The Alpha's Betrayal Rise Of The Rejected Luna Chapter 25 Kisses & Promises : כי Finished Sleep evades me , knowing that Rowan is right here , sleeping beneath my chamber . My gaze darts to the balcony , and I recall what happened there when he appeared as a projection . I'd been consumed by the need for comfort and affection , and in that state , I'd told him that the next time we saw each other , I wanted him to kiss me . That thought keeps swirling in my mind , making my heart race erratically , until I can't stay still anymore . He's not going to do it , I tell myself . He understands the risk . Nyx doesn't help . ' He's the King of rogues , ' she tells me . ' Do you think he fears anyone ? ' I sigh , knowing the answer . He was never meek . He did what he wanted . He never cowered from showing his true feelings , and that is what got him banished and into the hands of the rogues . And there , he rose to power . He's strong . He has always been . And he has always been kind to me . He has never hurt me in any way - never made me uncomfortable . His love for me is pure and unconditional and without expectations . I don't even know if I deserve it , but I know that I crave it . And right now , all I want to do is ask him if he still means it . Before I can stop myself , I pull my robe from the chair and wrap it around myself . I press a kiss to Finn and Ivy's forehead , then I make my way down the stairs to where I know Rowan is sleeping . Two of his rogues guard the chamber door , making me halt . I consider turning back , but my feet carry me forward . One of them bows low and then enters the chamber , returning a few seconds later to tell me , " You may enter , Luna Freya . " I swallow the lump that has formed in my throat . What am I doing ? Rowan is sitting on a desk, studying a scroll . But something tells me he's only pretending . He hastily rises when I walk to him . His lips part , and I open my mouth to speak at the same time . Then we both pause . Rowan breaks the silence that settles . " You wanted to say something ? " " I - I couldn't sleep , " I stammer , blushing with embarrassment . What do I expect him to do about my insomnia ? Rowan holds my gaze , waiting . I shake my head , looking away . " I thought you'd visit . " 1/4 21:37 Wed , Oct 15 Chapter 25 Kissen & Promises CAT Finished " I wasn't sure if you wanted me to ," he explains calmly , the hint of a smile playing on his lips . I nod slowly . Of course . " Thank you , " I say . " For saving Finn's life . And mine . I don't know how I could ever repay you . " " I was only honouring my promise of protecting you ." I meet his gaze , and my heart swells with some emotion , closing my throat before I force myself to look away . " Rowan ... " " Yes , Freya , " he rasps , moving closer , his breath fanning my face . His fingers instinctively brush hair away from my cheek and hook beneath my chin , tilting my head up . Our eyes meet , and I shudder with need . I never let myself want him before because I knew I wasn't allowed to . Now there are no bounds . I'm free , and the only thing holding me back is myself . Rowan's green eyes have darkened , watching me with an intensity that makes me feel exposed , but it doesn't scare me . I know I'm safe with him . I'm certain he'd never break my heart if I hand it over to him . Rising on my toes , I seal his lips with mine . He responds with a groan that erupts at the back of his throat , and it's like the ties holding his arms give way . They wrap around my waist , pulling me up and closer until I'm pressed against his chest . My arms hook around his neck as he deepens the kiss , exploring my mouth with his tongue , flooding me with pleasure , and weakening my knees . I'm limp against him , held upright only by his strong grip . Only my lips are moving against his , trying to match the sweet , maddening rhythm he's setting . His hand travels the curve of my waist up my back and grips my neck , fingers burying into my hair , making me moan . It unravels him . He lifts me up effortlessly , locking my legs around his waist , and presses me against the wall . I'm out of breath , and so happy at the same time that I smile against his lips . His laugh comes out rough before he asks , " What ? " " Nothing , " I whisper shyly , turning my head so his kiss lands on my cheek . He moves to my earlobe and nibbles , making me gasp so loud my cheek burns with shame . " Rowan- " " Mmm , " he hums against my neck . " I love you , Freya , " he says . " If the Moon Goddess chooses now's the time to end my life , I will go with no regrets . I'm the happiest man alive on the continent right now . I have never been happier ." My fingers brush his cheek softly , and he smiles wider . " Don't talk of death ," I tell him , my voice cracking . " I can't bear the thought of losing you again ." He shakes his head . " No , I'm not going anywhere . Unless you want me to . " 2/4 21:37 Wed , Oct 15 Chapter 25 Kisses & Promises " No , " I answer without missing a beat . " Stay with me . " 015 69 Finished He kisses me again , and we both smile against each other's lips . He sets me down , and I almost stumble from giddiness . Licking my lips , I brush my hair back . He takes my hand and presses a kiss on it . " I have always been yours , " he reminds me . I nod , feeling a lump form in my throat at the admission . I turn away , then hate myself for it . But the moment has passed . We're surrounded by greater , more dangerous things . And as much as I'd love to let him consume me tonight - and I know he will , given the chance - I hold back . " Izel was behind the attack , don't you think ? " I ask instead . I hear Rowan sigh loudly . " We found the coven , " he says quietly . " The ones who tried the shadow magic ." " Coven ? Found ? " I echo , recovering . " Past tense ? " He nods . " They moved before we reached them . Took everything . Burned their trails . But we found a name ." " What name ? " " Nyssa , " he says . " She was - is a blood - witch . She was believed- " " Dead , " I complete for him , gasping . " So she is alive ." Rowan's eyes darken . " We think she was responsible for Draven's death . But not directly . " Nyx hums low within me , ' The bloodline circles back , always ' *** [ NARRATOR ] Somewhere deep in the keep , far from the Queen's Wing , a single torch burns in a locked chamber . Elder Thane stands beside the window , the torchlight slashing across his silvered hair . " You realize what your mother's done ? " he says coldly . Izel kneels before him , trembling . " I didn't know she was going to do it . She never told me ." " She used her most obvious trick - shadowcraft - and now every fool in the pack will whisper her name . " His lips curl in disdain . " We're trapped , girl . Your mother's impatience has cost us stealth . " 3/4 21:37 Wed , Oct 15 Chapter 25 Kisses & Promises Izel's fingers dig into the floor , eyes wide with fear . " What should I do ? ' Finished " Pray she finishes what she started , " Thane says , turning away . " Because if she fails , she will burn for real this time . And so will we . " Send Gifts 匪