The Alpha King and I

Chapter 1: Kenneth

~ Helena ~

I visited Kenneth's apartment on a drizzling day in Moon City. Kenneth William had been my boyfriend for six months. I brought a picnic basket because I always wanted to picnic with him. But so far, it wasn't fulfilled yet.

From my house to Kenneth's, I used a bus. It took a halfhour. It was a sunny day when I left my home, but it was drizzling suddenly after arriving at the bus shelter. Fortunately, I brought an umbrella.

I knocked on the door. It took Kenneth a while to open the door. When he opened the door, he wore no shirt, and sweat was all over his neck and chest.

"Are you exercising? Have you finished yet?" I opened my purse, took a tissue, and wiped it on Kenneth's neck. I almost placed the tissue on his chest, but then I blushed.

"Exercise?" Kenneth laughed. "Yeah, you're right. I'm in the middle of an exercise."

"Oh, do you want me to return after you have finished?"

"Sure, babe." Then Kenneth stared at the basket. "Hey, where are we going later?"

I giggled. "It's a secret! But we're going for a picnic today. I'm excited about this since I've planned for a week."

"Picnic? It's rainy outside. We'll only get wet. Maybe it's better for another time, okay?"

I sighed. Kenneth's rejection instantly ruined my mood, but what he said made sense. Maybe we could go picnic another time. "So, what should we do for our date today?"

"How about this? Let's meet an hour from now at the Moon Bridge." Kenneth stared at his wrist. "At 2 p.m., okay?"

"Where will we go from there?"

Kenneth shrugged. "We'll think somewhere." Then he pushed me to go. "I must continue my exercise. See you an hour from now." Then Kenneth closed the door immediately.

My kneelength pink dress was a little damp because of the rain. I'd better change my clothes if I wanted to stay comfortable on my date. While the pink dress was my favorite, I had no choice. I might get cold later if I insisted on wearing the pink dress. So, I opened my umbrella and walked to the bus shelter again.

The bus came fast. Fortunately, I got a seat. Then my mind wandered to Kenneth again. Six months after dating me, Kenneth hadn't introduced me to his parents or family. In contrast, after dating for a month, I had already brought him to meet with my adoptive mother, Freya Ross.

After four months of dating him, my mother stroked my hair when I complained. "Sweetheart, men and women are different in their approach to relationships. Men usually take a lot of time before introducing their partners to their family and parents. But it doesn't mean they aren't serious with you."

"But Mom, I'm wondering if Kenneth has someone else."

My mother raised her eyebrows to hear that. "Why are you thinking like that?"

"He has never mentioned that he loves me. He often buys me expensive gifts, but it's nothing for him. I mean, Kenneth is superrich. So, buying me those gifts for him is easy."

"I see. Are you happy with Kenneth, sweety?"

I stared at my mother and then let out a long sigh. "I don't know. Sometimes I think I do, but I am not so sure of my feelings when I'm with him."

"Sweety, you're still so young. Take your time. Don't rush things." My mother took my hand and patted it. "If Kenneth is for you, then you'll know it. But if he isn't, don't push yourself to stay with him. There is plenty of fish in the ocean."

I smiled as I recalled the conversation with my mother. Though she was my adoptive mother, I loved her so much. The feelings were mutual. I had no birth parents since they passed away. Yet, having Freya in my life was indeed a tremendous blessing. Never did I doubt her love for me. My mother was always there for me, giving me all the love and support I needed.

The bus finally stopped at the shelter. I rushed to get off the bus and then walked to my house. I opened the door with my key, and after putting the umbrella outside, I ran to my room. I undressed quickly and then changed my clothes to a white lacy dress. Since the dress is thin, I put on a bolero too.

Later, I picked up the picnic basket, opened it, and placed the ham, cheese, chocolate, a bottle of champagne, and two wine glasses on the dining table. I sighed, too disappointed with the canceled picnic, but there would be a better time. After storing champagne in the refrigerator, returning glasses to the cupboard, and the basket to the kitchen, I picked up my purse again.

When I almost reached the door, my mother's voice startled me. "Helena, are you home already, sweety?"

"Mom, I'll go now. Do you want me to buy groceries when I return?"

My mother walked to the living room. "No, we still have a plentiful food supply." When she saw me wearing the white dress, she wrinkled her forehead. "Why do you change your dress? Your pink one is prettier than this one."

"I know, but the drizzle damped my dress. I have to go now, mom. Talk to you later, okay?" I waved at my mother.

"Where are you going?"

"To the Moon Bridge. See you later!" Then I ran outside. I picked up the umbrella, locked the door, and rushed to the bus shelter again.

Fortunately, the bus came quickly, and I could get a seat. But unfortunately, the rain was heavier now. I bit my lower lip. After the canceled picnic, should we halt this date too? I checked the time; it was almost two p.m. I still had ten minutes.

Though I was born and raised in Moon City, I had never had a date at the Moon Bridge. So, I was excited to get there. Yet the heavy rain forced me to stroll.

I arrived at the bridge at five past two p.m. It was five minutes late. I bit my lip since Kenneth once told me he hated seeing women who weren't on time. I immediately ran to the bridge, but I couldn't find Kenneth so far. So, I called him, "Ken, where are you? I have arrived at the bridge."

Kenneth didn't answer immediately. Instead, I heard a woman's voice. "Who's this?" the woman asked.

I frowned when I heard an unrecognizable voice. "I'm Helena, Kenneth's girlfriend. Who are you? Why are you answering Kenneth's call?"

"Kenneth's girlfriend?" The woman gave a long sigh. "Are you sure? Since Kenneth and I have just shared our intimate moment."

"What?!"

"Are you deaf? Oh, right! No wonder Kenneth told me that you were so naive. A virgin!" The woman laughed. "Well, Helena, for your information, Kenneth and I have just had a mindblowing sex moment." Then she laughed again. "Do you know what a mindblowing sex is?"

I gasped. "Yyou!" She had the nerve to taunt me like that.

"Kenneth is in the bathroom now. He'll go to meet you soon. I guess he'll break the relationship with you." She sighed. "Poor Helena. But hey, if you don't want to satisfy his appetite, don't blame him for finding someone else who can."

"Kenneth told you that?" My tears started trickling down my cheeks. It was hard to believe that Kenneth was so mean.

"Uhhuh. Kenneth also said that your body was too skinny. He wants a woman with big boobies, you know." The woman sighed again. "A quick farewell is better than prolonging a hopeless relationship."

"But … but …."

"Helena, please, don't embarrass yourself further. Please take my advice and dump him. It will help you more than to cry over him." Then the woman stopped for a while. "Ah, Kenneth has finished showering. Bye for now." She ended the call.

I stared at my phone, and my sight was blank. Then I shook my head and wiped my tears. I didn't even realize I whimpered. "No, the woman must lie to me. Why does Kenneth betray me? He's always so sweet with me."

But then, immediately, my mind recalled a few events where I refused to have sex with him. We almost broke up at that time. Then I remembered when we made out heavily, and he almost touched my private parts, but I said no immediately. Kenneth didn't force me, but he was cold suddenly toward me.

I later sat on a bench nearby and closed my face with my hands. Did Kenneth honestly want me only to satisfy the lust? If he did, then what the woman said on the phone made sense. If sex was the only thing he was looking for with me, no wonder he was so disappointed when I said no. I bit my lower lip since tears threatened to flow down my face again. I raised my head and looked to the sky to help me not cry. After taking a deep breath, I shook my head. I must be strong.

Five minutes passed, and then my phone rang. Next, I took my phone from my purse and stared at the screen. It was Kenneth. I thought about whether I should pick up the phone because I was too upset with him. Finally, I picked up the phone. "Yes?"

"Helena, where are you?"

I gulped and took a deep breath before saying, "Moon Bridge."

"Where exactly are you now? I'm at the bridge too."

Then I looked around to see whatever I could say as the direction for Kenneth. "I see a mark of the Moon Bridge here. Also, there are a lot of street food sellers around me."

"Okay, I'll go there. Wait for me."

I returned the phone to my bag and took a deep breath. Maybe the woman was wrong. Perhaps she liked Kenneth and wanted him for herself. That was why she made up an evil story to separate Kenneth and me. I smiled again after thinking about it. Yes, she lied to me. I should trust Kenneth more.

When I saw Kenneth approaching, I waved fast. "Over here!"

Kenneth walked toward me and then kissed my cheek. "Have you been here for long?"

I shook my head. "No, not long. So, where are we going?"

"How about we walk to the middle of the bridge? Who knows we can see the rainbow."

Kenneth took my hand, and we walked hand in hand to the center of the bridge. Unfortunately, the sun hadn't shown up yet, so it was a little dark though it was still afternoon.

I held the side bridge and took a deep breath. My heart was pounding hard. Should I ask Kenneth about what the woman said? I bit my lower lip and knew instantly I should ask him. Otherwise, I would keep questioning about this for days. "Uh, Ken?"

"Yes, babe?" Kenneth smiled and stroked my hair.

"When I called you, a woman picked up your phone. She said … she said …." I couldn't tell what the woman said about Kenneth and her.

"Well? What did she say?"

Since he was so calm, I exhaled and giggled. "Nothing, she must be wrong. After I think about it again, she must be wrong."

"Oh? Why?"

"Because I trust you." I smiled again while placing my hand on his cheek.

Kenneth sighed and looked away to see the Moon River below us. The water is sparkling blue, and it rushed downstream. "You're too trusting. That's why you'll easily get hurt," he muttered.

"What do you say?"

Kenneth stared into my eyes. He sighed again. "I'm sorry, Helena."

"For what?"

"I think we should end our relationship."

I gaped. I thought I had misheard it. "Come again? Can you repeat it? I thought you said something, but—"

"I want to end our relationship." Kenneth repeated it slowly a few seconds later, "I want to end our relationship."

"Bbut why? I thought we were happy together." My tears were flowing now. I had never thought that Kenneth would end our relationship. It couldn't happen. I shook my head.

"Oh, Helena." Kenneth closed his eyes, maybe because he didn't want to see my tears.

"Ken, why?" My voice was trembling. "Is there something I did you didn't like?"

Kenneth stared at me for a while and then looked elsewhere. "Helena, the thing is .… Well, at first, I asked you to be my girlfriend because you were so cute. I like you. You are pretty and nice. Yet, I have never wanted it to be a serious one. I want someone I can have fun with."

"I can have fun too."

"Helena, what I mean by fun is someone who can fulfill my desire." Kenneth scratched his head. "Physical desire." He sighed. "The woman who picked up the phone, Debbie, is a woman like that."

"Ddid you have sex with her?"

"Yes."

I blinked my eyes, too shocked since Kenneth admitted it. Was it all about that? Sex? "But—"

"Look, Helena, what happened between us is nice, but it's time to end it."

I caught Kenneth's hand and shook my head. "No! We can fix it! Please give me more chances." I was to shocked to hear what he said. How could he say that?

"Helena, do you want to sleep with me?" Kenneth asked.

I couldn't say anything. After a while, I shook my head. "II can't." I stammered

"Can't or won't?"

"I …."

"Then there's no other way than to end this. Goodbye, Helena."

Kenneth walked away, but I grabbed his hand. "Please, don't do this to me, to us."

"There is no us anymore. I only had fun with you."

"You lie!" I gripped his hand and didn't want to let it go because if I did, he would no longer be mine.

"No, I don't!"

"Ken! Why are you so mean to me?" My tears were flowing down my cheeks. "I love you …."

"I'm sorry, babe, but I don't."

Kenneth pulled his hand harder, but I gripped it, and when he used full strength to pull his hand while I pulled in the opposite direction, my body was suddenly thrown to the barrier fence. Unfortunately, the barrier had a gap there. My body went straight through the opening, fell over the bridge, and went directly to the Moon River below.

I was gasping and moving my hands to get some air. "Help! I can't swim! Ken, help me!"

Kenneth screamed, "Oh, no! Helena! I can't swim either! What can I do?"

~ Ethan ~

I saw a woman drown, and the guy on the bridge only saw that and did nothing. He said he couldn't swim. Though he couldn't swim, at least he should do something to save her. What a coward!

I removed my shirt immediately, threw it to the floor, then jumped straight to the Moon River. Then I swam right through the woman, swept away already by the current. Since the water flow was strong, her body was almost drowning. Fortunately, the Moon River's water was clean, so I could see her better. I swam faster and finally caught her on time. Unfortunately, she drank a lot of water and couldn't breathe.

"I got you!" I said, then swam to the riverside and pulled her body. She was unconscious, and her face was pale. I patted her chest. "Breathe!"

Since she didn't react, I patted her back too. There was no movement at all, so I did CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) to save her. First, I placed my hands interlocked on her chest, then pressed her chest. Later, I opened her mouth and breathed into it. I smelled her fragrance.

The wolf inside me screamed loudly in my mind, "Mate!"

I should have recognized her as my mate faster if I weren't worried about her safety. Also, the river's water wrapped her body, and the smell covered it well.

"Come on! Breathe! I won't let you die like this, mate."

She remained on the ground, unmoving. So, I continued doing CPR. When I opened her mouth again and breathed into her mouth, she weakly opened her eyes. Finally, she choked, letting out some swallowed water.

"Finally!" I closed my eyes and shook my head as I immediately felt something different when I stared at Helena's face. My heartbeat was so fast since I knew it was the first time I had met my mate. A jolt in my heart was new. I had never felt it before.

When the woman opened her eyes, she coughed a few times. Then she stared at me, blushing to see my sturdy body with sixpack abs in front of her. Later, she widened her eyes and reached out her hand. "Thank you for saving me."

I could hear her heartbeat racing, and she couldn't look away. She wondered why she felt so different about me, the man she had just met. Her mind also said I might be his future spouse.

"Don't think about that!" I said.

She gasped, too shocked with my tone. "What do you mean? Don't think about what?"

I sighed as I realized how harsh my tone was. "Never mind. Forget it. What's your name?"

"Helena Starr. What's your name?"

"Ethan Cross."

"Ethan," Helena repeated my name. "Suitable name for a strong man like you."

"Thank you." I raised my hand, wanting to stroke Helena's hair, but I stopped midway. "Are you alright now?"

"I'm okay." But when Helena stood, she winced. "Aw!"

"What's wrong?"

"My feet and waist are in pain. I hit the barrier fence before falling into the river." Helena lowered her stare and endured the pain. "Don't worry. I'll call my mother, and she'll pick me up."

I scooped Helena into my arms as if I only carried a lightweight thing. She was too skinny. "No need. Let me tend to you first. My place isn't too far from here."

Helena stared at me, and I couldn't help but smile because I could read her mind. Helena liked me and thought I was such a handsome guy. Yet she hid other thoughts about me.

"What?"

"Nothing." Helena blushed and sighed.

Though Helena wasn't a short woman at approximately 5'7", my 6'3" height made her tiny in my arms. When I reread her mind, she thought how nice my body was and wanted to touch me. I took a deep breath. "Stop it!"

Helena raised her head to meet my hot stares. "Did I say something?"

"No, but your eyes said what's inside your head." I sighed. I could read Helena's mind since I was her mate and a werewolf. We could read our mates and connected with each other's mind.

"Oh? What was I thinking back then?"

I sighed and shook my head. "Are you sure you want me to say it out loud?"

"You don't have to say it aloud, but you can whisper it in my ear."

So, I did what she asked. I whispered in her ear, "You want me, don't you?"

She gasped because of my direct statement. "What?!"

~ Helena ~

"Admit it." Ethan's smile showed on his lips. "Do you realize you're like an open book? Your eyes tell everything inside your head."

"Bbut …."

"You like my body and want to touch it. No need to be shy." A statement, not a question.

"Are you a mind reader?" I worried he could read my mind. But, oh, what did I think before? Did he know I admired his handsome face and fantastic body? I blushed again. It would be embarrassing if he knew that.

He stared at me, then tried to avoid answering my question. "It's so obvious. You want me."

Again, a statement, not a question. It was another bold one, like the previous statement. I was speechless. What could I say? What Ethan said was the truth after all. Yet I was too shy to admit it. "Ethan?"

"Repeat it."

"Ethan?" I repeated his name. "Why?"

Ethan smiled. "Nothing. I love hearing you say my name. It sounds so good to hear it from your mouth."

"Oh! You're teasing me!" I pouted. "You're mean. You know I'm in a weak state, but you take advantage of my situation and tease me."

"Helena Starr."

I stopped when he mentioned my full name. "Yes?"

"Your name is appropriate since your blue eyes shine brightly like stars."

It was unexpected, so I bent my head and blushed again. "Oh, thank you." If he kept saying sweet things like that, how could I survive? My heart, oh, my heart, I was in danger!

"Your hair is beautiful too, long and soft." Then he whispered, "I can imagine your hair is unraveled on my pillow, then curled on my fingers. It will be like golden silk." He bent forward to kiss my hair. "Sweet fragrance. Rose?"

"Yes …." I was sure my cheeks, ears, and neck were now red. My heartbeat was racing. Ethan's boldness in saying seductive words provoked me more than I could think possible. I could imagine what he said, and suddenly, my curiosity increased. What did it feel like to lay beside him?

Then Ethan held my body with an arm. He raised his hand to my lips, touched my lips slowly, and stared at the lips. "Such delicate and beautiful lips, like a tender pink rose." His voice was hoarse. Then he touched my lips with his thumb. "Waiting to be touched and kissed."

As if he couldn't hold himself, his face was closer and captured my lips with his. Finally, he kissed me tenderly, and I closed my eyes.

"Such sweet lips. I can taste them until the day I die," he murmured.

"Don't talk about death."

"Why not?"

"Since we just met. We have a lot of days in front of us."

Then Ethan's stare was suddenly cold as if a bucket of icy water were thrown at his head. "No, we don't. After you recover, we won't meet again."

I gasped upon hearing those words. I thought Ethan had accepted me, considering how he praised my hair and lips, touched my lips, and then kissed me. My lips were trembling, and I bit my lower lip so I wouldn't cry. "Bbut why?"

"Don't ask about it." Ethan sighed. He looked away and kept walking away from me.

I couldn't help myself not to cry. I shed tears because of the hurt I felt in my heart. I had put my hope high, only to be dropped again. When I sniffed, Ethan glanced at me.

"Hey, don't cry. I'm sorry, okay?"

"Why are you so mean to me?" I sobbed. "You praised me, then kissed me. You gave me hope, and then you smashed it again. I thought you had realized there was something between us."

"Stop it!" Ethan said abruptly. "You don't know what you said."

I shook my head. "What?! I only tell you what I feel inside."

"Don't! You don't know that you'll get hurt because of that!"

I gaped and stared at Ethan. "What did you say?"

"Forget it!"

"No, I can't forget it. You said that I'd get hurt. Why?"

Ethan growled. "Don't force me to do a harsh thing to you."

"Like what? You have done it anyway."

"What do you mean?" he frowned while staring at me.

"You made me have a high hope, then crushed it instantly. What else can you do to hurt me?"

Ethan groaned. "You don't know what you're dealing with. I'm trying to protect you!"

"From what?!"

"I can't tell you!"

I let out a sigh and shook my head again. It didn't make sense. "You're only trying to toy with me. Just like my ex." I looked down and wanted to weep again.

"Your ex? The scumbag who only looked when you drowned?"

I nodded.

"It's good you broke up with him. You'll be better without him." Ethan stared at me with a tender look. Later, he smiled and tucked a strand of my hair behind my ear. Ethan looked so handsome when smiling like that. Well, he was handsome, smiling or not. "You'll find a better man."

"Kenneth was my first love, my first boyfriend. I thought he loved me." I snuggled my head on Ethan's shoulder and neck then sighed again. "I have found him, a man I want, yet he doesn't want me," I whispered, wishing he would understand he was the one I meant.

Ethan said nothing, yet his breath was faster. After a while, we finally arrived at his villa. He carried me inside.

"Oh, it's yours?"

"Yes."

"It's beautiful."

Ethan nodded. "Thank you." He brought me to a room and laid me on the bed. "I'll pick a bandage and balm for your feet and waist first."

I lay down on the bed alone while thinking about the situation. Then I wept again. It hurt that Kenneth broke up with me after cheating on me. Then meeting Ethan, I felt something strong with him, but he also rejected me. It was like pouring acid on my open wound.

Ethan entered the room and saw me cry. "Hey, do your feet and waist hurt badly? Don't worry. I'll tend to them."

I sobbed. "It hurts, but here—" I placed my hand on my chest "—it hurts more."

~ Ethan ~

I sighed. It hurt me to hear Helena sobbing. So I pulled Helena into my lap and hugged her. "Poor girl. You don't need such a wimp beside you. Trust me! You'll be better without him." I patted her back. "You're such a beautiful girl. Any man will be lucky to have you."

Helena then stared at me while still crying. "Including you?"

"Not me."

Then she sobbed again. "Even my savior rejected me."

"It's just …."

"What?" She glanced at me again.

"Forget it! You'll be better without me either. Trust me!"

"No! You saved me. Then you talked sweetly with me. Then, you finally wanted to help me tend my wound." She smiled in the middle of her tears. "You're a good man. But you don't want me."

"It's not true!"

"Really?" She widened her eyes. "So you want me. But then, why do you push me away?"

"I wish I could explain it to you."

"Try me. I'll listen."

I scratched my head. It was so frustrating in this situation. "I wish I could have you. There's nothing I want rather than to have my mate beside me."

"Mate? What do you mean?"

I shook my head. "Forget it."

"Mate? What do you mean by mate?" Helena stared at me with her big blue eyes. "I don't understand why you repeatedly send on and off signals. Is it because you don't like me? Is it because I'm too skinny for your liking?"

"No, you're perfect."

She blushed and smiled a little. But then, she frowned. "But you don't want me. Tell me why? At least, I need to know. If it's something I can change—"

I interjected immediately, "I have told you. In my eyes, you're perfect."

"Then why?"

"Oh, for goodness sake, leave it, Helena! Okay?"

"No, it's not okay! How can I be okay when anyone rejects me?" Helena sobbed again. "No, not anyone but you. I feel it. I feel something I can't explain inside. But now, it hurts so much!"

"Gosh!" I pulled her into my embrace. Then I stroked her hair. "I wish it didn't have to be this way. I wish it could be different." I sighed. "There's nothing I want more than meeting my mate and spending the rest of my life with her."

Helena sniffed; her eyes showed a deep confusion. "Mate? What do you mean?"

I sighed, refusing to reply her questions. "But I can't, and I can't tell you why. It's better this way for you. If you know more, you'll be hurt more." Then I kissed her hair. "The last thing I want is to hurt you."

"You have already hurt me. The question is, why don't you tell me the reason?"

I took a deep breath. "We can go on and on and on, but I'll not tell you anyway." Then I took Helena's feet. "Let me give balm to your feet and your waist. After that, you should rest."

She was finally quiet and let me take care of her. She winced when I touched her feet. "Does it hurt badly?"

"Yes."

"Don't worry. I'll be more gentle."

I placed some balm on Helena's feet and started rubbing a little.

"Argh!"

"Hold the pain. You'll feel better later."

I touched the feet and rubbed them again. "At least, no bone fractures. It may be only sprained muscles. You'll be alright after resting for a few hours." Then I massaged Helena's feet more.

Helena bit her lower lip.

After a while, I glanced at her. "Open your dress."

"Why?" She blushed.

"Because I need to give the balm to your waist. Also, your dress is wet. It will make you ill to keep wearing it."

"Oh, I thought—"

"Trust me, having you for myself is crossing my mind too. But I'm not a barbarian like that. You are hurt right now. So, if I want to take you for myself, it must be when you are healthy."

Helena's face, ears, and neck were all red. "You're teasing me."

"No, I'm not. I'm merely stating the fact."

Helena sighed. She peeled her wet bolero and placed it on the table next to the bed. Helena tried to reach her zip on the back, but then, she let out a frustrated voice.

"Helena? What's wrong?"

Helena sighed. She turned her body, so her back faced me now. "Could you help me with the zip? My arms feel weak. It's difficult for me to open it."

I lowered the zip slowly. I gulped when I looked at how glowing and soft Helena's white skin on my hands. It was a huge temptation to have her, so I took a deep breath to calm myself. But unfortunately, it was a big mistake. Her sweet rose fragrance immediately filled my nose, and the wolf inside me wanted to grab and have Helena instantly.

With all the remaining selfcontrol I had, I clenched my teeth. Then, finally, I finished opening the zip completely. "Done! Undress now. You can wrap yourself with a blanket while I dry your clothes."

Helena undressed and turned her back so I could only look at her bare body from behind. I took her dress, walked outside the room, and gave the dress to my maid.

Afterward, I returned to my room. Helena had already covered herself with the blanket. Then I approached her and touched her waist.

She squealed. "Aw!"

"Does it hurt so bad?"

"Yes." She grimaced and bit her lower lip.

"Poor girl." Then I peeled the blanket, caressed Helena's waist, and kissed it tenderly.

"EEthan, what are you doing?"

"Easing your pain."

"It's ticklish when you kiss my waist."

"Ah, you're sensitive on your waist. I see." I grinned. This piece of information was important.

"What?"

"Nothing." I smiled. Then I started rubbing the balm on Helena's waist. After finishing with the back waist, I said, "Turn your body."

"Uh, can you just reach my waist from behind?"

"I need to check if there are any bruises."

Helena gulped, then she turned her body with a crimson face. I glanced at her body and took a deep breath. Helena looked like an angel—a tempting angel. Her body, though skinny, was in good shape. I gulped again since I wanted to feel her body.

"You're flawless." My voice was hoarse. "You're perfect. Do you realize that?"

Helena's face was getting redder. "But it's useless if you don't want me either," she muttered and didn't want to look at my eyes.

I pretended not to hear that and rubbed Helena's stomach. "If you feel ache, tell me."

Helena nodded. She didn't winch again, so I was relieved since there was no pain other than Helena's waist and feet.

"I'll leave you now so you can rest for a while. I will send your dress back when it is dried."

"Thank you."

Then without glancing at Helena again, I walked outside of my room. Being close to my halfnaked mate wasn't easy, especially since the wolf inside me urged to claim her. After half an hour, my maid brought Helena's dress to me. So, I finally returned to my room.

"You can wear your dress again." I gave Helena's dress.

Helena then took her dress. Blushing since I still stared at her, she muttered, "Don't look at me."

I let out a long sigh, then turned my body.

Helena immediately wore her dress. But then, she whispered, "Help with the zip, please?"

I held my breath again since I was tempted when I saw Helena's white and spotless back. I pulled the zip slowly and kissed her back.

"Ethan?"

"I wish things were different." I kissed her back again. "I wish I could have you."

~ Helena ~

I couldn't explain an urge inside me, but I said, "Yes, you can." I gasped afterward since I had never been so bold like this, even with Kenneth.

"No, I can't." Then in a fast move, Ethan pulled the zip. "Done. Rest for an hour or two until your feet and waist recover. Then I'll send you home."

A loud voice suddenly came from my stomach when I laid my head on the pillow. My face blushed immediately.

He laughed out loud. "When was the last time you ate?"

"Uh, in the morning."

"No wonder. Wait here! I'll bring some meals for you." Ethan left the room, but this time he didn't rush.

Later he brought a tray filled with five plates of meals and a glass of orange juice. "Now, eat it. You'll need a lot of energy."

"Do you cook it yourself?"

"Of course not. I have a cook and a maid who helps me here."

I nodded. "You can pay a cook and a maid. Then you must be a rich man."

Ethan shrugged. "Well, I'm a leader. My people call me Alpha King. So, it's normal, I guess."

"Oh! Is that the reason you don't want me? Because I'm just a nobody?"

Ethan didn't answer. "You should eat now." He pushed the tray closer to me.

Since I was too hungry, I didn't go after Ethan for an answer. There was roasted chicken with honey sauce, beef with black pepper sauce, fried fish, spaghetti carbonara, and broccoli sauteed with mushroom sauce on the tray. So, I ate and then licked my lips and hummed. "It's delicious!"

He smiled as he watched me chew the meals. Next, he sat in front of me, wiped sauce on the corner of my lips, and licked it. I blushed and stopped eating because his gesture was too intimate.

"Why do you stop?"

"You are distracting me. Why don't you eat together with me?" I looked at the table, too shy to stare at him.

"I already ate my lunch. Don't worry. I'll leave you now so you can eat peacefully."

"No!" Then I blushed again. "I mean, please stay."

"Then you should continue eating." Ethan picked up a spoon. "Open your mouth."

I followed what he said and opened my mouth. When Ethan fed me, I smiled. Then he continued providing meals for me, touched my cheek once or twice, and wiped my lips when the sauce covered them. As if he seduced me without words but only with gestures.

Since the meals were too much, I couldn't finish them all. I rubbed my stomach and shook my head. "I'm full already. Thank you."

"Drink your orange juice then."

Obediently, I did as Ethan asked.

"Good girl. Now, take a nap. After sleeping, you will feel better."

I bit my lower lip. "Will you accompany me?"

Ethan groaned and sighed. "You don't know what you asked, girl."

"No, I know what I want." I stopped for a while. Then, I blushed after thinking for a few seconds since what I said was so bold. "I want you to be with me. I want you," I said, without staring at Ethan.

Again, Ethan groaned and shook his head. "You're playing with fire. It will burn you alive."

"Then burn me. I'm not afraid."

He said nothing and reached his hand to my shoulder, but he stopped in the middle. "You don't know what you said."

I looked away. Why did I suddenly become so bold? It was weird. Before, I felt hurt because of Kenneth's betrayal. I thought I loved him. But I was unsure anymore. Since how could I feel something so strong with Ethan if I loved Kenneth? Then I glanced at Ethan's bare chest. Uh, his chest was broad and comfortable. I wanted to lay my head there.

"What?" His black eyes stared at me.

I shook my head. "Nothing."

Ethan startled me as he gently caught me above my waist, then he pulled and placed me on his lap as he sat and brought me with him. My heartbeat was so fast now. What would he do? He looked into my eyes and stroked my hair. I licked my dry lips.

When Ethan saw that, as if it was an encouragement he couldn't resist. He pulled my body toward him, inhaled deeply, and growled, "Mine! My mate!" Then he crushed my lips, coaxing my tender lips to open with his tongue. At the same time, his hand touched my sensitive upper body.

I moaned and opened my mouth a bit. That was when Ethan invaded my mouth with passionate and vigorous tongue strokes.

"EEthan?"

"Sssh, don't talk, my lovely one. Let me taste you." Ethan caressed my neck with his fingers while his tongue played inside my mouth.

I moaned again and tilted my head to the side. It was overwhelming, and I had never felt like this before. It was as if fire rose within my body, burning me alive.

Ethan bit my neck and then whispered, "Now, you are completely mine. My mate!"

~ Ethan ~

I slowly pushed Helena until she laid on her back while I was on top of her. I touched her neck and then went lower, but she shook her head.

"EEthan? Wwhat are you doing?"

That was when I stopped. Then, as if a flashlight lighted on me, I moved back a little and looked at Helena's swollen lips and disarrayed clothes in horror. But it wasn't as much as when I stared at the bite mark on her neck. Later, I immediately released Helena's body.

"What have I done?!" I held my head with both of my hands.

"Ethan?"

I immediately opened the cupboard, took a shirt, and wore it. Then I returned and scooped Helena into my arms. "You should go home now!"

"Bbut, what did I do wrong?"

"Nothing!"

"But then, why do you want to get rid of me?" Helena bit her lower lip, and her tears fell one by one to her cheeks. "I know I'm inexperienced, but …." She couldn't continue her words.

I sighed. Regret always came later, but I couldn't undo what had happened. Then I hugged Helena. "Are you a virgin?"

Helena was too shy to answer. She lowered her head and didn't want to meet my eyes. But after a while, she sighed since I was staring at her and waiting for her answer.

"Yes …."

I smiled tenderly, then touched her lower lip with my finger. "Don't bite your lower lip again. It's mine. Only I'm allowed to bite it." Then I kissed her lips again, but softly this time.

Helena circled her hands on my neck. "Oh, Ethan …."

"I love that you are still a virgin. If things were different, I would take you here and now."

She blushed again. She was so pretty. Then I kissed Helena again until we were out of breath and should gasp for air.

"Never doubt that you are so precious to me, my lovely Helena. But the problem is me, not you."

"But why?"

"Why did I stop and not take you here and now?"

Helena nodded; her cheeks were red as if she were too shy to say a word.

"I truly want it, my enchantress one, but it will harm you."

"Oh!"

I took a deep breath. I could read Helena's mind now and be relieved that she concluded it wrongly. She thought I wouldn't want to take her virginity. "Let me fetch you home. I promise I will take care of you."

"Thank you."

Then I carried Helena in my arms again. After kissing her forehead, I brought her to my silver Lamborghini. Later, I placed Helena on the seat, entered the car, and switched it on. However, there was a movement outside, and I stopped.

"Please wait. I won't be long." I got out of the vehicle. A man walked toward me.

"Alpha, what are you doing?"

"Red, not a word!"

The man, Red Sutton, was my Beta and also my best friend. He looked at my car, at Helena precisely. After smelling Helena's fragrance from afar, Red grimaced. "A human? Are you mad?"

"Red, it's not your place to say that. I have marked her already. Helena is mine, my mate."

"But she's a human!"

"What can I say if our God chose her as my mate?"

"Are you sure that the Highest One chose the woman as your mate?"

"Yes. No doubt about that. Helena's intoxicating smells I recognized it after seeing her. I'm sure she's my mate. My wolf also confirmed it."

Red shook his head. "Is it possible? It's the first time I see a human as our mate." He glanced at me again. "She will be our Luna. Are you sure she's ready?"

"No, she needs more time. Don't tell her about Luna, mate, or even our pack."

Red squinted his eyes. "Don't tell me she didn't know you're a werewolf."

"She doesn't know about it."

"What?! You can't do this! She will be overwhelmed if she knows."

"There's no way back now."

"What do you mean?"

I closed my eyes for a while. When I opened them again, Red crossed his arms in front of his chest, waiting for me to explain further.

So, I told him, "I have marked her."

"But …."

"I won't claim her. I won't mate with her at all."

"It's impossible! After marking her, your urge will be so wild to have her completely."

"I know! I have already felt it. I only bedded her a few minutes ago." I shook my head. "Fortunately, I can stop."

"Are you sure it's the best?"

"I can't leave her if it is what you meant, Red."

"No, I don't ask you to do that. But for her sake, you're better off." Red tapped his upper arm. "It's unlike you at all. Usually, you're so calm and collected."

"I know. It was just the moment when I smelled Helena's fragrance; I immediately recognized her as my mate and couldn't control myself. I want her around me, to protect and have her."

"But if you are around her, it may lead to you mate her …."

I closed my eyes again. "You're right. I'll take Helena home. Then I will take my distance. But I need your help."

Red stood straight. "Name it."

"I want you to monitor and guard her. She is your Luna, after all. If I cannot be around her, at least I'll feel better with you guarding her."

"Don't worry, Alpha. Your word is my command."

"Thank you, Red. I know I can count on you."

"Always, my Alpha King."

Then I nodded and walked back to the car. Red also left.

Helena watched what had happened. But then, she screamed, "Argh! What's wrong?"

I frowned. "Helena?"

"It hurts!"

"Where?"

Helena placed her hand on her chest. "Here. I feel burnt. Help!"

I immediately unbuckled the seat belt and ran to Helena's side. Next, I opened the door and brought her outside. Then, I sat on the ground with Helena on my lap.

"Ethan! I can't bear it anymore." Helena's sweat poured heavily onto her forehead and neck.

Then I stood and ran back to the villa with Helena in my arms. I opened my room and laid her on my bed. Hastily, I opened her dress. The bite mark was burning. There was a new red mark too on her cleavage.

I touched the mark with my pointed finger, and Helena gasped. Then I stared at her. "Does it hurt here?"

~ Helena ~

I gasped. The ache was no more. What happened to me? Realizing that Ethan was waiting for me to answer his question, I said, "Strange, when you touch it, the ache is gone."

Ethan removed his finger. "Thank goodness. Maybe you should rest more. Go to sleep. After dinner, I will bring you home."

The relief lived shortly. I screamed since the pain came again, "Ethan, argh! It hurts!"

Ethan grabbed my body and held me in his arms. He kissed the mark. "Does it still hurt?"

"No …."

"How about this?" He touched my cleavage with his finger again.

"The ache is gone." I glanced at Ethan. It was the first time a man touched me intimately. My face was hot. "What happened to me?"

Ethan sighed. "I think I know what happened." He opened my bra and panties and started touching me.

"EEthan?" What was he doing to me? But I didn't want him to stop. It was amazing. I felt burning inside, and his touches torched the flame bigger.

"Trust me, mate. I won't hurt you."

"II trust you." However, I trembled since it was my first time with a man. Would it hurt, like a lot of people said?

Then Ethan kissed my lips again. I moaned, and the fire rose within my chest and spread to my body, especially my lower private part. I closed my thighs to ease the burning, but it worsened. "Ethan …."

"Yes, darling, hold on. I will help you." He caressed my neck, right on the bite mark, then kissed and licked it. "Do you like it?"

It was ticklish, but it was also burning my desire higher. "Uhhuh. It's good."

"How about this?" Ethan grabbed my mound and massaged it.

"Oh! It's…." I was sure my face was crimson right now.

"Do you like it?"

"Yes …." It felt good.

Ethan smiled. "Then I think you will love this." He sucked the top, and I screamed.

"Ethan!

He didn't stop and kept sucking it. I was panting. It was like a rush of fire invading my body. So I grabbed Ethan's shoulders and scratched them with my nails.

Ethan stopped and looked into my eyes. "Do you want me to stop?"

I said nothing; I couldn't! But then I grabbed Ethan's head and directed it to my other mound. I wanted him to do the same as before.

Ethan lifted his head and then grinned. "Yes, madam. I know you will love it." Next, he gave the same sensual torture to my left peak. He sucked it hard and toyed with it using his tongue.

I grabbed Ethan's head and stroked his hair. "Ethan … don't stop …."

"I won't." He caressed the first mound while he kept sucking the second. Then, the fire spread to my other orb and my lower body.

I squealed. It was so good but tortured me too. I wanted Ethan to end the torture, but I moved restlessly when he stopped.

"Calm down. I won't leave you unsatisfied, my lady."

He kept teasing me with his tongue and fingers. Then somehow, my body tensed. I was afraid that something terrible would happen to me. But then, after a while, I came to my release. It was amazing! My body was exhausted, but I wanted to hum joyfully.

He smiled. "How are your feelings right now?"

"I'm good, more than good …." My voice was hoarse because of too much screaming. "I feel sleepy." I closed my eyes, too tired to even open them.

"Good. Sleep then, my mate."

He picked a blanket, covered my nakedness, and kissed my forehead.

Feeling Ethan go away from me, there was a pang of loss I couldn't explain. It was cold and lonely. So, I called him, "Ethan?"

"Yes, darling?"

"Can you stay here with me?"

Ethan sighed. He sat beside me, then grabbed my hand and held it. "Yes. Sleep now. I'll accompany you."

It was the reassurance I needed. Having Ethan's warm hand hold mine, I drifted to sleep only after a few minutes.

~ Ethan ~

Helena's breath was calm. Finally, she was asleep. I went to the bathroom, showered with icy water, and let out a long sigh. Helena's state of burning was because I had marked her. In the werewolves' world, usually, the ritual must follow the sequence: marking, then mating. However, with my situation, I couldn't ultimately mate Helena. What we could do was only outercourse. It satisfied the demand after the marking but did not genuinely satisfy the mating process.

I cursed silently under the heavy, cold shower. My lack of control caused suffering for Helena. Typically, it was only shewolves who would experience things like Helena did. However, Helena was a human. So why did she experience stuff like that too?

I shook my head again. "Yeah, I know I screwed up! But I couldn't undo what had happened. I have marked her. So, I will care for her for the rest of my life, even without mating her."

After a few minutes in the cold shower, it helped release the tension in my body. The wolf inside me kept urging me to take Helena and mate her ultimately, but I knew I couldn't do it. I didn't want to regret it for the rest of my life, just like what happened to Lynnette.

I sighed and shook my head. "No more! I won't be responsible for more guilt because of my foolishness!"

Then I turned off the shower, dried my body, and wore my clothes again. I walked back to my room, but Helena was still asleep. She was smiling in her sleep, and I couldn't stop myself. I approached her and kissed her lips tenderly.

"You are my lovely mate. I will protect you with all my strength, even from myself." I caressed Helena's hair.

I let out a long sigh since her fragrance filled my nose as if calling me to claim her. Next, I picked Helena's scattered underwear and dress on the floor, folded and placed them on the table next to the bed. Then I left the room with long steps.

~ Helena ~

I awoke after maybe a few hours of sleeping. I blinked my eyes and then sat on the bed. When the blanket dropped, I just realized of my nakedness. So, I gasped, and my face blushed immediately. I wrapped my body with the blanket while patting my hot cheeks.

"Oh, that's what having sex is. Now I know. No wonder everyone was telling me how incredible the experiences were," I mumbled. But then I frowned. It felt like something was wrong. Why didn't Ethan undress? Why was it only me? Since I didn't have any experience before, it confused me greatly.

Before I could think further, the door was knocked. I gasped and tightened my grip on the blanket that wrapped my body. Then, a young woman came with a lovely smile on her face.

"Luna Helena, our Alpha King told me you may need my help. I'm Ernie Wright. You can call me Ernie. I'm your maid."

"Mmy maid?"

"Yes, Luna. Please don't hesitate to tell me whenever you need me." Then Ernie stared at my clothes on the table. "Do you need me to help you dress up?"

I gasped. My face was hot now. Oh, it was so embarrassing! "No, no need. I can do it myself."

"Oh! But I'm your maid, Luna. Oh, I know! You must be hungry. How about I prepare warm water for you to take a bath? Then I'll take your meals." Ernie stared at me with a hopeful look.

I almost shook my head but later changed my mind. "Alright. Thank you."

"No, thank you, Luna. It's truly a great honor for me to be your maid."

I immediately wore my dress again when Ernie prepared my bathwater. But when she returned to the room, my face was still hot, and I didn't want to look at Ernie.

"Luna, don't be ashamed. Mating is natural for us, especially after Alpha Ethan marked you."

"Marked? What do you mean? Also, why do you call me ‘Luna'?"

Ernie gaped, then she closed her mouth. She smiled a little though it looked like she forced it. "Uh, well, you see, Luna is a term for our leader's spouse. Marked is a term in our community when we are very attracted to our mate, uh, spouse."

I nodded. "Oh, I see."

Ernie exhaled and chatted quickly. "Yes, Luna. Since our Alpha King allows me to be your maid, please don't hesitate to ask me anything. It's truly an honor for me to serve you."

"But I don't get used to being served by others."

Ernie looked at the floor. "I know I'm still too young, but eighteen is an adult already in our community. I'm strong too, Luna. Please, give me a chance."

I approached Ernie and shook my head. "I don't look down on you, Ernie. It's strange to be served for things I can do by myself." I smiled reassuringly and placed my hand on Ernie's sagged shoulders because Ernie squeezed both her hands and bit her lower lip. "Yet I thank you for being so nice to me."

Ernie raised her head and stared at me with a hopeful look again. "So, you will let me serve you, right?"

I nodded. "Yes."

"Oh, thank you! Thank you, Luna! You won't regret it! I'll be the best maid ever!" She grinned. Her eyes shone.

"I believe you."

"Let me help you to undress. After that, I'll take your meals."

I sighed, but then I nodded again. "Okay."

We walked to the bathroom. Later, Ernie removed my dress, then my underwear. When I remembered what had happened before, I felt hot again. I was sure that my face was crimson right now.

Ernie giggled. "Luna, don't be shy. It's normal for our Alpha to mate with you." When she looked at my neck, Ernie grinned. "See? Our Alpha King has marked you too."

Feeling so exposed, I immediately went inside the bathtub. But since my curiosity won, I finally asked, "Uh, I wonder how you know that Ethan has marked me?"

Ernie knelt beside me and touched the bite mark. "Our Alpha King has marked you here."

"Oh, biting my neck is his way to mark me?"

"Yes, Luna." Then Ernie giggled again. "Luna, if you have already had p—" She coughed "—baby, would you let me help you take care of them too? I always love babies."

I blushed again because of such a straightforward question. "Uh, yes, Ernie." I placed my hand on my stomach and wondered if I was pregnant already. It scared and excited me at the same time. Was I ready to be a mother?

"Do you want me to rinse your hair, Luna?"

"Alright."

Ernie immediately poured shampoo and rubbed my hair and head with the shampoo. It was rose shampoo too. She giggled again. "Our Alpha seems different today, Luna."

"Oh? Why?" I closed her eyes, enjoying Ernie's massages on my head.

"He looks calmer than before. Also, when he mentioned you, his eyes were shining. I wonder if our Alpha King is in love with you."

I sighed. "No, we just met. I don't think Ethan will have feelings for me so fast."

"No, Luna. It's possible, especially since he has already marked you."

"What do you mean?"

"You know, Luna, marking for our people is special. In a way, it can be seen as mating too. But, while mating is more to the physical joining of your bodies together, marking is like soul joining between you two."

"Oh!" Then I remembered the pain in my chest after the marking. "So, the pain I felt after the marking, is it because of that?"

"Yes, Luna. Usually, marking is immediately followed by mating. However, if the couple postpones the mating, the pain will arise until he mates with her."

I blushed when I heard that. Yet I wanted to know more, so I asked again, "Uh, Ernie, I still don't understand something."

"Ask me, Luna. I'll answer if I know about it."

"When we did it … uh, I mean when Ethan and I were mating, why was it only me undressed? Is it normal?"

Ernie gasped. She coughed again. "Uh, it's … well, uh …."

"Please, tell me the truth, Ernie," I said.

"Well, usually both will be undressed for a complete mating, Luna. Maybe our Alpha didn't want to startle you."

I nodded. "I see. Ethan was so considerate and gentle with me." I smiled as I touched the bite mark. "I guess I'm lucky to have him as my mate."

"Oh, yes, Luna. Our Alpha King is the best!" Ernie rinsed my hair. "I'm glad that you are our Luna. You are nice and warm."

Suddenly, someone asked, "So, what are both of you talking about me?"

"Ethan!" I gasped. "How do you come so suddenly?"

Ethan grinned while his eyes stared at my naked body. Those eyes were shining. "Well, you call me."

"No, I didn't."

"Yes, you are, my beloved one. Didn't you touch the mark?"

"Oh, how do you know?"

Ethan smiled. Then he said to Ernie, "Please leave us alone, Ernie."

"Yes, Alpha King." Then Ernie left the bathroom.

I covered my breasts with both hands and turned my body so Ethan could only see my back. "I'm taking a bath. Please leave."

"Not so fast, my darling. You are mine, so it's my right if I want to see you all day long."

"Yours? But how?"

"Haven't you asked Ernie about marking and mating just now?"

I blushed immediately. "How much did you hear?"

"Well, enough to know what I need to know." Ethan then whispered, "Close your eyes. I'll rinse your hair first. After that, I'll help you bathe."

I sighed but followed what Ethan said. He had already touched my whole body. So allowed him to touch me more would make no difference. The warm water immediately rinsed my hair and head. I moaned when he soaped my neck, shoulders, and back. It was so good!

"Do you like it, darling?"

"Yyes."

Ethan grinned. "Then you will like this more." He soaped my front body, taking longer to soap my breasts.

"EEthan?" My voice was strangled.

He said nothing and soaped the rest of my body fast, showered my body with warm water, then brought me in a fast movement. Ethan carried me back to his room and laid me on the bed.

"Ethan?"

He started to undress and looked at me. "Now, both of us are undressed."

I gulped as I could see the evidence of how Ethan wanted me through his prominent body part. Then Ethan started the dance of passion with me in the bed until I finally found my release again. He didn't join his body with me, but he hugged me from behind when I calmed myself and my breath.

"You are mine, Helena. My mate, my Luna."

"Yes, Ethan. I'm yours." Then I fell asleep.

An hour later, I heard Ernie's voice call me, "Luna, it's time for dinner. Luna?" Ernie touched my upper arm and shook it a little.

I moaned in my sleep, refusing to wake up.

"Luna, your meals are ready. Let me help you get dressed."

I sighed, blinked my eyes, and saw Ernie. "Oh, you're here." My voice was hoarse.

"Do you want to drink orange juice first, Luna?"

I sat and nodded. "Yes, please."

Ernie took the glass and gave it to me. Then I drank a little and handed it over to Ernie.

"What time is it?"

"It's six p.m, Luna."

"Oh, no! I must go home now!" I stood, and the blanket fell to the bed. That was when I realized that I wore nothing. I gasped and reached the blanket back to cover my body.

Ernie grinned. "Luna, don't be shy. Our Alpha King truly cherishes you. In our—" She stopped for a second, then continued, "—community, it is a joy when our mate loves us by bedding us frequently. So you don't need to be shy about it."

"Bbut …."

"I know you haven't got used to our custom. But sooner or later, you will enjoy being our Alpha's mate." Ernie took a new dress and underwear. "Our Alpha even bought you a new dress and underwear, Luna. All she—" She covered her mouth with her hand and giggled a bit "—women here are so jealous to know that."

I blushed. "How can all women here know Ethan bought me a dress and underwear?"

Ernie shrugged. "Well, there is no secret here, Luna. But having our mates care for us so much is truly a blessing. Oh, Alpha King asked me to ensure you have your dinner. Please eat first. He'll wait for you later."

"Where is he?"

"Our Alpha is taking care of a business. He will come soon and take you home, Luna. That's what he said to me."

I nodded. "I see. Thank you, Ernie."

"My pleasure, Luna. Let me help you with the dress."

I sighed, then removed the blanket from my body. Ernie put on the underwear on my body, then the dress. All fit in my body perfectly.

"See, Luna? Our Alpha even knows your size well. He truly cares for you."

I blushed. "Uh, I have never experienced this before. I mean, a man bought me a dress, even underwear." My face was hot since I remembered how intimate Ethan held, touched, and caressed all parts of my body.

Ernie giggled. "Well, Alpha King is not any man, but he's your mate, Luna. So, it's normal for a mate to fulfill your needs. Especially since you tend to his needs too."

I wrinkled my forehead. "His needs? I haven't taken care of his needs."

"In bed, I mean."

"Oh!" I covered my face with my hands since I remembered Ethan's naked and robust body. His body was perfect!

"Luna? Are you alright?"

"Uh, yes." When we were in bed, Ethan finally undressed too. A smile covered my lips since I remembered how magnificent everything was. The intimacy of our skin touched each other. I shook my head and smiled again dreamily.

"Do you feel ache, Luna?"

"No." I shook my head. "Should it be painful?"

Ernie stared at me for a few seconds. "Uh, I hope it isn't impolite for me to ask. But have you been with another man, Luna?"