chapter 5

It wasn’t slow or careful it was real. Soft at first, then deep enough to make time stop. He froze for a second before his hand found my waist, holding me there like he wasn’t ready to let go.

I pulled back instantly, realizing what I just did. We just stood there, staring at each other.

None of us said a word. I didn’t even know what to say my heart was beating so fast it felt like it would burst right out of my chest.

He just looked at me, and for a second, I thought he was going to say something… but he didn’t.

“I—I should go,” I finally said, my voice barely coming out.

He nodded once, and that was it. No word, no reaction just silence. So I turned and walked away, pretending it didn’t hurt.

When I got to my room, I sat on the bed for a long time, just staring at the floor. My lips still tingled where he kissed me, and no matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t stop thinking about it.

Why did I kiss him?

Why am I even this attracted to him… and in that kind of way? Why did it feel like something inside me wanted it to happen?

I pressed my hand against my chest, trying to calm the strange feeling that had been there since it happened. It wasn’t pain, not exactly. Just this warmth that kept spreading like a quiet fire under my skin.

When evening came, I waited for someone to show up, Maybe Derick… or the Alpha… or even Luna Mira, but no one came except the maid who brought my food.

The house was quiet. Too quiet. And that silence made everything worse.

I laid on the bed, staring at the ceiling, my mind spinning nonstop. I didn’t understand what was happening to me. I felt different like something inside me had shifted, something I couldn’t explain.

Every time I thought about him, my chest tightened, and my body reacted like it already knew him somehow. I’ve never felt this way before. Not for anyone and definitely not for a wolf.

***

Derick’s POV

I couldn’t stop thinking about the way she kissed me. Why did she do it?

Does it mean she feels the bond too?

Or she actually likes me?

Nah it’s must be because of my look. That has to be it.

Still, every time I closed my eyes, I saw her face again the way she looked at me, those lips, soft and warm against mine.

And damn… that taste. Sweet. Too sweet.

I ran a hand through my hair and groaned. “Get a grip, Derick,” I muttered to myself. “She’s just a girl.” Just then, a knock came at the door.

I frowned wondering who it was.

“Come in,” I said.

The door swung open, and there he was Gerald, My Beta. Gerald and I have been best friend since we were kids. We grew up together, fought together, and honestly, he was more like a brother than anything else.

“Man” he said with a grin, stepping inside like he owned the place. “You look like hell”.

I blinked in surprise. “Gerald? What the hell why didn’t you mind link me you were coming?”

“Because I wanted to surprise you. Looks like it worked.”

I shook my head, still shocked. “You idiot. You’ve been gone for weeks, and this is how you show up?”

He smirked. “Come on, don’t tell me you didn’t miss me.”

I rolled my eyes. “Not even a bit.”

“Liar,” he said, throwing himself on the couch. “You missed me like crazy.”

I let out a small chuckle. “Fine. Maybe a little.”

“That’s what I thought,” he said proudly. “Anyways, the mission’s done. Clean, smooth, no trouble, We handled the rogues, sealed the borders, and no one got hurt.”

“Good,” I said with a nod. “I knew you’d take care of it.”

He grinned. “Of course. You trained me, remember?”

I smirked. “Yeah, and I’m starting to regret it.”

He laughed again, then looked at me with that mischievous look in his eyes. “So… how are the preparations going?”

I frowned. “Preparations for what?”He gave me that you’ve-got-to-be-kidding-me look. “Don’t tell me you forgot your coronation is in four days.”

“Damn,” I muttered under my breath. “I totally forgot.”

Gerald sat up. “How do you forget something like that? You’re about to be crowned Alpha, man!”

I shrugged. “Guess I’ve had… other things on my mind.”

He raised a brow, smirking. “ yeah it seems like Wait you found your mate, didn’t you?”

“Yeah,” I said quietly.

“Holy sh*t, you actually did.” He leaned forward. “So? Who is she? Where’s she from? What’s she like? Spill it.”

I sighed. “Not now, Gerald.”

He studied me for a second, then nodded. “Alright, fine. But I’m not letting this go forever.”

He stood and stretched, heading for the door. “Oh am so hungry and before I forget your parents are back. They said they want to see you once you’re free.”

I turned to him. “They’re back already?”

“Yep,” he said, smiling. “They just got home a few minutes ago and I think it's about the coronation "

I groaned quietly. “yeah".

Gerald chuckled and patted my shoulder. “Good luck with that. I’m going to grab something to eat before your mom catches me too.”

I felt tired about the whole coronation thing because I was supposed to crowned together with my Luna and now my fucking mate is a human how the fuck am I supposed to protect her.

I ran a hand through my hair and sighed.

I didn’t even realize how tired I was until I sat down. My head was a mess, everything about Aria just wouldn’t leave my mind.

I had no idea what was happening to me. I wasn’t the kind of guy to get distracted over a girl, especially not a human one.

But damn my fucking human mate has gotten under my skin.

Before I could think too much about it, I heard a faint laugh from downstairs my mom’s voice.

I got up, straightened my shirt, and headed to the sitting room.

My mom and dad were sitting together, talking quietly. The moment they saw me, my mom’s eyes lit up.

“There’s my son,” she said with that proud smile she always wore when she looked at me.

“Hey, Mom. Hey, Dad,” I said, walking over.

My father looked up from the papers in his hand. “You look tired.”

I gave a small shrug. “I’m fine. How did the meeting go?”

“Long,” he said. “But good. The council agreed on the arrangements for your coronation.”

“Good to hear,” I said, though my tone came out flatter than I intended.

Mom smiled at me softly. “Four days, Derick. You’re going to be Alpha soon.”

“Yeah,” I said quietly, sitting down across from them. “It’s… hard to believe.”

Dad leaned back. “You’ve earned it. You’ve worked harder than anyone.”

Mom reached over and touched my hand. “It’s your time now. You’re ready.”

I nodded slightly, but my chest felt heavier the longer I sat there.

Then Mom tilted her head, studying me the way only she could. “But something’s bothering you.”

I forced a small smile. “Nothing’s wrong.”

“Don’t lie to your mother,” she said, eyes narrowing just a little. “You’ve been off since we left this morning.”

Dad looked between us, silent but watchful.

Then Mom asked the one question I didn’t want to hear.

“What about your mate?”

I froze. “What?”

“Your mate,” she repeated. “You haven’t said a word about her. Have you found her yet?”

My throat went dry.

I could feel my father’s gaze on me, sharp and heavy.

This was the part where I should’ve told them the truth that I had found her, that she was human, that the Moon Goddess had completely lost it pairing me with someone who didn’t even belong here.

But the words wouldn’t come.

Mom leaned forward. “Derick… please tell me you’ve at least met her.”

I forced a small, tight smile. “No,” I said finally. “Not yet.” I denied.