MY LUNA: SHADOWS OF BETRAYAL

*EVELYN'S POV*

The dim rays of sunlight streamed in from the window into the chamber as I stood before the mirror covered in a pink towel that showcased my curves. The mirror on top of my vanity table reflected my ambiance as I applied lotion to my face.

I was captivated by the music that played in the background as I moved my body to the rhythm of the song.

All I could do as I stared at the mirror was smile. That feeling of assurance washed through my body. My kind never spent a long time staring at the mirror but today was an exception as it was raining and there was enough time on my side.

On the bed beside me was a pile of cloth from whence I was planning to select an outfit for the day.

Unexpectedly, my favorite love song started playing on the stereo and I sang along. Just as the words flowed, I sighed and moved to turn off the music. The song reminded me of things I wanted to forget. There was an emptiness I felt inside which that song just triggered and I never want to feel that way.

For now, there was no time for a pity party and the last thing on my mind was what I was currently thinking about.

I turned and faced the pile of clothes again as I removed the towel wrapped around my waist, deliberating on what outfit to wear for the day.

Suddenly, the doorknob jerked as a familiar voice called me from behind the door.

"Open up, Evelyn," the voice yelled, "there is something I need to show you, did you lock the door?" She yelled from the other side of the door.

"I will be right there, Mom," I yelled back amidst the platters of rain. The last person I wanted to see this morning was my mother but there was nothing I could do because I still lived under my parents' roof.

I quickly covered myself as I stepped forward to open the door.

"We've talked about this mom, you need to learn how to knock, seriously," I told my mother as she stepped in, "what if I was naked?"

"Oh please," my mother retorted, "I cleaned you up myself until you were old enough to do it yourself." She patted my cheek with her free hand which was covered in jewelry.

I rolled my eyes. "Even though Woman, I need my privacy and you know that," I said calmly. My mother turned to face me. I was an exact copy of her with a slight difference in height and our choices of dressing. While I preferred modern clothing, my mother, Elena, preferred classic outfits.

She turned and looked into my eyes. I think she noticed I was in no mood for her lectures since she decided not to drag the matter further. "I'm so sorry I barged in on you that way," she said, "However, you know that Mooncrest's charity event is just two days away and I am yet to pick the jewelry to wear."

"Mom! You seriously came all this way just to pick your jewelry?" I was bemused. I knew my mother never joked with her jewelry but it is unprecedented that someone else would choose for her.

"Just this once, darling," she said.

I motioned her towards the dressing chair. It was all a waste of time but I had to try. My mother followed me to the chair.

"Did you know that other werewolves from other cities would grace this year's event?" My mom said in excitement.

"Mom, you know you don't need to tell me, right?" I said as I laid the jewelry one at a time on her neck. My mother is aware that my organization was one of the official sponsors of the event, so why wouldn't she know?

"Bless your heart," Mom said, "I almost forgot." She looked at my reflection in the mirror and exclaimed, "What a beauty! I'm certain you'd attract some men this year."

"You know I don't have time for love. It's a lot to deal with," I said as she looked at me in the mirror.

"You still think about him," Mom said, "Do you?"

I stood tongue-tied and stared at her from the mirror. As if on impulse, I comforted myself and focused on the jewelry. The last thing I wanted this morning was to be lectured by my Mom.

"This sapphire necklace will match the royal blue dress you want to wear." I said, "But if you want to go with the vintage black, then wear those diamond earrings Dad got for you last winter along with the ruby necklace and onyx ring."

"Alright, now we have two suggestions," my mother said as she looked down at the other jewelry I handed back to her, "what of the remaining jewelry? Where do they fit?"

"Right inside the jewelry box, Mom," I said as I returned to the pile of clothes on the bed, "I know you'd make the right decision and my choice doesn't matter."

"Same way you will make the right decision on the clothes to wear today, huh?" My mother was good at throwing quick jabs.

"Why exactly are you here?" I asked out of the blue because I knew my mother was not here for a fashion opinion.

Elena was not the type to be startled by a statement; something I learned from her.

"I asked you a question if you missed him," my Mom said, "I know you do." I looked at her in disbelief and was about to say something but she hushed me. "I heard the song and I knew the exact moment you turned it off. That shows how much it still hurts."

"Mom, I'm going to be late for work if you don't let me be," I said impatiently.

It was still drizzling outside but it didn't matter because I had my vehicle parked in the garage.

"You do forget you're the boss, right?" My Mom reprimanded me, "and bosses are never late. You asked why I was here so I'm telling you."

There was no point quarreling with My mother as she'd always have the upper hand just like my father. I quietly lifted her from the dressing chair and shoved her towards the door.

"I will not hear the end of your tales," I moaned as I grappled with her weight as well as struggling not to ruffle the jewelry, "And I don't want to be the boss who never shows up. I need to be a good example to my staff."

"Thank you for helping me to the door, darling," looking unruffled by the confrontation, "You can wear that yellow dress in the pile, I'm sure, it will bring you luck." She said as she strode down the corridor.

"What luck are you talking about," I howled at her.

"I read your signs this morning, Eve," She said, "It says you will see somebody who will make you happy forever."

"Mama, you know I don't believe in the stars or any of that thing your friend, the fortune teller tells you." I whimpered.

She placed just a finger on my shoulder. "Sometimes, love has a means of finding you, especially when you don't expect it. So don't close your heart to that possibility. Don't be too quick to dismiss unexpected encounters."

I stepped back and closed the door as my mother stood in the door. I then turned to the bed and picked up the yellow dress.

"Too quick to dismiss encounters, huh?!" I soliloquized. If it's a man, he better stay clear of me, I mumbled to myself as I quickly put on the dress.

*EVELYN'S POV*

I have never believed in astrology as my mother did. But due to my lack of patience on what to wear, I adorned the yellow dress with seeming luck.

Maybe I could get lucky today, I mused to myself as I reminisced about my mother's words

Falling in love again was not on my agenda and if there was any luck needed for today, it was for the day to end with more profits in my ledger.

As I stepped out of my car, the drizzle became heavier by the moment. Unlike other days, I came out today with an umbrella which I quickly used as I walked into the tall building that housed my office. A guard opened the door swiftly and took my car keys and umbrella.

"Good morning Tom," I greeted Tom as I waved to other staff of the building.

"A good morning to you, ma'am," the guard quipped as he pressed the button to the nearest elevator, "fair weather?"

"Not that bad," I replied as I stepped into the elevator. I touched the button for the penultimate floor and turned to face Tom again. "I'm sure the rain will be over soon so we can all go back to our lives."

We both shared a short laugh before the doors closed.

Tom was human just like some of the other occupiers of the building. This didn't matter in Mooncrest as many didn't know how to differentiate between humans and werewolves. What people don't know is that my dad owns this building and he made such to maintain a healthy blend between the two kinds.

On the 7th floor, the elevator stopped to pick up two other fellows. One was a man and the other a woman. I quickly recognized the woman as Rose from accounting.

"Good morning Eve," the lady smiled at me, "you look gorgeous this morning."

"Thank you, Rose," I replied with a smile, "you don't look bad yourself."

"Oh please," Rose blushed. The man beside her coughed and as if on cue, Rose said, "Uhmmm... actually, I was on my way to your office."

"I hope it's a business call," I said while observing the man that coughed. I could only see his back as he was in front of me and slightly taller. He wore a navy blue suit and could be mistaken for a solicitor.

"Of course, I won't fail to bring business your way," Rose said with a grin, "my cousin is in town and needs all the help he can to decorate his new condo."

"Alright. Do bring her up to the office and based on your referral, we will offer our services at a discounted price," I said as the elevator chimed on the penultimate floor.

As I stepped out of the elevator the other two did the same and we were soon guided into a reception with the insignia Lyn Stylish Signature.

'Voila la!' This was practically what my life's work was all about as I spun around to look at my office.

The receptionist muzzled a greeting while other staff greeted her and started adjusting files and whatnot.

I walked briskly to my office as I scanned for my Personal Assistant.

I sat at my desk and stared blankly at the stack of files on it, my mind traveled millions of miles away from this realm. The incident this morning had jolted my system and now, the loss I felt was evident in me.

It all began with that song. I didn't know where the urge to play music came from this morning and it had ruined the day for me. As I sat there, I relived the memories I shared with Thomas. To many people, we were the perfect couple, or so I thought. And just as if a switch had been flipped, his true nature began to unravel.

Truly, life has tactics for taking things from you and love is one of them.

I remember everything like it was yesterday. We met at my first hunt during a full moon a couple of years ago. He'd been assigned as my guide for the hunt and he was not just protective but courteous.

After the hunt, my father had invited him to feast with us. His candor all through the night was profound and I saw myself imagining the possibility of being his Luna. Little did I know everything was a façade for what truly lay inside his heart.

A rapid knock on my door shattered my trance, which forced me to snap out of my train of thought as I recalled I was in the office.

"Yes, come in!" I howled as I straightened myself up all morning.

"Good morning Eve," a voice said as she stepped into my office with a file and a tab. Dora is my lovely Personal Assistant, who has a fondness for giving excuses.

"What's the excuse this time?" I probed as I saw that she was sweating.

"I was invited to a feast last night," Dora said, "I must've overfed."

"It's alright," I said as I dismissed the issue. She was efficient and I couldn't fire her even if I wanted to because she happens to be my little cousin. "Let me have my schedule for the day."

"Your first appointment is already here," Dora said.

"It's just morning," I retorted. It was a rule not to fix appointments for me early in the morning as I had my routines.

"It's past eleven," Dora said as she moved to open the curtain behind me.

I sighed while rubbing my temple. The rain had ruined my morning routine already.

"You look distracted, Eve," Dora perceived, "are you sure you're okay?"

I had to force a smile, "I'm fine Dora. It's just a slight headache."

"Then you should take the rest of the day off," she replied.

"I said I'm fine," I said firmly, "tell the client to wait for me in the conference room."

"If you say so, then I will let you get ready for your appointment," Dora said as she dropped the file and tab on the table.

She took another look at me and left the office. I took a deep breath and tried to shake off the depressed feeling I had. It's been so long I had to think about him and today of all days, it took a song to bring back the memories.

I stood up to smoothen my dress and took another deep breath to clear my head. As I walked towards the door I caught a glimpse of my face in the mirror. I looked like someone who was lost but I had to put up a smile at least for business sake.

As I walked out of my office, it seemed as if the wall was shrinking around me. This familiar territory always filled with joy and laughter now looked like pain, I knew I was way in in my head, and I seriously needed to snap out of it immediately.

Then I sensed it. It was like a werewolf who knew there was trouble.

I hope what I'm feeling now is just a coincidence and not a product of what my mother said this morning.

*EVELYN'S POV*

As I walked into the conference room, I noticed Rose was seated there with the gentleman from the elevator.

"Here is the cousin I told you about," Rose said as she stood up to greet me the second time that day, "You didn't give me a chance to explain back then." Referring to the incident in the elevator.

"Oh!" was all I could say as I looked at the gentleman. I thought the cousin was a she.

He had a little tan on his skin and was slightly built with a manly structure around him. With the way his suit fit his frame, I guessed he was in the corporate sector. Truly, he was all shades of handsome.

"I am Lucas," he said in a baritone voice as he removed his hand from his pocket to shake me. I was phased at first but then shook his hands so as not to embarrass him or myself.

"Evelyn," I said as I motioned for him to sit down.

"What a lovely place you have," he said, "just as bright as that dress you have on."

"Ohhhh flirting already," I mumbled to myself before sitting down.

I was surprised he noticed the dress though.

"His mother is human," Rose whispered to me.

"And he can hear like a werewolf," Lucas said with a smile.

"Oops!" Rose exclaimed, as we all giggled.

"It's my pleasure meeting you, Mr. Lucas," I said, "I'm sorry I didn't pay attention to you earlier on the elevator."

"No, it's fine," Lucas waved me off, "It's not every day that a man comes to get his unit fixed up. We usually leave it for Mrs."

At least he was a married man so I don't have to worry about him trying to flirt with me.

"I'm glad you chose us," I said.

"I understand you are business-inclined so no offense taken," he added, "I also take great pride in my work."

"Are you an attorney?" I quizzed.

"Wrong guess," he clicked his tongue, "I'm an investment banker. I'm sure I can show you some little tricks on how to make some extra cash on every penny you make here."

"That would be nice," I replied. "In that case, I will give you a 50% discount if you make that happen."

We were oblivious to our surroundings as Dora stepped in beside me.

"Tea or coffee please?" Dora asked Lucas.

"It's past noon," Lucas said as he looked at his wristwatch, "I would rather have a glass of whiskey for the cold."

I nodded to Dora. "Anything for you, Rose?"

"I should be heading back to the office," Rose said, "I'm not being paid to discuss decorations." I chuckled at the thought of it.

She stood up and made for the door. Dora closed the door behind her and stepped out as well to get the gentleman's order.

"What would you want us to do for you?" I asked Lucas.

"As a bachelor, I would like your professional opinion," he said.

Is he married or not? Now I'm genuinely curious

"You have to tell me what you have so we can recommend the right samples for you," I said absentmindedly.

As I sat opposite Lucas trying to understand a word of what he was saying, my mind wandered back to the memories I shared with Thomas.

Lucas had some semblance of Thomas. The way he laughed, the warmth of his hands, the curves of his jaw, and his dress sense. He was polite and looked like someone who couldn't hurt a fly. If I didn't know better, I'd say both of them were kindred spirits.

"I hope you could help out with that?" Lucas finally said.

"Huh?!" I tried to recollect myself, "Of course, I would have someone check out the condo and send you some samples."

"I have some pictures here if you don't mind," he said as he tried coming over to my side of the table with the manilla folder in his hands.

Just then my phone rang and it was my homegirl, Vivian, calling. At that moment, Dora came in with a glass of whiskey for Lucas. She received the manilla folder from Lucas.

"Just a moment please," I whispered to Lucas. I picked up the call and heard noises in the background.

I was paranoid at first but I tried to keep my cool.

"Hey, Vee!" I said a little loudly, "Are you alright?"

"Hey, girl! Thank goodness I caught you," Vee shouted.

"Are you in some kind of trouble?" I said.

"Me? Trouble? Come on!" Vee said, "I have some exciting news for you and I can't wait"

"Alright Vee," I said a bit relaxed, "So spit it out."

"Joe just proposed to me now! I just got engaged, Eve!" Veescreamed, "Right in the middle of the drizzle."

"Congrats girl! That's great news," I said feeling excited. I felt a pang of sadness hit me as well, "where are you right now? It's very noisy over there."

"We're at the wrestling stand," Vee said, "right in the rain. Can you come over please?"

Joe was an amateur wrestler who was looking for a breakthrough in the big leagues. Maybe getting married to Vee was the lead, I scoffed.

"Uhmm, Listen, Vee, I'm at work right now," I said as I held my left ear so I could focus.

"You're the boss for Pete's sake," Vee screamed, "please come over and be happy for your homegirl."

"Alright," I replied with a little enthusiasm, "I'm with a client now. Once I tidy up, I'm coming over so we can party!"

"That's the spirit!" Vee yelled. I cut the call before she could say any other thing.

"Going somewhere?" Lucas asked.

"I have to," I said with a smile, "my best friend just got engaged."

"That's great news," Lucas said, "it calls for celebration."

I just smiled. If he knew better I just wanted to find myself in my room and scream my lungs out.

"Hey listen," Lucas came closer, "my condo can wait for now. You need to go and be with your friend. This is one of the happiest days of her life and she thought to share it with you." He looked at my cleavage and said, "Moreover, your pretty dress shouldn't be hidden within the confines of this wall."

He is sweet; but so is Thomas too.

"Thank you," I muttered then looked at Dora, "Clear my schedule for the rest of the day. I might not be back."

As if I was bewitched, I stepped out of the office to the elevator.

As I drove to meet up with Vee, I felt hot tears drop down my left eye. Vee was also from a rich home. Her father owned a couple of buildings in Mooncrest. But Joe? He came from nothing and yet they've stuck together all these years. Maybe he was in it for the money, yet he stayed.

What about me? This was like my second relationship and it all ended in disappointments. Thomas was from a rich home too, so it wasn't about the money then. Maybe it wasn't meant to be or maybe he was just an asshole.

As I approached the intersection, I was so lost in thought that I didn't see the vehicle approaching from the corner. The driver slammed on the brakes in time for me to avoid the collision.

I blanked out a little but soon, a tall figure in dark shades was knocking on my window. I rolled down the window just a little to hear what he had to say.

"Ma'am are you okay?" he asked.

I nodded.

"I can call an ambulance if you're in any form of discomfort," he added.

"I'm fine," I added. I didn't want any more complications today.

"Are you sure you're okay?" he queried.

I simply rolled up my window and sped off as if nothing had happened.

I just wanted to cry in my mother's arms. Vee can wait.