks, his curiosity evident.

“I’m a guest of the prince,” I reply, trying to keep my voice steady.

“Prince Nicholas?” He narrows his eyes as I nod, and a smirk plays on his lips. “How do you know him?”

“Excuse me, but I really should head back inside now,” I say, feeling increasingly uncomfortable under his scrutiny. But before I can take a step away, he moves quickly, blocking my path with an air of confidence that makes my heart race. I instinctively take a step back, a wave of fear washing over me. I glance around, but the hallway is deserted, amplifying my unease.

“I apologize. I didn’t mean to intrude or frighten you, Miss Apphia.” His voice softens, and there’s a sincerity in his apology that makes me pause. I take a deep breath, nodding in acceptance.

Just as he seems about to say more, a loud growl erupts from behind us, causing me to flinch involuntarily. We turn to see Nicholas striding toward us, his expression fierce, eyes ablaze with an intensity that sends a rush of relief through me.

“I was wondering when you’d make an appearance,” Alpha Maximus says with a smug grin, clearly unfazed.

Nicholas positions himself beside me, but his gaze remains fixed on Alpha Maximus, not even glancing my way. “I see you’ve graced yet another banquet…” he remarks, his voice laced with irritation.

“I have a rapidly expanding pack in the city. Naturally, Lady Anaiah would extend an invitation to her gatherings,” Alpha Maximus replies, his tone dripping with self-assuredness.

“Good for you,” Nicholas retorts, the disdain in his voice unmistakable.

“I was just having a delightful conversation with Miss Apphia here and had a feeling you would show up,” Alpha Maximus says, casting a glance my way, his smile unsettling.

“Hm,” Nicholas responds, his eyes flickering to me for a brief moment. “Apphia, love, would you care to take a stroll with me in the garden?” Did he just call me love?

Nicholas extends his hand toward me, and I feel a rush of conflicting emotions. I want to refuse, to assert my independence, but standing in front of Alpha Maximus, I can’t bring myself to do it. I take his hand, and he gently guides me away from the tension of the hallway.

“Miss Apphia,” Alpha Maximus calls after me. I pause and turn, catching his slight smile as he says, “It was truly wonderful meeting you.”

I nod in response, feeling Nicholas’s hand on my lower back urging me forward, away from the encounter.

We step through the grand doors and into the back garden, where the cool winter air greets me like a refreshing balm. Nicholas places a jacket over my shoulders, and I can’t help but inhale its scent—rich, luxurious cologne that sends a flutter of warmth through me.

“Are you alright?” he asks, his tone shifting to one of concern.

“No!” His voice is a mix of shock and urgency. “Don’t ever think that. I would never be ashamed of you. When I saw you inside, I wanted to rush over and introduce you to everyone, but you turned away so quickly…”

“I saw you with that woman. She touched your shoulder and whispered in your ear. Is she your girlfriend?” The words taste bitter on my tongue, laden with jealousy. Nicholas’s lips twitch into a smile, amusement dancing in his eyes.

“Ah, now I see what’s happening,” he says, a teasing lilt in his voice.

“What?” I hiss, my heart racing.

“You’re jealous that another woman was close to me,” he states, clearly entertained.

“No! I—I wouldn’t be,” I stammer, flustered. All my anger dissipates, leaving me feeling vulnerable. Is that what I was feeling? Jealousy?

“You are, and you shouldn’t be, my love. You have my heart,” he whispers, his breath warm against my ear. My eyes widen at his bold declaration, caught off guard by the weight of his words.

His smoldering gaze seems to capture every reaction I have, sending goosebumps racing across my skin. He leans back slightly, a playful smirk gracing his lips.

“That woman merely complimented you. Her name is Daisy Khang. She’s an associate of mine,” he explains, and a shy smile begins to creep onto my face. I struggle to suppress my excitement, pressing my lips together in a thin line.

She thought I was beautiful?

Thank you for reading.