Chapter 50

Lorenzo jumped out of bed and hastily grabbed for his pants. This was not how I first anticipated this day to start. For Christ’s sake!

I wanted our morning to be somewhat of a reflection of our time together last night. Emotions were all over the place, but it ultimately led me to have my first time—my first ‘real’ time with Lorenzo. I wanted to bask in the simple act of just being close to him. Feeling his warmth, knowing I was safe and cared for in his arms.

But instead, our serene, peaceful moment was rudely interrupted by the manic sound of someone banging on the door.

I could tell from the sharp tone in Lorenzo’s voice that he was as ticked off as I was. He opened the door and snarled under his breath. “What?”

The maid kept her head bowed in respect as she spoke softly. “Apologies for the interruptions, alpha. But a message has come through from the palace.” A message? “Both you and Luna Eleanor have been summoned by the Lycan Luna to discuss important affairs. You are expected to arrive as soon as possible.”

My heart slammed frantically within my chest. I hadn’t bothered to listen to the rest of what the maid had to say. I quickly pulled at the comforter and rushed into the bathroom to begin getting ready.

From that point onward, I remained in a semi-permanent state of worry as Lorenzo’s driver brought us to the palace.

“It’s going to be alright,” Lorenzo said calmly. I felt him rest his hand over the top of my leg as a way of trying to ease my wrecking nerves.

“An urgent summons, Lorenzo,” I hissed. “That’s not something that sounds like no big deal. Oh, God. What if she’s withdrawing her acceptance of my request for my father’s case?”

My stomach flipped several times over.

Lorenzo gave me a small squeeze and shook his head. “Come on, we both know that’s not it. She would never go back on her word. Especially since she’d given it such a public setting.”

For the remainder of the ride, I fought to keep both my nerves in check and my nausea under wraps. The car pulled through the large, main gates and Lorenzo and I were soon walking up the front steps. My heart continued to slip several beats until we came face to face with the Lycan Luna herself.

She looked positively overjoyed to see us. Suddenly my doubtful worries had all but evaporated. We both gave a respective bow as she led us into one of the many drawing rooms and sent one of her maids to bring tea.

“Come sit down, both of you,” she said airly. “I apologize for the sudden message. I’m sure it came to you in a rather hectic manner. But I wanted to really get a jump start on assisting you with this missing children’s case.”

My brows lifted in surprise. I was nearly at a complete loss for words. I felt kiddy and bubbling with excitement.

“Oh,” I breathed out. “A-Are there any questions or concerns you may have?”

The Luna took her seat in one of the Queen-Anne-style chairs across from us. Her expression boarded on the line of resolve and slight concern. “Well, I’ll be honest, I don’t think it’s going to be an easy venture. After all, it happened a few years ago, but I admire your tenacity for wanting justice.”

I took my lip between my teeth and tried to think about how my father would have handled his cases. “Your Majesty, what are your thoughts about the idea of ‘retracing our steps’?”

She tilted her head while the corner of her mouth curved into a knowing smile.

“You mean, have the police go through the case step by step like they originally had when it first happened?” I eagerly nodded my head. She deepened her smile. “I’ll do you one better. I’ll send my team of guards out to scout out the areas and retrace all of the possible patterns.”

I felt so lightheaded I thought I was going to openly swoon. Had it not been for Lorenzo, taking a firm hold on my arm, I would have slid right out of my seat.

A deep voice broke through the silence, causing all of us to turn our attention to the open archway where the Lycan King stood tall. He smiled gently and, once again, allowed his eyes to linger a bit longer on Lorenzo.

Lorenzo’s POV

“Apologies for the interruption,” the king said. “I wasn’t aware that we had guests this morning.”

The Lycan Luna gave a performed smile. “I’d called upon Alpha Lorenzo and his Luna to discuss the reopening of the missing children’s case.”

The king nodded his head and matched his Luna’s smile. “Well, perhaps while you and Miss Wright are busy laying out your plans, I could borrow Lorenzo here. It’s only fair that someone begins his training as the newly appointed aid to the Royal Heir.”

“Of course,” the Luna agreed.

Lorenzo got to his feet and graciously followed after the king. For the next fifteen minutes, the man had gone over numerous protocols and basic expectations Lorenzo needed to be aware of. But soon, the conversation started to take a rather odd turn...

“Tell me, how long have you been the alpha of your pack?” he asked.

“A good handful of years,” Lorenzo told him. “I didn’t start out in Black Moon though, initially. I used to belong to the Blue Moon pack.”

“What made you want to make the shift?”

Lorenzo refrained from snorting some indignant remark.

“Let’s just say that my morals and line of ethics don’t exactly align with those who follow under Blue Moon.”

The King chuckled. “They’re certainly not the easiest wolves to reason with; however, I find that rather commendable that you were wanting to set your own path.”

“Thank you.”

“I’m sure your parents are both proud of you for your achievements,” the king said warmly.

Lorenzo’s lips parted but nothing came out. Part of him wasn’t sure what to say.

“I wouldn’t know. I never knew my father and...my mother is dead.”