On the day of their departure, Allegra finds herself lost in a whirlwind of thoughts, her mind consumed by questions about Donovan's early departure. Despite her inner turmoil, she resolves to focus on Declan, determined to cherish their time together.
"Are you okay?" Declan's voice breaks through her reverie as they step into the carriage. Allegra nods, but the concern etched on his face prompts her to seek solace in his embrace. She pulls him close, seeking comfort in the warmth of his arms.
"I'm okay. Let's go home," she whispers softly, her words a silent plea for reassurance. Declan's smile reassures her, reminding her of the safety and comfort awaiting them at his manor. As they settle into the carriage, Allegra rests her head on his shoulder, finding peace in the rhythmic motion of the journey as she drifts off to sleep.
—-
The servants carry their bags inside, and as they settle in, Declan suggests a walk outside. Allegra readily agrees, relishing the opportunity to enjoy the fresh air and the peaceful surroundings of Declan's manor.
"How was your stay there?" Declan inquires, breaking the silence as they stroll along the garden path.
"It was surprisingly nice. I'm glad I agreed to come with you," Allegra responds, a genuine smile gracing her lips.
"You also made a friend," he remarks, his tone filled with amusement.
"Yes, Calista is so fun to talk with. Too bad we won't get to see each other until whenever Dante chooses to do another unexpected gathering," Allegra says with a hint of disappointment in her voice.
Declan chuckles softly. "Yes, and you seem to be recovering. No more episodes."
"I guess so," Allegra replies with a casual shrug, her thoughts briefly lingering on the recent events that transpired during their stay.
As they continue their leisurely walk, Declan suggests going shopping, but Allegra expresses her preference to stay at the manor.
"I'd love to go, but I'd rather stay here and maybe ride the horses or simply sit outside and watch the maids prune the flowers," she says, her eyes wandering over the tranquil scenery around them.
Declan nods in understanding, appreciating Allegra's desire to savor the peaceful moments at home.
"Do you like him?" Declan asks, his tone casual as they continue their walk.
"Who?" Allegra responds, feigning ignorance.
"Donovan," Declan clarifies, a hint of curiosity in his voice.
Allegra's heart skips a beat at the mention of Donovan's name. "He is... I don't not like him," she answers, her words trailing off slightly as she wrestles with her thoughts.
Declan chuckles softly at her response. "But he's warming up to you! What about Dante?" he teases, amusement dancing in his eyes.
"Dante is really nice," Allegra says with a fond smile, her thoughts momentarily drifting to the warm interactions she shared with Dante during their time at the manor.
Declan returns her smile, pleased by her response. Their conversation continues as they stroll through the serene surroundings of the garden, enjoying each other's company and the tranquility of their shared moments together.
As they return to the manor, Allegra finds herself caught in a whirlwind of thoughts and emotions. The mere mention of Donovan's name causes her heart to skip a beat, sending a jolt of conflicting feelings coursing through her veins. While she deeply admires Declan for his kindness and understanding, there's an undeniable pull she feels towards Donovan, despite her lingering resentment over his early departure.
Torn between her loyalty to Declan and the inexplicable allure of Donovan, Allegra retreats to her room to wrestle with her thoughts in solitude. The weight of her emotions hangs heavy in the air as she grapples with the complexity of her feelings, uncertain of which path to follow as she navigates the tangled web of her heart's desires.
—-
As the days turn into weeks and the weeks into months, anticipation fills the air in the manor as the Lycans prepare for the festival celebration known as A Celeste Solstice. The entire community comes together to honor the moon goddess, adorning the streets and homes with vibrant flowers and intricate designs in preparation for the joyous occasion.
The festival marks a time of unity and celebration among the Lycanthropes, a moment to bask in the beauty of nature and the guidance of the moon goddess. Spirits are high as everyone eagerly awaits the festivities, which culminate in a grand gathering where songs are sung, dances are performed, and traditions are upheld with reverence and joy.
Amidst the festivities, there is a sense of camaraderie and solidarity among the Lycans, as they come together to celebrate their heritage and honor the celestial forces that guide their lives. And as the Celeste Solstice approaches, the anticipation only grows, promising a week filled with warmth, laughter, and cherished memories.
It's not just the Celeste Solstice that's approaching; the Lycans also anticipate the arrival of the winter solstice, which follows just a week later, marking another important celestial event in their calendar. The back-to-back celebrations add to the excitement, promising a season filled with festivities and gatherings to mark the changing of the seasons.
Restless, Allegra paces back and forth in her room, her mind swirling with conflicting emotions. Declan's announcement that they would be spending the Celeste's Solstice and Winter Solstice at his parents' place fills her with both excitement and trepidation. Excitement for the festivities and the chance to spend time with Declan's family, but trepidation because Donovan will be there.
Despite the passing months, Allegra's feelings for Donovan remain unresolved, a tangled web of longing and uncertainty. The thought of seeing him again stirs up a whirlwind of emotions within her, leaving her unsure of how she will react when they finally come face to face.
As she contemplates the upcoming gatherings, Allegra's heart feels heavy with the weight of anticipation and apprehension. She knows that the next few days will be filled with both joy and inner turmoil, and she can only hope to navigate them with grace and composure.
Dressed in warm clothes suited for the snowy weather, Allegra joins Declan as they enter the carriage bound for the Beaumont estate. The anticipation building within her chest feels like a drumbeat, echoing with each passing moment of their journey.
As they arrive and step out of the carriage, Allegra takes a deep breath, trying to calm her racing heart. The grandeur of the Beaumont mansion looms before them, its imposing facade a testament to the wealth and stature of Declan's family.
Inside, amidst the opulent halls, Allegra's eyes light up as she spots Calista. With a burst of excitement, she rushes over to her friend, enveloping her in a tight hug. Their reunion is filled with laughter and chatter, as they catch up on the time they've spent apart and share stories of their adventures.
Meanwhile, Declan exchanges greetings with his cousins, the air buzzing with the energy of their reunion. Together, they make their way to their rooms to freshen up for the upcoming dinner, eager to continue their celebrations in the warmth of family and camaraderie.
Allegra dons a stunning crimson gown, its slender straps delicately tracing the curve of her shoulders. With a daring design, the gown features a long slit that gracefully trails up her leg, stopping just at her thigh, adding a touch of allure to her ensemble.
Over it, she drapes a transparent white robe, its ethereal fabric floating around her like a cloud. Her hair, meticulously styled into a neat bun, frames her face, with stray curls cascading gracefully around her features. The gown hugs her slender form, accentuating her narrow waist and subtle curves, lending her an air of effortless elegance and charm.
Beside her, Declan cuts a handsome figure in his dark blue attire. Loose-fitting trousers and a matching shirt complement his rugged demeanor, while his tousled hair adds a hint of casual allure. Together, they make a striking pair, each exuding their own unique sense of style and sophistication.
As they step into the opulent dining hall, brimming with the lively banter of Declan's esteemed family members, Allegra's gaze sweeps across the room in search of familiar faces. The absence of Donovan initially brings a sense of relief, but her fleeting moment of respite is abruptly shattered when he walks into the dining room and sits beside her, taking his place at the table.
Allegra's heart skips a beat as she finds herself sandwiched between Declan on her left and Donovan on her right—a juxtaposition that feels like a cruel twist of fate. With a surge of conflicting emotions threatening to overwhelm her, she struggles to maintain her composure, desperately trying to mask the longing in her eyes as they await the arrival of Supreme Alpha Victor and Supreme Luna Ophelia.
From the corner of her eyes, Allegra steals a glance at Donovan. Clad in matching loose silk black pants and shirt, he exudes an ethereal aura, his skin appearing luminous against the dark fabric. Yet, a subtle change catches her attention—he seems to have lost some weight, his once-full cheeks now slightly sunken.
As his long lashes flutter open with a blink, Allegra's gaze flickers away, unable to withstand the magnetic pull of his piercing eyes. His tousled hair, still slightly damp, frames his face, obscuring his features in an alluring manner. But it's his lips that captivate her most, and she quickly averts her gaze, unwilling to dwell on the memory of the kiss they once shared.
As the Supreme Alpha Victor and his Luna Ophelia grace the dining hall with their presence, a wave of reverence sweeps through the room. They take their seats at the head of the table, surrounded by their esteemed family members. Supreme Alpha Victor engages in lively conversation with his brothers, Alpha Samuel, Alpha Ryan, and Alpha Sylvester, while Luna Ophelia shares tender exchanges with her sister-in-laws, Luna Amity, Luna Gina, and Luna Aurora.
The atmosphere is filled with anticipation as the servants enter, bearing trays laden with sumptuous dishes and refreshing beverages. Plates are passed around, and the air is soon filled with the delightful aroma of the feast.
Amidst the lively chatter and clinking of cutlery, Allegra finds herself lost in thought, her mind wandering to places unknown. Sensing her distraction, Declan's gentle whisper breaks through her reverie.
"What's wrong?" he murmurs, concern etched in his voice.
Startled, Allegra blinks, momentarily returning to the present moment. With a forced smile, she reassures him, "No, nothing, I'm fine." Yet behind her smile lies a turmoil of emotions she struggles to conceal.
As Allegra sat lost in thought, a sudden jolt of electricity sent shivers down her spine, emanating from the touch on her thigh. Peeking beneath the table, she discovered Donovan's palm resting there, igniting an unexpected warmth that colored her cheeks with a flush of embarrassment.
Attempting to discreetly remove his hand, she found herself ensnared as Donovan tightened his grip, preventing her escape. Surrendering to the sensation of his touch, she ceased her struggles, feeling an unusual sense of comfort in the warmth of his hand entwined with hers beneath the table's concealment.
Following the conclusion of their meal, they are ushered into the grand hall, where the festivities continue with lively chatter and dancing.
As Donovan quietly slips out of the room, unnoticed by the bustling crowd immersed in the festivities, Allegra's gaze lingers on him.
Despite her inner warning to steer clear of Donovan, she finds herself unable to resist the pull he exerts on her. She slips out of the grand hall, gracefully excusing herself from the laughter and music, slipping out of the room in pursuit of Donovan's retreating figure.
She follows his intoxicating scent, reminiscent of musky rich coffee, and quietly slips into the room, shutting the door behind her. Donovan wastes no time, immediately pulling her close by the waist as soon as she enters. His intense gaze sweeps over her face and body, eliciting a soft groan from his lips.
"Why this red dress, out of all your clothes?" he murmurs, his tone tinged with desire. Despite feeling vulnerable under his scrutiny, Allegra rolls her eyes in response, unable to resist his magnetic pull.
He releases her and takes a step back, his eyes roaming over her stunning figure with an intensity that sends shivers down her spine. From the gentle curve of her cleavage to the tantalizing slit in her gown, his gaze traces every contour of her body, leaving her feeling exposed and vulnerable. With a slight ruffle of his hair, he steps closer, his eyes never leaving hers as they reflect her trembling anticipation.
Then, without a word, he moves behind her, his presence looming large as he encircles her in his embrace.
He inhales deeply, taking in the sweet scent of cucumber melon that surrounds her. As she arches her back, a sense of rightness washes over her. Just being in his presence feels like where she's meant to be.
He gently removes her transparent robe, letting it cascade gracefully to the floor. Her core throbs with desire as he draws closer. Using his nose to trail along her neck up to her ear, he whispers, "Such a beauty." With her eyes closed, she silences the inner voice urging her to leave. All she wants is to lose herself in his presence.
His hand gently turns her to face him, and he leans in, savoring every moment as his lips meet hers. Unable to resist, she wraps her arms around his neck, and he pulls her closer. Their kiss is rough, primal, and passionate, filled with an intense longing. But then it turns salty, and he pulls away, concern etched in his features.
"What's wrong?" he asks, noticing her tears.
"You left," she chokes out, her voice trembling.
"I had urgent work to attend to. I'm sorry," he says sincerely, wiping away her tears with a gentle touch.
She glared at him, her eyes filled with a mix of desire and frustration. His hands trailed down, igniting a tingling sensation on the bare skin of her exposed leg, causing her to suck in a breath involuntarily. Without hesitation, she pulled him in and kissed him eagerly, her hands ruffling his hair with urgency.
His hands trailed down her bare back, and she couldn't help but moan softly, his name escaping her lips in a breathless whisper. "Dono..." she gasped, feeling a surge of desire coursing through her.
He groaned in response, his own need evident in the depths of his gaze. "Dono..." she moaned again, each utterance filled with longing and desire.
"Fuck." She heard him cuss making her stomach flip.
His lips trailed down her neck to her collarbone, eliciting soft moans from her lips. "Mark me," she pleaded, her legs wrapped around his waist, her back pressed against the wall. She could feel his desire pulsing beneath her, but then he abruptly stopped. Breathlessly, she looked into his eyes, swirling with need, desire, and something feral, their shade turning a deep red. Was he angry?
Without a word, he released her and walked towards the bathroom, pouring water over his face. "You need to leave, now," he said tersely.
Confused, she followed him, her brows furrowed. "What? Why?"
"Just go," he replied, pushing past her.
"Why?" she insisted, grabbing his arm.
He roughly removed her hand from his arm, his expression unreadable. "I said, Get Out!" he repeated, his voice betraying no emotion.
Shocked at his sudden anger, she stepped back. "I really hate you," she said, her voice trembling, as she grabbed her robe from the floor and left, tears welling in her eyes.