Blue Moon

CHAPTER SIX

-SHIN-

"Behave and no more escapes if you want your phone back."

As we headed to the dining room, I recalled Raffa's demand in that manner. I was very annoyed by it, but I realized I had no choice but to comply with his request. I also had no time to argue because I was absolutely starving. In order to create a flawless escape plan later, I needed to be cunning and wise, eat, and, yes, get my phone back first.

With a scowl on my face, I entered the dining room. Raffa and I walked in on additional individuals messing around, similar to the scenario in the living room. Astounded by the largest dining space I had ever seen, I didn't mind them at all.

It's freaking massive. Spacious as though it were built to accommodate a hundred people. There were two chairs on either side of three large tables in the center. The adorned walls were nicely painted. A large crystal chandelier hanging from the ceiling lit up the entire space.

My eyes then landed on those men and women, who were giggling and chasing each other like small children, and I lost my sense of amazement in the midst of my distraction. My brows furrowed as I noticed that the females were sporting short shorts and sleeveless tops while the males were all topless. Do they not feel cold? Even though I am positively positive that the room is a little chilly, I have no right to object to what they choose to wear.

Raffa made a throat-clearing motion to get their attention. They stopped abruptly, and the space became silent.

"Get used to ordinary noises," he instructed Shin as he moved to the farthest seat at the long table in the middle.

"Are we so close?" I scowled. 'I don't recall granting him permission to use my first name, either.' I shrugged it off and continued to follow Raffa, only to raise an eyebrow when I saw my watchdog and his muscular minion. "What? You don't have money to buy clothes or are just too lazy to do your laundry. Did you all run out of shirts or something?" I rolled my eyes at those creeps as they smirked at me.

Well, they're all half-naked, and to be honest, eating with topless guys nearby would make me feel awkward.

"Oh, don't mind them, Shin." Ella appeared on my left out of nowhere, making me jump in shock.

"Goodness gracious! What the heck are you—a mushroom? "I told her as I clutched my chest.

Ella simply grinned and wrapped her arms around me, saying, "Come on, let's eat!" after which she led me to my designated seat.

Raffa reserved a chair for me on his right side while Ella went around and sat across from mine. Since I had no other option, I mentally shook my head and let the current drag me. Ella turned around and sat across from my chair, which Raffa had prepared for me on his right side.

Raffa took the king's seat and gave me that obnoxious crooked smile once more as soon as he observed me rolling my eyes. Everyone took part. I couldn't help but gulp when I saw the already-served dish because it looked so decadent.

Ten minutes later, I noticed that everyone was looking at me oddly. While some appeared uneasy, others were fascinated. "Oh, dear! Spit it out and let me know if you think I'm attractive if you're all awestruck by my beauty, or what!" I yelled at them because I could take no more.

If they continued melting me with their looks, how am I supposed to eat well?

The one on Ella's left side snorted: "You're such a cocky little human, huh."

"You are someone I am familiar with." I immediately recognized him. "You're the annoying fellow from earlier!"

"And who are you referring to an aggravating guy, woman!" he barked since he didn't like the moniker I gave him.

"He's Ridge, Shin. He's my bet—my best buddy. Everyone, meet Shin Rivas." Raffa presented me to everyone in the room.

In my head, I scoffed. 'Should he really do that?' He shouldn't bother because I had no intention of staying in that compound any longer. However, as I observed strange things about those creatures who were busy eating with us, my curiosity began to grow.

"I am in awe. Don't you feel cold, guys? Topless and all that. What if you fall ill or catch a disease?" When I told them my worry, they immediately put down their spoons and forks and focused on me instead.

I kept going. "I mean, hello, guys! No, this is not a dark fantasy-style movie! With those sexy vampires, big, creepy dogs that turn into humans who are constantly flexing their muscles in front of the camera.

They listened to me and mumbled together, "Big creepy dogs!"

They received a "duh" look from me. "Those wild dogs from the freaking film! Please don't say you haven't seen them?"

"Those are werewolves, woman!" Ridge corrected me.

"What's the difference?" I scoffed in response. "They are both the same, dogs and wolves!" I pointed out and was about to put a piece of steak in my mouth when suddenly I heard growling in the background. My eyes widened. I looked around the dining room to see if there were any wild animals present.

"There is a significant difference between wolves and dogs." Ridge reclaimed my focus as my face twisted.

'What's the issue? He is making a great deal about wolves and dogs, but why? Does he intend to argue with me?'

"Don't tell me you believe in those made-up figures," I challenged him. "They only live in novels and movies and are nothing more than empty fantasies. Gosh! Grow up, guys!" I preached, but I nearly jumped out of my chair when I heard ominous growls again. “s**t! What the heck is that? ”

That time, it was louder and appeared to be emanating from multiple sources. I stared at the people seated at the dining tables as I grabbed my thudding chest. "Tell me, were you the ones to 'GRRR' on me?"

They immediately turned away from my gaze. Ridge, who was already cranky, resumed eating as if nothing had happened.

I snickered and looked across at Raffa Greyson, who was at that moment massaging his temple. He opened his lips to speak, but I intervened before he could finish.

"Tell your minions to visit the doctor, man! What happens if their tonsillitis worsens?" I gave him the advice out of sheer concern.

To my surprise, he and Ella both started laughing, and then everyone else did too.

"What's so funny?" I muttered while scowling. "Come on. I'm just concerned okay! Make lemon juice or whatever if you don't want to go to the doctor! "