Chapter 177

Chapter 177
Erin's POV

The private jet landed smoothly on the runway of the island's exclusive airport. Through the window, I saw azure waters sparkling under the sunlight and coconut trees swaying in the distance. I couldn't help but squeeze Alexander's hand, feeling a thrill of excitement run through me.

Finally here, our honeymoon!

"Ready to explore our private paradise?" Alexander leaned in and whispered in my ear, his warm breath brushing against my neck.

"More ready than ever," I answered with a smile, gazing out the window.

The moment we stepped off the plane, tropical scents hit us—sea salt, flowers, sun-warmed sand. These rich aromas made my wolf even more excited.

"Welcome to the island," a sun-tanned local greeted us with a bow. "Your vehicle is ready, sir."

I was surprised to see a military-green open-top Jeep parked by the dock, instead of the luxury sedan I had expected.

"We're driving ourselves?" I asked, raising an eyebrow.

Alexander grinned. "You're always complaining about not having enough freedom. I thought this honeymoon should be completely your way—no fixed itinerary, no guides following us around, just the two of us and this beautiful island."

I couldn't help but throw myself into his arms, planting a quick kiss on his lips. "You know me so well."

"Hey, don't start here," he pretended to protest, though his eyes were full of laughter as his hands tightly encircled my waist. "At least wait until we get to our place."

We drove along the winding coastline, the sea breeze ruffling my hair, making me feel more relaxed than ever before. Alexander kept one hand on the steering wheel while the other rested naturally on my knee, giving it a gentle squeeze from time to time.

The island was far more spectacular than the photos had shown. It was one of the most secluded retreats in the North American werewolf community, with natural scenery preserved in an almost pristine state. The days were pleasantly warm, the nights comfortably cool.

"This place is AMAZING," I exclaimed, taking a deep breath of the fresh air that mixed ocean and pine scents. "The scenery is so beautiful."

Alexander gripped the steering wheel, a satisfied smile on his face. "I knew you'd love it."

We spent a few days at the best resort on the island, which featured spacious private villas, personal pools, and werewolf staff providing various services. For dinner, the chef prepared carefully crafted barbecue feasts—food designed specifically for werewolf appetites, with barely cooked, juicy steaks that perfectly satisfied our carnivorous instincts.

"You know," Alexander said after a sumptuous dinner, "I like it here, but it doesn't feel... private enough."

I nodded, completely understanding his thoughts. Even on this werewolf-only island, his Alpha instincts still made him crave a territory that was entirely our own.

"I heard there are some private beach cabins on the east side of the island," I suggested. "It should be quieter there."

The next day, we drove to the eastern side of the island, arriving at a secluded bay called "Moon Cove." A charming wooden cabin stood beneath palm trees at the edge of the beach, with no other residences around—just the sound of waves and birdsong. No television, no Wi-Fi, just a perfect harmony between us and nature.

Alexander embraced me from behind, his chin resting gently on my shoulder. "This bay has something special about it. Tomorrow you'll understand why it's called 'Moon Cove.'"

The next day, I understood the origin of "Moon Cove's" name. When sunlight hit at a particular angle, the bay's surface perfectly reflected the shape of a crescent moon, like a lunar reflection in the water. We snorkeled in the shallow waters, admiring the colorful schools of fish and occasional sea turtles that swam by, seemingly unafraid of us.

On the third morning, a strange sound woke me from my sleep—a high-pitched call mixed with splashing water.

"What's that?" I asked groggily, rubbing my eyes as I sat up.

Alexander was already standing by the window, smiling at me. "Come see for yourself!"

I curiously walked to the window, and when I made out the graceful leaping figures on the water's surface, I couldn't help but exclaim, "Dolphins! Oh my God, it's a pod of dolphins!"

We rushed to the small boat docked beside the cabin. Alexander skillfully paddled toward the center of the bay. Suddenly, dozens of dolphins appeared around us, their sleek bodies gracefully navigating through the water, occasionally leaping above the surface and splashing crystalline droplets. Sunlight reflected off their wet skin, creating a silvery sparkle.

"God, it's so beautiful!" I stood in the small boat, with Alexander having to hold my waist to prevent me from falling.

"Careful," he warned with a light chuckle, "we may be werewolves, but we're not invincible in water."

He stood behind me, his arms wrapped around me as we watched this wonderful natural spectacle together. The dolphins seemed to be performing for us, jumping higher, swimming closer, and making joyful calls.

"You know," Alexander said in my ear, "they say dolphins can sense special energy. They like to be near loving presences."

"You mean they're attracted to us?" I asked, turning my head.

He nodded, a mysterious smile on his face. "They feel our connection, our bond." He kissed my temple. "Just like I feel every day."

We stayed in the center of the bay for nearly an hour, until the dolphin pod gradually swam away. That moment was so magical, so indescribable, like a special blessing bestowed upon us by nature.

After five days at the bay, we decided to return to the island's main settlement for a two-day rest before heading to the other end of the island to see the coral reefs. On our way back to the resort, we stopped at a local specialty restaurant for lunch.

"You absolutely must try this," the server recommended, bringing a plate of oddly-shaped shellfish. "It's our island's specialty, Moonlight Clam, very delicious."

The clam meat looked fresh with a slight pearly sheen, emitting an enticing aroma. I took a bite—it was indeed delicious, but with a unique flavor that was hard to describe.

We finished our sumptuous lunch and continued our journey. But on the second morning after returning to the resort, I woke up feeling intensely nauseous, barely making it to the bathroom in time.

Alexander immediately followed me in, worriedly holding my hair back. "Erin? What's wrong?"

"Don't know," I answered weakly, cold sweat soaking my forehead. "Maybe that Moonlight Clam wasn't fresh yesterday."

He helped me back to bed, poured me a glass of water, his brow furrowed and eyes flickering with concern. "Are you sure it's just food poisoning?"

"Of course," I tried to smile lightly, despite my stomach still churning. "Don't worry, I'll be fine after a day's rest."