Moon of Misfortunes

8

When I finally came to, the world felt distant and surreal. I blinked, trying to orient myself in the dimly lit room. Rubio's worried face hovered above me, his hand gently brushing the hair from my forehead. The memory of the excruciating pain lingered, but now it seemed muted, like a distant echo. My chest still throbbed, but it was more bearable now, a dull ache rather than a searing fire.

I began to sit up, cautiously adjusting to the brightness of the room that filtered through the curtains. Despite the luxury surroundings, the feeling of confinement still weighed heavily upon me. My eyes scanned the familiar confines of my temporary prison, searching for any signs of change, any glimmer of hope. The soft sound of a snore echoed softly off the walls, drawing my attention to its source: Rubio, sound asleep next to me in the bed.

His shirtless form lay peacefully under the covers, limbs stretched out in a relaxed pose that seemed at odds with the turmoil I felt inside. A pang of admiration and longing tugged at me as I watched him, his features softened by sleep, looking more like a figure from a dream than a Lycan. I tore my gaze away from him reluctantly, focusing instead on my own body and its fragile state.

The bruises that had marred my skin were fading, a silent testament to the ordeal I had endured. Thoughts of Nikolai, my absent mate, and the betrayal I felt gnawed at me. He had promised me the world, yet here I was, alone and wounded. A sigh escaped my lips, mingling with a mix of resignation and bitterness.

In contrast, Rubio represented something different entirely. He was strong, kind, and fiercely protective—a stark contrast to Nikolai's brash dominance. The thought of what could have been with Rubio filled me with a bittersweet longing. Why couldn't he be my mate instead?

A smile tugged at my lips as I entertained the idea of us as mates. It felt like stepping into forbidden territory, like Eve tasting the forbidden fruit in the Garden of Eden. Yet, the pull towards Rubio was undeniable, a magnetic force that drew me closer despite the risks.

Giving in to temptation, I lay back down beside him, closing the distance between us. My fingertips traced the contours of his melanated skin, craving the warmth and comfort he offered. Not satisfied, I pressed my palm against his cheek, seeking solace in the touch of his skin against mine.

Suddenly, Rubio's hand shot up, gripping my wrist firmly. His eyes snapped open, catching mine with an intensity that sent a shiver down my spine. I held my breath, searching his brown eyes for any hint of reassurance or understanding in this vulnerable moment.

"What are you doing?" he asked, his voice carrying a mix of amusement and curiosity. I continued to study his features intently, as if committing them to memory.

"Are you checking me out?" he teased, a smirk playing on his lips, his teeth flashing in a playful grin. In that moment, everything else—the confinement, the recent turmoil—seemed to fade away as I focused solely on him.

"You're handsome," I stated firmly, a note of sincerity in my voice. He chuckled softly, rolling his eyes in mock exasperation.

"Flattery will get you nowhere," he replied, his tone light. 

I began to fantasize about what life would be like if Rubio were my mate. I pictured us in a cozy house nestled in the woods, looking out of a bay window as Rubio lovingly scooped up our pups. Would I finally find happiness? Would I escape this never-ending predicament?  I tried to push these thoughts aside, but they stubbornly persisted, teasing me with a glimpse of a different reality.

Rubio watched me with suspicion in his deep brown eyes, sensing the shift in my demeanor. Before I could overthink it, I acted on my desires and kissed him fiercely. At first, he seemed stunned, his body tensing under mine. But then he reciprocated, releasing his grip on my wrist and pulling me closer. The kiss deepened briefly before he broke away, his expression troubled, brow furrowed.