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When my eyes flutter open after having one of the best night's sleep of my life, I exhale a sigh of relief when I glance up at Kassian, his arms wrapped around my body tightly. The both of us twisted in his sheets, his warm and homely scent making me feel safe and secure.

I hum in approval and nuzzle my face into the crook of his neck, inhaling deeply as I press my hand to his bare shoulder. My fingertips dancing along the edge of his shoulder bone and down his bicep.

"Good morning my love," Kassian's sleepy voice sent a shiver down my spine.

My lips curve into an instant smile. "Good morning," I say, I stretch out my legs and tilt my head backwards.

Our eyes find each others and Kassian's raises his hand to brush my brunette hair out of my eyes before resting his palm on the edge of my jaw.

His skin against mine made my heart race, almost unable to catch my breath. Every inch of my body heating up and allowing a warm presence inside the pit of my stomach, a glowing light that made my heart beam with love and acceptance.

"Mmmm," I say before closing my eyes, enjoying Kassian's fingers against the skin on my cheek. "I don't think I'll ever be able to get used to that feeling."

"Me either," he agrees. "It sure is one of a kind."

I grin and open my eyes as Kassian pulls me impossibly closer to him, our noses just about graze. My body erupting into an innocence of pleasure, I had no idea the bond could make me feel like a lovesick teenager.

Considering I had broken the curse and adopted a bond, I have to say that life is mighty fine right now.

I could breathe without wanting to snap at someone or break their leg. My body felt like it had patience for the first time in my life, I had empathy, I had good judgement.

No one could understand how happy I was to have my body back, my thoughts and my personality. The curse made me into someone I despised because I was annoying and erratic. Yet now I felt refreshed, like my whole body hit the reset button and I was as good as new.

Perfect timing to spend quality time with my mate as me and not what the curse was making me to be.

"What are you thinking about?" Kassian asks gently as he drops his hand from my cheek to the back of my neck.

"Just thinking about how perfect my life has turned out," I exhale with a bright smile. "I don't think I could have asked for a better outcome."

"Regardless of the fact you scared the shit out of me," Kassian tuts before giving me a look to say he was messing. "I agree, The Moon Goddess really must have been on our side."

My head nods quickly. "Oh she knew what she was doing alright." I laugh before leaning forward to press a kiss against his pillowy lips. "Nella and Hope want to take me out for a girly day today."

"I overheard," he nods as he pulls back and flicks his eyes between mine.

I swallow slowly. "Is that a problem?"

"No," he shakes his head. "I want you to spend time with them, to enjoy life, do what you want to do."

"It'll only be for a couple hours," I whisper. "They want to take me shopping, I'm definitely in need of some new clothes that aren't second hand."

Kassian grins and gives my body a squeeze. "You'd look good in a bin bag," he chuckles lowly.

"Sadly bin bags won't keep me warm in the winter," I say sarcastically.

"That's okay," he dismisses. "I'll keep you warm."

"Oh I bet you will," I laugh when Kassian pulls my body on top of his.

Our chests press firmly against one another as my laughter vibrates through his body, his arms wrapping around my lower back. My head falls into his neck, my arms gripping onto his shoulders.

Kassian's hand slides up the centre of my spine before cupping the back of my head. His lips grazing the side of my cheek as he presses a kiss to the bone delicately. "You should probably ring your father," he murmurs against me.

I push myself up from his body and look down to him, brushing my hair away from my face. "Is it bad that I literally forgot about everyone else but you?" I admit.

"I mean maybe..." he trails off, his hands sink down to rest on my hips. "But you've been through a lot, you've been sleeping and regaining your strength. Diamond called a few days ago and we informed her that you were awake."

"But he's my father," I press a hand to my forehead. "Fuck."

"Hey," Kassian shakes his head as he pushes himself up from the pillows. "Don't stress about it, you still need to take things easy and your mind has been all over the place lately. Call your dad later, I'm sure he'll understand."

"Did you tell them not to come down?" I ask.

Kassian's eyes narrow. "We didn't tell them to leave but we said we couldn't accommodate them. We said it would be best if they went home and we could keep them informed."

I nod after a few moments. "So if he wanted to, he would have come up when you said I was awake?"

His lips fall into a frown and he leans forward to kiss the middle of my chest. "Don't think about that baby," he dismisses. "Talk to him later and enjoy your day."

"Okay," I huff out a breath and collapse my body back onto his, both of us hitting the bed with a thud.

"What time are you meant to be going out with Nella and Hope?"

"When I'm done with spending time with you."

"So never then?"

I groan into his chest before releasing a burst of laughter. "I will go... at some point today."

. . .

Nella and Hope took me to the nearest town to spend the day together, somewhere with a large shopping centre Hope demanded. I asked if we could stop for lunch first, my stomach would not stop growling.

I was half dead for seven days so it makes sense that my body needed energy to catch up on.

We settle at a nearby café and order coffee and toasted sandwiches between us.

"So Cleo, how have you been feeling?" Nella questions as she rests her elbows onto the table.

I take one sip of my latte and nod. "Amazing, honestly so amazing." I tell them truthfully.

"You look so good," Hope comments with bright eyes. "I had no idea your natural hair colour was like this."

Her fingers lean over the table to grip the ends of my hair, both of them admiring the colour carefully. I laugh quietly and nod. "I almost forgot this is what I looked like," I say with a hesitant smile.

"I didn't know the curse altered your appearance as well," Nella says, wrapping her hands around her mug. "I mean I've always thought you were beautiful but you're even more breathtaking now."

Hope instantly nods in agreement which sets my heart on fire. "Oh stop it," I dismiss their compliments and avert my gaze to the wall instead.

"How do you feel now the curse has gone?" Nella asks curiously.

I tilt my head and relax my shoulders. "Like a brand new person. Feeling normal again honestly makes me so happy, I can breathe, I can think my own thoughts and I can be comfortable in my own skin without hating myself every second of the day."

"I hate that you ever felt like that," Hope's voice raises. "You might have been a handful but I still loved you. You did so much for me and I hope you know how grateful I am for you."

My hand pushes across the table to rest on hers. "I know you are Hope and I'm glad that you're better. You deserve to have a long, happy life with Alfie." I say, giving her little hands a tight squeeze.

The corners of her eyes crease as she offers me a warm smile. "You are the bravest person I know Cleo. You are my ultimate role model." She expresses which makes my cheeks hurt from smiling too hard.

"How are things with Kassian?" Nella's eyebrow raises and her lips fall into a playful smile.

"Good," I nod once. "More than good, they're fucking fantastic. The bond is honestly the most beautiful thing I have ever felt, and he's so caring and gentle. He's worried about my recovery."

"Aww," Nella releases. "I knew he was softy at heart. He has always had this cold wall thrown up between everyone, it will be refreshing to see him smitten for the first time ever."

Hope chuckles before agreeing. "If anyone can tame him, it's definitely you. I've never known a better match than the pair of you. Your personalities might clash but you're both headstrong and determined, brave and motivated. You guys work so well together."

"I didn't see it before," I admit slowly. "But now I understand why we work so well, we're very alike but we're very different at the same time. It gives us a chance to learn each other's needs and grow and I can't wait for it."

"You're going to make the most perfect Luna, Cleo," Nella tells me sincerely.

My eyes blink back at her, my body rushing with overwhelming emotions. I had almost forgotten that my body could feel like this, compassion, pride and an array of happiness.

"Oh totally," Hope pitches in. "You complete the pack."

"You guys are too sweet," I shake my head before taking another sip of my coffee.

"I hope you believe us," Nella's lips frown for a split second. "You becoming our Luna will only strengthen us further, Kassian will become stronger, the pack will become more determined and focused. You are what we have needed for years Cleo and I hope you feel welcome."

My heart clenches suddenly at her kind words. "I feel welcome," I nod. "I feel at home because I am home and I wouldn't want to be anywhere else."

Hope flashes me a wide grin. "I am so pleased, that is how we want you to feel. This is your home as much as it is ours. We would be nothing without you. Kassian needs you to help run the pack."

"You guys should be motivational speakers," I say confidently.

Tears build in my eyes before I crack a smile. "Thank you," Hope laughs. "We're here all night."

"Can I just say," I clear my throat, taking one glance down at my coffee and then back up to their eyes. "That I'm sorry if I ever made you guys feel like shit, if I hurt you or if I ever made you upset. Because the thought of my old, cursed self being nasty to people who cared about me, makes me feel sick to my stomach."

"I know you didn't mean it," Nella's voice cuts over mine instantly. "It wasn't you saying those things or doing those things. It was the curse and you need to separate yourself from those actions. Yes, you might have upset us but we're still here, we thought of you as a friend then and we still think of you as a friend now."

"Deep down I knew I was grateful and severely appreciative for everything you guys had done for me," I say as I flick my eyes between them. "But now I can say I am truly thankful for you guys not giving up on me. From having my back since day one."

Nella's hand leans forward to squeeze my elbow. "I saw something in you Cleo," she says as her eyes rest on mine. "You needed our help, even though you didn't want to admit it. I couldn't have given up on you, that's not who we are."

"You guys deserve the world," I grin between them. "And so much more."

"Awwww," Hope raises her shoulders up to her ears. "I'm so pleased to have your authentic-self back Cleo."

"Me too," I breathe out, letting my chest relax. "You have no idea."

"So..." Hope leans forward to catch my attention, her eyes wide. "Have you and Kassian spoken about mating yet?"

I exhale a sharp breath. "Well apparently I still need to 'rest' before we can get back to what we do best," I roll my eyes. "Is it such a bad thing that I am craving a dick appointment?"

Hope and Nella burst out laughing. "Some things never change, huh?"

"I'm being serious," I whine. "He doesn't want to tire me out, he's worried about my health."

"How noble of him," Nella chuckles quietly.

"Does he not fancy almost dead corpses or something?" I roll my eyes before looking up at the ceiling.

Hope and Nella laugh together before I'm brought back into the conversation. "Come on," Nella beckons her head to the exit. "Let's go shopping and find him something he won't be able to say no to."

I nod and follow her lead out of the café, Hope close behind me. Nella drags us down the high-street and towards a shop called 'LADY SILK' with big capital red letters above the store.

"Oh," I say as I walk through the open doors, my eyes glancing round at the mannequins with bralet sets and stockings.

Nella twirls around to me and hums. "See?" She says as she brushes her hands against a rack of black lace thongs.

"Yes," I nod instantly. "Yes, I understand now."

"Great," Nella grins as she claps her hands together. "What sort of vibe are you thinking of going for?"

"So unbelievably sexy that he can't keep his hands off me," I breathe out as Hope and Nella nod back at me.

"Well think you've already ticked that box if you get anything in here," Hope mumbles as she takes one glance around.

Nella taps a finger against her lips as she walks around the racks of underwear. "What about this?" She holds up a three piece set.

The bra was black with lace detailing, along with a slinky black thong matched with a mesh lace garter with hanging clips.

"Oooooh, Kassian would have a heart attack if he saw you in that," Hope says enthusiastically.

I hum and step forward to grab the items, my fingers grazing the material as I try to imagine them on my body. Never had I worn something like this but I understand now how much it could do for your confidence, even looking at it made me feel powerful.

"You like?"

"Yeah, it's so nice." I say as my eyes continue to glance over the set.

"Let's shop around and see what else you like," Nella pulls my arm to look at the other lingerie.

After twenty or so minutes I had three different sets in my hands, I couldn't make up my mind so Hope convinced me to get all three.

Then we ventured deep into the store, not realising they had a section especially for sex toys.

"Here," Nella places a box on top of my already full arms.

I blink and look down to the box, a picture of a light flesh coloured six inch dildo with a suction pad. "Nella..." I trail off, tilting my head looking unimpressed. "Put this back."

"Oh, not the right size?" She hums suspiciously before taking back the box and replacing it with an eight inch dildo instead.

Hope bursts out laughing and I roll my eyes. "Why would I need an eight inch dildo?"

Nella gasps loudly. "Don't tell me his dick is bigger than eight inches because honey... your poor vagina is going to be crying for the rest of your life."

"That's not what I mean," I grumble out as I follow her towards the vibrators.

"Well, if Kassian thinks your recovery is going to take longer then you can still get your dick appointment. But an artificial one." She drops her eye into a wink. "Thank me later."

"I'm not paying for that," I huff out.

"Fine," she whips her head around to me. "I will, just in case. Recovery could be days, weeks, months in Kassian's mind."

Months without having sex with Kassian? Fuck, maybe I needed it after all.

"I hope not," I close my eyes briefly. "I don't think I can handle it, especially when his scent suffocates me and he always looks so fucking hot."

"Well I'm pretty sure one of these outfits will do the trick," Hope pats the lingerie that were in my arms.

"Me too," I nod confidently.

"Right, let's pay and we can have a look around the other shops, find you some new clothes Cleo. Think it's a little overdue." She says before slinging her arms over mine and Hope's shoulders.

"Sounds like a plan," I say as we proceed to the till.

After a couple more hours of shopping and Hope demanding that I tried on everything that I liked, we finally made our way back home. To say I was exhausted was an understatement, walking around shops endlessly is hard work. Especially when your body still feels like jelly.

Nella pushes through the front doors with our endless shopping bags, I drop mine at the bottom of the stairs and lean into the wall.

"You good Cleo?" Hope questions.

"Yeah," I nod as I attempt to straighten out my spine. "Just a little tired."

Kassian's office door swings open and he steps out, our eyes meeting instantly. "You're back," he says, taking long strides to get to me.

"Sure am," I smile as he takes my face between his hands and leans down to give me a gentle kiss.

When he pulls back he takes one glance over my face before his brows furrow. "You're dehydrated and tired." He comments as he continues to inspect me.

"I mean yes, shopping should be an Olympic sport," I joke before my eyes fell heavy. My head turns to Hope and Nella who gather all of our bags.

"I'll take these upstairs for you," Hope smiles and I nod.

"Thank you," I call out for them as they disappear upstairs.

"Have you eaten today?" Kassian questions, dropping his hands from my face and studying my eyes.

I hum. "Had lunch."

"Only lunch?"

"Yes."

"You aren't going to regain your strength by missing meals." He shakes his head at me, still worried about my lack of recovery.

I press my hands to his arms and slide them up his shoulders before wrapping my arms around his neck. "Well you can always make me dinner if you want to," I grin up at him, his dark eyes flicking between mine.

"I'll make you dinner." He agrees as he hugs my body tighter.

"Oh yeah?"

"Yes."

"What about if you make dinner and I'll give you dessert." I mumble into his ear.

Kassian pulls back slowly, his pupils stretching to a new level of black. "And what exactly would this dessert entail?"

"Well..." I smirk up at him. "It's warm, sweet and tastes delicious. Located directly between my legs."

A deep grunt escapes his throat as he looks down to me, attempting to keep control of his wolf. His jaw clenches for a second before he releases it, his chest breathing quicker than before.

"What do you say?" I narrow my eyes with a sweet smile.

He grabs the back of my head and pulls our lips close together again. "I'll save myself for seconds."

. . .

Read up to chapter 44 on Patreon
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I bloody love this chapter!!

Nella is actually my spirit animal and I need her in my life hahaha

Who is ready for Cleo to put on her lingerie and for shit to go downnnn....😈😈😈

What did you guys think???

The extended version of this chapter is available on Patreon, it's cute, sweet and Kassian gets all the dessert he can get! Available for Ruby and above!

Hope everyone is well! See you all on the next one, love Sav x

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