Chapter 36 Sinful Desires
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The surge of power that surrounded me was overwhelming, and I was grateful when my wolf fought me to stand tall, even though my knees felt like they were about to buckle. I kept my breathing steady and concentrated on the pattern. I struggled to keep my focus on Alpha Jaxon, Beverly, and Alpha Christian, feeling my eyes shift down each time they glare at me. They made me feel intimidated and cornered. I knew I must have seemed timid and weak. I felt Beta Don's hand on my lower back in an effort to calm me; it was a simple act that I was thankful for. It felt as if he was silently sending support to my wolf and me.
Alpha Jaxon and Beverly kept playing into their happily-ever-after love story. They were so convincing that I admitted wondering if he might still love her. I felt the sharp sting of rejection every time he looked at her. I shook off my jealous thoughts that were drowning me. Alpha Jaxon had promised me he would call off the mating ceremony, and I needed to trust him. He was my one true mate. I needed to believe that he wouldn't hurt me. I couldn't help but wish hopelessly that it was my hand he was holding instead. I struggled to understand why he wouldn't just reject me; it would be easier for everyone involved. Beverly was the perfect Luna, in my opinion.
"Speaking of which, I do believe our wonderful Luna Beverly here has promised to introduce me to a few single she-wolves if I remain on my very best behavior," Alpha Christian said and let out a naughty chuckle. I could feel his eyes scorching my dress off with the burning intensity radiating from them. I would be lying if I said I wasn't somewhat attracted to Alpha Christian. He was tall, dark, and handsome. His emerald green eyes shone brightly, a darker forest green circling the outline. He fiddled with his all-black matte watch, as if this were business as usual for him. It was obvious he was aware of how handsome he was.
Beverly smiled, but there was a particularly uncomfortable presence about her. "Silly me," she said in an exaggerated tone. "Alpha Christian, this is Alanna Taylor, daughter of one of the enforcers of Midnight Moon Pack." I flinched, achingly aware that she knew my name. She had deliberately messed it up to embarrass me. Alpha Christian stepped toward me, lifting my wrist ever so gently and planting his lips on my hand in a flirtatious peck.
Alpha Jaxon seemed quite uncomfortable as he shifted his weight from one leg to another. When I noticed his move, I hauled my eyes toward him. His gaze was set on mine with what I assumed was anger brewing in his obsidian eyes. His hand tightly gripped Beverly's; I could see her fighting against his hold. I could feel anguish take over his wolf. I was sure the mate bond was strengthening between us.
"Adeline, actually. Adeline Taylor. The pleasure is all mine, Alpha Christian," I spoke directly to him, surprised by the authority in my words. If I had any chance of ever becoming Alpha Jaxon's mate and the Luna of Midnight Moon Pack, I assumed it was time I started acting the part. For some unforsaken reason, it was my destiny of sorts.
He lowered my hand, and I watched his tongue run over his bottom lip, his eyes examining me closely. He reminded me of a lion doting after its prey. The problem was, I knew I was that prey. "Such a gorgeous unmated woman, reeking of pure innocence," he said in a low growl as he ran a finger across my jaw, "you're quite hard to resist, you know that, Adeline?"
I felt a blush form on my face. Alpha Christian had a way with words. I understood now why so many women had given in to him. I watched him silently for a moment and pulled my head back ever so slightly, exposing the slightest touch of my neck a little more. I knew I was playing a dangerous game, particularly with Alpha Jaxon standing right there, who could rip my throat out with every second passing by. My wolf wasn't happy that I was flirting with another man, but my curiosity took the best of me. It might even have been the jealousy I had fought to push down all day from watching my mate with Beverly.
I puckered my bold red lips and slowly released them into a grin. "And aren't you just a Casanova yourself?"
Alpha Christian grabbed a strand of my long, dark hair and tucked it behind my ear. His touch alarmed my wolf; she was not happy he had touched us. He gave me a satisfied smile, proud of the reaction I had given him. I could tell he enjoyed feisty women—he seemed the part. He pulled in closer until his lips brushed right beside my ear and whispered, "Do you want to find out?"
Alpha Jaxon clenched his jaw tight and gritted his teeth. If looks could kill, his icy cold stare would have already left Alpha Christian dead and lifeless on the floor. He let out a deep warning growl that vibrated in my chest. I felt my own gasp leave my lips in fear. Darkness pooled in his eyes; I could barely recognize the man before me.
"Ah, I can see what's going on here. Are we attached much, Alpha Jaxon?" Alpha Christian said with a condescending chuckle. "Luna Beverly, I've underestimated your generosity, it seems. How sweet of you to let our dear Alpha Jaxon here sample his new she-wolves. You may have swayed me into the idea of taking a mate after all."
My composure faltered; everything was happening so quickly around me. My heart started to beat faster, my hands turning clammy and damp. I needed to shift and run. My wolf was aching to run far away and let our four legs take us as far from this place as possible. I was never good with confrontations. Panic began to rise from the pit of my stomach. I took a deep breath and gulped loudly, preparing for what was to come.
Alpha Jaxon's growl deepened and his canines began to elongate. They were pure white and sharp as knives. I shuddered looking at them. My wolf agreed that there was no way he had trouble ripping his prey apart. "Watch it, Christian," he threatened. I could see Alpha Christian was somewhat troubled; however, being an Alpha himself, he was nowhere near as terrified as I was. He seemed to toy with the idea of Alpha Jaxon being so rattled.
"It wouldn't be the first time we've shared, now would it?" Alpha Christian spat out with a cocky grin on his face. I was sure he had a death wish.
