Moonlight Betrayal-Chapter 49

Chapter 49

Kaeleen’s POV

I watched Astrid as she spoke, her eyes filled with a mixture of vulnerability and determination. I could see that the constant greetings, the well-wishes, and the repeated use of the title "Luna" were making her uncomfortable. It wasn’t that she disliked the attention, but rather that she felt she hadn’t earned it yet. freewёbnoνel.com

I could practically feel the gears turning in her head, the doubts and insecurities swirling within her. I knew she was still grappling with the trauma of her past, and the thought of stepping into a new role, a new relationship, was undoubtedly daunting.

"It’s not that I don’t like it," she had said, her voice low and hesitant. "It’s just... I’m not your Luna. So, the title feels a bit weird when they refer to me as such."

I couldn’t help but wonder what was going through her mind. Was she questioning her feelings for me? Well that question was far fetched. I knew Astrid had an attachment to me but I wouldn’t really say she had feelings for me...I wasn’t sure about that. Was she afraid of repeating the mistakes of the past? Was she simply not ready for a commitment?

I decided to address the elephant in the room, to voice the question that had been nagging at me since she arrived.

"Don’t you want to be my Luna?" I asked, my voice soft but direct.

Her eyes widened slightly, and I could see a flicker of surprise in her gaze. She hadn’t expected me to be so blunt.

She hesitated for a moment, searching for the right words. "Kaeleen," she began, her voice gentle, "I just left a... a very difficult relationship. I don’t think I’m ready to jump into anything so soon."

Her words stung, but I understood. She had been through hell, and the thought of opening herself up to another relationship, another potential heartbreak, was undoubtedly terrifying.

"I’m not asking you to jump into anything," I said, my voice reassuring. "I just... I need to know if you feel the connection between us. Because I sure as hell feel it."

I reached out, gently taking her hand in mine. Her skin was soft and warm, and the simple touch sent a jolt of electricity through my veins.

As the conversation between Astrid and me continued, I noticed Rebecca and Yvonne subtly giving us space. They were both perceptive women, and they undoubtedly sensed that we needed a moment alone to sort things out. I appreciated their understanding and their willingness to step back.

Astrid looked down at our intertwined hands, her expression unreadable. "I do feel a connection, Kaeleen," she admitted, her voice barely a whisper. "But... I felt the same thing with Leon. And look where that ended me."

Her words hit me like a punch to the gut. The comparison to Leon, that monster, was like a slap in the face. I bristled at the thought, my anger simmering beneath the surface.

"I am not Leon," I said, my voice low and dangerous. "I am nothing like that bastard. Don’tcompare me to him or even put us in the same ship. I don’t treat women like trash and I respect you a lot."

I couldn’t believe she would even suggest that I was capable of the same kind of cruelty and manipulation that Leon had inflicted upon her. I would never hurt her, never betray her trust.

Astrid looked up at me, her eyes filled with remorse. "I know, Kaeleen," she said, her voice soft and apologetic. "I didn’t mean it like that. It’s just... I’m scared. I’m scared of making the same mistake again."

She squeezed my hand, her touch conveying her sincerity. "I know you’re not like him," she continued. "I can see it in the way you treat your pack, the way everyone seems to genuinely like each other. It’s... it’s the opposite of what I experienced with Leon."

Her words eased my anger, but the underlying fear remained. I understood her hesitation, her reluctance to trust. But I couldn’t help but feel frustrated. I wanted her to see me, to truly see me, and to believe that I was different.

"I know it’s a lot to ask," she said, her voice pleading. "But please, Kaeleen, try to understand. I need time. I need time to heal, time to process everything that’s happened. I can’t just rush into things, no matter how strong the connection is."

I was quiet, mulling over her words. I knew she was right. I couldn’t force her, couldn’t pressure her into something she wasn’t ready for. I had to respect her boundaries, her needs.

But it was hard. It was hard to stand by and watch her struggle, knowing that I could offer her safety, security, and a love that was unlike anything she had ever experienced.

I sighed, releasing her hand. "I understand," I said, my voice resigned. "I won’t pressure you, Astrid. I promise. But I also won’t give up. I’m willing to wait, as long as it takes. Because you’re worth it."

I reached out, gently brushing a strand of hair from her face. Her skin was soft and smooth, and I couldn’t resist the urge to lean in closer, to inhale her sweet scent.

"Thank you, Kaeleen," she said, her voice barely a whisper. "That means a lot to me."

I smiled, offering her a reassuring nod. "Just remember," I said, my eyes searching hers, "I’m here for you, no matter what. You can always talk to me, confide in me. I’ll listen, I’ll support you, and I’ll protect you. Always."

I meant every word. I would do anything for her, even if it meant waiting patiently for her to be ready. Because I knew, deep down, that she was the one for me. And I wasn’t about to let her go.

Leon may have let her go, discarding the best thing that could ever happen to him but I wasn’t one to let a diamond or jewelry that had value pass me by. I was going to hold on to her and only let her go if she wanted to. Although, I hoped it wouldn’t come to that.