Chapter 52
Chapter 52
I recoiled in horror, thinking about what the scene in the Gala could have turned into.
Gideon nodded grimly, watching my reaction.
“If I hadn’t gotten out of there… If you hadn’t led my wolf to the garden and helped him suppress the effects… there’s a very good chance that you would be planning fumerals instead of a wedding next p>
I drew in a hiss of breath. The image flashed in my mind.
A dance floor covered in blood.
Couples who had maybe just found their mate, now grieving.
“I thought this was an attack on me as the unwanted Luna.” I said softly, “But that’s not it, is it p>
Gideon laughed bitterly, “Finding that all is not well in Paradise? No, this was targeted at both of us. If I had injured anyone, it would be seen as a chance to overthrow me as Alpha p>
“Has…” I paused, not wanting to ask the question, and not knowing if I should. “Have you ever hurt or… killed… someone like that… before p>
Gideon didn’t answer. I stared into his eyes and found only grief.
“Oh.” I breathed softly. “Ohh p>
Gideon lunged forward and grabbed my hand in both of his.
“I don’t want your pity, Avery. I earned my reputation. But you do need to know that there are minefields here that you will need to be more careful about walking into.” His grip was merciless.
“But, there’s no way I could have known about this!” I cried out, “I am sorry it happened, but maybe if you didn’t keep so many secrets from me, then I would be in a better position to help p>
Gideon flung my hand away in disgust, “There it is. You want me to trust you, but since you arrived you have been nothing but wishy-washy, uncommitted, insincere p>
I chafed at that description and rose to my feet with a hmph.
“If you weren’t so busy all the time, I would have more chances to earn your trust and get to know you!” I fired back, “But you’re always off, hunting down some other woman who may or may not exist, and I’m just here to fill the gaps! How can I trust you in return p>
Gideon rose to his full height in a fluid motion. I stepped back as he stalked towards me. My back bumped into the door.
“Do you think the duties of Alpha leave time for me to take long winding walks and talk about my feelings with you?” he laughed coldly, “I’m still not sure p>
He paused, staring into my face.
“Sure about what?” I reiterated.
Gideon sighed and rubbed his face, then swept his hand in a gesture that took in my fancy dress, “Not sure that you’re not just some dangerous decoy sent to distract me from my duties p>
I laughed out loud, but he only frowned harder.
“Sent by who??” I cackled, “No one in Silvermoon gave a crap about me! They were all to happy to sell me off to you and hope you killed me so they didn’t have to! I’m no one p>
“You!” Gideon huffed, groaning, “Do you really have no idea the effect you have?” He glowered at me, as I stared at him
1/3
confused.
Finally Gideon snarled, and changed the subject “If they don’t have something over you, then why do you keep changing your mind about our wedding p>
I closed my mouth with a snap. Ok, they did actually have something over me.
My mother.
I gave Gideon a haunted glance.
“Aha!” the corner of his mouth pulled up in a sardonic grimace, “And that is why I can’t trust you p>
Long beats stretched between us.
“Look, we may each have our secrets.” I said finally, “But that doesn’t mean I’ll betray you p>
It was the closest to the truth I could manage for now.
I paused, then added, “And I did mean what I said, I’m sorry that I failed you in tonight p>
“You mean that? Truly?” Gideon grumbled.
“Then prove it p>
I stared at him, trying to figure out what he meant.
“How?” I asked, finally.
“You tell me.” Gideon stalked closer.
“You want me to believe your apology? Fine. Tell me what you’d be willing to do to make it up to me p>
My mind raced, trying to figure out what he could mean, as he took another step closer to me, pressing me against the door.
Olivia Harris
Olivia Harris is an emerging author celebrated for her captivating romantic and steamy novels. With a talent for crafting deep emotional connections and fiery chemistry between her characters, Olivia’s stories offer readers an escape into worlds filled with passion, intrigue, and heart-stopping drama.