The Luna's Harem

Chapter 28: E...ro...ti...ca

Elias Hale.

August Benedict.

Gary Stone.

Cassian Clark.

Evander Merewyn.

Severin Crowe.

Julian Pierce.

The sound of a dart hitting the board echoed in Lynsandra’s tea room, where seven pictures were pinned. Slowly, she approached the board, pulling the photos one by one as if they were people she was placing a hit on.

"Seven men allowed in the harem," she hummed, tearing a photo free from the sharp end of the dart. "Seven capable men."

She paused and shrugged. "Six, Cassian excluded."

Seven... and somewhere among them was the man who knew her curse and what happened to her during the full moon. Above all, one of them could be called her mate. Although she didn’t fully believe in it, there was a connection, and she was keen to know what kind of connection it was.

"Or rather... I have more questions for him," she murmured, lifting her gaze to the board and pulling down the last photo. "But for now... who should I come at first?"

Lynsandra blinked and blinked, deep in thought.

"Fine," she whispered, eyes falling on the first photo atop the stack in her hands. "I’ll go with you first."

*****

Gareth carefully placed some of his clothes back into his closet.

"It’s just overnight," he muttered. "Why did I pack so much?"

He had only realized today that the others hadn’t even brought clothes — only him. As expected, he hadn’t escaped Cassian’s mockery, who told him he should’ve just stayed with his family longer since he packed so much.

Not thinking much about it, his gaze shifted to the bed, where three books rested. His face twisted when he remembered he’d even brought home three books for an overnight stay.

"Well, I did finish the first one. I should take it back to the library."

Picking up the book he’d finished reading — which he didn’t want to think about anymore because of the ending — he headed to the library to return it.

The library had one rule: all borrowed books must be returned. From what he’d heard from the servants, it was because Lynsandra thought they might want something to read to pass the time.

"Everyone has a phone. They’d rather play games," he whispered, hugging the book like he needed to protect it. "But I think... that’s nice of her."

A subtle smile tugged at his lips until he remembered all the books here were ones Lynsandra had read. Which explained the cruel endings.

"She’s a sadist," he murmured, stepping into the quiet library.

Since this had become his usual spot, Gareth quickly went to the shelf to return the book. He smiled, enjoying the quiet... until he heard something drop from the same shelf.

"Hmm?" He turned his head, eyes landing on a book on the floor. "Was it not put back properly?"

Not thinking much of it, Gareth walked over and picked it up. But when he straightened and turned back toward the shelf, he jumped in shock.

"Ahh!!"

He hit his back against the shelf behind him, nearly making it sway.

His eyes widened as his heart raced, his complexion paling as he stared at the pair of eyes watching him through the gap where the book had fallen.

"L–Luna?!" he gasped, trembling as he looked at Lynsandra, who seemed to have upgraded from spoiler attacks to jump scares.

Lynsandra stared at him flatly. "Why are you so surprised?"

Why? WHY?! was what he wanted to shout, but couldn’t.

She let out a short chuckle, stepping away from behind the shelf. Soon, she emerged from the end of the aisle.

"Did you like the book?" she asked, stopping in front of the shelf where he’d placed it. She pulled it out, read the title, and snorted faintly. "An open ending. Horrible."

His face twisted, but he half-agreed. Although it was not because it had an open ending.

"L–Luna," Gareth cleared his throat, trying to recompose himself. "What are you..."

He trailed off when she arched a brow, waiting for him to finish. But instead, he found himself mentally weeping, looking away from her.

Of course she’s here. It’s her library. God, please help me.

Lynsandra assessed him, the corner of her lips curling. "Do you like happy endings?"

"Huh?" He looked at her in confusion.

"Then you’re in the wrong section," she said, turning on her heel. But before disappearing from his line of sight, she paused and glanced back. "Come with me."

"Huh?" Gareth blinked, then blinked again, his face contorting.

He couldn’t help recalling how she’d been terrorizing him lately, along with the imaginary evil laughter he swore he could hear. ƒгeewёbnovel.com

But before he could hesitate longer, her voice echoed:

"Fast!"

"Yes, Ma’am!"

Even when his feet didn’t want to cooperate, Gareth forced himself to follow her to another aisle farther from his usual shelf of sadistic reads.

When he reached the end, a book flew toward him. He caught it just in time.

"Uh?"

"That one." She jerked her chin toward the book in his arms, and then at the shelf. "This section has light books with happy endings. They’re sweet — so sweet you might need insulin."

"Really?" he blurted out, only to squint his eyes suspiciously.

"This section, on the other hand, is my favorite. Second to the type you’ve been reading." Lynsandra smiled subtly, though to him she looked downright diabolical.

"E... ro... ti... ca," she enunciated, chuckling as his cheeks flushed and his breath hitched. "They broaden one’s horizons."

"..."

Gareth was speechless. He could only stare at her, eyes darting to the erotica section as he gulped.

"Now that I think about it," she hummed, eyes glinting mischievously, "I wonder if I could make the priest read one?"

Then her gaze fell on him again, and his shoulders stiffened.

"Don’t worry," she said. "I won’t spoil you anymore. Enjoy reading."

With that, Lynsandra turned and walked away. But before he could think, Gareth perked up and blurted,

"Luna, is that the only reason you’re here?"

Her steps stopped. "Hmm?"

"Ah—" He bit his tongue and forced a smile. "I mean... thank you for the recommendation?"

"..."

She studied him from head to toe, then nodded and walked off.

Gareth listened to her footsteps until he heard the door open and close. Once he was sure she was gone, he sighed in relief and patted his chest.

"She really has a knack for shocking people," he muttered, lifting his gaze slowly before pressing his lips together. "For a second..."

He trailed off, eyes lowering as fear crept into his expression.

"...I thought she had already found me out."