The Dead Luna

Phoenix:

I entered the bar and looked around, my eyes searching for Jai.

When my phone beeped, I took it out of my pocket and read the text from Alpha Blake, "Phoenix. The king again needs healing tonight. Can you make it?"

Fu*ck you, Alpha Blake, and fu*ck Sebastian King!

I muttered under my breath and moved forward after switching off my phone. What were they taking me for?

I was not a slave who was supposed to be there for these men with her arms crossed on her chest in obedience.

What did this Sebastian dude need from me after last night’s slap?

Did he want revenge?

I felt my feet getting cold. Did I make a mistake in crossing that line?

My lips spread into a genuine smile when I found Jai sitting near the bar, relaxed on a stool. I tiptoed behind him and placed my palms on his eyes.

"You’re forgetting something. I’m a werewolf, and my smelling power is still working, Phoenix," he said in an amused voice.

I took another stool beside him and tried to place my arm over his shoulders, but he gently held it and placed it on the counter.

He was still mad at me.

"Should I tell you a joke?" I asked him and then turned to the cute bartender, "Hey, Nate. I need something a little strong but not too harsh," Nate nodded and went to the liquor cabinet.

I turned my attention back to Jai, "So here is the joke..." This time, I snaked my arm around his waist so he could not free himself,

"A woman had to go to Italy for a conference, so her husband drove her to the airport.

"Thank you, honey." She said, "Is there anything I can bring back to you?"

He laughed and said, "An Italian girl!"

When the conference was over, he met her at the airport.

"How was the trip?"

"Very, very good," she replied.

"And what happened to my present?" he asked

Confused, she asked, "Which present?"

"Remember? I asked for an Italian girl."

With a sly grin, she replied, "Oh, that? I did what I could. But we just have to wait nine months to see if it’s a girl."

After I finished the joke, I started laughing, but he sat there with his lips tightly clenched.

"As*shole. You are supposed to laugh at my jokes," I pinched his arm and then started telling him another joke.

A woman and a baby were waiting in the doctor’s examining room for the doctor to come in. The doctor arrived and examined the baby. He checked his weight and found it somewhat below the normal weight.

The doctor asked if the baby was breastfed or bottle-fed. The woman replied that, of course, the baby was breastfed.

The doctor said, "OK. If you can just remove your top, please."

She did.

He pressed. Kneaded. Rolled. Cupped and pinched both br*easts in a detailed fashion.

Rigorously.

After a very thorough examination, he motioned for her to get dressed and said,

"No wonder this baby is underweight. You don’t have any milk."

"I know," she said, "I’m his grandmother. But I’m glad I came through."

By the end of it, Jai put his forehead on the counter, and I could see his shoulders shaking.

"So, you see?" I slapped his shoulder, "You are not the only one funny here."

Nate had placed my drink on the counter. I took a sip and closed my eyes in bliss.

"I’ve never heard such stupid jokes!" At last, his arm was around me, and I shrugged with a smile.

Relief washed over me, knowing he wasn’t angry anymore.

The last night with the king replayed in my mind.

His abs. Muscles. The Dragon tattoo. His easy-going demeanor.

I didn’t want to spill anything in front of Jai. I was aware of the consequences one might have to face by slapping a powerful ruler. However, I was getting tired of everything.

The running away, hiding my identity. Everything had started taking a toll on my mental health.

"Are you alright?" My glass was near my lips when I heard his concerned voice.

"Yeah. I’m good..." I shrugged and took a big chug from my glass, regretting it immediately, when I felt my throat burning. I squeezed my eyes and jerked.

"I did put lemon juice and sugar in it," Nate called out, and I raised my hand to tell him that I was alright.

My friend was already upset because I danced with the king, and now telling him about going to his bedroom and touching him meant inviting a meltdown.

"Stay away from him, Phoe," Jai took the last sip from his drink before slapping it on the counter. When the bartender brought the bottle of whiskey, Jai wiggled his index finger at him.

"From who?" I blinked at him in confusion and understood when he shook his head.

"Of course I’m talking about King Sebastian," he snapped at me.

"Why are you getting angry?" I frowned at him, "This is my life and I’ve a right to decide who to dance with."

"I’m not talking about that fu*cking dance, Phoenix," his voice raised, "I’m talking about you going to his room to sleep with him," his voice had turned bitter.

"Jai!" I got up from the stool, "This is too much."

"He’ll hurt you, Phoe. Don’t forget he is engaged to a woman who is the daughter of a powerful Alpha. King Sebastian will never ditch her for someone like you... I mean..." The regret was evident in his eyes, but that pained me.

"For someone like me? What do you mean by that?" I hissed in a low voice, trying to hold back my tears, "I thought we were friends and you..."

"Hell," he got up and pulled me to him, "Don’t be stupid. You do know I care for you, silly. I just want you to be practical, Phoe. In the end, you might get hurt."

My anger melted away as I leaned into him.

Maybe he was right. But I was never planning to get close to the king. I never went to his room to sleep. It was for healing.

"Did you see me going to his room?" I asked him, and he pulled away a little and let me look into his eyes.

"No. Kiara came to me. She was angry because Tina was upset because of you. Last night, the king didn’t let anyone enter his chambers, so they all assumed that you must be there with him. Moreover, Kiara also checked your room."

I sighed, shaking my head, "Like everyone else in the pack, I’ve a right to keep my life private. Why is everyone suddenly interested in knowing my love life or sleeping company? Kiara dared to check my room..." I trailed off.

Jai bit his upper lip before looking back at me. The bar was getting crowded, and the music had started blaring, making it harder to hear without leaning in close.

Just then, Jai looked behind me, and I felt a hand on my shoulder. I turned around and found Beta Hunter standing behind me,

"The king sent me with a message," he screamed near my ear due to the loud music, and my heart skipped a beat when he said, "He wants to meet you tonight for healing."