Reborn Luna (Hope and Keith) novel Chapter 53

430 Royal ball-1

30. Royal ball-1

Keith

+25 Forts

An envelope sits on the table, the king’s seal glaring back at us. Thick parchment, formal as death, but it smells like opportunity. Clinton reads it aloud, voice calm but I can hear the edge of

excitement.

“A royal ball,” he says, lifting his eyes. “In the capital.”

Hope’s eyes widen, and for a moment I can sense a small flicker of fear.

Tessa grins.

Ben stays silent, though I catch the twitch at the corner of his mouth.

I lean back in my chair, arms crossed.

“A celebration,” Clinton continues, “what a perfect excuse for a visit.”

“The goddess shines down on us,” I agree.

I called my father yesterday to fill him in on the changes happening here and to ask him to continue to look over the pack.

He was thrilled when I told him I found my mate and encouraged me to secure her before coming

home.

“We all know what this really is.” Tessa says. “The prince is looking for his mate.”

“Yes but that will give us the perfect opportunity to show ourselves in front of the King without all the hassle,” Ben says.

“That, and to show face. Blue Rock’s next Alpha should be there.” Clinton glances at her.

She straightens her shoulders. Her confidence is something to admire. I don’t think she knows just how rare that is-Clinton backing a female Alpha. Hell, I didn’t know until yesterday.

We were alone-he and I, walking the forest’s edge-and he told me. How he’s backing Tessa to take his place. How he’s tired of pretending strength only comes with a deep voice and a beard.

“It’s time for a change,” he said. “She’s stronger than I ever was.”

I respect him more for it. Few old Alphas would have the guts. I told him right then she had my support.

I meant it.

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30 Royal ball-1

• 25 Family

Now, with the king’s invitation, things move faster. Clinton won’t have to petition or prove anything. If Tessa shines at this event, the crown will recognize her as Blue Rock’s rightful Alpha.

Hope smiles at me across the table. I return it, small, but real. This invitation isn’t just luck. It’s the same kind of miracle that brought her to me. When she accepted our bond… I still don’t have

words for it.

Tessa talks a mile a minute while we eat lunch in the sunlit hall. Something about dresses, dance

lessons, and making sure she doesn’t embarrass the pack. She’s nervous under the surface, but

excitement wins out.

I shift my eyes to Ben. He’s quiet. Watching her. Not just watching-studying. Tessa laughs at something Hope says, and Ben’s whole face softens. Then he looks at Hope. She nods.

That’s odd.

“Clinton,” Ben says, setting his fork down. “There’s something I need to tell you.”

Clinton looks up. “Sounds serious.”

“It is,” Ben says. He reaches across the table and takes Tessa’s hand. “She’s my true mate.”

Silence. Even the clatter of cutlery stops.

“We’ve known since the last full moon,” Tessa adds. “We didn’t want to say anything until… until we

were sure.”

Clinton stares at them for a long second, then leans back with a groan. “You had to go and take my last daughter, didn’t you?”

Everyone laughs, even Ben, though his face is still tense. Tessa looks like she might cry and laugh at the same time.

But I’m watching Clinton. The laugh lines around his eyes deepen, but there’s a sheen to his gaze- pride and sorrow. He nods once, like he’s letting her go at that moment.

“Guess you’re officially family now,” he tells Ben.

Ben swallows. “Thank you,

sir.”

Hope squeezes my arm under the table, and I realize I’ve been holding my breath. Tessa has a mate. Clinton’s stepping down. Things are changing fast.

***

“So, when do I get to meet this juvenile?” I ask, tossing Hope a sideways look as we walk the trail

behind the training fields. “You’ve been hiding him like he’s some kind of secret weapon.”

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