Secrets of the Moon

22

 Surrounded by darkness, I can still feel the pain of the burns from the silver handcuffs. I moan in discomfort as I try to move a little. Soft hands suddenly roam over my body as they massage the troubles and pain away. I sigh and relax as all the stress feels like it is finally leaving my body.

Wait, what is going on? Wasn't I just laying on the cold damp concrete floor? I thought I was dying so why does this touch feel so real and familiar?

My eyelids flutter open as I blink against the shining light in front of them. I am finally able to focus seconds later without the light hurting my eyes. Looking around, I notice that I am not in the musty and muggy stone basement.

"What happened," I ask as I try to sit up.

Two strong hands lightly push me back down to lay back on the bed. I look beside me to see Ethan sitting on top of the bed covers.

"Don't move. You went through a lot and you're not fully healed yet."

His voice is filled with such remorse and guilt as he looks away from me. It makes my heart ache to see him like this. Ignoring his advice, I sit up and lean over to wrap my arms around him in a hug. Tears immediately fall down my cheeks as the feeling of comfort and safety finally set in.

"I was so scared. I wasn't sure if Ayla was able to communicate with my father or not. It was terrible. The silver handcuffs hurt so badly and there was nothing I could do to fight back."

He wraps his arms around my waist to hug me back. I lay my head on his shoulder as I continue to cry and get all of my feelings out.

"I was so scared that I was never going to see you again. It made me realize that I have been stupid this whole time in rejecting you and becoming Luna of the pack."

"Shhh, everything is okay now. I'm not going anywhere.I'm here now."

He pulls a little away from me to look at my face. His hand reaches up to caress my cheek as he wipes the tears away with his thumb.

What would I do without Ethan? He has always been there for me even when I tried to push him away. I should forget about everything in the past and just live the way I want to from now on, including being with Ethan.

Taking Ethan by surprise, I jump on his chest to push him down on top of the bed covers as I kiss him. I feel his body go stiff as he is startled before he slowly loosens up and kisses me back. His arms wrap around my waist to hold me tight against him. I kiss him with as much passion as I can, trying to pour all of my affection into the kiss. It starts to be more intense as my tongue lightly traces his bottom lip. I frown as Ethan abruptly pulls away and lets go of me to sit up.

"Davina, I can't."

I look at him confused.

"What do you mean you can't?

He shakes his head.

"You are still hurt. Your burns and bruises haven't fully healed. It has only been a few days since we were able to rescue you from that terrible place."

"I'm fine Ethan. I am safe now that I am here with you. At this moment though, all I want to do is be with you."

He sighs, "I know what you want and I am sorry but I have to refuse."

I groan, "so you're not going to give in and mark me then?"

"I really appreciate that you are now willing to go through with the ceremony and be with me forever. But I will not put you through anything that is going to cause you more pain. You just went through a lot, we can wait for a while until you are fully healed and completely ready to become Luna."