I Need You, My Luna

CHAPTER 10

MEGAN'S POV

The car rolls to a smooth stop in front of an expensive restaurant that practically screams power and privilege. Sleek crystal exterior. Gold-plated signboard. And a butler who instantly perks up when he spots our car.

My driver shifts slightly in his seat, turning to face me. "We're here, Ms. Pierce."

I nod slowly. "Thank you.”

I stare out the window for a moment, eyes fixed on the main entrance. I'm still not sure why I agreed to this meeting.

My wolf growls in my head, pacing. She didn’t want me to come because she felt nothing good would come from standing in the same space as Xarion’s father again. And she’s probably right.

But I convinced myself last night that this wasn’t about fear. Not anymore.

I’m not the same girl who once quivered in front of Wilson Luther, who swallowed her voice just to keep the peace. I’m a mother now. A woman who’s built herself from scratch.

I step out, smoothing the front of my coat. It’s tailored to perfection, having sharp, clean lines that say I’m not here to be toyed with.

Two of my private guards step out behind me, scanning the area with their usual calm vigilance. I brought them for a reason.

A few people glance our way as we walk toward the restaurant, curious eyes staring at me longer than they should. I keep my head high as I ignore them.

Inside, the restaurant is weirdly quiet. Empty.

Of course it is.

He must've rented it out, probably for privacy.

I remove my dark shades as my eyes scan the place. Then I see him.

Wilson Luther is sitting at a private corner table, back straight, sharp suit pressed to perfection, and that same coldness in his eyes that I remember all too well.

His look narrows slightly as he sees me, and something passes through his eyes. Surprise? Displeasure? I can’t tell.

He adjusts himself in his seat, smooths his sleeves, and offers a tight, cold smile. "Ms. Pierce. I’m glad you honored my invitation. Kindly have a seat."

I arch a brow.

Invitation? That voice message of his felt more like a command.

I walk toward him with calculated steps and lower myself into the chair opposite him without a word.

My guards stand silently behind me, and Wilson's eyes dart their way for a second.

"I’d prefer we spoke alone."

"They can stand a bit farther away," I say evenly, folding my arms across my chest, "but they stay in the room."

A flash of irritation crosses his face before he masks it with a faint smile. "Very well, then."

He adjusts his tie, then leans forward. “Let’s get to the point. I didn’t ask you here to talk about business, though I did hear you’re working for Stone Corporations now, and that you landed the Valemont sponsorship deal for them. Impressive.”

I don't respond. Just stare.

“But that’s not why I asked to see you,” He continues, voice lower now. "The message I sent through my gammas, it’s mainly about the twins. We need to talk about them."

My entire body tenses up. I knew this was coming, but hearing it said aloud still sends heat rushing to my chest.

I square my shoulders, my jaw tightening. "I don’t see what there is to talk about concerning them."

"They are a part of the Luther family, Megan,” His eyes sharpen. “Whether you like it or not, they deserve to know their heritage. Their family."

"You mean a family that didn’t want their mother?" I lift an eyebrow with a dry laugh. "You never liked me, and you made it clear. Neither did your son. So forgive me if I don’t understand this sudden concern for my children."

"They're not just your children," he bites back.

"I raised them," I retort, my voice steady. "I worked. I struggled. I made sacrifices to make sure they get everything they need. Everything they deserve. Alone. So no one, I mean, no one, gets to show up and demand a place in their lives like they earned it."

His jaw tics. He doesn’t like being challenged.

He leans back in his chair slowly, watching me like I’m an opponent on a chessboard. "You’ve become quite bold. I can see you’ve changed."

"I had to," I say. "After what your son did to me, I didn't have much of a choice."

Wilson’s eyes flash, but he keeps his composure. "I suggest you think carefully about what you’re saying. This isn’t a fight you want, Megan."

I rise from my chair. "Then it’s a good thing I didn’t come here for a fight. I came to say that I’m done having this conversation."

He lifts his chin. "How much do you want?"

I pause. My heart stutters.

"Excuse me?"

"How much do you want in exchange for handing them over? I'm willing to come to a financial agreement."

My blood goes cold.

"What do you take me for? A fool? You think you can buy my children?"

"They are my grandchildren."

"They are my children, my pups," I say sharply, my voice shaking with fury now. "And you don’t get to decide anything about them."

"Watch your tone," he warns. "You forget who you’re speaking to. I am the former Alpha of the pack you live in. I can make your life very difficult if you refuse to cooperate."

I step closer, ignoring the guards who go on high alert behind me.

"Your threats mean nothing to me," I hiss. "If you think you can intimidate me or scare me into handing over my children, you're gravely mistaken."

His eyes narrow to slits. "You’ll find out soon enough, Megan, that I’m not someone to be messed with."

"And I’m not someone who backs down," I fire back. "Also, just so you know... this entire conversation has been recorded."

His eyes widen, clearly caught off guard.

"What?"

I tap the tiny recording device clipped to the inside of my coat. "Insurance. In case you tried anything."

His jaw clenches furiously, but he says nothing.

"Have a good day, Mr. Luther," I say, turning on my heel.

My guards immediately fall in step behind me.

I don’t look back, but I can feel his anger burning behind me, hot and heavy as I exit the restaurant.

Let him boil.

I step out into the morning sun and put my sunglasses back on, exhaling slowly as I make my way back to the car.

No one gets to threaten me. No one will ever take my pups away from me.

Not now. Not ever.

Just then, I feel my phone buzz in my purse.