Page 12 of The Alpha's Forced Rejected Mate
Luna shrugged. “It was just a hunch. Kids like to have fun.”
“Well, thank you,” the woman said, sincerity heavy in her voice. “You were calm through everything. You must be good in a crisis.”
Luna smiled at her and her son. “Just part of the job.”
After they left, Jenny cornered her at the biography section. “That was impressive, Lily. How did you know where to look?”
“Lucky guess,” Luna replied. “Anyone would have thought to check outside eventually.”
“Well, you saved the day. That’s what matters.”
For the remainder of her shift, Luna couldn’t shake a sense of worry. Using magic always left her feeling exposed, vulnerable. Like she’d briefly stepped out from behind a curtain and anyone tracking her could find her.
It was stupid. Reckless.
By five, when it was time to close the library, Luna’s heart was pounding. She knew she would leave town tonight. She was not going to wait to find out if someone tracked her.
“I can finish up,” Jenny offered, noting Luna’s distraction. “You look like you could use an early night.”
Luna hesitated but nodded gratefully. “Thanks. I owe you one.”
“Bring donuts tomorrow and we’re even,” Jenny replied with a grin.
Yes, tomorrow.
Luna gathered her things from her locker in the break room and said goodbye to the remaining staff, forcing a cheerfulness she didn’t feel.
The parking lot was mostly empty when she stepped outside, and Luna’s sedan sat near the back. She’d chosen the spot deliberately that morning—the old oak tree under her car provided cover, and the position gave her a clear view of anyone approaching.
She walked briskly, keys clutched in her right hand with the points extending between her fingers. The light breezecarried the scent of approaching rain, and Luna quickened her pace, eager to get home and packed before the storm broke.
Three steps from her car, the hair on the back of her neck stood up. Luna froze, every sense suddenly on high alert; there was now a presence around her that hadn’t been there seconds before.
Shit.
A figure stepped out from behind a black SUV parked two spaces away. Luna’s breath caught in her throat as recognition slammed into her like a physical blow.
Dominic Blackwood.
Time seemed to slow as their eyes met. He was both exactly the same and completely different from the man she remembered. His black hair was shorter now, cropped close on the sides but still thick on top.
The lines of his face had hardened, but it was his eyes that showed the most change—those steel-gray eyes regarded her with cold calculation.
“Hello, Luna,” he said, his deep voice carrying easily.
Her name—her real name—on his lips sent a shock through her system. Luna’s fingers tightened around her keys as she took an instinctive step backward.
“I think you’ve mistaken me for someone else,” she managed, her voice steadier than she felt. “My name is Lily.”
A humorless smile curved his mouth. “Lily Coleman. Librarian.” He took a step forward, and Luna fought the urge to retreat further. “Impressive identity you’ve created. But we both know it’s just a fake.”
Luna’s mind raced. The library door was too far—he’d catch her before she reached it. Her car was closer, but she’d never unlock it in time. Magic was a possibility, but using it would only confirm what he already suspected.
Jenny didn’t own a car, so she wouldn’t be coming to her rescue. It was possible the woman had taken the back door.
“I haven’t bothered anyone,” she said quietly. “I’ve kept to myself, lived quietly. Whatever you’re here for—”
“It’s not that simple,” Dominic cut in
