Page 63 of My Only Luna

“Scarlett?” Angela asks, concern now clear in her voice. Shereaches over and taps my shoulder with her free hand.

“Hmm?” I look at Angela to find her frowning.

“Are you ok?” she asks quietly, glancing at my hands that are shaking slightly. I nod, despite the obvious tremble in my hands. “You can talk about it, you know.”

“I’m just…scared,” I admit in a whisper that is so quiet that only Angela can just about hear me over the music playing in the background. The nail technician glances at us, probably wondering how we are even able to hear each other, but says nothing, returning to her job.

“Oh, babe…” Angela murmurs and I can tell she’s worried for me. “Maybe neither of you will meet your mate tonight. Maybe nothing will happen.”

“That’s scary too. The ‘what if’ will be there,” I reply, watching the woman paint my stiletto nails.

“Believe in him,” Angela says softly. For once, she is serious. I nod, but it does nothing to ease the emotions within me. “I mean, worst-case scenario – lock him in a room every Blood Moon, then there is no chance to meet his mate!” she adds, trying to cheer me up. I give a weak smile that I know doesn’t reach my eyes because she still looks worried.

“Thanks.”

Once our nails are done, we move on to get our hair and make-up done. I know what I want and tell them before getting distracted by my thoughts once again. Angela keeps checking both her and my makeup and hair, not caring that the stylists are getting a little annoyed.

“All done,” the woman who was working on me says, turning my chair towards the mirror.

I look at my reflection. The woman I see in the mirror is stillme, yet she looks ten times more beautiful.

The makeup accentuates my cheekbones, making my eyes look alluring with a smoky look that is softer than my usual eyeliner, but the slight glitter makes them look gorgeous. She’s applied some natural, yet enhancing, false eyelashes. My lips have red, matte lipstick, and there’s bronzer and highlighter dusting my cheeks.

The woman has done an amazing job of covering the ugly mark on my neck, too. She had asked me what happened, and I said it was an animal attack. The woman didn’t really seem to believe me but hadn’t said anything else. “Would you like some gloss?” the woman asks. I shake my head as I admire my hair, which is pulled back into a bun, a few strands left out that frame my face.

“I prefer matte, it doesn’t get messy,” I say, giving the woman a small wink and making her smile.

“Well, I want to make a mess and show the world he’s mine!” Angela adds. I look over at my friend, smiling as I see how stunning she looks. Her long black hair is curled and is left hanging down her back. She has a braid along the front and a, slight quiff. Her eyes are shimmering in glittery, gold shadow and her lips are a glossy nude. We smile at each other. Neither of us has to say it but we both are thinking the other looks stunning.

“Ten, baby girl!” Angela says as she stands up, hugging the woman she has stressed out for the last hour. “Thank you! I love it!”

“I’m glad to hear,” the woman says, relieved. I stand up too and thank the women before we pay for their service. Now we just need to return to the hotel, get changed, and head down to the ball. The hotel we are staying at belongs to the Ardens,and it’s where they will be hosting the Blood Moon Mating Ball, which is convenient.

“Right, let’s get going!” Angela says as she pulls me out of the salon. Just as I’m about to leave, my eyes catch Fiona’s, who’s staring at me. Her hair is being styled into an extravagant updo, her makeup as pretty as ours. Our eyes meet for a moment that feels too long. I can’t tell what she’s thinking, but it’s awkward as hell.

“Come on, babe!” Angela calls, dragging me from the salon and dragging me back to where two pack warriors are waiting for us. They were sent by Dad to watch me at all times.

Although I tried to say I didn’t need them, even Elijah agreed it was a good idea, much to my annoyance. The four of us get into a taxi and head back to the hotel together.

My phone rings and I lookdown at it. Mama.

“Hey,” I answer.

“Hey, Scarlett. I just thought I’d call to see how you are doing?”

“Great, I was just about to get my dress on,” I say, looking at the glittering gold dress that is now laid out on the bed, feeling my stomach churn with nerves.

“Oh, so exciting. Don’t forget to take some pictures. I won’t keep you long. I just thought to call. I know you must be feeling nervous,” she says softly.

I’m about to deny it but instead I nod, although she can’t see me. “Yeah, I am.”

“Well try not to be. Regardless of the outcome of tonight, I am certain your love will conquer. Just try and enjoy yourself,”she says softly.

I sigh softly. “Yeah… I’ll try. Thanks.”

“Say hi to Angela for me as well. I’ll let you go.”

“I will. Bye, Mama.”

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