The Rejected Luna (Avery and Kaden) novel Chapter 44

**Between Then and Now by Mark Twain**

**Chapter 13**

**Alpha King Julian’s POV**

At long last, the festivities surrounding the birthday celebration had drawn to a close, leaving a lingering warmth in the air. The laughter and joy of the evening still echoed in my mind as I found myself nestled beside my breathtaking mate in the sanctuary of her bedroom.

It never ceased to astonish me—she truly embodied the essence of the Golden Wolf. Her beauty was ethereal, and her spirit was fierce, a perfect blend that captivated me entirely.

Tonight had been significant in more ways than one; her parents had graciously bestowed their blessing upon us, an act that filled my heart with gratitude. I knew her father had sensed from the very beginning that she was destined to be mine, a truth that made the bond we shared all the more precious. It was no surprise, then, that he had gently nudged her toward the palace, cloaking his intentions in the guise of training the she-wolves.

As I lay there, lost in my thoughts, I noticed her stirring beside me. She attempted to rise from the bed, and instinctively, I grasped her hand, intrigued by her intentions. “Where are you off to, my love?” I asked, my curiosity piqued.

With a playful smile, she beckoned me to follow her into the ensuite bathroom, a twinkle in her eyes that hinted at mischief. “Come on, I thought we could share a bubble bath,” she invited, her voice laced with a soft allure.

Who could have guessed that my usually shy mate harbored such a playful and seductive side? The thought sent a thrill through me as we stepped into the warm embrace of the fragrant bubbles. We soaked together, the water enveloping us like a comforting cocoon, and shared whispers of our dreams and secrets, deepening our connection with every word.

After our relaxing bath, we returned to her expansive king-sized bed, the soft sheets inviting us into their embrace. I was clad only in my boxers, while she wore a simple tank top and snug booty shorts that accentuated her curves. The sight of her long, caramel legs and the gentle swell of her hips ignited a fierce desire within me. I could hardly contain my longing to mark her as mine, a claim that felt both thrilling and daunting.

Yet, a flicker of doubt crossed my mind—was she truly ready for this next step? We had both chosen to save ourselves for our destined mates, and tonight would be our first experience together, a moment that held immense significance.

Drawing her closer, I captured her lips with mine in a fervent kiss, pouring all my emotions into that single act. As her hand glided over my chest, I whispered, “Careful, kitten. Are you ready for this?”

Her soft moan sent shivers down my spine, and she continued her teasing touch, igniting a fire within me that was impossible to ignore. With a gentle yet deliberate motion, I flipped her onto her back, pressing my lips more firmly against hers, as if sealing a pact between us.

“Wake up, beautiful,” I murmured, brushing a strand of hair from her face. “It’s time to pack so I can take you to your new home.”

A soft smile graced her lips as she leaned in to kiss me. “I’m already packed—I was coming to train anyway,” she replied, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

With a playful grin, I rolled her onto her back, my heart racing at the thought of what was to come. “Well then, we have time for another round,” I teased, my voice low and inviting.

Her smile widened, and she nodded eagerly, a look of pure joy lighting up her face. I knew in that moment that I would never tire of her, of this intoxicating connection we shared.

We showered together, the water cascading over us as we prepared for the next chapter of our lives. Meanwhile, my mother was busy orchestrating her own preparations for her coronation as Luna—the Queen of all werewolves—a title that would bring with it both honor and responsibility.

As we stepped out into the world, I couldn’t help but feel that we were on the brink of something extraordinary, a journey that would forever change the course of our lives.