Reborn of the Luna novel Chapter 21

But that was still something that would only happen in the far future if things proceed as they were meant to be. I was different. I was reborn. And I would not let the same tragedy fall upon me.

And I was right. The new me caught him off guard. I knew I would get a rise out of him with the new me. And when I went upstairs to meet the Lycan King, he nearly lost it.

But when I returned with the King and danced with him, Maximus couldn’t bear it any longer. I could feel the eyes of all the men in the room around me, but I wasn’t stopping them.

I gave him the coldest stare I could muster, with a crooked smile that dared him to make a move in front of everyone. The old me would never have done this in public!

“Are you drunk?” he sneered, trying to hurt my pride. “I thought you were better than this and had accepted Becca as part of our pack.”

Something in my eyes must have changed because his lips almost trembled, and he pressed them tightly together, forming a thin line.

“Is that the best you’ve got?” I challenged, raising an eyebrow. “How about we do what we came here to do? Take your hands off me. You’re not my partner tonight.”

His fingers loosened their grip as he glanced around at the people watching us.

“Right.” Will suddenly appeared behind me. “I’m the partner she mentioned. How about I take it from here?”

I was slightly annoyed with Will, too, but his presence gave Maximus some relief. His Beta took my hand and led me to the dance floor.

“Alpha Maximus?” Becca called, her voice shaky with unshed tears. He turned to see his mate with watery eyes, guilt washing over him as he realized he’d neglected her. But I saw how his gaze couldn’t help but drift back to me, dancing and talking with his Beta.

The evening felt ruined, but he knew everyone was watching, and he had to save face.

“How about some drinks?” he asked the almost-crying redhead who clung to his hand. A wide smile spread across her face instantly.

Yes, Becca was easy to please.

Will was persistent about staying by my side, making it hard for me to talk to the other alphas in the room. My plan had backfired a bit, but I found myself smiling whenever I thought of my dance with the Lycan King.

“We have to leave now,” Will leaned in and whispered in my ear.

“What?” I asked, shocked. “Why? It’s too early.”

“Alpha’s orders,” was all Will said, and I pursed my lips, glancing over at Maximus, who was drinking cocktails with Rebecca in the distance. When did he even manage to mind-link his right hand?

Will straightened his back, still shielding me. “Whatever you need to say, you can say it in front of me.”

“Will!” I tried to reason with him.

“That’s fine,” Jacob chuckled, stepping closer, while his Beta, Richard, watched Will carefully. I had seen Richard fight once, and I knew Will wouldn’t stand a chance against him in a real battle.

Jacob’s eyes met mine, and he gave me a small smile as he held out his hand. Will growled again, but I ignored him and took the item from Jacob’s hand. It was a phone. I glanced at him, confused, but he just turned and walked away without a word.

I decided to see it as a positive gesture.

“Don’t do that again,” I warned Will, turning to face him. His lips were tightly pressed together.

“It’s my job—”

“Your job is to listen to me and follow my orders,” I corrected, tilting my head. “I’m your Luna before anything else. At least for now.”