Lunar Temptations

Ch 68

I blinked once and then twice, contemplating if her words were directed towards me alone, but her gaze didn't linger on me long enough for that.

"It's a pleasure to see you again, CM Samara," Zayden nodded curtly, clearly not trying hard to impress her, and that didn't look bad. I wondered if I should take some lessons from him since he was perfect at everything he did.

"You don't have to be so formal. We both know how unpleasing I can be," she cut through his words, and my eyes widened temporarily before I controlled them. This was unexpected, and now I wondered how Zayden would handle this. However, I deemed it better to cut the conversation short before Zayden could come up with a response.

The council members had these perks. They could mock the leaders, and they would still survive unharmed. Their rank allowed them many privileges in return for them to be equitable. Many packs would bring their matters to be resolved by the council for a fair trial, though it didn't guarantee a fair result always.

"I am Raya," I began to speak, but she cut me off.

"I know. You're a spitting image of Bennet," she said, her eyes narrowing in on me. I couldn't help but be amazed at her informality towards my father. She must have been on good terms with Dad. My gaze wandered away from her as I blinked, uncomfortably under her scrutinizing gaze.

"Look into my eyes," she snapped, and I jerked, looking at her attentively.

Why was this woman so intimidating and terrifying?

"You're too nervous. There are many wolves who would hunt you down before you could even match their gaze," Her tone was chilling, making goosebumps cover my skin. My mouth parted as I took in her words. Was that a threat or warning? I could hear Zayden inhaling sharply, warning her instead, but I stepped into her instead.

"I assure you, I would meet their dead gazes first." I held my head high, not breaking our eye contact and trying to appear as confident as possible, silently wishing she wouldn't continue this. I dared to match her appearance, but she was far more collected and elegant than me. Her hair was dark, and she had hooded brown eyes, making her eyes appear intimidating. She was a breathtaking woman in her late mid-fifties, poised and unwavering in her stance.

Her eyes narrowed, but her features relaxed, almost as if she would have smiled, except she didn't. With a flick of her hands, she gestured to the servants, and they came hurrying forward.

"Get some rest for now. We will be seeing each other soon," she said and walked out of the room, leaving us there, standing like two unwelcome guests. Well, she was certainly hard to deal with, and her aura screamed danger, but we were stuck with her. No wonder, she had a reputation.

I let go of a breath I didn't know I was holding. Why was everyone threatening me these days? At this point, they were even affecting my dreams, like the one I had on the plane. It felt too real to be one, but something told me it would only get worse with all the negativity from CM Samara.

Just a week, Raya. You can survive that long. - I reassured myself.

"Come on," Zayden said, pulling me away with him. Our chaperone led us through an elongated passageway, and we finally came to a stop. A lift was in front of us as its door slid open. It opened directly into our room and could only be accessed through the cards that the chaperone handed each of us.

"A warning would have been nice," I huffed out as the doors of the lift flew open, revealing a small passage with a door. I was still confused about this lift in a centuries-old Hold. They had certainly renovated it a little too much for it to be called a Hold anymore. I doubt if anything was left untouched.

"I didn't know she was our host or if she was even hosting anyone this year," Zayden replied sternly. I looked up, brows furrowed. "What do you mean?"

"CM Samara hasn't hosted anyone for the Loup-Garou in years," he said, turning to me, in a serious tone. "I don't know what's changed now, but she is anything but good news."

I licked my lips, taking in his words. He looked concerned, and his stance was serious like he knew something about her and it was not exactly pleasing. "It's not like we have any other choice. We are stuck with her for the week," I shrugged, twisting open the door to our room. A few steps in and a good look later, a smile appeared on my lips. It had brick walls with lamps dangling from them. Their light resembled fire, making them appear as fire torches. A king-sized bed and several other furniture pieces were placed by the walls with a dark brown rug in the center. The windows were closed shut, and curtains were drawn. However, I didn't need to see to know that they offered a beautiful view of the property. Our room was located on the 7th floor, and though it wasn't enough to offer the entire island's view, it was enough to overlook the coast.

"Let me correct you," his voice came, breaking me out of the daze. The sound of the door locking snapped my attention to him, and I turned around. My heart skipped a beat when my eyes landed on his huge frame leaning on the doorway. "You are stuck with me." His head bowed, letting a strand or two of his hair tumble over his forehead. He looked tired yet every bit strong and raw. His coat was off now, and some of his buttons were undone, which he must have done while I was taking a look at the room.

He rolled his sleeves up, his eyes never leaving mine. They continued to travel downwards, roaming over my body. He was devouring me with his eyes.

I gulped. f**k, I had almost forgotten about my stunt and his promise of punishment. There was no way I would be getting out of this, not that I wanted to either.