Chapter 12

Lorenzo's heart was racing. Memories he had deliberately tried to forget surfaced once again at the sight of Eleanor on stage. Seeing her bathed in golden light once again just like the first time he laid eyes on her brought back the thrill of his youthful infatuation. The romance with Eleanor at 18 was the only time he had acted impulsively for love. Despite ultimately giving it up, it was the realest thing he had ever felt and he couldn’t help but notice how his feelings for Cate paled in comparison to what he had just felt for Eleanor. Despite his better judgment, his wolf was urging him, "Go to her..."

When Lorenzo came back to his senses, he was already standing in front of Eleanor. Even though he had a room full of dancers staring back at him, Eleanor was the only one he could see, much like when she was on stage and as far as Lorenzo was concerned she had performed a solo — the other dancers simply didn’t matter. Looking at her face, Lorenzo suddenly remembered he had rejected her five years ago. The memory and the guilt struck him so fiercely that he lost the ability to speak realizing he had made a foolish mistake. Lorenzo also realized that there was now nothing holding him back from having Eleanor belong to him once more — yet as excited as that made him, he knew he couldn’t appear too eager in front of her. He had a reputation to

maintain…

Eleanor's POV.

I laughed out loud at Lorenzo’s stunned silence — the strong playboy alpha looked for all the world like an insecure teenager. He seemed frozen where he stood, as if the thought of moving might make him keel over. He was the definition of a deer in headlights.

“You know, right now you look exactly like you did when we first met. I know it was forever ago but your face is identical,” I said trying to come across as indifferent, but I knew I couldn’t hide my giddiness. I felt like a teenager again too.

“What can I say, I can’t help it,” Lorenzo replied, clearly trying to act tough as well but his eyes gave him away. His eyes always used to give him away…

I had to shake myself out of this. The performance was over and so was my contract, therefore so was my relationship with Lorenzo. I couldn’t fall into that trap again but my wolf was reluctant: “I want him, Eleanor.” I pushed the feeling down: “Don’t be so weak! He rejected us!”

“The performance is over,” I tried for a smile, ignoring the twinge of sadness I felt for the words I was about to say. “Thank you for this opportunity and for being willing to pay me such a hefty compensation. I hope you get the recognition you deserve, I’m sure the lycan luna will happily do business with Black Moon if she enjoyed our performance. All that being said, I think our employer-employee contract ends here. It’s time for me to go.”

The last words pained me to say but I knew it was the right thing to do. I had my money and that was what I came for — I wasn’t here for a chance at romantic redemption. I decided I couldn’t take all the eyes on me so I lightly pushed past Lorenzo and down towards my pack’s dressing room. No more prying eyes and public conversations.

I tried to collect my things in a hurry but was stopped by a hand on my shoulder.

“I am more than happy to pay a high price for the true best dancer in Blue Moon,” Lorenzo said in a low voice, way too close to my ear to be professional. It sent a shiver down my spine and I had to fight the urge not to lean into his touch.

“Don’t let Cate hear you say that, she’ll send your own men after you. Besides, there’s no need to butter me up now, our contract is satisfied and you can go enjoy the party with someone else,” I said lightly, teasing him but trying to push him off. I couldn’t handle how familiar this all felt.

“I’m through with Cate, if I’m going to be the most esteemed alpha I need to have the best lady on my arm, and after tonight Eleanor? There is no doubt in anyone’s mind that you are the best lady,” Lorenzo’s words caused me to turn to him suddenly. He had to be playing me, but everything in his eyes told me he was being sincere. We locked eyes for a moment and it seemed almost tender, until he coughed and broke away.

“Besides, we’re not done just yet,” Lorenzo said, bringing back his playboy voice and I felt my eyebrow raise in confusion. “I already told the lycan luna that you’re my companion for the night. I figure the least you can do is give me a dance and a chance to impress her since I’m offering you such a generous wage.”

Lorenzo winked at that, knowing I really couldn’t refuse. I rolled my eyes as he looped his arm through mine and led me to the front of the Theatre where the reception was being held. The hall was decorated in glittering purples and golds — the colors of the royal family — with orbs of light that bounced off the walls in moon-like beams. Tables full of food lined the walls as people stood chatting over large cups of wine.

Most people didn’t pay attention to me, but there were a few who looked my way. A few recognized me by my costume and smiled as if to say “Congratulations,” but most of them gave me looks of disdain. Probably because I was on the arm of Lorenzo Sinclair.

We walked by Cate at one point, who was truly embodying the phrase “If looks could kill.” Lorenzo must have noticed because right after walking past her he bent down and whispered in my ear: “In my eyes, you’re the star of tonight.”