Page 11 of Luna Ascending

“Freya! I was hoping I might run into you again...” he frowns slightly “are you... am I interrupting your date?” He says the word date with a questioning tone.

“No. Well, Yes. But not with Marc”

I swear he looks relieved, although a little confused. Can't really blame him. I'm nervous and being as clear as mud. I can feel the blush creep up my neck.

“Liz and I are having a girly night – Marc rocked up, he's a bit drunk. I... I'm not sure what's taking Liz so long, she only went to use the restroom. She's probably being chatted up by someone up at the bar”

“Oh... why don't I keep you company until Liz comes back?” he grins “Can't have a beautiful girl sitting alone”

I roll my eyes at his utter cheesiness, but secretly I'm pleased. I take in his muscular form perched on the bar stool in front of me. As he reaches for his drink, he lets his hand brush mine making my skin tingle.

I can't think straight with this guy around! I dip my head, taking a sip from my glass and my hair falls in front of my eyes. Aaron reaches over and tucks it back behind my ear like it's the most natural thing in the world. I take a quick breath in - my lady-bits are suddenly on fire.

This is ridiculous; the man only touched me briefly. He grins mischievously at me as if he can tell my body is betraying me. I'm definitely red faced now. Beetroot better be in vogue this season.

Aaron goes to collect his jacket from where he was sitting earlier, and my eyes follow him across the room. I can't believe how my body reacted to a simple touch, I felt bloody feral.

As much as I was cursing her before, I'm now delighted Liz has been waylaid somewhere. Aaron's company is enthralling.

My heart sinks when I spot Marc weaving his way back over towards me. I've had enough of this guy. I'm going to have to tell him straight up I'm not interested, he's not going to take a subtle hint.

Marc arrives at my side and pulls a stool up really close, flashing a wicked smile at me. His overriding confidence, slight drunkenness and entitlement seem to make him immune to how uncomfortable I'm feeling.

Over his shoulder I see Aaron turn around and raise his eyebrows at me. Taking advantage of how distracted I am, Marc puts a hand on my leg where it has no right to be and leans in for a kiss.

“Don't!” the word flies out before I'm even aware I'm shouting. I yank my head back in alarm, forgetting I'm on precarious stool, and tip myself over, landing on the floor in a heap. That bloody hurt! Hitting my head has made the migraine so much worse.

A strong, muscled arm pulls me up to standing. I'm struggling to tear myself away when I realise the arm doesn't belong to Marc at all. A shiver of excitement goes through me - I'm now tucked in to Aaron's side.

I've no idea how he got over here so quickly but to my horror he's now squaring off with Marc. Oh shit. I glance nervously between the pair of them. I don't do drama.

“Leave her alone” growls Aaron “she's obviously not interested in your pathetic charms.”

Marc rolls his eyes and inspects his nails “What is it to you, you big ugly beast? I think you'll find I'm perfectly charming enough.”

They're standing nose to nose; one large framed and muscled, full of rugged manliness and the other looking sleek and refined with an air of graceful sophistication his counterpart distinctly lacks.

Liz tugs my elbow “You've been having fun I see”.

“Where the hell have you been?!” I hiss

She shrugs non-committally smirking then peers at me closer “You really don't look well doll, is it those blasted migraines?”

I nod as gently as I can, nauseated at even the dim lighting in the place now.

“Home time” Liz instructs “Leave these two to macho it out.”

Chapter Seven

Aaron's POV

I'm waiting for Tavey to arrive at the bistro when a piney scent wafts into my nostrils – Freya! My head snaps up and I scan the room for a sign of her. Out of the corner of my eye I catch a flick of some gorgeous red hair and my wolf stirs excitedly.

Freya looks up and straight at me, her piercing green eyes fire up my wolf even more. Standing beside her is Marciel de Vaudou, heir-apparent to the Coven. My wolf growls loudly, instantly jealous.

The ladies sitting next to me look alarmed – shit, was that growl out-loud?! By the time I excuse myself past them Marciel has vanished. I fucking hope they're not dating. Freya deserves far better than that sleaze-ball.

Her scent is intoxicating and, before I know it, I'm across the bar and in front of her. Her blushing smiles tell me she definitely feels the connection too, despite being human.

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