Chapter 203

[ 806 words ]

Emilia’s POV

Thursday night came faster than I expected.

I turned in front of the mirror, checking the emerald gown from one side, then the other. The silk danced when I moved, catching the light in a way that looked expensive without shouting about it. Sebastian had good taste. I’d give him that.

“You look stunning, dear,” Mila said behind me, a jewelry box open in her hands. “But you’re missing something.”

Inside, a diamond necklace and matching earrings. “These are heirlooms. I wore them the night I became Luna of the Silver Moon Pack.”

My breath caught. “Mila, I can’t—”

“You can, and you will.” She fastened the necklace around my neck. “You’re representing our pack tonight. You need to look the part.”

Sebastian appeared in the doorway, arms crossed, green eyes moving over me. A slow smile pulled at his mouth. “Stunning doesn’t even begin to cover it.”

“Your wife cleans up nicely, doesn’t she?” I turned to give him the full effect.

“My wife always looks good.” He slid a hand around my waist. “But tonight you’ll make every other woman in that room jealous.”

“That’s the plan,” I said, grinning.

Mila swatted his shoulder. “And you, buy her more jewelry. A Luna needs her own collection, not just borrowed pieces.”

“Already on it, Mom. I’ve got an appointment with the jeweler next week.”

I raised an eyebrow. “You scheduled it without telling me?”

“It’s called a surprise, love.” He kissed my cheek. “Now come on, or we’ll be late.”

The Frostpine Pack house was massive, all sprawling gardens and glittering lights. As we pulled up, luxury cars were dropping elegantly dressed women at the entrance. Sebastian came around and opened my door, offering his hand.

“Remember,” he said quietly as I stepped out, “you’re the Luna of the Silver Moon Pack. You outrank half the women in there.”

“I know.” I squeezed his hand. “I’ll be fine, Sebastian.”

He cupped my face and kissed me, slow and possessive. “Call me if you need anything.”

“I will. Now go.”

I watched him drive off, then turned toward the entrance.

The moment I stepped into the hall, the noise and light hit me all at once. Crystal chandeliers hung from vaulted ceilings, spilling warm light over tables loaded with food and champagne. Women in designer gowns clustered in little groups, their laughter and chatter filling the air.

“You must be Luna Emilia!”

I turned to find an older woman coming toward me with a warm smile, her blue gown covered in tasteful beading.

“Luna Xelia,” I said, offering my hand. “Thank you for the invitation.”

“Oh, please, call me Xelia.” She took my hand in both of hers, her eyes sweeping over me. “My goodness, Sebastian didn’t exaggerate. You’re absolutely radiant. And that necklace! Is that one of Mila’s?”

“It is,” I said. “She was kind enough to lend it to me.”

“Lend?” Xelia laughed. “Darling, once Mila gives you something, it’s yours. Trust me, I know her well enough.” She linked her arm through mine. “Come, let me introduce you around. They’re all dying to meet the woman who finally tamed Sebastian Simons.”

“Tamed is a strong word. He likes to think it was his idea,” I said, smiling.

Xelia burst out laughing. “Oh, I like you already.”

The next hour was a blur of introductions and small talk. Luna this, Alpha’s wife that, everyone eager to get a look at Sebastian’s Luna. They were all perfectly friendly, their smiles easy, their compliments a little too generous. No one was going to be anything less than warm to the wife of the most powerful Alpha in the region.

“Your dress is gorgeous,” one Luna gushed.

“Sebastian must be so proud to have such an elegant wife,” said another.

I handled the questions easily, smiling and nodding and saying the right things. Years as Scott’s assistant had taught me how to work a room like this. How to make small talk without giving much away. How to turn a personal question aside with a joke. How to leave people feeling like they’d had a real conversation with me even when they’d learned nothing at all.

After an hour of it, I was worn out.

“Excuse me,” I said to the latest little group of women, “I think I need some air. And some food. I’ll catch up with you all later.”

I slipped away to the buffet before anyone could follow. The spread was impressive, tiny canapés, fresh fruit, pastries almost too pretty to eat. I filled a small plate with my favorites and looked around for somewhere quiet.

There was a little seating area tucked into an alcove, half-hidden behind potted palms. Perfect.

I was halfway through a chocolate-covered strawberry when a familiar voice spoke behind me.

“Well, this is a nice surprise.”

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