Chapter Four : Moonlight and Shadows

Emilia's POV 

He led me into the cabin. It was an old house, rusty and dusty, as if it had been abandoned for a long time.

The place was shabby, with cobwebs nestled in the corners, and the clothes there were damp.

“ Where is this place?” That was the question burning on my lips immediately we entered.

“ Just a random place, “ he replied, his deep voice sending a chill down my spine.

My arms trembled, and the knot in my stomach increased as he covered me with his jacket hanging on my shoulders, my wet body shivering in fear.

He went towards the drawer which was a few meters away from where I sat.

He searched through the drawer, pulling out some wipes immediately after we settled on the cushion.

The cushion was soft, its texture was smooth as I rested my shoulders on it letting out a heavy sigh.

“ I can do it myself, no need to help,” I whispered in a low breath.

“ No, stay still, “ he commanded, his voice cold as I tilted my head backward, brushing against my neck with the wipes gently. His touch was warm which left me wondering how a man's touch could be gentle.

I chewed on my lips as his thumb pressed against my neck, heat climbing into my skin.

I shut my eyes tightly as his scent was intoxicating with warm desire spreading through my body.

“ Thank you for today, " I murmured, my voice low and so soft as he brushed my tangled hair before tying it into a ponytail.

“ No need for that, Emilia,” he called out my name with his arms crossed over his chest, looking at me.

“ How did you know my name?” I asked, my lips quivering with suspicion dancing in my belly but he didn't respond.

“ No need for you to know that's my pretty little secret,” he said, his deep voice barely audible.

“ Hey, let me double-check something, “ he whispered, turning towards the window, pulling the curtains aside for a clearer view.

He glanced outside the window and saw the moon shining brightly.

“ Holy shit, it's a full moon,” he declared.

 Tonight was a full moon, the day werewolves yearn for blood, and most times, they went into mating heat, craving the touch of their destined one.

“I don't think it's a good idea to go out alone, Emilia. There are wolves on the prowl tonight,” he informed me.

“ Well, where do you live? I can take you home,” he cleared his throat, offering to escort me home.

“ No, I'm fine, I can help myself, “I insisted standing on my feet, refusing his help.

“Hold on, lemme get you a beer or anything you like, “ he said.

But my stomach grumbled, betraying me, and I wished the ground could swallow me up.

 I haven't had anything to eat or drink at the party. I just faced humiliation from the devil I called my mate.

“ No, I'm fine,” I said, dissuading his concern. I didn't want any affection, not when my mate betrayed me.

“Look, you are really pretty, “ his baritone voice cuts through the room, slicing into the walls.

“Are you flirting with me? “ I asked, looking at him as he brushed the strands of hair away from my face.

I flinched.

“ I will take my leave now,” I said, turning towards the exit heading home.

**************************

“So the teacher is pairing us up for a scene performance. You got a partner?“ Wesley asked as I packed my books into my bag.

“I um..” I stammered my heart pounding in my ears as he leaned closer towards me.

“Oh, she does, her partner is me, Wesley"Chloe's voice cuts through the room, standing at arm's length with her friends, her eyes filled with contempt, flickering on Wesley and me.

“Come on, don't be jealous, “ Wesley spoke with a malicious smirk spread on his lips.

“Emily actually knows Shakespeare right, and besides, it's not like we will be glued together, “ he replied with a wild grin on his face.

“I don't know what you mean “ I whispered, my arms trembling as his blue angelic eyes pierced into mine.

“Come on, she can barely breathe around you, “ Chloe snickered, her voice devoid of emotion.

"Yeah Wesley, you are being way too nice to the lost lamb,” her friends chimed in with a smile playing on their lips.

“She barely even deserves a seat in this class

Wesley, since when did you start collecting strays?” Chloe giggles, her words hitting me like a fatal blow.

An alpha should be with someone worthy, someone who can stand beside you like his future Luna, not a shabby little human “ She spat, rolling her eyes at me.

I swallowed hard at her words, slicing my flesh apart.

“It's enough, I will decide who I'm with, no one else, you got it?” Wesley's deep voice vibrated through the room and they all kept mute the moment his eyes landed on them.

His aura was dominating as he stood tall and mighty towering over them like a god.

“Yes, Wesley, “ they chorused in unison, rushing out of the room.

I sighed in relief when they left in relief, an inexplicable feeling washing over me.

“ Did I scare you? “ he asked, his voice above a whisper.

“A little “ I replied, my arms shaking like a little kitten.

“Is it because of how I yelled at them?”  he inquired, narrowing his eyes to look at me.

“Look, they are my pack and I'm their future alpha, that's why they look at me like um something untouchable,” he explained, staring keenly into my eyes.

“But you are special, “ I replied softly.

“You mean that “ he cast a glare over me, his hand resting on my desk.

“Look, if I don't find a Luna before my birthday, I can't become alpha, and the law is clear: no alpha, no claim, only execution for the next in line.” His voice was laced with concern, while his face was pale.

“Have we met before?” he asked with curiosity trying to see through me.

“I don't think so,” I replied, his gaze flickering on me.

“Why can't I smell you?” he inhaled with a frown settling on his face looking confused.