The Lycan's Unexpected Warrior Luna! novel Chapter 3

"I woke up in one of the other Elders' huts and our lives have been like that since that day. The other Elders agreed to allow me to teach the basics of what I remember from their teaching back then, but because of the possibility of losing everyone, including the village, no one is allowed to use what I teach them on the night of the celebrations especially against them during the five-year raid. Now, Yasmine, only the Elders know this information and I am trusting you with not passing it onto your friends..."

"I would never betray the trust you put in me, Sir! You were the only one to believe in me and allow me the chance to prove myself, even though I am a girl."

"And you have done that way too many times. Yasmine, you are way too good for this village. I am sure you are meant to do much more, but I am afraid that it is not here that you will do it. Just remember, no matter where you end up, be yourself, never allow anyone to make you less than what you are."

"Thank you, Elder Miles!"

I stand and bow, showing him the respect he deserved. I then return to my duties for the upcoming celebration.

At the commencement of the celebrations, I get together with my closest friends, including Charles, to celebrate my birthday. I flush crimson as Charles surprises me by first giving me a lovely wolf necklace as a birthday gift, which he places around my neck to offset the gorgeous but plain dress I had the seamstress make particularly for my birthday, and then by moving his hand to grip mine. I hesitantly look up at him, and he, too, grins sheepishly, making me feel a little more at ease. There is no way I could have wished for a greater birthday, and Charles never let go of my hand as we went throughout the village, taking part in all the many aspects of the celebrations.

We had a good time on the makeshift dance floor in the village centre, being funny and dancing to the music. As Charles takes me into his arms for a slow dance, I nearly die with embarrassment. I am unable to look away as he embraces me tight and locks his eyes with mine. I am terrified because I have never felt so connected to a guy as I do right now.

As the music fades away, Charles lifts one of his hands to my cheek, allowing him to tilt my head back even farther as he leans in, shuts his eyes, and gently sets his lips on mine. We make our way off the makeshift dance floor and meet up with my other friends as they also come off the dance floor as the alarm goes off, signalling the approach of dusk.

“Happy Birthday!” they exclaim. I give each of them a friendly hug and say,

“Thank you so much! We’ll talk more tomorrow!”

“I’ve had the nicest day I could have ever asked for,” I say to Charles. “Can I ask you something?”

“Sure!”

“When???”