Chapter 22: To Be Your Luna?

E M B E R

I glance at the door and breathe a sigh of relief.

The coast is clear. Thank goodness!

I slip out of my room and head down the stairs to the kitchen. Stealthily. I seriously need some space from the constant fussing, at least for a while. And you might be curious why.

Because ever since I came back from my supposed death, I was confined to bed rest. I had no freedom to move as I pleased. I couldn't do my usual exercises, and everyone around me treated me like a fragile doll.

So, yeah, the past five days were more agonizing than the actual fight with Graham.

They would panic at the slightest sound of a sneeze.

And then there is Sebastian.

He is so persistent and as stubborn as I am, like a reflection of myself. Like a constant presence hovering around me, ensuring I have everything I need, from food and rest to comfort and support. He watches over me like a loyal hound or assigns his knights to guard me when he gets busy, just in case I try to exert myself physically.

I let out a groan under my breath.

They shadow me everywhere, even in the bathroom.

Rayne seems to enjoy this attention, and while I would normally find it irritating, it's oddly comforting. Like, I do not mind it. In fact, I love being babied by him. It feels wonderful to wake up every morning to a fresh flower on the nightstand with a handwritten note, when he unexpectedly makes me a tasty Thai curry chicken for dinner, or when we snuggle and chat until we fall asleep or watch a movie together.

It's nice to feel like a regular girl for once instead of being the pack leader.

But still... I need a break.

I long for a breath of fresh air, a moment of escape from right now.

With that being said, I exhale sharply and tiptoe towards the door. Let me slip away for a moment, please... but before I can reach it, I feel a sudden grip around my waist.

I squeeze my eyes shut and moan in frustration, ignoring the flutter in my stomach.

Damn it.

"Where do you think you're going, sweetheart?" he breathes in my ear, his warm breath sending tingles down my spine.

I feel a rush of excitement, and a smug smile curves my lips as I press against him. "Out," I reply curtly, but he spins me around to face him. I gasp as he pulls me close. His eyes bore into mine, and his fingers traced my waist with tender strokes, making me shiver. Like I'm burning with desire.

I tremble, unable to tear my gaze away from his when he lowers his head, and our breaths mingle, creating a harmony that echoes in our hearts.

"No, I can't let you go," he breathes softly. I snap out of my trance and stare at Sebastian, his green eyes piercing mine. "What?" I ask, confused and annoyed. "What do you mean you can't?" I arch an eyebrow and scowl, "I have to go out. I need to go out, Sebastian. I'm bored of this place..." I trail off and watch him take his time to answer, feeling more restless and irritated by the second.

He doesn't say anything, just holds me tighter, as if afraid to lose me.

But it feels like an eternity. I pull away from his grip and fold my arms, huffing in frustration. "What's the problem? I'm sick of staying in this room. I want to breathe fresh air. I want to do my workout regimen. I want to go out..." "You can't go by yourself," he cuts me off, and I can't help but stare at him in disbelief.

Then I roll my eyes and snort, "Why not? What are you afraid of?" I challenge him, hoping to get a reaction.

But he just looks at me with a mix of pain and anger, and I feel a pang of guilt in my chest.

"Everything." He says, with a solemn tone and a grave expression that makes my heart ache and flutter simultaneously.

He reaches for my hand and holds it gently as if it's the most precious thing in the world.

Because I almost lost you.

I can't lose you again.

He speaks to me through the mind link, sending a wave of emotions that makes my heart flutter. His gaze is full of intensity and love, and I feel warmth and affection for him.

I look at him now, then I squeeze his hand and flash a brief smile.

Before he can say anything, I sigh and roll my eyes. "Fine. You win. Just one knight." I mutter and turn on my heels, heading back to the stairs.

"Where are you going now?" He calls out after me, sounding amused.

"I left my wallet upstairs," I shout back, hearing his laughter ringing in my ears. I grumble under my breath, feeling annoyed by his overprotectiveness.

I descend the stairs for the second time, now wearing a mint green sweatshirt contrasting with my fiery hair and denim joggers that hug my curves. I spot my mate leaning against the wall, his arms crossed and his eyes fixed on me. He looks like a predator waiting for his prey, and I feel a surge of heat in my belly.

I suppress a grin and stride towards him, pretending to be disappointed. "So where's my knight?" I ask, batting my eyelashes.

Sebastian perks up, then smirks as he pushes himself off the wall. "I got you something better. An Alpha." He says, emphasizing the last word.

I tilt my head and narrow my eyes, playing along. "I am an Alpha, too, you know. And don't you have work to do?"

He beams and surprises me by wrapping his arms around my waist, pulling me close to his chest. I can feel his heartbeat and his breath on my neck. "I know you are, and I do have work. A lot, actually. But I choose you over that pile of crap." He whispers in my ear, making me shiver.

I snort and roll my eyes. "I don't think the council will be happy with you calling your work crap." He chuckles and kisses my cheek.

"Screw the council, then." He says before capturing my lips with his. He presses his lips softly at first, then with more urgency. His tongue slides into my mouth, exploring and teasing. I wrap my arms around his neck and pull him closer as he kisses me with such sweetness and passion that I feel my heart melt, but then he breaks the kiss and looks into my eyes, his breath warm on my face.

"Are we going?" he asks, his voice husky.

***

After an hour-long drive, Sebastian parks the car in front of the mall and shuts off the engine. I quickly unbuckle my seat belt and grab the door handle, ready to escape the confined space. He's been driving me wild with his playful banter and flirtatious touches all the way here. Not that I complain. I can still feel the heat in my cheeks, but I don't think I can handle another minute in the car without jumping his bones.

And Rayne is horny af.

I hop out of the car and head for the entrance, but before I can get far, I feel his warm hand wrap around mine, making me jump. I inhale sharply and turn to see him smiling at me with a mischievous glint in his eyes.

"What are you doing?" I ask, pretending to be annoyed.

"I'm holding your hand, silly. So you won't get lost in the crowd."

I scowl at him, trying to ignore the butterflies in my stomach. "I'm not a child. I can find my way around."

He laughs.

"Sure you can. Just like you found your way to the wrong pack territory weeks ago."

I shoot him a dirty look. "That was a mistake. Anyone could have made it."

He smirks. "Anyone? Or just you?" I tug at my hand, but he doesn't let go. He just holds on tight. "Fine. I'm not good at directions. Happy now?"

He nods. "Very. Now, let's go. Where do you want to go first?"

I shrug. "I don't know. To the lingerie store?" He freezes, his hand slipping from mine. I see his reaction and bite my lip to hide a smile. I clear my throat, "I want to buy some lingerie."

"What?" He blinks in confusion.

"Yeah." I grin and nod, then put on a fake innocent face and pout, "Why? Do you have a problem with that?"

"N-no... I mean, yes. I -uh..." He stammers.

He looks nothing like the feared Alpha he is supposed to be. I burst into laughter when he groans and mutters, "Ugh, You are killing me, sweetheart."

"Oh, but I think something else is alive." I tease, subtly eyeing at his pants. He rolls his eyes and groans in frustration, making me laugh harder. Then I move closer to him, blocking the view of anyone else. I don't want other people looking at what's mine. I lean on my toes against him and playfully pinch his chin, feeling the rough stubble as I whisper, "You've got a dirty mind, Alpha."

"Only because of a certain someone with a mouth that drives me wild and a body that makes me lose control," he says faintly, but I don't miss it.

My mouth falls open. Sebastian's words have the strangest effect on me. They send a shiver down my spine. I flush and look away.

"Let's go inside," he says, tugging me along, still holding my hand. I snap out of my trance and scoff, pretending to resist, but secretly, I love the feeling of his fingers laced with mine.

... and that's when I decide to turn up the heat and make him squirm as I model a variety of lingerie while he sits nervously outside the fitting room.

I love my body, I know how to flaunt it, and it's such a satisfying sight, you know, of me in revealing outfits and he flushing all over, sometimes coughing, other times shifting his legs uneasily, and then muttering something. I wish I could hear what he is thinking or saying under his breath because, unlike him, his wolf is very eager.

I smirk devilishly as I emerge from the fitting room after trying on fifteen pieces of lingerie and slipping back into my comfy sweatshirt and joggers.

I spot my mate sitting on a bench, his eyes glazed and jaw clenched. He looks like he's fighting a losing battle with himself. I call out to him, "Ready to go?" I ask.

"Just a sec," he says, not meeting my gaze but staring at the ceiling.

He mutters something under his breath, and I see his fists tighten like he's holding back a surge of emotions. He surprises me when he suddenly stands up and says, "Okay, let's go." He takes a few steps towards the exit, but I stop him and look up at him curiously. "What were you thinking?" I blurt out.

He gives me a smug look. "Can you handle it?" he challenges.

"Handle what?" I frown.

He bends down, his hot breath tickling my ear, sending a thrilling shiver down my spine as he says, "Can you handle my thoughts?" He pauses for effect, giving me a cheeky smile, then exhales and whispers, "You have no idea the things I want to do with you and how much I want to buy that sexy black lingerie only to rip it off you and take you..."

I gasp and cut him off, my eyes wide with shock and embarrassment. "Okay, that's enough," I say, pushing him away and turning around, trying to hide my flushed face.

"Come on, let's go. I'm so hungry, I could eat a horse." I mumble, hoping he won't notice how flustered he made me. But he doesn't let me go that easily. He wraps his arms around me from behind and whispers in my ear, "Aww, look at you, my blushing Alpha. You're so adorable, I could eat you up."

I glare at him over my shoulder and jab his hard abs with my elbow, making him grunt. "Ugh, you're impossible!" I complain, but I can feel his chest vibrating with laughter.

Sebastian pulls me in, kisses me on the side of my head, and then lets me go, smiling like a fool.

I roll my eyes but can't help smiling back as we walk out of the store, feeling his warm hand in mine.

It's hard to walk with a Greek God in a mall full of hungry eyes, especially when my wolf is growling and snarling, ready to tear out the throats of anyone who dares to look at him like he's a snack.

I squeeze his hand, forgetting how strong I am.

"Woah, easy there, sweetheart." He says, his tone teasing. Is he enjoying this? I scowl at him, but he just laughs, his eyes shining with mischief.

"Hey, handsome," A blonde bimbo walks past us, winking at him.

What the fucking hell! Does she think she can flirt with my mate? I think not. I spin around and lunge at her, ready to rip her hair out.

"You fucking bitch..." I snarl, making her scream and back away. But before I can reach her, Sebastian pulls me back, holding me tight by my waist. He whispers in my ear, "Relax, babe. You don't have to worry about them. You're the only one I want." He kisses my temple, making me melt.

I feel his breath on my skin, his lips on my hair, his arms around me. I calm down but still glare at the blonde, who fearfully walks away.

Then I glare at the others ogling him, wishing they would disappear.

Sebastian distracts me from them, rubbing my hand gently, soothing me. I take deep breaths, trying to control my wolf. I then turn to face him and look up at his handsome face. He smiles when I grab his cheeks and pull him down to me, standing on my toes. I press my lips against him, feeling his warmth and taste.

He holds me close and kisses me back. I close my eyes, playing with his hair and exploring his mouth. He then makes me moan, his touch sending shivers down my spine, but I retaliate by biting his lip and earning a moan escape his mouth.

I smile wickedly, knowing he's mine and I'm his.

And no one can change that.

***

"Sebastian?" I call out his name softly as we step inside his magnificent mansion. We have just returned from a wonderful day at the arcade, where we competed and laughed in various games, snapped silly pictures in the photo booth, and indulged ourselves with delicious fried chicken and steamed dumplings.

He turns around and gives me a curious look. "Yeah?"

I walk past the grand staircase and head towards the kitchen, feeling his presence behind me.

I stop abruptly and spin around to face him, my eyes shining with determination. "I know what we're gonna do."

He raises his eyebrows, then wraps his arms around me from behind, pulling me close to his chest. He whispers in my ear, "Gonna do about what?"

"The packs and the moving arrangements," I reply, leaning back into his embrace. "I know I have to talk to Clayton and Flora and everyone else, but I've made up my mind, and I want to tell you first. You deserve to know..." He kisses my temple gently, sending a wave of warmth through my body. I blush and look down at our intertwined hands, feeling his fingers caress mine.

"What is it?" He asks, his voice full of anticipation and hope.

I take a deep breath, then pull away from his arms, feeling a pang of loss at the lack of his warmth. I turn around and look into his eyes, seeing the love and devotion in them.

"I'm going to be the Luna. Your Luna." I declare, squeezing his hand.

He stares at me in disbelief, his mouth slightly open. He looks stunned and speechless, making me nervous and unsure. I frown and shake my head, trying to explain myself. "I think everyone will support me. They will understand once I tell them, but you're my most important person, and I want you to be happy..." I ramble on, but he still doesn't say anything.

I feel a surge of doubt and fear, and I start to pull away from him when he tightens his grip on my wrist and pulls me back to him, making me gasp. He leans in and breathes on my face, his breath minty and fresh.

"Are you sure?" He asks, his lips barely moving.

Huh?

"Are you sure?" He repeats, his eyes searching mine for confirmation.

A smile spreads across my face, chasing away all my worries and fears. I nod and squeeze his hand, feeling his pulse quicken.

"Definitely."

He grins and closes the gap between us, kissing me passionately. I wrap my arms around his neck and kiss him back, feeling his love and happiness radiate through me. He lifts me in his arms, making me squeal with delight. I wrap my legs around his waist and deepen the kiss, playing and pulling his hair gently.

It's becoming one of my favourite things to do already. I love to make him moan.

He carries me to the couch, laying me down gently and covering me with his body. He kisses me softly, then moves his lips to my ear and whispers, "You've just made me the happiest man in the world. I love you, my Luna. My Female Alpha." His words make my heart flutter, and my eyes tear up.

I snuggle into his chest and whisper back, "I love you too, Sebastian."

His arms tighten around me, and his heartbeat syncs with mine. We cuddle and kiss some more, losing ourselves in each other's embrace.