Chapter 24: ; Training While Getiing Closer

"You agreed to keep this crazy idea a secret, didn't you? Or did you suffer brain damage?" Cheska fumed as she followed Matthew into the woods, located just around the corner from their house.

Matthew simply chuckled at her fury, choosing not to respond. He led the way until they reached a safe spot for shifting.

Cheska couldn't help but think about Eunice, who was likely keeping watch over their pack right now. "I hope Eunice doesn't catch us together," she muttered as she prepared for the shift. She made sure that Matthew was out of sight before removing her clothes.

Matthew appeared behind her, naked and ready, and teased her for trying to hide from him. "Why are you hiding? I've seen everything," he said with a teasing smirk.

Cheska covered herself, feeling embarrassed. "You know we can't control ourselves when we're in close proximity to each other," she objected.

Matthew continued to tease her, enjoying her reaction. "Ah, so you can't control your desire for me, hmm?" he said playfully.

Cheska could feel her face flushing with heat as she stood naked in front of Matthew. He towered over her, his imposing presence making her feel small and vulnerable. But when it became clear that he had no intention of leaving, Cheska let out a sigh and surrendered.

"Matthew, you're so childish," she said, shaking her head in disbelief. If he wanted to play games, she would play along, as long as they didn't touch. She couldn't risk becoming Matthew's mate, not when her future as a Luna was at stake.

To her surprise, Matthew seemed caught off guard by her sudden change in attitude. Perhaps he didn't expect her to face him while naked. Cheska decided to take advantage of the situation.

"Will you watch me shift into my wolf?" she asked, noting that Matthew hadn't moved an inch.

"Hmm, tempting, but I'll keep my promise," Matthew replied, his eyes fixed on her. "But once you become an official member of the Thunder pack, you'll be mine."

Cheska sneered at him, feeling a surge of anger. "You're crazy. The council has already sent invitations to all the alphas who want me to be their Luna. Our connection will be severed permanently."

"Don't get your hopes up too high. The outcome of this event might surprise you," Matthew said meaningfully, turning to prepare for his shift.

Cheska fell silent. She couldn't shake off the feeling that there was more to his words than met the eye. Was he planning on stopping the event? She glared at Matthew, who was still in his human form.

After a minute, Matthew's transformation was complete. Cheska couldn't help but be awed by the sight of his big, black wolf. Its fur shone in the moonlight, and it was twice the size of any wolf she had ever seen.

To her surprise, Cheska felt safer in the presence of Matthew's wolf. It approached her and let out a low growl before howling.

"I think I like your wolf better than your human form," Cheska giggled, rubbing its head before stepping back to shift into her own wolf form.

——*·—

The white wolf's paws pounded the ground as it ran, its black companion following closely behind, both free to roam the moonlit woods. Unbeknownst to them, a pair of angry eyes watched from the shadows, fists clenched in fury.

As they returned home at dawn, Cheska couldn't help but feel lighter after their midnight run. "Do you think it's helping?" she asked Matthew, still catching her breath.

"Well, if it doesn't work, there's always another way..." Matthew replied, pausing to face her.

Cheska looked at him expectantly, waiting for him to reveal his backup plan to join the Thunder pack.

"My dear Cheska, becoming my Luna is the easiest way," he remarked, grabbing her by the waist and pulling her closer to him.

Cheska knew Matthew had a strong desire for her, evidenced by his constant need for physical contact. As he wrapped his arms around her waist, she could feel her heart racing and cursed silently to herself.

"Matthew, we're in the yard! My mom and the others wake up early," she protested.

Glancing around cautiously, Matthew scooped Cheska up and carried her behind a nearby tree. "Now, no one can see us," he whispered, his hand still on her waist while the other brushed aside her hair.

"Matthew, you promised—" Cheska began, attempting to push him away.

"I lied," Matthew interrupted, his lips brushing against her ear.

Despite her reservations, Cheska found herself unable to resist the warmth of Matthew's chest and the beating of his heart, which seemed to match her own.

"Matthew, it's dangerous for us to be this close," she murmured, torn between her desire for him and the risks they faced.

Cheska felt Matthew's warm breath on her face as he whispered, "You're mine, so I don't care if someone catches us doing this," gently lifting her chin to meet his gaze.

'Why do Matthew's eyes always seem to penetrate my soul? Cheska wondered, bracing herself for his next move.

"Who's there?" Eunice's voice interrupted their moment, causing Cheska to feel a sudden rush of cold water over her.

Thankfully, they were hidden behind a tree and Eunice didn't see what had been going on.

"This is World War Four!" Cheska thought to herself, pushing Matthew away in fear that Eunice might approach and catch them in the act.

"Stay still, or I'll kiss you in front of her," Matthew commanded before turning his attention to Eunice. "What do you want?" he asked, his hand still traveling freely over Cheska's body.

Cheska's breath caught in her throat as Matthew's hand snaked into her bra and cupped her breast. She bit down on her lip to stifle a moan, but the sound still slipped from her lips.

Eunice approached with a smile, but Matthew quickly stopped her. "Eunice, don't pretend like you don't know what's going on," he said, his voice low and husky. "Why don't you go back inside and rest?"

Eunice's smile faltered, and Cheska could see the anger simmering beneath the surface. But Eunice didn't say anything - she simply turned and walked away.

Cheska's heart pounded in her chest as Matthew pressed her back against the tree, his body pressed against hers. "What do you mean?" she asked, her voice breathy and tinged with desire.

Matthew's eyes darkened with lust as he leaned in, his lips hovering just above hers. "I mean that I can't resist you anymore," he whispered, before claiming her lips in a searing kiss.

Cheska melted into him, her body responding to his touch with a fiery passion. His hands roamed over her body, caressing every curve and dip with a hunger that left her weak-kneed.

Finally, they broke apart, gasping for breath. "Come with me," Matthew said, his voice rough with desire. "I want to show you just how much I've been thinking about you."

Cheska didn't need any more convincing - she took his hand and let him lead her away, her body humming with anticipation.