WARNING: THIS CHAPTER HAS MATURE CONTENT. IF YOU’RE UNCOMFORTABLE WITH THIS, SKIP FROM THE THREE ASTRISKS (***) TO THE SECOND ROW.
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“Marge?” Stella stopped braiding flowers into Ananya’s cascading onyx locks and stared at Kathie. “For Mayor? You must be joking, right?”
Kathie, who was chewing on a granola bar, shook her head. “Nope. I’m fucking serious. Marge’s running for Mayor. She said if Oscar can reunite humans and wolves, then she can reunite humans with each other. Wouldn’t that be great, though? We can live in Bourdier! Sayonara rat-infested apartments and air fresheners that smell like a fart!”
“That’s if she wins, Kath,” Ananya said with a gentle laugh. She shifted her body toward Kathie from the vanity she sat at. “It’s only the beginning. It took months to repair the rift between werewolves and humans, and we’re two different species. But the tenth district and residents of Bourdier are the same. The only thing is that not everyone can see that.” She stared at her hands, which were covered with expensive silver rings and gold bangles, all things that Oscar had gifted her in light of their re-crowning ceremony. Her heart felt like it was permanently lodged in her chest. Through the open window, she could hear the crowd of Bourdier and the Yuen pack mingle amongst each other, chatting and enjoying themselves while they waited for the ceremony to begin. Ananya’s stomach was tense, and she felt the beginning of a stomach ache surge in her gut.
“You look so beautiful, Ananya,” Soley murmured, fixing the vanity mirror so that Ananya could see the long red gown that created a smooth outline of her body. There was a silver-studded pattern beginning from her waist down to her ankle, creating the silhouette of a flower and crescent. Her shoes were flat, which dismayed Kathie, who had hoped that Ananya would choose the pumps that the former treasured (“I can’t walk in pumps, Kathie,” Ananya had said in exasperation at Kathie’s insistence.).
“You do,” Stella said. “I can’t believe you’re going to be a Luna! You’re so lucky.”
“I don’t know.” Ananya laughed awkwardly. “I’m nervous. I don’t know if I’m cut out to be Luna. I mean…I know I’m strong enough and smart enough…but…”
“It’s just those jitterbugs that come before a big presentation,” Stella assured her. “Look how beautiful you look.” She directed Ananya’s face toward the mirror, and Ananya focused on the beachy waves of her hair; the light gold eyeshadow above her panda eyes that highlighted her doe-like stare; the red paint that adorned her lips. She was unrecognizable, and for some reason, she felt both elated and depressed.
“I look…wow…” She was unable to speak. “I…is this me?” She leaned toward the mirror, her palms pressing on the soft fabric of her dress that made her legs feel like velvet. This can’t be me…I look so…beautiful…
“Oscar’s gonna faint when he sees you!” Stella and Kathie squealed. “Damn, you look incredible! I can’t wait to see you on your wedding day if you look this amazing in a dress, Ananya!”
“Of course, Ananya looks gorgeous in anything,” Kathie added flippantly. “But dresses suit you. No wonder you wear them so often. Oh, and nude makeup goes well on you. Ooh, I’m getting excited!” She clapped her hands.
Soley smiled. “Ignore them.” She gave Ananya’s head a motherly pat. “I think you look beautiful, though. What do you think?”
“What?”
“Do you think that you look beautiful?”
“I…do…” Ananya’s words came out in an almost ghost-like manner. The corners of her mouth turned higher and higher until she felt like she was beaming too widely. “I really do!”
“I’m glad.” Soley helped her stand. “Are those shoes good for you? I think there’ll be a chair on stage, but can you walk with these?”
“I can,” Ananya assured her. She released Soley’s shoulders and took a few steps around the room. She felt odd being in one of the guest rooms, but Oscar had so many that he told her he didn’t mind which one she chose to occupy to prepare herself for the ceremony. He had apologized for not having a vanity in his bedroom and promised to have one put up despite Ananya’s protests. Thinking of his insistence brought a smile and a sense of giddiness to her already fast-paced heart. I can’t wait to see him. I wonder how he’ll look in a suit…her cheeks flamed.
The doors creaked open, and in came a smug-looking Samiya and puffing January Bayor, both of whom were wearing dresses equally as fashionable as the other occupants of the room, though the only outlier was January Bayor, whose dress was similar to one that an office worker would wear.
“Before you say anything, this is the fanciest dress I had,” she muttered with a scowl, marching around Samiya. “You led me on a wild goose chase! I swear we passed this door while looking for them!”
“Maybe.” Samiya shrugged, stroking her belly with a flighty laugh. “To be completely honest, it was just fun to watch you deny getting that necklace from Karsten.”
“What?” The other girls chorused.
“It’s not from him!” January Bayor denied furiously with a scoff and flippant turn of her head. “It…why does it have to be from him? I could have bought it for myself!”
“Because we saw him carrying the box around for a week,” Samiya pointed out. “It’s nothing to be embarrassed about. You and Karsten are good friends, aren’t you?”
“Well…yes…” January Bayor mumbled to herself. She crossed her arms and huffed. “Yeah, whatever. It was a gift from a friend.”
Ananya smiled. She wobbled when she took her first step, then found her balance and walked toward Samiya, who gave her a quick look-over and hugged her.
“You look so cute!” She said, her cheeks flushed. “That dress fits perfectly on you.”
“I’m a bit embarrassed by this part.” Ananya gestured to the slit made for her leg. “It makes it breezy.”
“I can imagine that. Well, we can hang out in the back of the crowd. There’s no reason to stay in the front after the ceremony.”
“I don’t mind that. Have they finished preparing outside?”
“Yep. We’re just waiting for Cai and Oscar. Are you guys ready?”
“We are. We were finishing helping Ananya,” Kathie said. She stood from the bed and stretched her arms. “Damn, this suit is tight. I should have taken my jumper instead.”
“The rainbow sparkly one?” Stella scoffed. “Oh please, spare me.”
“Hey! I look awesome in that and you know it,” Kathie growled.
“Sure, if that helps you sleep at night.”
“Quit your squabbling, both of you,” January Bayor snapped. Every gaze fell on her and she made an anxious sound in the back of her throat. “I have something to say.”
“Don’t you always have something to say?” Soley said quietly.
“I…yeah, I guess I do.” January Bayor cleared her throat. “Can I say it?”
“You’re asking permission to do something?” Kathie’s eyebrows rose. “I’m impressed and scared. Who’s dying?”
“Nobody.” January Bayor scowled, and after a moment, she pulled a small, golden object from her black purse. “Ananya.”
“Hm?” Ananya, who had been attempting to fold in the slit of her dress, looked at January Bayor. “Yeah?”
The officer was silent, then, with a slightly trembling hand, one that made Ananya realize that she was doing something she’d very rarely done before, January Bayor opened her palm to reveal the object she’d been holding.
“What in the world…?” Ananya breathed in sharply. “Officer Bayor--!”
“Ananya, we were wrong,” January Bayor admitted through clenched teeth. “Dafowick was wrong…and I was wrong. We…we judged you, we really did, and we were stupid to judge you like that…by how you looked because you proved time and time again that you were more than capable of the job. I know…I know you have responsibilities as the Luna now, and I know you may not frequent Bourdier often, but…” she swallowed hard. “If you want to be a detective…no…if you’ll forgive us and honor us by being on the Bourdier Investigation Team, then it would mean the world to us. I…I apologize for doubting you. That’s my fault, and I also apologize on behalf of the officers of Bourdier for treating you differently.”
“Officer…” Ananya took January Bayor’s trembling hands, peering into her thawed bluebell eyes. “I would be more than happy to join the team.”
“You would?” January Bayor blinked, and everyone in the room held their breaths. “After…after how we treated you? I-I should add that discrimination won’t be tolerated in the investigation force anymore…it was wrong of us…
“It was,” Ananya agreed. “But what matters is that you realized it was wrong and apologized. I’m not mad at you, and I’m happy that you’re giving me the chance to be a detective!” Her cheeks flushed and her gaze brightened. “I would be honored!”
“That’s…great.” January Bayor sighed in relief. “Thank you, Ananya, thank you.” She pinned the badge on Ananya’s chest as the remaining girls whooped and cheered.
“GROUP HUG!” Kathie shouted, corralling everyone around Ananya.
“What? Hey-!” January Bayor yelped and grumbled. “No!”
“Can’t say no, Bayor,” Kathie tsked, dragging her into the tight circle. “Come on. Bring it in.”
“Ugh…”
Ananya laughed as she squeezed herself between Samiya’s bulging belly and Stella’s wheels. She laughed and laughed and laughed, and she felt her lips overflow with excitement, her body bursting like a million fireworks had been ignited. She felt warm and overjoyed, basking in the tight, large embrace.
“We’re going to be late if we stay here,” Soley pointed out after a while, as their hug began to disband. “We should get going, shouldn’t we?”
“Oh, yes! We should!” Ananya gasped, and when her fingers brushed her new, shining badge, the ‘o’ shape of her mouth loosened into a smile. “Let’s go!”
Oscar stood behind the large purple curtain separating the crowd from him. Repeatedly, he fixed his tie and cleared his throat, tapping his foot or pulling strands of hair that would release itself from the light gel he’d put in the morning.
“It’s almost time,” Cai said, coming beside him. “Where are the girls?”
“They should be here soon,” Oscar said. “Are the papers ready? The headband?”
Cai gave him a thumbs up. “All good to go.” He patted Oscar’s shoulder. “Chill, dude. Everything will be fine.”
“I hope you’re right. I don’t need a repeat of the last ceremony we had,” Oscar said.
“I think we will be alright,” a woman said. “No need to go worryin’ for nothing.”
Oscar turned, smiled, and nodded. “Marge,” he addressed the short, fiery, black-clad woman who approached him. “I’m looking forward to uniting our communities as one.”
She smiled toothily. “As am I, Alpha Yuen.”
“Please, call me Oscar.”
“As am I, Oscar.” She grinned. “I’m going to sit in the meantime. My old knees ain’t as strong as yours.”
Oscar laughed. “I’m sure that’s not true. But please, do sit if you need to.” He brought her to a chair beside the one placed for Ananya. “We should be starting soon. My mate will be arriving…” his voice trailed off when his eyes darted up. “Holy shit.”
Marge followed his gaze and laughed. “You youngins still get star-struck when you see your gal, eh?” She put her hands together. “That’s a good thing. Don’t change that expression of yours, you here? Ananya, darlin’!” She pulled Ananya from Samiya and hugged her fiercely. “Where you been, girl? You don’t think about your dear Marge? I been looking for you everywhere!”
Ananya blushed and laughed. “I’m sorry, Marge,” she said. “I’ve been…busy…” she met Oscar’s stare, and the young Alpha veered his head with a cough.
Shit, she’s so fucking hot, he thought, covering his mouth. Damn it. Fuck, she’s cute. I want her all for myself. This ceremony better not take long.
“I can tell.” Marge cocked an eyebrow. “Now, you best be safe, ya hear? Kids are cute and all, but don’t go gettin’ them so early now. I ain’t lookin’ after them babies.”
“Marge!” Ananya exclaimed.
“Eh, you know I’m teasin’ ya,” Marge chuckled. “But that goes for you too, Yuen.” She grabbed Oscar’s sleeve. “You play safe now, both of ya.”
“Yes…ma’am,” Oscar muttered. I’m getting deja vu here. Did Mom possess this woman or something? He shook his head and strode past Marge, who’d engaged herself in a conversation with Samiya and Cai (probably about their baby), and took Ananya into his arms. He didn’t give her a moment to greet him before his lips were on hers, claiming her instantly, devouring her at once.
“You look…exquisite,” he breathed hotly in her ear, his fingers digging into her hips. “I want you all for myself. Why haven’t I seen you like this before? Shit, what am I saying? You look good in everything and nothing.”
Ananya giggled. “You look handsome too, Oscar.” She looped her arms around his neck. “Are you ready? I’m excited!”
He smiled. “I’m ready. I think…I’m more prepared than I was during the first ceremony.”
“Me too. It feels different this time, doesn’t it? During the last ceremony, I felt like I had a weight on my shoulders. Today, I feel light. I’m not afraid or nervous or constantly looking behind me.” She let her cheek fall on his shoulder. “I’m at peace, and it feels…extricating.”
Oscar placed a butterfly kiss on her head. “You took the words right out of my mouth.” He pulled back to kiss her again, cupping the back of her head with one hand and her jaw with the other. “Fuck, I just want to keep kissing you.”
“Maybe I’ll give you a chance after the ceremony,” Ananya suggested coyly. She winked and slid away from him, taking her place beside Marge.
She’s such a tease…but God, I love her. Oscar straightened his suit and took to the podium. Cai scooted up to him with a grin.
“Let’s get this show on the road,” he said, and with a snap of his fingers, the curtains lifted. A hush fell like a smothering breeze over the crowd and hundreds of eyes focused on Oscar.
He cleared his throat. “Good afternoon, everyone,” he began cordially, staring at nothing in particular, but keeping his gaze straight. “I had originally decided to address you all as humans and wolves, but I’m finished with separating our kinds. While it’s true that biologically we are different, today we unite as one. We have overcome the obstacles keeping us apart and while we still have a long way to go, today marks the beginning of a new era. Today, we are not the People of Bourdier or the Wolves of the Yuen Pack. Today, we are friends, family, spouses, and more. Today, we are comrades!” He raised his hands and a cheer raised with him. “We are one, my friends! One! We have won over prejudice and we have won over our enemies!”
“We are one!”
“We have persevered!”
“We’ve won!”
People chanted and screamed and shouted, enthralled by the passion in Oscar’s tone. When his hands fell, so did their voices, and with one hand he brought Ananya forward, and the other Marge.
“Today, we sign this treaty, this paper that marks this momentous occasion,” he continued, pausing briefly to sign his name beside Marge’s. “We have more roads to pave and traverse, but today, we celebrate our union! We drink, we feast, and we make merry, because from today on we have made a new ally, and not only that.” He paused and took Ananya’s hand, squeezing it gently. “I have, for the longest time, doubted my ability as a leader. I was killing myself in the shadow of my stepfather, Banastre, and I know that when many of you look at me, you find yourself seeming to look at him. I understood that, and it killed me because I didn’t have the courage to see myself as anyone else. In truth, I believed you when I should have believed in myself. Giving into fear made me a coward, a weak Alpha, but,” he stopped and pulled Ananya so that she was now beside him. “When I found my mate, I realized that I was wrong. I realized that to become the Alpha you needed, I had to persevere. I had to be strong, just like she is.” He hugged her into his side and she blushed, her gaze shifting around the crowd, all who nodded and shouted and praised them both.
Oscar flicked his wrist, and Cai came up to him with a golden headband embedded with amethyst diamonds. He took the headband from the pillow and turned so that he was facing Ananya.
“Ananya Kaushikh, Detective of the Bourdier Investigation Department,” he winked at her. “Do you take on this role as Luna? Do you pledge yourself to the safety of the pack? Do you promise to uphold the principles of the Moon Goddess and work for the benefit of everyone?”
“I…” Ananya’s voice was small, then, with a deep breath, she dragged confidence onto her tongue and held her head higher. “I do.”
Oscar smiled, unable to hide his pride. “Then welcome to the pack, Luna Ananya Kaushikh.”
A colorful burst of lights broke through the damp evening and plunged the pack into a chasm of disarray. Scattered shouts wove with the thumping electronic beats that the DJ played on repeat. The man was deafened by the nonsensical beats and large headphones on his head, covering his matted blonde hair. Around the small pack, woven through fields of long blades and picnic benches and food stalls, bodies of all shapes and sizes swayed and jumped like balloons and balls, laughing and dancing and bathing in the freedom that the evening offered.
Ananya stood at the back of the crowd, sipping from a styrofoam cup and chatting with a group of teenage wolves who were complimenting her dress and jewelry. Her face was completely flushed and her skin was overflowing with heat, something that the juice did little to damper.
“Ananya, you were amazing!” Kathie pushed through the crowd with an excited shout, pouncing on Ananya. “Girl, you looked so powerful on stage! I felt like a proud momma back there! I have so many pictures, see? I’m going to print them and give them to you. Ooh, is that wine?”
“Kathie, let go of her,” January Bayor said monotonously, prying Kathie from Ananya. “Don’t even think about drinking wine. You know you don’t handle it well.”
“Has anyone ever told you how much of a damper you put on parties?” Kathie scowled, fumbling with the lid of a can of beer.
“Too many times. It’s on my resume,” January Bayor muttered. She regarded Ananya and nodded. “Good work up there, Kaushikh.”
“I didn’t do much,” Ananya mumbled. “I just…repeated what Oscar told me, really.”
“Where is that bastard, anyway?” Cai fumbled toward them, his eyelids fluttering. “Is he here? Did he run away?”
“Cai, I told you not to drink!” Samiya admonished him. “The Alpha’s coming. He’s talking on the stage with some businessmen from Bourdier.”
“It’s weird, isn’t it?” Kathie said. “How we signed an alliance even though Marge isn’t mayor yet.”
“She most likely will be,” January Bayor said. “We don’t have any opposition yet. It’s…startling, and a bit suspicious, quite frankly. I didn’t think that a lot of people would support a candidate from the tenth district, no offense.”
“No, I agree with you. It’s confusing, but I shouldn’t question it, since it’s a win in my book,” Ananya said. She brought her hand to her head where her headband was and dragged her fingers along the metal edge, trailing the bumps of the diamond-shaped jewels.
“That looks expensive,” Kathie said, wiggling her fingers. “Can I have it?”
“In your dreams,” Ananya said with a laugh. She pried from her head and shook her hair back. “Do you think they’re real; the gems?”
“They are.” Karsten popped up behind January Bayor with a grin. “It was Luna Hailey’s, actually. She wore it during her coronation.”
“Really?” Ananya turned the headband around in her hands, inspecting it with awe. “It’s lovely…why would Oscar give it to me?” She wrinkled her nose. “He doesn’t think of me as his mother, does he?”
“No.” Karsten laughed. “But it’s very dear to him, so if he gave it to you, he must trust you a lot.”
“Oh…” Ananya took a sharp breath. “He…oh…”
The music slowed, the beats becoming sensual and rhythmic and vibrating. It caused the ground to tremble in slow, lengthy tremors that seemed to resemble shivers. A woman’s voice crooned through the speakers, coaxing the partygoers to soften their movements and join hands with others.
“Ugh, romance,” Kathie grimaced. “I’m gonna go hit the snack bar and see if those kids wanna play hopscotch or something.” She ruffled Ananya’s hair. “See ya, Luna.”
“Care to dance, Bayor?” Karsten teased, bowing and offering his hand to January Bayor. “Or do you want to stand on the sidelines like a loner?”
“I don’t care about being a loner,” January Bayor scoffed. “It doesn’t make me feel inferior.”
“In that case--!” Karsten began to leave, but a tug made him stop. He looked at his palm, which had suddenly become heavy and warm, and he grinned. “I see.” He didn’t try to peer past the curtain of blonde bangs hiding January Bayor’s eyes, and instead, he brought her into the parting crowd as the music rose its tempo.
Ananya watched them leave with a startling sense of pride. She didn’t know why her stomach was leaping, why her heart was beating soundly, or why for some reason she was unable to find the weights that usually rested on her shoulders. She closed her eyes and let the wind pass over her face, the cold breeze skimming the bump of her nose and diving into her hair, sifting through the wavy locks like long fingers.
I feel…
“Ananya.” Oscar’s lips on her ear brought her out of her reverie. Her eyes snapped open as his mouth caressed her earlobe, then the skin below her ear, then down her neck to her rapid pulse. “What are you doing here alone?”
“I was…thinking.”
“Thinking? Was it about me?” He smirked and cupped her head. “What’s on your mind, darling?”
She shook her head. “Nothing important.” She inched toward him and rested her head on his chest. He began to sway to the music, his arms twining around her waist. “Where’s Marge?”
“She’s enjoying herself with the others by the wine fountain,” Oscar murmured. “Are you having fun, my love?”
“I am. I thought I would be anxious or embarrassed at being on stage, but I’m confused because I don’t feel the remnants of anxiety at all.”
“Then you were never anxious to begin with. You were confident in yourself.”
“Do you think so?”
“I know so.” Oscar continued to sway them, trailing light kisses on her neck and shoulder. His hands swept her hips, then caressed her upper thigh. A low growl rumbled in his throat when his fingers met her bare skin. “How lovely…”
“Don’t get too excited, dear Alpha,” Ananya teased. “We’re in public still.”
“Quite frankly, I couldn’t give a damn where we are as long as I can still taste you…as long as I can still love you…” he kissed her greedily, savoring the flavor of her tangy lipstick. His tongue flicked over hers, and Ananya was grateful that it was dark so that nobody would be able to see them. “I love you, Ananya, you know that, right?”
“I do.”
“I know you do, and I’m going to keep telling you that until my last breath…no, even in the afterlife, I’ll still love you.” He sighed into the kiss. “You’ve enamored me, Ananya; you’ve beguiled me, and I can’t think of anyone else but you.”
“I never knew you could be poetic. That puts my words to shame,” she laughed softly. “I love you too, Oscar, more than I’ve loved anyone else. I love…I love you more than words can describe.”
“Mm…my mate…my Luna…” Oscar continued to kiss her, pressing her waist against the table. He pulled away briefly and ran his tongue over his lips, tasting the lipstick on his mouth. “Delicious.”
“Oscar! You don’t eat that!” Ananya giggled. “It’s just chemicals.”
“Your kisses are like candy. It’s addictive and sweet and will probably land me in the hospital one day with how careless I become.” Oscar laughed with her, and his gaze drew to her necklace. He fingered it with his thumb and pointer finger. “It looks good on you. Both this and the headband do.”
“The headband was your mother’s?” Ananya inquired, peering at him through her hair. “And you gave it to me?”
He nodded. “I did.” His thumb ran along her jaw. “She would have loved you, Ananya, I’m sure of it. I wanted you to have it because it symbolizes power. It symbolizes your power, just as it symbolizes my mother’s power.”
“It does? That’s…awesome…” Ananya grinned.
“Isn’t it?” Oscar smiled, and then his eyes flickered. “Oh, I forgot. I have another gift for you.”
“You do?” Ananya frowned. “How many gifts are you going to give me in a day?” She cocked her head and hip. “You should be more careful with your money, Oscar.”
He snorted. “Money isn’t an issue for me, but in this case, it’s not a monetary gift.”
“Oh? What is it, then?”
“Hm…come with me.” He took her wrist and led her around the table toward the Northern border, where a golden gate had been constructed in place of the rusty opal gates. He unlocked the gate and brought her outside. When her foot touched the yellow line, she hesitated.
“It’s okay,” Oscar assured her, squeezing her hand. “I’ll keep you safe, my darling. Don’t worry.”
She hesitated again, then nodded and stepped over the line. A gust of wind pushed her and she stumbled, still gripping onto Oscar.
“Why are there so many roots out here?” She grumbled to herself. “Oscar, where are we going?”
“Here.” Oscar brought her a few feet further. “Okay, now, I want you to look directly ahead. No, darling, don’t look at me. Look ahead.”
“Alright…” Suspicious but intrigued, Ananya did as he told her to. She squinted into the darkness, her eyebrows drawn tightly. “I don’t see anything…Mausa?!”
From the shadows, a figure parted the dark wisps and Aman stepped over the line of crooked roots. It was easy to recognize him, as his face was just as wrinkled and fatigued as always, but there was a hopeful glint sparkling in his hazy brown eyes and the dark circles that had once aged him seemed to have faded. He was dressed in a gray dress shirt and khaki pants, and he advanced toward Ananya with his arms open.
“Mausa!” Ananya released Oscar and walked quickly to Aman, falling into his embrace. “Mausa!” Tears pricked the corners of her eyes and she held him tightly in her arms, afraid that if she let go it would all be a dream.
“Don’t cry, beti,” Aman consoled her gently. “I’m here. I’m real. It’s all okay now.”
“You’re…you’re really here…” Ananya’s voice trembled. “But…what about Mausi? Where…” Just as quickly as her heart rose, it fell, shattering in the depths of her chest.
Aman’s voice caught. “She…she will come around,” he told her. “She’s stubborn, you know that, but she loves you. I…I cannot defend her methods or her harsh treatment toward you. It was unjust and cruel and unforgivable.” He stroked her hair lovingly. “I understand if you don’t want to see her again, Ananya, but know that I will always be here for you, no matter what.”
“I know, Mausa,” Ananya said. “I know, and maybe one day…maybe one day, I can forgive her, but…right now…I can’t.”
Aman nodded. “I understand.” He kissed her forehead. “But forget about her right now. Look how beautiful you are. My God, you’ve become so big and so mature…you’ve grown so much, Ananya…” his lip quirked.
“Thanks, Mausa.” Ananya blushed, then, remembering that they weren’t alone, turned. She noticed Oscar smiling. “Did you…you did this, right?”
He shrugged. “Maybe,” he said with an air of pride. He jerked his head toward the pack. “How about you join us for a dance, Mr. Kaushikh? Perhaps have some food and drinks?”
“As long as I’m with Ananya, that’s all I need, Alpha,” Aman said. His face crinkled when his smile widened. “Thank you for inviting me, and thank you for taking care of my niece.”
“Of course.” Oscar nodded. “I’ve pledged to always protect her, sir, and I don’t take pledges lightly.”
“I don’t doubt that,” Aman said. “Would you care to share a dance with your old Mausa, Ananya?” He looked at her.
Ananya grinned. “Of course I would,” she replied with a laugh, leading him to the pack.
They danced for what Ananya thought was hours. It was well into the night when the party began to slow down. People stumbled into their homes, but many stragglers continued to dance the night away. Aman had passed out on a bench not long after Oscar requested a dance with Ananya, and they brought him back to Oscar’s home to rest. Samiya and Cai had already disappeared when Ananya was dancing with Aman; Karsten and January Bayor followed them. She had no idea where Kathie was, but she knew that sooner or later, the blue-haired girl would pop up at the least desirable time. That was a talent of Kathie’s.
Ananya took her jewelry off in Oscar’s room while he brought Aman to a guest bedroom. She pried the bangles from her wrists, wincing when the sharp metal would chafe against her skin. She continued to tug, though, because she didn’t want to sleep with them on.
I shouldn’t have worn these, she thought with a scowl. They were so pretty…but I shouldn’t have worn them. Where’s baby oil or cream when you need it? She gave another yank on the bracelets, letting out a victorious cheer when they flew off.
“Your uncle sleeps like he’s dead,” Oscar said as he entered the room, shutting the door behind him with a sigh. “Is it normal when he stops breathing loudly for a while?”
“Hm? Yeah, it is. He’ll be fine. He does that a lot,” Ananya replied absently, removing the rest of her jewelry.
Oscar came behind her and nuzzled her neck. “Gorgeous,” he whispered. “Exquisite.”
“Tired and achy,” Ananya added, kicking her shoes off. “I hate fancy shoes. I hate fancy clothes. Sundresses are my jam.”
“Your jam?”
“It means that I prefer them to these kinds of clothes,” she explained. She used her hairbrush to drag her hair to her front, parting it on the back. “Can you pull the zipper down, Oscar?”
“Mm.” He hummed and took the metal zipper of her dress between his fingers. Slowly, he pulled the zipper down her spine, his eyes following the lengthy scar that was revealed as the two sides of the garment slid down her long arms and hung loosely at her hips.
A chill swept into the room and Ananya’s heart leaped, lodging in her throat. She was vaguely aware of the change of atmosphere and her breathing quickened.
We can’t do it, she thought. Mausa’s in the same house! That would be so inappropriate! But...what is this feeling? It’s euphoric...my body suddenly feels light. Ananya gulped. Oh no…
Oscar’s fingers stilled on her back. “I smell it,” he murmured. “You can’t hide your feelings from me, Ananya, I can smell them.”
“Smell them?” Ananya squeaked. “I-I have no idea what you’re talking about,” she laughed airily.
“It’s futile to try and hide it.” He spun her around, his grip on her hips sturdy. His lips caressed her jaw and his finger lifted the strap of her bra. “I’m a wolf, Ananya. My sense of smell is much stronger than yours. I can smell your arousal, and it excites me.”
Ananya squeaked again. “It...it does?” She wasn’t sure why she was struggling to find words. It wasn’t her first time having sex, and yet every time they did it, it felt new and exciting to her.
***
Oscar’s lips trembled when their mouths met like the explosion of euphoria had shattered his self-control. He held her as though the moment he let go, he’d be brought back to the depressing reality that there was never anyone with him to begin with. “Ananya…”
She gulped again, her fingers curling around his loosened tie. She gave him a short tug and he all but collapsed onto her. “I…I want to do it.”
He pulled away, raising a curious brow. “Do what?”
Her blush deepened, but her voice was sturdy and confident. “I want to do it,” she repeated, tugging his tie harder. She stepped away from the mirror, corralling him toward the bed they’d shared many nights. “I can’t promise it’ll be smooth or quick…but I want to try, just once…”
Oscar studied her, trying to understand what she was talking about. When her knee nudged between his legs, though, her words clicked. Bringing her with him onto the bed, he laid on his back and supported her above him, kissing her cheek.
“Do what you please with me, then,” he told her, his voice a deep, husky rumble. “I’m all yours for the taking.”
“Really?” Ananya peered up at him through her messy bangs. Her cautious fingers splayed over his chest and her heart thrummed nervously. “It’ll be slow…”
“It could take all night for all I care. My only priority right now is to satisfy you, and if being in charge gives you satisfaction, then I’m all yours.” He smiled at her and brushed her hair aside. “Don’t be nervous. I’m not going to judge you.”
Ananya chewed the inside of her cheek. “Promise?”
“I promise.”
She observed him, drinking the cute, boyish ruffle of his usually combed hair and the wrinkles of his refined clothes. At that moment, he looked normal, so much so that she wanted to laugh at the irony. Here he was, a powerful Alpha, and he was underneath her, relinquishing his control to her. Ananya wasn’t sure how to react.
Step by step, Ananya, she told herself. I have this chance. She met his gaze. “Can you lift me higher?”
Wordlessly, he nodded, and the hands on her hips brought her up so that their faces were matched. Ananya, holding onto the headboard, brought her head down, pausing momentarily when their foreheads bumped.
“Easy,” he whispered, his grip on her waist tightening. “Don’t rush. Think about what you want. I’m not going anywhere.” He spread his legs, allowing her body to fit easier atop his, and Ananya took a moment to collect her bearings before she brought herself down again. She stretched the tight muscles of her shoulders and kissed his mouth, her weight plummeting. Her fingers slipped from the edge of the headboard, and when Oscar felt the heaviness of gravity fall upon his mouth, he arched his body, lifting himself from the bed so that her body would be supported by his chest.
Mm…how should I do this…?Ananya broke their kiss and rolled onto her side. Maybe it’s no use…no, Ananya, there is a way! Determined, she swung her legs over the bed and slid to her feet.
“Ananya?” Oscar sat up and watched her walk in front of him. She shimmied out of her dress so that she was only in her undergarments. “Shit…” his hand rose to touch her, but she grabbed his wrist.
“No touching,” she said softly. “Not yet.”
“Huh?” His voice cracked. “What are you…” The arch of his eyebrow grew higher.
“I’m trying something else,” she replied, using her fingertips to push his body into a slant. She brought her hand to the base of his shirt and lifted it until it was folded up to his neck. “Take this off…please.”
Oscar smiled. “As you wish.” In one swift motion, he had the shirt on the ground. “Now what?”
“Kiss me,” she ordered, her hands on her slim hips. Again, Oscar complied, bringing their lips into a searing kiss. His tongue touched her lower lip, and she pushed him away.
“Not yet.” She giggled. She dragged her fingers along his jaw. “Not yet…” her hand dipped, tracing the taut lines of muscle drawn over his chest. Her gaze was locked on Oscar’s, whose eyes had become so dark that she couldn’t see even a glimmer of curiosity anymore. He gripped her wrist when her hand brushed the waistband of his pants.
“You’re playing a dangerous game, darling,” he growled, panting.
Ananya smirked. “You said that I could take what I wanted.” She leaned her knees against the edge of the bed and kissed him, her tongue slipping through his lips, controlling his mouth. She stroked over his chest; over the muscle lines once again, then the pale scars over his heart. She pressed her palm over the heavy thumping that she felt, sighing into his kiss.
“You’re tempting me…” Oscar snarled, holding his breath when Ananya’s kisses went down his neck. She left a small bite on his jaw and loosened his belt.
“Isn’t that the point?” She teased. She stepped back to observe him, surprised to find his skin flushed a deep pink. His narrow eyes were wide and his breathing was heavy. Using one hand, he covered his mouth, and the other pressed into the bed, supporting his weight. He turned his head.
“Are you shy?” She gigged. “How cute, Oscar.”
“Don’t tease me.”
“I’ve never seen you so embarrassed.”Is it odd that I find it so endearing? She pursed her lips. “Take your pants off.”
Oscar’s jaw tensed, but he did as she told him to. He stood and pulled his pants off, sitting down again in his boxers. Despite the commanding darkness, it was clear to Ananya that he was aroused. She felt it on his skin, and she felt it more when she had briefly pressed herself between the apex of his legs.
“May I continue?” She asked, peering at him.
“You…you may.” He gripped the sheets. “But…can I touch you now?”
“Mm…I suppose so, since you’ve done well,” Ananya decided. She brought herself close to him and took his hand, bringing it to her right breast, which was still covered by the thick cloth of her sports bra.
“Take it off,” he growled.
“Why don’t you do it for me?” She tilted her head with a smirk. “You’re supposed to follow my command, remember?” Then, she added with a flush of embarrassment. “It’s a sports bra…so I’d need to pull it over my head…”
“Turn around.” Oscar unsheathed his claws and dragged them gently over the fabric. The seams ripped as his finger traveled down her spine and with a click, the bra fell off her chest. She turned to look at him, and with the moonlight highlighting her side profile and her hair collected over one shoulder, Oscar found himself unable to contain his desire. He grabbed her wrist and pulled her into his lap, kissing her roughly. His hand skimmed her belly and slipped between her thighs, rubbing her slit through her underwear.
“H-Hey!” Ananya gasped. “Cheater!”
“It’s not my fault that you’re so fucking hot,” he murmured into her mouth. He pressed his finger into her and she released a high-pitched squeak, causing him to chuckle. “Better keep it down, darling. We wouldn’t want your uncle hearing you.”
Darn it! I forgot about Mausa! Ananya wiggled in his arms as she felt her underwear moisten. “T-This is supposed to be my time…Oscar…”
“Mm…” he moved her underwear aside and cupped her core, stroking through the fuzzy patch there to get to her skin. “I’m sorry, my love.” Reluctantly, he removed his hand but was surprised when Ananya grabbed his wrist.
“Don’t stop!” She ordered, harsher than she wanted to. “Don’t you dare stop!”
Oscar blinked. A slow smile spread across his lips, bordering a Cheshire cat grin. “Is that so?” He returned his hand and continued stroking in slow, repetitive movements. “Like this, darling?”
“Yes…yes, like that…” Ananya wiggled against his hand. How in the world did this happen? This was supposed to be me in charge….oh, whatever! I’ll have my turn next time!
Oscar lifted her from his lap and slid her underwear off, then removed his own. He brought her onto his thighs again, one hand on her core, the other cupping her jaw, with one finger in her mouth.
“There, my love, there. Suck gently…gently, darling…easy…slowly…” he eased her as he brought her onto the edge of oblivion with his deft fingers, coaxing her closer and closer until she came with a strangled squeak, her teeth coming down onto his finger. Oscar was so entranced by her beautiful, convulsing figure, though, that he hardly registered the pain from her bite. It brought him immense pride to see her release drip on his fingers. He knew that he was the only person to ever give her such pleasure, and arrogantly, he treasured that thought.
“Good girl,” he whispered, kissing her earlobe. “Good girl…” he was about to lay her on the bed to rest when she wobbled out of his hold and to her feet. “Ananya?”
She met his eyes fiercely, her legs shaking. “Now it’s your turn,” she said firmly. I’m not going to sleep without returning the favor!
Oscar frowned. “My turn?”
Ananya nodded. She approached him again and crawled onto his lap, straddling him. Her breasts pressed against his warm chest and she kissed his pounding pulse. Her small fingers dove into his boxers and landed on the base of his stiff cock.
Shit.“Ananya…” Oscar’s voice stopped short when she dragged her nail along his erect shaft.
She giggled when she saw him tense. “Is that alright?” She continued her slow, deliberate movements. “I’m not hurting you, am I?”
“No…fuck, no…” he leaned on his elbows. “Keep going…please…
“I can…or I could just stop…since you broke your promise and all…” Ananya smiled coyly. “Which will it be?”
“Don’t stop!” His eyes widened in panic. “Please, don’t stop! I’m sorry…I…please…”
Ananya continued her movements. “I wasn’t going to stop,” she told him gently. She winced when the muscles of her thighs began to stretch but continued. “Like that…wow…” she marveled at the sounds she was able to elicit from him, at the movements, the moans, the pleas that he made for her. Ananya didn’t know what power felt like until that moment, when, above Oscar, she found herself completely in control of the situation for the first time in a long time…no, for the first time in her entire existence.
She felt warmth spurt onto her hands and brought her palm up, studying the pale white liquid that trickled down her arm. She looked from it to Oscar, whose arms were trembling as he held himself upright.
“Are you okay?” She winced again when he moved. “Ugh…”
“Here.” He laid on his back and lifted her from his waist, laying her on the bed beside him. Reaching over the bed, Oscar brought a damp cloth (where he got it from, Ananya had no idea) and wiped her hands and body. Tossing the cloth on the ground in the blackness of the room, Oscar took her into his arms and brought the blanket over them.
“I’m perfectly fine,” he murmured in her ear. His firm fingers massaged the aching muscles of her thighs. “That was…fuck, that was amazing. Perhaps I’ll let you be in control more often.”
“Will you?” Ananya turned to face him. “I enjoyed that…I felt…” she studied her hands. “I felt…strong.”
“You are strong, darling.” He pecked her forehead. “You’re my strong girl.” He continued to press his fingers into her thin legs.
Ananya sighed into his touch. Her eyelids grew heavy as he continued his massage and she curled against him. “It’s so…quiet,” she murmured. “My mind…this house…it’s all…peaceful.”
***
“Our hard work is paying off. We can enjoy some tranquility for a while.”
“For a while?”
“Inevitably, something will come up.” Oscar shrugged. “But for now, we’re alone, with nobody and nothing to bother us.” He kissed the mark on her shoulder. “For the next few hours, you’re mine, and mine alone.”
“That’s true…until morning, I suppose, when Mausa wakes up.” Ananya paused. “Hey, you don’t think my Mausa heard that, do you?”
“I would hope not.”
“...Great.”
So...this was such a long chapter LOL. I hope you guys don’t mind! We got a family reunion (kinda) and some more spice! What did you guys think of this chapter?
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