Semua Bab Rejected Luna : Alpha's Promise, King's Claim : Bab 21 - Bab 30

VENUSThe girls behind Olivia shoot me icy glares, as if I’ve committed some unforgivable crime.“What?” I snap, taken aback by her accusation. “I didn’t do anything like that.”Olivia turns to face me fully, crossing her slender arms with a smug smile. “Don’t deny it. There’s no reason to ban the use of our wolf’s special powers unless there’s a weakling among us who can’t handle it.”She points a finger straight at me.I want to retort but her words make me think. Did Bronze really ban it because of me? “Though you managed to get back in, you’re nothing but a burden to everyone else in the camp,” she says sharply and my chest tightens. She smirks. “But there’s nothing to worry about. I’ll kick your ass during our battle and that will leave you no choice but to leave.” Saying that, she sidesteps me and strides out of the cafe. I wanted to say something but I am at a loss for words. The fact that Bronze did it for me to give me a fair chance in the camp does not make me feel good. I

VENUSI didn’t expect that. I thought he’d say what I did was wrong. Instead he sounds like he…gets me. “But running away isn’t the solution,” he says and his grip on my throat loosens. Something about the way he says it makes my tense nerves loosen and I feel calm. “Learn to stand your ground even when things seem confusing. I told you before. This camp isn’t for the weak,” he says and I can sense that he’s not talking about my physical strength. I look away from his burning gaze. It's not easy. My breath hitches in my throat as I sense him getting closer to me. My eyes grow wide as he dips his head below my chin and I feel his warm breath on my neck. A shudder runs down my spine as he lingers close to my neck, as if he’s holding back from something. What is he doing? I should stop him but my body seems to have a mind of its own. Warm sensations surge down my skin until I feel his canine prick my skin. I gasp as he bites me gently before he steps back. He lets go of me and look

VENUS“Lucky me,” he murmurs with a low, teasing drawl. “Looks like I get to be paired with the camp’s popular girl.”I arch a brow, surprised. I hadn’t expected Rowan to pair me with anyone, let alone this guy whom I hadn't noticed before.I was almost getting used to sparring with him. With Rowan.But Rowan’s intense gaze burns into my skin, and I quickly mask my disappointment.“Start with your warm-ups,” he commands, his voice clipped. We both nod.“I didn’t take you for the shy type,” Alexander says, breaking the silence. I glance up to find his eyes twinkling with mischief. Something about his playful energy loosens the knot in my chest.“Uh, well… I’m not exactly great with introductions,” I say, tucking a strand of hair behind my ear. “I’m Venus.”He smirks. “Of course I know who you are. You’ve built quite the reputation.”His tone is light, but his charming smile tells me he’s used to female attention and probably returns it just as easily.“Ah, well… about that…” I purse my

VENUSAlex’s voice snatches my attention from him again. “We’ve got some time before the next session starts. Wanna get some fresh air?” he asks. I look over at Sydney, who is still locked in with the first round with her partner. Rowan’s right-hand man, Nile, is showing her how she can do better with her moves. I nod. “Sure.” We slip out of the gym and into the open. The sky is a cool silver-gray, the air mildly cold with the scent of wet soil and pine. I inhale deeply, loving the atmosphere. Alex finds a dry bench under an overhanging roof near the field’s edge. He flops down like he owns the space. I sit beside him, keeping a small gap. This feels nice. A girl named Rimi who works in the packhouse walks past us with a tray of muffins, her cheeks pink as she approaches. “I made these!” she says, a little too cheerfully. “Want some?”“Thank you so much.” I say and take two muffins from her basket. I turn just in time to find Alex taking five, the muffins stacked in both hands.

VENUSAlex grins, liking the idea. “I’ll bring drinks.”Sid nods. “Venus, you in?”I tilt my head. The idea is crazy and sort of reckless even. My gut tells me it’s not a good idea to wander into the woods late at night. But I need this. To forget everything that I have been going through. I nod. “I’ll bring food.” Sid flashes us a grin. “Deal then. Midnight. Don’t chicken out, both of you.” Her eyes narrow with mock seriousness, and we both nod. She’s dead set on making tonight a blast.—-----It’s finally midnight. The moon casts silvery shadows as the three of us slip into the woods. Sydney leads us through winding trails until we find a secluded clearing with mossy rocks and tall pines. The air is crisp after the rain, the scent of damp pine and wood lacing every breath. Alex finds a huge mossy log that looks dry enough to sit on. “This works.” I nod and follow him. The coolness of the seat seeps through my black jeans. Sydney plops on a huge rock and places the music box sh