THE CURSED LUNA

Amira pov

It is quite frustrating that Alpha Christian persistently occupies my thoughts whenever I attempt to focus on other issues. I found myself reflecting on this predicament, feeling a growing irritation as I acknowledged that my feelings for him were deepening.

As I anxiously chewed on the end of my pen, a sudden knock at the door interrupted my contemplation. I quickly gathered myself, took a deep breath, and offered a shy smile, as if I were anticipating a delivery of hotdogs and shawarma from a nearby vendor.

My focus shifted to the door, which then opened to reveal Alpha Christian. My eyes widened, and my heart raced with a mix of excitement and anxiety. What could he possibly want in my office? I pondered internally, feeling confused about the dynamics of our relationship.

"Hello, Emily. I apologize for not notifying you of my visit," he said, stepping closer, his gaze first landing on my desk before finally meeting mine.

You need not provide an explanation; I would recommend against coming to my office without prior notice, I replied tersely, my eyes fixed on the chaotic array of papers strewn across the table.

Alpha Christian's eyes crinkled at the corners as he smiled, seemingly unfazed by my brusque demeanor. "I apologize if I have interrupted something significant," he said, his deep voice sending a shiver down my spine.

I shook my head, striving to maintain my composure. "You haven't. I was merely... brainstorming."

His gaze fell on the pen I still held, its tip slightly gnawed. A trace of amusement flickered across his lips. "Brainstorming, is it?"

I promptly set the pen down, a warmth rising to my cheeks. "What brings you here, Alpha?" I inquired, attempting to redirect the conversation from my evident distraction.

He moved closer, his presence filling the room with an unmistakable energy. "I needed to discuss an important matter with you. There has been a recent development."

My professional instincts were immediately engaged, and I nodded, inviting him to take a seat. "What sort of development?"

As he settled in, his gaze fixed on mine, I felt a flutter in my chest. What was it about him that held such fascination?

I slightly turned my head, avoiding direct eye contact, as a sense of unease hovered like a competitor while he subtly glided across the polished floor. His blue eyes exuded an allure that was hard to resist. "Emily, are you alright?"

"Yes, I'm fine, just experiencing a mild headache, but I will manage." I lied, blinking rapidly; he had truly captivated me this time.

Alpha Christian's brow furrowed, his expression softening. "Do you need some water or...?" His voice trailed off, his gaze lingering on me.

I shook my head in an effort to clear the confusion clouding my thoughts. "No, I am perfectly fine. Let us concentrate on the Smith account."

He acknowledged my words with a nod, though a trace of concern remained evident in his expression. "Certainly. I will keep you updated on the latest developments."

As he began to outline the campaign, his voice faded into a blur, and my thoughts drifted back to the way his hair curled gently at the nape of his neck, the sharp angles of his jaw, and those mesmerizing blue eyes. Alpha concluded, "The client is eager to consider social media influencers," his firm tone drawing me back to the present.

I quickly jotted down some notes, striving to show my engagement. "Understood. I will review the proposal."

As he leaned in closer, his presence elicited an involuntary shiver along my spine. "Emily, are you certain you are alright? You seem... preoccupied."

My heart raced at the implication. Could he have sensed my emotions? I managed a light chuckle. "It has merely been a long day, that is all."

His gaze lingered on mine for a moment longer, as if searching for sincerity. Then, he nodded and stood up. "I will leave you to go over the files. We can discuss this further tomorrow morning."

As he began to walk away, a wave of disappointment washed over me.

"Alpha?" I called softly, my voice barely above a whisper.

He turned back, curiosity evident in his expression.

"Thank you for checking in on me," I responded, my tone softer than I had intended.

A faint smile graced his lips. "Anytime, Emily."

As he prepared to depart, he turned his face toward me once more. "You're not fine, Emily. Please tell me what's bothering you; I am here to assist."

I gestured toward the door, saying, "You may leave now, Alpha. I apologize if my office work has caused you any distress." My tone remained steady, despite my uncertainty about his willingness to help me after our earlier phone conversation regarding my workload.

Alpha Christian's demeanor shifted to one of contemplation, his gaze fixed on mine as if he were searching for any signs of vulnerability in my expression. For a brief moment, I expected him to delve deeper into the matter, but he ultimately nodded in agreement.

"I shall take my leave," he replied, his voice tinged with a hint of disappointment. "For now."

As he prepared to exit, he paused at the doorway, his back still turned toward me. "Emily?" he called out.

"Yes?" I responded, my voice cautious.

"Remember that I am here to listen, not just as your business partner, but as someone who..." His sentence trailed off, leaving an unspoken thought lingering in the air. My heart quickened. What was he implying?

With that, he stepped out, gently closing the door behind him.

I took a deep breath, my mind in disarray. How was he so perceptive? And what did he mean by "someone who...?"

The uncertainty lingered, much like an unfinished puzzle.

My focus shifted to the phone still in my hand. His message- "Feel better soon" -now seemed to carry a weightier meaning.

In that moment, my office felt stifling, the silence pressing down on me.

I shook my head, attempting to clear the confusion. Focus on your work, Emily.

Yet, my gaze kept drifting back to the door, contemplating what Alpha had left unsaid.

Just as I began to sift through the Smith account files, my phone vibrated again.

This time, it was an email notification.

From: Alpha Christian

Subject: After Hours

Would you care to join me for coffee or dinner, if that suits you, Miss Emily?

My heart raced. Could this be a proposal for a date? And what about Tris? Oh no! I feared Tris's reaction. I truly hoped he remained oblivious to my feelings for Alpha Christian.

******

The sunlight streamed into my vehicle as I made my way to the location where Alpha Christian had requested to meet. The area was unfamiliar to me, prompting me to activate my location services for navigation. My heart raced with anxiety; I needed to arrive before Tris called to inquire about my whereabouts.

Just as I was contemplating Tris, my phone vibrated on the seat beside me. I glanced at the screen and nearly gasped. Tris? Why is he calling at this hour? I quickly pulled my car over to a safe spot to answer the call, knowing I would have to fabricate a story about my location.

"Hey, babe!" Tris's cheerful voice resonated through the line, a stark contrast to my anxious thoughts. "Hey!" I attempted to sound nonchalant, gripping the steering wheel more tightly. "What's going on?" "Just checking in. Where are you?" Tris inquired, his tone seemingly innocent.

My mind raced to concoct a plausible excuse. "Uh, I'm... at the mall. Picking up something for tonight."

Tris chuckled lightly. "On a Tuesday evening? You're adorable, Emily."

I forced a laugh. "Yeah, I know, right? Just trying to stay ahead of things."

"How long will you be there?" Tris asked, his voice tinged with concern.

"Not long, perhaps an hour or so." I glanced at the GPS, which indicated twenty minutes until I reached the rooftop café.

"Alright, call me when you're finished. I was considering that we could have dinner together tonight."

My stomach knotted with anxiety. "That sounds wonderful, but... I might be delayed. I will keep you updated."

Tris's voice took on a serious tone. "Emily, is everything alright? You seem preoccupied."

I inhaled deeply, trying to convey reassurance. "Yes, everything is fine. Just... concentrating on this conference."

"Okay, dear. Drive safely, and don't push yourself too hard."

We exchanged brief farewells, and I ended the call, releasing a sigh that had been building inside me.

The GPS announced my arrival at the rooftop café. I parked and checked my appearance in the rearview mirror; I looked composed, yet I felt nervous.

As I exited the vehicle, the cool evening breeze brought with it the fragrance of blooming flowers and the soft murmur of distant conversations.

Alpha Christian stood at the entrance of the café, observing my approach with an inscrutable expression.

What am I meant to do with this rare look? He appears quite handsome, I thought, attempting to suppress my smile. He has a unique ability to draw me in, even when I am not inclined to smile. Alpha Christian's eyes crinkled at the edges as he smiled, maintaining his gaze on mine. "I am pleased to have brightened your evening," he remarked, his voice deep and smooth.

I averted my eyes, trying to dispel the moment's enchantment. "Shall we concentrate on the date, then?"

He laughed softly and motioned toward the entrance of the café. "After you."

Upon entering, we were enveloped by the rooftop café's atmosphere-gentle music, flickering candles, and a view of the city skyline.

We placed our drink orders and settled into a comfortable table. I retrieved the files that were spread out before us.

Alpha's closeness sent a tingling sensation across my skin, yet I endeavored to maintain a professional composure. "What is the new direction for the campaign?" I inquired, examining the documents.

Alpha leaned closer, his shoulder brushing against mine. "I believe we should highlight social responsibility."

As we leaned in together to review the proposals, his hair lightly brushed my cheek.

My concentration faltered, distracted by the faint scent of his cologne.

"Emily?" Alpha's voice pulled me back to the moment.

"Hmm?" I looked up, locking eyes with him.

"Are you alright? You appeared to be lost in thought."

I cleared my throat. "Just... processing."

His gaze lingered on mine for a moment longer, as if he were searching for something.

The stillness enveloping us became palpable.

In an unexpected moment, Alpha placed his hand over mine, igniting a tingling sensation across my skin.

"May I pose a question?" he inquired, his tone subdued.

I replied with calmness, "No, I prefer not to hear anything right now. Could we please receive our order? I wish to depart shortly," while my gaze remained fixed on the ground.

Alpha Christian's hand rested on mine for a brief moment before he retracted it, his expression inscrutable. "Certainly," he responded, gesturing for the waiter.

As our meals were served, the atmosphere between us intensified. We dined in silence, the sound of clattering cutlery and distant conversations filling the emptiness.

The impression of Alpha's unasked question lingered in the air, unresolved.

After finishing my meal, I pushed my plate aside and checked my watch. "I need to leave."

Alpha acknowledged with a nod, his gaze unwavering. "I will accompany you to your vehicle."

The coolness of the evening air did little to alleviate the unease as we made our way to the parking area.

At my vehicle, Alpha turned to face me, his voice barely above a whisper. "Emily, I-"

I raised a hand to interrupt him. "Please, don't. Whatever you have to say, I do not wish to hear it."

His jaw tightened, yet he acquiesced with a nod. "Very well. But understand this: I see you, Emily. Beyond the surface."

A wave of profound emotion surged through me, compelling me to rush towards Alpha Christian, my lips meeting his in a fervent kiss. I could no longer conceal my feelings.

Alpha Christian's eyes widened in astonishment, but he quickly regained his composure, encircling me in his arms and deepening the kiss.

In that moment, time seemed to freeze as our lips moved in harmonious rhythm, the surrounding world fading into oblivion.

The torrent of emotions, the repressed longing, and the unexpressed sentiments all converged in that singular, electrifying kiss.

As we finally parted to catch our breath, Alpha's gaze was fixed on mine, his eyes burning with intensity.

"Emily," he murmured, his voice thick with emotion.

My hands instinctively cradled his face, my thumbs tracing the defined contours of his jaw.

"I could no longer keep it hidden," I admitted, my voice barely a whisper.

Alpha's lips curved into a gentle smile. "You need not do so."

With that, he captured my lips once more, this time with a slower, more intentional pace.

The kiss ignited a blaze within me, dissolving my fears and uncertainties.

Suddenly, I pulled away, tears streaming down my face. What have I done? I hurriedly slid into my car and sped away.