Zara’s POV
It was the longest breakfast meeting of my life. It seemed like my father was purposefully playing for time.
When my father revealed the attack on the Midnight Moon Pack, I instantly lost my appetite, and what little I did eat tasted bitter. Except for the surge of heat that was circulating through my body, I felt upset, queasy, and nervous.
Was I about to get the flu? I was not feeling well.
Can we just put an end to this meeting?
I really needed to get out of there. I wanted to check in on Nic.
“Will you please just end this meeting?” I balled my fists and let out an inward cry of frustration.
At this point, my mother had joined my father in talking about the charity event that was approaching. Her discussion about which stalls we were hosting this year prolonged the event, which made it worse.
“Calm down,” Levi mind-linked. “Your parents are going to see that you are nervous. They will inquire as to what is bothering you. I am sure Alpha Nic is fine. If he wasn’t, Beta Ronan would have spoken up and said something.”
“You don’t know that!” I snapped, turning to look at him, and frowned. “I don’t care what they think. Nic is my mate, and I am worried. If my father had told you last night that the White Moon Pack was being attacked, you would have responded in the same manner.”
“I know. I know. I am sorry,” Levi replied. “But fumbling nervously with your fingers will not change the situation!”
“This meeting needs to end,” I hissed over the link. “I cannot stand it any longer. I have to know-”
“Zara, are you hearing me?” Our conversation was cut off when my mother’s voice chimed in my ears.
Unwillingly, I turned to look at her. Her blue eyes were filled with concern, as though she could sense my anguish. She knitted her eyebrows together, seemingly to take a better look at me.
I internally sighed. Levi had a point. I needed to manage my nervousness more effectively. My mother was always able to tell that I was nervous.
My father arched his brows, anticipating my response to my mother.
“I apologize, but no. I got distracted,” I replied and forced a smile. “What did you say, mother?”
I was sure my smile didn’t reach my eyes, and my mother would be able to tell that I was faking it.
I couldn’t help it. My anxiety was eating me alive with each passing second.
“Now that you are mated, I was wondering if you will be attending the charity ball this year.” Her eyes gleamed with anticipation as she asked.
Such occasions have always delighted my mother. She dedicated her entire life to astonish everyone with her immaculate appearance. Even if she was not the hostess, she made a special effort to make every event unforgettable for everyone.
My gaze shifted to Levi, and he shrugged, reading the unspoken question.
“Whether we should go or not is up to you,” he said. “Either way, I am game.”
“Is Kyle likely to go?” I mind-linked him. “That way, I could meet him.”
“If I go, he will go,” he answered.
I nodded.
“Then it is settled, but I might need your help with something,” I said, mentally formulating a plan.
Each year’s charity ball has a theme. This year was no exception.
“Anything,” he replied.
I gave a nod and returned my focus to my mother.
“We are going to the charity ball this year,” I informed my parents.
“Excellent!” My mom cried out. “I will make arrangements for the dressmaker to visit us so that she can start on our dresses. Time is of the essence. The event is scheduled for next weekend, and it is said it is going to be a glorious event!”
I gave my mother a small smile, feeling glad that I had agreed to the event and that it made her happy.
“Glorious event?” Levi muttered and laid back in his chair. He had this confused look crossing his eyes. “I don’t follow. Ain’t all balls supposed to be glorious?”
“This year’s charity ball is a bit different,” I said, turning to Levi.
“It is,” my father agreed. “We haven’t had one like this in years.”
“I think the last one with such a theme was held before the Midnight Moon Pack Luna passed away,” my mother added sadly, looking toward my father for help.
He nodded in agreement.
Levi’s gaze moved between my parents and me, the confusion growing in his eyes.
“What makes this ball so different from the others?” he asked, turning annoyed.
“It is a masked ball, Levi,” I chirped, searching his gaze.
Nic purposely decided on the theme due to his father’s desperate outcry to find him a mate.
“Didn’t you find the invitation I sent you?” My mother asked, surprised.
Levi shook his head, turned toward me for help, and then back to my mother.
“I am sorry, Luna,” Levi said. “But I didn’t even know about the invitation until now.”
“I am a bit disappointed,” my mother said, reaching for her coffee. “Zara, why haven’t you informed your mate?”
“I guess I just forgot,” I replied.
“Did you notice the announcement on the invitation?” My father asked, his lips twisted in a smile.
“I did,” I said, and my father’s smile broadened.
“He finds the situation amusing,” Kaya growled. “Can I scratch his eyes out?”
“Seems like that,” I replied. “I just can’t figure out why. And no, no scratching anyone’s eyes out just yet.”
Kaya huffed, yet she behaved and laid down, listening in to the rest of the conversation.
“You do know it will turn out to be an interesting night,” my father asked. “I can’t wait to see what happens.”
I shifted uncomfortably in my seat. The thought of another she-wolf touching my mate sent a wave of anger through me.
I slowly let out a breath, trying to calm myself before I said something stupid.
“What is your father going on about?” Levi mind-linked, shifting his gaze between my father and me.
“Nic is being auctioned to the highest bidder,” I replied, making Levi’s eyes grow wide next to me.
“Why?” he asked.
“All I know is his father’s doing,” I replied. “He is forcing Nic to take a Luna to have an heir for the pack.”
“Damn, I am sorry,” Levi said. “Can things get any more complicated?”
“I don’t know,” I mind-linked, and I turned my attention back to my father to answer him.
“I guess so,” I said, trying hard to keep my tone level and my body composed. “We will have to wait and see what will happen and who the next Midnight Moon Luna will be.”
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