His Missing Luna

CHAPTER 45

JESSICA/AMERIE

FIGHTING BACK

The minute the meeting ends, I dash into my mate’s arms, clinging tightly to his chest as if he’s my lifeline. “I get to go home with you,” I whisper, my voice trembling with relief.

“I told you so, but I’m glad we’re going home together.”

I pretended to believe him when he reassured me before we left his pack. I didn’t want him to worry; I hoped everything would turn out right.

And it did, except for the appearance of that she-devil and Kizziah’s accusations. I nearly choked the fool if not for my mate pulling me away.

Maybe I should have wished for something to happen to that she-devil too. Broken wrists and ankles, maybe.

I pull away when someone clears their throat.

“Sorry to interrupt your moment, Alpha,” Elder De Santos says, looking from me to Nathan with an amused smile. “I need a word in private.”

Nathan looks down at me. “Will you be fine here on your own, flower?”

“She can wait in the reception. It’s guarded and more lively than this boring hall,” the elder suggests.

“It’s fine, but I need to use the restroom,” I say, my bladder begging for relief since the meeting started.

“Good. I’ll have the guard show you the way and escort you back to the reception,” the elder offers.

“Thank you, Elder De Santos,” my mate nods.

The elder calls two guards over and instructs them.

“Be careful, Jessica. I won’t be long and will wait for you at the reception,” my mate says, giving me his signature kiss on the forehead.

As I leave the two men, I notice the elder’s amused grin as he rocks on his heels.

The guards lead me down a white corridor to a door labeled "Female."

“We’ll be here waiting, miss,” one says, turning their backs to the door.

Inside, the restroom is pristine with seven stalls, faint blue doors, and a large mirror spanning the length of the washbasins. The air smells of flowers, and everything gleams white and gold.

This is the most beautiful restroom I’ve seen, though not as grand as the one back home.

Home. That’s Nathan’s pack.

I pick a stall and finally relieve myself, feeling secure knowing the guards are outside and Nathan is waiting for me. Nothing will happen.

Kizziah has been warned and fined. I’m free to go back with my mate.

This is the highlight of my day. I’m thrilled to see his pack and family again. His mother and Cara are planning another girls' hangout, and I’m looking forward to it.

As I wash my hands, the restroom door opens. Someone enters, humming a tuneless song, and takes the stall next to mine. The voice sounds familiar, but I shrug it off and leave my stall.

At the mirror, I freeze. The she-devil stares at me through the reflection, her eyes full of hate.

She washes her hands next to me, still holding my gaze. I break eye contact, rushing to finish, but she finishes first and turns to me.

“So, you think he’s your mate?” she sneers. “Just because he brought you to his pack, you think that means you belong to him?”

I start to respond but stop. She’s not worth my time. She wants my mate; that’s why she’s saying this.

“Do you even know who he is? Do you know his reputation?” she taunts, leaning against the basin. “Has it ever occurred to you that he might be lying to you?”

“Do you really think he’d push me away for you?” I snap back. “Do you even know who he is?”

She closes the distance between us, her eyes blazing. “I’ve known him for years. We’ve been lovers since the day we met.”

My heart falters, but Nathan’s promise in the car gives me strength. She’s lying. She’s in his past.

“You were just a fling,” I say, my voice steady. “Like all the others. Pathetic women who think their beauty will make them an alpha’s Luna.”

She growls, stamping her foot. “He’s mine! You can never be his Luna because I’m going to be.”

“I’d like to see you try, Sasha,” I smirk, enjoying the power in my voice. “How will you do that when he’s already declared me his mate before the Council and his pack?”

She laughs bitterly, raising her face to the ceiling. “Keep dreaming. You don’t know anything about mates. Your isolated life at Kizziah’s pack makes you ignorant.”

“Enlighten me, then,” I say. “Since you’re such an expert.”

“He doesn’t need approval to make me his Luna. He’ll discard you back to where he found you. Maybe Saul and his father will take pity and take you back,” she says, her head tilting with mock pity.

“Not going to happen. My mate vowed he won’t let anyone take me from him,” I reply, winking.

“He’s mine!” she screams, stomping away.

I release a deep sigh, realizing I’ve been shaking. I rinse my hands again, wiping them dry before heading out.

As I open the door, a hand covers my mouth, and something sharp pricks my neck. I yelp in pain before everything goes black.