Chapter 5-The Sweetness of the Full Moon Night Damien's POV When my mate's firm, unwavering shout reached my ears, pride swelled in my chest. Her presence exuded power, raw and commanding. Usually, an Alpha's daughter would be trained to serve as a Luna, yet Vanessa was different. There was an inherent Alpha quality about her. I couldn't fathom how she projected such strength without a wolf, I had never witnessed anything like it. Even she seemed taken aback by the force radiating from within herself. Instinct told me she was extraordinary. Most Alphas would resent a mate who matched or even exceeded them in strength-they perceive it as a threat. But I was different. My wolf, like me, thrived on pride for our Luna. The terror etched across Lars' and his lackeys' faces was... amusing. I couldn't help but chuckle. Vanessa cast them one final glance before stepping into my car. I smoothed her dress and strode to the driver's seat. Behind me, I could hear Lars bellowing at his men, calling them useless. I smiled and closed the door. "You're impressive," I said, winking. "Thank you," she replied, cheeks tinged with pink, her smile shy. She handed me the address of a friend's place where she would stay for a few days. After that, a comfortable silence filled the car. My wolf urged me to talk to her, to hear the melody of her voice, but I resisted. Seeing Vanessa resting quietly, eyes closed, I sensed her exhaustion. I focused on the road, stealing glances at her from time to time, satisfied simply by her presence. An hour and a half later, we arrived at our destination. A secluded countryside location, serene and almost untouched. A forest stretched outward, ending at a small cabin. I leaned toward Vanessa, suppressing the primal urge to touch, to taste. She looked angelic as she slept: delicate, winged eyebrows, a petite, rounded nose, lips full and rosy, perfectly complementing her face. I imagined our future pups, wondering whose features they would inherit. Feeling my heat, she stirred slightly, lifted her head, and blinked at me. "Hey, little one, we've arrived," I said, adjusting my posture. "Okay," she murmured, adjusting the suit jacket I had draped over her shoulders, unbuckling her seatbelt. "Wait," I stopped her, "give me your phone." She turned, eyes wide. "It's broken?" 15:12 71.919 "I know. I'm going to fix it for you." I opened the trunk and took out a toolkit. She sighed in relief, handing me the phone. "Do I look like a robber?" she asked, worried. "No, no... it was just sudden. I wasn't expecting it." She shook her head frantically, biting her lip apologetically. Damn it. I restrained myself from kissing those soft, inviting lips. "You're talented," she exclaimed once I returned the repaired phone. My wolf went wild at the praise, confidence surging. "It's an old hobby from my teenage years," I said with a shrug, feigning nonchalance. I wore a small, smug smile as I stepped out and walked to the passenger side. I loved opening the car door for my mate, seeing her beautiful face illuminated as she looked up at me. She was even more radiant than in photos, her eyes sparkling like stars. As she leaned out of the car, I bent down to lift her-but she raised both hands to stop me. "Thank you, Aaron. But I can walk. It's only a few steps. Don't worry about me." A faint blush colored her cheeks, tugging at my heartstrings. Was she replaying the memory of me carrying her earlier? In a blink, she dashed from the car to the cabin with astonishing speed and agility. Impressive! "See? I'm fine!" she called, flashing a radiant smile. "Once everything settles, I'll contact you. Then, we can finalize the divorce." She pulled out her phone. "Can I have your number?" "It's already in your contacts," I replied, silently assuring my wolf that no divorce would happen. Her lips formed an adorable "O," and she let out a playful hum. "You sly little devil," she said, waving as she opened the door and entered. "I'll contact you soon. Bye!" She seemed flustered. Did she dislike my company? I replayed every moment of the day in my mind, wondering if I had overstepped. Shaking my head, I found no fault. Perhaps she was simply exhausted. I climbed into the driver's seat, smiling and whistling, tapping the steering wheel to the rhythm as I navigated the winding road back to my pack. I was thrilled-no, ecstatic. I had found my mate: beautiful, perfect in every way. Yet my wolf was furious. He blamed me for leaving our mate alone, unmarked. As a primal creature, he did not understand human emotions. All he knew was conquest and possession. Now he wrestled inside me, desperate to claim what was ours. I fought to maintain control. He was a beast. I shuddered imagining what he would do if unleashed on 15:122 13.01 < Chapter 5 The Sweetness of the Full Moon Night our little one. (*) Get 5 > - Menu I would never force Vanessa, never coerce her. I needed to reshape her perception of Damien Hale, to let her choose willingly. Tonight, moreover, was a full moon night. Every full moon, the pack ran together. Originally, I planned to introduce my Luna to the pack, leading the run as a pair. Plans had changed, but the run could not be canceled-it would strengthen bonds within the pack. And tonight, under the full moon, the moon's energy was magnified. Harnessing it would make every wolf stronger, fiercer, more primal. Outside, the silver orb hung high, spilling its luminous glow across the land. I gazed at the moon, thinking of my precious mate. I longed to be with her. In a fleeting moment of distraction, Arthur-the wolf within me-took over. My car slammed into the guardrail. Bones cracked audibly, muscles convulsed beneath my skin, hair bristled along my flesh. In the next instant, my wolf burst forth from my body, leaping through the windshield, landing solidly on all fours. He lifted his head toward the moon and let out a long, resounding howl: "Mate!" Leave a comment 15:12 13.51%