Chapter 20
Aria’s POV
The bathroom’s marble floors echoed with each click of my heels as I sought refuge from the ballroom’s suffocating atmosphere. Standing before the ornate mirror, I studied my reflection in the soft golden light.
“Get it together,” I whispered to my reflection.
The heavy door swung open with deliberate slowness. In the mirror, I watched Emma’s reflection appear, her designer gown rustling with each calculated step. Her honey–blonde hair gleamed under the crystal sconces, every strand perfectly in place. The smirk playing at her lips was one I remembered well – the same expression she’d worn that night in the Mountain View Resort parking lot.
“Running away again?‘ Her voice dripped with false sweetness as she moved closer, her designer heels clicking against marble. “Just like old times. Though I must say, at least you’re better dressed this time than when you stumbled out of that hotel room.”
The reminder of that night sent ice through my veins, but six years of fighting had taught me to use anger as fuel rather than let it consume me. I turned slowly, letting her see the steel in my eyes. The woman who stood before her now wasn’t the naive eighteen–year–old she’d helped destroy.
“Actually, Emma,” I kept my voice soft, almost gentle, though my fingers curled into loose fists at my sides, “I was just thinking about my mother.‘ I watched her confidence waver slightly, a tiny crack in her perfect mask. About how she sacrificed herself to save Ethan. Interesting, isn’t it? How that creates such a… special connection between our families?”
Emma’s perfect posture stiffened, her manicured fingers clutching her crystal champagne flute too tightly. “What exactly are you implying?”
“Maybe, I stepped closer, noting how she instinctively backed away despite her bravado, “I should take my rightful place as Shadow Fang’s Luna. After all, it would honor my mother’s sacrifice, wouldn’t it?”
“You wouldn’t dare. Her voice trembled slightly, the champagne in her glass sloshing dangerously close to the rim. “You’re nothing now – no wolf, no power, just a disgraced princess playing at being strong. Do you really think anyone would accept you as Luna?*
“Try me.” I smiled, channeling every ounce of alpha blood in my veins. The crystal lights caught the silver threads in my dress, creating an almost ethereal effect.
The color drained from her face, leaving her expensive makeup stark against suddenly pale skin.
I… I was just concerned about you, she stammered, her usual poise crumbling as she took another step back. Her shoulder bumped against the paper towel dispenser, making her jump. “The strain of raising a child alone, losing your wolf powers… it must be so difficult. I only wanted to help-
“Save your concern,” I cut her off, my voice sharp as a blade. “Just remember this, Emma – if you ever threaten my son again, if you ever try to undermine me at the training facility, I can make you lose everything. Everything.”
She fled the bathroom, designer heels clicking frantically against marble, leaving behind only the lingering scent of her expensive perfume and half–empty champagne glass on the counter. I turned back to the mirror, studying my reflection. The silver dress caught the light like captured moonbeams, making me look more like the princess I’d once been than the fighter I’d become.
‘You’d be proud, Mom,” I whispered to the empty room. ‘I’m finally fighting back.”
When I returned to the ballroom, the atmosphere had shifted subtly. Ethan wasn’t there, Emma’s usual fluid grace replaced by obvious anxiety.
The other wolves at nearby tables whispered behind their hands, their gazes following my every move. No doubt discussing the former Silver Moon princess in her simple silver gown, wondering about the child she’d brought back with her, speculating about her lost wolf powers. Let them talk. I’d survived worse than their gossip.
The night air had grown heavy with tension when a young alpha heir from Storm Pack, intercepted me on my way back to my seat. His expensive cologne couldn’t quite mask the predatory intent rolling off him in waves. Six years of professional fighting had taught me to read potential threats, and everything about his stance screamed danger.
‘The infamous Silver Moon princess,‘ he purred, stepping deliberately into my path. His eyes raked over me with unconcealed hunger. “That dress looks absolutely stunning on you. Like moonlight itself.”
I moved to step around him, but he shifted smoothly to block my path again. “I don’t believe we’ve been properly introduced. I’m Jack Maxwell, heir to the Storm Pack.” He extended his hand, his smile not quite reaching his eyes. ‘Perhaps we could share a dance?”
“No, thank you.” I kept my voice firm but polite. “If you’ll excuse me-
His hand shot out, fingers wrapping around my bare arm. The touch sent revulsion crawling up my spine. “Come now, don’t be so cold. A lone she–wolf like yourself should be more… appreciative of attention from an alpha heir.
Remove your hand,” I said quietly, letting him hear the steel in my voice. Around us, other wolves began to take notice, their whispered conversations dying down as they watched the drama unfold.
Instead of releasing me, he stepped closer, using his height to loom over me. “Or what? You’ll fight me? We both know you can’t even shift anymore. His thumb stroked my skin in a possessive gesture that made my stomach turn. Such a waste, a beautiful wolf like you losing her powers. But don’t worry – under the right alpha’s protection, even a broken wolf can find her place.”
insult stung
but years in the fighting circuit had taught me patience. I drew back my hands. The encounter had left me feeling unclean, and I desperately needed air. Without a word, I turned and headed for the balcony doors, leaving behind the whispers and stares of the ballroom.
The
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I Am His Wolfless Luna
Chapter 21
