THE SUBSTITUTE LUNA (IRIS and DRACO) novel Chapter 40

IRIS.

The Alpha kept true to his words and had not left my side, except when he stepped up to the podium to address the business owners and attendees. And all the while he was there, he would still glance and look at me from time to time.

All in all, the morning was turning out great. Although I could tell that the people were not accustomed to having him around, as most of those he had spoken with were very stiff and looked nervous, despite holding ranks in their companies.

One thing was also for sure: Alpha Draco never smiled.

I couldn’t remember any instances where he smiled at the crowd. Or even at me. But I wasn’t complaining. Whatever he lacked in the smile department, he made up for with the attention he was giving me.

I was not used to formal gatherings, so when it was time to eat lunch and there were different kinds of spoons, forks, and knives in front of me, I panicked. I was so afraid of making a mistake because I could tell they had eyes on me, particularly Tricia. Although she was at a different table, she had made it her goal to make me uncomfortable with her constant gaze.

So I knew I must not embarrass myself or, worse, the Alpha.

When the soup appetizer I selected arrived, I struggled to decide which spoon to use. I was assuming it was the bigger one, but the other one, which was almost the same size, looked like the right one as well. The two smaller ones I was sure were for dessert and tea.

I looked around the table to see what they would use, but no one was starting to eat as they kept talking. And the Alpha had a different appetizer placed in front of him.

I placed the table napkin on my lap and noticed he stopped talking to the man beside him. He turned his body slightly toward me and grabbed a spoon. He dipped it in my bowl and began stirring the soup gently.

“This soup is delicious. One of the best I tasted. Try it…” He talked softly, but I was sure the people around the table heard him. He then lifted up the spoon with just enough soup and offered it to me. I wasn’t sure if this was part of the show because we had never discussed it, but I wasn’t complaining.

I leaned forward and sipped it before responding to him. “It tastes delicious. Thank you.”

He handed me the spoon without saying more. He then proceeded to eat his appetizer and speak again with the man beside him.

When the next meal was served, he made sure to pick up the right utensil right away so I could follow his lead, and it went on like this for the rest of the meal. I was still nervous all throughout, as I was afraid to make a mess, but I couldn’t deny that my heart was fluttering. I was glad the Alpha had keen observation, and he always knew the right thing to do.

I patted the napkin against my mouth after I finished my meal. The Alpha leaned back in his seat before tilting his head toward me. I also leaned closer, meeting him halfway.

“Can you remind me once we’re home to have someone teach you about table etiquette?” He whispered.

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