Page 26 of His Blue Moon Princess (The Silver City #1)

The next Friday, even while working, I can’t help but think about my conversation with Elena again. A baby... She started crying after telling me about Nathaniel being the father. I was unable to say anything and just felt useless, listening to her. I just found out she is my cousin, and now she is also pregnant.

Eventually, that friend of hers, Daniel, took the phone and said they would call back. I haven’t heard from them since then, but I know she probably just needs some time.

I still felt bad for Elena, though. If she is not Nathaniel’s girlfriend or anything, how will she handle this pregnancy? It explains why she was so distant from him yesterday, also why Daniel and Bobo were so adamant about protecting her during the battle. A pregnant werewolf can’t shape-shift, not without risking the baby’s life— the shapeshifting is too much of a struggle on the body after the first few weeks. I wonder how far how along she is?

I’m too busy to think about it any deeper, though. Earlier this week, a garbage boy took a last-minute sick-leave, and I had to replace him for the day. Turns out, Chef Michel was so happy with my performance in his kitchen that day, he fought with Narcissa to keep me there. So now, I must switch all the time between the kitchen and the restaurant, even during the actual service. Not that I would complain, though. I like working in the kitchen so much!

Chef Michel and I are now on a first-name basis. It has become a habit now that I would come and help the kitchen staff in the morning. I am nowhere near the level of the cooks or aides here, but they are always teaching me things and even asking for my opinion at times. It’s thrilling to keep up with the rhythm in the kitchen, but I’m doing my best. Once again, everyone was surprised how well I handle the pressure. Truthfully, I’m a bit proud of it. Like any chef, Michel yells a lot, but this is really nothing compared to what I’ve felt before.

Once the service is done and we start cleaning up, Chef Michel suddenly calls me, sending someone else to take over for me. He is smoking at the back of the restaurant, like always. I don’t really like the smell; I just stand a few steps away not to be impolite.

“You called for me, chef?”

“Yes. You did a perfect job today, Nora. Again. And what was that suggestion you made this morning? For the dessert?”

“Using rosemary to flavor the caramel?”

“Yeah, that one. How did you think of that?”

I blush a bit, overwhelmed by the compliments. How do I explain this? I feel a bit embarrassed about my background. Even though I seem to know a lot, I only have elementary experience in cooking. You can’t learn it all from books...

“I just really like using herbs and spices while cooking, so... I tried balancing with sweet flavors for a change and found out some pairings work really well.”

“Like what?”

I feel like this is some sort of test. I try to think of an answer I would give anyone, not to an experienced chef. “Like basil and strawberries. Or honey and lavender.”

I see him smile. “You’re good, Nora. You really got a talent for that. Why didn’t you apply to be in the kitchen instead of a waitress?”

“I... I have no experience and no training to be in a kitchen.”

He shakes his head. “You got the basics, that’s all it takes. Good sense of taste, multitasking, and reactive. You’re hard-working, and you can handle the pressure. Starting tomorrow, you’ll work as an apprentice in the kitchen.”

“What? But Narcissa...”

“I don’t care what Narcissa says. I’ll call the Boss, if necessary. You can start with Sam at the sauces for now. The old man could use an assistant.”

I gasp. I don’t even know what to say! Being a saucier’s apprentice is already more than anything I could have asked for!

“Chef, I...”

“Don’t thank me yet. We’ll see how you can handle the old man first; he’s twice more stubborn than I am, so that should—”

He suddenly stops talking and turns his head towards the end of the alley. I do the same. My wolf is growling, sensing something’s wrong, too. Who is that? There’s a horrible smell coming from a block away. Chef Michel throws his cigarette on the ground, his eyes not leaving the end of the alley a single second. We both stare at the same spot, waiting to see if the intruder will come closer or not.

No one is supposed to be there. There is a wooden fence at the end of the street, and only the restaurant’s employees should be able to come here. That smell doesn’t belong to anyone from the restaurant. It’s such a disgusting smell! A mix of alcohol, rotten flesh, and cheap cologne, reeking so much I can’t even distinguish its owner’s scent.

“Who is that...?” I whisper.

“Someone who’s not supposed to be here,” growls Chef Michel.

I feel him tensing up, ready to shapeshift at any moment. I tell my wolf to be prepared, too. However, the smell disappears. Did they run away? We wait for a few seconds, but whoever it was is gone. I turn to Chef Michel, still frowning. “A rogue?”

“...It looks like it. I must tell the Boss. Let’s go back in. Tell Boyan to come and get you. I don’t like this.”

To my surprise, it’s not only Bobo who shows up, but as well. Unlike other days, there is no car, but just a big, black motorbike. I look at the engine, a bit worried. “Please tell me I’m not supposed to get on that thing.”

“What’s wrong with my bike?”

“I’ve never even been on a bicycle, Liam!”

He laughs, but this is just plain scary! “Don’t be a baby, Nora. You just need to hang on tight, I’ll drive safely, I promise. Come on, we have to change quickly before we get to the party, or we’ll be late.”

Late for what, exactly? I get on the motorbike despite my fear. At least, Liam seems experienced with it. And he’s right. We are finally the 14th, and I want to see what all this fuss was about. To think Damian came to dine with me last night, and now I’m going to go to his party behind his back... But I need to know what he is hiding from me. I want to think Damian is being sincere, yet there is this invisible wall between us that I need to take down. And I’ll see what kind of wall it is tonight.

Once we get home, I go straight to my room to shower and get ready. Choosing a dress is quicker with the guys than when Tonia is here, mostly because they let me pick it myself. I go for a rather simple empire dress with a silver glitter top and a long white skirt. Elegant yet straightforward— it should be good enough. For my makeup, even if I’ve been practicing these last few days while getting to read for work, I usually keep it really simple. For tonight, though, I have to make extra efforts. I look at a couple of online tutorials before getting started and proceed very slowly and carefully. The result is alright, I think... I put on a natural peach eyeshadow, a thin trail of eyeliner, some mascara, and a light pink blush. When Bobo comes into the room, I’m putting on the final touch, a rosy lipstick. I turn to him.

“How is it?”

“Very pretty. You look more natural than last time.”

“Because I didn’t put as much stuff... I can’t remember half the names of the products the makeup artist gave me anyway.”

Bobo smiles. “Are you going to be okay...?” He asks

“I don’t even know what I’m supposed to see, so... Is it bad?”

He stays silent for a second. “...You should get your heart ready.”

I stay silent. The more I hear about it, the harder it is to think it’s a good idea...

Turns out, Boyan is good at braiding my hair and helps me put it up into a Greek goddess-like hairstyle. It also matches my dress perfectly, so I’m more than happy with it. Once we return to the main room, Liam is desperately trying to do his necktie. He turns to us, but before he can even ask, we shake our heads. I have no idea how to do this... He frowns, and takes it off, undoing his first button.

“Forget it, I’m not going to impress anyone, anyway. Are you ready, my lady?”

Indeed, I am, though I’m shaking a bit... I grab my white coat and put my necklace on. The little diamond moon is shining bright and matches my dress just fine.

“I just hope I’m dressed enough...” I sigh, taking an overall view in the mirror again.

Liam rolls his eyes. “Yes, you are. You’re wearing a $5,000 Dior dress and a diamond $2,000 necklace. What else do you...?”

“I’m wearing what ?” I scream, shocked.

“Oh, get over it, you know my brother is like, crazy rich.”

“Liam!”

“Oh, come on, Nora, you should be used to it by now. So, if you are done being scandalized, can we go, please? Trust me, the price of your dress will be the last of your concerns after tonight.”

While in the car, I’m still sending annoyed looks at Liam. I hate it when he plays with my nerves like that! And he’s doing it on purpose, I know it. Even now, he won’t bother to hide his smirk. I growl at him.

Bobo is driving, and no one is saying a word. I’m too nervous to talk, to be honest. I have no idea what to expect. While I imagine several scenarios, Liam’s phone rings.

“Hi, Nate. What’s up?”

I can recognize his brother’s voice, but even with my enhanced hearing, I can’t tell what Nathaniel’s saying... Liam starts smiling. He lets his brother speak for a while before interrupting him. “Don’t worry Nate, I’m on my way. ...Yup. No, I’m dressed as I should be, tuxedo and all. ...No, I borrowed someone’s girlfriend to be precise.”

His brother stays silent for a few seconds while Liam smiles. I heard my name, but Liam answers before I can say anything.

“Good guess! ...First, we both know Damian would never touch me. Plus, I bet Nora would kill him first. She deserves to know, don’t you think? ...Do you really want to have the conversation about managing love relationships, Nate?”

Touché. Though I think that one was a bit mean from Liam... For a few seconds, I think about Elena’s baby. Neither of them probably knows about the pregnancy yet. Nathaniel’s love life is about to get a lot more complicated...

Both brothers stay silent for a while again, and I wonder if Nathaniel can do anything to prevent me from going. He could probably revoke Liam’s invitation, no? To my surprise, Liam starts to smile again. “Really? You’re going to help us?”

I hear Nathaniel yell something, but Liam laughs and hangs up. Even if he said otherwise, not doing anything is basically the same as helping us. Though Liam is happy about it, this call didn’t make me feel better at all. I wonder if it’s too late to turn back, but I don’t even know what I’m supposed to fear! When Bobo finally stops the car, I recognize where we are. It’s the entrance of the Grand Hotel, a five-star and one of the most luxurious hotels in Silver City. I’m feeling kind of better about my overpriced dress now...

Liam helps me out of the car, and Bobo follows us. It’s my first time seeing the two of them dressed up, but there is quite a difference. Liam obviously chose a very luxurious tuxedo, while Bobo’s outfit is much more discreet. He looks like a bodyguard with this look and size, and well, I guess that’s kind of what he is for tonight?

A doorman guides us to the 32nd floor without even asking for an invitation. Liam winks at me. I guess he didn’t need one, being one of the infamous Black Brothers... Once we finally arrive, the doors open on a gigantic Reception Hall.

It’s very luxurious and intimidating. The marble floor is so clean and polished, I can see my reflection in it, and it’s the same for the walls. Large chandeliers are hanging from the roof, with real candles lit up. On my right, a large bar with five barmen working swiftly, and on the left, a large glass-wall like the one in my apartment offers a breath-taking night view.

The place is crowded. Now I know why Liam said I wouldn’t be overdressed. Every person standing in the room is wearing luxurious brand items, jewelry, and outfits. My dress doesn’t seem out of place, and it’s not the fanciest. Some ladies even have real gemstones embroidered on their dresses, when they are not wearing it as jewelry.

Liam gives me his arm to hold on, and I don’t let go. I feel way too intimidated. For the first time, I see him really being a Black Brother. As we walk, people get out of our way, and I hear whispers all around us. A lot of the guests are eyeing Liam yet avoid his gaze. A few steps behind us, Bobo is also definitely making an impression too.

People are staring at me, as well, probably because I’m accompanying Liam. They observe me from head to toe, and they are not even trying to hide it. I feel like I just stepped into a nest of snakes...

“Well, well, look who is there!”

I turn around, and to my surprise, Lysandra Jones, the Purple Clan Alpha, is walking up to us. This time she is wearing clothes, a superb purple combi with assorted jewelry, and gold rings in her hair or as piercings on her nose, ears, and eyebrow. She stands in front of us, with a wide smile.

“Hi, Lysandra,” Says Liam.

“You brat... You fought with my guys again this week, didn’t ya? How many times do I have to tell you to stay out of my territory?”

“Come on, I thought we were just training? Are they tired yet?”

“Don’t be too cheeky... One day I will come myself to give you that kick in the ass you’re asking for.”

“Any time!” Replies Liam with a cheeky smile.

Though the conversation seems heated, I feel like Lysandra is more amused by Liam’s attitude than annoyed. I wonder why he has to go so often to provoke her warriors? Is it because they are strong rivals? She turns to me.

“Nice to see you in human form, whitey girl.”

“How did you recognize me?” I ask.

“Blue eyes, a big scar on your face, and those guys around ya? Come on.”

Right... I guess my visible scar in both my forms is a big giveaway. I tend to forget about it these days. Now I feel stupid... Indeed, anyone could recognize me, then. Lysandra doesn’t mind that I’m staying silent, she starts talking again.

“By the way... I wondered which pack you were from, but seeing you’re with these two, I guess you’re a Blood Moon?”

I shake my head. “Not really. I’m more of a... free spirit now?”

This is a dangerous thing to say in a room full of werewolves, admitting that I don’t belong to any Clan. But Lysandra just laughs. “Nice one! Well, if you ever get past this free-spirit phase, you can come to the Purple Clan anytime. We value fighters in my pack, so you would definitely be welcomed with what I saw the other week.”

Wow, I didn’t expect that... I whisper thanks, too shocked to think of anything else. Liam growls, though. “Don’t dream about it. Nora will belong to my brother’s pack.”

“Who knows... The girl might change her mind?”

“If so, then you can always join the Sea Moon Wolves, too!”

We turn around. It’s Grandpa Seaver! He walks up to us, flanked by two young people. The girl looks about my age or younger, with chubby cheeks and a brownish ponytail. She is wearing a sea-green dress and aquamarine earrings. The young man, probably her brother since they look so alike, is wearing a brown suit and has a large scar across his neck.

“Old Man!” Says Liam.

“Oh, shut up, kiddo. I’m here for the young lady, not you.”

Is there an Alpha that Liam hasn’t angered out there? They all seem annoyed at him! But he just laughs while the old man turns to me. “So, you’re named Nora, are you? Patrick Seaver. Here are my children, Marina and Arthur. You saved both their lives last week.”

The young Sea Moon she-wolf waves at me, a bit shy. Her brother just nods, but his eyes are glaring at Liam. Gosh, he really loves messing with everyone...

“It’s nothing. We were in the middle of a battle, after all.”

“Hopefully, the last one! I’m done with vampires for this lifetime!”

“Don’t get your hopes up, old man. Those bloodsuckers will be back. Remember the last Council?” Sighs Lysandra.

“Everyone thinks the same?” I ask.

Lysandra nods. “All those who bothered to show up, anyway. The Sapphire Moon Clan really is a bunch of cowards, I tell you!”

Now that I think about it, among all the big Clans of Silver City, the Sapphire Moon Clan is the only one whose wolves didn’t show up at all... They are one of the strongest Clans around, though. I would say they only lose to the Blood Moon, and Gold Moon Clans in terms of power. But other than that, those three are the strongest out there.

“...Even those weaklings from the Jade Moon Clan showed up!”

Liam scoffs. Gosh, I really didn’t need to hear this... Seeing something is wrong, Lysandra frowns and asks about it. Liam is only too happy to answer. “Nora is the Jade Moon Clan... how do you call it? Owner?”

“Stop it, I don’t own anything...” I whisper, embarrassed. “They just gave me their allegiance.”

“Wait, you little girl controls half the east territory?” Asks Patrick.

I hesitate and nod. I guess this is a way of putting it... Lysandra suddenly claps her hands. “Right! The boys did tell me someone kicked Greene’s butt a few weeks ago! Well done, whitey!”

...Is she really going to keep on calling me like that?

“Interesting. It seems like the Blood Moon Clan is really working on their connections...” mutters Arthur Seaver.

His father scratches his beard. “Right, son. Can’t blame the kid, though. Times are hard. Lots of little mutts are showing up everywhere.”

“Who cares about the rogues? What he wants is to contain the Sapphire Moon Clan. If they can’t reach an agreement, things might get ugly!” Says Lysandra.

What agreement? I turn to Liam, lost. What is this about? I knew that the Blood Moon Clan and the Sapphire Moon Clan weren’t on good terms, but I didn’t think things were that bad...

“They are a proud Clan, the Sapphires. I doubt they will ever listen to Black. Though I’m not fond of the Gold Clan, either. Too greedy.” grumbles old man Seaver.

“Yeah, I’m not too fond of the idea either...” Says Lysandra

What about the Gold Moon Clan? Is Damian trying to make them his allies? I turn to Liam, asking him with my eyes what this is about, but he shrugs. The two Alphas change subjects, arguing about the limit between their turfs. Liam gently pulls me to the bar, leaving them. One of the barmen immediately walks up to us with a professional smile.

“What would you like, Mister Black?”

Liam is only too happy to answer to that and asks for two cocktails. I frown. We are underage! Plus, my alcohol tolerance is definitely not cocktail proof yet. But before I can even protest, he hands me a turquoise drink that smells a lot like vodka. I’m wondering if I can give it back, when my phone rings. It’s Tonia...

“Nora! Where are you? I’m at your place, and no one is here. Bobo isn’t picking up his phone.”

Uh-oh. I turn to Bobo, not knowing what to say. He probably turned his phone off on purpose. I have a feeling his sister is going to freak out just like Nathaniel. I hesitate and finally answer.

“Tonia, I’m all right. ...I’m at the party.”

“The party... What? At the party? Who told you about the party?”

She yells at the other end of the phone, but I really don’t want to argue with her now. I’m mad at her for not telling me about it, too. Liam grabs my smartphone. I bet he is only too happy to make things worse... I ignore them and take a sip of my cocktail. Gosh, this is strong!

Suddenly, I hear a lot of chatter. A young woman just made her entrance. She is stunning, from what I can see before a lot of people run to her like bees gathering around honey. She has gorgeous brown hair, and golden eyes like Elena, though hers are darker, brownish. I’m not particularly inclined to fashion, but her dress is gorgeous. She looks like an actress, wearing a gold gown and a white fur coat.

“It’s Alessandra King, daughter of the Gold Moon Alpha,” whispers Bobo.

I get the information, but as my eyes follow her, some unease rises in my heart— a pain thumping in my chest. I watch her walk across the room; She has a perfect smile on her face and walks like a queen.

Everyone steps aside to let her through, and at the end of this path, I see Damian. Damian, standing there in a gorgeous black suit. He has a glass of champagne in his hand and is standing a few meters away from me, but I can see his features clearly. He is expressionless, looking at Alessandra. Once she arrives at his side, they slowly bow to each other.

I’m almost choking. My wolf is growling furiously. Something’s wrong. Something’s out of place. My fingers tremble around my drink, and my mind goes blank. She’s putting her hand on his arm. Why does he let her do that? Why do they talk so casually? Why is nobody reacting? Isn’t there something wrong with this? I feel sick, disgusted. Someone else is touching my mate! Why is she standing so close to him, their arms are touching!

While I’m running out of breath, watching them with my thoughts going wild, Liam comes next to me and whispers to my ear. “Welcome to my brother’s engagement party, Nora.”

Damian’s... what?