Page 134 of His Fated Luna

“Babe…” Aiden began uncertainly, and, for a minute, I couldn’t help but wonder if he was talking to me or Lexia.

It seemed as if all of my insecurities were playing across my face. And Aiden must have seen them. He slung an arm over my shoulder casually, leaning in to whisper in my ear.

“Rose, I told you before and I’m telling you again, you’re the only one in my heart. I only have feelings for you. You’re the only one I want to go back home with, and you are the only one I want to be with.”

His words washed over me, and I closed my eyes, leaning into him to reassure myself.

“How are you guys doing?”

I stiffened; Aiden tightened his hold on me. We looked up to see Lexia standing next to me. My eyes were kind, yet hesitant.

“I...I just came to say hi.” Lexia's eyes traveled between us warily.

The other people seated at our table were watching the exchange, hanging on every word that was being spoken.

“Hey, Lexia,” Aiden said with a smile. “I hope you’re doing well.” He didn't remove his arm from around me.

Lexia nodded and kept talking. “I started law school. Came home to help Mom since she hasn’t been feeling well lately.” Lexia swallowed. “It…it’s been rough,” she admitted sadly.

And just like that, I couldn’t find it in my heart to be mean. I felt bad for Lexia. My worry for her mother overrode any ill-will I might bear towards her.

“I hope she feels better soon,” I said earnestly. “You know, you can always bring her over to Dr. Danvers if you think it might help. He’s a wonderful doctor.”

Lexia nodded sadly. “Thanks, Luna Rose, for the offer.”

Lexia calling me by my official title was not lost on me. She was deferring to my position as Aiden's mate, as Aiden's luna.

“I’ll see you guys around.” Lexia inclined her head towards us before turning to go make sure things were running smoothly.

“She…she was different,” I finally said.

“I think her mother’s sickness is really taking a toll on the family,” Aiden spoke up sadly.

“Do you know what’s wrong with Mrs. Evans?” I asked.

Aiden paused a beat before finally nodding. “But I can’t tell you, Rose. It’s not my secret to tell.”

I felt that ugly monster rise up within me again. Not his secret to tell. He’d said the same thing about dad and Auntie Hilda. I was his mate! He should tell me EVERYTHING. But I kept my mouth shut, not wanting to cause a scene.

After dinner was over and music started playing, Aiden grabbed my hand, pulling me onto the dance floor and into his arms. His hands splayed over my butt possessively, bringing me intimately against him.

I couldn’t help but look up at him and smile. He looked so cute, hair slicked back with a few strands sexily hanging in his eyes. I couldn’t help leaning forward and up to give him a quick kiss. Aiden moved me around on the dance floor, his hands finally resting on my waist. It was as we were leaving that Lexia's offhanded request floored me. She may not have meant to, but it hurt just the same.

“Would you mind…staying a bit longer? I …I could really use someone to talk to.” Lexia's voice was small and tentative as she stood before us in an empty hallway. Her eyes were on me, seeking my permission. People had begun filing out.

Aiden glanced over at me. “Would you mind?” he asked me quietly.

I thought she meant if he’d mind us staying longer. I shook my head. Lexia looked so distraught, I didn’t mind staying. But Aiden's next words sent me crashing down.

“I’ll see Rose off, and you can drop me home later.” He spoke the words to Lexia before pulling me out of the house.

Wait. What? Lexia only wanted Aiden to stay? Well, of course she would. Lexia and I were never close. Why would Lexia need me to talk too? Of course, Lexia meant Aiden. She’d only been looking at me for permission. Permission from her ex’s mate to let him stay. I went through the motions of getting into the car and starting the ignition on autopilot. I wasn’t thinking at all. I couldn’t think about anything actually…except for images of Lexia wrapped in Aiden's embrace. Aiden touching her the way he touched me.

Aiden kissed me on the cheek through the open car door window.

“I’ll be home soon. I think she’s just upset because of her mom. She probably can’t talk to anyone else about it.”

I nodded, swallowing audibly as my emotions of rejection got stronger.