The Touch of Jelousy

Kai found Darina in the room. She closed the book she was reading and looked up at him. He kissed her forehead and sat on the sofa beside her.

"How was your meeting?"

"Good. We decided to team up to figure out the rogue camp's location. Their numbers are growing, and they have a self-proclaimed alpha who has organized them into a large pack."

"Do you know who he might be?"

"No idea," sighed Kai, pouring himself a glass of water.

"Anything else?" asked Darina.

"We need to be kinder to Jackie," said Kai. "She's having a hard time finding her place after our engagement. Her friends have abandoned her too."

"Maybe she's not such a great friend. And maybe, to find her place, she needs to learn more skills than just how to dress up and be a b**ch," said Darina sharply.

"Darina, where is this bitterness coming from? That doesn't sound like you."

"Maybe you don’t know me well enough. I’m going for a walk," said Darina, and left.

She was fuming and confused. Could he really not see that Jackie was a manipulator? Or did he still want her?Carol was howling in her head, jealous and angry too.

She wanted to shift and run, but then she saw Reed.

"Luna, you don’t look very pleased. Want to chat or go for a run together?"

"I planned to run, but talking sounds like a good option too."

They sat on a bench in the garden.

"How long did Kai date your sister?"

"Four years," answered Reed.

"Wow, that’s a long time. If he was happy with her, why didn’t he make her Luna?"

"He was destroyed after Julie’s death. Jackie was like a bandage to ease the pain. Plus, she’s not Luna material."

"Am I?" asked Darina, looking into his eyes.

"You’re compassionate, smart, strong, and kind. The perfect Luna. And to be honest, if you weren’t Kai’s fiancée," said Reed, "you’d be everything I ever dreamed of—beautiful, strong, fair, and brave."

Darina smiled and hugged Reed.

"Thank you, Reed," she said, breaking the hug. "I’m sure you’ll find all of that in your mate."

"I’m praying to the Moon Goddess for it. Be careful with Jackie. She’s not so simple. Even though she’s my baby sister, I know her true colors—that’s why we’re not close."

Darina nodded slightly. "You’ve calmed me down. I think I can go back now. Good night."

When she returned to the room, Kai wasn’t there.Darina felt disappointed. She had expected him to follow her and try to make things right between them—but he hadn’t even waited.

She took a cold shower. After tossing and turning all night, waking at every noise hoping it was Kai, she finally gave up. He never came back.

In the morning, she took another cold shower in an attempt to refresh herself after a sleepless night. She dressed in a long lilac sundress, applied a little makeup to hide her tiredness, and headed to breakfast.

"Luna, running from your bodyguard again?" joked Bred, joining her at the breakfast table.

"Oh, sorry. I’m still not used to being so protected," Darina joked back.

Her parents and brother arrived with Jenna. Laughing and enjoying each other's company, Darina forgot her worries for a while.

Jackie joined them, looking fresh in a tight black dress, a sweet smile on her cherry-red lips. She noticed Darina’s cold gaze.

"Good morning, Luna Darina," she said in a voice sweeter than honey. "Did you sleep well?"

"Fantastic. What about you?"

"I slept great, thank you."

"Stay away from him," hissed Darina quietly, just loud enough for Jackie to hear.

"From who?" Jackie asked softly, looking surprised.

"Stop pretending. From Kai. I saw you hugging him yesterday."

"Oh, Luna, that was just a friendly gesture. We’re just friends. I would never try to snatch someone’s mate—fated or chosen," Jackie pouted, but Darina narrowed her eyes, not believing her.

She turned and saw Kai standing behind her, clearly having overheard their conversation.

"Now it’s clear why she plays the good girl," said Carol.

Kai sat next to Darina and kissed her cheek.

"I’m sorry about yesterday. I went for a run, and Blake fell asleep in the forest."

"I’m just glad you’re okay. I was worried," replied Darina, squeezing his hand.

"I have a few meetings again today, so I won’t see you until the ceremony. I’ll miss you."

"So will I," said Darina, kissing him.

Jackie watched and listened to them, like she didn’t want to miss a single word.

"She’s up to no good," said Carol.

"I know. I just wish I knew when she’ll strike," Darina replied silently.