Chapter 16
Luna's POV
I can't shake off the guilt eating away at me. I cheated on Luca. My mind keeps replaying that moment with Julian. Why did I do it? It wasn't a mistake, but it wasn't intentional either. One minute we were talking, the next... our lips were locked. We didn't go all the way, thank God, but that's little consolation.
All I can think about is Julian. His smile, his eyes... everything. It's like my brain's hardwired to him now. But I'm mated to Luca, and he's lying in the hospital, fighting for his life. What kind of wife does that make me? A terrible one, that's for sure.
This guilt is suffocating, but there's another feeling mixed in - excitement. It's wrong, I know, but I can't deny it. Being with Julian felt... alive. Like a spark ignited within me. But that's exactly why I should feel worse. I'm supposed to be devoted to Luca, not lusting after someone else.
Aria's absence is the only thing keeping me sane right now. If she were here, I'd never hear the end of it. She'd see right through me, and I wouldn't blame her.
Luca's face keeps flashing in my mind, but Julian's voice echoes louder. What's wrong with me? Why can't I shake off this infatuation? I need to focus on my mate, on making things right. But every time I close my eyes, it's Julian's face I see.
Just as I was drowning in my guilt, my phone rang. Akira's name flashed on the screen. My heart sank, anticipating bad news.
"Luna, it's about Luca," Akira said, her voice laced with urgency. "His condition's worsening. He needs multiple surgeries to repair the damage to his bones."
My stomach twisted into knots. This was the last thing I needed.
"But there's some good news," Akira continued. "He's responding well to the medications. We're hopeful."
I took a deep breath, trying to process it all.
"Akira, what do I need to do?" I asked, feeling a sense of responsibility wash over me.
"We need to act fast," Akira pressed on. "The surgeries will be expensive. Aria has covered half the costs, but you need to come up with the rest sooner."
My mind raced. Where would I get that kind of money?
"Akira, I...I don't know if I can," I stammered.
"Don't give me that, Luna," Akira snapped. "You're his mate. You need to take care of him. Figure it out."
Her words stung, but I knew she was right. I had to put Luca first, no matter what.
"Okay, I'll do it," I said, determination rising within me.
"Good," Akira said curtly. "I expect to see the payment soon. Luca's running out of time."
The line went dead, leaving me reeling. I had to push aside my feelings for Julian and focus on saving Luca's life.
As I stood there, feeling overwhelmed by Akira's words, my phone buzzed in my hand. I glanced down, and my heart skipped a beat. Julian's name flashed on the screen.
"Can't wait to see you at work tomorrow," his text read.
A smile spread across my face, and for a moment, all my worries about Luca disappeared. The guilt, the anxiety, the uncertainty - it all melted away.
I felt a flutter in my chest as I typed out a reply.
"Me too," I sent, my fingers hovering over the screen for a moment before I hit send.
I couldn't believe how easily Julian's message had lifted my spirits. It was like a ray of sunshine had pierced through the darkness.
For a few seconds, I forgot about Luca's condition, Akira's demands, and my own guilt. All I could think about was Julian's captivating smile and the way my heart raced when he was near.
But reality soon crept back in, and my conscience began to nag. What was I doing? I was mated to Luca, and he was fighting for his life. How could I be thrilled about seeing another man?
I pushed aside the conflicting emotions, deciding to enjoy this fleeting moment of happiness. Tomorrow would bring its own challenges, but for now, I just wanted to bask in Julian's warmth.
I couldn't shake off Julian's text, and before I knew it, I was rummaging through my closet, searching for the perfect outfit to wear tomorrow. I wanted to dazzle him, make him forget all about Isabella.
Ugh, just thinking about her made me roll my eyes. Who does she think she is, walking in on us without knocking? Like, hello, personal space! But, of course, she thinks she owns the place just because she's his girlfriend.
I tossed aside a few bland options, seeking something sexier. Ah, there it was - a shorter skirt I'd been saving for a special occasion. This was it. I tried it on, twirling in front of the mirror. The way it hugged my curves made me feel confident.
Tomorrow, I'd ask Julian about getting my salary on time, but really, I just wanted an excuse to talk to him. I imagined him smiling, his eyes locking onto mine, and my heart skipped a beat.
I glanced at the skirt Aria and I had picked out last week. It was dull and boring compared to this new one. Time to upgrade. I tossed the old skirt aside, feeling a thrill of excitement.
As I got ready for bed, my mind raced with scenarios for tomorrow. Julian's eyes would widen when he saw me, and Isabella would seethe with jealousy. I couldn't wait.
But amidst the fantasy, a nagging voice whispered, "What about Luca?" I pushed it aside, not wanting to ruin the buzz.
As I drifted off to sleep, I envisioned Julian's smile and the skirt's perfect fit. Tomorrow was going to be a game-changer.
I tossed and turned, my mind still reeling from thoughts of Julian and tomorrow's outfit. But as I settled into bed, reality crept back in. I had to be careful.
I got up and left the door slightly ajar, just in case Aria came home unexpectedly. She couldn't catch me off guard.
Aria must never know about my secret admiration for Julian. She'd never understand, especially since Luca was her brother.
If she found out, she'd feel betrayed. And rightfully so.
I couldn't bear the thought of her disappointment and anger.
My relationship with Aria was already complicated, and this would only make things worse.
As I drifted off to sleep, I made a silent vow: keep this secret hidden, no matter what.
As I lay in bed, my mind refused to quiet. Thoughts of Julian, Luca, and the impending surgeries swirled, trapping me in a vortex of anxiety. The mass of my secrets and feelings threatened to suffocate me.
But then, the full moon outside beckoned, its silvery light calling to me like a siren's song. I knew what I needed - to escape, to transform, to find solace.
I slipped out of bed, careful not to disturb anyone, and padded silently into the night. The transformation took hold, my body shifting into its werewolf form. My senses heightened, and the world transformed.
I ran, letting the moon's energy course through me. The wind ruffled my fur, and my paws pounded the earth. Freedom. For a few blissful hours, I forgot about Julian, Luca, and the guilt gnawing at me.
My worries dissolved into the night air as I ran. The city's sounds faded, replaced by the beat of my heart. I was one with the moon, untethered from human concerns.
As I ran, my thoughts untangled, and clarity emerged. I'd face tomorrow with renewed strength. The moon began its descent, signaling the end of my nocturnal escape.
I returned to my room, transforming back into my human form. Exhausted, yet renewed, I felt ready to face the challenges ahead.
Tomorrow awaited, but tonight, I'd found solace under the full moon's silvery light. With my mind clear, I realized that I needed to prioritize Luca's health. The surgeries were costly, and I had to find a way to cover the expenses.
I made a mental note to discuss my salary with Julian tomorrow. Perhaps he could offer an advance or assistance. The thought of seeing him tomorrow brought a flutter to my chest, but I pushed it aside, focusing on Luca. I owed it to him, to us, to our bond.
As I drifted off to sleep, the moon's gentle glow lingered, reminding me of the peace I'd found in its light.
I knew taking a job with a human would be a recipe for disaster. But I had no choice. I needed the money, and Julian's company offered the best pay. I just have to keep reminding myself: it's just business.
I can't let my feelings get the better of me. I have to kill this impending feeling before it's too late. I'm mated to Luca, and he needs me now more than ever.
This job is just a means to an end. I'll get the money, pay for Luca's surgeries, and be done with it. I won't let Julian's charming smile or piercing eyes distract me.
I'll keep my distance, stay professional, and collect my paycheck. That's it.
But why does my heart race whenever Julian is near? Why do I feel this flutter in my chest?
No, no, no. I won't go there. I'll suppress these feelings, lock them deep inside.
This is just about the money.
I'll get in, get the job done, and get out.
No entanglements, no complications.
Just money.
That's all I need.
I walked over to the dresser, my fingers tracing the intricate carvings on the wood. I opened the top drawer, revealing a treasure trove of memories. Luca's smile greeted me from the framed photos, and my heart swelled with longing. I missed him - terribly.
His bright eyes, strong jawline, and infectious laugh - everything about him made my heart ache. I picked up a photo of us taken on our last full moon run together. Luca's arm was wrapped around me, our faces flushed with happiness.
Tears pricked at the corners of my eyes. Why did this happen to us? Why did he have to get hurt? I thought of Julian, of the way he made me feel. But it wasn't the same. Luca was my mate, my partner, my everything.
I placed the photo back in the drawer, gently closing it. I couldn't let my feelings for Julian cloud my judgment. Luca needed me, and I needed him. I took a deep breath, steeling myself for the challenges ahead.
I wiped away a stray tear, my resolve firm. Luca would get better. We'd overcome this together.
As I gazed at the closed drawer, a sense of determination washed over me. I'd do whatever it took to ensure Luca's recovery. The surgeries, the rehabilitation - I'd be there every step of the way.
And Julian? He was just a way to secure the funds we desperately needed. Nothing more.