CHAPTER 25: DECLARED ME HIS LUNA

Leia stepped out of the car, her eyes scanning the surroundings with a hint of curiosity. The restaurant before her was nestled in a secluded area, exuding quiet luxury. It stood elegantly amidst the rolling hills and dense forest.

Just as she stepped forward, she flinched at the sudden touch on her waist. Lucien’s hand had found its place there. Startled, Leia turned her head toward him. A cool breeze swept past, lifting a few strands of her hair into her face. She calmly tucked them behind her ear.

"You should move your hand," she said. "It doesn’t belong there."

Lucien leaned closer. "Why? We’re supposed to be here as a couple."

Leia blinked, completely stunned. "What did you just say?" Her eyes widened in disbelief.

Before she could demand clarification, the chauffeur approached. Lucien handed him the keys, then took Leia by the hand, ignoring her resistance, and guided her inside.

’Did I hear him right? A couple? What kind of twisted game is he playing with me?’ Leia wondered, her thoughts racing as they walked through the lavish entrance and down a corridor that led to a private lounge.

As the door swung open, their eyes met a man in his late fifties seated comfortably beside a poised young woman, perhaps in her early twenties.

Leia hesitated at the door, her gaze flickering between the two unfamiliar faces. A strange sense of unease coiled in her chest. ’What is this? A dinner? A meeting? Why does it feel like... she was supposed to meet Lucien today?’

Her brows knit slightly. ’And I walked right into it. Like a fool.’

She closed her eyes briefly, steadying herself.

"Alpha Lucien, good evening," the older man greeted warmly, rising from his seat. "And this lady beside you?"

Lucien placed a hand lightly on Leia’s back. "This is my soon-to-be Luna, Leia Solayne."

Leia shockingly gazed at him for a split second before she masked it with a forced smile.

"Leia, this is Benjamin Harty, my father’s longtime friend," Lucien continued smoothly. "And his daughter, Elsa Harty."

Leia offered a polite nod. "It’s a pleasure to meet you both," she said.

"Let’s take a seat and start the dinner," Lucien added, guiding her toward the table without waiting for a reply.

"I wasn’t aware Alpha Lucien had already chosen a Luna," Benjamin said with a small, polite smile, though a shadow of disappointment flickered in his eyes as he glanced at his daughter.

"It happened rather suddenly, Mr. Harty," Lucien replied nonchalantly.

A moment later, the waitstaff entered, placing dishes before them before retreating silently from the lounge.

Elsa, who had been composed until now, turned her attention to Leia. "Are you a she-wolf?" she asked, narrowing her eyes slightly. She could tell Leia wasn’t a hybrid like herself.

"Yes, I am," Leia answered gently. She lowered her gaze, hands calmly cutting into the food, though tension stiffened her shoulders.

From the corner of her eye, she caught Elsa’s expression. ’He knew she liked him. And yet... he brought me here, declared me his Luna, without even asking me first.’

The irritation boiled over. Seated beside him, she shifted subtly and drove the point of her heel right into Lucien’s shin.

He nearly choked on his drink, jolting slightly. His eyes flicked toward her with a startled gaze.

Elsa immediately handed him a glass of water. "Are you alright?" she asked, concern lacing her voice.

"Thank you," Lucien said, accepting the glass and taking a sip.

Then, as he set it down and leaned subtly toward Leia, his voice dropped to a whisper meant only for her ears.

"You’ll get punished for that."

A shiver ran down her spine at the low threat, but she didn’t look at him. She kept her expression neutral even as her fingers tightened around the cutlery.

Lucien leaned back in his seat, his face once again composed.

The two men struck up a conversation. Meanwhile, Elsa continued to glance at Leia with envy and confusion.

~~~~

"It was a pleasure sharing this meal with you and your daughter after a long time," Lucien said with a warm smile.

Benjamin nodded, matching his politeness. "Indeed. Thank you for your company. We’ll walk you both to your car."

"That’s thoughtful of you, Sir, but there’s no need," Lucien replied smoothly. "You two should go ahead and get some rest."

Benjamin gave Lucien’s shoulder a friendly pat. "Take care, Alpha." With a nod, he turned to leave, Elsa trailing behind him. Just before stepping out, she cast one final glance over her shoulder at Lucien before disappearing into the hallway.

The moment they were gone, Lucien shifted his attention to Leia.

She didn’t give him a chance to speak.

"If you’re going to ask me why I hit you, then don’t bother!" she snapped.

Lucien raised a brow.

"You’re such a jerk," Leia continued, eyes burning with fury. "You lied to me. You brought me here like some clueless prop, just to show off in front of a girl who obviously had feelings for you."

Her chest rose and fell quickly as she tried to keep her voice steady.

"And who said I’d be your Luna?" she hissed. "You’re the last man I would ever want to go out with, let alone build a future with."

"Well, I bought you, Leia. Only I can decide your future. If you will be the mother of—"

"No! Never!" Leia screamed this time. She took a step away from him and glared at him. "You aren’t my type. And I don’t like you. I will kill myself if you try to force yourself on me," she muttered and turned around to walk away.

"Where are you going?" Lucien walked after her.

"To the restroom," Leia said, not looking behind him.

"Don’t even think of running away. This entire hotel works on my command," Lucien warned her.

Leia made a face and turned left before entering the women’s restroom. She washed her hands and looked at herself in the mirror.

"He is good to me for his own selfish motives," Leia muttered and turned to dry her hands when she felt someone’s presence in the restroom. Before she could turn to check, a hand hit the side of her neck, turning her unconscious.