Chapter 28 Chapter 28
He did not.
Alpha Marcos still held my hand. “How are you finding your new role as the Luna of the most sought after Alpha? It must be quite the adjustment.”
“It is,” I admitted. “But I’m learning.”
“I’m sure you are.” His eyes crinkled at the corners. “And with a mate as attentive as Zane, I imagine you’re in excellent hands.”
Something in his tone felt off. Like the words meant more than they said.
Before I could respond, I felt it.
Zane’s hand on my thigh.
Firm. Possessive. His fingers pressing into the fabric of my gown hard enough that I felt the heat of his palm through the silk.
My breath caught and my expression shifted, visible enough that Alpha Marcos noticed.
His smile faltered slightly.
“Well,” he said, finally releasing my hand. “I should let you both enjoy the evening. We’ll speak more later, I’m sure.”
He nodded to Zane, then disappeared back into the crowd.
Zane’s hand remained on my thigh.
I turned to look at him. “Alpha, I’m sorry but was that about?”
“Nothing.” His voice was flat.
“It didn’t feel like nothing.”
His fingers flexed against my leg. “Marcos has a reputation for testing boundaries. I was making sure he understood where the lines are drawn.”
“By grabbing me?”
“By reminding him that you belong to me.”
The possessiveness in his tone sent a shiver through me.
Anger? Arousal? These days, it was hard to differentiate.
His hand finally lifted, leaving behind a warm imprint on my skin.
I exhaled slowly and turned my attention back to the presentations, trying to ignore the lingering heat where he had touched me.
As the formal ceremonies concluded, the atmosphere shifted.
The rigid structure relaxed. Wolves stood from their tables, mingling freely. It felt less like a political assembly and more like a celebration.
Zane remained close to me, his presence a constant weight at my side. When Alphas approached to speak with him, I stood quietly, listening but not contributing unless directly addressed.
Then an older Luna approached.
She was elegant in a way that spoke of decades of experience. Her hair was silver, swept up in an elaborate style. Her gown was deep emerald, understated but clearly expensive.
“Alpha Zane,” she said warmly, inclining her head. “And Luna Tiana. How lovely to finally meet you both.”
Zane returned the greeting with polite formality. “Luna Margot. The pleasure is ours.”
Her gaze settled on me. “You’ve caused quite the stir tonight, my dear. The entire hall is talking about you.”
My stomach tightened. “Is that… good?”
“It’s inevitable.” She smiled. “New Lunas always draw attention. Especially when they’re paired with Alphas as formidable as yours.”
She turned to Zane. “I hope you don’t mind if I steal a moment of your time. There’s a matter I wanted to discuss.”
“Of course.”
Luna Margot’s expression turned thoughtful. “It’s regarding your nephew. Kaius.”
Zane’s posture shifted—subtle, but I felt it. “What about him?”
“He’s of age now, isn’t he? And unmated.” Her tone was casual, but her eyes were keen. “My daughter is also unmated. She’s of a strong bloodline, well-educated and skilled in diplomacy. I believe they would make an excellent match.”
My chest tightened inexplicably.
Zane’s expression remained neutral. “Kaius makes his own choices regarding such matters.”
“Of course, of course.” Luna Margot waved a hand. “I wouldn’t dream of forcing anything. But perhaps you could… encourage him? As his uncle, your opinion carries weight.”
Something cold slid through my veins.
Kaius. Getting married.
The thought shouldn’t have bothered me. He was Zane’s nephew. A friend. Nothing more.
So why did the idea of him bonding with someone else make my stomach twist?
Luna Margot turned to me then, her smile warm. “And perhaps Luna Tiana could assist as well. I noticed during the ceremony how attentively he watched you. He clearly holds you in high regard.”
“I’m sure Kaius will find a suitable match when the time is right,” I said carefully.
“Perhaps.” Luna Margot’s eyes glinted. “But sometimes these things require a gentle push. Especially from someone he admires.” She leaned in slightly, her voice dropping. “You could speak to him, couldn’t you? On my daughter’s behalf? I saw the way he looked at you during the opening ceremony. I believe he values your opinion.”
The words landed like stones in my chest.
Kaius had looked at me, smiled and mouthed encouragement when I needed it.
And now this woman wanted me to help her take him away.
No. Not take him away. Introduce him to someone suitable. Someone who could be his Luna. Someone who wasn’t already bound to his uncle.
“I…” My voice faltered. “I’m not sure that’s appropriate.”
“Nonsense.” Luna Margot patted my hand gently. “You’re family now. Who better to guide him toward a good match?”
Zane’s hand found the small of my back. Not possessive this time.
“We’ll consider it,” he said evenly. “But Kaius’s future is ultimately his decision.”
Luna Margot smiled, satisfied. “Of course. I simply wanted to plant the seed.” She glanced at me one more time. “Do think about it, dear. A word from you could make all the difference.”
Then she drifted away, leaving me standing there with a knot forming in my throat.
Kaius.
Married.
To someone else.
The realization crept through me slowly, unwelcome and undeniable.
I liked having him close. I liked his warmth and his kindness. The way he made me feel seen when Zane made me feel invisible.
It wasn’t a romantic attraction in that sense. Maybe I was just selfish in that, but I knew quite well that Kaius being with another woman was going to take that care away from me.
Am I being greedy?
“Tiana.”
Zane’s voice pulled me back. I looked up at him.
His expression was simple, blank as always. “Are you alright?”
“Yes. I’m fine.”
His eyes held mine for a moment longer. “Okay,” he mumbled. “I must say something though.”
My expression shifted fully to Zane, waiting for him to continue.
"You seem close to Kaius," Zane said quietly.
"Close enough that other Lunas are beginning to notice."
“I don’t understand what you mean.” I whispered.
“Is it not something to wonder, why Luna Margot just meeting you today, can be so convinced that one word from you could make the difference with my nephew?”
"Tell me, Tiana... does Kaius do everything you ask of him?"