Chapter 23
Gemini’s POV
“I just can’t wait for the full moon,” I overheard a maid say.
“Chill, it’s just less than ten days left…” Another added.
The maid’s eyes were all dreamy as she responded, “I just can’t wait to wear the sexiest dress ever. That way Prince Cain wouldn’t be able to resist me anymore.”
In the ancient lore of the Lycans and werewolves, the full moon is said to hold an otherworldly power that stirs the primal instincts of these shape- shifters. It is accepted that the full moon stirs a deep–seated hunger within them, a yearning that can’t be satisfied by simple food or drink.
This hunger is said to manifest as an intense, almost feral desire for their mates. The full moon’s influence is rumoured to heighten the Lycans‘ and werewolves‘ senses, making them more attuned to the scent, sound, and sight of their intended partners.
Whenever the full moon shows up, the Lycans and werewolves are said to become increasingly aggressive and passionate, their instincts driving them to claim their mates with a ferocity that cannot be contained, this primal urge is said to be almost irresistible, and many have fallen prey to its power.
One could not only mark their actual mate on this day, but it’s also a day where you can pick someone who is not your mate to be your chosen
mate.
On this day, many female wolves tried their best to impress their crush by wearing the sexiest outfits just to entice them into a bond. It was a tricky thing to do, but it worked for many and is still working for others.
Of course, there were disadvantages too, but we all still looked forward to that day.
Many tales have been told of couples who found each other under the light of the full moon, their bonds was always proven to be one of the strongest.
I always wished that Pierre and I would be joined under the full moon, but it never happened and I doubt if I would ever get paired with anyone.
The whispering ladies adjusted themselves immediately when they noticed me, “Ma’am you’re here!”
“What can we help you with?” The other chimed in.
I waved my hands in the air, dismissing them. “It’s fine, you can continue with your chat, I was just going to fetch myself a glass of orange juice.”
They smiled awkwardly, still feeling embarrassed. I grabbed my juice and left them to continue.
I made my way to the pool area. Considering the hot weather, I decided to go there. The pool area was always cool thanks to the water. I didn’t think i would see anyone there being that it was afternoon and everyone was probably busy going about their businesses.
The splashing water drew my attention and I found myself straining to see who it was in the pool.
He swam to the edge of the pool, his head popping out of the water. I sighed as I finally registered the face.
“Hey, Gem!” He waved.
“You don’t get to call me that,” I said, taking a sip of my orange juice as I backed away.
Cain chuckled, water dripping down his face as he leaned casually against the edge of the pool. “What then should I call you?” he said, running a hand through his wet hair.
I stopped mid–step and turned back, crossing my arms. “Nothing. Just stay away from me.”
“Relax, you don’t always have to be on the edge. I’m nothing like Asher, okay.”
“Why do you keep doing this?” I replied, my tone sharp.
Ilis brows furrowed, “What are you talking about?”
“Why do you always try to seem better than King Asher?”
In one smooth motion, he pulled himself out of the pool. Water streamed down his toned body, but I refused to let my eyes linger.
“That’s not what it is, I just don’t want you to be hostile with me because of the trauma you’ve had with Asher,” he said, grabbing a towel and
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Chapter 23
draping it around his shoulders like some kind of royal cape.
I seriously don’t understand why I’m having this conversation with him, but we’re having it anyway.
I rolled my eyes at him, “It’s not just Asher, it’s the Blackwood family and even the whole Lycan Kingdom.”
“If it would bring you to a calm, I would be glad to inform you that my mom was a werewolf. Which makes me half werewolf.”
He took my glass and sipped out of it before handing it back to me. I frowned, his words and actions throwing me off guard.
“Really? So where’s your mom now?” I blurted out and regretted it almost immediately.
His smirk faltered for a moment at my question. “I’m so sorry, I didn’t mean to—“
“It’s fine, I never got to meet her.” He shrugged.
“I’m so sorry about that…” I muttered.
“There’s nothing to be sorry about, it’s not your fault.” He said, picking up his footwear as he readied himself to head out.
“Bye Gem, I hope we won’t have to fight about your insecurities next time?”
I chuckled, feeling a little more at ease. “You still don’t get to call me that!” I said to his retreating figure.
As Cain disappeared around the corner, a strange stillness descended over the place. The air felt heavy and intense, it wasn’t just the heat of the day.
My laughter from moments slowly faded into discomfort. Something about the atmosphere had shifted. I felt it before I saw him.
I turned around, and there he was, leaning against a nearby pillar, arms crossed over his chest, his piercing eyes fixed on me. His face was unreadable, but the intensity of his gaze spoke volumes.
I swallowed hard, gripping my glass tightly to stop my fingers from trembling.
Why the heck is he staring at me like that?
“Since when did you become friends with Cain?” He said curtly, his tone low and dangerous. He moved away from the pillar, taking long strides towards ine, his movements slow and deliberate, like a predator cornering its prey.
I raised an eyebrow, “Cain and I are not friends, and even if we are, why does it bother you?”
Asher’s jaw tightened, his hands balling into fists at his sides. “Your tone, young lady,” he said, his voice dropping an octave.
Ignoring the seriousness in his demeanour, I stepped forward with a smirk. “Is it possible that the Lycan King is jealous?” I teased, tracing his abs with my free hand.
He peeled my hand off him with one hand, the other hand wrapping around my waist as his lips dangerously neared mine. The moment escalated faster than I expected, causing my heart to pound erratically.
I set my head down, scared that our lips might touch any moment from now. But his cold hands brushed my jaw, gently lifting my chin. “You don’t have the right to flirt with other guys. You belong solely to me!”
