The Luna Queen's Rebirth (Ellie and Dominic) novel Chapter 20

Chapter 20 

I excused myself early, claiming I had homework to finish. But as I climbed the stairs to my room, I could hear Vivian’s voice drifting up from the living room, probably spinning some story about how concerned she was for her poor, rejected sister. 
Once I was alone, I allowed myself to really think about my situation. I needed a partner for the mating ceremony, but I couldn’t trust Lucas’s motives. And I absolutely refused to give Dominic the satisfaction of crawling back to him. 
There had to be another option. There had to be someone who would agree to be my partner without expecting anything in return. 
But as I mentally went through the list of available guys at school, I realized how few real options I had. Most of them were either already committed to someone else, too intimidated by my connection to Dominic, or like Lucas – interested in me for all the wrong reasons. 
I was trapped in a web of my own making, and I couldn’t see a way out. 
Dominic’s POV 
I couldn’t get Ellie’s words out of my head. 
I’d found out through Marcus’s connections that Ellie hadn’t actually accepted Lucas’s invitation yet. The realization should have relieved me, but instead it only made me more agitated. 
“Maybe she’s just tired from always being the one putting in all the effort,” Marcus suggested carefully. “And when someone like Lucas comes along – persistent and attentive – it’s easy to waver. You could try being a little nicer to her. Like this time, maybe take the initiative and give her a formal invitation to the dance.” 
I scoffed at the suggestion. “I didn’t ask for your advice.” 
But privately, I was starting to wonder if Marcus might be right. I couldn’t believe that Ellie’s feelings had shifted so suddenly and completely. Maybe she was just playing hard to get, waiting for me to make a grand gesture. 
If she was tired and just wanted me to be a little kinder, then maybe giving her a proper invitation wouldn’t be such a big deal. She’d probably be overwhelmed with emotion and gratitude. 
The more I thought about it, the more convinced I became that this was all just an elaborate test of my 
commitment. 
Jake walked into the room, interrupting my brooding. “Any word on what you want to do about the Lucas situation?” 
“What Lucas situation?” I asked sharply. 
“Come on, man. Everyone’s talking about how he’s been sniffing around Ellie. You’re not seriously going to let him steal your-” 
“She’s not mine to steal,” I cut him off, but the words tasted bitter on my tongue. 
But even as I said the words, I knew they weren’t true. I did care. More than I wanted to admit. 
I decided I would find Ellie tomorrow and offer her the invitation she’d always wanted. After all, deep down, I was sure she still loved me. 
How could she not? 
The next morning, I waited outside Ellie’s classroom, my hands shoved deep in my pockets. When she finally appeared, she didn’t even glance in my direction. 
I grabbed her arm. “I know you didn’t accept Lucas. I mean, someone like him could never really like you. 
She stared at me blankly. “And why exactly are you telling me this?” 
Her cold tone only made me more agitated. I’d expected gratitude, relief. Instead, she looked at me like I was a stranger. 
Just then, Lucas appeared and casually draped his arm around Ellie’s shoulders. “If you want to invite her, you should compete fair and square. Not talk trash about the competition behind their back.” 
I shot back, “Even if I was a little distant before, that doesn’t mean she should run into your arms just to spite me.” 
Lucas chuckled. “Then tell me, Dominic–if you had to choose between Ellie and Vivian, who would you really want as your fated mate?”