Lunar Temptations

Ch 71

"Are you saying that she is not available to see the Lunar and Night Walkers packs' Luna?" I said, raising a brow at him, and then watching the rest of the color drain from his face. He gulped then began to shake his head.

Poor boy. I wouldn't have played this card if I didn't need to see her urgently. I didn't give a s**t if she was too busy to meet me; I had a question regarding the Alpha, my mate, and a very important person in our world. She could be pissed at me for bothering her all she would want, but that would be until I present her with my concern about his behaviour in that metal door room. I wasn't worried about her telling it to anyone. She was a scholar and a council member, both of which followed a strict code of confidentiality. That's why the council members were presented with pack matters from all over the world. They would give unbiased advice while keeping it classified.

It was my turn to see it now.

"Of course not, Luna. I will take you to her at once!" He said before bowing once again deeply. I nodded and then motioned him to lead the way.

The floor was emptier than I had expected it to be. No one could be seen except the workers and the servants scurrying to make arrangements for tonight's ball. All the leaders must have arrived yesterday, but none could be seen around. Perhaps they were preparing for tonight, especially the ladies. I, myself, wasn't sure how long it was going to take me to get ready. Apart from the basic services, the council had arranged beauticians for the Lunas, and it was pretty impressive. Especially for people like me who knew the bare minimum about styling.

"Where are we going?" I asked when we took another turn and walked through an old and bulky door. It was a part of the Direwood Hold, but very different from the rest of the place. The place was antique, reminding me of what Zayden had said yesterday. The vines were trimmed yet still managed to creep up the wall with flambeaus placed at equal distances, burning. Unlike the ones in the renovated part of the Hold, these were every bit of real.

"CM Samara resides in the old wing of the Hold," he answered as I continued to follow him.

If Zayden knew that I was here in the old part of the Hold, that too alone with no one to protect me but a servant, then he would have another set of bodyguards following me around not before ensuring that the old wing was safe. However, that hadn't stopped him from having several of his men, other than Jax and Nico, travel with us. He wasn't exactly fond of the two anymore, precisely after I tried to engage in a conversation with them that involved them teaching me hand-to-hand combat.

My fiancé was a jealous beast, and I was addicted to every part of him.

"Oh, I wonder why," I said sarcastically, my voice echoing in the silent hallway. The boy stopped at the end of the stairs and turned to me, "She doesn't like to be disturbed and prefers the old part of the Hold," he replied, not getting my sarcasm. He really was too innocent to be serving the council. I hoped they were kind to him.

"This is it, Luna." He pointed toward a door, a flight of stairs up. My brows furrowed. Why did he stop here? Wasn't he supposed to knock and let her know of my arrival? I narrowed my eyes on him, making him gulp nervously.

"Are you scared of her?" I figured.

He opened his mouth to protest and contemplated for a while. His shoulders fell when he finally gave in. "She doesn't have servants because she hates being bothered. Nobody comes into this wing to disturb her." He paused, fiddling with his hands. "She wouldn't be bothered if you would be the one behind the door."

I bit my lip feeling his fear towards her. What was this woman? Why was everyone so afraid of her? Intimidation was one thing, but fear—something was wrong.

I took a step towards him. The boy was in his late teens, and a part of me felt bad for him having to work as a servant at such a young age. "What's your name?" I asked, and he looked at me with disbelief.

"Archie."

I nodded before reaching into my pocket and grabbing whatever cash I had stashed in there. "Archie, this is for you."

His face went red, and once again he was shaking his head. "No-"

"This is for bringing me here, please take it," I said with a small smile. He was flushed but nodded slowly before taking it. "Thank you, Luna," I said, stepping away to let him leave.

"And if anyone ever bothers you, find me." My words made him pause midway and turn to me with a small smile. He had tan skin and cropped brown hair. He looked the innocent of boys for his age, and my heart went out to him and to everyone who was struggling to earn at this age. They reminded me of Macy and what happened to her. I wouldn't let that happen to anyone else again, at least not in my packs.

"You're too kind, my Luna." He bowed once again with a hand on his chest, right above his heart. It showed his loyalty towards me. He soon walked off, and I stared at my destination, shooting daggers at it, hoping it would open on its own. Letting out a deep breath, I began to ascend the stairs, not long before pausing at the door. I stood inside a tower of the Hold, with a round staircase leading up to the top with several doors on the way. I faced the first one and knocked on it.

There was some rustling coming from behind before the door flew open. I was greeted with a familiar face and brown hooded eyes. CM Samara's expression remained stoic as she stared at me.

"CM Samara, I was hoping to have a word with you," I said, reflecting her expressions.