The Surrogate Luna

Chapter 4

Esmerelda’s POV continued

My first thought is to push her away, but I realize I don’t want to. I lean into her embrace and soon find myself lost in this kiss. We deepen into each other, moaning and grinding. After a few long moments of passion, we reluctantly let go. We stared into each other’s eyes for a few moments, slowing our breathing. Ayeka smiles a sweet seductive smile and gently pulls me behind her.

Tye and Tori follow behind us as we head into what I can only suspect is Ayeka’s hotel suite on the top floor. It’s huge, with large windows and rooms on opposite sides of the suite. The guys bid us good night and headed to one side of the room, leaving us still panting and staring at each other.

I’m too afraid to move. She is royalty, and I don’t want to ruin this moment. I guess she feels my hesitation and moves closer. She pulls me into another heart-snatching kiss. This would be perfect if we were mates. Clawing at each other’s clothes and hardly parting our lips, we pushed into her room and slammed the door shut. In seconds, we are rolling across the bed, nothing but arms and kisses and desire.

—--

The following day, I woke up feeling like I’d been hit by a dump truck. I want to vomit but cannot summon the energy to leave my spot. But it’s an unfamiliar space, and this won’t do. Stretching out, I felt a hand on my breast. I looked over at Ayeka, who was still sound asleep. I gently kissed her forehead and slipped from next to her.

Standing was the worst idea I ever had. My muscles are screaming, as is my head. I tiptoe with one eye open, careful not to shake my body too hard and risk everything I ate yesterday to empty onto the carpet. I use the restroom and stand in front of the mirror. Several hickeys are on my body, and my eyes are bloodshot against my purple irises. Otherwise, I look better than I should. I splash water over my face and clean my hands.

I moved quietly into the room again and froze. I thought I saw movement, but Ayeka was still asleep. I searched through the piles of clothes on the floor to find my black dress. It’s torn up on one side. There is no way I can make it to my room like that. If my mother were here, she’d scorn me for not remembering how to sew the dress shut with my earth gifts. I roll my eyes internally. I can hear her now, loud and unashamedly scorning my bad practices.

Sighing softly, I found a huge towel in the bathroom. I swipe up my purse, shoes, and torn dress and head out of the room. I stop in my tracks and realize what this looks like. Princess or not, I don't want Ayeka to feel used. Digging in my purse, I found a pen and returned to the room. Kneeling down, I grabbed Ayeka’s hand and wrote my phone number on it.

As I walked out, the guys sat at the breakfast bar in the kitchenette. They smiled widely at me, and I wished the floor would swallow me whole. I’ve never done a walk of shame, and these two are not helping.

“Good morning, guys. I was going to head out. Ayeka … uhm..”

“No worries.” Tye interrupted. “She’ll sleep until tomorrow if we let her. Go ahead and get showered and changed. We’ll let her know once she’s up.”

“Here’s my number, " Tori said, passing me his business card. “Let us know your travel plans and when you’ve made it safely.”

“Uhm… Thanks.” I took it and headed for the door. “See you guys later.”

“See ya!” They both say as the heavy wooden door shuts behind me.

Creeping to the elevator is highly unnecessary. Through the doors and walls, I feel women entering their first mated heat and the beasts within their mates trying to soothe it. No one is paying me any attention.

Down three floors and through a long hall, all I hear is s*x, and the sadness of it all hurts. Reaching my room, I headed straight for the shower. I lather and repeat and cry underneath the hot water. Once I am bathed, lotioned, and refreshed for the day. I sit and think of my next moves. Do I head back to my parents straight away? Nothing awaits me except schoolwork, house chores, and my family's disappointed stare.

My younger sister, Evangeline, found her mate three days after her 18th birthday, about 6 months ago. She wasn’t even at a mating ball. We were helping Mom store some potions in the yard, and she felt the pull from one of the warlocks passing by. They didn’t waste time getting married, and she was already pregnant. Finding their mate first is utterly frowned upon and embarrassing for a younger sister.

I lay on the bed in distress, letting my tears fall freely but refusing to give them a sound. When I’ve felt enough, I pack the rest and head to check out. The front desk clerk looks at me with the saddest smile and hands me my receipt. I must have looked pathetic because she gave me a considerable discount. My heart dropped when I saw the code “N0M8DIC”. There are no mates discounts.

As always, the sky outside reflects my mood. It’s raining. I hop in my car and drive nowhere in particular. I end up at the shopping mall. I guess my subconscious knows that some shopping will make me feel better.

I take my time through the mall. It’s not super early, but the day after a full moon is probably a bad business day. Most owners seem most enthusiastic about my business. When I park in the food court for lunch, I’ve got new crystals, lots of herbs and spices, 5 new pairs of sandals, and several shopping bags stuffed with sundresses. I’ve gotten my nails, feet, and lashes done. The ache in my chest is lighter but not gone.

I ordered some Chinese takeout and sat by myself in the corner of the food court while I people-watched. Newly mated couples are trickling in. Mostly to eat, grab some “toys,” and return to their hotel. Some families walk through as well. It’ll be summer soon, and that’s when most shifters will go through growth spurts.

I barely taste the food I’m scarfing down, but I need to soak up the rest of this alcohol before I head to the airport. I haven’t turned my phone on, but there’s no time like now. I dug Tori’s number out and sent him a quick text.

Esme: Hey Tori! I’m at the mall eating. I’m heading to the airport to go home. Thanks for everything. I hope Ayeka gets the rest she needs.

Stashing my phone away, I approached the car and headed to the airport. After more effort than I care to admit, I put all of my new purchases in my suitcase and handed the rental keys to the attendant. Another sad smile. I thanked her and quickly headed through TSA, as the airport was nearly empty.

My flight isn’t for another hour, so I pull a grimoire out of my carry-on and begin to read up on using my earth magic for simple things like my mama is constantly hounding me to do. As I flip through the book, I notice a section on how earth and air magic can help change your appearance. Not physically though. But change your hair and clothes almost instantly.

To change one’s appearance to something more grand,

You need an elemental crystal in hand

Focus your mind, see the new you

Chanje m byen vit will see it through.

Seems simple enough. I dug in my bag for an onyx crystal. Holding one in my hand, I think about my dream wedding dress. I want something with lots of bling. Maybe a mermaid cut to show off my body. Definitely with nude mesh sleeves, so I can have bling all over my arms, too. I’d wear my hair in a bun with lots of jewels. My make-up would be sultry.

“chanje m byen vit”. I felt a whoosh wash over me. In hindsight, I should have done this in the bathroom if it went wrong. My bare feet are freezing against the floor. I guess I have to imagine every single detail. I conjured up a big hand mirror and almost dropped it.

My mom would have a heart attack if she saw me now. She's always wanted me to dim down my beauty. Most witches would go for less dramatic looks. But Number 1, I am NOT most witches. Number 2, any man would be lucky to rip this dress from my body, mate or not. This dress is EVERYTHING I could have imagined, minus the shoes I didn’t think of. I snatched my phone, took enough selfies to satisfy myself, and then conjured myself into something comfortable. Bonus points for cutting my credit card use in half.

I hear my flight being called over the loudspeaker, so I put everything away and head straight to the boarding gate. Once I find my seat, I get comfortable immediately. I fastened my seatbelt, put on my blanket, and leaned back. This is an 8-hour flight back to my territory, and my body is still sore from last night. Almost immediately, I was knocked out.

—--

The stewardess gently taps me awake. I’ve made it home. Sighing, I grab my carry-on and scratch, feeling much better than when I boarded this flight.

I sauntered down through the airport. The atmosphere is very tense. Maybe it’s because I’ve been away from the Brujeria Territory for a few days. It always makes me so nervous to be home.

I didn’t get too far into the airport’s lobby when a large man in a dark gray suit stopped me.

“Esmeralda Perez?” he growls at me. He’s got to be a bear shifter or maybe a lycan with how huge his hands are.

“Yes,” I whisper.

“Come with me. You’re under arrest for the murder of Princess Ayeka Sohma.”