The Luna’s Choice by Kat Silver Book 2
The Luna’s Fate by Kat Silver (Theo and Ayla)
Chapter 5 (Theo)
I tugged at my shirt collar as I waited for the staff to finish setting up the room. I was grateful that I could keep a casual wardrobe for most days, but today wasn’t one. Malcolm Neale represented one of our biggest vendors and was also a chief investor in my contracting company. I couldn’t deny I hadn’t been a constant figure with the business these last couple of months, and this meeting was him checking in.
So, I donned the button–up shirt and dress slacks to make a decent impression. However, he wasn’t worth a suit.
The morning meeting had been tedious. Despite my absence for the day–to–day, the business had still been running smoothly. I trusted my head of operations and he had been doing a great job holding things down. But as investors, they wanted to see me. “They” being Malcolm and his sister, Julia, who worked alongside him, and a few more of his cronies.
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I had a wait staff use one of the smaller conference rooms for the dinner as I had no intention of bringing these people into my private quarters. I had messaged Ayla earlier to let her know. She would be running a few minutes late from the campus but insisted she’d be here. Which was the only part of the evening I was looking forward to.
The servers had just finished when Malcolm arrived with Julia on his arm.
“Alpha Theo,” Malcolm greeted me. “You remember my darling sister, Julia.”
“Of course,” I replied flatly.
“Alpha Theo, you look as handsome as always,” Julia cooed.
“Thank you,” I stated. “You look lovely as well.”
My comment seemed to please her as she directed a lascivious smile at me.
I really didn’t like this woman.
She had always flirted with me, but it became more intense with each encounter. I had never entertained the behavior out of general disinterest as well as our business relationship. Plus, she made my skin crawl. She always wore too much make–up, clothes that were far too tight, and considering the amount of money she obviously invested in her appearance, she always seemed cheap.
Several of the others filed in behind them, including Briggs and Mina.
“Hey, man,” Briggs said quietly, “anything I should be prepared for tonight.”
“Probably not,” I said. “They’re just testing the waters.”
He nodded and they joined the group. The staff was busy taking care of the guests, so I went to the credenza, where a bar had been arranged, and poured myself a drink. Although, separating myself probably wasn’t the best idea.
“I can’t tell you how pleased I am to see my favorite Alpha again,” Julia whispered as she brushed against my arm.
I suppressed a grimace as I took a drink. I had to play nice with her and Malcolm tonight. The last thing I needed was for them to get pissy and start making trouble for the business. Or worse, hanging around and sticking their noses into everything.
“I hope you have been well, Julia,” I said tightly.
“Not as well as I’m hoping to be later tonight,” she hinted.
“Julia,” I warned. “We’ve been through this. It’s never going to happen.”
“Oh, come on,” she whined, placing a hand on my c*hest as she pressed her fake b*reasts firmly against my arm. “Everyone’s heard the rumors about the shambles your love life has been lately.” I raised an eyebrow. “Don’t you think it’s time you had just a little fun?”
A wonderful scent hit me and a wave of jealousy washed over me. There was no holding back the smirk that crossed my face. A smirk that Julia initially misunderstood, making what happened next all the more amusing.
“I’m sorry I’m late, love,” Ayla said, pushing her way between Julia and me and kissing me. Her arm went around me as she turned. “And who is our… guest?”
The energy coming off of Ayla was palpable, sending Julia back another step. I didn’t think Dasha rubbing herself all over me right there would have staked a better claim than Ayla’s diplomatic entrance.
“Sweetheart, this is Julia Neale,” I said with my arm securely around my mate’s waist. “She and her brother, Malcolm, work for one of our investors.”
Julia did a poor job of hiding her displeasure. “And who are you?” she asked.
“This is Luna Ayla,” I stated, reaching up and pulling my collar aside. “My mate.”
Julia’s mouth fell open for a moment but she quickly recovered.
“I’ll look past the disrespect this time, Julia, if my Luna can,” I continued. “But I’m sure I don’t have to tell you to address her properly in the future.”
Her lips worked into a fake grin. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Luna.”
“I’m sure,” Ayla said with a polite smile.
‘Have I told you how much I love you today? I linked her as Julia retreated to find a place at the table.
‘Considering I just refrained from repainting this room a nice bright red, you better,’ she replied sharply.
I laughed, kissing her right there. Screw professionalism. This was my territory.
My hand went to the small of her back as I led her to the head of the table where she would sit next to me.
“So, Alpha,” Malcolm said, making his way to the table now, “it seems we missed out on the happy news. Congratulations are in order. I’m Malcolm Neale, Luna.” He offered her his hand. “It’s a joy to make your acquaintance.”
Ayla rested her hand in his and he closed his other hand around it. His eyes appraised her in a bold manner I wouldn’t have thought he had the nerve for.
“Thank you, Malcolm,” I said, reaching out to remove my mate’s hand from his grasp. “It has been a very happy event for our pack.”
“And why wouldn’t it with a prize such as this,” he replied, indicating Ayla.
“Perhaps we should move ahead with dinner,” I said, wanting to get him away from my mate. “If you’re ready?”
“Yes, I’m starving,” he said, shooting another look at Ayla that almost had me punching him.