Beneath the Alpha's Moon
Chapter 109: A Special Place

Chapter 109: A Special Place

ADRIAN’S P.O.V.

The cool night air clung to us as we stood at the edge of the glade, the moon’s light weaving through the trees and highlighting Juliette’s defiant expression. She had followed me, yes, but her arms were crossed, her stance strong and unwavering. She was suspicious, as always, and yet, her curiosity danced in her golden-brown eyes.

"Trust me," I said, my voice smooth as silk, though I couldn’t suppress the amused quirk of my lips.

She raised a brow, her arms still crossed. "I followed you, didn’t I? Don’t push it, Adrian."

I chuckled, low and warm. "Ah, my fiery mate. Always ready with a bite. But tell me—" I took a deliberate step closer, watching as her gaze narrowed slightly. "Do you want to race me?"

Her laugh was sharp, like the crack of a whip. "A race? Are you serious? You do realize I’m a wolf, right?"

"Do you realize I’m a vampire?" I countered, my tone playful yet dripping with challenge. "You might have four legs when you shift, but speed is my specialty, darling."

Juliette tilted her head, her gaze piercing and intent as though she were deliberating over the consequences of succumbing to my challenge. For a moment, the air between us crackled with tension, and then, with a slow, deliberate smirk that sent a jolt through my chest, she made her decision.

She took a single step back, her body moving with a grace that was both captivating and predatory. Her beautiful golden eyes locked onto mine, their intensity freezing me in place. It was as though she held me captive with her gaze alone, daring me to look away. I didn’t.

Her hands moved with tantalizing slowness, slipping to the hem of her shirt. She lifted it inch by inch, revealing smooth skin and taut muscles beneath, the deliberate pace making every second feel like an eternity. As the shirt finally left her body, she let it drop carelessly to the floor. Her movements were unhurried but brimming with intent, each one calculated to ensnare my full attention.

Her fingers moved to the clasp of her jeans, undoing it with a practiced ease. She pushed it down her hips, letting the jeans slide to the ground, pooling at her feet. Standing there, beautifully nake and unapologetic, she didn’t break eye contact for even a moment. Her confidence was magnetic, her boldness overwhelming.

Then, without a word, she shifted.

Her muscles rippled under her skin as her form began to change, her body elongating and contorting into something wild and untamed. Fur sprouted where bare skin had been moments ago, and her frame grew larger, more powerful. What had been a beautiful, naked woman seconds earlier was now a majestic wolf, her glowing yellow eyes still locked onto mine with the same unrelenting intensity.

The shift was seamless, fluid, and utterly mesmerizing, leaving me breathless.

I let out a low whistle. "You’re stunning, you know that?"

She barked in response, a sound that was both amused and a challenge. Then, without warning, she picked up her clothes with her mouth and bolted toward the hill, leaving me standing there.

"Oh, it’s like that, is it?" I muttered, already laughing as I surged after her, my vampiric speed making me a blur.

The night became a blur of movement and sound. I kept pace with her effortlessly, occasionally darting ahead just to hear the frustrated growl she let out. I couldn’t help but laugh, the sound echoing through the forest.

"Keep up, darling," I called over my shoulder.

She barked again, nipping playfully at my heels when she managed to draw close. By the time we reached the top of the hill, we were both panting—her from exertion, me from sheer exhilaration. I gestured toward the entrance of a hidden cave nestled against the rocky cliffside, the moonlight catching the crystalline veins within.

"Welcome to my secret place," I said softly.

Juliette shifted back into her human form, her breath still heavy. She quickly dressed herself before she crossed her arms over her chest, staring at me with raised eyebrows. "Secret place? Should I be worried?"

I grinned, gesturing for her to follow me inside. "Only if you plan to run off before you see it."

The cave opened into a vast, serene chamber, its ceiling embedded with glowing crystals that cast a soft, ethereal light. At the heart of the chamber lay a shimmering underground lake, its surface reflecting the twinkling ceiling above like a second night sky.

Juliette’s mouth parted slightly in awe. "Adrian... this is... beautiful."

I watched her, my own awe mirrored in her expression. "It’s more beautiful now that you’re here," I murmured.

She shot me a look, part exasperation, part amusement. "Do you ever stop with the sweet talk?"

"Never," I answered, my voice low and steady as I took a deliberate step closer. A sly smile tugged at my lips. "But there’s something more—something I don’t share with anyone. What I’m about to show you is mine alone." I leaned in slightly, my tone dropping to a near whisper. "Close your eyes. Trust me?"

Her gaze softened, her walls lowering for just a moment. "Fine. But if you pull anything, I’ll shift and bite you."

I smirked. "I wouldn’t have it any other way." Her eyelids fluttered shut.

Taking her hands in mine, I closed my eyes, letting my memories flow into hers. Her breath hitched as the images came to life in her mind’s eye. My parents—my father, Alexander, tall and commanding, and my mother, Seraphina, with her kind eyes and warm smile. My siblings: Mara, the eldest and wisest; Dorian, the mischievous second-born; Evanna, with her fiery spirit; gentle Elias, who loved the stars; and little Clara, always clutching her doll.

The memory shifted to the cave we stood in now, filled with the laughter of my siblings as we played. The joy, the love—it was all there, preserved like a fragile butterfly in amber.

When the memory ended, Juliette blinked, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears. "Adrian..." she whispered. "That was..."

"My family," I said softly. "Before I became what I am now. Before I lost them." My voice wavered, but I steadied it. "This cave held my happiest memories. Until I met you."

Her gaze snapped to mine, her cheeks flushing. "Adrian..."

"I’ve never shared this place with anyone," I continued, my voice dropping to a whisper. "But from the moment I laid eyes on you, all I could think about was bringing you here."

Juliette exhaled shakily, her lips curving into a small smile. "When I found out you were my mate, I wasn’t happy about it," she admitted. "You’re a vampire, and I’m... well, me. But I never thought of rejecting you. The Moon Goddess doesn’t make mistakes."

Her words hit me like a gentle balm, soothing a part of me I hadn’t realized was aching. I stepped closer, my eyes locked on hers. "You’re getting to me, Juliette," I said softly, my tone teasing. "And I love it."

She rolled her eyes, but her smile widened. "You’re impossible."

"And you’re irresistible," I quipped, taking her hand. "But I’ll let you keep pretending otherwise."

We stood there, the tension between us electric. Her eyes met mine, and for a moment, everything else faded away. Slowly, instinctively, we leaned closer, our breaths mingling. And then—