“Enchanted.” He dipped her suddenly, making her gasp. When he pulled her back up, their faces were inches apart. “Completely, utterly enchanted.”
The world fell away as they danced, the music carrying them across the floor. Lorelei’s architect’s brain couldn’t help but appreciate how perfectly the ballroom’s acoustics carried the melody, but mostly she focused on the feel of Draken’s strong hands guiding her, the way his eyes never left hers, the electric current that seemed to flow between them.
The last guests filtered out of the ballroom, leaving Lorelei alone with Draken. The orchestra continued playing, their melody softer now, more intimate. Her gown whisked against the marble floor as Draken drew her closer, his muscular frame pressing against hers.
Her heart fluttered as his hand splayed possessively across her lower back.
“You’re perfect,” he whispered in her ear, his breath warm against her skin. “The way you handled everyone tonight, the grace you showed...”
Lorelei’s breath hitched as his lips brushed her earlobe, then traced a path down her neck. Each kiss sent electricity coursing through her veins. Her fingers curled into the fabric of his jacket.
“I’m hardly perfect,” she managed to say. “I nearly caused three tremors when that one wolf questioned my ability to?—“
“But you didn’t.” His voice rumbled against her throat. “You maintained control. Proved yourself stronger than anyone expected.”
His praise made her feel warm all over. When had she started caring so much about his opinion? About fitting into this world of his?
Draken’s hand cupped her cheek, tilting her face up to his. His eyes blazed with a fire that made her knees wobbly. “My Luna,” he growled softly before capturing her lips with his.
The kiss started gentle but quickly deepened into something more passionate. Lorelei melted against him, her body molding to his as if they’d been perfectly designed for each other. Maybe they had been.
The earth beneath their feet trembled slightly – not from fear or anger this time, but from the pure pleasure of his kiss. Draken smiled against her lips, clearly pleased by her response.
For the first time since discovering her powers, since being brought to this castle, since learning about wolves and Lunas and mates, Lorelei felt truly content. Maybe, just maybe, there was a place for her here after all – not just as the Luna, but as herself.
FIFTEEN
DRAKEN
Draken’s heart thundered with joy as he gazed down at Lorelei. The moonlight shining in through the ballroom’s windows cast a silvery glow around them, making her brown eyes sparkle.
“Would you like to come up to my master suite?” he asked, his voice husky with anticipation.
Her lips curved slowly into a smile. “Yes.”
That single word sent a thrill through him. He took her hand, leading her across the empty ballroom floor. Their footsteps echoed in the vast space as they approached the grand staircase.
Every other time they’d been intimate it had been outside, primal and rushed after training. But tonight would be different. Tonight, she was choosing to stay in his suite, to be with him properly in his bed. His wolf howled at the thought.
“Your party was quite successful,” Lorelei said as they ascended the stairs.
“Our party,” he corrected gently. “And yes, it was. The pack seems quite taken with their new Luna.” He squeezed her hand. “Did you see how excited everyone got when you started talking about modernizing the pack homes?”
“They did seem enthusiastic about that.”
They soon reached his suite door, and he opened it, guiding her inside. The moment the door clicked shut behind them, he pressed her up against the nearest wall.
“I’ve wanted you all night,” he murmured before capturing her lips in a passionate kiss. She tasted like champagne and possibility, and his wolf growled with desire.
Her fingers threaded through his hair as she returned his kiss with equal fervor. The subtle trembling of the floor beneath his feet told him her powers were responding to her passion. He’d never felt more powerful, more complete, than when they were together like this. This was right. This was perfect.
“I like your suite,” she whispered against his lips.
He chuckled. “You haven’t even seen it yet.”
His hands moved with purpose, sliding down her back until he found the zipper of her gown. The fabric whispered against her skin as he tugged it down, letting it pool at her feet. She stood before him in nothing but a delicate pair of panties, her chest rising and falling with quick breaths. His wolf stirred at the sight, primal satisfaction thrumming through him. She was his, and he was going to make sure she never doubted it.
“You’re beautiful,” he murmured, his voice rough with desire. His hands cupped her breasts, his thumbs brushing over her hardening nipples. Her gasp was music to his ears. He leaned in, capturing one peak between his lips, teasing it with his tongue until she trembled. Her fingers tangled in his hair, holding him close, and he growled low in his throat.