The Moonlit Desires: Bound by Blood

Ava

The weather was so calm and soothing, just the way I have always wanted it though the pack was buzzing with crowds, but when I looked outside from my room window, all I could focus on were the children playing around. It made me think of Emma. They reminded me about her, that ungrateful creature I once called a friend. I did everything for her, my presence shed her away from pack bullies, and we were more like sisters. I did her the honor of choosing her among other rankers but one thing I asked her, she just couldn’t…… What a lunatic and now she’s dead, and fucking forgotten!

But come to think about it, I still got that man under my sleeve. Smirking as I stepped away from the window. I glanced around my room, searching for Vincenzo Salvatore. But he was nowhere to be found. A frown slowly etched on my forehead. He’s been acting strange since the ceremonial night. What’s the matter? Could it be about that beast? But that’s not enough reason for him to be acting up. I mean, he should be grateful that Alpha Matteo is still in charge. Vincenzo can’t challenge that brutal, ruthless creature, let alone end him. Or is there something he’s not telling me? But honestly, I wanted a grand ceremony, and Vincenzo gave it to me before those disgusting vampires invaded our privacy and messed everything up.

Letting out a sigh, I muttered to myself, “Whatever it is, I’ll figure it out. Nothing stays hidden from me for too long.”

With that being said, I strutted out of the room and made my way downstairs. I walked down with confidence, knowing that I was next in line to be the Luna of this pack. I couldn’t help but smile as I noticed the greetings and fearful looks from these low-life rankers.

“Greetings, Miss Ava,” one of the omegas greeted as she tried to walk away. But I quickly grabbed her arm with force, causing her to lose her balance and fall. “Ah…” she cried out in pain.

Ignoring her painful screams, I hushed her, saying, “Shh, listen up. This is your last warning… Next time you greet me, address me as the next Luna in line to lead this pack, got it?” I held onto her, making my point clear.

“But you’re…..

“Do you hear me? You pathetic fool!” I glared at her, silencing her instantly. She fearfully nodded, understanding the consequences. “Good, because if not, you’ll have your tongue cut out,” I threatened, letting out a snarl. “Now, get out!” The words barely left my lips before she hurriedly scrambled away.

Grinning with satisfaction, I kept walking, not paying any attention to the greetings I received. I continued further down, searching for Vincenzo. Suddenly, I heard Alpha Matteo’s voice coming from the conference room as I passed by. I quickly stepped back, fortunate that there was no guard at the door. I quietly leaned against the door, eavesdropping on his conversation with the council elders, his beta, and my father, Gamma.

“Your suggestion, Alpha Matteo, sounds good but it will be hard,”

My father’s voice chimed in, saying, “King Alessandro won’t accept that. You know how power-hungry he is, and he won’t stop until you’re dead.”

“King Alessandro, that beast! What are they talking about? What idea are they suggesting?” I thought to myself, my face showing clear confusion. I gulped nervously and leaned forward, hoping to catch any snippets of their conversation.

“We will first connect with other mythical creatures in our realms to know their take on this before sending the petition to King Alessandro,” Alpha Matteo said. But before I could fully process what they were saying, someone called my name from behind, causing me to nervously snap back to reality.

Nervously swirling around, I was stunned at the person standing in front of me. “Colton…” I mumbled in a whisper, barely audible.

He glanced at me and then at the conference room, a slight frown on his face. “What do you think you’re doing? Eavesdropping on Alpha’s meeting with the council elders, my dear Luna,” he said, the last word dripping with sarcasm.

Clearing my throat, I swallowed hard before a smile suddenly appeared on my lips. “Hey… Colton, how have you been?” I said, trying to steer the conversation in a different direction.

“The topic can’t be changed, dear future Luna,”

“Can we talk?” I said, my voice turning serious. But he blurted out in distaste, “We have nothing to discuss.”

With a confident smile, I knew exactly how to get to him. I could tell he couldn’t resist me, not at all. I understood that he was hurt because I chose Vincenzo over him. Placing my left hand on top of his, I felt him tense up at the sudden contact. “Can we go somewhere and talk, please?” I batted my lashes seductively at him. He looked at me, gulped hard, and nodded his head.

****

Not that long, we were standing in the garden, away from prying eyes. He then swatted my hands away and took a step back, earning a raised eyebrow from me.

“Why’d you do that?” he said, a hint of sadness in his voice.Ccontent © exclusive by Nô/vel(D)ra/ma.Org.

“Do what? What are you talking about?” I asked, feeling confused by his statement

“That day… I saw everything, I heard what went down between you, Vincenzo, and Emma,” he announced, catching me off guard. I quickly masked my surprise, making sure not to reveal my true emotions.

“Why? Why? He was not your mate and you made everybody believe that…..

With a smile, I took a step forward and replied, “Well, that saves me the effort of explaining everything, doesn’t it?” I muttered.

“What are you trying to say?” he asked, his face filled with a frown.

“I did everything that I did because of you,” I suddenly blurted out, surprising him before he burst into a bitter laugh after a while.

“You choose him, have him marked you, sharing the same bed, and now you stand here to say that you did all these just for me… How? Tell me, what the hell is it about me?!” He laughed sadly, demanding an answer.

Sighing, I growled out, “I had his mark to make everybody believe that we are mates and for him to think that I feel the same about him. But don’t worry, we haven’t completed our mating ritual, so the mark is not yet effective since we are not fated mates,” I explained, stepping closer.

He went quiet for a while, and I could tell he was processing everything I just said. “So he hasn’t touched you yet,” he stammered. I smiled and closed the distance between us. “No, not yet,” I replied in a hushed tone, seductively staring at him.

Stammering, he nervously looked away, not wanting to meet my gaze because he could definitely give in to my charm. “But he is my best friend, more like my brother, and my next Alpha… Why are you doing this?” he fumbled with his words.

“Because I care about you and want the best for you. You deserve more than a beta,” I muttered. He looked at me with surprise and replied, “Come on, Ava, the beta was my father, so I was destined to be a beta.” But I shook my head at him, determined.

“You’re stronger than Vincenzo Salvatore. You can’t be a beta forever, come on,” I persisted, slowly running my hands on his shirt, down to his abs. He inhaled sharply, looking down at me. “But he’s your husband,” he managed to whisper, his heart beating fast. I continued to caress his abs, feeling the tension between us.

“Not yet,” I mumbled. “You’re the one I love, Colton, after we split off I haven’t been myself,” I added, my voice trembling. Tears welled up in my eyes as I slowly moved closer to his lips. “Claim me back and I will put you in the position you deserve,” I said, my words filled with longing. Before he could respond, I closed the distance between us and our lips met in a passionate kiss.