Eila stood at the edge of the ceremonial grounds, the late afternoon sun casting molten light across the gathering space. The air shimmered with excitement as tonight marked the full moon celebration—one that promised transformations, revelations, and, perhaps, a few fated unions. But Eila's thoughts were elsewhere, tied up in the heaviness of the day, the intensity of her training, and the secrets weighing on her chest.
She turned slightly toward Nina, her ever-perceptive mentor. "Would you mind meeting me in the ceremonial grounds later?"
Nina raised an amused brow, her dark eyes flicking briefly from Eila to the tall, imposing figure standing nearby. "Of course," she said with a knowing curve to her lips. "Though something tells me I won't be the only one joining you."
Leonard Blackwell, Beta of the Moon Treasure Pack, stood draped in the deep charcoal and silver ceremonial attire of his station. The fine embroidery on his coat shimmered in the light, but it was the man himself—his dark hair brushed back, those icy eyes flickering with restrained heat—that caught all attention. He was devastatingly handsome tonight, and he knew it. Eila could barely look at him without her heart betraying her.
Nina gave a parting wink and left with a silent chuckle. No sooner had she disappeared into the gathering crowd than Eila felt a firm, possessive tug on her wrist.
Before she could even gasp, Leonard had pulled her into a shadowed alcove behind one of the stone arches lining the path. Her breath caught in her throat—not from fear, but from the way his touch ignited every nerve in her body.
"Leonard—" she began, but her words melted into a whisper as she looked into his eyes.
"I needed one moment with you," he murmured, voice low, husky, dangerous.
"Before the world starts pulling us in different directions again."
Eila's hands came to rest on his chest, more out of instinct than thought. His heartbeat thundered beneath her palm. Leonard didn't waste another second—his lips crashed against hers, devouring her like a man starved. She responded with equal hunger, parting her lips and taking his bottom one between hers, teasing it gently until he groaned into her mouth.
His hand snaked around her waist, the other cupping her breast through the thin fabric of her dress. The sensation sent sparks dancing down her spine. His tongue sought entrance, and she granted it, their kiss deepening into something wild and untamed—something only the moon herself could witness without blushing.
Eila nearly forgot where they were—until voices floated nearby.
They broke apart, gasping for air, their foreheads pressed together. Leonard's expression was full of reluctant frustration, but Eila, ever mindful of reputation and whispers, pulled back.
"You're going to cause a scandal," she teased breathlessly, cheeks flushed and eyes glittering.
"Let them talk," he muttered darkly. But when she insisted, he relented—only to pull her forward again once the voices passed.
"Where are we going now?" she asked, adjusting her wind-swept hair.
"You'll see," he replied with a faint smile that promised trouble.
They walked briskly through the winding halls of the Pack House, finally arriving at a richly decorated parlor that looked more like a private boutique than any place Eila had ever visited. A sleek man in a silk waistcoat stepped forward—Larry, as Leonard introduced him.
Larry's eyes briefly flicked toward Eila with thinly veiled curiosity, perhaps even judgment, but at the Beta's subtle glare, his lips pressed into a tight smile.
"Everything is ready, sir," he said, bowing slightly.
Two young women—Gemma and Sosha—entered from the side room, barely containing their giggles at the sight of Leonard lounging casually on a velvet chaise, flipping through a book like royalty awaiting his queen. Eila raised an eyebrow at him, but he only smirked and sent her a private message through the mind-link.
"Go inside. I've prepared a surprise. Trust me."
Despite her confusion, she obeyed.
The next hour passed in a whirlwind. She was bathed, primped, brushed, powdered, and styled. The girls worked with confident, gentle hands, chatting among themselves about fabrics and colors and gowns. By the end of it, Eila barely recognized the reflection staring back at her in the mirror.
She was transformed.
A pastel blue gown flowed down her figure like spring water, the fabric light and elegant with intricate embroidery glimmering along the hem. A delicate frill swept across her shoulder and trailed diagonally across the bodice. The sleeves puffed slightly at the shoulders, giving her a regal silhouette, while her golden accessories added just enough shimmer to complete the look.
Her hair was swept into a loose bun with soft curls framing her cheeks, her lips a soft rose, her eyes bright with nervous wonder.
When she stepped out, Leonard was still seated with his tea, but the moment his eyes lifted and landed on her, the cup nearly slipped from his fingers.
He stood abruptly, crossing the room with a look so intense it stole her breath all over again.
"Eila…" he whispered, as if unsure she was real.
"I'll be waiting outside," she said quickly, cheeks burning as she turned and slipped out the door.
Behind her, Leonard exhaled in disbelief, his voice rasping across their link.
"Goddess help me… how am I supposed to survive this night without taking her?"