Moonlight Betrayal-Chapter 62

Chapter 62

Astrid’s POV

Kaeleen’s question hung in the air, a gentle probe into the deepest recesses of my past. The high of standing up to Leon and the Elders was fading, replaced by a familiar ache, the ghost of a life I’d lost, a sister I’d mourned, and now, a stranger wearing her face.

I took a deep breath, steeling myself. "It’s a long story," I began, my voice a little shaky. "And it’s not a pretty one."

Alex, sensing my discomfort, squeezed my hand. "You don’t have to, Astrid," he said softly. "Not if you don’t want to."

I managed a weak smile. "No, it’s okay. Kaeleen deserves to know." I turned to him, meeting his concerned gaze. "Clara and I were twins. Identical. We grew up in the Wildthorn pack. It wasn’t... the best place. My father was a stern man, obsessed with tradition. Clara was everything he wanted in a daughter, obedient, quiet, graceful. I... wasn’t."

I paused, the memories flooding back, sharp and vivid. "I was always getting into trouble. I was reckless, impulsive. I craved adventure. Clara was more cautious, more content with the familiar. But we were close, despite our differences. Inseparable, really."

I swallowed hard, the lump in my throat growing. "When we were seven, I convinced her to go with me to the forbidden forest. It was stupid, I know. Everyone warned us never to go there, but I was curious. I wanted to see what was so dangerous about it."

My voice broke, and I had to stop for a moment to compose myself. Kaeleen’s hand tightened around mine, offering silent support.

"We found a river," I continued, my voice barely a whisper. "It was beautiful, sparkling like jewels. I was so caught up in admiring it that I didn’t notice Clara had wandered off. She slipped on a rock and fell into the water. The current was strong, too strong for her."

Tears welled up in my eyes, blurring my vision. "I tried to save her, but I couldn’t. I fell and hit my head. I ran back to get help, but it was too late. They never found her body. They only found her dress, caught on a branch."

I closed my eyes, the image of Clara’s bloodied dress seared into my memory. "My father blamed me," I said, my voice thick with emotion. "He said it should have been me who died, not her. He never forgave me. I left the pack a few months later. I couldn’t stay there, not with him constantly reminding me of what I’d done."

I opened my eyes, meeting Kaeleen’s compassionate gaze. "That’s it," I said, my voice hollow. "That’s the story of Clara."

Kaeleen pulled me closer, wrapping his arms around me, holding me tight. "It’s all better now, Astrid," he murmured, his voice soothing. "You’re safe now. You’re with me."

I clung to him, burying my face in his chest, drawing strength from his presence. He was right. I was safe now. I had a pack, a home. But the pain of the past still lingered, a shadow that threatened to darken my present.

After a few moments, Kaeleen pulled away, a bright smile lighting up his face. "I need to take you somewhere," he said, his eyes sparkling with excitement.

I frowned, tilting my head in confusion. "Where?" I asked, my curiosity piqued.

He just grinned, shaking his head. "It’s a surprise," he said, his voice teasing. "You’ll see."

He stood up, pulling me to my feet. "Come on," he said, taking my hand. "Let’s go."

He led me out of the pack building, his pace brisk and purposeful. I had no idea where he was taking me, but I trusted him implicitly. I knew that he would never do anything to hurt me, that he only wanted what was best for me.

Our first stop was a phone store in town. I knew that Kaeleen was trying to make up for all the things Leon had denied me, to give me back the freedom and independence I had lost.

He let me pick out the best phone in the store and made sure I knew his number. As the sales associate worked to transfer the data, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of gratitude towards Kaeleen.

As we left the store, my heart felt lighter than it had in years. But Kaeleen wasn’t done yet. He had another surprise in store for me.

"Where are we going now?" I asked, my curiosity growing.

"You’ll see," he said, his eyes twinkling with mischief.

He led me to a clothing store, a stylish boutique with a sleek, modern facade. The name "Ember & Ash" was emblazoned above the door in elegant script. As we approached, I noticed a woman standing outside, her face lighting up with a warm smile.

"Kaeleen!" she exclaimed, rushing forward to greet us. "I’m so glad you could make it." She turned to me, her eyes widening with admiration. "And you must be Astrid. It’s so lovely to finally meet you."

"Astrid, this is Sarah," Kaeleen said, introducing us. "She’s a member of our pack, and she owns this place."

"It’s a pleasure to meet you, Sarah," I said, returning her smile.

"The pleasure is all mine," Sarah said, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "Come on in. I’ve been dying to get my hands on your wardrobe."

She led us inside the boutique, and I gasped, my eyes widening with awe. The store was a fashion lover’s paradise, filled with racks of designer clothes, shelves of exquisite shoes, and displays of sparkling jewelry. It was like stepping into a dream.

"Wow," I breathed, my voice filled with wonder. "This is amazing."

"I knew you’d love it," Sarah said, her eyes twinkling with amusement. "Now, let’s get to work. We need to find you some clothes that are fit for a Luna."

She led me through the store, pointing out various items of clothing, offering suggestions and advice. I felt overwhelmed by the sheer abundance of choices, but Sarah was patient and helpful, guiding me through the process with expertise and enthusiasm.

"Try this on," she said, handing me a sleek black dress. "It’s a classic, and it will look stunning on you."

I took the dress and headed to a dressing room, my heart pounding with anticipation. As I slipped it on, I caught my reflection in the mirror and gasped. The dress fit me perfectly, accentuating my curves and highlighting my best features. I felt like a completely different person, confident and beautiful.

I stepped out of the dressing room, my cheeks flushed with excitement. "What do you think?" I asked, turning to Kaeleen and Sarah.

Kaeleen’s eyes widened, and his jaw dropped. "Wow," he breathed, his voice filled with awe. "You look... incredible."

Sarah clapped her hands together, her eyes sparkling with delight. "I knew it!" she exclaimed. "That dress was made for you."

"I feel amazing," I said, twirling around, admiring myself in the mirror.

"We’re just getting started," Sarah said, her voice teasing. "There’s so much more to try on."

For the next few hours, I indulged in a fashion frenzy, trying on dress after dress, skirt after skirt, top after top. Sarah helped me create a whole new wardrobe, filled with clothes that made me feel confident, stylish, and beautiful.

Kaeleen watched with amusement, offering his own opinions and suggestions. He seemed to enjoy seeing me so happy, so carefree.

As the afternoon wore on, I began to feel exhausted, but I didn’t want to stop. I was having too much fun, enjoying the feeling of being pampered and spoiled.

Finally, Sarah declared that we were done. "We’ve found everything you need," she said, her voice satisfied. "You have a wardrobe that’s fit for a queen."

I looked at the mountain of clothes that were piled up on the counter, my eyes widening with disbelief. "Are you sure?" I asked, my voice hesitant. "It seems like so much."

"Trust me," Sarah said, winking. "A Luna needs options. Besides," she added with a mischievous grin, "Kaeleen can afford it."

Kaeleen chuckled, wrapping his arm around my shoulders. "She’s right," he said, his voice affectionate. "You deserve all of this, and more."

I blushed, feeling a warmth spread through my chest. I couldn’t believe how lucky I was to have Kaeleen in my life. He was so generous, so kind, so loving.

As Sarah rang up the purchases, Kaeleen pulled me aside, his eyes sparkling with mischief. "I want to see a show," he whispered, his voice teasing.

"A show?" I asked, tilting my head in confusion. "What kind of show?"

"A fashion show," he said, his grin widening. "I want you to try on all the clothes, one by one, and show them off for me."

I laughed, shaking my head. "You’re crazy," I said, my voice amused.

"Maybe," he said, shrugging. "But I want to see you in all those beautiful clothes. It’s my right, as your mate."

I rolled my eyes, but I couldn’t help but smile. "Fine," I said, giving in. "But you have to promise to tell me what you really think."

"I promise," he said, his eyes gleaming with excitement.

With the shopping spree complete and the bags loaded into Kaeleen’s car, we headed back to the pack building. As soon as we arrived, I couldn’t wait to show off my new wardrobe.