Chapter 44
961 Words
_Lyla’s POV_
A heavy weight pressed against my body, making it difficult to breathe. My limbs felt weak and my mind was clouded with confusion. I tried to move, but a strange warmth wrapped around me, keeping me still.
Slowly, I forced my eyes open. The room swayed in my vision before settling. My heart pounded. I wasn’t alone.
Aaron sat beside me. His brows were furrowed and I could see the worry clear in his deep blue eyes.
“Lyla,” he said softly. “Are you okay?”
I blinked, trying to remember. Shadows of my dream clung to me like mist, refusing to fade. My heart raced as I recalled Aaron’s touch, his lips, the strange sensation of warmth and weight that had felt too real.
Was it really just a dream?
“You were screaming,” he continued. “Thrashing around. It looked like you were having a nightmare.”
A nightmare? My chest tightened. Was that all it was? But it had felt so real. Too real.
“I…” My throat was dry. I swallowed hard. “I don’t know.”
Aaron’s eyes softened. He reached out and helped me sit up. His hands were warm and steady against my shoulders. I leaned into him for a moment, allowing myself to feel the strength he offered.
“Here,” he said, handing me a glass of water. “Drink this. It will refresh your throat.”
I took the glass, my fingers brushing against his as I lifted it to my lips. The water was sweet, strangely so, but I didn’t question it. I drank it all, and as soon as I finished, a rush of energy surged through me. My body no longer felt heavy. My mind no longer felt clouded.
It was like I had woken up completely.
Aaron watched me closely. “Are you feeling better now, sweetheart?”
My heart skipped a beat at the endearment. The mate bond hummed between us. I could feel it. It was strong and undeniable. His worry, his care—it was all there, open for me to feel. And he looked so handsome, sitting there beside me, his shirt slightly unbuttoned, his hair slightly messy.
“I feel… really good,” I admitted, surprised by my own words. “Like I could run a marathon.”
Aaron chuckled, his lips tilting into a smirk. He leaned in, his fingers brushing against my cheek. “Good,” he murmured before pressing a soft kiss to my lips.
Warmth bloomed inside me.
“You don’t have to worry,” he whispered against my mouth. “As long as I am here, I’ll protect you. Even from bad dreams.”
I laughed softly. “Even from nightmares?”
“Of course.” He grinned. “I’ll fight them off for you.”
I raised an eyebrow. “With what? Your claws?”
Aaron smirked. “My charm is a powerful weapon.”
I rolled my eyes playfully. “I’m sure my nightmares are terrified.”
“They should be.” He leaned in closer, his lips just inches from mine. “I’m a very dangerous man, you know.”
I snorted. “Oh, I’m shaking in fear.”
Aaron grinned before stealing another quick kiss. Just as I was about to tease him back, a knock at the door interrupted us.
We both turned as the door opened, revealing Aaron’s mother. She stood there, regal as always, but there was warmth in her eyes.
“Elise is here for your first fitting,” she announced, her gaze flicking between Aaron and me with amusement. “You should come down soon.”
I nodded. “Of course, I’ll be right there.”
Aaron groaned dramatically. “Do you have to take her away right now?”
His mother gave him a pointed look. “Yes. And you are not allowed to come downstairs.”
Aaron raised his hands in surrender. “Okay, okay. I’ll behave.”
I laughed and stood up, feeling more energized than ever. I gave Aaron one last playful glance before following his mother downstairs.
Elise was already setting up in the large sitting room when I arrived. She was adjusting the fabric of a beautiful ivory gown on a dress form, her hands moving skillfully as she worked.
“Lyla!” she greeted warmly. “Come, let’s see how this fits.”
I stepped forward as she helped me into the dress. The fabric was soft, flowing around me like a dream. When I turned to the mirror, my breath caught.
I looked like a bride.
Like Aaron’s bride.
My heart swelled with emotion. Soon, I would be his wife. Soon, I would stand beside him, not just as his mate, but as his partner, his Luna.
“You look beautiful,” Elise said, smiling.
I smiled back. “It’s perfect.”
Aaron’s mother stepped closer and inspected the gown with a keen eye. “It suits you well.”
“Thank you.” I turned back to the mirror, touching the delicate lace on my sleeve. My fingers trembled slightly. Was this really happening?
Elise adjusted the waistline. “How do you feel?”
“Excited,” I admitted. “And a little nervous.”
Aaron’s mother placed a reassuring hand on my shoulder. “That’s normal. But you and Aaron are meant to be. You’ll make a wonderful Luna.”
My throat tightened with emotion. “I hope so.”
Elise stepped back, nodding in approval. “It fits perfectly. We’ll just make a few final touches, and it’ll be ready.”
I nodded, still staring at my reflection. This was real. I was going to marry Aaron.
And I couldn’t wait.
- Writer
