The Luna Queen's Rebirth (Ellie and Dominic) novel Chapter 40

Chapter 40

Ellie POV

Walking into the mate-course seminar felt a lot like walking into a trap.

The room was already packed wall-to-wall with students, buzzing like they’d been waiting all week just to witness my impending humiliation. Someone had swapped the chairs out for couches – intimate, cozy, painfully awkward couches – and I had to physically bite the inside of my cheek to keep from turning around and leaving.

Sarah paused at my side, clutching her notebook tight.

“Oh my god,” she whispered, eyes darting everywhere. “Why does it look like a wedding reception? Why are there couches? I’m sweating. Ellie, I’m sweating.”

I snorted. “Relax. It’s just thirty minutes or so. We get in, pretend to learn something about ‘mate bonding, ‘ and get out.”

She let out a shaky breath. “Easy for you to say. You’re-” she dropped her voice, “-you know. The main character today.”

“Yeah,” I deadpanned. “Unwilling.”

Sarah grimaced sympathetically, then leaned in. “Okay but… listen. I think I’m going to pick Marcus.”

I blinked. “Marcus? Loud, sweaty, Marcus?”

She flushed hard. “He’s cute! And nice! And… sometimes he smells like cinnamon gum.”

“Oh my god,” I groaned dramatically. “You have a crush on Marcus.”

“Shut up,” she hissed, but she was smiling. “I just don’t have anyone I want to pair with! Not like Fawn! She has it made with Atticus!”

“I’m telling him,” I teased.

“You’re absolutely not-” She paused. “Unless you think I should?”

I laughed. “Pick whoever you want. Just don’t faint when he puts a hand on your hip.”

She made a strangled noise. “Ellie!”

“What?” I shrugged. “That’s literally step one.”

Sarah covered her face. “I hate it here.”

Then, more quietly: “By the way, what are you going to do? About Dominic?”

My stomach curled. “I’ll figure it out.”

She nodded, and gave me a pat before benign called over by a few girls.

r

I scanned the room scourly. Of course Dominic was already there. He had to be – just like me. He stood near the center, surrounded by a crowd like he was the main attraction at some royal parade. Vivian hovered near

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by, practically glowing with those blonde locks. Lucas lounged nearby with that easy posture of his, smiling like he was more then comfortable with today.

We made eye contact. Lucas waved.

I didn’t.

I hated this. Hated being forced into the room. Hated every whisper that followed me.

Hated that my bond with Dominic, an accident frozen into fate, made me the school’s newest circus act.

I kept my gaze low, jaw clenched, determined not to give Dominic even one glance.

He didn’t deserve it. Not after everything he’s pulled.

The instructor clapped her hands. “Welcome, everyone! Today we begin our Mate Relationship Course. You’ll be choosing your partners for this semester’s exercises. Go ahead and pair up!”

The room erupted instantly.

Students surged forward, laughing, squealing, shoving for their picks like we were choosing teams in a very romantic, very stupid war game. Lucas and Dominic the main culprits.

I was still frozen. I had no intention of choosing Dominic, but I couldn’t pick just anyone. I just needed someone who wouldn’t fold under his glare.

I glanced toward Lucas and his pack of suitors when I saw Dominic looking my way through a sea of girls.

He was expecting me.

Like always.

I stood up straighter, a fire burning.

What a jerk.

And as I made up my plan, I starting walking towards him.

He smiled. Smug. A burning feeling started in my chest. His smile grew and grew as I got closer, the girls staring, wide-eyed as I parted the sea.

“Is…Ellie going to Dom?” A girl said.

“She would betray Vivian? Again?”

“What a mess.”

I ignored them and right as Dominic looked more then smug, opening his mouth as I approached-

I brushed past.

And I could feel the shock not only from the room, but from Dominic.

Everyone nearly silent instantly.

My eyes were locked to Lucas. Just for today.

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Hetuet my gaze, watching the scene like I was the most amusing thing he’s ever seen.

“My, my,” he muttered. “What a show.” He stood, as his voice rose above noise. It was clear, confident, and as always, annoyingly charming.

“Ellie, will you be my partner?”

I cut through the circle of girls around Lucas and stopped right in front of him. Judging by the collective gasp that rippled through the room, no one expected it.

Honestly? That made it easier.

Lucas straightened, grin softening into something curious. “Wow. That was, dramatic. You sure about this?”

“Yes,” I said. “I chose you because you won’t be intimidated by Dominic.”

His brows flicked up. “That obvious?”

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