The Heartless Alpha's Beloved Luna Novel

---- Chapter 199 There were more people here than at the last social function I had attended, which surprised me at first. I would have thought that the Ball a few weeks previously would have been the highlight of the year for most packs, but it appeared there was even greater attendance for the bureaucratic meetings that comprised this trip's agenda. The way I was treated as I drifted along the passageways was notably different as well. Nods of deference from the Alphas and Lunas, and more than a few pleasant greetings.

The last time I had been here, I had felt like chum in the water, and the sharks had been closing in. The attendees had sensed that I was on the outs with Gideon, who had brought Dierdra as his 'true mate', and they had seen me as fresh meat to be devoured. Now, word must have gotten out that Gideon had brought me, and me alone. It had secured my position in th eyes of the greater wolf society. While I felt grateful for the security it afforded, irritation flooded through me at the marked difference in treatment I received.

People only saw what they wanted to see, and they placed more stock in the titles conferred by hierarchy than by the people who occupied those roles. Once again, I was only seen as 'the Luna', not as Avery, the person. I returned to my quarters I shared with Gideon feeling somewhat discouraged. Did it matter which Alpha I chose, if at the end of the day I was just a body to fill a need? ---- I stomped towards my room and shoved open the door, then froze.

There was a gorgeous dress laid out on my bed, shimmering golden fabric flared out from a jeweled rhinestone belt, and there was a lovely fur stole beside it that would make up for the off-the -shoulder drop sleeves. 1 audibly gasped at the delicate details embroidered along the bodice, tracing the soft golden curliques with my finger. "Do you like it?" I turned to see Gideon leaning against the doorway, watching me, a strange half-smile on his face.

"Tt's lovely," I breathed, "What is it for?" "Get dressed," he said cryptically, "and I'll show you." Perplexed but intrigued, I did as he commanded. There were matching gilded flats for my feet, and I slipped them on and stared at my reflection in the mirror, staggered by the woman staring back at me. She no longer looked like an overworked field-hand, or even the rejected daughter of Silvermoon's Gamma. She looked regal, poised, her curves accented by the curvaceous drape of fabric. Was that really me? The woman in the mirror felt like a stranger.

The surreal sensation continued as I stepped out into the common-area that connected our individual bedrooms in the ---- pack quarters and discovered that it, too, had been transformed. The lights had been dimmed, and the settling twilight seeped in through the open windows, along with a delicately cool night breeze. The mid-summer wind flickered the constellations of candles that limned the boundaries of the room and graced a linen-draped dining table with tapers of light. The table was set for two.

As I gaped at the beautiful setting, a man stepped from the shadows and he was equally as breathtaking as the luxurious dinner laid out before me. A feast for my eyes. His dark black suit clung to his broad shoulders and nipped in at the waist to offset his long, powerful legs. His hair had been brushed back from his face, but its waves had shaken loose and fell loosely around his striking face. Gideon Nightwolf had never looked more gorgeous than he did in this moment as he tilted his head towards me and politely held out his hand to help me into my chair.

As he pushed it in behind me, I felt a surge of regret. "This is lovely," I choked out, surprised by his consideration and kindness, "Thank you." "Lovely indeed," Gideon raised his wineglass in salute, his eyes gleaming in the candlelight, "I intend to fully feast." His comment was ambiguous, his gaze heated. As we dug into the excellent meal, I felt as though I was the one being devoured as his gaze raked over me appreciatively. ---- I should have enjoyed this moment- his attention, this beautiful dinner- but I felt as though there was glass in my throat.

Tomorrow was the start of the formal council meeting, and 1 found myself second-guessing my decision. Soon, I would betray him.