Seducing My Ex’s Father In Law novel Chapter 821

Judy’s POV

Selene corrected my shoulders for the fourth time.

“Head up, but don’t be too proud,” she said, moving my chin with two fingers. “You must demand the space. You don’t ask for it. Your packmates cannot see you weak.”

I did as she said, though I felt uncomfortable. Her practice felt outdated; I wasn’t sure how well the pack would handle me “demanding” space. But Selene seemed like she knew what she was talking about, which was strange to me because technically she wasn’t a Luna. Sure, her mate had Alpha and Lycan blood, but they turned their backs on the system years ago. They never wanted to be an Alpha and Luna, and they really didn’t want to be overseen by one.

Then again, Zachary and Selene did oversee a small group who also turned their backs on the system and weren’t stupid enough to become full rogues.

I tried to relax my jaw, but I failed. The parlors' polished floor reflected every awkward angle back at me. I’d been standing, sitting, walking, curtsying, and smiling for over an hour.

Did anyone even curtsy anymore?

I wanted to ask her, but Selene was intimidating, despite the familiar warmth I felt when I was around her. It was a strange feeling and something I’ve only ever felt when I’m around my family, but it was almost like my wolf trusted her and wanted to be around her even though she didn’t know her that well.

My brain ached from the list of things that could apparently insult Alphas in three territories if I breathed wrong.

“Again,” Selene said, crossing to the far side of the room. “Enter as if you’re walking into a council dinner.”

I walked. Shoulders back. Chin neutral. Steps even. I hit the center of the carpet and stopped, just as she had taught me: one foot slightly open, hands light at my sides. I waited… counted to five in my head. I tried not to think about the woman back home who wanted to protest me, tried not to think about Irene’s silent battle with her mind and heart, and I tried not to focus too hard on the fact that my baby had been kicking nonstop since we arrived.

I stumbled when my eyes spotted something on one of the tables, and I couldn’t seem to look away. It was a picture of a very tired-looking Selene, holding a small bundle wrapped in a pink blanket. I could only assume that bundle was Lila. I couldn’t see the baby’s face, but it was clear that she was bald.

My heart stuttered for a moment at her words. I found myself pressing the palm of my hand to my chest. I couldn’t imagine what that must have been like.

“I’m so sorry,” I breathed. “I’m glad she ended up being okay.”

As much as I really hated Lila, I was honestly glad she didn’t die at birth. I liked Selene, and she didn’t deserve to lose her daughter like that.

“Her heart condition…” I started slowly. “Did it have anything to do with her power?”

Selene corked a brow at me, and for a moment, I feared I might have said too much. It wasn’t really much of a secret anymore about Lila’s birth, given gifts. Rumors were circulating throughout each territory about the Moon Gem and the powers it contained. I honestly didn’t think they were keeping it a secret.