Reborn of the Luna novel Chapter 19

Richard held open the curtain. Knowing all eyes were on them, I was determined to hold my head high. In all my years as Luna, and even before then, I had only seen lycans a few times. They usually didn’t mingle with werewolves, and it was considered an honor to meet one regardless of their rank. Back in the day, when I got acquainted with a Beta, it had been the talk of the surrounding packs for months. All he had done was tell me he owed me one and handed me a card in front of a few witnesses.

Still, Maximus had been proud and insisted on telling everyone that a lycan owed our family. It sounded impressive.

Well, Maximus looked anything but proud as I descended the stairs holding the mighty Lycan King’s hand. Even though this was supposed to be an honor beyond any.

I could sense my husband gritting his teeth and noticed his lack of reaction to the words of his precious redhead mate. Becca no longer looked excited to be at a ball. It had been a complete disaster for her.

Unlike my previous life, where Rebecca was the star of the event—the little innocent omega who overcame many hardships and stole the heart of a powerful Alpha—she was now second-rate news. Everyone was questioning Maximus Grimm’s judgment for abandoning his wife of six years. A wife who was clearly the center of attention tonight for all the right reasons.

Not only was I unashamed of the situation my husband had created, but I also overcame it and attracted every single male wolf in the room with the power I was emitting. Alphas loved strong women. It was a given. Another reason mates were often chosen was that not everyone could become a suitable Luna. Not everyone could bear the burden of their responsibilities and pressure. Today I proved I was one of the very few who could do it all flawlessly.

Right now, even the most powerful man in the room was interested in me. The gossipers in the hall were, for once, speechless. The event, which was perfectly manipulated to be the cause of my humiliation, caused me to come out on top.

“Smile, Katherine, smile.” The King’s lips curled into a smirk. “You don’t want to disappoint everyone watching, do you?”

“My apologies,” I whispered as he led me to the very center of the dance floor and gestured for the musicians to start playing. The sound of a slow melody filled the room, and we began to move. When Jacob pulled me closer so that our bodies touched, I realized the gift he was actually giving me.

It was a display of great favor that everyone in the room was now witnessing.

I wanted to think about what I would do next, to strategize. However, the proximity of the man whose arms I was in clouded my mind. His overwhelming scent and the dominance and power he emitted were a huge distraction. Much more than anyone I had ever met.

“I can tell what you’re thinking,” Jacob chuckled softly.

“That’s not surprising,” I replied calmly. “I’ll bet everyone here is thinking the same thing.”

“What would that be?” he asked, amused.

“Why are you doing this?” I countered, lowering my voice for his ears only. Slightly leaning into me, so it was easier to converse, his hot breath burned against my cheek and earlobe.

“You know why,” he whispered, sending goosebumps down my spine. This man was too handsome to ignore.

“You could have simply offered one word of support for me at the next Alpha Council,” I tried to reason, “but instead, you’re doing this.”

“I have my reasons for everything,” he confessed simply.

I raised an eyebrow. “Which would be?”

“I’m territorial, Katherine.” His lips curled into a smile as he continued, “I want everyone to clearly know what is mine. They need to realize that touching what is mine will cost them their lives.”

He said those last words loudly enough that there was no chance anyone dancing near us would have missed them.

“But, I am not yours.” The words left my mouth before I realized what I was saying, and I could swear his eyes got darker while his grip on me tightened.

“You are my—” he hesitated as if he was making a very important decision at that moment. “My ally. I will make sure that everyone respects you, one way or another.”

Uncertain about how to react to his abrupt departure, I wondered if I had done something wrong or if it was really time for him to leave. Somehow I felt disappointed that our time had come to an end.

“I will call you tomorrow,” the King offered, and I almost choked on my breath. “We will need to meet again very soon. To talk.”

“Sure.” I smiled nervously and felt his grip on me tighten. It was as if he didn’t want to let me go.

“Then I will see you soon.” The music stopped, and he bowed to kiss my hand, making the room fill with the sound of gasps. “It was a real pleasure, Katherine.”

The Lycan King gestured to his Beta, and they abruptly left the room.

I decided to return to the bar for a drink when Maximus appeared in front of me.

“What the hell was that, Katherine?!” he growled.

I gave Maximus a cold stare, but he didn’t even seem to notice the silence that had fallen over the crowd around us.

“Maximus,” I said flatly, “Let’s talk about this at home. I still have a few people to speak with.” I turned to leave, but he grabbed my arm, forcing me to face him again.

I didn’t want to cause a scene, but I was beyond annoyed. What was he thinking?

“I think you’ve talked to enough people tonight,” he said, tightening his grip on my arm. If Aila were here, I would have let her take over and show him some Alpha strength. But I was alone now, and I needed to be more careful. I knew I was better off using my wits.