Reborn Luna (Hope and Keith) novel Chapter 18

13. Change–1

Hope

“I’d be insulted if you didn’t want to sit next to me if your choice wasn’t to be across from my daughter’s. They are far more interesting than an old male like me,” Papa beams like he’s already picking out wedding flowers.

He doesn’t notice Karen stiffening beside him.

I see it immediately.

He’s trying to play matchmaker.

Goddess help us.

Keith looks at me before he says, “They are indeed good company. I enjoyed my tour earlier.”

“Very good,” Papa replies. “Have you had a chance to speak with Tessa?”

Ben’s fork scrapes against his plate but he covers up the noise by clearing his throat.

Okay so we’re not going to be subtle then.

“I can’t say I have,” Keith says amicably. “I’m sure she was busy with training.”

“That’s right. Which is why you asked Hope to take him around the grounds,” Tessa adds, shooting Papa a warning glance I don’t think he cares to notice.

“You know Tessa is actually our Head Enforcer in charge of all our warriors. She is accomplished in hand to hand combat, weaponry and strategy.”

Ben isn’t eating anymore. Neither am I.

Keith gives Tessa a sympathetic smile when her face heats. “That’s very impressive, Tessa. You must have dedicated a lot of time towards learning to protect your pack.”

She clears her throat. “I have. It’s my life.”

“So similar to the dedication you have to your own Keith, wouldn’t you say?”

Jace choked on his wine and Trucker patted his back.

“You okay son?” Trucker asks.

Emma takes this opportunity to shoot me a look I can’t decipher but I can see the concern in

her eyes

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+25 Pomts

“Thank you. Must of went down the wrong pipe. When Jace looks up he smirks at Keith.

“Tessa and Alpha Keith are so well–matched, don’t you think?” Papa says to Karen, slicing into his steak like it’s a normal comment and not a loaded cannonball dropped in the middle of the table.

“Yes darling,” she says tightly. “Tessa certainly does have a capability to match any Alpha. Quiet dominates too. She’s going to make an …interesting mate when the time comes.”

I clench my fist around my fork at her jab. Karen has always tried to down Tessa for not being what she believes a female should be. Quiet and accommodating. Willing to follow their mates lead without question.

Ben freezes. His entire body goes rigid with cold rage. Normally, Ben is positive. A voice of

reason and calm but when he’s upset it’s like watching the sun give way to a snow storm.

This is only more proof that he’s figured out Tessa is his mate.

Papa keeps going. “Strong. Level–headed. Noble background. About the same age too. I think it’s fate, don’t you?”

Ben’s jaw tightens.

My stomach twists. My wolf snarls at my father’s suggestion that Tessa and Keith should be together.

Intellectually, I don’t want him. But instinctually he’s mine.

Keith smiles politely. “Thank you, Alpha Clinton. I’m honored by your kind thoughts. Tessa is a fine female I’m sure would make any male proud to call his mate.” He glances briefly at Tessa, then back at Papa. “But I’m… a traditional male. I’ve fully committed myself to waiting for my fated mate.”

“That’s understandable, I did the same thing,” Papa says.

My fork scrapes against the plate as I push around peas. I don’t look up.

Keith’s not lying.

The rumors about his womanizing ways are just that, rumors.

Keith was a virgin when we shared our mating bed.

Ben glances at me, the relief in his face subtle but sharp, a mirror of Tessa’s.

Goddess, I hope they figure this out soon.

Keith folds his napkin and places it beside his plate. “Still, I appreciate your hospitality and

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generosity in letting me come here for medical treatment.”

+25 Points

“We’re happy to have you,” Papa says. “Blue Rock resources are yours as well. You’re in good hands.”

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