Page 94 of His White Moonlight
“I’m already nervous enough, wearing clothes I hate, walking into a conversation that they’ve been avoiding for months.Please don’t make tonight worse,” I said softly.
He breathed in deeply as he closed his eyes, and this time, I knew he wasn’t testing the truth of what I said but trying to control himself.
When he opened his eyes again, he wrapped my hand around his arm and walked me to the entrance.
He hadn’t exaggerated when he’d said the place was fancy.
The lobby had marble floors.Gold and crystal fixtures.Decor in dusky reds and twilight blues accented by primarily cream walls.It was pretty and screamed designer money.
“Good evening, Mr.Wulf,” the hostess said.“Would you like me to walk you to your room?The rest of your party is already seated.”
“No need,” Bennett said.
Keeping a firm hold on my hand, he led me past what looked like a reception desk and down one of the hallways leading off the lobby.The restaurant had a strong hotel feel with its numbered doors.
He stopped at room 112 and opened the door for me.
Mom and Dad’s whispered conversation immediately stopped as they watched us enter.
“That dress is stunning, Wrenly,” Mom said.
“Thank you.”
Bennett led me to the seat next to hers.I could feel his tension as he held it out for me, and I swore to the moon god I would unman him if he touched me in front of Mom.He didn’t, though.He just pushed the chair in like a rational, normal person.
“Is there anything you want to drink?”Mom asked.“We have wine and some mineral water.”
“Water, please.”
Bennett poured it for me while Mom took my hands in hers.
“I am so sorry for this morning.”
“So am I.I was frustrated and let it out.It won’t happen again.I promise.”
“Of course it should happen again.If we’re doing something that upsets you, tell us.Don’t keep it in.”
I wanted to laugh.How many times over the years had I tried to do that?So many that I lost count.I’d learned it didn’t do any good.Well, not true.Usually, gifts would show up after a complaint.
You’re sad at school and miss home?Here’s a gold watch, Wrenly.
You don’t like your classmates?Here’s a pair of diamond earrings.
Gifts meant to placate me into silence.
“Well, not talking about what university I want to attend has been a little upsetting.”
“I know.And we’ll talk about that.Let’s order first.”She patted my hand and passed me a menu.
The deflection was expected, so it didn’t upset me.Opening the menu, I glanced at the selection, then closed it again.
“You can order whatever you want for me,” I said, passing the menu back.
“I thought you wanted the freedom to make your own choices,” Bennett said.
My gaze drifted to the fork on the table, and I remembered the last time I’d had to use one as a weapon.It worked decently against humans, but wouldn’t do shit to a shifter.I was still a little tempted to give it a try.
“Exactly,” I said, choosing words over violence.“That’s why we’re here tonight.To talk about reclaiming a tiny bit of freedom.
