15 38
Chapter 52
Chapter 52
Zora’s POV
288 Vouchers
Darius’s mom greeted me warmly, showing genuine kindness. She treated me nicely, making me feel welcome. But deep down, I sensed Darius wasn’t thrilled about having his brother around the place. I could totally understand his hesitation. The few times I’ve encountered Abelardo, it hasn’t been pleasant, not even once.
Darius looked at me, searching for answers in my eyes, but I had none to give. Until I officially became his Luna, I had no say in the matter. It was frustrating for both of us.
Abelardo strolled into the living room, accompanied by his girlfriend, who seemed scared of Darius for some reason.
“Did you inform the Dark Lord Alpha about this, Mom?” Abelardo asked, settling down in the living room next to his girlfriend.
“I did, but there are conditions,” their mother replied, which instantly provoked a reaction from him.
“He can’t dictate terms for me to stay on our own family’s land,” Abelardo exclaimed, his words dripping with defiance. Their mother let out a low, angry growl in response.
“He’s got the power, and he’s proven it. He’s the Dark Lord and
15.38
Alpha of the North, and you better show him some respect, Abelardo. I’m starting to think you’re just plain jealous of your younger brother,” his mother declared, leaving Abelardo utterly bewildered.
“What makes you think I’m jealous, Mom?” he asked, his confusion evident.
“For starters, you’ve been spreading lies about his relationship with Zora. Trying to make it seem like he’s out there misbehaving and that she’s a burden. Then you’ve been lying about him neglecting his responsibilities. But when Jenny came to talk to me, all she had were praises for Darius. I’m telling you, find something worthwhile to focus on instead of trying to tear your brother down. And yes, he’s entitled to set the rules. He’s the Dark Lord and Alpha, after all. You better follow his rules if you want to move in with us. Consider yourself warned: don’t you dare insult or disrespect Zora. She’s Darius’s chosen one and the future Luna of the North. Show her the respect she deserves,” his mother emphasized, her words laced with determination, revealing her boss–like aura.
Luna Nellie Hand, Darius’s mother, was quite a formidable woman. It was easy to see where Darius inherited his strength from. Although I hadn’t crossed paths with their father, I had a hunch that Darius took after his mother.
We spent a good amount of time with Luna Nellie Hand, and let me tell you, she was an absolute delight to be around. She proudly showed me adorable baby photos of Darius, and I couldn’t help but feel a pang of longing to have kids of my own.
15:38
Chapter 52
288 Vouchers
I couldn’t forget the pain I felt when Casey broke the news that Lori was expecting. However, as I looked at Darius, gratitude overwhelmed me for being given a second chance. Somehow, Darius understood my desires during those difficult moments. He reached out and gently squeezed my hand, as if he knew that my longing for children was written in Casey’s letter.
“I can’t wait either,” he linked me, his words touching me deeply. Tears welled up in my eyes, but I quickly brushed them away, not wanting Luna Nellie to inquire about my emotions.
Glenda attempted to be all chummy, but I couldn’t shake my wariness towards her. The fact that she was Shanon’s cousin sealed the deal for me–I just couldn’t bring myself to trust her when it came to Darius. Sure, I had faith in my man, but I couldn’t say the same for her. And to top it off, knowing that Abelardo would be joining the estate meant I’d have to deal with her even
more.
I was fine with all of it, though, as long as Shanon didn’t miraculously pop up, looking for her cousin. Deep down, I knew that whatever Shanon did still hurt Darius, even if he wouldn’t admit it.
In my mind, the best scenario was having Glenda as far away from us as possible. I secretly hoped she was happily married with a brood of children. But alas, the time came for us to leave, and Luna Nellie felt a pang of sadness about it. She begged Darius to let us stay, but he declined, explaining that we had to face the council bright and early the next morning. Apparently, Kara, Eloise, and I were going to be grilled about Elder Jenny’s death. As long as Abelardo wasn’t the one asking the questions, I was perfectly
15:38
fine with it.
We arrived back at the fancy estate, making a conscious effort not to overwhelm the driver with our extravagant tastes this time around.
As we stepped into our room, Darius pulled me into an embrace, his lips meeting mine in a passionate kiss.
“Don’t worry, I’ll always keep you safe,” he whispered, his voice filled with sincerity, and I couldn’t help but beam at him.
“I know,” I reassured him, letting him know that I was alright, and his smile grew wider.
We decided to freshen up with a quick shower before getting ready for dinner.
The atmosphere during dinner was rather subdued.
I had a feeling that Darius had filled Marcel and Raphael in on the recent development. They seemed less than thrilled about Abelardo joining our ranks. It appeared that I wasn’t the only one who had reservations about him.
Eloise couldn’t help but feel scared and puzzled by our ability to stay calm despite the unsettling news that the man who imprisoned us and falsely accused Luna of assault and the Elder’s murder was moving in nearby. I didn’t have an immediate answer to her concern because, truth be told, I was afraid too. However, I
51.76%
15 38 D
had faith that Darius wouldn’t let any harm come our way.
Once dinner was over, we all retired to our rooms with the intention of getting a good night’s sleep and waking up refreshed for the next day. Little did I know, Darius had different plans in mind. He slipped under the covers and unleashed a night of passion that surpassed all expectations. Monica, my inner voice, reveled in the pleasure, embracing every moment of his skilled touch.
It was clear that Darius had his sights set on starting a family with me. Since I was no longer taking birth control, the possibility of conceiving was becoming more likely.
The following day, we set off early for the Dark Wolf Pack council building located in Wonderland. As we approached the towering and majestic structure, its sheer presence sent shivers down my spine. This was the heart of power and organization in the North, the most advanced region of our world. Being a part of it now filled me with a sense of pride.
Upon entering, we found ourselves in a modest auditorium with loge boxes lining the walls. These raised platforms provided seating on multiple levels, stacked vertically from the ground. I counted a total of six levels of sitting boxes along the wall.
Abelardo occupied a loge on the first level, while we were escorted to the grand Loge reserved for the lord. Positioned on the opposite side of where Abelardo sat, it was a sight to behold–a true embodiment of beauty.
15:38 D
288 Vouchers
I could see the Elders occupied seats on the ground floor, while the center was left open for the speaker to address everyone. It had a certain charm, although it was clear that this place was meant for official business rather than hosting grand plays.
To assist our group, a few ladies were assigned to serve our Loge. It was quite apparent from their attire that they had a different kind of service in mind. Kara became uneasy and lashed out at one of the girls.
Recognizing the situation, Marcel suggested that men take over the service for our Loge instead. The women didn’t seem pleased with the idea.
“Your reputation precedes you,” I whispered playfully into Darius’s ear. He glanced at me with a frown.
“Tell me, wouldn’t you have chosen one of those girls as a bedmate if I wasn’t in your life?” I teased, and he responded with a smile, planting a gentle kiss on my hand.
“I only go for the finest,” he replied, locking eyes with me. His gaze sent shivers down my spine, as if I were the sole focus in the entire room. He knew exactly how to captivate me.
He mischievously stuck out his tongue and sensually licked the back of my hand before giving it another tender kiss. My body responded, imagining his tongue elsewhere.
“Darius,” I breathed, and he grinned, fully aware of the effect he
15:38
286 Vouchers
had on me.
Just then, a woman approached our Loge, seeking to speak with Darius.
