Chapter 16
Asides from a stupendous amount of paperwork and legislation, the Luna was also expected to be knowledgeable about Pack history, and in general, werewolf history.
So after getting most of my work done, I had been introduced to the library and had quickly fallen in love. Soon enough, I was learning about werewolf history and tales, all the myths and legends. I learnt about the Moon Goddess and all the rituals werewolves used to do to gain her favour. Ordinary wolves would perform the most complex acts to gain her attention.
Some lucky few would gain a blessing, which would vary. From granting a childless couple healthy pups, to giving powers to others, it seemed the Moon Goddess was capable of granting anything.Content protected by Nôv/el(D)rama.Org.
It was interesting, but I found the books about other species even more interesting. They were a lot more limited, however, and it was obvious that werewolves preferred sticking to themselves and not interacting with species outside their kind. There were witches and vampires and even some tales about dragons and fairies.
"Luna?" A voice spoke up, interrupting my reading. I looked up and met brown eyes. The man was slightly older, maybe middle aged, with dark brown hair and tan skin. His eyes roamed over my face, looking shocked. "Yes?" I asked.
"Cynthia?" I furrowed my brows at him, slowly standing up and putting the book down.
"My name's Artemis," I said.
"You look so much like them," he whispered.
"Who?" I asked, eager to know. Did he know me?
"Sophia and Mica," he said, watching my reaction. I was surprised he knew them. I had seen them in my dreams and the dreams were getting more and more detailed and specific each time. "How do you know them?" I asked.
"We can't talk here, it's not safe. Meet me after dinner outside and don't bring anyone," he sounded serious, and I nodded, somehow already trusting him.
Surprisingly, he engulfed me in a hug, wrapping his arms around me fondly. He pressed a kiss to my forehead, whispering against my skin. "I'll see you soon Cynthia."
Before I could say anything, he disappeared, leaving me slightly confused. My mind was still processing the whole interaction.
Not a moment later, Gen came rushing in, already dolled up. Her eyes nearly bugged out of her head when she spotted me, still in my loungewear, surrounded by piles of books.
"Artemis! The dinner starts in half an hour!" She screeched, looking panicked. She rushed to me, grabbing my hand and tugging me out of the library.
I just personally found it funny when she was annoyed enough to actually call me by my first name and not my title.
Once we entered my room, she had grabbed the dress layed out on my bed, thrusting it into my arms and ordering me to get changed.
I didn't dare argue and went into the bathroom, undressing to put the garment on.
It was a simple halter neck dress, the soft material clinging to my body until it reached mid thigh. The material cascaded around my legs, with a long slit on one side to make moving easy. It was also backless, showing my skin without being inappropriate. I made my way out of the bathroom, where Gen was waiting.
"Sit," She gestured to the vanity seat. Once I had taken my seat, she began tugging and pulling on my hair before artfully twisting and styling it into an elegant up do.
She then swiped some red on my lips and some shimmery powder across my face.
When she was done, I was in awe.
I looked like a real Luna.
The woman staring back at me was a sophisticated lady, fitting right into this pretentious and uptight pack.
Nothing like the rough and lost little girl I really was.
I sighed, looking away from my reflection.
I was an impostor. I would never be what this pack wanted me to be. How long do they expect me to pretend? "Luna? Are you okay?"
I snapped out of my thoughts, giving a worried Gen a reassuring smile.
"Yes, I'm fine." She didn't reply and handed me my shoes which I slipped on. She fixed up her own makeup and adjusted her bright green dress before we were both ready to go. We made our way downstairs, our arms linked.
People were waiting in the foyer, mingling and talking with each other. Some of them stopped to stare at me as we entered, the conversation hushing slightly.
I looked around, trying to hide my discomfort at being surrounded by strangers who were all judging me. Everyone looked grandiose wearing black tuxedos and all sorts of shimmering and glittering gowns.
"Let me introduce you to everyone," Gen piped up. She guided me towards a group of women who were gossiping in the corner.
They hushed as we neared, looking at Genevieve expectantly while throwing curious glances my way. The tallest one greeted me first, bowing her head respectfully.
"Luna, this is Xania Shang, our Gamma Female. She's also Zane's older sister," She had long pin straight black hair that matched her dark eyes and straight brows. She has sharp cheekbones and a sharp jaw to match. She was also tall, taller than me and I was by no means short as I stood closer to six foot in these heels.
"It's nice to meet you Xania," I smiled softly. She nodded in response, matching my smile before Genevieve moved onto a smaller curvier woman.
"This is Laurel, she's one of our best doctors," Laurel blushed, tucking her blonde hair behind her ear. She wore a silver dress that made her grey eyes shine.
"It's nice to meet you Laurel. I've been meaning to visit the hospital. Hopefully one day I can see you work your miracles," I smiled.
"Thank you Luna, I'd be honoured to show you around."
"And this is Aurora, Alpha's sister," she gestured to a familiar petite girl. Aurora avoided my gaze, ducking her head and I was a little surprised by her slight display of submission.
"It's nice to see you again Aurora. That dress looks wonderful on you," And it did. The pale blue chiffon dress flowed gently around her knees, giving her a dainty and classy look, which emphasised her elfin features.
She looked back up at me, giving a small smile and nodding. "Thank you Luna," she whispered.
She was afraid of me for some reason and it confused me. I didn't want anyone to be afraid of me. I was mainly unsure if it was due to my status or the fact that I was a rogue.
I decided to approach her later to clear up any confusion.
The women around me chatted lightly, Genevieve pointing and naming all the other members of the pack. Laurel would contribute by adding some gossip about everyone Gen named and Xania would chide her in response. Aurora remained silent, only nodding and humming occasionally.
I was about to say something before I felt him. Even before I heard him, I could feel his presence enter the large space, his scent and his aura wafting towards me.
It calmed me and made me nervous at the same time.
I heard him greet some people as he passed, but he continued walking until he stood behind me. I turned to face him, ignoring the curious stares of the women around me.
"Excuse me ladies, I would like a few moments with my mate," I couldn't ignore the thrill I felt when he called me his mate. He placed a hot hand on the small of my back and the feel of his skin against mine rendered me temporarily speechless.
I hated how my body reacted to him.
He guided me towards the corner of the room.
"Artemis," he cleared his throat. He looked slightly awkward, placing a hand on my waist, his fingers brushing the exposed skin of my back. "You look lovely this evening."
I quirked a brow at his unusual kindness, not sure how to respond. I settled for a compliment.
"As do you," I replied. It was true. His black fitted suit defined his muscular build and the colour really made his black hair stand out.
"This dinner is important, I hope you know what you're doing," he murmured quietly so no one else would hear.
"Of course I do," I hissed back. His words were honestly an insult.
Before he could reply with something unkind, a voice interrupted him.
"Dinner is served!"