I Am The Luna

ADRIANA

I watch Atticus take a glass of wine and down it in one go as I walk off with Zade and can't help but snicker.

Sebastian's kids walk over to him and I feel something oddly... I don't know, just something when he kneels down and compliments Kaia before he smiles at the other three.

He'll make a good dad... someday.

Zade clears his throat and I quickly turn back to him.

"You will keep him on his toes."

"I plan to," I reply.

"What did you want to talk about?" I ask when we step out into the garden.

"Well, I usually mind-link... which I can't do now..." he clenches his jaw and I smile. That makes sense.

"Ah yeah, you are the guy who has no emotions, right? Damn, how does it feel having to speak a bit more now?"

He scoffs as he looks at me, and I lean against the stone wall.

"You got more annoying. Is he rubbing off on you?"

"Whatever. But you know, I'll be visiting often. Ada's grave is there, and if you ever need any tech help, I'll be there. You know, Atticus is happy for me to work and be a part of this pack actively, not just a pretty stay-at-home Luna."

"Good, because you were born to lead," he says, and I roll my eyes.

I scoff. "Do you really believe that?"

"I do. And I do want you to know you were my first choice as Beta." My heart thuds as I stare at him.

"What?"

"But I also always had the feeling you were only there temporarily. You were destined for more." He tilts his head and I exhale.

"Well, I could have been beta for a while," I growl in annoyance.

"Yeah, well, I didn't want to get used to having you there as beta. And I was right when you ended up mated to Atticus, 1 had a strong feeling you wouldn't be there forever," he says quietly.

"What? No, we didn't look promising."

10

"I don't know... It was a gut feeling."

I smile. "Yeah... Ok, at least I'm glad to know I was your first choice."

"Yeah," he says arrogantly. "Appreciate it."

I roll my eyes. "So where is Valerie, anyway?" I ask

"Bathroom."

"Oh, I should go freshen up, too." I want to thank her for everything, too. I'm not sure I will manage to do so later. He nods and I walk off when I stop, as none other than Sebastian King blocks my path. "Luna Adriana."

It's uncanny how similar he looks to Gaultier, yet different too... They look different enough for me not to feel sick at the sight of him. And what I know of him helps with the differences, too.

"Alpha Sebastian."

He nods as he looks down, and I notice his gaze go to my arms. "I owe you an apology."

"No, you don't. It was a war. You did what you had to," I answer, knowing what he's on about. I'm about to walk off when he blocks my path. "Regardless, I am the reason you were burned. So I'm sorry."

I look up at him, realising he isn't the kind to apologise... for him to do so, it must take a lot from him.

"Ok, I accept your apology," I reply quietly and I mean it.

He nods as I observe him. For the first time really noticing how much he's changed from when he was in Sable Dude looks a lot older now. He isn't as handsome as Atticus, either.

He raises an eyebrow. "What?"

"Nothing." I lie smoothly just as Zaia walks over with her father, who I have already met earlier. She's wearing a black dress, looking stunning. I had seen her earlier, and she had complimented me, and I had complimented her in return.

"Dinners about to be served," she says with a smile.Property of Nô)(velDr(a)ma.Org.

"I just wanted to see Valerie for a moment. Have you seen her?" I ask her. Her smile fades slightly, appearing concerned.

"She said she felt a bit... She's in the ladies' room. Mind if I accompany you there?" "Sure," I say as we both leave Sebastian and her father and head to the ladies room.

Opening the door, we find Valerie staring at her reflection in the mirror.

"Is everything ok?" task

"Yeah!" she says far too quickly.

I narrow my eyes as Zaia looks doubtful, but I know Valerie. She's a shit liar.