Page 5 of A Luna's Revenge

I reach into my nightstand drawer and take a melatonin tablet to help me rest. Today has not been good, and I crave the blissful ignorance of slumber. Jenson enters the room just as I'm on the verge of slipping into that nirvana of sleep. I even out my breaths, hoping he’ll think I’m asleep. Thankfully, he does.

With my back to him, I can hear him dressing for bed when his cell rings. He quickly answers it and whispers, "What? No. The cook has gone to bed for the night. What? Yes, I can get you some ice cream. I don't know. I'll bring you what we have. Ok?" He ends the call, sighs, and starts dressing again.

You reap what you sow, Jenson.

Instead of getting that hoped-for good night's sleep, I am constantly jarred awake throughout the night by his phone ringing, his whispering, "You're cold! I'll bring you someblankets." or "Hungry again? No, we don't have that! Yes! I will go to the 24-hour market and get it for you."

The last time he hung up from her, he rolled toward me and kissed the back of my neck. "I'm so sorry, sweetheart. I love you so much!" Then he got up and walked out.

That was about 3:00 a.m. I take another melatonin and can finally close my eyes and rest. He didn't return. When I woke up about three hours later, his side was still undisturbed, cold, and empty. He either stayed with her or slept in his office. At this point, it no longer matters. I close my eyes to try to return to sleepy mindlessness just a bit longer. Lana huffs, and we finally drift off.

Chapter 4 - The Petty

Charlie-Devastation Day 2

I finally get out of bed at around 8:00 am, having tossed and turned for most of the night despite the melatonin. I pull on my workout gear and head straight to the gym.

Passing by the kitchen, I see skank is holding court yet again. Never have I felt so put out and forgotten before. Even after jumping like a puppet to her whims all night, Jenson is there this morning, still feeding her bites of food. She catches me looking and bestows upon me her classic smirk. Again, I roll my eyes. Doesn’t she realize that when she showed up and created a contest, I dismissed it as beneath me and dropped out? I am not thesecond best. I won't wait around for Jenson to wake up. I willnot settle. I will be first, last, and only. This act of betrayal has taken me out of his orbit permanently.

I do my usual set in the gymand then work out on the bag. I notice some of the Enforcers are giving me the side eye. One brave Enforcer I am particularly fond of approaches. "Luna, uh—Charlie. Can I have a private word with you?"

I stop beating the bag, breathless. I reply, "Sure. Did you want to walk outside or go to my office?"

"Um, I guess just somewhere we can have a private conversation that won't be overhead. If you don't mind."

"Sure." I grab my towel. "Let's go to my office. I can be finished." He takes a towel and follows me to my office.

I close the door and offer him a chair. Instead of being so formal, I sit across from him in the other chair. "How can I help you, Reggie?"

He swipes at his sweaty hair to pull it from his eyes. It’s obvious he takes great care of his body. He is strong and handsome, with tats circling his beautiful arms. Talk about arm porn! His broad shoulders and fit muscular body are drool-worthy. I don’t see how he is still single.

He grimaces. "I know It’s none of my business, but I’ve known you since we were pups. You can tell me to mind my business, but I wanted to tell you what the pack members are saying.” He pauses, “They are saying that Alpha cheated on you with that female that showed up. I just wanted you to know that I don’t think you deserve that treatment. Especially not with the show they are putting on in the dining room.”

I am speechless. I didn’t expect anyone to be talking about it yet, but I guess I should have known. Packs are notorious for gossip. "Reggie," I began kindly, "I appreciate your kind words. I have to say, what is going on is complicated, and I’ve been feeling a bit forgotten by everyone.” I blink back tears. It feels so good for someone besides my parents to care.

He takes my hand in his and squeezesit. “We’ve known each other for a long time, and if you ever need to talk, I’m here for you.”

“I know you are, Reggie, and you are a good friend. Thanks for looking out for me.”

“I’m always here for you.” He drops his gorgeous head shyly.

I smile and give him a chaste kiss on the cheek.

“Charlie?” He croaks out as his gaze caresses my lips. “I hope you’ll forgive me for being so bold. I know this is forward and all kinds of inappropriate, but if you and Jenson ever break up, keep me in mind. I’ve always had the biggest crush on you.” He leans toward me and kisses my forehead softly. “And I promise always to be loyal to you.”

He turns to leave, glancing back and winking, "And if you ever need anyone to talk to you, you can count on me." he smiles sexily.

Oh girl,Lana pants, rolling onto her back and drooling. That’s the first time I've heard from her in a while. Maybe there is hope. I laugh, fanning myself.

Locking my door, I head to my apartment. I need a shower as I have a few things to take care of today.

After my shower, I dress in skinny jeans and a cute top. Strapping on my favorite sandals, I take out my purchases from the previous day. I pull out the itching powder I got at the gag gift shop. I carefully read the directions. Even though she is a skank, I don't want to cause harm to an innocent child. Nothing toxic, everything is harmless and expectant mother safe.

I open Jenson's underwear drawer and sprinkle a little powder inside, sneezing as I do. The powder has a light, pleasant lavender scent, similar to the sachets I use in my lingerie. Rubbing my nose to ease the slight itch, I pour a generous amount over his underwear, grab his hairbrush, andstir everything up to distribute it while covering my mouth and nose. If some gets in his hair, so be it. Next, I sprinkle a bit on his t-shirts, tapping them down with the brush so the powder is not noticeable.

I put the bottle away and close the drawers. I grab the hair remover and a bottle of shampoo from the bag—the brand Jenson uses religiously. I dump the shampoo down the drain, leaving a bit in the bottom, and pour in thecontents of the hair remover. Adding a little water, I shake it vigorously. Satisfied with the result, I replaced his shampoo bottle on the shelf with the hair remover spiked one. Hiding his regular bottle in my nightstand drawer rolled up in a hand towel. I move on to the next item on my list.

I pull a small toiletry gift basket from the bag and take out the lotion, body wash, and a bottle of powdered poison ivy I picked up at the apothecary. The poison ivy is used in various potions and remedies. After reading the label and checking online, I confirm that it won’t be toxic to the baby—just likely to cause a rash on theskank. Donning a pair of rubber gloves, I carefully add the powder to the lotion and body wash, making sure not to spill any on myself. I thoroughly mix the powder into the bottles using a long metal wire. Once the lids are tightened, I place them back in the basket with the loofah and a note:"Hope you enjoy. J."

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