The Lycan's Contract LUNA

CHAPTER 9: The Announcement

Damian's POV

I would like to think that not much fazes me as a man.

Not the power that bubbled in my veins or the Council, or the greedy Alphas that served under me, foaming at the mouth to take over my position once given the slight opportunity.

I used to pride myself on displaying a remarkable sense of self-control, but the moment I set my eyes on Aviana, it's like a young pup with no control over my emotions.

I let my eyes stray to her face, asking more questions just to hear her speak and watch the defiant spark in her eyes.

Contrary to what I told her, I didn't come here to search for a Luna, nor did I have the intention of claiming one so soon, but when I saw her tiny body struggling to climb over that fence, I just knew I had to help.

And now that I was about to make a decision I couldn't take back, I wondered if I was doing the right thing.

I schooled my facial expression into neutral, pushing through the thin curtain that separated me from the rest of the pack.

The warm, happy faces instantly changed, looks of shock and puzzlement moving across everyone's faces.

Aviana’s grip tightened around my hands, and for quite a small thing, she packed quite a bit of strength.

I could hear the whispers and the condensing words thrown towards her, but I waited until we got to the high throne set up for me.

Since no one was expecting me to come with a mate, there was only one seat available.

I quickly improvised and allowed Aviana to sit while I stood beside her, our hands still conjoined.

That only sparked further controversy, the murmurings growing with every passing second.

I took a small step forward and cleared my throat, casting my eyes over the crowd.

Almost immediately, everyone fell silent.

“People of Moonstone Pack,” I started my speech, my voice carrying easily over the space. “I thank you for opening your home and your pack to host this festival. Everyone else and I, thank you!”

“Like always, the festival is a show of unity and strength amongst our kind, and to solidify our stance, I have made measures that will help us all.” I take a deep breath and look to Aviana. “I have chosen my Luna. Everyone, this is Aviana, your Luna and your Queen!”

I tug on her hand so she can stand up, and then I close the distance between us.

Her eye widened as I leaned in, but I murmured under my breath, trying to calm her. “Relax. We need to make it seem real.”

And then, I placed my lips on hers.

The reaction was instant and electric.

Her lips were so soft, like pillows, and they welcomed me in.

It was supposed to be a chaste kiss, but I forgot all about that and slipped my tongue into her mouth, raising my hands to frame her face.

Slivers of want raced down my body, and the intense desire I felt came as a shock to me.

I have kissed and bedded lots of women, and none have made me feel like this.

Made me feel…so alive.

The rest of the world disappeared for a few seconds, and it felt like it was only the two of us.

Alone and free to do what we wanted.

However, that feeling quickly disappeared when a thunderous round of applause filled my ears, forcing me to remember where we were.

I reluctantly pulled away, lifting my eyes to meet Aviana's, who looked as lost and confused as I felt.

I cleared my throat, turned around, and smiled at everyone.

Aviana removed her hands from mine, turning around to meet a group of people who came up to offer fake congratulations and appraise her upfront.

Lucas sidled up to me and lightly bumped my shoulder with his.

“Announcing her here was a smart move.” He muttered, his face pinched. “No one can contest your Union now.”

“Thanks?”

He faces me fully now. “I still think you made a wrong decision, though.”

“Maybe…” I meet his gaze. “But it's mine to make, isn't it?”

He stares at me for a few seconds before inclining his head in agreement.

“You should go and have fun, I hear that there are some pretty ladies out there,” I say, nudging him towards a group of ladies who have been throwing sly glances in this direction. “You deserve it, not to mention that we're leaving tomorrow.”

“If you insist, my Lord!” He joked, the corner of his lips tipping up in a teasing smile. It disappeared soon after when his eyes strayed to somewhere over my shoulder. “But instead of worrying about me, I think you should focus more on your new bride. It seems like she's thinking about running away.”

I spin around to look, and sure enough, Aviana looked overwhelmed by the sheer number of people crowding her, soft whispering not-so-nice things to her… which was my cue to jump in.

I swiftly move to stand beside her, gently grabbing her arm and pulling her aside.

“I'm sure it's nice to meet you, but if you'll excuse us…” I flashed a smile and began to walk away.

Aviana practically melted into my arm, letting out soft sighs.

“Thank you.” She said so softly that I had to glance down to be sure she had spoken. “For helping me out of there.” She filled in. “I have no idea how you do it.”

“Do what?”

She lifted a shoulder in a one-armed shrug. “Be so confident and so…calm.”

“It comes with the title,” I say in a deadpan manner, which causes her to break into laughter.

It was so sudden and angelic that I slid my eyes to the side to watch her.

Her head was tipped back, her eyes closed, and wild strands of her hair flying about while genuine laughter spilled out of her lips.

It was the most beautiful sound I'd heard in ages… and also slightly familiar, but before I could dwell on it, it trailed off.

“Wow, not only are you handsome and powerful, but you're also funny.” Her eyes twinkled with mirth as she talked.

“Oh, so you think I'm handsome?” I teased, allowing my hand to slide over her skin briefly.

Goddess, how can one's skin be this smooth and soft?

She blushed, her cheeks turning pink as she dipped her chin to her chest. “Well, I l-I di-didn’t… I didn't mean-”

“It's okay, I think you're beautiful too.” I slowed my steps to a halt as I spoke, trailing the back of my knuckles over her face.

For the second time in less than an hour, time slowed down, and it was only the two of us again… this time, without the crowd or prying eyes.

I started to lean towards her, her complete attention focused on her lips, when I heard a strange whistling sound.

I stiffened, realizing what it was.

I spun around so fast, using my body to block Aviana's before raising my hand to catch a fast-moving object through the dark.

I opened my hand seconds later… and in between my palm lay a sharp, metal-tipped arrow.

What the hell?