No Longer Be your Luna (Jane and Xander) novel Chapter 22

*Jane*

I got home early, louning in the living room, pretending to filp

through a fashion magazine. My eyes kept drifting to the far

end of the room, where Mia lay stretched out on a yoga mat like

a sculpture.

I watched as she arched her back into a bridge, one leg

extending skyward, making me question if she’s made of rubber

rather than bone.

“Doesn’t that hurt?” I blurted out before I could stop myself.

She didn’t look at me at first, just held her pose for another

second. Then she rolled upright, gave me that signature fake

smile of hers. “Not at all.” She paused to take a breath, brushing

her hair from her face. “It’s actually really relaxing. You should

try it sometime.”

She was 5 years old younger than me. “Please. At my age? My

body would snap in half.” I flipped another page of the magazine

I still wasn’t reading. “I’d like to keep my joints in one piece,

thanks.”

Chapter 22: Oath Bridge..

Mia continued her movements without missing a beat as she

transitioned into another impossible pose. “Age is just a number,

Jane,” she called over her shoulder.

I barely registered her words as my phone vibrated from inside

my bag. My wolf was somewhat restless even before I saw the

caller ID: Mother. Just the name alone made my stomach clench.

There was no world where this would be a pleasant call.

I turned away from Mia before I answered, forcing myself to

sound calm. “What now?”

“Oath Bridge. Now.” Not even a hello or how are you.

“Oath Bridge? It’s nine oclock at night, Mom.”

“Do you have a curfew, Jane?”

“No.” I sighed. “Then get up from your sticky sofa and come to

see me there.” She snapped and hung up the phone before I

could reply.

I stared at my phone in disbelief and then slowly put it down.

“Great.” I whispered and threw the magazine aside.

I stuffed my phone back into my bag and turned to Mia who

had just risen from a low lounge. “Everything okay?” she asked.

Chapter 22: Oath Bridge.

I offered the most casual lie I could think of. “Why wouldn’t it

be?”

She looked unconvinced, but didn’t push. I grabbed my keys and

walked out the door just as I received the coordinates to the

bridge.

It didn’t take me long to get there. I hated how nervous I was, but that was the effect my mother had on me. She always had a way of rattling me.

I parked a few feet away from the narrow arched structure. My mother stood at the center, dark–gray hair, similar to mine flowing in the wind.

She was dressed in a midnight–blue gown, with a brooch at her collarbone and heels that looking like she was attending a gala at this time of night. Her lipstick was perfect. Not a hair out of place. Typical.

I walked toward her slowly, shaking off the nerves.

Her eyes met mine, flicking over my simple brown pencil skirt and cream blouse. “Really, Jane? You couldn’t even try? You look like an assistant.”

I stopped at the foot of the bridge. “I’m not in the mood for a lecture about my wardrobe choices.”

Chapter 22: Oath Bridge.

My wolf stirred, picking up on the unmistakable scent of

expensive bourbon clinging to her. She’d been drinking again.

“Beautiful view, isn’t it?” My mother gestured grandly toward

“What does it matter?” She continued. “Xander isn’t just your

expenses. Do you know how much he’s done for us?”

“You’re being foolish, Jane.” She narrowed her eyes at me. “He has a mistress. So what? Men cheat. It’s in their nature,

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