The Vampire's Luna

Damien didn’t respond. He couldn’t. Not with the boiling suspicion rising in his throat. He looked at Gabriel with quiet rage simmering in his gaze. There had been too many coincidences lately. Too many threads that led back to this man who was smiling just a little too much for someone who had just lost his chance at the throne. Damien remembered Gabriel’s subtle insistence during the wedding party—that he greet every eligible woman, shake their hands, offer a smile.

Everything reeked of a setup.

Damien’s silence was restraint. He didn’t trust himself to speak without his voice betraying the quiet fury clawing at his chest. Had Gabriel known about the issue with the true mate all along? Had he orchestrated this? If so, who was feeding him information? The only ones who knew were himself, Luna and Morvakar.

Then Gabriel gave a knowing, almost wicked smile. A flash of teeth that reminded Damien of a wolf dressed in designer.

"King Damien," Gabriel said, "I hear you almost missed your own coronation paying a visit to Lady Sharona’s hotel room."

The jab was clean, polished, and public enough to sting. Luna’s hand went rigid on his arm.

"Is that all you do for a job, Lord Gabriel? Follow me around?"

There was venom in his tone, but Gabriel merely chuckled, pleased with himself. "No, Your Majesty," he said smoothly. "Lady Sharona just informed me." He winked, slow and smug, as though he held the winning hand and was enjoying the moment before the cards turned.

"Thank you, Lord Gabriel," Luna said before Damien could answer. Her voice was sweet as honey and just as sticky. "I’m sure others would like to offer their congratulations too."

A perfect queen, shielding her king without making it obvious.

Gabriel gave one final bow and turned away, his eyes glinting with amusement. As he walked into the crowd, it was clear he felt victorious. But Luna’s gaze followed him with steel in her spine.

"Who is Lady Sharona?" Luna asked, her voice steady but her eyes searching his face.