Reborn Luna (Hope and Keith) novel Chapter 63

35.Her game-2

When lunch service finishes, as the staff brings dessert, Prince Camille arrives.

There’s a stir. I lift my head. “He glides in late, measuring the room. Tall, cool, dignified. His golden hair is perfectly styled back, and his green eyes are shuttered

Instead of sitting with the males, he takes the empty chair beside me.

My heart thumps.

This is my chance.

The other women, including Lilith, straighten. The males stop speaking.

Keith tenses.

“I apologize for my lateness.” The Prince says, taking a cake from the table. “Why are we not sitting together?”

“Sounds like a great idea to me,” Rosie says, jumping up and encouraging the other girls to follow. The boys are next, and together we push the two tables together to make one giant party.

During the shift, Prince Camille doesn’t spare a glance for his sister.

“There now, much more cozy,”

”

Prince Camille says, turning to me with a smile.

I feel Keith taking a seat on my left as the prince holds his hand out to me, “Camille. Nice to meet you.”

“Hope, from the Blue Rock pack.”

“Ah, I remember your father, an excellent Alpha.” He looks over at Tessa, “And you must be his heir.”

“I am, your highness,” says Tessa.

“Please, just Camille.”

He goes around the table making introductions and seems pleasant enough. He’s attentive, funny, and generally easy going, the stark opposite of the tales of an arrogant womanizer we’ve heard so much.

Lilith seethes, hiding her sharpness behind a well-practiced smile.

A warmth cups my knee, and I turn to face Keith with a raised brow.

His shrug is almost imperceptible. “Is there a problem, Hope?”

“Why would there be?” I play dumb.

He leans in. “You look good in that dress.”

“I’m glad you-

Before ! call say more, a server approaches with fresh iced water.

I thank him.

Over his shoulder, Lith watches me. I smile politely and return to talking with Keith.

I feel her little darts of observation: sharp, tiny, precise. After a moment, the sound of her shoes echoed

across the floor.

I shift on my chair. I’ve been waiting for her to make the first move, so I can’t say I’m surprised.

“Hope, would you like to walk with me? The lakeside is supposed to be calm teday.” Lilith fixes those pale

eyes on me.

Keith doesn’t look at her, just gives my leg a squeeze before releasing me.

“Sure, that sounds great. I was just thinking of getting some fresh air.”

Tessa glances at us, brows raised. I nod back. The males and females keep chatting as I gather my clutch. Lilith secures her shawl around her slim shoulders, leaving a healthy space for anyone looking to get an eyeful of her cleavage.

Wrily bitch.

I follow her and we leave the others behind.

Lilith and I step down the gravel path. The lake reflects silver in the sun. We pause at a split rail bridge. The dining hall is out of sight behind a row of potted palms. Only ducks glide below. Lilith smiles faintly. No birds chirp. I breathe evenly.

“The view is peaceful. Isn’t it, Hope?” Lilith muses

I nod. I keep my gaze on her, not the water. Lilith tilts her face sideways.

Lilith steps closer. “I feel such a kinship to you, the second child trying to find your path beneath the accomplishments of your sister. I admire your control and your relationship with her. I always wanted to be close to Camille, but I guess it’s not always cool for a male to hang out with his little sister.” Her hand reaches for mine. My skin crawls, and I fight not to retract it. I need to keep any advantage I have.” Anyway, I thought maybe we could be friends.”

So this is her game.

I soften my voice, giving it enough unsteadiness to sound insecure. “Why would you want to be friends with me? I mean you’re a princess, and I’m just me.”

Lilith’s eyes flicker. She lets go of my hand.

“That’s not true.” She continues walking along the cleft edge of the lake, where the water laps gently against stones. I follow her. “Alpha Keith seems to find you interesting, so I’m sure there’s more to you than meets the eye.”

There wc uu, show your true colors.

My wolf hates her teeth at Lilith, and I barely resist the urge to do the same.

My instinct prickles-Something about this feels…familiar.

Lilith’s face blanches with mock pain, and I’m taken back to the stare case. Instantly, I know what she’s

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