Chapter 36

ARIA

Today was Blood Moon. My eighteenth birthday. And according to everything Jace had told me, possibly the night that would reveal who—or what—I truly was.

I lay awake beside him, watching his chest rise and fall with steady breaths. These past days had been a blur of training, pack meetings, and stolen moments together. The countdown to tonight's ceremony had everyone on edge, especially me.

The strange voice from my unconscious state still echoed in my mind. Transformation. What did that even mean?

Jace stirred beside me, his arm tightening around my waist. His eyes opened, instantly alert as always.

"Morning, little one," he murmured, voice rough with sleep.

I tried to smile, but my anxiety must have shown through.

"What's on your mind?" he asked, brushing hair from my face.

"Nothing special." My automatic response.

Jace's expression hardened. "Don't bullshit me, Ria. I can tell something's bothering you."

I sighed. "Today's the Blood Moon."

"Yes." His thumb traced my lower lip. "And at midnight, you turn eighteen. Big night for you."

"I'm nervous," I admitted.

"Don't worry, little hunter. Everything will work out." He kissed my forehead, but I felt the tension in his body. He was worried too.

We stayed in bed longer than usual, talking about pack business, Aurora's school progress—anything but what awaited us tonight. Finally, Jace sat up.

"Come on," he said. "I have something for you."

I followed him to his walk-in closet, watching as he pulled out a large garment bag. He unzipped it carefully.

"Holy shit," I breathed.

Inside was a floor-length gown in deep blood red. The bodice was fitted with delicate lace sleeves and an open lace back. The skirt had two layers: silk that ended mid-thigh with lace overlay that flowed to the floor.

"Jace..." I stood frozen, unable to find words.

"You like it?" He sounded uncertain, so unlike his usual Alpha confidence.

"It's beautiful," I managed, running my fingers over the fabric. "But this must have cost a fortune."

"Don't worry about the price, little hunter." His voice softened. "Consider it an early birthday gift. Tonight's special—you deserve something special to wear."

"Thank you," I whispered.

"Eliana helped pick it out. She's arranged stylists to help you both get ready."

I turned to face him. "This seems excessive. Why go to all this trouble?"

"Because you deserve it, Ria." His hand cupped my cheek. "I want you to be my date tonight, to enter the celebration as the most stunning woman in Moon Shadow territory."

My heart raced. "I'd love to be your date."

After breakfast, Jace tugged me toward his bathroom, his grip firm, teasing. Steam curled from the filled tub, water dark with herbs and oils, their heady scent wrapping us, making my skin buzz with want.

"Join me?" he murmured, yanking his shirt off in one smooth pull. His bare torso—lean muscle carved with battle scars—lit a fire in my core. My fingers ached to trace every ridge, every mark etched into the man standing there.

I nodded, heat creeping up my cheeks despite our weeks tangled together. We stripped, the air crackling with need. His eyes raked over me, darkening as they lingered on my breasts, my curves, my bare pussy. That hungry stare stole my breath, sent my pulse racing.

We sank into the steaming water, Jace pulling me tight against his chest. His slick skin on mine—hot, forbidden—ripped a gasp from my throat. His arms wrapped around me, strong but tender.

His hands kneaded my shoulders, each stroke sparking heat across my skin. Fingers grazed my collarbone, teasing lower, brushing the swell of my breasts before pulling back. I arched into him, craving more, my body begging where words failed.

"Caught you overthinking," he rumbled low against my ear, lips grazing that sensitive spot just below. His voice vibrated through me, sending shivers racing down my spine.

"Can't help it," I shot back, voice thick with want. "Everything's moving so damn fast."

His hands stilled, one splaying across my stomach, hot and possessive. "Regretting this? Regretting us?"

I twisted to face him, water sloshing as I straddled his thighs. Our lips hovered inches apart, his breath spiced and sweet from breakfast. "Fuck no," I said, fierce. "You're my anchor. Always." I pressed my forehead to his, our breaths tangling in the steam.

Relief washed over his features, chased by something raw, feral. He kissed me—soft at first, then hungry, desperate. His tongue teased my lips, and I opened for him, moaning as he claimed my mouth. His hands roamed my back, yanking me closer, my breasts pressed tight against his chest.

I felt his cock, hard against my stomach, a promise of what we'd shared before. I rolled my hips, grinding against his erection, and he groaned deep, the sound pure need. His fingers dug into my ass, halting me.

"Not here," he rasped, voice strained, body screaming the opposite. "If we start, I'm not stopping."

That restraint, the way his muscles tensed—it set me on fire. I dragged my nails down his chest, feeling his heart pound. "Then don't," I whispered, nipping his lip. "Fuck me, Jace."

His eyes blazed, control fraying. He surged to his feet, water streaming down his gorgeous frame, and hauled me from the tub. We hit the plush rug nearby, lips crashing, hands everywhere—gripping my ass, teasing my nipples, sliding between my thighs to stroke my clit. I gasped, hips bucking as he worked my cunt, fingers circling, stoking heat that coiled tight.

"God, you're so wet," he said, kissing down my neck, sucking hard enough to mark. I clawed his shoulders, grinding against his hand, chasing that edge.

"Now," I begged, voice breaking. He pressed his cock against my thigh, teasing my vagina with slow, deliberate strokes, never entering. The friction drove me wild, my body trembling as he sucked my nipple, pushing me over. My orgasm hit hard, a cry tearing free as pleasure roared through me. He followed, groaning, his release spilling hot against my skin.

We collapsed, panting, then crawled back to the cooling tub. His hands trembled as he washed me, fingers lingering on my breasts, my thighs, memorizing every inch. I mirrored him, tracing his body, finding spots that made him shudder.

"Whatever goes down tonight," he murmured against my temple, toweling me dry, "hold onto this. Us. Right now."

I pressed my hand to his chest, his heartbeat steady under my palm. Whatever tonight threw at us, we'd face it side by side, this fire between us stronger than anything trying to rip us apart.

Just after noon, Jace suddenly stiffened. His head tilted slightly—the telltale sign of receiving a mind-link message.

"The elders want to see me," he explained, already pulling on clothes.

"Now? Seriously?"

"It's about tonight." His expression darkened. "They want to discuss the... situation with Phantom."

"They need to talk about this right now?" I couldn't hide my annoyance.

"They're anxious," he explained. "This chance comes once in generations." He paused. "To succeed, I need to mark and bond with someone tonight."

My heart stuttered. "Mark and bond? You mean..."

"With my true mate." His eyes held mine, intense and unwavering.

The silence between us stretched, filled with unspoken questions.

"And if you don't find this true mate?" I finally asked, voice barely audible.

He took my hands in his. "Aria, there's something I need to tell you—"

A sharp knock interrupted us.

"Alpha?" Hunter called through the door. "The elders are waiting."

Jace cursed under his breath. "This discussion isn't over," he promised, squeezing my hands before standing. "We'll pick it up again soon."