Chapter 104: Chapter 104

Miatta

The festival night was heated and the excitement filled the air. Mated couples sat next to each other, necking and flirting openly while the single ones hoped for a match from the Goddess. Slabs of meat were served starting from the royal household and later, it was distributed amongst the pack. Even the slaves got a bit of everything though it wasn't in large amounts like those of the freeborns. Lucas gave me no excuses to leave his sight and was super clingy throughout the night. He decided he wanted to feed me himself and I obliged him to take any suspicions off me. He was charming and the little he knew, the better for both of us.

However, I couldn't help searching the crowd for Addy. It was almost time for the free run and I had not set my eyes on either she or Ramona. My wolf was itching for action and I could feel her nipping at my guts. The lunar sensation was getting to her and I had to get away before I was pushed off by her. Our empty meal bowl lay at my side and at once, I picked it up to take it away.

“Miatta, stay,” Lucas breathed more than spoke, his posture lazy and relaxed.

“I want to return this. We are done with our meal,” I explained, nibbling on my lower lip afterwards nervously. If there be a Goddess....

“No, Ryker will return it. I don't want you to leave.”

Normally, I would be pissed at the authoritative tone. I hated being told what to do whether the person was my mate or not. I was no one’s carpet but I found myself relinquishing the wooden bowl to Ryker. Lucas tugged on my arm, indicating that he would prefer I was lying in his arms and probably not gaping like a dying fish. I succumbed to his wants, nestling quietly beside him. His chin came down on the top of my head and he sighed in content. My heart expanded at the comfortable sigh and I snuggled deeper into his warmth. Did I want to leave Lucas? No. Did I want to see my family? Yes. The conflicting truths choked me to humble silence, a mood I didn't do very well.

“I'm sorry if I sounded harsh,” he suddenly relented, kissing the top of my head gently.

“It’s okay,” I easily forgave, blinking back tears. “Must be some effect of the full moon or something.”

“Or something,” he repeated wistfully and fell silent again. The only evidence of his presence were his hands roaming around me slowly and so provocatively that I wanted to bark. I was supposed to be planning my escape, not enjoying the caresses of the same person I was to get away from. He hummed in his throat, his fingers climbing the columns of my spine in anticipation. Looking outside our booth briefly, I saw wolves mingling with each other. Some had run off to play in the woods while some shamelessly did their thing in the open. A heated blush stained my cheeks just as an idea formed in my mind.

“Let’s go for a run, Lucas. I want to see how adorable your wolf is.”

“Adorable?” He pushed off my back, taking his magical hands away. “Some might say lethal, dangerous even.”

He scowled his face, his male pride pricked by my mild compliment. I held back a laugh, wanting to get my way for the first time that night. I turned towards him and took his face in between my palms lovingly.

“Show me then, how lethal and/or dangerous you can be.”

His dark orbs blazed with arousal and he was breathing hotly through his nostrils. Goddess, how had I gotten so lucky? Though it was not part of the plan, I couldn't help stealing a kiss from his full pouty lips. He took control of my initiation, deepening the kiss by introducing his deft tongue. His quick strokes in my mouth reminded me of how virile and completely alpha male he was. Adorable could not hold a candle to him; he was absolutely masculine and magnificent. I grabbed onto his shoulders to keep my sitting balance and the muscles underneath my palm rippled in rebellion. As the heat died down, I ended the kiss, bowing my head to catch my breath.

Lucas on the other hand had a big, wide grin stretching his lips. He was proud of himself, of stealing my breath away literally. When I did not expect it, he rose to his feet and offered me his hand. Ryker returned just then and assumed his position outside the booth. I accepted his gesture and pulled myself up with minute difficulty. My legs still felt like jelly from his oral ravishing and I leaned on him briefly to steady myself.

“You asked for a run, my Lady. I also am curious to know your wolf personally,” he said, the last word having a tilted emphasis on it.

“Can you ever get your head out of the gutters? We made love thrice just this morning and you can't keep it together already?”

Although I sounded angry, Lucas decided not to take me serious, throwing his head back in a laugh. I scoffed at his immaturity.

“We didn't make love under the moon and that makes all the difference, Miatta. I want to see the moon cast its shadows on your naked body and your flesh turns milky. You would be as beautiful as the Goddess herself.”

“Don't speak such blasphemy!” I retorted, placing a finger on his lips. “No one can be as beautiful as the Moon Goddess.”

Except Addy, my wolf disagreed, bringing the image of my friend. She was beautiful and since no one had ever seen the Moon Goddess, she was likened to her occasionally. Immediately, I remembered my promise to her and knew that my time with Lucas had come to a sad end. I peeled my finger off his lips, forcing a strained smile on to dissuade any assumptions that I was worried. I took his hand again instead and squeezed it tightly. He got the hint and led us both out of the booth. I trailed behind, searching for Addy again. Her blonde white hair was her calling card and I simply looked out for the diverse hair.

Lucas greeted a bunch of people as we went along, not wasting time gossiping with anyone. I wrapped my hands around his left bicep, taking inventory of the events. It was then I heard Addy’s very distinct laughter explode from somewhere nearby. Luckily, a lycan gave way to a side, totally absorbed in whatever it was Addy was saying. Like a connection between us, she met my eyes and nodded and her message was received. Ramona was ready to leave.

I gazed up at Lucas and saw excitement burning up in his eyes. It was said that love could conquer all, that love was the greatest emotion but there were some things that love could not prevent. I had made up my mind the moment I saw Addy’s subtle nod. The night was lively and it was the night I would leave behind the precious gift the Goddess gave me: my mate.