Chapter 52
ARIA
Today was Blood Moon. My eighteenth birthday. And according to everything Jace had told me, possibly the night that would reveal who or what–I truly
was.
I lay awake beside him, watching his chest rise and fall with steady breaths. These past days had been a blur of training, pack meetings, and stolen moments together. The countdown to tonight’s ceremony had everyone on edge, especially me.
The strange voice from my unconscious state still echoed in my mind. Transformation. What did that even mean?
Jace stirred beside me, his arm tightening around my waist. His eyes opened, instantly alert as always.
“Morning, little one,” he murmured, voice rough with sleep.
I tried to smile, but my anxiety must have shown through.
“What’s on your mind?” he asked, brushing hair from my face.
“Nothing special.” My automatic response.
Jace’s expression hardened. “Don’t bullshit me, Ria. I can tell something’s bothering you.”
I sighed. “Today’s the Blood Moon.”
“Yes.” His thumb traced my lower lip. “And at midnight, you turn eighteen. Big night for you.”
“I’m nervous,‘ I admitted.
‘Don’t worry, little hunter. Everything will work out.” He kissed my forehead, but I felt the tension in his body. He was worried too.
We stayed in bed longer than usual, talking about pack business, Aurora’s school progress–anything but what awaited us tonight. Finally, Jace sat up.
“Come on,” he said. “I have something for you.”
I followed him to his walk–in closet, watching as he pulled out a large garment bag. He unzipped it carefully.
“Holy shit, I breathed.
Inside was a floor–length gown in deep blood red. The bodice was fitted with delicate lace sleeves and an open lace back. The skirt had two layers: silk that ended mid–thigh with lace overlay that flowed to the floor.
“Jace…” I stood frozen, unable to find words.
“You like it?” He sounded uncertain, so unlike his usual Alpha confidence.
“It’s beautiful,” I managed, running my fingers over the fabric. “But this must have cost a fortune.”
‘Don’t worry about the price, little hunter.” His voice softened. Consider it an early birthday gift. Tonight’s special–you deserve something special to wear.”
“Thank you,” I whispered.
‘Eliana helped pick it out. She’s arranged stylists to help you both get ready.”
I turned to face him. “This seems excessive, Why go to all this trouble?”
*Because you deserve it, Ria.” His hand cupped my cheek. “I want you to be my date tonight, to enter the celebration as the most stunning woman in Moon Shadow territory.“,
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Chapter 52
My heart raced. ‘I’d love to be your date.”
After breakfast, Jace tugged me toward his bathroom, his grip firm, teasing. Steam curled from the filled tub, water dark with herbs and oils, their heady scent wrapping us, making my skin buzz with want.
‘Join me?‘ he murmured, yanking his shirt off in one smooth pull. His bare torso–lean muscle carved with battle scars–lit a fire in my core. My fingers ached to trace every ridge, every mark etched into the man standing there.
I nodded, heat creeping up my cheeks despite our weeks tangled together. We stripped, the air crackling with need. His eyes raked over me, darkening as they lingered on my breasts, my curves, my bare pussy. That hungry stare stole my breath, sent my pulse racing.
We sank into the steaming water, Jace pulling me tight against his wrapped around me, strong but tender.
chest. His slick skin on mine–hot, forbidden–ripped a gasp from my throat. His arms
His hands kneaded my shoulders, each stroke sparking heat across my skin. Fingers grazed my collarbone, teasing lower, brushing the swell of my breasts before pulling back. I arched into him, craving more, my body begging where words failed.
“Caught you overthinking,” he rumbled low against my ear, lips grazing that sensitive spot just below. His voice vibrated through me, sending shivers racing down my spine.
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