Moonlight Betrayal-Chapter 55

Chapter 55

Astrid’s POV

"But..." I began, my brow furrowed in confusion. "Are you sure physical intimacy isn’t a must?"

Kaeleen smiled gently, his eyes filled with reassurance. "Yes, Astrid," he said, his voice soft. "I’m sure."

"But I thought..." I stammered, my cheeks flushing with heat, "I thought that was a huge part of it. I thought that was how you solidified the bond, how you connected with the moon goddess."

Kaeleen nodded, his expression understanding. "It’s true that physical intimacy can make the bond stronger," he said. "It’s a way to deepen your connection with each other and with the moon goddess. And yes, it is required to solidify their connection with the moon goddess. However, it’s not a must, and there’s a way to bypass it."

He paused, his eyes searching mine. "But it’s not the only way," he continued. "There are other ways to connect, other ways to show your commitment. And I’m willing to explore those options with you, Astrid. I’m willing to do whatever it takes to make you feel comfortable." frёewebηovel.cѳm

I stared at him, my mind still reeling. I had always believed that physical intimacy was an essential part of the mating ritual, that it was the key to unlocking the true power of the bond. But Kaeleen was telling me that it wasn’t necessary, that there was a way to become his Luna without sacrificing my body or my autonomy.

"I’m confused," I admitted, my voice barely a whisper. "I don’t understand how that’s possible."

Kaeleen smiled gently, taking my hand in his. "It’s not about the physical act itself," he said, his voice soothing. "It’s about the intention behind it. It’s about the willingness to open yourself up to another person, to share your heart and your soul. And that can be done in many different ways, Astrid. It doesn’t have to involve physical intimacy."

He paused, his eyes searching mine. "But if you still don’t want to do the ritual," he continued, his voice laced with concern, "we can come up with something else. I’m not going to force you to do anything you’re not comfortable with. I’m going to find a way to make sure you don’t go back to Leon, and I’m going to keep you safe. You don’t have to do anything you don’t want to do."

His words were comforting, reassuring, but they did little to ease my inner turmoil. I was still torn between my desire for safety and my fear of commitment, between my need for protection and my longing for independence.

I sighed, running a hand through my hair. "I’m not going back to Leon," I said, my voice firm. "I’ve decided. I’m not going to let him control me anymore. But I’m not going to sacrifice my freedom for you either, Kaeleen. I’m not willing to give up the little freedom I’ve just gotten."

I paused, my eyes searching his. "I’m still not convinced that doing this is going to get Leon off my back," I admitted. "But I’m willing to try if it’s the best way. I’m willing to do whatever it takes to protect myself."

Kaeleen nodded, his expression serious. "Okay," he said, his voice firm. "Then let’s do it. Let’s find a way to make this work, Astrid. Let’s find a way to protect you without sacrificing your freedom."

I took a deep breath, steeling myself for what was to come. "I’m going to ensure Leon regrets meeting me," I said, my voice filled with determination. "I’m going to make sure he doesn’t get what he wants."

The thought of being tied to someone like Leon, of being subjected to his cruelty and his control, brought back the memories of the torture I had endured. I shuddered at the idea, my heart pounding in my chest.

"Where are we going to do the ritual?" I asked, my voice barely a whisper.

Kaeleen’s expression softened, his eyes filled with understanding. "Right here." He said to me.

I frowned. "Right here in this room?" I asked him.

Kaeleen chuckled. "No, not here. But in pack grounds, yes."

"Are the pack members going to be aware?" I asked him.

He shook his head. "We’ll do something simple," he said, his voice reassuring. "We won’t alert the members of the pack. We’ll just do something small, something intimate, so you don’t feel uncomfortable."

He paused, his eyes searching mine. "Are you sure about this, Astrid?" he asked, his voice laced with concern. "Are you ready?"

I looked at him, my heart pounding in my chest. I knew that this was a momentous decision, one that would change the course of my life forever. But I also knew that I couldn’t let fear control me. I had to be brave, I had to be strong, and I had to do whatever it took to protect myself from Leon.

"I’m ready," I said, my voice firm. "I don’t care what I have to do, but I’m going to get Leon off my back. I’m going to make sure he never bothers me again."

I paused, my eyes locking with his. "I want to do it now," I said, my voice filled with conviction and determination.

Leon has controlled my life for far too long and it was time I got that control back. If thd was the best way to do it then I was willing to do it especially if it’ll make me a free woman.

"Now?" Kaeleen asked in shock.

"What? Wasn’t that what you wanted when you came to me?" I asked him.

"Well, yes but I never expected that you would want to do this so readily and immediately." He said to me in shock.

"I told you before," I said as I faced him. "I’m not going to let Leon control my life anymore. I’m not going back there and I’m willing to do what it takes to not go back there."

He gave me a nod. "Okay, I understand."

"But before we do the ritual, we need to agree on somethings." I told him.