Reborn Luna (Hope and Keith) novel Chapter 17

12 Ridiculous dinner 3

+25 Points

12. Ridiculous dinner–3

Before Tessa and I take our seats, Ben’s voice cuts through the rising tension. “Hope. Tessa.fancy meeting you here.”

Despite my dread of the evening I turn to him with a smile.

Ben is in a navy suit, hair neatly styled. Calm. Confidence. But his eyes soften when they land

on me.

“Hi,” I say, managing a smile.

He greets Tessa with a hug, then me with a nod that lingers a second too long.

His eyes silently asking, Are you okay?”

Yes, I mouth.

Keith watches the exchange.

He doesn’t blink, his wolf lurking in his eyes.

It reminds me of the lie I told. The one I hope not one shines a light on at this dinner.

I decided I’m going to tell him the truth, I just want to do it with a smaller and less hostile

audience.

Papa welcomes everyone, claps Keith on the shoulder, motions for us to sit. I take a seat between Tessa and Ben.

Keith nudges Jace and they exchange seats so he is sitting directly across from me.

What the hell is he doing?

He is making his interest known, my wolf says as if I’m dumb.

I know that, but why would he do it here?

It is a challenge towards Ben. It dares him to say something, to stake claim on us.

Something Ben won’t do because his fated mate is sitting right next to me.

Papa watches the scene with interest and Karen purses her lips.

The clink of silverware. The hum of small talk. Ben chats lightly with Tessa. Jace compliments the venison. And Trucker regales the table with a hunting story.

I scarcely hear any of it.

12 Ridiculous dinner 3

My wolf is agitated with the presence of his so close. I feel her longing, her fear.

Keith clears his throat. “Hope. You look lovely.”

I give him a tight smile, lift my glass and take a sip, not answering.

Ben’s hand brushes mine under the table, subtle, grounding.

He’s urging me to give this male a chance.

+25 Points

Keith keeps speaking. “I’ve been thinking about what you said on our walk earlier and I think we should talk after dinner. Alone.”

“No, thank you. I don’t like to make a habit of meeting strange males at night.” I reply, reaching for a roll.

A beat of silence.

Keith shifts. “I know you’re upset and maybe even confused, but all I would take is a few moments of your time.”

Ben cuts in, his voice smooth. “Sounds like a personal conversation. Maybe not during

dinner?”

Tessa looks at me in confusion and I know I’ll be answering some of her questions tonight.

I look around and notice that Leah is paying a little touch attention to what Keith and I are

saying

Keith’s eyes narrow slightly, missing our small audience of one. “You’re right. It is personal. So maybe stop listening.”

“I can’t help it, you’re right there.”

“And you think you have the right to control when and where she has conversations. Just who do you think you are?”

Ben smiles, calm and unbothered. “A Friend.”

Keith’s surprise by the answer doesn’t show.

I sip my wine and stare at the male across from me.

The male who swore he’d protect me.

The male who let them blind me.

My stomach twists.

< 12. Ridiculous dinner–3

All I really want is for this dinner to end.

And for the ghosts of the past to stop haunting me.

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