Chapter 5

The intruder happened to be a wolf in the territory. I could recognize it as a messenger wolf used mostly for spy work and errand disposal. 

"It is from the Crimson Moon pack. They wanted to ask if you have seen a young lady of theirs in the forest", the town's messenger called out. 

"We haven't seen anybody. Everyone here is a member of the Lycans Tavern, no werewolves allowed" Kelvin let out with a growl. His fists clenched at his sides, his jaw tight as he glared at the messenger. His breath came out in ragged, shallow gasps, the tension in his posture radiating fury. "They want you dead, don’t they?" he muttered, more to himself than to anyone else, the growl in his voice deepening with each word.

"Excuse me to take a background sniff. I have traced her scent here, she might be intruding", the wolf said moving forward. 

Kelvin abruptly grabbed me by the waist, bringing me closer, and kissing me straight up. His lips pressed against mine before I could think, a forceful, unexpected kiss. My heart skipped a beat, my body frozen for a second. But then the warmth of his hands on my face drew me in. I parted my lips instinctively, and the world seemed to melt away as we kissed—rough, hungry, and electric. Every nerve in my body hummed, my mind racing, but I couldn't pull away.

The Crimson Moon pack messenger wolf began to sniff us all. My heart pounded in my chest, each beat a heavy reminder of the danger surrounding me. Sweat slicked my palms as I clenched them into fists, my breath shallow and uneven. What if they knew? What if they found out I was still alive? The thought twisted in my gut, a cold knot of fear.

I intended to run when the wolf got to me but Kelvin spoiled it. He brought me in more, blocking my face with his as he rubbed his cheeks on mine. 

After minutes of sniffing, the Crimson Moon Pack messenger wolf apologized. He couldn't find my scent and the Lycans were clear from suspicion. A win-win for everyone. I still didn't understand why I wasn't caught by the wolf's strong sense of smell but I was happy it didn't. 

After the wolf had returned, we continued the party. This was the first time my birthday was being celebrated after I became an adult. People don't usually remember I exist so I got used to it. 

I knew I didn't tell Kelvin about my birthday but it all worked out eventually. I was happy for the first time in ages. Seeing other people smile, cheer me on, and make me feel like I belonged seemed to be the best gift ever. 

Kelvin was surprisingly not harsh and cold with me today. He was with me throughout and made sure nothing ever happened to me. He became overprotective of me and I felt wanted once more. 

The hall that was occasioned for my birthday eventually became a ball. Everyone was dancing with their mates and the singles on the other were also pairing themselves up. It seemed rather strange as the Crimson Moon Pack rules were all elated. Everyone had a right to choose as long as Kelvin didn't oppose their supposed decision. 

Kelvin appeared in front of me with his hand stretched forward. "Shall I have this dance?", he asked with his red eyes glowing brighter than usual. He seemed to be happy for some reason, maybe they were victorious in the war. 

"I don't know how to dance", I replied. I didn't want to break the rules I was brought up with even though they regretted having me.  

My cheeks burned as I glanced down at my feet, my hands twisting nervously in front of me. My stomach fluttered, a mixture of nerves and exhilaration flooding through me. I wanted to say something, but the words got stuck in my throat, my excitement bubbling under the surface, waiting for a moment to burst free.

"Don't worry I will teach you how to", he grabbed me, dragging me towards him. He held my waist almost immediately and the next minute my hands were on his shoulders. It was breathtaking. 

My legs were betraying me as they swayed according to his movement. His eyes met mine as we danced in the middle of the hall. The melody played was so soothing to my ears that I had no other option but to reveal my hidden talent.

I took the lead, making him spin me. With a twirl, I fell back and as expected he held me up. We made eye contact for a while and I could feel the thread of faith pulling us together. He was suddenly so caring and I couldn't see his ruthlessness anymore. The man who had made me suffer for the past couple of weeks seemed far different from the man before me. 

He was looking lonely, he needed someone to care for him and make him a happy man. He might just have the same or a similar backstory, just like me.

Abruptly, I rose on my toes kissing him on the lips. He opened up to me with his hands on my waist. I could feel his sorrows running through me and mine running out as we exchanged fluid once more. 

Our tongues ravished each other as our needs and desires began to roll out. I began to lose control and my eyes were closing. I broke it up, running out of the hall. I couldn't believe what I had just done. "Rachael, Rachael!!!"

"What in the world was I thinking", I asked myself rhetorically. This was far unimaginable. Kissing the Lycan Prince all of a sudden.

My mind raced, calculating my next move. I couldn't just sit there and wait for the worst to happen. I had to think fast, think smart. This was no longer about survival; it was about outplaying them, and fast.

I was barely sitting comfortably on the bed when he came in. He didn't have the role of knocking, having been the owner of the room. 

"Didn't you like the party?", he asked as he walked towards me. 

"It's not that. I love it, it's the best thing that's ever happened to me", I said as he sat beside me. 

"Then what happened? You just left me in front of everyone", he yelled at me. 

"It's because of you okay.", I yelled right back, regardless. 

"What do you mean because of me?" He sat right up. Staring at me with those eyes filled with mediocrity. 

The words tumbled out before I could stop them, raw and trembling. "I… I love you, Kelvin." My breath caught in my throat, the weight of the confession sinking in as I stared at him, my heart in my eyes

"I know I shouldn't have. It's just that these past weeks with you have been the best I have ever had. And I find it hard to believe but it is what it is. It's okay if you don't feel the same way about me, I just want to let you know that…..", he shuts me up with his lips. 

Without a word, he pulled me close, his hand sliding around my waist, strong and steady. His presence filled the space between us, overwhelming and intense, making the room feel smaller. My pulse quickened as he held me there, the air thick with something unspoken.

...In the Crimson Moon Pack. The messenger wolf enters a dark room and with a howl calls out to his master.

"What do you have for me?", the voice asked.

"I couldn't find her scent anywhere but I found the gown she wore on the mating ceremony. They must be hiding something."