Blood & Moonlight

Chapter 7 – Hunger and Havoc

Kael didn’t sleep.

Not after that night. Not after how she’d looked at him as she fled the grove—eyes wide, mouth parted, scent clinging to the air like jasmine and blood. It haunted him.

He paced the northern woods restlessly, moving in wide arcs through the fog-thick trees, every muscle taut with indecision. He had tried to vanish, to forget her. He'd shifted, run in wolf form for hours, hoping the wind would carry her memory away. It hadn't.

Instead, he had woken in the dirt, curled against a root, heart pounding her name.

Eva.

She was supposed to be his enemy. He had come to the masquerade for one reason—to steal the relic that once belonged to his ancestors, now displayed like a trophy in the vampires’ great hall. He hadn’t expected to meet her. He hadn’t expected to want her. And he hadn’t expected her to be the daughter of the vampire Matriarch—the very figure responsible for his exile.

He should have run farther, disappeared. But instead, he came back and waited anyway. When she appeared, gliding between the trees, with her crimson cloak fluttering behind her, it felt like exhaling after drowning. Neither of them spoke at first. The silence between them trembled, heavy with all the things they hadn’t said, all the questions they were afraid to ask.

He took a step forward. So did she. Then, suddenly, they collided—mouths crashing, hands roaming, breaths tangled. The world narrowed to skin and sensation. Kael kissed like he’d been starved, like every part of him had been hollowed out and only she could fill it. Eva clung to him like she’d never let go again.

He lifted her effortlessly, pressing her against a tree trunk, the rough bark biting into her back. Her legs wrapped around his waist, and her fingers strangled in his hair, pulling him closer. Their kiss deepened—savage and soft all at once. Her fangs grazed his lip, drawing blood. He didn’t flinch. Instead, he moaned against her mouth, gripping her tighter.

When they broke apart, it was only to breathe. “I'd thought about this,” she whispered, breathless. “About you. Every day.”

Kael’s forehead rested against hers. “You shouldn’t have.”

“But I did.” His hands slid beneath her cloak, finding the curve of her waist. She arched into him, her mouth tracing along his jawline. He closed his eyes, trying to summon restraint, but it was slipping fast.

Then she said his name, soft and reverent: “Kael.” It shattered what little control he had left. They tumbled to the mossy earth, cloaks fanned around them like wings. The forest was quiet except for the rustle of leaves and their whispered gasps. Every touch was a promise, and every kiss was a betrayal of the blood that ran through their veins. And yet, at that moment, it felt like the only truth either of them had ever known.

But even truth can be terrifying. Kael pulled away suddenly, breathing hard. “This isn’t right.” Eva looked up, flushed and confused. “Why not?”

“Because we’re not supposed to want this,” he said, rising to his feet.

"You’re a vampire. I’m a werewolf. That’s not just forbidden—it’s fatal.”

She stood too, brushing leaves from her cloak. “Then why are we here?”

“I don’t know,” he said, his voice hoarse. I thought I did. I thought if I saw you again, maybe I could put it behind me. But it’s worse now.”

“Worse?”

“Because I can’t stop wanting you.” Eva stepped closer, fierce and unyielding. “Then don’t.”

Kael flinched. “You don’t understand—”

“Then explain it.”

He hesitated. “I’ve seen what happens to wolves who get too close to vampires. I’ve seen what your people do. My brother—he died because of your kindness. “And mine because of yours,” she said, softer now.

“But we’re not them.” Kael shook his head.

“It doesn’t matter." "They’ll never see us as anything but traitors.” Her hand touched his.

“Then let them look. I won’t pretend this isn’t real.” His eyes locked onto hers. And something cracked open between them.

This time, when they kissed, it was slow and tender. A question. An answer. A vow. And that’s when they felt it. Kael froze. “Someone’s watching.” Eva turned. “Where?” He pointed to the edge of the clearing. A figure stood cloaked in shadows. Not moving, not speaking, and just watching.

Then it turned and vanished into the forest. Eva’s heart thudded. “Who was that?”

“I don’t know,” Kael said, voice low. “But they saw everything.” Fear and fury warred in her chest.

“What do we do?” Kael looked around, senses sharpened. “We run.”

“No,” she said, catching his arm. “We face this.” He stared at her. “Are you sure?”

“No,” she admitted. “But I’d rather burn than hide.” His gaze softened, fingers brushing her cheek. “You’re insane.”

“And you’re still here.” A howl rose in the distance. Faint, but clear. Kael stiffened. “That’s a call.” “From your pack?”

“No.” His face darkened. “From someone else.” They exchanged a look that said everything words could not. Then they disappeared into the trees together.