Page 21 of The Alpha's Lunar Crown

Her eyes stayed on me for a long time, like she was searching for the words to say. Then, she forcefully pulls her wrist free.

"Some of us don't have a choice," she cussed and walked away.

Leaving me standing there. I stare at her as she slams the door behind her, and I drown in everything I never realized I wanted. Not until now.

I am such a dickhead.

Her words cut deep and felt like a blow to my chest. Again, I'm left watching as she increases the distance between us. When I ran into her at the restaurant on that fateful day, I swear my world came to a startling halt.Finding her with a date sent a level of anger through me that I knew I had no business feeling. I was tempted to pull her away from him and shake her till she came to her senses, but something in her eyes told me she wouldn't appreciate it. So, I took the high road, opting for an apology. That didn't work either. So here I am, forcing my way into her life the only way I know how until she finally sees that I'm the one for her.Bet that's why she keeps running from you, the stupid voice in my head taunts, but I pay it no heed. I know I royally fucked up. I feel the guilt eating away at my ankles every time my feet strike the ground. I have the absence of my wolf to prove how desperate I've been without her. But I'm here now, aren't I?My phone buzzes, and I quickly pull it out of my pocket, hoping for a text from Aurora. After a few taps, my inbox reveals a text from Selene asking about my trip, and disappointment washes over me like a cold shower. I send her a quick reply and tuck the device back into my pocket.Aurora hasn't said anything about Selene or asked about my status. Either she doesn't care, or she would prefer to be oblivious to that aspect of my life. I prayed it would be latter because that would mean she still feels something for me.I know it'll eventually come up, but by then, I'll be better prepared to deal with it. For now, I am more concerned with getting that look of nonchalance out of her eyes whenever she looks at me.With that in mind, I pull out my phone and shoot her a quick text.

Aurora, you did well today.

I hit the send button, still staring at the message as it delivers. She comes online and reads the message.

One second, two seconds…no response from her. I force myself not to regret sending the text. If I can't have her undivided attention, I'll find ways to keep me in her mind.

A bitter smile escapes my lips. I never thought there would come a day when I'd be scheming and plotting to get Aurora's attention. I always had her staring starry-eyed at me, her hazel orbs dripping with love and admiration, but now, the best I get is a fleeting glance.

I rub my forehead to ease my stress and put my phone into my pocket. I have important things to do, but all I can do is think about her…her smile…her words… how she spoke up today.Later at night, I lie awake, staring at the ceiling. I've never missed her this much. Every time I close my eyes to sleep, all I see is her face. But she is no longer the girl I used to know, and I have no idea how to say goodbye. Scratch that. I don't want to say goodbye.

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The following morning, with dark circles under my eyes, I find myself walking through the building housing the conference. I have dealt with several tough businesswomen in my life, but with Aurora, everything is just different.

I walk into the conference room where the team is gathering for another follow-up meeting. As I enter, I see Aurora, sitting in the second chair to the front, flipping through some reports.Somehow, she looks up as I enter, her expression unreadable. I nod at the rest of the team members, take my seat, and glance at her once more, but she already returned her attention to the papers in front of her.The meeting made progress, but my attention keeps going back to her, and I'm painfully aware of every movement she makes and every glance she casts at the projector. I wonder how she's so focused.As the meeting wraps up, I stand and walk toward her. We must have a conversation whether she wants it or not. I brought her for this trip, and now, she's ignoring me.

Her eyes are glued to the documents in front of her as she packs up her things.

"Aurora," my voice is calm, though inside, my thoughts are a mess.

She looks up, her face emotionless, and her eyebrow quirks up. "Yes?"

I pause, not sure of what to say to her. I want to tell her that I have been thinking about her and that I regret the way things turned out between us, but I don't do that.

"I will see you around later, alright?"

She props her lips, tilting her head, glaring at me. "Why?"

One thing is that I know better than to think she doesn't feel anything. She is suddenly good at hiding her emotions, but I am not blind, and I can see how her fingers clench the pen on the table.

"We came here together, and ever since, you've been avoiding—"

"I'm busy," she cuts me off. "I don't have time for this."

"Sit," I say, nodding toward the chair beside her.She sits, her back straight, but refuses to look at me."What do you want, Lucien?" she asks, like she doesn't know why I want to talk to her.

"You know why we are here. I'm not just for business. You know that." I hate that I am saying this, but I have to let it off my chest.

She glares at me, her eyes narrowing in irritation. "This again?" Her voice is strained, the kind of strain that comes from months of built-up frustration. "Lucien, I told you before, we are here for business. You've made it clear what you think of me, and I'm not about to let that affect our work."

I swallow hard, and my throat clenches. I want to tell her that she is wrong, but I can't.Aurora stands up and doesn't look at me as she walks past with her handbag hanging over her shoulder, heading for the door. The door clicks shut behind her, and I'm alone again.I wish I could go back to her. I wish she would forgive me and we could do it all over again. But now, I know it's not that simple. I've hurt her, and now, she's left for good.

I hope not because I'd keep trying.

I am slowly growing tired of being hit with her back every time I try.

CHAPTER NINE

Aurora

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