Page 30 of Rejecting the Future Moon Goddess

“Darling. It’s time to wake up.” I groan, the warmth of the bed too tempting to get up as I snuggle deeper under the blanket with an amused, deep chuckle coming from behind me. Strong arms wrap around my waist, pulling me closer to a familiar body.

“Come on Gem, we promised Lace to train the wolves of Hidden Claws today.” Ariven’s voice registers in my mind. I sigh, turning in his arms to snuggle closer to him, my mind still a sleep-filled haze. Last night was exhausting between the attack from the Soulless, to the memories of being raped by Lupus surfacing, and crying as I explain my past to Ariven. Fingers run through my hair, lulling me in and out of sleep as my face is buried into the crook of his neck.

“Geminie, you’re naked.” I bolt awake with the statement, making sure to cover myself for a moment with Ariven clutching his stomach, laughing so hard at my brief moment of panic.

“C’mon, Gem; it’s not the first time you’ve been naked in my arms.” He teases, sitting up and tucking a strand of hair behind my ear.

“I get that, but usually I wear my shorts and tank top. Why am I naked?” My question comes out in confusion, wondering what happened after the talk with Ariven.

“You cried yourself to sleep as we talked, and every time I tried to set you down, you wouldn’t let go. So I couldn’t help you dress.” Ariven answers calmly, moving closer and pulling me into his lap. His eyes stare into mine, the forest-green that I adore so much reflecting my image back as he leanscloser to me.

Eyes searching for permission, Ariven stops moving, our lips inches away from one another. I nod my head slightly, my breath hitching and heart beating in anticipation until, finally, he connects our lips together. The kiss is slow but not so gentle. I can feel him claiming me in a way that makes me blush and my stomach flutter. I want him.

The kiss is ended prematurely with the door to our room being swung opened, Maddie and Matt strolling in with easy going grins. These twins are going to be the bane of my existence.

“Hey—” Maddie begins, trailing off as she notices the glare I send her and her brother.

“Were we, uh, interrupting something?” Matt asks, just as clueless as his sister. I growl in frustration, not liking being interrupted and couldn’t wait to be back home in my own cabin with locks and wards created by Lizaria. I need to remind her to make one specifically for keeping the twins out.

“Every time with you two!” I growl, Ariven chuckling as he pulls me tighter to him.

“Don’t you two ever know how to mind link?!” I ask with another growl.

[We do—] Maddie starts.

[—But we like to annoy you.] Matt finishes. Without hesitation, I send the twins out with a gust of wind, making sure they slam into the wall across the room not so gently and that the door is slammed shut and locked. This won’t keep them out, but it will definitely give them a scare and me some peace of mind for the time being.

“Why did we let them into the pack two years ago?” I ask, leaning into Ariven and letting out an annoyed sigh.

“Because you are soft-hearted and wantedto protect them from the Rogue pack that was hunting them down.” Ariven retorts, slipping a finger under my chin and moving closer to my lips. “Now, where were we?” His voice is husky, his lips returning to mine as my hands snake into his long hair. His strong arms hold me tight, protective, and possessive all in one. I shiver when he nips at my bottom lips, his tongue sliding in without hesitation until I let out a small moan. A moment passes and he pulls away, the kiss leaving both of us breathless.

“I think I need a cold shower.” He groans, pressing his forehead to mine. A swift kiss is planted on my forehead and I am gently removed from his lap and placed on the bed. As Ariven gets up, keeping the front of his body turned away from me. I reach for his hand and stop him from walking away.

“Riv,” I call out quietly, looking down at the floor.

“Could… Could we go on a-”

“Yes, darling, we can go on a date.” He answers before I can finish asking. Once again, my head is lifted as a chaste kiss is planted on my lips, my face feeling hot, and I just know I’m as red as a tomato.

“Now, I’m going to shower. You get changed and be ready to go for training.” He mock orders me. I nod, not trusting myself to speak, while Ariven walks into the bathroom, the door closing then followed by the spray of water. I sigh, deciding that Ariven is right and that I need to get up and ready myself for the day. I did promise Lace to train her wolves and get them up to par with the Soulless pack that is constantly growing.

Leaving the warmth of the bed, I walk to the closet and take out a black sports bra and leggings, changing into them before searching for my sneakers. The door to the bathroom opens behind me, a cloud of steam rushing out.

“Hey, have you seen my sneake-” I start asking, pausing as I turn towards Ariven walking out with a towel hung looselyaround his hips, drops of water snaking down his well-toned body.

“I think I saw them downstairs.” He answers, chuckling as he catches my expression.

“See something you like, darling?” His voice is a seductive purr that has me blushing and looking away quickly.

“I’ll see you downstairs.” I mumble, ignoring his playful demeanour and rushing out the bedroom door with his laughter echoing behind me.

???

Waiting for everyone to arrive to the training grounds, Lace and I decide to talk about the alliance treaty I plan to sign before leaving. Both of us promise to be there for each other not only as allies, but also as friends.

“I’m happy you came back, Gem, even if it was to help make Hidden Claws strong again.” Lace whispers, and I smile.

“To be honest, if Ariven had told me we were coming here, I would have denied any help and let this pack rot. He was right that coming here would help me heal.” I state honestly, seeing the understanding look that Lace shoots my way. I know she would not have blamed me for not helping, and I am grateful for that. I might have even offered her a place in my pack had I not helped, and she came looking for me, apologizing and explaining her side.

---