Bound by the Blood moon

Chapter 13

Leo returned to their chamber, making every effort to tread softly as he climbed into bed beside her. He tenderly brushed his fingers along her cool cheek, and in her slumber, she instinctively sought his warmth, nestling closer to him in search of comfort.

Charlotte was the first to awaken, her fingertips tracing the contours of his face. Though she wished to let him remain in peaceful slumber, the yearning to place soft kisses upon his lips proved too great to resist.

"Good morning, love," Leo muttered drowsily with the remnants of sleep.

"A splendid morning indeed," she replied, intertwining her fingers with his, conveying a warmth that transcended mere words.

She was still basking in the euphoria of the prior evening's delight, and he noted with a fleeting thought that such moments should be indulged more frequently to retain her cheerful disposition.

"Ah, it nearly slipped my mind," Leo remarked, concealing a grin that made his eyes crinkle. Charlotte noted the genuine happiness and realised she'd never seen her father's face look like that. "I nearly forgot something quite essential to our plans." Charlotte raised an eyebrow, her confusion evident. "We must, of course, procure a suitable coffin. I doubt you've slept soundly in our bed, given the circumstances."

Charlotte stared at him, bewildered, surely, this man is utterly clueless. "Actually, Leo, we don't..." she began, only to catch the glint in his eye, the smirk that betrayed his jest. "Oh, you're teasing me," she laughed, gently swatting at him. He effortlessly pulled her down, her head resting upon his abdomen as she settled beside him.

"May I pose a question?" she enquired, as he absentmindedly inscribed letters delicately upon her collarbone.

"Certainly," Leo responded, giving her his full attention.

"Did you perceive me as your destined one from our first encounter, or was it only revealed under the blood moon's glow?"

A moment of contemplation ensued as he gauged his feelings. "I sensed something profound upon our meeting, yet it was like a sound muffled beneath water. The blood moon rendered it much clearer, illuminating the truth of our bond."

A gentle smile unfurled upon her lips, prompting him to tenderly caress her neck in affection. However, he soon felt her body tense ever so slightly, an indication that troubled him.

"The night of the blood moon, you were different. You warned me that you could bring me harm yet invited me into your cell. I am perplexed by your nature, Leo. I yearn to comprehend, for we must grow familiar with one another."

He turned his gaze upward, fixating on the ornate ceiling, yet he shared with her the truth she sought. "There exists but a few nights each year when my wolf instinct is granted full dominion over my being. This transformation must occur for our union to solidify. Beyond that night, I retain control over my changes. During the blood moon, I find myself aware yet powerless, as if submerged deeply into my own consciousness."

She fidgeted with the bed sheets, and he sensed the question stirring within her. "Would you have been capable of harming me?"

In an instant, he turned toward her, cupping her cheek tenderly, his thumb brushing softly against her skin. "No, never, for you are my mate," he assured her with earnest sincerity. Yet, he looked away, withdrawing his hand, a slither of concern crossing his expression. "But as I mentioned, during that time, I surrender to the wolf, which harbours no reservations about claiming what is rightfully ours. My fear lay not in your demise, but in the possibility of a forceful marking. Should I have bitten you without your consent, it would have brought you unbearable pain. I could not allow such a fate."