Estelle’s POV
I hesitated, glancing at Caleb, who was watching our interaction with interest. “I don’t know, Janice. I’ve been pretty busy with pack affairs lately.”
Janice’s face fell slightly. “Oh, come on, Estelle. It’s been way too long since we all properly met up and had a drink together.” She grabbed my hands, her eyes pleading. “Besides, I found my mate recently, and I’ll be moving to his pack soon. It’s really far from here, so it might be much more difficult for us to meet up after that.”
My expression softened at her news. “You found your mate? That’s wonderful, Janice. Congratulations.”
Her cheeks flushed pink with happiness. “Thank you. He’s amazing, but his pack is on the other side of the continent. That’s why I’m hoping you’ll come tonight. Just this once, for my sake?”
I could see the genuine hope in her eyes. These people had been good friends to me during those boarding school months. They’d supported me through the rigorous training, celebrated my successes, and helped me through my homesickness.
The truth was, I did miss them.
“I suppose I could make time,” I said finally.
Janice squealed again, bouncing on her toes. “Really? Oh, this is perfect! Everyone’s going to be so excited.”
She pulled out her phone and quickly typed something.
Janice finished typing and slipped her phone back into her purse. “Okay, I’ve sent you the address. It’s a restaurant downtown in neutral territory. Nothing too fancy, but they have excellent food and private rooms for larger groups.”
She checked her watch. “The reservation is for eight tonight. Can you make it?”
I nodded. “I should be able to arrange my schedule.”
“Perfect.” She hugged me again quickly. “I should get going. I still have a few errands to run before tonight, and I want to pick up a decent bottle of wine for the celebration.”
“I’ll see you tonight then,” I said.
“Eight o’clock sharp,” she confirmed. “I’m texting the group chat right now. They’re going to lose their minds when they hear you’re coming.”
Then, Janice waved goodbye to both of us before walking away.
I watched her leave, feeling a mix of anticipation and nostalgia. It would be good to see everyone again, even if it brought back memories of a time when I’d been naive about so many things.
Caleb raised an eyebrow. “Sounds like you were quite popular back in school.”
“Hardly,” I said with a laugh. “We were just a tight-knit group. We all looked out for each other.”
“Do you want me to come with you tonight?” Caleb asked. “For safety purposes.”
“I wouldn’t be too worried,” I said. “They’re mostly good folk. Besides,” I checked the address that Janice sent, “it seems to be a restaurant near Blackmoon territory. If anything really goes wrong, I’ll text you.”
“If you’re sure,” Caleb said. He then paused and looked at me curiously.
“What?” I asked. “Is there something on my face?”
“No,” Caleb said. “I just wanted to ask if there was a reason why you didn’t seem to want Janice to know who you really are.”
I smiled, settling back into my chair. He must’ve meant when I cut him off right before he was about to let slip that he was just my Beta.
“Are you not my friend?” I countered.
“Well, I sure hope so,” Caleb said, shrugging. “But you’re also my Luna.”
“She doesn’t need to know yet,” I said. “It’s more fun this way.”
***
Later that evening, I followed the address Janice had sent me and arrived at a cozy restaurant downtown. The building had warm lighting spilling from its windows, and I could see it was busy but not overcrowded.
I texted Janice that I’d arrived, and within minutes she appeared at the entrance, waving enthusiastically.
“Estelle! Perfect timing,” she said, linking her arm through mine. “Everyone’s already here. Let’s go.”
She led me through the main dining area toward the back of the restaurant, where private rooms were located. The sound of familiar laughter grew louder as we approached one of the doors.
“Ready?” Janice asked, her hand on the door handle.
I nodded, and she pushed the door open.
The room erupted in cheers and greetings as I stepped inside. Faces I hadn’t seen in years beamed at me from around a large oval table. My chest warmed at the genuine happiness in their expressions.
“Estelle!” A woman with short blonde hair jumped up from her seat. “Look at you!”
“Bethany,” I said, accepting her hug. “You look wonderful.”
“Not as wonderful as you,” said a tall man with dark hair, approaching with a wide grin. “How have you been, Estelle?”
“Pretty good,” I laughed. “It’s good to see you, Connor.”
More greetings followed as I made my way around the table.
Janice guided me to a seat between her and Bethany. Once I was settled, Connor raised his glass.
“To unexpected reunions and old friendships,” he declared.
“Cheers!” everyone responded, raising their glasses.
As we drank, Bethany turned to me with sparkling eyes. “Estelle, you look absolutely radiant. There’s something different about you.”
Connor nodded sagely. “It’s the radiance of love. I can always tell.”
Everyone laughed, and I felt my cheeks warm slightly.
“Speaking of which,” Sarah chimed in from across the table, “how is married life treating you? It must be amazing being the Luna of Moonveil Pack.”
The conversation suddenly felt heavier. All eyes turned to me expectantly, and I could see the genuine curiosity and happiness for me in their faces.
They remembered, of course. Everyone at the boarding school knew about my relationship with Asher. After all, I’d been just an adopted daughter of an Alpha family, yet I’d been invited to such a prestigious learning opportunity. It was obvious I was being groomed to be Moonveil’s future Luna.
Not everyone had been happy about our relationship back then. Some had whispered about how we weren’t fated mates, just chosen ones. Yet, I was able to join a program where every student was a future leader.
Now, looking at their expectant faces, I realized they had no idea how much had changed.
Before I could respond, someone else spoke up from the other end of the table.
“Who says she’s the Luna of Moonveil Pack?” The voice carried a sharp edge that cut through the cheerful atmosphere.
The room fell silent. All heads turned toward the speaker. It was a woman I didn’t immediately recognize, though she seemed familiar.
“Didn’t you guys see the news earlier today?” she continued, her tone almost mocking. “Asher only stated that he has an acting-Luna, not a proper Luna. He didn’t even reveal her name.”