The Mates of Monsters novel Chapter 75

Gentle music fills the empty space between proper conversations and the careful clinging of plates, glasses, and silverware. The sun has set, and the dining hall is instead lit by the romantic chandeliers above. We share our dining table with two other parties: an Alpha and Luna from Romania as well as an Alpha and his two advisors from Scotland.

The Luna, an older woman named Beatrice, lets me know that she has heard of my work as soon as I sit down. Bonny and I discuss the proposition with her and her Alpha until Jeremy joins the table, returning from wherever he's been all day. He maintains his appearance of composure despite the fact that he is nearly ten minutes late. The man has never been late to anything.

"Good evening," he greets our fellow guests.

"Get tied up in something?" I ask. I left the seat next to me open on purpose. With him stuck next to me, he can't avoid my questions.

"Lost track of time."

Liar! Jeremy wouldn't dare. "Oh really? Did you venture off the territory? Do a bit of sightseeing?"

"If you must know, I saw some old friends," he says.

"From the Dreier pack?"

"No."

My appetizer is placed before me, so I pause his interrogation to thank the server and eat some. My appetite has been very present today, and I plan to scrape my plates clean.

"Brigette!"

I peer over my shoulder then turn completely in my chair. A woman in a blue dress scurries over to me, and it clicks in my brain. "Luna Lovegreen," I beam and stand from the table. I reflect her firm hold when her arms bind around me in a hug.

"Don't you get all formal with me now," she scolds, pulling back.

"Mary," I correct, "it's nice to see you again. I didn't know you would be here."

"We're in Europe, darling. Of course I'm here. The real question is what are you doing here? Is your Alpha here as well?"

"No, I've come with my advisor and Luna Godoy. I'm giving a speech tomorrow before the votes are cast on our proposition."

"Good. At least one speech will be worth listening to, though I'm sure you'll get the votes anyway. The Luna's love what you're doing. You're a little firecracker making the rest of us look bad; I'm relieved each day that Alpha Lovegreen doesn't hone on me for not making history."

"I couldn't have done it without the Lunas support. It's been a group effort, Mary, which means you too helped bring the proposition to this stage. We're all making history."

She nudges me with her elbow. "You little politician. You're getting good at that."

"So, you're here with Alpha Lovegreen?"

"Yes, yes. We're at a table just over there." She points across the room. "Funny that I saw you—I just caught Luna Leloup coming out of the loo. I feel like I'm at a reunion."

"I'll have to find her to say hello, then. It's actually a relief to hear that the two of you came. Some familiar faces will be nice to see in the crowd tomorrow."

"I'll be right in the front row," she assures me. "Now don't let me interrupt your dinner. I've got to get back before the Alpha comes looking for me again."

"We'll talk tomorrow? I want to see you before I fly back."

"Of course. We'll carve out some time after you deliver what I assume will be a lovely speech."

I smile and say, "I would love that. Have a nice rest of your night."