Rejected Luna Returns with Secret Twins (Lysandra) novel Chapter 149

Chapter 149

Lysandra’s POV

The next day.

The ballroom hummed with polite conversation and soft music as Moonshade Pack hosted the farewell celebration for our ending alliance with Northern Pack.

In just a few hours, the more crucial meeting would begin–where Alphas from seven major packs would present their proposals for becoming our new strategic partner. But first, tradition demanded we honor our departing allies with proper respect.

The crystalline notes of a waltz floated through the air as I adjusted the deep blue satin of my gown.

I’d chosen this dress specifically to project confidence–the rich color complemented my complexion while the elegant cut accentuated my figure without being ostentatious.

“You look stunning tonight, Lysandra,” Eldreth commented as he led me through the intricate steps of the waltz. His hand rested properly at my waist, maintaining the perfect respectful distance.

I offered him a genuine smile. “Thank you. I must admit, I’m surprised by how much I’m enjoying myself. I was prepared

for this to be a painfully formal obligation.”

“I’m glad you’re enjoying it,” Eldreth replied, expertly guiding me through a turn. “You’ve seemed tense lately. And after our last encounter at the anniversary party, I was concerned you might avoid me entirely.”

Heat rushed to my cheeks at the memory of my embarrassing behavior. “I still can’t believe I got drunk in front of you. Not my finest moment.”

“On the contrary,” he chuckled, the sound warm and lacking judgment, “it was refreshing to see you let your guard down. You carry so much weight on your shoulders.”

That was precisely why I felt comfortable around Eldreth–he saw me as a person rather than a symbol or a prize. There was no posturing, no hidden agenda, just honest conversation and mutual respect.

“How is your research going?” I asked, changing the subject. “I heard rumors about a new variant of Lunaris Essence you’re developing.”

His eyes lit up with enthusiasm. “”Indeed, and I’ve added a stabilizing agent derived from-”

The music shifted, signaling the partner change sequence of the traditional waltz. Eldreth smiled apologetically.

But before the transition could complete, a tall figure cut through the dancers with predatory grace. Strong fingers closed around my wrist, pulling me away from Eldreth and into a different embrace altogether. My body went rigid as I found myself pressed against a familiar chest, one arm locked firmly around my waist.

“I think it’s my turn, Tristan murmured, his voice low enough that only I could hear.

His hand at my waist held me closer than propriety allowed, fingers splayed possessively against the small of my back. The spicy amber of his cologne invaded my senses, bringing back unwanted memories of whispered promises and heated touches.

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Chapter 149

“What do you think you’re doing?” I hissed, keeping my voice down to avoid creating a scene. “Let me go.”

Tristan merely smiled, guiding me into the rhythm of the dance with effortless confidence. “And cause a scene in front of all these important pack members? I don’t think that’s what you want, Lysandra.”

I glanced around, noticing that several pairs of eyes had already turned our way. Creating a disruption would only fuel the rumors Alaric had been trying to quash.

“Fine,” I relented, maintaining a rigid posture in his arms. “One dance. Then you will excuse yourself gracefully.”

His thumb traced a small circle at my back, the gesture both familiar and infuriating. “Have you missed me?”

“Like one misses a toothache,” I shot back.

Tristan chuckled, the sound vibrating through his chest against mine. “You’re especially beautiful when you’re angry.”

“Is this amusing to you?” I kept my tone civil despite the fury building inside me. “Harassing me at every opportunity?”

“Harassing?” His eyebrows rose in mock surprise. “I’m participating in a public dance at a formal event. There’s nothing inappropriate about that.”

“Your intentions are inappropriate,” I countered. “You’re deliberately trying to provoke a reaction.”

His eyes darkened as they swept over my face, lingering on my lips before returning to meet my gaze. “Perhaps I simply wanted to dance with you.”

“Save it for Selene,” I replied coldly.

Something dangerous flickered in his expression. “Selene and I are no longer together.”

The revelation caught me off guard, though I was careful not to show it. “That’s not my concern.”

“Isn’t it?” His grip tightened infinitesimally. “You called her once to tell her you could take me back whenever you wanted. Was that just a cruel joke, or did you actually mean it?”

I grimaced, remembering my petty moment of revenge. “I wanted to hurt you through her, the way you hurt me through those news articles. It was childish and I regret it,”

“Strange,” he mused, expertly spinning us away from a collision with another couple. “I don’t regret anything I’ve done.”

“That’s because you’re incapable of remorse,” I replied, my tone sharp. “You destroy lives and move on without a backward glance.”

His jaw tightened. “Is that why you’re so friendly with Dr. Frostwhisper? Because he’s nothing like me?”

“Eldreth is a friend,” I said, deliberately emphasizing the first name. “Unlike you, he treats

with respect.

“I didn’t realize friends danced quite so intimately,” Tristan remarked, his eyes cold.

I couldn’t help the laugh that escaped me. “You’re one to talk about inappropriate intimacy. And for your information, Eldreth was my mentor during medical school. I admire his mind and his work.”

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