The Rightful Luna

Chapter 6 Two Years Later

Two Years Later

Mason POV

Carina’s laughter makes me look up from the document I have been reading. Frowning, I leave my desk and walk to her office which is next to mine.

Since our wedding, I have not heard her laughing this carefree. Not that Carina and I spend time together outside of work. At the end of each day, we will go home and do our own thing.

However, I did notice that she never leaves the East Wing. She even had a treadmill brought to her room and placed on the patio. She never joins other wolves for a shift and run. She never invites people over or visits anybody, besides her mother.

Now her melodious laugh fills the office, and I am curious about it.

She is talking on the phone, while absentmindedly drawing circles on a writing pad. A soft smile remains on her face as she listens to whoever is on the other side.

“That’s great, Richard,” she continues. “I can’t wait to see you.”

I cross my arms, lean against the doorframe, and look at her. So, it is Dad making her laugh, and I find it peculiar. Is she not blaming him for her situation? After all, he is the one who forced her into this.

I will never openly admit it, but being married to Carina is not the worst. She has a sharp mind and is a fast learner. It has never been necessary for me to reprimand her and honestly, my stress and workload have decreased significantly - all thanks to Carina.

“Thank you, Richard,” Carina’s voice pulls me away from my thoughts. “Goodbye.”

 “What was that all about?” I ask when she ends the call.

“Mason,” her smile falters when she sees me. “I didn’t hear you. Do you need anything?”

“No,” I unfold my arms and walk over to her. “I heard my dad’s name.”

“Oh, yes,” she smiles, stands up and brings me a note. “There’s a launch for a new line of lingerie, and Richard accepted the invitation on Silver Creek’s behalf. But he can’t go and ask that you attend.”

“New or existing client?” I take the note from her.

“New,” she replies. “Richard says they’re in the market for models and advertising.”

“It’s tomorrow night,” I look at her. “In Los Angeles.”

“I know,” she nods. “Richard’s assistant already changed the flight and accommodation to suit you.”

“To suit us, you mean,” I raise my eyebrows.

“No, you and your assistant,” she clears her throat. “I didn’t assume it would be me.”

Looking at her, I frown slightly. A second ago she was relaxed and laughing. One minute with me, and she is tense and reserved. It irks me, and I do not understand why I care about her opinion of me.

“Pack your bags,” I turn back to my office. “You’re coming with me.”

Carina POV

I zip my suitcase close and grab my handbag. I am secretly excited about this trip. I have never been to Los Angeles or a launch. Usually, Richard’s assistant escorts Mason. She has more experience and knows exactly what to do.

It will also be my first time away from this house in two years. This place has become both my prison and sanctuary. I feel safe and content in the East Wing. I mostly have Eloise to thank for that. Whenever I am here, she sticks to my side like glue. She would rather dust twice than leave me alone when Mason is not here.

“Did you pack your birth control?” Eloise asks behind me.

“You know I don’t need it,” I laugh softly.

“You never know,” she wiggles her eyebrows. “You might meet your mate at the launch.”

“A launch hosted by humans for humans?” I snort. “Not likely, my friend.”

“Fine,” she rolls her eyes. “Then do me a favour and indulge in a one-night stand,”

“Eloise!” I reprimand her, laughing. “I’m not like that.”

“I know,” she sighs. “But you’re much too pretty to grow cobwebs between your legs and die a virgin.”

“You’re having enough s*x for both of us,” I snort.

“Yeah, well,” she sighs contently. “My mate’s hot.”

“Are you ready?” Mason calls.

“Coming,” I shout before turning to Eloise. “Enjoy your time off and thank you for being my friend.”

She smiles and I hug her quickly before picking up my bags.

I take a deep breath when I follow Mason to the car. Every time I leave the East Wing, it feels like I am suffocating. The fear of bumping into Cybil and her guards is something I cannot shake - not even when Mason is with me.

After that fateful day, I have done everything to avoid Cybil. I refused to eat with Cybil and her daughters. I faked headaches and illnesses. I pretended to work late. Eloise brought me food, but I told her she could have it. I prepared my own meals. In the beginning, Mason joined his family for meals in the dining room. Until he worked late one night in his home office. He smelled the food I was preparing and asked to join me. From that day forward, he joined me for every meal. He never asked me why, and I am grateful for that.

Oh, dear goddess, no, I groan inwardly when Cybil and her daughters walk towards us. Fear and panic rapidly grow the closer they get. Instinctively, I reach for Mason’s hand. He stiffens for a moment but does not pull away. Grateful for the support, I hold on tighter, because if I let go, I might run away.

“And where are you two going?” Cybil’s beady eyes glide over us.

“A launch, Mother,” Mason replies.

“How nice,” she sneers. “Since you decided you’re too good to dine with us, I never know what’s happening.”

“I assumed Dad told you,” Mason says patiently.

“Please don’t tell me it’s for Jenna’s,” Angela, Mason’s sister, exclaims excitedly.

“Her stuff is amazing,” Pamela, the youngest sister, adds.

“Yes, it is,” Mason smiles at them.

“We want to go,” Angela looks at him beggingly.

“Please, please, please,” Pamela joins.

“Girls, behave,” Cybil reprimands them. “That’s not how a lady behaves.”

“I’ll bring you something,” Mason winks at his sisters and they giggle excitedly.

“We need to go, or we’ll miss our flight,” Mason looks at Cybil.

My legs are pure jelly as we walk to the car. The second we are outside; I inhale the fresh air deeply into my lungs. It is over, she is gone.

“Are you alright?” Mason asks.

“Uhm, yeah, fine, thank you,” I pull myself together.

I avoid looking at him as we get into the car. I stare out the window as we drive to the airport, and the further we drive, the more relaxed I become.