227
Lucy
We were back in the ballroom with the instructor practicing the Tango. It was just as exhilarating as before, but it was easier somehow. I felt just as hot, just as overcharged as the last time, but there was something oddly comforting in knowing David's intentions.
No matter how dark his eyes grew, or how bright they glowed, no matter how much I felt like he was moments away from wanting more than I was ready for, David wouldn't take advantage or push.
As we glided across the polished floor, his strong arms expertly guiding me through the intricate steps, I felt less apprehensive than before. I had started to understand what lay beneath his intense gaze. David wasn't rushing into anything; he wanted to court and woo me, to build something special between us, and I wanted that even though I wasn't sure of all that would mean outside of his date plans.
The heated tension in the air only added to the feeling that was rising as David's eyes bore into mine.
He twirled me gracefully, our bodies inching closer with each pass. The temptation to kiss him was strong, but I held back, savoring the feeling of being in his arms. I trusted David and appreciated his patient approach.
As the music swelled and we executed the final, passionate dip, I couldn't help but smile as he grinned down at me.
"You're getting better."
"Yeah?"
"Yeah. We'll be real trouble at the Festival." He lifted me up. "I'll have to come extra armed."
I laughed, leaning into him as he held me close. I sighed as he rocked me slowly.
"That was perfect, you too. Keep practicing. I'll see you later this week!"
David hummed. "Meet me in the kitchen? I'll walk her out."
I nodded and smiled as he kissed my forehead and turned to walk the instructor out. I got a little turned around, but eventually, I found my way to the kitchen. He smirked and grabbed an apron.
"Let's go for something easy, hm?"
"Tacos?"
"Alfredo."
"How is that easier?"
He grinned and pulled out a jar of sauce. "Because it comes out of a jar. Alfredo isn't quite in my do-it-from-scratch repertoire, yet."
I laughed and helped him boil the pasta and pull out whatever else he wanted to add to it. When we settled at the table, I felt so at ease.
"Is this going to be a tradition? Post-dance meals?"
He hummed, taking my hand in under the soft light of the kitchen.
"I could get used to it, but it's not a date, so don't worry."
"I won't, I promise." I twirled some pasta on my fork. "So, tell me more about the Crescent Moon Festival," I prompted, genuinely curious.
David's eyes lit up, and he began to share the rich tapestry of traditions that surrounded the festival, from the games to the Ball.
"But the best part is the party and the fair. There's a cart that makes the best candied apples."
"What are those?"
He grinned. "Well, it would be better to let you experience it than spoil the goodness."
As he went on to talk about all the food and the people gathered, I could see it, like a big convention of the supernatural where people would come to sell their wares and be together. I could see in his eyes that he was excited for the Festival.
"It seems like a big family reunion for you."
He grinned. "I suppose it is in some ways."
He blinked. "You wouldn't be opposed to... being my dance partner for all of it, would you? I just realized how much more dancing there is to be done besides the Ball."
"Are there other... dances I have to learn?"
He grinned. "Not explicitly. It's just... if I dance with you and then start dancing with other people throughout the festival, people will get the wrong idea."
He met my gaze. "I don't want anyone doubting who I plan to have as my companion for the next Festival."
I flushed. "I'd love to."
"Great. Dessert?"
"Yes, please."
"You've got it."
He collected our empty plates and left. While I waited for David to return with dessert, I couldn't help but let my thoughts drift back to the electric moment we had shared during our private practice a few nights ago. The memory of his lips on mine was like a lingering taste of honey, sweet and irresistible. I longed for another kiss, for that connection that seemed to grow stronger with each passing day. But just as I was lost in those thoughts, a sudden flashback jolted me from my reverie.
I could smell Tony's cologne and feel his weight on top of me. My stomach lurched and I shuddered. My blood went cold. The memory was vivid as if I were reliving it all over again. I could hear my own gasping and taste the coffee Tony liked to drink. The fear that had gripped me and blotted it all out, the sense of being trapped—it all came rushing back.
I blinked rapidly, trying to dispel the haunting images from my mind. It was an unsettling reminder.
"Hey," David said gently, looking at me. "Should I pack it to go?"
I blinked back the tears. "I..."
He cupped my face. "It's okay if you want to call it a night."
My jaw trembled. I didn't want to.
He crouched down, setting the bowl down. "It's okay if you need to as well."
I was grateful for his understanding, but deep down, I couldn't help but wonder how my past experiences might shape my future, especially as my connection with David continued to deepen.
"Okay."
He nodded. "Let me grab my keys."
I had him take me to the White Moon Pack house, and while he walked me to the door, I didn't get the kiss I wanted. I crawled into bed full of frustration and regret, but it didn't last long as I was pulled into sleep. I was dropped into the hallway of the Blue Moon Estate. I didn't remember this happening, but as Tony came down the hallway, tugging at his tie, I felt the urge to run, but I couldn't move. He wrapped his hand in my hair and I wanted to pull away. The scent of his cologne was choking me. He forced me back against the wall. I tried to run to push him away.
My stomach turned as the words wouldn't come out. I felt his hands on my thighs, pulling my legs apart as he pushed me back toward the luna's room.
I couldn't breathe. I couldn't do this.
David? Anyone, someone help me!
I fell back through darkness and I was tumbling down. The suffocating walls of the Blue Moon Estate closed in around me. I fell through memory after memory, watching myself freeze up, give in, gasping, and not knowing what the words were.
Stop.
I don't want this.
The air was thick with an oppressive stillness, broken only by the distant howls of unseen wolves. I smelled Matt's shampoo. The laundry detergent that lingered on the clean sheets and their sweat. I could hear the creaking of the old wooden floors beneath my feet as I walked down the dimly lit hallway. I started running as the walls seemed to close in on me, and I felt the weight of a thousand eyes watching my every move.
Half breed.
My stomach lurched as I was falling again.
We're mates.
You'll understand what that means.
Lucy, your hair is much better long...
I kept running past the faces of the other Blue Moon pack members, their eyes filled with malice and cruelty. I could taste the ramen that had poisoned me. I ran down the stairs trying to get to Yvonne's office. The only safe place in the Estate.
She would help me.
But the longer I ran, the further away it got. Then, I felt arms around me, and the whole house shifted until I was staring outside, my rounded belly pressing against the glass, my curly hair weighed down and straightened.
Someone's hand gripped my jaw and turned my head and I caught sight of myself in the mirror like a horrific dream vision.
I looked up into Tony's face as he glared down at me.
"You will never escape this place, Lucy," he hissed, and his words sent shivers down my spine as he leaned down to kiss me.
I turned. "No!"
My eyes snapped open, and I found myself bathed in the soft moonlight filtering through the curtains. My heart was racing, and the remnants of a haunting nightmare clung to my thoughts like cobwebs. I shuddered and shivered, drenched in cold sweat. My phone kept ringing. Trying to catch my breath, I reached for my phone on the nightstand, grateful for it as I was sure that it was the only reason I had woken up.
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