Page 28 of Rejection on the Full Moon

"Why are you crying, Fire?" Dominic asks, pulling away from the kiss. His hand leaves my now messy hair, his thumb gently wiping away the tears of happiness from my face. I couldn't help but chuckle as I lean into his touch, nuzzling his hand and sighing contently.

"Because I'm happy." My voice is small, but relief fills me, as the pain of the rejection and years of feeling alone are now gone. I am genuinely happy, happier than the day I joined Blood Moon, and I am loved by someone I knew I wanted as my mate once we grew closer. The notion itself is something I’m still wrapping my mind around, as just moments ago, I was facing the delusions of my tormentor and ex-mate. Now, I’m wrapped in a loving embrace from Dominic, his lips kissing my temple gently as he guides my head to the crook of his shoulder.

"You don’t know how long I've waited for this, Amberle. I've known we were mates since your birthday last year, but had to wait until the mate bond between you and Leo broke." Dominic admits, his fingers drawing soothing circles on my back. My stomach flutters at his confession. The way he has treated me since that day now making sense. He had let my feelings for him develop naturally instead of telling me right away that we were fated to be with each other. My appreciation and trust for this man grows, knowing that Dominic never forced me into anything. He waited for me, and I know that with him by my side that I'll never be alone.

"You're starting to shiver, so let's hurry up to the cabin so we can change and go on our date." A bemused smile is displayed on Dominic's face, causing me to giggle as we untangle ourselves from our embrace and continue our walk to the guest cabin. The building is almost empty except for the few pack mates who either lounge around in the living room or seek the medicine known as coffee in the kitchen.

They greet us, their eyes gazing at Dominic and me suspiciously before turning their questioning gazes away. There is a silent agreement between Dominic and I to not announce our good news yet. I wanted my mate to myself for tonight, and I can tell Dominic wanted me for himself as well. Tomorrow wouldn't be too late to announce it, anyways.

Hand-in-hand, we climb the stairs to the third floor, with Dominic planting kisses anywhere he can reach until we get to my room. He promptly shuts the door and claims my lips in another heated kiss.

"Sorry." He mutters, his hands on my hips as he plants another kiss on my swollen lips.

"Why are you sorry?" I ask, a blush on my face.

"Because you have this date planned for us, and I keep delaying it. I've wanted to kiss you for so long like this." Dominic answers, claiming my lips once more with his own and nipping my already sore lips yet again.

"I would say let's shower together, but I have a feeling I wouldn't be able to control myself." He sighs once he ends his kisses. I nod, my head resting against his shoulder as I catch my breath.

"Go take your shower Fire, I'll wait for you to be ready." Dominic chuckles out, kissing my forehead gently before leaving my room to head to his own. A soft smile plays on my lips as I bask in the pure happiness. After taking a moment to stand there and collect myself, I head into the bathroom connected to my room and take the time to shower away the stress and training from today. Returning to my room fresh and clean, I notice a black bag sitting on my bed with Dominic's scent still lingering on it.

[What's in the bag?] I link him, my hand toying with the ribbon that ties it shut.

[Something I picked out for you when I realized you're my mate.] Is Dominic's reply. I grin, pulling the end of the ribbon until the bag opens. Inside is a set of clothing, with everything from the off-the-shoulder dress to the matching undergarments being the same shade of lavender. The only other pop of colour is the dark purple scarf that was large enough to be a shawl sitting at the bottom of the pile.

Drying off quickly and carefully drying my curls, I dress in the outfit Dominic left for me, slipping on my knee-high winter boots and grabbing my purse, the bag with Dominic's gift, and my winter jacket before opening the bedroom door to leave. My body feels light as a feather with the happiness high I’m riding right now. I come face-to-face with Dominic, who leaves his room as well, his eyes scanning me from head to toe, with love clearly visible in his eyes.

"How do I look?" I ask sheepishly, playing with the end of the scarf.

"Perfect, as always." Once again, I am left blushing, a bashful smile playing on my lips at Dominic's words as his arms pull me towards him.

"We... We should go now before everyone comes back." I say, feeling a little embarrassed and getting a chuckle from Dominic. He motions for me to lead the way.

I should be used to how Dominic acts with me, how he likes to pull me close to him and play with my hair or kiss my temple, but realizing how much I have fallen for him in the last year and a half, and having fate intertwine our destinies as mates, has left me a bashful, shy mess.

Taking his hand, Dominic and I walk down the stairs. More pack mates have returned to the guest cabin from Forest Paw's pack house, as a round of video games is playing in the living room. Everyone seems to be focusing on it, well, all but Christian, who bound over to us while Dominic helps me into my jacket.

"Amberle and I are heading out. Please make sure everyone behaves." Dominic orders, his arm wrapping around me possessively. I could see the gears shifting behind Christian's eyes as he looks between Dominic and me. Of course, he would notice the change as my blush intensifies. I had a feeling everyone will know we are mates soon enough.

"Okay, Dom. Have fun, you two." Christian replies, winking at Dominic before heading back into the living room. Dominic ushers me out of the door and towards my Mustang, where I promptly inform him that I’m driving and that he has no say in the matter. Before I can climb into the driver seat of my car, Dominic turns me around for a not-so-chaste kiss, his lips sending more sparks through me, igniting a desire that I would gladly give in to any other time, if it weren’t for the fact we had plans.

“Now, we can go.” He chuckles at my dazed expression, then kisses my cheek and helps me into the car. I glare at my mate, who takes his seat beside me, a bemused smile on his lips, lips that are seriously having a hard time staying off of mine.

“Behave, Dominic,” I warn my mate before starting the car and driving. Blue already knew of my plans to leave the territory, hence the guards waving at me when we reach the edge of the pack line before allowing us to leave. I take a route towards Sauble Beach, my eyes taking in the twilight scenery. It’s been a long time since I’ve come back here, and it’s nice to see that the tourist town is still the same. Winter is when everything is slow, as summer is the most booming time for the beach. But the water still looked so beautiful, even with the icy, cold waves giving off a foreboding feeling.

I continue to drive until I come to a small café, stopping in the parking lot. The outside is already decorated for Christmas, with lights hanging around the white wooden porch and wrapped around the large pine tree sanding proudly.

“This place is cozy-looking.” Dominic states, a smile on his face as his eyes take in the decor. Dominic, having been born in December, is a Christmas maniac. The moment it’s November 12th, the day after Remembrance Day, the Christmas tree at the entryway of the pack house goes up. The pack is expected to help decorate the pack house, and the pups have a blast, stringing up the decorations as well as making their own. I wonder what he will say, knowing my house still doesn’t have Christmas decorations up yet.

“Come on, Christmas freak, this is where I planned our date.” I roll my eyes at my mate, climbing out of the car and reaching for my purse and the gift bag. Dominic climbs out and rushes to my side, placing his hand on the small of my back as I lock my Mustang. We make our way into the café, and a waitress greets us, her eyes instantly drawn to Dominic as she tries to flirt with him in front of me.

“My wife and I will like a cozy table.” Dominic states, his eyes trained on me. I see the deflated look on the human’s face, and I do a small victory dance in my head. Stupid human girls need to learn not to go after men that are clearly taken. The waitress leads us to a quiet corner next to the fireplace, a loveseat and a coffee table, making the area cozy and intimate.

“Someone will be coming to take your orders.” The young waitress states, sending one last attempt of flirting to Dominic, only to leave deflated when he ignores her advances and helps me sit down.

“So, what is this place?” Dominic asks once we’re settled on the loveseat, cuddling. I smile, looking around the room for a moment and take in the familiar scene. Nothing has changed about this place.

“It’s where I worked part-time most days. I learned how to make the cheesecake you love so much here.” I answer, seeing the surprise in Dominic’s eyes. I spent many days here as my refuge away from my pack. Having worked full-time in the summer and part-time during school, I was able to save some money. I didn’t have to spend much from my paycheck, as I already had some to use specifically for school and personal needs growing up, money that every pup in the pack receives as an allowance. But working here gave me a sense of pride and accomplishment.

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