Author's note: this is from Serina's point of view

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​​

I had only one concern related to Ash's internship at Eclipse, "Will Ash need to move to London?"

At my question, Zoe perked up her ears. If Ash needs to move, that would put a distance between her and Ash, and I am aware that their relationship is beyond friendship. Actually, if they turn out to be mates, they would want to stick together all the time.

Considering how strong my urge is to be with Duke, I can't imagine how real mates feel. The separation must be maddening.

Duke thought for a second before responding to my question, "It would be preferred if he is on-site as he can't be of much help to office workers and learn the trade through a video call. However, we are considering opening offices in Munich, so Ash could work from there also."

Ash looked at me expectantly and I did my best to keep a straight face and not burst into giggles. He was adorable, but this was serious.

"We will talk about it when the time comes, Ash. There are still six months until your eighteenth birthday. Until then, focus on finishing your high school courses and it wouldn't hurt to start learning the German language. Show me your resolve and we will make it happen."

Ash flashed me a blinding smile and I could see that he found himself a goal.

From the day I met Zoe, Luca, and Ash, the three of them were set on having me as their Luna (or is it their Alpha?), and they are still singing the same tune, but I hope that they will find their own goals in life that don't include following or serving me. Maybe this was Ash's.

I don't mind having them around, they are wonderful young adults, but I don't want them to be chained because of gratitude or a sense of responsibility. I want them to be free to make their own choices.

This internship at Eclipse is an amazing opportunity that could open Ash's eyes to a variety of possibilities and he finds his path.

…

After dinner, we all gathered on the beach.

The sea was calm, the moon and stars lit up the sky, and a bonfire danced with the warm breeze.

Lazarus and Mona sat with the teens close to the bonfire with Emilio at the center who was strumming a guitar. The mood was harmonious.

Staff prepared beverages in coolers, so it was a perfect after-dinner party.

Duke and I held hands and walked along the beach.

I wanted to sit with others next to the bonfire, but the whole setting was romantic, and I feared that I will jump on Duke and create a spectacle of myself.

I craved privacy, and I also knew that evening was the time when I promised to teens that they can shift into their wolf forms and go for a run, that's why Lazarus was there.

I led the way toward the others and waved to get their attention before announcing, "We will see you in the morning!", and I dragged Duke toward the villa.

With every step closer to the bedroom, I reminded myself that I shouldn't cross the kissing and hugging line. Was it working? Absolutely not.

The door closed behind us, and I hugged Duke while searching for his lips with urgency. He responded to my kisses with equal fervor and somehow we found ourselves on the bed.

And just when the things were heating up, Duke broke the kiss.

"We should stop here.", he breathed heavily.

I groaned in frustration. Damned ability!

My hands moved toward his crotch area, and I fumbled with the buttons of his shorts.

"What are you doing?", Duke asked while holding my wrists. "You know that we should stop here so that your condition doesn't flare up."

"I know, but… I can still taste you. That is safe."

I can't believe I said this! Wanton woman alert!

Duke showed me a painful smile and lifted my hands, away from his half-unbuttoned shorts.

"No, Serina. It's not fair if I can't taste you in return, so… let's get ready for sleep. We have an early start tomorrow."

I didn't like it, but he was right. I shouldn't jeopardize our safety for a fleeting pleasure and after I fall asleep, the morning will come in no time.

I gave him a longing kiss before slipping into the bathroom to get ready.

…

Problem: I forgot that I don't need to sleep.

I slowly squirmed out of Duke's embrace.

Once I was free, I propped my head on my elbow and observed the handsome specimen lying next to me.

The light seeping in from the balcony allowed me to admire Duke's features.

His eyes were closed and his breathing slow and even and… he was perfect.

I thought that maybe I should use this time to practice my ability, or maybe check on the kids and see if they returned from their run. Also, if Mona is awake I could ask her about her first werewolf-shift-viewing experience, but I did none of those as I stared at Duke as possessed.

I remembered my insecurities and days when I was convincing myself that we are just friends and Duke is only being nice to me and I believed nothing will ever happen between us, yet here we are… in the bed… sleeping together. Well, one of us is sleeping because I'm gawking at his exquisite profile.

The experience of being next to Duke, yet not feeling him out was torturous, but at the same time, I cherished this opportunity to admire him in silence.

I lowered the cover and exposed his chest that slowly rose and fell rhythmically.

The thin fabric of his t-shirt didn't hide his perfectly chiseled pecs and I struggled against my urge to touch him.

Well, I lost.

My palm landed right on top of Duke's heart, and I smiled as I felt his strong heartbeat.

Duke's heat seeped through my hand, and I inched closer to him, craving for that heat.

I knew that I love him and that I am attracted to him, but I didn't understand this overwhelming urge to feel his skin against mine. Is this how every person in love feels?

Even after our legs intertwined and my chest stuck against his left side, it was not enough.

I wanted to merge with Duke, to become one so that we are never apart. It was insane.

My hand moved lower and slipped under his t-shirt to rest on his firm abs. Those are some good abs and I had to give him a little squeeze.

A groan rumbled in Duke's chest and I froze.

Before I could react, his hands were around me and he pressed his lips on the top of my head.

"Be a good girl, Serina…", he murmured in a low voice.

Ah, I was caught!

His hot breath caressed my scalp, making my hairs stand on ends.

"I thought you were sleeping…", I said while peering up to see him smirking at me.

Wait! Was he even sleeping, or just pretending? I guess it doesn't matter.

"How can I sleep when you are fondling me?"

I bit my lower lip guiltily. "Sorry. I will be gentler next time."

"Next time? Do you plan to take advantage of me every time I'm sleeping?", Duke asked with amusement in his voice.

Oh, gosh… did I just say that? I guess I did.

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