The Slave Who Owned The Moon

CHAPTER 8

LUCIAN

Mine.

That’s the first thought that springs into my head the moment I lock eyes with Amaya, which is weird because I don’t care much about women.

But I have to admit. She’s the most beautiful woman I have ever laid eyes on, and I’ve been surrounded by women all my life.

Amaya is different. There’s something about her that I can’t put my finger on, and I’m determined to find out. She might be a slave, but her eyes tell a different story.

Her gray eyes shine like a warrior’s. Amaya seems meek, but there’s a defiance in her gaze, like she’s hiding something but silently biding her time.

I don’t believe for one second that she just happens to wander into the west wing. No, she goes there in search of something, and now I’m curious to know what.

My wolf stirs at the thought of her, wanting to jump out, but I hold him in.

For some reason, my brother also seems to be smitten by her.

Darian isn’t shaken by anyone or anything. He’s all about politics, power, and becoming the best alpha he can possibly be.

That’s the main reason why he marries Evelara—because he figures she would be the most reasonable choice.

She has a way with words and is a great actor. But I hate her sight.

Evelara is evil, cunning, and manipulative. Darian doesn’t care about any of that as long as she can fulfill her duty as Luna, but I’ve known women like her my whole life, and I can’t stand them.

Being the Beta of the Grayhide Pack, I’m mostly overlooked, especially when my brother is in the room, so I get used to watching people and now I consider myself a great people reader.

That’s how I know that Evelara has some sort of ulterior motive towards Amaya. I can see from the way her lips turn down; she almost goes unnoticed, but I never miss things.

I don’t know what has been going on since I’ve been away, but one thing I’m certain about is that Evelara hates Amaya, and it looks like no one knows why that is.

As long as Evelara stays away from me, then we aren’t going to have any problems. But I don’t know if I’ll be able to sit back and watch her treat Amaya with disdain.

My brother might not care, since he has more important things to occupy his time with, but I happen to have a lot of free time, and I don’t mind wasting it as long as I can make Amaya’s life a little easier.

I bump into Theron the next day on my way to Darian’s office. I’ve never hidden the fact that I don’t like Theron.

I hate everything he stands for. He’s a man without morals and would do anything as long as it benefits the pack and secures his position, even go as far as betraying his alpha.

“I see you’re back from your travels,” he says.

I fold my arms and stare at him with a bored expression on my face. “And I see you’re still in the business of sucking up.”

He frowns at my words. “I had hoped that you would have matured abroad. It’s a shame that didn’t happen,” he replies.

“Enough, you two,” Darian cuts in before I can respond. “I believe our meeting is over, Theron. You can go.”

Theron leaves, but not before casting me one last glare, which I eagerly reciprocate.

“I can’t stand that old man,” I say when it’s finally us two.

“Theron is a respected member of the pack and he heads the council of elders. You can’t talk about him that way,” Darian replies, trying to sound diplomatic.

“Oh, come on, bro. I know you don’t like him,” I say.

“I don’t have to like him in order to do business with him,” he replies.

Then he pauses for a while before he adds, “But you’re right. Theron doesn’t have the best personality, but I can’t exactly strip him of his title.”

“Why can’t you?” I ask. “You’re the alpha.”

“Because we have traditions that guide us, and people like him are the protectors and custodians of said tradition.”

I groan in frustration. “It’s moments like this I’m thankful to have been born second.”

“Whatever you say. You’ve barely been back for twenty-four hours, and you’re already stirring trouble,” he says.

“What do you mean?” I ask.

“I’m talking about the little scene you caused yesterday evening. What were you thinking, specifically demanding for a slave?”

Oh, so that’s why he’s had an unusually large scowl on his face since I got in here.

Here I am thinking it’s put on there by that asshole, Theron.

“I didn’t think requesting a specific someone would be such a problem. Last I checked, this was my home as well,” I tell him.

“Evelara wouldn’t let it go. She kept asking me about it all night.”

I can’t help but roll my eyes at his words. Of course she would.

“I don’t owe Evelara any explanation, and the sooner she realizes that, the better it will be for all of us,” I say.

“Then you need to stop doing things that would draw unnecessary attention to yourself,” he says.

“Is that a suggestion or an order?” I ask.

“Last I checked, I’m still your alpha.”

“And you’re my brother first before anything else,” I add.

I notice the stiffness of his shoulders and ask, “Is there another reason why you’re so against me being with Amaya?”

He pauses for a while before he replies, “I don’t know that there is a possible reason why I would be so concerned about a slave.”

“That’s not what I saw yesterday. In fact, you didn’t seem annoyed that I wanted a specific person to serve me, what seemed to annoy you was the fact that I picked Amaya.”

“What are you getting at, Lucian?” he asks while avoiding eye contact with me.

“I’m getting at the fact that something is going on between you and Amaya.”