I knew it wouldn't be easy, but I had to make him understand my reasons why I kept rejecting the offer to become his Luna. As much as I wanted to be with him all the time, I couldn’t risk everything just to be the Luna. The offer was tempting even before but Pembroke would suffer a lot because of my poor choices.
“I am not Aric Stormheart, Isabella.Whatever you have in mind, the fears in your heart, rest assure you don’t have to worry anything about it,” he assured me.

“Regardless of anything, I can’t and I must not be your Luna, Luke,” I insisted.
Luke's brows furrowed in confusion. "But why? You would be perfect for the role. The pack needs you, and I need you by my side!”
I took a deep breath, gathering my thoughts. "Luke, I believe that the position of Luna is cursed," I confessed, my voice barely above a whisper. "Throughout history, the women who have held this position have met tragic ends. I don't want to die in your hands, either.”
Luke's eyes widened in shock, and he reached out to hold my trembling hands. "My love, I understand your fears, but I promise you, nothing will happen to you. I will protect you with everything I have. Please, Isabella? Can you stop being stubborn and just accept me as your Alpha?”
"I am truly sorry.”
Luke squeezed my hands gently, his voice filled with sincerity. "I can't change the past, but I can promise you that I will do everything in my power to keep you safe. We can face this together, as a team,” he promised me and tears welled up in my eyes as I looked at the man I loved.

I knew he meant every word he said, and he had proven himself to me on several occasions, but the fear inside me was hard to ignore. I just couldn’t! It was too risky! What if it would be Luke who would hate me in the future? What if I would die in his hands? Even if he would be under the spell of a cunning witch, it would be too much to bear!
“Isabella, please?” he begged me.
"Luke, I love you more than anything, but I can't risk it,” I repeated for the nth time.
“If this is truly what you believe is best for you, then I will support your decision. So, what are your plans for today?” he asked and there was no hint of sadness in his voice.

“I am planning to see Selene at the library,” I told him and then he narrowed his eyes on me.
“Selene? Hmmm can you tell me what is your relationship with Selene? You seem too close to each other,” he asked.
“How about you come with me to the library? You can talk to Selene by yourself, you can ask her anything, but I think you already know. The pack leader mentioned it already, Luke.”
“Yeah, right. So, any plans for today?”
“Hmmm how about you go back to Lancaster and leave Pembroke?”
“Are you asking me to leave Pembroke or you?”
“Luke, you are not just a businessman anymore. You are now the Alpha of Lancaster, so what can you achieve for the pack if you keep coming here?”
“Maybe, the future Luna of Lancaster,” he answered with hesitation. “Anyway, if you don’t have any plans for today, why don’t we go to the hotel for a staycation?” he proposed.
“A staycation? Luke, do you really think you have all the time in the world for a staycation?”
“Why not? Come on, Isabella. Don’t be a killjoy and just come with me to the hotel,” he convinced me.
“Okay.”
Thirty minutes later, we arrived at the hotel, greeted by a group of men in black who ensured our safety as they escorted us to the top floor where Luke's penthouse awaited. Actually, he just told me about the penthouse he owned in that hotel on our way there.
"I know you're wealthy, but I still can't believe the extent of your riches," I remarked, trying to wrap my head around it all.
A smirk played on his lips. "Don't be so surprised. You're becoming quite adorable, it makes me want to do something daring."
His demeanor shifted, resembling that of a predator eyeing its prey. What was it about our bond that had this effect on him? He grew more confident, possessive, and occasionally jealous, his desires and passion for me intensifying. Not that I was complaining, but it was still something I needed to get used to.
"Luke, we should freshen up. I smell quite unpleasant at the moment," I said, hoping to divert his attention from his playful advances.
He chuckled mischievously. "Then why don't we take a shower together?"
I couldn't help but scold myself for how easily I gave in to this man's desires. I should have put my foot down and disagreed with him. After all, I had planned to enjoy a peaceful moment alone in the bathtub. But before I knew it, he had invaded my personal space, completely naked and eager to join me in the shower. Luke claimed he was sweaty and couldn't wait any longer for his turn.
Now, he stood behind me as the water cascaded over us, his gentle fingers massaging my scalp with a touch that felt almost magical. I leaned back against his body, using him as a support, feeling as if he were a solid wall. And indeed, his body was like a wall, firm and chiseled, with rock-hard abs. Every sensation was pure bliss.
"You're enjoying this a bit too much," he whispered teasingly in my ear, causing a ticklish sensation to ripple through me. This man knew exactly how to push my buttons.
"Shut up, this was your idea in the first place," I retorted, unable to hide the smile that tugged at my lips.
After our time in the shower, we decided to move to the bathtub, which was already filled with warm water and a delightful bubble bomb. Luke guided me to sit down first, and then he settled himself beneath me. My backside made contact with his member, and I couldn't help but feel a rush of flustered excitement. I wanted to get used to this sensation, to embrace it fully.
But the reality remained that we were not in a committed relationship. As much as I wished we were, I couldn't prioritize love at this moment. It would only serve as a hindrance to my mission.
We had shared an intimate moment once, but I still didn't know if Luke genuinely liked and accepted it, or if he despised it. The fear and uncertainty lingered within me, making it difficult to face my own emotions.
Lost in my thoughts, I was suddenly brought back to reality when Luke showered me with kisses. I melted under his affectionate gestures, reveling in the way he pampered me.
In moments like these, I realized the importance of cherishing each precious moment. The future was uncertain, and I had no idea if I would make it out alive. If given a second chance, would I have the opportunity to be with him again, to share this connection once more?
"Stop thinking," he suddenly whispered, his hand gently cradling my face as he pulled me into a passionate kiss.
I drowned in the sensations, overwhelmed in the best possible way. His hands roamed my body, exploring every curve and contour, while his mouth lavished attention on my neck, savoring it like sweet nectar.
With one hand, he teased my pinkish nipples, applying just the right amount of pressure that caused my back to arch in desire. His dominant hand skillfully stimulated my arousal, sending waves of pleasure throughout my body.
"Luke!" I couldn't help but shout in delight, my voice filled with a mixture of pleasure and longing.
His hands ventured towards my entrance, his fingers delicately entering me, causing me to nearly lose control from the overwhelming pleasure. He skillfully pushed and pulled his two fingers, his voice dripping with sensuality as he teased me. His ability to tantalize was truly impeccable.
"Yes! Don't stop!" I couldn't help but shout, my eyes closed tightly as I whimpered in ecstasy.
"I'm going to make you crave me so much that you won't be able to leave," he declared with determination, his strength evident as he effortlessly supported my weight.
With the water cascading over us, he positioned himself at my entrance, entering me slowly and expertly. Every movement was calculated, showcasing his expertise in pleasuring me.
My body ached all over, and I knew it would take some time to recover. Despite the discomfort, I had no regrets about being with him, about becoming one with him. The pleasure he brought was undeniable.
However, as I caught a glimpse of my body in the bathroom mirror, I was horrified to see it covered in a multitude of hickeys. Red marks that were turning violet, resembling bruises. It felt as though he was marking me as his possession, and the thought infuriated me. Did he plan to leave Luke's space just to indulge in this with me?
"I've ordered food for us. I'm sure you're starving," he said, oblivious to my growing frustration.
Sarcasm dripped from my words as I replied, "Oh, you bet I'm starving. You made me ride that monster cock for nearly an hour, not to mention the other positions, some of which were so extreme that I felt like I had just finished an intense workout. This was more exhausting than my physical training!" I hoped my healing abilities and stamina would come in handy when it came to sexual endeavors.
He tried to sound nonchalant as he responded, "I can't say sorry because I'm not. I thoroughly enjoyed those four hours of non-stop action."
Just as the tension between us was escalating, there was a knock on the door, interrupting our conversation.