Page 44 of A Luna's Revenge

"No! No! I assure you, sweetheart." He reaches for me but I sidestep, pretending I don't notice. "Uh–um, I will do it immediately. We just wanted to gather more information first."

"No! I will not have poor Asher, and you, subjected to this torture a minute longer. She goes into a cell and the reports are created within the hour, or I leave before dark." I hold my head high. "Ball is in your court, Jenson." Literally.

"Why don't you believe me?" Jenson whines. He actually whines.

"Oh, honey, what makes you think I don’t believe you," I placate. "What I am saying is, choose me or her? Now!"

"My heir–" He stutters.

"I didn't say to choose between your heir and I." I snarl. "I said choose between me and that female, NOW!" Little doeshe know, but he already chose, and that takes me out of his reach.

"You, Char, always you! No one else before you ever." He pleads.

"Then do as I say!"

"Okay. Okay. Please cool down." He takes me by surprise and secures me in his arms. He begins caressing my hair and speaking softly. "Shhhh. It's okay. I'll do as you ask, immediately." His touch repulses me, now that I know what he has been up to, but a couple of tears slip down my cheeks at everything we have lost because of his selfishness.

I rip myself from his arms. "Good. Let me know when it’s done." I tear open the door and stride to my office, slamming the door behind me.

"Going to our apartment, I put on my workout gear: a pair of leggings and a sports bra. I go into the basement gym. Even though it’s still morning, the gym is pretty empty."

Due to my strict regimen, I have abs and a butt you can bounce a quarter off. There was a lot of good that did me, as my partner still strayed. It just goes to show you that it isn't my fault. It never is the cheated-on partner's fault. It’s a character flaw in the cheater.

I do my normal set in the gymand then work out on the bag. I notice some of the Enforcers are giving me the side eye. One brave Enforcer I am particularly fond of approaches. "Luna, uh, Charlie. Can I have a private word with you?"

I stop beating the bag, breathless I reply, "Sure. Did you want to walk outside or go to my office?"

"Um, I guess just somewhere we can have a private conversation that won't be overhead. If you don't mind."

"Sure." I grab my towel. "Let's go to my office. I can be finished." He grabs a towel and follows me to my office.

I close the door and offer him a chair. Instead of being so formal, I sit across from him in the other chair.

"How can I help you, Reggie?" I’ve always prided myself on being a Luna that anyone can come to any time they have a problem.

He swipes at his sweaty hair to pull it from his eyes. It’s obvious he takes great care of himself. He is strong and handsome. He shyly smiles. "I hope I am not being too presumptuous or forward." He pauses, "But everyone is saying that Alpha cheated on you with the new she-wolf that’s following him around. If he is—cheating on you, I mean. I hope you leave him. And I just want you to know that I’ve always found you incredibly beautiful and kind. I would love to get to know you better."

I am speechless. "Reggie", I begin kindly, "I am so flattered. I don't know what to say. I am not sure what is happening; I just found out some things today. But at this point in time, I am not open to starting any new relationships. Let me assure you that you are very handsome, and if circumstances were different, I would love to have gotten to know you better, too."

"Oh, Luna, I am so sorry. Everyone is speculating because of the rumors, and I was just so hopeful..." He drops his gorgeous head awkwardly. "I thought you knew."

I shake my head. "Reggie", I tilt his head back with my fingers. Looking him in the eyes, I say, "Don't let this change our friendship. We are good. I am flattered." I smile and give him a chaste kiss on the cheek.

He turns to leave, glancing back and winking, "If you change your mind..." he smiles sexily.Oh girl,Lana pants. First time I've heard more than crying from her in a while. Maybe there is hope. I laugh, fanning myself.

Then I have a thought! "Wait! Reggie?" I stop him as he is going through the door. He looks back, hopefully. "I do have a small favor to ask—and I think you may find it—enjoyable." I giggle.

He closes the door and sits back down. "Anything, Charlie."

I move to my desk and open up the program on my device to the camera feed in Jenson's office. Jenson is currently at his desk doing what looks like the warrant and statements I demanded. "You mentioned the rumors before. I know you know what Jenson has been up to."

His face flushes. "Again, I am sorry about that. I thought you knew."

"Anyway, have you heard of Cheating Mate Syndrome?"

"No."

I pass him the CMS pamphlet that has seen a lot of action today and explain to him about the condition.