Page 8 of Luna Ascending

My phone beeps just as I get into the flat. The bloody dating app is sending reminders to make selections already.

Quickly I swipe 'no' on a few faces, I hover over Marc's profile before swiping 'yes' and grinning to myself. I crawl out of the fancy clothes and into my distinctly stained, well worn pyjamas and clamber into bed. I doubt he'd swipe yes if he saw me right now!

Chapter Four

Aaron's POV

I sigh, glancing at the clock. I've probably put this off longer than was necessary. I'm now officially late. Tavey will forgive me, but only after giving me a very hard time.

It's one of his hair-brained schemes to help find my 'true mate'. A snort escapes me at the thought.

My father chose my mother as his Luna – they weren't fated mates but they made it work for the pack. My mother always said it made her feel special to be chosen. They're expecting me to do the same. The pack is so traditional, there's no way they will accept a new alpha without a Luna – I don't have much choice.

Tavey, however, is a pain in my arse. He's old-fashioned and stubborn, and he's my beta. He's constantly nagging like an old woman that I should wait for 'the one'. Annoyingly my wolf seems to thoroughly approve of my beta's plans, it's like the pair are fucking ganging up on me. I grin at the absurdness of the thought.

Tavey thinks as a new alpha I'd have more sway over the elders if I have the respect and gravitas of a fated-mate. A snort escapes me again, there are a few elders I'm pretty sure will never respect me no matter the circumstance.

I need some time out before I make a decision on the Luna Rite – sending the ladies home early was impulsive and has only made my decision harder. I've spent only a few minutes with each, it's not much to base a life-altering call on. I didn't exactly show great leadership skills there, making the rash decision to send them all home.

Despite his prattling about fated-mates, tonight seems more like Tavey's own desire to find some tail than serving mine. He's been fairly off since meeting some girl whom he'd deemed stunning, enticing, entrancing... but entirely unsuitable. He turned her down, but I bloody wish he hadn't - he's been in a fucking awful mood ever since. Who knows what terribly traditional standards he judged the poor girl on?!

I grump to myself as I slowly start to get ready. A speed-dating night for shifters and the occult? Who ever heard of such bullshit.

I'm deliberately late. If I turn up late, I can't be included in the speed-dating rounds, but I can still get some entertainment from watching... and Tavey can't be too cross with me. And, spot a potential mate, my wolf interjects. My eyes roll of their own accord as I shrug off my trusty leather jacket and T-shirt, and pull on a crisp shirt, heading for the door.

Hotel Romantique has a good few rows of expensive looking cars with drivers on stand-by when I arrive. My beta failed to mention this was quite such an exclusive event and I start to feel cross before I've even got inside, stomping towards the door with a glower.

“Aaron Va...” I started to say to the doorman who swiftly interrupts

“Mr Varg, of course, we're delighted you managed to find time this evening”

I glance sharply at him searching for the hidden reprimand, but he seems genuinely pleased, holding the heavy door wide and gesturing enthusiastically for me to enter. I catch my temper and step inside quickly.

It's probably a big boon for the events company that Tavey signed me up to this. It makes me uncomfortable – all the attention that being the alpha-heir to the most dominant shifter pack in the country brings, and the liberties it allows.

I stalk along, taking in the plush interior. The main event is being held in a large reception room draped garishly in red, while several smaller breakout rooms with various bars are scattered around the remainder of the first floor.

I can't sense any threat here and my shoulders relax a little as I hand my jacket to the young shifter in charge of the cloak room. I wink at the kid before turning to walk with purpose towards the lounge bar in the main hall.

Not purposefully enough, the twittering coordinator flutters around me 'sure' she can re-arrange things so that 'I'm in on the action'. Of course, I couldn't possibly deprive anyone else of their turn, especially at this late stage in the evening I smile sweetly as I attempt to wriggle out of her clutches.

Eventually I strike a deal - she leaves me to watch in amusement, and when the company next promotes their events they can advertise that I attended and that, as future alpha, I endorse them. Thankfully it works - the coordinator walks away as if with each step she might take off, she's so delighted.

I shake my head in amusement, sometimes it's easier to be nice than let the inner alpha roar to be left alone. I catch the barman's eye and settle down with a beer to watch with a degree of onlookers glee. When Tavey sees me he gives me a stern finger wag which I ignore, enjoying winding him up.

Over in the corner, a lithe figure draws my attention, copper-red curls cascading down her back like a waterfall on fire. My heart gives a heavy thud in my chest, catching me unawares.

I can only see her back, but my wolf is stirring with interest and I slide along the bar for a better view. She has a delicately bored expression, occasionally lit up by a smile. She's one of those people whose every movement is captivating.

The girl glances up as if she feels my eyes on her and stares straight at me. Her look is unabashed, almost a challenge, and then it's gone – she turns back to her current date. My wolf growls, inherently jealous of the man she's with.

Until I spotted the red-head I was more than content to watch in amusement from the sidelines. Now, absurdly, I'm half regretting not joining in. Surely the event can't be running for much longer? I thrum my fingers in my glass, impatient for the last few rounds to be over.

I catch my thoughts, unused to the sudden intense interest I have in the girl, just as the co-ordinator twitters that everyone is free to mingle.

I quickly collar the bartender to find-out what the slender redhead was drinking and I'm surprised to find it's one of the more expensive champagnes. I don't know why I'm surprised... beautiful girl and beautiful taste. My wolf grumbles in jealousy however when the bartender conspiratorially lets slip that it was Marciel de Vaudou who purchased her the drink, and prior to this she was drinking a fresh dry white.

I give in to my wolf's grumbling and lower myself to do a little flexing. I instruct the barman to bring the same champagne for a top up, should she agree. Striding towards where the stunning redhead and her friend are chatting, I feel an unexpected surge of excitement.

---