Chapter 22: Protective Instincts

Luna’s POV
The days following my partial shift were a whirlwind of intense training and heightened emotions. Ash had insisted on personally overseeing my training, a decision that both thrilled and frustrated me. On the one hand, I cherished every moment spent in his presence. On the other, his continued emotional distance was becoming increasingly painful.

As I made my way to the training grounds, I could feel the pack's eyes on me. News of my partial shift had spread quickly, and I was now the subject of curious glances and whispered conversations. It was unsettling.

Ash was already there when I arrived, his expression unreadable as always. "Ready?" he asked, his voice neutral.

I nodded, trying to ignore the flutter in my stomach at his proximity. "What's on the agenda today?"

"We're going to work on controlling your shift," Ash replied. "The more you can consciously trigger and control it, the less likely you are to shift accidentally in a dangerous situation."

As we began the exercises, I couldn't help but notice how Ash's eyes never left me. He was constantly alert, ready to step in at a moment's notice. It was both comforting and stifling.

During a particularly challenging exercise, where I was trying to shift only my hands partially, I felt a surge of frustration. The shift wasn't coming as quickly as it had that first time, and I could feel my control slipping.

Suddenly, Ash was right there, his hand on my arm. "Easy," he murmured. "Don't force it. Remember, the shift is tied to your emotions. Try to find your center."

His touch sent a jolt through me, and for a moment, I lost focus entirely. The partial shift surged forward unexpectedly, and I felt my claws extend sharply into Ash's arm.

"Ash!" I gasped, horrified, as I saw blood well up from the scratches. "I'm so sorry; I didn't mean to."

But Ash was already shaking his head, his free hand coming up to cup my face. "It's okay, Luna. I'm fine. These will heal in no time."

The tenderness in his touch and concern in his eyes was too much. I felt tears welling up, frustration at my lack of control, and confusion at Ash's contradictory behavior.

"Why are you doing this?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.

Ash's brow furrowed. "Doing what?"

"This!" I gestured between us. "One minute you're distant, pushing me away, and the next you're... like this. Protective, caring. I don't understand, Ash."

For a moment, I saw a flicker of vulnerability in his eyes. His hand, still on my cheek, trembled slightly. "Luna, I..."

He leaned in, and for one heart-stopping moment, I thought he would kiss me. But then, as quickly as it had appeared, the vulnerability vanished from his eyes. He dropped his hand and stepped back, his expression closing off again.

"We should take a break," he said, his voice rough. "Get some water, catch your breath."

Frustration and hurt surged through me. "No," I said firmly, surprising us with intensity. "No more running away, Ash. We need to talk about this."

Ash's jaw clenched, myriad emotions flashing across his face too quickly for me to decipher. "There's nothing to talk about, Luna. I'm your Alpha, and you're under my protection. That's all this is."

His words stung, but I refused to back down. "That's bull, and you know it. I've seen how you look at me when you think I'm not watching. I've felt the connection between us. Why are you fighting it so hard?"

For a long moment, Ash was silent, the tension between us palpable. When he finally spoke, his voice was low and pained. "Because I have to. Luna, you don't understand the dangers involved. The curse-"

"Then help me understand!" I interrupted, taking a step towards him. "Stop pushing me away and talk to me, Ash. Whatever this curse is, whatever danger you think you're protecting me from - don't I deserve to know? Don't I deserve the chance to make my own choices?"

Ash's eyes met mine, and the raw emotion I saw there took my breath away. "You deserve the world, Luna," he said softly. "That's why I can't... we can't..."

He trailed off, seemingly at a loss for words. The air between us was charged with unspoken feelings, the mate bond humming with energy.

Slowly, hesitantly, I reached out and took his hand. "Ash," I whispered. "Whatever it is, we can face it together. Just... just let me in."

For a moment, just a moment, I thought I'd gotten through to him. Ash's fingers intertwined with mine, and he took a small step closer. My heart raced as he leaned in, his forehead nearly touching mine.

But then, like a spell being broken, Ash jerked away. Pain flashed across his features, so intense it made my chest ache in sympathy.

"I'm sorry, Luna," he said, his voice rough. "I can't. We can't. It's not... it's not safe."

Before I could respond, he turned and walked away, leaving me alone on the training ground, my hand still tingling from his touch.

As I watched him go, a mixture of frustration and determination welled up inside me. This couldn't go on. Whatever this curse was, whatever Ash was so afraid of - I would get to the bottom.

One thing became increasingly clear: my feelings for Ash grew stronger by the day. Cursed or not cursed, I wouldn't give up on what we could have together without a fight.

With renewed resolve, I headed towards the pack library. If Ash wouldn't give me answers, I'd find them myself. It was time to uncover the truth about this curse, once and for all.

As I walked, I could still feel the phantom touch of Ash's hand in mine, the almost-kiss that left me aching for more. But underneath the hurt and frustration, a spark of hope remained.

Because for just a moment there, I'd seen it in Ash's eyes—he felt it, too. This connection between us wasn't one-sided, and that meant there was still hope.

I was ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead, whatever secrets remained to be uncovered. For myself, Ash, and the future we could have together if only we were brave enough to reach for it.

With that thought bolstering my spirits, I pushed open the library doors, ready to begin my search for answers. The path ahead might be unclear, but one thing was sure - I wasn't giving up. Not now, not ever.