Two Sides of The Moon (Book 2)

10. Dinner

The dinner was close to the end; we discussed a lot, but nothing about how she got here. Everyone was quiet for the last ten minutes, a sound that I despise the most. I watched all of the ones present, analysing their movements and mimics, but I couldn’t figure it out much. The only person who left something to show on her face from time to time was the black-haired girl with green eyes I met the other day. She was serving us dinner, so I understood she was part of the lowest ranks in the Pack. I found out that her name is Lira, and she is mute.

“Thank you, Lira!” I said when she placed the last dish in front of me. It was some beef mixed with all kinds of vegetables. She smiled at me softly, but I could still see the same thing in her eyes all this evening: worries.

‘What would she be worried about? Everyone else seems to be so calm and trusts their leaders. Everyone, but not her.’

She looked at me for a few more seconds, with her green eyes that seemed like they were trying to penetrate my soul. I watched her without blinking. I knew something about this girl, but I didn’t know what. I realised that her scent was different, and my eyes must have gone way too broad as I heard Ellaire clearing her throat in a way that was telling us it was time to stop this staring contest.

Lira smiled again, looking at everyone seated at the table, put her hands together and bowed her head like she was apologising. I turned to my food and noticed everyone smiling back at her and nodding their heads, except for Ellaire. My Mate was the only one who seemed to stab the girl with her stare. I couldn’t contain my laughter as I found this to be hilarious. Was she jealous of this girl?

Her head turned quickly to me, and I almost choked seeing her red face.

“Stop it!” She said, a bit too harsh. I stopped laughing when I noticed her glistening eyes. Was she genuinely affected by a small thing like this? Besides, nothing was going on between Lira and me. She was just like the typical youngest sister.

“I’m sorry if that bothered you, but I assure you that there are no reasons to worry,” I said and extended my hand to grab her. She looked at my large palm when it closed in a tight fist before reaching hers.

“I’m sorry,” I added, moving my gaze from my fist to her eyes when I remembered her saying not to touch her before fully trusting her.

Ellaire closed her eyes for a second, then nodded her head.

“That’s fine. Now, if you’ll all excuse me.” She said and got up.

“Don’t you think that you are forgetting something?” I asked, annoyed by how she kept avoiding that discussion.

Only Timothy and Matias left as Roy had something to take care of.

Ellaire turned to look at me with a slight smile, but I could see that she wasn’t pleased with this.

“Oh, I’m sorry, Levi. I completely forgot about that.” She said and threw a quick look at Timothy.

“Were you?” I asked in a low voice, knowing that she was lying.

“Yeah… you see, there are other things in this Pack that ask for my attention, so sometimes I might be… umm… airheaded. Yeah, I think that it was the word.” She added and sat back in her seat.

“I know very well how a Pack is being run. I can still remember that. Now I’m all ears.” You can feel the tension building up in the room. The two men were watching us with their food in their hands, without moving a single muscle, without blinking; they looked like they were frozen.

I cleared my throat loudly, trying to break the spell. They both shook their heads and cleared their throats as well. Matias was the first to get up.

“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to stare like that. Is only that I have never seen someone provoke Luna Ella like this.” He said with some excitement in his voice.

“Well, I’m not provoking her, Matias. I remember the things she seems to forget all the time.” I said, looking at Ellaire.

“Now sit!” I said when I noticed his intention to leave.

“But I thought that you….”

“No, Matias. It’s fine. You don’t have to leave. I’m sure that you both already know this story. So, stay, in case your Luna misses some information.” I said, a bit amused.

“But...” Matias said.

“It wasn’t a request, Beta!” I added in a stern voice.

“I don’t know the story. But, fine, I’ll stay.” He said quickly, to not give me a chance to interrupt him again. For a Beta, he was pretty… bossy… to say.

“Well, even better. We will find out together then.” I said with a smirk while caressing my jaw, covered in black stumbles.

“So, whenever you are ready, my dear,” I said, looking at Ellaire, who rolled her eyes.

It was evident that she didn’t like the topic. But I, for one, needed to hear this more than everything. This will be a big part of regaining my trust process.

“Lira!” Ellaire shouted, and the girl came so fast that it seemed she was always there.

I couldn’t watch her, and I noticed that she was watching me before turning her gaze quickly to a fuming Ellaire.

“Do that once more, and I will have you punished!” Ellaire said, standing up.

I stood up instantly, without even realising, and so did the other two.

Ellaire’s eyes widened at this sign, but she kept her stern face well.

“What do you think you’re doing, Levi? Are you trying to say something?!” She asked, and her brown eyes seemed to get darker.

“I was just….” I said, not knowing what to answer.

“Well, don’t!” Ellaire said before turning back to Lira, who was still looking at me with eyes full of fear and worry.

“That’s it!” Ellaire said and slapped Lira’s face without giving her a chance to react.

I caught Ellaire’s hand and yanked her backwards, not caring if I bruised it. She was my Mate, but that was purely mean of her. It makes me think that it’s not just jealousy that I see here.

“What are you doing?! She hasn’t done anything!” I said, turning Ellaire so she could face me.

“Luna!” Both Matias and Timothy shouted and took a step toward me. I held my hand up for them to stop, and they did it without question.

“I’m sorry, Levi. It must be the bond that is coming back. It makes me feel so possessive of you, you know?” Ellaire said, caressing my face.

“The bond?” I said, dumbfounded at her touch.

“Yeah, my love. Even since the Ceremony announcement, there has been an increase in this attraction between us. You feel it as well, don’t you?”

“Yeah, I guess so,” I said, unsure of my actual feelings. Honestly, I wasn't sure of anything anymore.

Ellaire turned towards Lira and grabbed her hand.

“I’m sorry, my child. I didn’t mean to hurt you. You will understand the day you will meet your Mate.” Ellaire said, and Lira’s eyes filled with tears that soon started covering her cheeks. She made that sign again, as earlier when she apologised, and left in a rush, sobbing and holding her heart.

“What was that about?” I asked, not understanding what just happened.

“She’s just sensible, my love—nothing to worry about. Now take a seat. I’ll make a coffee for you all, and I’ll be back in a minute. It seems like this night will be a long one.