Chapter 36: Welcome, Luna
The car glided over the winding road through the dense forest, the ride smooth and serene. Vanya stared out the window, eyes wide, as she took in the sights around her. Giant oak trees and lush greenery surrounded them, a stark contrast to the familiar sights of Black Hollows Pack.
As they drove along the winding path, she leaned her forehead against the window and gazed outside, her eyes scanning the unfamiliar surroundings. She wondered how Ares was coping without her, and a deep sense of longing and worry crept over her. She couldn't imagine the pain he was going through, not knowing where she was or if she was safe.
She wondered how Ares was coping with her disappearance, if he was as heartbroken as she was, and if he had any leads on where she might be. Ares was a strong and fierce mate, and she knew he wouldn't stop until he found her.
But at that moment, she couldn't help but feel a strange attraction to Killian, despite her longing for Ares. She fought against it, telling herself that it was wrong, that she belonged to Ares and no one else.
She sniffed and wiped away a stray tear, then scooted away from Killian, creating as much distance as possible between them. She tried to distract herself by trying to take in the scenery outside the window, but her thoughts kept drifting back to Ares and the guilt she felt about being so close to Killian.
As the hours passed, Vanya started to feel weary, and her eyes began to droop. She tried to keep her distance from Killian, not wanting to show any vulnerability, but eventually, the constant hum of the car and the gentle sway of the vehicle lulled her, and her eyelids began to droop.
At first, she sat still, but Killian's gentle hand on her shoulder pulled her.
"Sleep, Red," he said softly. "We still have a long way to go."
As much as she resisted being near him, exhaustion inevitably overtook Vanya, and she dozed off, her head sinking onto Killian's lap.
Sometime later, Vanya slowly fluttered her eyes open, sensing the sun's warmth caressing her skin. It took her a moment to register that she was still inside the car, and that her head was resting on Killian's lap. For a fleeting moment, she experienced a sense of solace and security that had eluded her for quite some time.
She looked up, and her eyes fell upon Killian, watching as he held a sleek black mobile phone. Her breath caught at his striking figure.
Killian’s hair was swept back from his face, revealing chiseled cheekbones and a strong jawline. A small amount of stubble dusted his chin, and his eyes were a steel blue. His silver hair added a touch of mystery to his ruggedly handsome appearance, and Vanya couldn't help but feel the attraction. But she quickly pushed the thought away and sat up, distancing herself from him.
Killian laughed and shook his head at her reaction. "You're a feisty one," he said, getting rid of his phone. "Why do you still pretend as if you're not attracted to me, Red?"
Vanya glared at him and said, "I am not attracted to you. Don't flatter yourself."
He raised an eyebrow and said, "Really? You were sleeping so peacefully with your head on my lap."
Vanya's cheeks flushed, "That was only because I was tired."
Killian chuckled, "Sure, keep telling yourself that."
Vanya's tone became accusatory, "You manipulated me. You used some kind of spell to put me into a trance so you could have your way with me."
Killian's smile faded. "What? No, of course not. I *didn’t* have to. I *don’t* have to. How many times do I have to tell you that?"
His words only served to irritate Vanya more. She couldn't believe how arrogant he was, thinking that he had some sort of hold over her.
"Well, I’m sorry, but I still don’t trust you," she spat, crossing her arms over her chest.
Killian chuckled and shook his head. "You can say whatever the hell you want, but we both know the truth, Vanya. You're my mate, and there's nothing you can do about it."
Vanya bristled at the use of her name. She didn't like how familiar he was with her, especially considering how little they knew each other. "I don't believe you," she said, trying to sound confident despite the unease she felt in his presence.
Killian leaned closer to her, his eyes sparkling with amusement. "You don't have to believe it for it to be true, my dear. The bond between us is undeniable. I already had a taste of you. Soon, you’ll fully give in to me."
Vanya tried to hold her ground, but she couldn't deny the pull she felt toward him. It was as if there was some invisible force drawing her to him, no matter how hard she tried to resist. "I won't give in to you, or anything," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.
Killian smiled knowingly. "Wanna bet?" he said, his tone suggestive as he leaned back in his seat.
Vanya couldn't help but feel a shiver run down her spine at the look in his eyes. She didn't know what it was about him, but she knew that he was trouble.
Killian leaned closer. His touch was gentle and light as he traced her collarbone. His fingertips slowly moved down her arms, leaving goosebumps in their wake.
She felt her heart racing as he reached her lap, and she shivered with anticipation. She couldn't move, overwhelmed with a strange mix of fear and desire. Before she could regain control of the situation, Killian began to hike up the hem of her dress, exposing her legs. She gasped, unable to believe what was happening and unsure of how to react. Her mind wanted to stop him, but her body ached for more.
Killian’s finger ran ever so lightly over her inner thigh, creating small circles that sent sparks of pleasure through her. Then he raised his other hand to her neck and lightly trailed it over her skin, causing a delicious shiver of pleasure to run through her.
He smirked when she bit her lip in reaction, a subtle sign of pleasure, and the perfect indication of how much she was enjoying the moment.
He moved his other hand up to her neckline and carefully slid the thin strap of her dress off her shoulder. With one deft movement, he scooped one of her breasts out from the confines of her lacy bra. The sight of its shape and the pebbled nipple elicited an appreciative gasp from him.
Vanya felt her heart racing as she felt his hand move up her thigh. He was gentle yet firm, and she felt herself melting under his touch. His knuckles brushed against the waistband of her panties, and she let out a gasp of pleasure. She couldn't help but be enchanted by his skillful caress, feeling powerless yet strangely alive.
He pulled back slightly, admiring her reaction to his touch. She wondered if he could feel the heat radiating from her body as she sat there in anticipation of what was to come next. He had taken control, and she had willingly surrendered to him—something she knew she'd regret again later.
"Am I manipulating you now, Red? Do you feel my power over you?" Killian asked, his voice low and teasing.
Vanya swallowed hard, and pursed her lips tightly together.
"Will you tell me to stop if I begin kissing you right now, if I begin sucking on your sweet nipple?"
She ran her tongue on her lips, and her fingers curled into the seat.
"Shall we see for ourselves, Red?"
His lips found her nipple, and his hand moved up, rubbing the mound underneath her lace panties. She gasped, unable to control the sensation that was coursing through her body. His touch was electrifying, and she was becoming increasingly aroused with every moment.
She couldn't believe she was allowing this man to do such intimate things to her again and yet, she couldn't stop him either. Mentally cursing at herself, she closed her eyes and surrendered herself to the pleasure he was providing.
His tongue began to tease her erect nipple while his fingers between her legs were rubbing her mound underneath her panties, faster and harder, until she was arching against him.
She wanted more. She wanted him to push her panties aside and rub her there instead. But she bit back the words that threatened to escape her mouth. She didn't want to give him the satisfaction of knowing how much he was turning her on.
Then suddenly, Killian paused and looked up at her, his eyes locking onto hers. She could feel her body responding to his touch, despite her best efforts to resist. She swallowed hard, her breathing ragged.
"You're already very wet for me, Red. Is there anything else you want me to do?" He smirked, his hand still hovering tantalizingly close to her core.
She bit her lip, then opened her mouth to respond, but the words caught in her throat. Her mind was foggy with desire, and she struggled to form a coherent thought.
"Yes, Red?" He teased, his voice low and seductive.
She moaned and arched her hips when she no longer felt his touch between her legs. "Killian..."
"I'm listening, Red. What do you want me to do?" His tone was husky.
"I...ah...I...um...." She tried to speak, but her mind was consumed with desire.
Then the car suddenly came to a stop, and Killian's phone rang, interrupting their moment.
"Fuck," Killian cursed, frustration etched on his face as he answered the phone.
Vanya quickly straightened in her seat, trying to regain her composure. Her face was flushed, and she could still feel the heat of desire coursing through her veins.
Killian let out a sigh of frustration and disappointment. "We're here," he said, turning to Vanya. "I'll go out first, while you..." He couldn't help but notice the flush in her cheeks. "You calm yourself."
With that, he stepped out of the car, his tall frame looming over the pavement. Vanya watched him go, then quickly smoothed her hair and fixed the strap of her dress. She closed her eyes and took a few deep breaths, trying to steady herself before stepping out of the car.
As she emerged from the car, her eyes widened in shock.
A crowd of people had gathered to greet them, and they all seemed to know her, calling her "Luna" and welcoming her with open arms.