His Blue Moon Princess
Chapter 37

Once she's out of sight, Nathaniel turns to us, frowning. This is the first time I've seen him looking annoyed. "Bobo, what was that?" He asks in a cold tone.

"Just as she said."

I feel bad for letting Bobo handle Nathaniel alone, but his attitude is clearly telling me to stay out of it, and I remember Elena's words. Nathaniel and Bobo stare at each other for a few seconds, and I wonder if the Alpha will interrogate him again... But against my expectations, he doesn't ask anything else. Instead, he breathes in, regaining his composure, and turns towards me.

"Sorry about that, princess. Anyway, you look really pretty, and I hope you have a great date tonight with my brother. Enjoy your birthday."

His words sound a bit empty, and I can't help but think that his mind is somewhere else. I almost had forgotten about the salon's staff around us after all my talk with Elena, but they quietly and swiftly resume working once Nathaniel exits. I remain silent and wait for a while before I turn to Bobo.

"That scared me..."

"Don't worry. I doubt he would do anything to Elena. But let's be more careful next time. It might not be Nathaniel that shows up."

I nod. It usually doesn't end well for a werewolf trespassing on another Clan's territory. Elena did seem pretty confident, but I still wouldn't bet she was totally out of danger by coming here. The lady behind me clicks her tongue when I turn my head to talk to Bobo, but I ignore her.

"Is the Opal Moon territory far from here?"

Bobo shakes his head and scratches between his dreadlocks while thinking. "Not really... They are mostly located on the Art District and around the University grounds. But they are affiliated with the White Moon Clan, which is even bigger actually, so they can walk freely on most of North End. They have lots of good bars and restaurants with live music. They are usually tolerated on the Blood Moon turf though, as long as they don't push it."

Of course. If the other packs' members weren't tolerated on the Blood and Velvet Moon turfs, a third of the inhabitants wouldn't be able to take a step in the city. Usually, everyone tries to stay on their own land, but for several reasons, an estranged wolf can walk freely on another pack's turf, as long as they have a good reason for it. Most of the time it's for work or the young ones who go to school in the city. What could raise suspicions is if a wolf adventured too far alone and unannounced on another territory like Elena did today. Basically, once on another pack's turf, any wolf is at the mercy of that pack. They don't need a reason to attack; they make their own rules on their domain.

Which makes me wonder how Elena will be able to meet me again...

I get lost in my thoughts while another lady comes to do my makeup. As my preparation goes on, Bobo asks if I want a cup of tea, but I politely refuse. I know he is just trying to help me ease my mind, but I still have a hard time processing everything I learned just today.

The child of a Royal? How could that be...? I look at my reflection in the large mirror facing me. Is it even possible? Until now, I didn't even know Royals still existed in this day and age. Now Elena comes in and states that I am related to such a legend. As a mixed child. Did my father know? If so, why did he take me from my mother? Was she killed along with that family?

Somehow, I feel a hole in my heart whenever I think of my birth mother. Is it because I never really got along with the one who raised me? I wonder if she looked like me. She was probably the one with blue eyes. I want to know more about her, but where to start? Elena seems to have more information, but I have nothing...

And what about Damian? Elena advised to not tell him a thing, but why? If I really am the child of a Royal, I wish I could tell him. I want to ask Bobo, but there are too many ears around us for now, so I hold it in. Anyway, this is all too sudden. I need to think about it. I get lost in my thoughts and forget about the time. When my makeover is finally done, Tonia comes back just in time to witness it.

I'm standing in the middle of the salon wearing the very pretty winter dress she gave me as my birthday present this morning, with Nathaniel's shoes. To be quite honest, I love what I see in the mirror, though I can barely recognize myself. With the heels, I don't look so petite anymore, and the dress fits me perfectly, making me more feminine than ever. It is sea-blue, with a silver ribbon and pearls around the waist, and stops at my knees. My hair was very nicely done as well, giving my dark curls an elegant but natural look. The makeup is light, too, with a bit of blush here and there, a touch of mascara, and camellia-pink lips.

This girl facing me is really pretty, and I feel a bit embarrassed staring at myself. But behind me, the siblings are both smiling.

"Very pretty."

"Pretty? She is stunning!" Claims Tonia.

I don't know what to say, so I just whisper some shy thanks.

Now I'm starting to feel anxious. Seeing myself all ready and dressed up reminds me that I am about to have a date with Damian. My very first date! I'm both excited and nervous... And I have no idea what he has in store for me. I feel like I barely know him already; how could I guess what plans he made for tonight?

As I suspected, Tonia is driving me to the rendezvous. In the car, I'm as anxious as one can be, and no one speaks. The girls from the Jade Moon Clan always argued about romantic moonlight strolls, going to the movies, or candlelit dinners. It's a bit hard to imagine Damian doing any of these...

Tonia puts some music on the radio, and I try to relax.

About half an hour later, it's already dark outside when we stop in a location I can't recognize. It is pretty quiet, actually, except for the sounds of the seashore.

Why are we at the waterfront? Last time I came close to the sea didn't end well... But the atmosphere is quite different this time. Tonia covers me up with a large white fur coat, and we walk a couple of steps to face a large boat.

It's actually a superb white yacht with its lights on and elegant wooden floors. Pushing me gently, Bobo helps me get onboard while I'm still in awe. I have never been on a boat before! And it is a private yacht to boot! I take shy steps inside, but the siblings don't follow behind me, staying on the dock. I want to ask them why, but they just gesture me to go on without them. Oh, well...

I

My wolf detects five... No, six people inside while I slowly walk in, though I don't see anyone. But that doesn't really matter, because my heart is already thumping loudly. My wolf feels his presence, and that's all she can focus on for now. A romantic song is floating in the air, coming from the deck, so I head that way. This is so intriguing...

Once I finally reach the deck, I'm left completely speechless.

As if in a dream-like setting, the deck is decorated with small pastel-colored flowers and fairy lights all over. On the floor, there is a thin layer of snow, perfectly even and white. In the middle of it, a wooden table was set for two, with white napkins, crystal glasses, and silverware, with a centerpiece composed of candles, sand, and seashells. All of it is arranged in an elegant, but intimate, and unbelievably romantic setting. Everything is absolutely perfect.

And in the frame of this incredible sight, stands Damian.

I replace him more handsome than ever. As always, he is wearing only dark clothes, but this time it is a jet-black costume, with a silver tie matching his glowing eyes. He appears effortlessly handsome standing there, and I replace myself falling for him once again. His muscular figure, the marble-chiseled traits, his thin lips... He even got a fresh haircut and a clean, short stubble beard.

...How can one be so handsome?

I'm tearing up when I walk up to him.

He catches my hand, entangling his fingers with mine as our faces come close. Our eyes meet, and I feel happier than ever. My heart is so warm and loud I feel like it will explode any time now. Damian's eyes, lock onto mine, sheening love on me. How can such an icy gaze make one burn with feelings at the same time? Before we say a word, his lips replace mine, and we lose ourselves in a long, tender, and passionate kiss.

He is passionate but gentle. I follow his rhythm, answering his kiss with more confidence than before. This taste on my lips is addicting, and I don't want to stop. Ever. I kiss him back, putting my free hand on his chest. I don't need air. I just want this man's breath against mine.

I feel Damian's hand sliding into my hair, his fingers playing with my curls like he loves to. He grasps and holds it, keeping me close enough to melt under his embrace. Winter means nothing. I feel myself burning from this man's delightful kiss, almost like I could get drunk on it.

When our kiss finally comes to an end, Damian holds me close against him, and his lips slowly slide all the way to my ear to whisper. "Happy Birthday, Nora."