His Abandoned Luna Chapter 90

|| Lilac's POV ||

Alaric reached us soon enough, his smile bright but his eyes sharp as they met mine. Every strode he took made my heart shivered.

“I’m sorry I’m late. I was held up at work," he apologized, his stormy grey gaze never left mine, as if his words were only meant for me.

“Better late than never,” Madeline said, her tone light but her eyes wary.

“Well, I always keep my word,” Alaric replied, his smirk widening as he handed Alexander an envelope. “Here. And congratulations.”

“Thanks for the support,” Alexander said, his tone polite but guarded.

“Yeah, this means a lot to us,” I added, my voice soft but sincere.

“Anything for you, dove,” Alaric said, his eyes locking onto mine as he winked. What on earth! Was he out of mind? Everyone was watching us! My cheeks burned, and I quickly looked away.

“Now, if you’ll excuse me,” Alaric said, giving Alexander a small courtesy nod before turning and walking away.

As soon as he was out of earshot, Astrid and Madeline turned to me, their eyes filled with curiosity.

“How on earth did you become acquainted with Alaric?” Astrid asked, her tone incredulous.

“Yeah, it seems like you two know each other well. He even winked at you,” Madeline added, her gaze probing.

I hesitated, my mind racing for an explanation.

“Well, I was around the castle a lot since my childhood, so I’ve known him,” I lied. The truth was, I had never met Alaric in the castle— or if I had, I had ignored him. My eyes had always been on Kael. How foolish were I! Everytime Alaric was around, Kael used to show off and I... I helped him. I laughed at my stupidity!

“Is that so?” Astrid asked, her tone skeptical.

“Yeah,” I said, forcing a smile.

Before they could press further, Alexander returned, his expression serious. “All set. I’ve submitted the paperwork. The nominated candidates will be announced in two weeks after they’ve scrutinized all the documents.”

“Yay, first step done!” Madeline exclaimed, her jolly nature lightening the mood. “Lunch, anyone? I was so overwhelmed I didn’t have much for breakfast, and now I’m starving.”

Her enthusiasm was infectious, and I realized I hadn’t eaten anything since morning either. Lunch sounded like a great idea.

“Whatever my Luna wishes,” Alexander said, kissing Madeline’s temple. The gesture reminded me of Alaric, and I sighed as we made our way out of the council building and toward a nearby restaurant.

As Astrid and Madeline climbed into the car, Alexander turned to me, his eyes serious. “Lilac, be truthful. What was the bargain here?”

“What bargain?” I asked, confused.

“Alaric isn’t someone who would just help me, especially against his own family,” Alexander said, his voice thoughtful. “What did you promise him?”

I shook my head, my heart pounding. “You’ve misunderstood him. He’s not a bad person.”

Alaric really needed to work on his reputation. Maybe this could help him too, in a good way.

Alexander’s expression softened, but his eyes remained wary. “I admit I don’t know much about him, but something about him makes me uneasy. My wolf even asks me to be careful around him and not to cross him. Just be careful, okay?”

I nodded, though my mind was racing. I knew Alaric well— or at least, I thought I did. But I couldn’t tell Alexander everything.

As we took a few more steps, I saw Alaric leaning against his car, his eyes fixed on me. My heart skipped a beat, and I turned to Alexander. “Actually, you guys go ahead. I have some business to take care of.”

Alexander’s eyes narrowed, but he didn’t argue. “Alright. We’ll see you later.”

I watched as they drove off, then turned and walked toward Alaric, my heart pounding in my chest. Whatever came next, I knew it would change everything.

The faint scent of pine and earth lingering in the breeze. My heart was still racing from the morning’s events, but the sight of Alaric leaning casually against his sleek black car sent a different kind of flutter through my chest. His broad shoulders were relaxed, one hand tucked into the pocket of his tailored coat, the other holding a cigarette that he quickly extinguished as he saw me approach. His sharp eyes met mine, and a slow, knowing smile spread across his face.

“I thought I wouldn’t be seeing you today,” he said, his voice smooth and teasing, as I reached him. I looked around. The parking lot was empty.

“Thank you,” I said softly, standing on my toes to press a quick kiss to his cheek. His skin was warm against my lips, and I caught the faintest hint of pinewoods made my stomach twist in the best way.

Alaric’s smirk deepened as he leaned back against the car, his eyes glinting with amusement. “You do know I’m an alpha, right? A small kiss isn’t enough to thank me.”

I rolled my eyes, though my cheeks burned.

“Huh?” I mumbled, playing dumb, though I knew exactly what he meant. My growling stomach betrayed me.

He chuckled, a low, rumbling sound that sent shivers down my spine.

“Buckle up,” he said, opening the passenger door for me with a flourish. “Let’s take care of your rumbling tummy first.”

I slid into the car, the leather seats cool against my skin. Alaric’s presence filled the space as he got into the driver’s seat, his movements confident and unhurried.