Marked By The Alpha's Cursed Blue Moon
Chapter 36. Between Heartbeats

Chapter 36: 36. Between Heartbeats

After spending some time chatting with James, Maria finally stood up and made her way back to her seat, where her friends were already waiting, wearing knowing expressions.

The moment she sat down, Cassandra leaned toward her with a flirty grin on her face.

"So now, you’ve finally confirmed it. James is the one, right?" Cassandra teased, her smile widening.

Maria didn’t reply. She was already aware that she’d probably revealed too much through her body language and silence might be the only way to avoid looking guilty or dishonest.

Without a word, she grabbed Cassandra by the hand and pulled her toward the ladies’ restroom. Laura followed behind with a serious expression on her face, clearly sensing that something was up.

Once inside the restroom, Maria turned to her friends, determination flickering in her eyes.

"I’ll tell you both everything... but you have to promise me this stays between us. No one else must know," Maria insisted.

Both Cassandra and Laura nodded in agreement.

With their promise secured, Maria began pouring out her feelings and recounting everything that had been going on between her and James. But she was careful—very careful—not to mention anything about her intimate past with Bernard.

That part, she felt, was better left in the shadows. She didn’t want to seem cheap or careless in front of her friends.

"You’re the real bad girl," Cassandra said, chuckling. "So what now? Planning to ditch Bernard and ride into the sunset with James?"

"No! I’m not running away with anyone," Maria replied, her tone light but sincere. "But if I had to choose, I’d pick James over Bernard any day. He makes my heart race, and I feel alive when I’m with him."

She closed her eyes and placed both hands on her chest, smiling dreamily.

While Maria and Cassandra continued talking and giggling, Laura stood silent. Her face was expressionless, arms crossed. She didn’t smile. Didn’t laugh. The tension in her silence became obvious.

Maria finally turned to her, concerned.

"Laura? What’s wrong? You haven’t said a word. Are you angry with me?"

Laura’s voice was calm but firm. "I’m just wondering if you truly understand what you’re getting yourself into. Because, from where I stand, you’re playing with a fire that could eventually burn everything around you."

Maria blinked. Her breath caught. "W-what do you mean by that, Laura?"

Laura met her eyes with a piercing gaze.

"Almost everyone knows Bernard is your chosen mate. His family is powerful and respected in this college and beyond. James, on the other hand, is popular too... But do you think Bernard doesn’t know what’s going on? Maybe he’s just pretending. Maybe he’s already planning his next move."

Maria dropped her gaze to the floor, unable to meet Laura’s eyes. Guilt and shame crept into her chest.

Cassandra stepped forward quickly. "Come on, Laura. Don’t be too harsh. We all know what Maria’s been through over the years. If James brings her a little happiness, why not let her enjoy it? Besides, Bernard was forced on her. She never chose him."

Maria looked up, relief washing over her. Cassandra’s support felt like a warm shield.

Laura sighed. Her voice softened.

"I’m not judging her. She’s my friend too, and I don’t want to see her hurt. If James makes her happy... then I guess we’ll support her and hope for the best."

She reached out and took Maria’s hands in hers. "Just answer me one thing. Are you truly happy with James?"

Maria smiled brightly. "Yes. I just wish I could be with him always."

The three girls leaned in for a warm hug, laughter bubbling from their lips as they basked in the comfort of friendship and secrets.

Meanwhile, at a hidden safe house far away, the Shadow and his men were meeting to discuss their next plan.

"I want an attack launched at the main safe house of the Blue Moon Pack," the Shadow declared, his voice cold and calculated beneath the dark hood covering his face. "I want to crush their confidence for good."

One of his top men leaned forward, concern etched into his features.

"Boss, it’s been three years since our last strike on them. You don’t think they’ve prepared for another attack by now? Their defenses might be stronger than ever."

The Shadow let out a dry chuckle. "Let them build their walls. Let them grow confident. It makes their fall all the more satisfying. I hold the strings... and I will bring them ruin."

With a sharp movement, he pulled out a large paper map from his jacket and spread it across the table.

"We will rain down the darkest of evils—summon the worst from the depths where even light dares not tread."

He laughed again, loud and arrogant, the sound echoing off the walls as his men watched in awe and fear.

A storm was brewing, and no one—especially not the Blue Moon Pack, would be safe from its wrath...

***

James had grown into a well-structured young man—mature, composed, and powerful. He spoke less in public these days, a quality that made him even more enigmatic.

It was a sunny day, the kind that made everything seem perfectly in place. The sounds of cars zooming past in steady fleets, the buzz of life in the air—every detail added to the lively ambiance surrounding a lovely, upscale restaurant tucked into a serene corner of the city.

Inside, James sat alone at a corner table. The decor was elegant, modern with soft ambient lighting. He had one leg crossed over the other, his back straight, and his expression calm.

A beautiful waitress took his order while he kept glancing at his wristwatch. He was clearly waiting for someone, and his poised appearance didn’t go unnoticed by others around.

Then, after about ten minutes, James lifted his head—and a bright smile immediately lit up his face. His eyes had found Maria.

Maria walked into the restaurant wearing a sexy dinner gown, catching nearly everyone’s attention. Her entrance turned heads effortlessly.

James stood up quickly, walking halfway to meet her. With a soft smile, he took her hand and led her to their table.

He pulled out her chair like a perfect gentleman. On the table were vibrant roses and an array of expensive wines carefully arranged for her arrival.

"You asked me to come here dressed like a queen. This is the best I could do... Hope I’ve met your standard, my lord?" Maria said with a teasing tone and a radiant smile.

James chuckled softly. "You’ve surpassed anything I imagined. You’re the most beautiful woman on earth, my queen."

Maria blushed slightly, sipping some wine before she arched a brow and asked, "So, what’s the main reason we’re here?"

James leaned back slightly and smiled.

"I’ve been craving a moment with you—just us, in a calm, beautiful setting. For years, we’ve been together, but never had a proper date. Think of this as the first of many."

His words melted her heart. Maria felt like royalty, surrounded by roses, serenaded by soft music echoing from hidden speakers. Everything about the evening was perfect.

Bernard had once held her heart, but James had become the man of her dreams. Everything she could ever want.

They were still laughing and chatting when James suddenly asked, "Why are you still living with Bernard and his parents? Do you still have feelings for him?"

Maria almost choked on her wine. She looked startled.

"Hm... That situation is complicated," she admitted. "I’m stuck with him."

"What do you mean?" James asked gently, concern lining his face. "Why not talk to his parents? Maybe they’ll understand."

"Talking to them won’t help," she said, voice dropping. "There’s a legal agreement between our parents. A contract that says Bernard and I must marry. It’s official."

James fell silent for a moment, processing her words. Then he asked, "What about your parents’ properties? Were they not passed to you?"

Maria shook her head. "Everything was willed to Bernard. Since then, I’ve lived under his and his family’s mercy. I’ve tried to find the documents and change things, but I haven’t succeeded." Her voice wavered.

James reached out gently. "I can help you get those documents. But I’ll need detailed information—Bernard’s routines, his father’s movements. My pack will run a background check and track down where the files are hidden."

She looked into his eyes and saw nothing but determination. The sight overwhelmed her. Tears welled up.

James wasn’t just a lover—he was her guardian angel.

"I’ll do whatever you ask," she whispered. "I just want to be free... to live with you, and love you."

The words escaped her lips before she realized it, but they were true.

James leaned in closer, whispering, "I’ve already booked a room at the hotel across the street. I want us to be together tonight—just us."

Maria’s heart fluttered. She didn’t care about Bernard anymore or whether his family found out. All she wanted now was James.

---

Back at Bernard’s house, the tension was rising. Victoria paced the living room angrily.

"Bernard, what is wrong with you? Maria isn’t home and it’s already past 7 p.m. You don’t even look worried!"

Bernard barely looked up from his laptop. "Why should I be? I’ve called her, she didn’t answer. She’s not a child. I’m sure she’ll come back."

His mother stared at him in disbelief. "Did you hear that, Gilbert?" she asked her husband, who had remained quiet.

Beta Gilbert sighed. "I just want Maria home safely. If she’s not back within the hour, I’ll contact the authorities."

"She told the driver not to pick her up from school today," Bernard added casually. "Said she had something to handle."

"And only the driver knew? No one else?" Victoria’s voice rose again as she shot a questioning glare at Bernard, her frustration boiling..

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