Chapter 55
“I’ll be right back, Damian whispered against my ear, the warmth of
his breath causing a shiver to run down my spine.
His hand, large and possessive, trailed briefly over my waist, a
fleeting, tender touch that left a burning imprint on my skin.
I turned to look at him, wanting to say something – anything – but
he was already stepping away into the sea of bodies.
I watched him go, my heart hammering lightly with excitement.
It was fine. He would be back soon.
I stayed where he left me, standing tall among the glittering crowd,
my red gown catching the light with every small movement.
The gala was in full swing now.
Golden chandeliers bathed the vast ballroom in a warm, opulent
glow.
Dark wood floors gleamed underfoot, polished to a mirror–like shine
that reflected the swirling dance of gowns and tuxedos.
1/9
Chapter 55
The air was perfumed with the scent of fresh roses and expensive cologne, mingling with the soft clinking of glasses and the muted
hum of orchestral music.
I plucked a flute of champagne from a passing server’s tray, letting
the crisp bubbles tickle my tongue.
A soft smile played on my lips.
Tonight felt magical.
Five minutes passed.
Then ten.
I finished my first glass and reached for another.
Still no sign of Damian.
I told myself he was probably caught up greeting old allies or dealing
with politics.
After all, he was Alpha Damian – feared, respected, needed.
As I sipped the second glass, a Beta from the Ironfang Pack approached, bowing slightly.
2/9
Chapter 55
“Lady Selene,” he said smoothly. “A pleasure to see you tonight. Alpha
Damian is a lucky man.”
“Thank you,” I replied with a polite smile, though my stomach twisted
uneasily.
Next came an elderly Luna, her silver hair swept elegantly into a bun.
“My dear, you are radiant,” she said warmly, patting my arm. “You will
make a fine Luna one day.”
“That’s kind of you,‘ I said, forcing a chuckle.
I thanked them both, exchanging the necessary pleasantries, but my
heart wasn’t in it.
I shifted uncomfortably on my heels, scanning the crowd for any sign
of Damian’s tall, commanding figure.
Nothing.
The music swelled, and couples started to gather on the dance floor.
Laughter and chatter filled the grand hall as the first strains of a
waltz floated through the air.
3/9
Chapter 55
I found myself drifting upstairs to the open balcony that overlooked
the main floor.
–
From up here, the scene below was breathtaking — a sea of glittering gowns and crisp suits spinning and gliding in perfect synchrony.
Powerful Alphas danced with their Lunas, their connections unmistakable, their love or alliances shining in the way they moved
together.
I leaned on the marble railing, resting my chin on my hands, smiling softly despite the knot in my chest.
–
For a moment, it was easy to pretend to imagine myself truly
belonging here, a part of something beautiful and eternal.
But the clock chimed.
The illusion cracked.
An hour had passed.
Where was Damian?
Worry twisted into something sharper – a sickening knot in my gut
that I couldn’t ignore anymore.
4/9
Chapter 55
I set my empty glass on a nearby table and descended the stairs with
a rising sense of dread.
I moved through the ballroom again, weaving between laughing
groups and spinning dancers.
I checked near the bar, the corner seating areas, even outside the
bathrooms.
No Damian.
I headed for the terrace, my gown whispering against the marble floor
as I walked faster.
Outside, the air was cool and fresh, carrying the sweet scent of night-
blooming jasmine.
The garden lanterns glowed softly, casting flickering shadows along
the stone paths.
I hugged my bare arms and followed the winding path that led toward
the back of the estate to the pool.
–
The moon hung low and full in the velvet sky, bathing the water in
silver.
5/9
Chapter 55
And there, at the far edge of the pool, under the cover of shadows-
I saw them.
Damian.
And Layla.
I froze, my breath lodging painfully in my throat.
Layla was draped against him, her hand curled around the nape of his neck, pulling him down to her.
And then
–
she kissed him.
Hard.
Desperate.
Familiar.
I stood rooted to the spot, my heart shattering with every second that
VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABEL
Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: The Alpha's Mafia Luna