As I was pulled in closer and closer to the depths of hidden desires that I had no idea I had, Alpha Kaene planted yet another kiss on my lips, his hands already groping my waist.
I lost my breath, struggling to push him away. Why the heck was I struggling with that?
It wasn't just because of his strength... No, not that.
'It's my wolf's fault!' I finalized, rejecting the idea that I felt even a sliver of attraction to this arrogant prick.
Mustering all the strength in me, I shoved him away before things got too heated, using the back of my hand to clean my mouth, even though that did nothing to erase the subtle sweetness of his lips still lingering on mine.
I heaved heavily, watching the smug smirk curling up the Alpha's lips.
Pointing a finger at him, I snarled defiantly. "Listen, y– you can't just barge in here and start kissing me like I'm some hired prostitute."
However, Alpha Kaene's smile only widened as he chuckled, placing his hand over his belly. This was the most I've ever seen the stoic Alpha laugh in... Forever.
"You're quite the interesting character, aren't you, Phoebe?" He arched an eyebrow after laughing to his fill, a smirk still lingering on his face. "You are the Moon's Chosen, are you not?"
I pouted, tilting my head. "And you rejected me in the presence of everyone, did you not?" My tone oozed sarcasm.
However, the Alpha didn't seem that vexed by my reaction, his fingers touching the spot where I'd slapped him previously.
Shit... If Luna Catherine finds out about this, I'll be toast!
"That slap hurt, by the way." Alpha Kaene suddenly uttered, adding to the growing guilt and anxiety I already felt. "But it's fine. I promise to inflict much worse in the future... Nightly activities."
I gritted my teeth, my fists clenched as I wished more than anything that I could unleash my wolf on this jerk.
But how could I when my traitorous wolf was head over heels for him?
Wait... Why was I thinking of attacking the Alpha? That was treason!
Suddenly, the Alpha's indifferent voice snapped me back to reality. "Anyway, enough of this. Are you in on my deal or not?" He stretched his hand forward as if waiting for a handshake to seal the deal.
I gulped, my eyes lingering on his outstretched hand reluctantly.
"Your brother's freedom depends on it, Phoebe." He reminded me, weakening the defiance I'd kept on all this while.
I drew in a deep breath, stepping forward to take his hand. I shook his hand, his grasp strong and sturdy as he looked into my eyes and I did the same.
However, before I knew what was happening, he pulled me closer to himself until I hit his chest, a gasp escaping my lips.
He brought his mouth to my neck, his hot breath caressing my skin as he muttered. "Oh, I can't wait to mark you. To have such a feisty woman as yourself under my hold would be... Divine."
I gulped, struggling to stay focused due to my wolf's persistent howls inside my head.
My breathing intensifies, my free hand trailing to Alpha Kaene's shoulder... Until I came back to my senses.
What the fuck was I doing?
With a grunt, I yanked my hand out of the Alpha's grip, but then my legs wobbled in the process.
I was half expecting the Alpha to catch me on time before I fell... But that didn't happen.
On the contrary, the Alpha's grin widened when I fell butt-first to the ground, my butt becoming sore from the impact.
Argh... That jerk!
"If you're done being a clumsy mess, I'll send some maids to come prepare your bath and get you into clothes worthy of a Luna." He waved dismissively, turning his back to me.
As he got closer to the door without saying anything else, I felt an annoying heat inside me when I saw his broad shoulders underneath the suit he wore from this angle.
Good moon goddess, he was hot!
I subconsciously gulped, remembering how he'd promised to fuck me roughly once I become his Luna.
Desperate to shake those thoughts off my head, I got up and called to him. "What about my brother? He deserves compensation after that stunt your mother pulled." I folded my arms in front of my chest.
Alpha Kaene paused in his tracks, his silence making me realize my blunder.
Had I just called what the Alpha's mother did a STUNT?
By the moon, what was wrong with me today?
"Your brother will be released and that's the best 'compensation' anyone in his shoes can receive." Alpha Kaene's tone suddenly became cold, his body swerving as he turned his gaze to me. "But be warned. I might find this 'feisty' side of you intriguing, but you'll need to learn how to keep that mouth in check, especially now that you're Luna..."
His gaze intensified, though his features didn't seem tense one bit. "... Do we have an understanding, Phoebe?"
I held my breath, my heart palpitating like I'd just finished a marathon.
But eventually, I nodded, biting my lips and looking away from him.
And with that, he left the suite, banging the door behind him.
"Jerk!" I snapped when I was sure he was far away.
However, a sudden knock on the door caused my heart to jump into my throat, but when I saw the people who trooped in, I sighed with relief.
"Miranda, Brittany." I shot my fellow maids a polite smile. "I guess you guys are here to 'Lunafy' my looks." I chuckled awkwardly, scrutinizing the looks on their faces.
They both looked stunned, probably still in shock from the fact that the measly maid they'd ignored all this time was now the Moon's Chosen.
I didn't gain any pleasure from their surprise... Or did I?
Hold up... Miranda.
I fixed my gaze on her; my eyebrows creased as I harrumphed. "Lying against an innocent person is a low blow, Miranda. How could you even do that?"
My voice was stern, my fists clenched as watched her tremble like a deer under headlights.
"F– forgive me, Chosen one. I never meant... I never meant to say such against you." Miranda bowed repeatedly, her tone filled with regret and fear.
Brittany joined in, the both of them trying hard to avoid looking me in the eyes.
What in the...
"Please!" I scoffed, rolling my eyes. "You're only apologizing because of my current position. You girls would've gone scoff-free with putting an innocent person's life at risk if the situation hadn't changed."
Meanwhile, they both still kept their gazes lowered, their shame evident.
Eventually, however, I sighed, waving my hand dismissively. "But it's fine. I guess you girls were just out to save your asses without caring about who took the fall."
I so wanted to punish them somehow for insinuating to everyone present that I'd used 'dark magic' to make myself the Moon's Chosen, but their embarrassment and guilt were punishment enough.
I didn't have the mental strength anymore right now...
Anyway, they both bowed profusely again, thanking me before scurrying to prepare my bath.
I proceeded to peel off my clothes— the maid clothes that I thought I'd be wearing for a long time when I first got here.
Who would've thought...
.
.
After a nice, relaxing hot bath, I decided to step outside into the night, walking around the compound while keeping an eye out for former Luna Catherine.
The last thing I wanted was to bump into that horrid woman... Again.
Unlike the greetings I'd expected from guards when I walked by, they all gave me awkward stares or reluctantly bowed.
Ugh, it was all Kaene's fault!
If he hadn't rejected me publicly, I would have been treated with respect by all the staff members. But then again, I didn't care about all that anyway.
When I finally got to one of the lush gardens of the estate, which was like a maze of flowers and trees with a tranquil pond in the middle, I sat on a bench close to the pond, taking in a deep breath.
This part of the estate was quiet and secluded... Perfect for me to keep myself in check especially due to my wolf's heat.
However, as I stared at the full moon up in the clouds, reminiscing on the events of tonight, a familiar scent wafted into my nostrils.
"How's life as Luna been so far?" A deep male voice that threatened to swoop me off my feet called from my back, forcing me to swerve my head in its direction.
Oh, gosh, not him…