Casper
Confusion clung to Raphael like a second skin as he froze, staring at me like I was a ghost.
I loved it when I caught him off-balance.
“Luna?” he asked again, cocking his brows as a terrified look settled on his face.
I bit my lip to refrain from laughing at his face.
He looked like he was about to have a meltdown. Like a toddler whose candy was forcefully taken.
Suddenly, he burst into a series of laughter, holding his belly before landing his eyes on my irritated ones.
“What’s so amusing?” I asked, hissing loudly as I tightened my arms against Lilith’s body.
I could sense how much he hated the way I carried her in a bridal style.
Too bad, he would get used to it or he would be relieved of his Beta title.
Not under my watch would anyone disrespect my Luna.
“Clearly, you are mistaken. I know you’ve been depressed and confused, especially after the curse. Although ended in a short time unlike before that take months-”
“That is because she is my mate. Can’t you see? All this while that I’ve healed in a short period, the curse ended in a short period, and I survived death when I was stabbed with a silver knife. It was because my mate was on my side, but we weren’t observant enough.” I interrupted, revealing the truth.
Like a bombshell, it crashed over him, hitting him with confusion once more.
It was understandable because all his life, he hated Lilith. Accepting her, especially as his Luna would be a difficult thing to do.
But he was left with no choice.
“Mate? She doesn’t even have a wolf!” He interjected, sinking his cold gaze on Lilith.
“She has a wolf now. We recognized each other, and her wolf’s name was Liz. She shifted a few days ago and Max is crazy about her.”
Cloaked by disbelief, he shook his head slowly, debating within himself.
“I didn’t tell her this but the moment we marked each other, I felt light. Like a burden was lifted off my chest and the symbol on my body, signifying the curse from the moon goddess wiped off. That confirms one thing. My curse is broken!”
I jumped slightly in excitement, kissing Lilith.
The sound made by Raphael clearing his throat tore us apart.
“Is this a sick joke? What would Marina say? Do you think she will be happy to see you move on with her?”
“Marina wants the best for me so she will be more than delighted to see me move on with my second-chance mate. This isn’t a joke. Everything is back to normal that is the reason I want to rule my pack. I appreciate your effort in uniting the members and all your great work. You will be rewarded handsomely. It’s a promise.”
“Show me the symbol!” Raphael demanded, scanning my body. Fear plastered his eyes for a millisecond before he masked his expression.
Dumbfounded, he stared at us, unable to process the right words to say.
“If that’s the case, congratulations on finding your mate, Alpha,” he muttered, fixing his eyes on the floor.
I could tell he was bothered about something, but I was too focused on Lilith and resuming my Alpha duties.
“Now, apologize to your Luna for the ill ways you treated her in the past and the horrible names you branded on her,” I instructed, feeling pride swell in Lilith’s heart.
“He doesn’t have to-” Lilith tried to hush me, but I insisted, urging Raphael who gritted his teeth like he was about to devour Lilith.
“I am sorry for disrespecting you, Luna. It won’t repeat itself,” he said, sharply.
Raphael was a proud man. I knew how difficult it was for him to apologize.
“You are forgiven,” Lilith responded, smiling cheerfully.
“Set a meeting between me and the elders so we can discuss my resumption,” I instructed, walking away from him.
“Yes, Alpha,” he said, lowering his head before leaving the estate.
We had barely gotten upstairs when Anna bumped into us.
Surprise hit her like a ton of bricks as she wouldn’t tear her gaze off Lilith whose hands were hung to my neck.
“Lilith is your new Luna. Don’t be surprised if you see us in an awkward position another day,” I said, walking away from her.
I could still feel her eyes bore holes in me as we made our way upstairs.
Dropping her on the bed, I sat beside her, fixing my sad eyes into hers as guilt welled up my heart.
It ate me up mercilessly, pricking my conscience.
“Are you okay?” Lilith asked after studying my dull face.
“Yes. I have a confession,” I revealed, shame plastering me as I cowered in fear.
Should I do this?
What if I hid the truth from her? She would never know that I registered on the platform to get over her when she started pulling away from me.
I found solace in the video of a strange girl on Fantastic app.
For some strange reason, I found myself drawn to her. Chatting with her filled me with peace. It was so bizarre.
It felt like I was chatting with Lilith because I felt a part of me was greatly attracted to her and I felt a deep connection that I couldn’t explain.
But I had to come clean, or else this guilt would consume me whole.
I wasn’t the type that hid things from my partner.
We had outgrown our previous relationship. She was my mate now and I couldn’t bear to hurt her.
Fear seized in her heart as she glanced at me, breathing heavily.
“What happened?” Her voice cracked.
“I have been cheating on you,” I started. “Although I wouldn’t say I cheated because you never agreed to date me.”
“I have been chatting with a lady on a platform named Fantastic. I only became her fan because you pushed me away, and I was sad and angry. I needed comfort. I asked her to do things that I am not proud of like stripping, meeting me in a hotel and revealing her face for me for cash.”
“She dances seductively for me in exchange for money. I wanted to hide this, but you couldn’t. I just want to come clean so that we can start this relationship without lies and deceit. You are my Luna and it would hurt to put you in the dark. I want to be honest with you because I am a man of my word,” I spilt, covering my palm with hers as fear clouded my heart.
I hope she didn’t break up with me after this confession.
“I want this relationship to be built on love and trust. No hiding secrets. I’m sorry if I hurt your feelings. I had to confess so that I would be free. I am a straightforward person and I know you are. I don’t want to break your trust.
“I trust you and I know you won’t do what the girl on the platform did. And I am certain that you will never hide anything from me.
I could taste her fears as they came crashing heavily on me, filling me with confusion.
What was she afraid about?
“Don’t be scared, Lilith. I know you think I will run to the girl if we have issues but I am assuring you that none of that will happen. I will never cheat on you. I deleted my account and the app from my laptop. I can show you if that will make you feel better.”
“I won’t leave you for her or anyone else. I love you and I trust you. Nothing would come between us.”
*****
Lilith
Every word from him sent stabbing pain deep into my heart.
I struggled hard to hide my feelings, to avoid him from sensing it since he marked me and we could share each other’s feelings.
Blood drained from my skin as I watched him keep talking with numbed horror, nervously moistening my dry lips.
“Are you all right?” He asked in a concerned tone, tucking my hair behind my ears to have a clear view of my face.
It was my turn to confess.
But I developed cold feet.
He would be mad knowing I concealed the truth.
“Yes. I need a moment,” I replied dismissively, rushing out of his room before locking myself in my bathroom as my head kept banging like it was about to explode.
Without warning, my stomach stirred violently as bile rushed to my throat.
I threw up in the sink, rinsing my mouth and gargling mouthwash.
Getting out of the bathroom as irritation filled me, I collapsed on the bed feeling lightheaded as if I was about to pass out.
I was about to leave when something hit me.
Why was I throwing up these days? It was weird.
Could I be pregnant?!
No!
It couldn’t be. Not now, please.