The Alpha's Stolen Luna - Chapter 173: Chapter 173

: Sutton
I was checking my appearance in the floor-length mirror as Motty finished getting dressed in the bathroom. Making sure everything was in place before putting on the jewelry Soloman had given me. I pulled the velvet box from the hidden pocket of my suitcase, where I had already stashed my mother’s letter. Opening it, I set it on the dresser next to the mirror. Motty came out of the bathroom as I was putting the earrings on.
“You look stunning, Luna,” she said kindly.
“Thank you, Motty,” I replied as I took the necklace from the box. “You look beautiful as well.”
She gave me a shy smile. “Here. Let me help you with that.”
Taking the necklace, she draped it around my neck and fastened the clasp for me. It felt incredibly heavy against my skin. More so because of the expense rather than the actual weight. I’d never worn anything so extravagant. I wasn’t sure I was comfortable with it, but I promised Soloman I would wear them. And they made me think of my mother in a way I could handle right now.
I heard the hotel door unlock and Lucas knock lightly as he opened it.
“Everyone decent?” he asked.
“We’re all ready,” I told him, going to grab my clutch purse.
He came the rest of the way in, freezing once his gaze landed on me. I saw Rhonen flash in his eyes, momentarily enhancing that familiar hungry look of desire that always made me weak in the knees. I felt my cheeks blush and pulled at the skirt of my gown self-consciously.
“It’s not too much, is it?”
He was in front of me in three strides. His hand pressed against the small of my back as he pulled me against him. The other gripped my chin as he kissed me firmly.
“You look perfect, princess,” he growled. “Too perfect. I’m not sure I want anyone else seeing you like this.”
I chuckled. “I’m glad you approve,” I replied. “But I really want to go. Tonight actually sounds like fun.”
Lucas grunted. “Then to the ball we go,” he conceded. He stepped back slightly, giving me another look up and down. He lingered on the necklace. “Where did this come from?”
“Soloman,” I told him, reaching up to touch the center stone. “They were my mother’s once. He wanted me to wear them.”
Lucas gave me a grin, but it seemed forced. A subtle feeling of unease crept up. But it was gone as fast as it came once Lucas grabbed my hand and led me out the door. Our entire crew was already waiting for us at the end of the hall. Motty had left during our display of affection, which I couldn’t blame her for. But everyone looked amazing in their tuxedos and gowns. As we waited for the elevator, I started to get even more excited.
Part of me felt silly for caring this much. But really, what was the harm in enjoying such a fancy occasion every once in a while?
As we stepped out of the elevator on the lobby floor, we were greeted by another concierge who led us through another wing of the hotel to another atrium. The architecture was similar to the one in the conference center but this one had been beautifully and extravagantly decorated for the evening’s event. The lights were dim, letting the natural moonlight shine through the glass ceiling. It gave everything a subtle blue hue that was diffused here and there by the greenery and colorful flowers. Music filled the air, echoing harmoniously from every corner of the room.
It was a breathtaking sight. So were the other guests. Any worry that I had about being overdressed immediately faded once I saw the other pack leaders and their companions. There was no way I would be standing out in this crowd.
Lucas tucked my hand into the crook of his arm and led us into the crowd. While it was a more formal event, the atmosphere felt more relaxed than it had at the opening gathering a few days earlier.
“It’s good to see you enjoying yourselves,” Soloman said as he joined us. “As you should. It’s rare to have the successes you have had this week.”
“In no small thanks to you, Councilman,” Lucas told him. “We appreciate the support you continue to offer us.”
“I only spoke my truth,” Soloman replied.
I felt Max step up close behind Lucas and me. I looked back to see him eyeing something across the room. He nodded for us to look. Following his gaze, I saw Anders and the other Dawn Stalkers come in to join the festivities. I wasn’t necessarily surprised, but I had hoped they wouldn’t feel like attending after such a public defeat.
I felt Lucas tense up just before he blocked our connection. His reaction had the hair on the back of my neck standing on end.
“Dance with me,” Lucas insisted.
He was dragging me out onto the open floor where others were already dancing to a romantic ballad before I had a chance to respond. Pulling me in close, he began to sway with the music. He was better than I would have imagined. This tall, brooding man, who was very much the strong-but-silent type, was surprisingly graceful and adept as he led me across the dance floor. My surprise distracted me from my concern but not for long.
“Lucas… what’s going on?”
“Can’t a man dance with his mate?” he said slyly, sending me into a spin.
“Of course,” I replied, unable to suppress the grin that crept up. “That’s not what I’m referring to. Something is up.”
Lucas tugged me close, his expression more serious now. He had dropped his attempt to put me off the subject.
“Hannah isn’t with Anders.”