The Wolf King's Luna novel Chapter 72

CATHERINE

As we approached Damon and the unknown lady, I couldn't shake the knot of jealousy and anger building in my chest. My inner wolf was stirring, her instincts flaring with irritation.

"It's okay; stay calm."

I said this in an attempt to calm her down, but I forced myself to push down the rising emotions. I didn't want to cause a scene, especially not in front of Damon and the others.

She clung to Damon's side, and I felt a surge of possessiveness and frustration. Damon noticed my approach and disentangled himself from the woman to come forward and greet us.

"Hi Cathy, welcome back."

He said he was pulling me into a hug, but I couldn't bring myself to fully return it. The sight of him embracing another woman stirred up a storm of conflicting emotions within me.

As Damon released me from the hug, he turned to the woman beside him.

"Mia, this is Catherine, my mate," he said, gesturing towards me.

"Catherine, this is Mia, my childhood friend."

Mia's surprised reaction stung me, and I struggled to mask my feelings behind a forced smile.

"You have a mate, Damon? Why didn't I hear about this?" Mia asked, her surprise evident.

"We haven't had a mating ceremony yet. It's complicated," Damon explained, glancing at me with a hint of concern.

As she extended her hand, I reluctantly took it, my grip feeling cold and distant.

"Nice to meet you, Catherine," she said.

"Nice to meet you too," I managed to say, trying to keep my voice steady.

Melissa shot me a knowing glance, sensing my unease.

"So, Mia, how have you been?" she asked, attempting to ease the tension.

Mia's eyes flickered over to me briefly before she responded,

"I've been good, thanks. It's been too long, Mel."

"Let's take this to the living room," Damon suggested, and Mia swiftly clung to his side.

"I've missed you so much, Damon," she said.

"I've missed you too, Mia," Damon responded.

"We have so much to catch up on," she said, and I hated that I was here listening to this.

As we stepped into the living room, Damon took a seat, and Mia swiftly occupied the spot next to him, linking her hands through his arm. I couldn't help but notice the way she nestled close to him, and it stung to see them so physically connected. Suppressing my discomfort, I chose a different place to sit, trying to hide my dissatisfied expression as I settled in.

Luna Diana's eyes lit up with surprise as she joined us, spotting Mia.

"Mia, it's been so long! What a pleasant surprise to see you here!" she exclaimed, reaching out for a warm hug.

"Thank you, Luna Diana. It's good to see you too," Mia responded with a smile.

As we all settled in, the room buzzed with the warmth of rekindled friendships. The conversation naturally turned to fond reminiscences about the memories Mia and Damon shared from their younger days.

"I still remember the time we all went camping by the lake," Mia recalled, her eyes sparkling with nostalgia.

"Damon, remember when you got lost in the woods?"