Chapter 005

SELENE

Rafe's request for a kiss stuns me. I can feel the heat rise to my cheeks as I try to process his words. He wants a kiss? Of all the things he could ask for, that's what he chooses?

Or perhaps is it a joke? Before I can respond, there's a knock at the door. The sales associate steps in, her expression neutral.

"I got the call Luna," she says and I know it's time for me to leave immediately before my absence is noticed.

I nod, the urgency of the situation snapping me back to reality. Rafe stands up, taking it as his cue to leave.

"I’ll look into everything," he says, a slight smirk playing on his lips. "Remember, you owe me a kiss."

I look at him, still trying to grasp the simplicity and boldness of his request. "Are you sure that's all you want? A kiss? I could offer you territory or something more substantial."

"A kiss is all I want," he says with a serious expression. "So, do we have a deal?" he asks, extending his hand for a handshake.

I hesitate, my mind racing. Is this some kind of trick? Is he setting me up for something? But I realize I don’t have much choice. I need his help, and I’ll have to cross that bridge when I get there.

I reach out and shake his hand, and a jolt of electricity courses through my veins the moment my hand collides with his. My wolf stirs, calling out to him, and I struggle to keep my face neutral. 

He must feel it as well no doubt, but yet he has decided to act ignorant like me. 

He gives me a sly smirk, his eyes gleaming with something I can’t quite place. "Good. I’ll be in touch soon," he says, then leaves the room without another word.

I stand there for a moment, trying to steady my breathing and calm my racing heart. The weight of the situation presses down on me, leaving me more confused than ever. Why would he ask for something so personal and insignificant in the grand scheme of things? 

Before I can ponder further, the sales associate coughs lightly, pulling my attention back to the present. "Ah right," I mutter remembering our agreement, I dig into my purse and pull out some money, handing it to her.

"Thank you for your discretion," I say, my voice firm. "But remember, if a word of this meeting gets out, there will be consequences."

The sales associate nods quickly, understanding the gravity of my warning. With that, I rush out of the room, my mind swirling with the events that just transpired.

I move swiftly through the mall, my heart pounding in my chest. I need to get back home before Damon notices my absence. I have never been one to leave the pack house alone with the guards, Damon would find it suspicious.

I reach the exit and spot my car parked a short distance away. Sliding into the driver’s seat, I take a moment to catch my breath. The meeting with Rafe was unexpected in so many ways, I had come up with the idea the moment we shook hands yesterday. I don't know why but I felt more trusting of him than any other Alpha seated in that meeting or maybe it was the mate bond that pulled me to him and I am still in a state of denial about it. 

His request for a kiss lingers in my mind again, confusing me. Why a kiss? Is it a ploy, a test, or something deeper? 

As I start the car, I feel a strange heat in the hand that shook Rafe's. It’s almost like it's burning, but not quite painful. I try to shake off the sensation, thinking it's just my nerves but I suddenly feel my body burning up. 

Adjusting the neck of my shirt, I open the glove box, grab a bottle of water, and take a drink, hoping to calm myself down. I return the bottle of water to the glove box afterwards relaxing into my seat.

Suddenly, I catch my reflection in the rearview mirror. My eyes are glowing a vibrant gold, and my wolf, Alina, calls out Rafe's name with an intensity that startles me. 'Rafe,' she whispers urgently, her voice echoing in my mind.

"What’s happening to me?" I mutter to myself, gripping the steering wheel tightly. The connection between us feels stronger, more real, as if Raf’s presence is now imprinted on me. 

I take a deep breath, trying to control the storm of emotions swirling inside me. I need to focus. There’s too much at stake to get distracted now, I had been foolish once with Damon and look at where it got me. I won't be foolish again by any mate bond, no matter how strong it feels. I need to guard my heart and stay focused on what’s important. 

Despite Rafe’s willingness to help me, I can’t fully trust him. I can’t let my guard down around him. Like he said, he could use this against me.

My thoughts are abruptly interrupted by a loud knock on my window that startles me. I freeze on my seat and let out a small yell, turning to see who it is. 

It’s Lyra, knocking on the window and waving at me with a smile. My mind floods with memories from my past life, the look of disdain on Lyra’s face as she stabbed me. Now, she looks so innocent, so different from the ruthless person who killed me. She did play her part well, I wouldn't have seen her coming in a million years. 

I try to calm myself, reminding myself to play along and not give anything away. From my last memory of her, she is nothing but a cunny snake. I will need to be careful around her. 

I roll down the window and force a smile. "Lyra," I say, trying to keep my voice steady. "What are you doing here?"

Lyra's smile widens, her eyes bright. "I was just shopping and saw you getting into your car. Thought I’d say hi."

I nod, trying to maintain my composure. "That’s nice of you. I was just about to head home."

Lyra tilts her head, her smile faltering slightly. "Are you alright? You look like you’ve seen a ghost."

I take a deep breath, trying to steady my racing heart. "I'm fine, just a little startled, that’s all."

Lyra's eyes narrow slightly, as if she's trying to read me. "Are you sure? You seem really on edge."

I force another smile, hoping it doesn’t look as strained as it feels. "Just Damon."

"What about him? Is he alright?" She asks too quickly, and I don't miss the worried look on her face. 

Disgusting. 

"I mean I was heading home to him," I reply, not sure I am making any sense. But Lyra nods slowly, her expression thoughtful. 

"Well, wifey duty. I am currently still shopping, so I can't talk much. But I did come around tomorrow, I have so much to tell you," she smiles.

"Alright, I will be expecting you," I say, my voice a little warmer. 

She nods again, her smile returning. "Take care, love." She leans in and plants a peck on my cheek. I force a smile and also peck her on the cheek. 

As she walks away, I let out a breath I didn't realize I was holding. I start the car and drive away.