Bound By Legend

CHAPTER TWELVE: FUCKERY AFOOT

REVERIE

By the time I returned to the office, Uma was nowhere to be seen. I sighed, finally alone with my thoughts, I thumbed through everything and pulled out all the legal documents.

I made sure every single line was signed, then signed my own signature where necessary. I placed the pen on top of the papers, and sat back in my chair. All I could do was stare at it. The words and scrawling signatures blended together. The ache somewhere deep in my soul, the frayed mate bond appeared in my mind.

Kamari sighed in my head as we sat in silence together, a comfort to each other that didn't quite come. It wasn’t about us, we could weather any storm. It was about our daughter. Lonely but safe in Stonehaven. Rhiannon would never know her father. He would never know she existed. The last seven years of our lives reduced to what? Paper and ink. My gaze danced around the generic Luna office. I never existed in Solvane at all.

Uma materialized next to me. I jumped. “Nice! Not that I doubted you, but I am impressed.”

I noted the garment bags and boxes in her hands. “What is that?”

“We are going to the gala tonight.”

“The Gala? I am not in the mood–”

“Ah, ah, ah! This is one you can’t miss! It’s the Solvane Gala, board members, family, they’re raising more money for the pack pups, and it is doubling as a mating ball. Remember?”

Of course, I remembered. She draped the bags over the back of the couch, placed her hands on her hips, and studied me.

I was the one who planned the Gala, coordinated it, sent the invitations, and decorated the ballroom over the last month. It was one of the final things I had been working on before I finally decided it was time to leave. I sighed, turned away from her searing gaze while I ran the legal documents through the copy machine and passed them to Uma. “I don’t want to go.”

“All the more reason why you need to go. You built everything they have.” She placed a hand on my arm as she looked at me in that knowing way she always did. “I know this must be difficult. We are stronger than this. You built the pack. Kieran has no idea his entire life is about to fall apart.” Uma turned me around, her grin wicked and predatory. “You aren’t replaceable. Let him see you. One. Last. Time.”

The look she gave me sent chills down my spine. Besides Leoric, Uma was the only person who knew just how much I’d reduced myself to in order to fit into Solvane. I let out a breath and stood up tall.

“Kieran isn’t my concern anymore. I’ll go. But not for him, I'm going for the pups and mateless.”

“Purrrfect.” She purred. “I’ll exact vengeance on your behalf then.”

Her green eyes turned that glassy way they did when the night hit them, and she was up to no good–or on a hunt. It was eerie, beautiful and mysterious. Just like Uma. Despite her mystery though, she was one of the handful of people that fundamentally understood me somehow, and I was truly grateful. The Moon Goddess brought her to me when I needed her most.

Uma let out an evil laugh as she hung up the garment bag I assumed was mine. Zip!

The bag released and a beautiful, lycansilk deep purple dress piled out of it. There was moon silver threading, and moonstones embedded around the collar.

I recognized the work immediately. “Uma…where did you find this?”

She smirked. “With the help of Leoric of course. Stonehaven special. Fit for a Queen.”

“I haven’t worn lycansilk in–”

“Seven years.” Uma said in tandem with Kamari in my mind. Kamari jumped around in my head with joy.

Uma smiled happily and helped me dress, the shoes matched, the accessories were amethyst and moonstone for protection. She pinned my hair up on top of my head, and fastened it with a tiara.

I stood in front of the mirror in awe, the slit up my leg gave my appearance a regal, but sultry look. Uma stood next to me in her black lace chiffon with green layers that matched her eyes, her hair pinned up as well.

“There you are.” Uma said. “How do you feel?”

I smiled. “I look like someone I used to know….”

Kamari interjected mentally. “You look like you. How you were always meant to.”

“Nailed it!!!”

I immediately turned and hugged Uma. She was so surprised she half hissed at me. She tried to pull away, but I held her close until she stopped and returned my affection. “What…is this?” She asked.

“Thank you Uma. For everything.”

“I…I didn’t do anything…?” She said as she awkwardly patted my back.

“I am starting to remember,” I replied.

“What are we remembering? I’m not following….”

“Me.” I smiled against her hair. She always smelled like night time and chaos. Moon flowers, honey…and hope. Even when she bristled, she was warm and soft. “Not because of Leoric, not because of Rhiannon. Because of you.”

I pulled away and looked in her eyes. I wiped under them. “Your smoky cat eye got smeared.”

She smiled happily. “Well someone decided to just attack me with affection.”

I laughed. “Let’s go!” I grabbed her hand and dragged her out of the room.

We burst into the ballroom with a gasp, everything glittered and shone better than I had originally imagined.

“Reverie…” Uma said in awe. “You did all this?”

“Don’t act like you didn’t help.”

“Occasionally.. But wow. You did amazing.”

The centerpieces bloomed with floral arrangements that rivaled the fields outside, the balconies had tables with moon flowers that kissed the full moon sky. The blue carpet at the entrance was pristine, the curtains had been tied with heavy gold ropes. Crystal and gold everywhere. I remembered the need for constant visits to the healer after decorating because of my allergy.

We emerged into the center of the room and smiled. The pearl podium stood ready on the stage, the dinner tables nearby were covered in Solvane’s finest china.

Everyone had begun whispering. I looked up to see Kieran and Delilah as they entered. They were the image of pure innocence dressed in white and gold, a golden tiara on her head with the red Solvane gem implanted. She walked arm in arm with him as if she were his wife. I tilted my head but felt nothing.

Uma followed my line of sight. “Gross.”

I chuckled. “Not even that. I feel nothing.”

“Fair. It's hard to feel something for someone you’ve been mourning for years. You have better options anyway. Where is he, by the way?”

“Who is this he that you speak of?”

“Leoric obviously. Now that the paperwork has been signed, you guys can get married and be a family.” She was very careful with her words, but I knew what she implied.

“Well, that’s provided he even wanted to marry me.”

Uma let out a laugh so loud it drew attention nearby. “You are–I can’t wait until you leave here and can finally see the truth.”

“What?”

“What are you doing here?” Kieran’s voice cut into me.

I raised a brow and turned toward him. Delilah clung to him like some injured animal. “Am I not invited to the event I created, coordinated, and decorated?”

The surrounding crowd gasped and looked at Delilah annoyed. I could only imagine what had transpired before she appeared in front of me. I crossed my arms and smirked. “Oh? Did they not tell you I was the one that did all this?”

“Reverie–” Kieran snarled .

Uncaring, I continued. “Let me guess. Everyone showered the two of you with compliments about how beautiful everything looked and you….didn’t correct them?”

“You do not need to be here,” Kieran reiterated.

“She is here because I want her here.” Former Alpha Seth’s voice cut through the crowd. He stood tall and proud, he looked like he could still take Kieran down a peg if he wanted.

“Grandfather Seth.” Delilah said happily.

He glared at her and she shrunk behind my husband. Seth raised a glass and in a booming voice said, “I may not be Alpha anymore, but Luna Reverie has put a lot of work into this event for everyone. She is an honorary Luna in the absence of one for our pack. Every floral arrangement. Every drink. Every piece of the meal you will be enjoying. All because of her dedication to Solvane Frost. Remember that as you indulge.”

Everyone cheered and toasted me. Kieran hesitated, his mouth twitched as if he wanted to snarl instead, but he knew all too well wolves were savage–and he needed to save face.

Seth leaned in so only our small group could hear. “Also. You would do well to remember who’s married to whom.”

I smirked at Kieran and Delilah before I took a sip. Kieran clenched his fist, but did the same. Seth extended his hand to mine and I took it. Uma chuckled wickedly as she followed us.

Once we were a safe distance away, I turned to Seth. “Thank you.”

“Of course. You deserve better,” Seth replied, then pulled his hand from mine. “Have a good evening and be careful. Something is going on with Christine.”

I nodded. Once we disappeared to go meet his former allies, I turned to Uma and pulled out a flash drive from my chest.

"Where the hell were you keeping that?” Uma whispered. “How were you able to make it?”

“You aren’t the only one who can materialize things out of thin air,” I teased. I passed it to her. “I had a feeling fuckery would be afoot at some point today. Let’s install this somewhere everyone can see it if needed.”

Uma’s smile was wicked. “With pleasure.” She all but disappeared.