THE HEIR'S MATE

CHAPTER EIGHT

Elias's question lingered in Luna's mind, a relentless echo that overshadowed everything else. She stood in a grand private lounge, its opulence starkly contrasting with her inner turmoil. Rich tapestries adorned the walls, and a large chandelier hung from the ceiling, casting a warm glow over the room. Lukan stood before her, talking animatedly, but his words were lost on Luna. Her thoughts were consumed by the conversation she had with Elias.

Of course, Elias wanted to go to the rite. Their connection, even though they were not officially together, was deeper than Luna had realized. She had underestimated the bond they shared, and now she was paying the price.

But her dreams every night haunted her, the memories of her previous life making her regret involving Elias in her life. Her main goal at the beginning was to take revenge on Rafe and save her father. She never cared if she would die because of it, as she felt she would die eventually. But now it was different. She couldn't die; if she died, Elias would become weak and then die following her, like other mates had before.

She tried so hard to push him out of her mind right now, but the meeting with Lukan loomed ahead, a daunting task that felt almost impossible given her current state of emotions. She took a deep breath, trying to steady herself, but the anxiety gnawed at her, making her feel like she was on the edge of a precipice.

Lukan, with his striking features and piercing black eyes, exuded a confidence that was hard to ignore. His presence was commanding, his reputation as a playboy evident in his flirtatious demeanor. He was tall, with a build that spoke of strength and agility. His dark hair was perfectly styled, and his smile had a way of making people feel special, even if it was just for a moment. He wore a tailored dark suit that emphasized his imposing figure, paired with a crisp white shirt and a subtle, yet elegant, tie.

"You look absolutely stunning today," Lukan said, his voice smooth and inviting. "I must say, meeting you is the highlight of my day." He leaned in slightly, his eyes twinkling with mischief.

Luna forced a smile, nodding even though her heart wasn't in it. She wore a sophisticated, midnight blue dress that hugged her figure, with delicate embroidery along the neckline. She couldn't help but feel out of place in such a lavish setting, especially considering the weight of the conversation they were about to have. "Thank you, Alpha Lukan. I appreciate the compliment." She tried to focus on the conversation, but her mind kept drifting back to Elias.

Lukan continued to talk, always the one to drive the conversation, while Luna struggled to focus her mind. Lukan leaned back, studying Luna with a thoughtful expression. "You seem distracted, Alpha Luna. Is everything alright?"

Luna hesitated, unsure of how much to reveal. "I'm used to people getting distracted by my face when we talk. But I don't think my face is the problem right now. Kind of refreshing if you ask me," Lukan joked, attempting to lighten the mood. He didn't want to pester her, sensing her unease.

Luna chuckled at his comment, grateful for his attempt to ease her tension, but the guilt of keeping secrets weighed heavily on her. "I'm sorry, I just... I'm not usually doing this," she confessed, her voice tinged with uncertainty. And I don't know if I actually can do this, she said to herself.

Lukan, seemingly oblivious to her internal struggle, responded with surprising gentleness. "I understand this isn't easy for you," he said. "You just broke up with your fiancé and must hurriedly find someone new. It must be a lot to handle right now. But I believe we can make this work."

He moved closer, his hand brushing against hers. "Besides, I'm looking forward to getting to know you better. I hear you have quite the spirit."

His flirtatious tone made Luna's skin prickle with discomfort. She pulled her hand away gently, trying to maintain her composure. She felt like a deer in headlights, her heart pounding in her chest as she struggled to navigate the emotional labyrinth she found herself in.