Chapter 23
I narrowed my eyes at Killian, my patience wearing thin. “What do you mean, plan? What plan?”
He just stood there, looking too smug for my liking, his dark eyes gleaming like he was enjoying every second of this.
“I don’t know any of that,” I snapped, crossing my arms.
Killian chuckled, shaking his head. “Of course, you don’t.”
His tone sent a shiver down my spine. He knew something. Something important.
I took a step forward. “Tell me what you know.”
Killian tilted his head, studying me like I was a puzzle he was trying to solve. Then, with a smirk, he said, “Your pack is so secretive. I wonder why they never told you?” He paused, his voice dropping lower. “Why didn’t your mother tell you?”
My stomach twisted.
“What are you saying?”
Killian leaned in slightly, his scent wrapping around me—smoke and cedarwood, something dark and dangerous.
“It’s not my place to spill secrets, love.” His voice was almost mocking. “Why don’t you ask Tyler? I mean, you’re meeting up with him, after all. Maybe he’ll give you the answers.”
Rage boiled inside me. He was playing with me. Toying with me. I clenched my fists so tightly my nails bit into my palms. My breathing was uneven, my heart pounding in my ears.
And then, before I could stop myself—
I kissed him. Hard.
Killian made a low sound of surprise, but he didn’t pull away. He kissed me back.
His hands gripped my waist, pulling me flush against him, his lips fierce and demanding, claiming me like he already owned me.
Heat coiled through my body, but just as quickly as it started— I shoved him away.
Killian stumbled back a step, his lips slightly swollen, his eyes burning with something wicked.
“Get out of my room,” I ordered, my voice sharp. For a second, I thought he’d fight me on it. But instead, he just smirked.
“You’re stubborn, Aurora,” he murmured, amusement flickering across his face. “I like that in a Luna.”
And with that, he turned and walked out, leaving me standing there, my heart racing. I pressed my fingers to my lips.
What the hell did I just do?
***
The next morning, a note appeared under my door. I sat up, groggy from a restless night, and grabbed the folded paper. My name was scrawled in elegant script across the front. I unfolded it, reading the words carefully.
“Prepare yourself. We leave at sunset. A grand ball awaits.”
Another ball?
I sighed, running a hand through my hair. Of course, there was another event. Killian’s world thrived on appearances, on power, on reminding others who was in charge. And now, I was part of that world. Whether I liked it or not. Unlike the first ball, which had been a gathering of neighboring packs, this one was different.
This was the elite.
Only the strongest Alphas, the most powerful Luna bloodlines, and the most ruthless warriors were invited.
It was held once every decade, a night where alliances were tested, where secret deals were made, and where enemies danced under chandeliers while secretly plotting each other’s downfall.
It was the place where Kings and Queens of the werewolf world flaunted their strength. And I was expected to play the role of Killian’s perfect Luna.
I stared at my reflection in the mirror as the maids worked around me, fixing my dress, styling my hair, making me look like I belonged. The dress was deep crimson, blood-red silk that clung to my curves and draped off my shoulders. A gown fit for a queen.
But I didn’t feel like a queen.
I felt like a prisoner dressed in gold.
A soft knock at my door snapped me from my thoughts. “Come in.”
The door opened, and Killian stepped inside, holding a bouquet of dark red roses. He looked as effortless as ever, dressed in all black, his crisp suit tailored to perfection. He looked powerful. Untouchable. Like a man who had already won the game before it even started.
I forced a smile, schooling my expression into something soft, something Luna-like.
“Are you ready?” he asked, his voice smooth.
I took the flowers from him, brushing my fingers over the petals before meeting his gaze.
Then, in the sweetest, most loving voice I could muster, I said, “Of course, my Alpha.”
