Reborn Luna (Hope and Keith) novel Chapter 10

8. Unexpected reunion–2

+25 Points

There is a snort behind me. Tessa. Thankfully she chooses to uncharacteristically keep her

mouth shut.

His eyes lock on to mine. “Hope. It’s nice to finally meet you.”

My wolf squirms. Mate.

But there’s no joy. No rush of connection. Just a low whimper in the back of my mind, like

she’s already bracing for the worst.

I drop my eyes fast. Neutral. Calm. Nothing.

“Likewise,” I say.

Keith shifts closer. The movement is barely perceptible. “This is my beta, Jace.”

I look at the male beside him. The one I’m supposed to never have met but one I had already developed a friendship with. “Hi, Jace.”

He nods at me, clear intrigue in his eyes.

Papa places a hand on my shoulder. “Keith has an appointment with Emma and will be staying here for a few days.”

Now is my chance.

“That’s nice,” I say to papa before turning to Keith. “Well, I’m sure Emma will be able to assist you with all of your needs. Have a nice visit.”

Keith stares at me with a hint of confusion moving through his gaze. His eyebrows twitch, a tell that he’s speaking to Jace through their mind link, a power only he has.

My skin prickles under his gaze. I glance at my sister, giving her a ‘rescue me‘ look.

“Well now that the introductions are over Hope promised to join Ben and I for training,” Tessa says without hesitation.

“Right,” I grab on to the lifeline she’s just thrown me. “Well… have a good-”

Before I can slip away Kieth steps with my subtle blocking me with his body.

His voice is soft. “I wanted to apologize. For what happened at the border. When you were injured.”

I keep my expression blank. “I barely remember it. It was no big deal.”

4 8. Unexpected reunion–2

His eyes search for mine, his pupils flashing to his wolf. “Still. I’m sorry.”

Shit. He’s trying to keep me here.

+25 Points

Tessa gives me a what the hell look, and I shrug my shoulders even though I know exactly what this is.

“Well, let’s not all stand here,” Karen says that plastic smile in place. “Sit. Sit,” she tells Keith

and Jace.

They take a seat and I move around to follow suit, taking the spot next to Tessa.

I scope out the room. Papa sits in the middle with Karen, Leah and Tyler on his right and

Tessa and me on his left.

Aren’t we just a close–knit family, I muse.

Keith keeps his eyes on Papa, but I can feel his attention on me. His wolf’s essence reaches for mine and she retreats with a whimper.

She wants him but she’s not willing to risk what we saw–lived? I don’t even know anymore.

One thing is clear though. He’s recognizing me on some level.

Does he suspect the mate bond or is this just physical attraction?

From the sour look on Karen’s face, she can sense interest. Not good when she’s already planning Leah and Keith’s mating ceremony via her head.

She places a tray of tea and sandwich in the center nudging Leah with her shoulder.

“Alpha Keith,” Leah blurts out, drawing his attention. “I heard your wolf is silver and it towers over normal wolves, is that true.”

Jace gives Leah an unimpressed look and Tessa snorts.

“Yes,” Keith says simply.

“You should show me some time,” she flirts obvious to his distant smile.

“I’m not sure we’ll have time,” Jace interjects.

Leah’s annoyance at Jace’s interruption is palpable but she quickly moves on.

“Here, have a sandwich,” Leah smiles at Keith.

She goes to reach for one with tomatoes in it, and, on instinct, I stop her hand.

Everyone’s eyes are on me. His eyes are on mine.

< 8. Unexpected reunion–2

I rip my eyes from him trying to think of my next move.

Keith doesn’t like tomatoes. Hates them actually. A fact I shouldn’t know.

“You should let them choose their own food. What if they have allergies.”

Well, that was weak.

Keith smirks. “Saving me from anaphylactic shock on our first meeting, how heroic.”

I can’t contain my eyeroll.

Papa looks from Keith to me and his eyes light.

Oh, no.

“Tessa, I think Hope will take a raincheck on the training,” Papa says.

+25 Points

“Papa, I need her to help me with planning the new rotations,” Tessa says as I simultaneously say “I promised Benny I’d be the impractical judge.”

“I’m sure Benjamin can find someone else to take your place,” Papa says smoothly. “I need you to show Alpha Kieth around.”

“What?” I say.

“You know the grounds best,” Papa says. “Help our guests.”

I shake my head. “I’m busy, Benny-”

“That wasn’t a request,” Papa interrupts.

Keith says nothing. Just watches.

Tessa rolls her eyes behind Papa’s back.

There is no way to get out of this now. All I can do is plan for my survival and then put as much distance between me and Keith as possible.

“Sure,” I say, doing my best to hide my unease. “Alpha Kieth, Jace, follow me.”

I stand and walk out of the living room like I have hounds on my heels.

If he wants a tour, he’ll get the fastest one in history.

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