The Heartless Alpha’s Beloved Luna (Avery and Gideon) novel Chapter 420

“She is right here,” I said. “And yes, I have been working hard.”

Gideon’s mouth curved. “I hear the children are responding well.”

“They are,” I said.

“Must be a relief.” He grabbed a glass of champagne and sipped it. “Getting your hands on the right ingredients made all the difference, I imagine.”

Sebastian glanced at me.

I smiled at Gideon with all of my teeth at once. “If you’ll excuse us.”

I took Gideon by the elbow, steered him sideways, and kept moving until we were around the corner of the room near a set of floor-length curtains where the noise from the band would make it hard to be overheard.

I let go of his arm. “Stop it.”

“Stop what?” he asked.

“You know what.”

“I really don’t.” He tilted his head. “You’re going to have to be specific.”

“Gideon. Are you drunk already?”

“So what if I am? It is a party, after all.”

I pinched the bridge of my nose and shut my eyes. “I swear, Gideon…”

“I’m not going to say anything to anyone, if that’s what you’re worried about.” He lifted one shoulder. “It’s our little secret. I have no interest in telling your so-called husband about what happened in the greenhouse.”

“He is my husband.”

“Sure.” He glanced down, and his finger came up and traced slowly along my collarbone, just above the neckline of the gown. “This is beautiful, by the way.”

My jaw tightened,

“Woah.” His hand settled on my waist. “You okay?”

“Fine,” I said. “Just… wanted to dance.”

Sebastian smiled slightly. “Well, I was wondering if you would ever ask.”

I rolled my eyes but smiled back, and Sebastian led me into an easy, slow waltz. The crowd twirled around us, moving in time with the delicate strains of the string quartet playing on the small stage. Above us, the stars being projected against the ceiling twinkled like the real thing.

As we moved, I began to relax just a little. Sebastian tugged me closer, and I let him. I rested my chin on his arm and looked around at the other guests, taking in the fine gowns, the glittering jewelry, and the perfectly-cut tuxedos.

I told myself I wasn’t looking for Gideon amongst those faces, but my wolf and I knew exactly what I was really doing.

It was then that I saw her. Dark hair. Red lips. A sleek black gown that trailed behind her a foot, forcing people to step over it.

“Fiona’s here?” I pulled my head back. “I thought she wasn’t invited.”