Chapter Five

"I think I'm done here".

Draaven's hand comes to rest on my arm and I stiffen. Everyone in the hall is suddenly even more engrossed in our exchange and I have to remind myself not to give away too much, not to feed the prowling eyes of these vultures.

"I have an announcement to make after dinner. You should probably stay back for that". He chose the right set of words to make himself look good but underneath all that faux sweetness, I hear the hardness in his voice. He's not giving me an option here. I have to stay back. With my heart thundering in my chest, I sit back down, clenching my fists by my side as I resist the urge to punch something. Once I'm seated, most of the people go back to their meal, with only a few still stealing glances. I lean back against my seat and fold my hands on my lap. This night couldn't possibly go slower, I can't wait for all of this to be over.

Shutting out the noise around me, I sink into my own thoughts as the chatter continues. Even when dessert is served, I still can't revive my appetite, only managing to glare at the tiramisu and fresh fruits that have been placed in front of me. After what feels like forever, Draaven gets to his feet.

"Everyone". The room quietens and even through my contempt, I have to admire how respected he is among his people. He reaches down and takes my hand in his, pulling me up. I'm a bit taken aback by the rough feel of his palm. "Thank you so much for joining us here today. The Luna will have a lot to adapt to in her new home and would gladly appreciate all of your help helping her adjust. On that note, I'd like to announce that our marriage and the official coronation of the Luna will take place on the Saturday exactly 30 days from now". The crowd claps skeptically but Draaven doesn't seem to care as he continues. "This is about to be a new era for the pack, I hope everyone takes full advantage of it". He reaches for his wine glass and everyone else does too. I take it as a cue to also raise mine. "To love, to happiness, to Silver Glow".

"To Silver Glow!!!!". The crowd choruses and they all drink to the toast. I've never been much of a drinker so I only take the tiniest sip. We are just about to sit back down when someone yells from the crowd. 

"Does the Luna talk????". I stiffen mid action on the way back down to my seat. The crowd seems to have been waiting for that question, as they all jump in, softly yelling out requests of "let's hear her speak". I feel my heart race at the suddenness of all of this.

"They want to hear their Luna speak". Draaven says to me. He's not even helping matters. "Would you do the honour?". He sits back down, leaving me standing all on my own. I can barely hear anything over the thundering of my heart in my chest. But I have to keep my cool, that's what I've been taught to do all my life, almost as if I was being prepared for this moment. I have to be composed.

"Good evening, everyone". I say. Surprisingly my voice comes out clear and audible. The whole room has gone quiet once again and I can tell they've really been wanting me to speak. 

"I'm beyond honoured to stand in front of you all today as your Luna. As the alpha said, I have a lot to learn and every help will be greatly appreciated. I'd also like to thank the group of organizers who put this banquet together. The food is still something to adapt to…..". Rosa shifts in her seat at my jab.  ".....but everything else has been amazing. I'm heavily impressed. Thank you for putting this together and have a wonderful night, all".

The room erupts into hesitant applause but I'm deaf to that as I collapse into my seat shakily. My hands tremble and I take a long sip of wine in a bid to distract myself from my pitiful state. Draaven's eyes are fixed on me like a hawk, watching my every move. I don't even care about that. The crowd goes back to their foods and I hear slight whispers among them.

"She doesn't sound much different".

"She's actually quite beautiful".

"She sounds funny. Did you hear how she rolled her r's?".

"Come on, she didn't sound that bad".

"She's gracious. She even thanked the organizers. How sweet". 

I wish I could really shut out those whispers. They are beginning to give me a headache. I paste on a little smile for the rest of the night and when I finally push up from my seat again, I'm totally ready to withdraw. I've had enough for one night.

"I'll escort you back inside". Draaven says. I don't say no to the offer, not even when his arm comes to rest on my waist as he leads me out of the hall. The people bow to us as we leave and I'm forced to widen my smile, hoping I look as accommodating as I think I do. 

As soon as the door shuts behind us, Draaven's hand falls away from my body at the same time that the smile falls from my face. We walk together to my room in silence. I push the door open a fraction, by all means letting him know that I don't want him coming into the room. But the alpha must be slow because he walks in right after me, glancing around at the huge, lavish space, his head nodding in approval.

"They did a good job. It should be tasteful enough for you".

I follow his gaze, glancing around the room. "It's just fine. The color scheme is quite….an eye sore". The different shades of blue and silver are absolutely not my thing. 

"You'll learn to live with it. This is your new life now".

"No shit, Sherlock". I mutter under my breath. "I'll need you to leave now. I've had a long day and would love nothing more than some good sleep".

He doesn't say anything to that, just keeps staring me down. I hold his gaze but good Lord, the heat is fast rising on my cheeks. I don't understand why this man seems to have some kind of effect on me. I turn away before my cheeks get any redder.

"You'll be commencing your lessons tomorrow".

"What lessons?". The confusion is clear in my voice. Draaven cocks his head at me like he thinks I'm stupid. He probably does.

"Your Luna lessons. You didn't possibly think you could just….waltz in here and become Luna, did you? There are protocols, and you must observe them".

"Well, since I didn't ask for it, I certainly didn't expect to be put through lessons for it. But thank you for the information. I'd now like to get some rest against tomorrow". He still doesn't leave. This man is definitely not used to being told what to do. Fine then, I'll do what I please too.

I turn my back to him first before reaching behind me for the zipper on my dress. It's a simple satin slip and as I slide the zipper open, the dress falls away from my skin more and more willingly till the entirety of my back is exposed. And yet, he remains standing. My fingers halt on the zipper at the base of my back. If I go any lower, I'll be showing more than I intended to. My skin seems to burn where his eyes are boring into me. And to my surprise, I hear his footsteps as he stalks forward, coming to a stop behind me.

My spine stiffens as I feel his fingers brush against my back lightly. He takes the zipper from my fingers, pulling it just a bit lower, but low enough to reveal the waistband of my underwear. Every nerve on my body seems to be throbbing in anticipation. I stiffen when his hands wrap around my waist from behind, pulling me closer to his body.

"You don't really want me to leave….do you?". My heart races in my chest wildly. I'm still mustering the wits to reply him when his hand falls away and I hear his footsteps recede as he finally leaves the room. It isn't until the door closes behind him that I finally let out the breath I was holding in. Draaven Ventura is dangerous for me….in more ways than one.