The Luna’s Choice (theo and ayla) by Kat Silver Chapter 157

Chapter 4: Ayla

I was trying to confirm a pattern I might have found in Harry’s journal when Jimmy showed up.

“You just about ready, Luna?” he asked, pulling me out of my work.

I looked at him in confusion.

“For?”

“Your meeting at the university,” he replied. “I’m your bodyguard for today.”

I sighed, dropping my pencil on the table. “Do we really think I need a bodyguard every time I leave the grounds? I’m still going to be within the city.”

“And you were stabbed within the packhouse,” Mina chimed in immediately, not even looking up.

Jimmy pointed at her. “What she said. Now, I’m ready when you are.”

“Alright, alright,” I said, checking my watch.

It was almost one–thirty. I tucked the notebook back in my bag and straightened up my area. I waved goodbye to Mina, reminding her not to stay there all day, and followed Jimmy out. He kept looking around the grounds to ensure we weren’t noticed as we headed toward my car. I insisted on driving.

“You know, we may have to figure out a different workplace,” I commented. “It’s going to get harder to keep the cellar a secret if there‘ s more traffic going in and out.”

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“I was already thinking that,” Jimmy said. “That entrance was fine before when we rarely needed to use the space. But that was a big part of what made it so secure. Now, it seems conspicuous. I’ll talk to Alpha about it.”

I nodded as I rolled down my car window to enter the gate code. They used to keep the gates open all day before the incidents with Randy and my attack. I felt a slight pang of guilt at all the changes my arrival had caused. I knew it wasn’t that big of a deal. It’s not like the packhouse grounds were completely walled off, just the areas you could drive into. Everyone still had access to the woods for shifting. And the gates really only tracked people coming and going All pack members had codes or could gain access whenever they wanted. But it still felt like I caused an inconvenience.

We pulled onto the college campus, and Jimmy helped direct me to the administration building. We went in and told the receptionist I had arrived. She was a middle–aged woman with a full figure and short black curly hair. Her face lit up when I told her my name.

“Oh, yes, Luna,” she said brightly as she stood from her chair. “Come with me and I will get you situated.”

She led us down a short hallway into a conference room, directing us to sit anywhere.

“I’m Mrs. Becky, by the way. It’s an honor to meet you, Luna,” she said. “When we heard the news that you were attending, the whole office has been a twitter about it.”

It was hard not to smile at her. “Well, thank you, but I’m not in just yet,” I replied.

“I am sure you know that this is just a formality, Ms. Garner,” a male voice spoke. “Though, I suppose it’s missus now, or in fact, Luna.”

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hapter 4. Ayla

“Mr. Andrews?” I asked, recognizing the male who had entered the

room.

“Ayla, my dear, it is wonderful to see you again,” Mr. Andrews said kindly as he took my hands.

“What on earth are you doing here?”

“I left Howling Falls after Kylee graduated,” he said. “I’m on the administrative board and admissions committee here at the college now. When I saw your name come across my email for a special admission, I knew I had to take over.

“Jimmy, this is Mr. Andrews,” I said. “He was my headmaster in high school. This is Jimmy, he’s…” I paused.

“I’m the bodyguard,” Jimmy said, extending his hand. “For now, at least.”

“Ah, yes,” Mr. Andrews said. “We are aware of the situation regarding Mrs. Garner’s safety. In fact, our head of security is on the way to join us today, as well.” He directed us to take a seat. “Along with two other faculty members who wanted to be present for the interview. But as I said before, this is just a formality. We would be honored to have you at our university. And not because you are our future Luna, my dear.”

“Well, I have been out of school for a while, Mr. Andrews,” I stated. “So, I know I’ll have to start at the bottom.”

“Nonsense. Don’t forget I know what you do for a living,” he said with a wink. “That, plus other parts of your work history, has allowed us to apply introductory credits to your file already. So, you tell us what you want to take and we’ll get you all squared away.”

The door to the conference room opened and two more people entered. There was a tall, slender female with a rather sour look on her face and

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another male. He didn’t look to be quite middle–aged yet, although it could be hard to tell with wolves. But he had dark features and a pleasant face.

“Ah, here they are,” Mr. Andrews said as we all stood. “Mrs. Garner, I‘ d like you to meet Professor Elkins and Professor Armand.”

I extended my hand to each of them. Professor Elkins shook it quickly like it was on fire or something. Professor Armand held it gently, planting a small kiss on my knuckles

“Luna Ayla,” he said. “It is a pleasure to finally meet you.

“Yes, Professor, I’ve heard a lot about you,” I stated. “I hear your research in ancient architecture is simply fascinating.”

“Well, I hope you plan on taking one or two of my classes,” he replied.

“Indeed,” I said. “In fact, I may have some material that you would find particularly interesting. I’m working on some research of my own and recently found some old books. I would love to get feedback from an expert like yourself.”

His face lit up in curiosity. I knew Alpha Harden and Randy had been in contact with him, so he was expecting us to meet. But they didn’t know about what my father had left me.

“I am intrigued and eager to be of service, Luna,” he said with a bow.

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I tugged at my shirt collar as I waited for the staff to finish setting up the room. I was grateful that I could keep a casual wardrobe for most days, but today wasn’t one. Malcolm Neale represented one of our biggest vendors and was also a chief investor in my contracting company. I couldn’t deny I hadn’t been a constant figure with the business these last couple of months, and this meeting was him checking in.

So, I donned the button–up shirt and dress slacks to make a decent impression. However, he wasn’t worth a suit.

The morning meeting had been tedious. Despite my absence for the day–to–day, the business had still been running smoothly. I trusted my head of operations and he had been doing a great job holding things down. But as investors, they wanted to see me. “They” being Malcolm and his sister, Julia, who worked alongside him, and a few more of his cronies.

I had a wait staff use one of the smaller conference rooms for the dinner as I had no intention of bringing these people into my private quarters. I had messaged Ayla earlier to let her know. She would be running a few minutes late from the campus but insisted she’d be here. Which was the only part of the evening I was looking forward to.

The servers had just finished when Malcolm arrived with Julia on his

arm.

“Alpha Theo,” Malcolm greeted me. “You remember my darling sister, Julia.”

“Of course,” I replied flatly.

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“Alpha Theo, you look as handsome as always,” Julia cooed.

“Thank you,” I stated. “You look lovely as well.”

My comment seemed to please her as she directed a lascivious smile at

me.

I really didn’t like this woman.

She had always flirted with me, but it became more intense with each encounter. I had never entertained the behavior out of general disinterest as well as our business relationship. Plus, she made my skin crawl. She always wore too much make–up, clothes that were far too tight, and considering the amount of money she obviously invested in her appearance, she always seemed cheap.

Several of the others filed in behind them, including Briggs and Mina.

“Hey, man,” Briggs said quietly, “anything I should be prepared for tonight.”

“Probably not,” I said. “They’re just testing the waters.”

He nodded and they joined the group. The staff was busy taking care of the guests, so I went to the credenza, where a bar had been arranged, and poured myself a drink. Although, separating myself probably wasn’t the best idea.

“I can’t tell you how pleased I am to see my favorite Alpha again,” Julia whispered as she brushed against my arm.

I suppressed a grimace as I took a drink. I had to play nice with her and Malcolm tonight. The last thing I needed was for them to get pissy and start making trouble for the business. Or worse, hanging around and sticking their noses into everything.

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“I hope you have been well, Julia,” I said tightly.

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“Not as well as I’m hoping to be later tonight,” she hinted.

“Julia,” I warned. “We’ve been through this. It’s never going to happen.”

“Oh, come on,” she whined, placing a hand on my chest as she pressed her fake breasts firmly against my arm. “Everyone’s heard the rumors about the shambles your love life has been lately.” I raised an eyebrow. “Don’t you think it’s time you had just a little fun?”

A wonderful scent hit me and a wave of jealousy washed over me. There was no holding back the smirk that crossed my face. A smirk that Julia initially misunderstood, making what happened next all the more amusing.

“I’m sorry I’m late, love,” Ayla said, pushing her way between Julia and me and kissing me. Her arm went around me as she turned. “And who

our… guest?”

is

The energy coming off of Ayla was palpable, sending Julia back another step. I didn’t think Dasha rubbing herself all over me right there would have staked a better claim than Ayla’s diplomatic entrance.

“Sweetheart, this is Julia Neale,” I said with my arm securely around my mate’s waist. “She and her brother, Malcolm, work for one of our investors.”

Julia did a poor job of hiding her displeasure. “And who are you?” she asked.

“This is Luna Ayla,” I stated, reaching up and pulling my collar aside. “My mate.”

Julia’s mouth fell open for a moment but she quickly recovered.

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“I’ll look past the disrespect this time, Julia, if my Luna can,” I

continued. “But I’m sure I don’t have to tell you to address her properly in the future.”

Her lips worked into a fake grin. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Luna.”

“I’m sure,” Ayla said with a polite smile.

‘Have I told you how much I love you today?‘ I linked her as Julia retreated to find a place at the table.

‘Considering I just refrained from repainting this room a nice bright red, you better,‘ she replied sharply.

I laughed, kissing her right there. Screw professionalism. This was my territory.

My hand went to the small of her back as I led her to the head of the table where she would sit next to me.

“So, Alpha,” Malcolm said, making his way to the table now, “it seems we missed out on the happy news. Congratulations are in order. I’m Malcolm Neale, Luna.” He offered her his hand. “It’s a joy to make your acquaintance.”

Ayla rested her hand in his and he closed his other hand around it. His eyes appraised her in a bold manner I wouldn’t have thought he had the nerve for.

“Thank you, Malcolm,” I said, reaching out to remove my mate’s hand from his grasp. “It has been a very happy event for our pack.”

“And why wouldn’t it with a prize such as this,” he replied, indicating Ayla.

“Perhaps we should move ahead with dinner,” I said, wanting to get

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Chapter 5: Theo

him away from my mate. “If you’re ready?”

“Yes, I’m starving,” he said, shooting another look at Ayla that almost had me punching him.