Chapter 4 Under the Moon's Spell

The sky was brightening as the full moon came up over the forest. An irresistible urge pulsed through me, making me want to journey out. I knew I wasn't alone; the atmosphere was thick with suspense, a familiar hum in my blood.I heard the leaves rustling, a soft invitation, and then she appeared among the trees.

Layla stepped into the light, and the moon reflected off her eyes, a sight that always caught me off guard."You're pulled to the moon from afar," she murmured, her voice quiet, almost a whisper against the rising energy.

I looked seriously at her, the truth of her words resonating deep within me. My voice deepened as I answered, "It's what I am born to do."I could sense how drawn to me she was, and her proximity made me react, a primal instinct taking over.

My arms wrapped around her, pulling her close, and I kissed her, claiming her lips with a strong, fierce affection that surprised even me.When we finally split, my eyes were rigidly locked on hers, trying to convey the turmoil inside.

"I feel like everything is slipping out of my hands with you," I whispered into her ear, the admission raw and unexpected.She launched into a smile, her heart surely racing as fast as mine. "It's possible we both feel the same way," she murmured, her voice already smooth, a siren's call.

My eyes fixated on her lips, I pulled her in again, and just like that, the moon made everything else fade away. There was only her, only us. As we kissed more passionately, I felt myself altering slowly, the shift beginning to take hold. I could sense everything around me with heightened clarity, my body starting to move with a new, untamed energy.

Layla's gaze was sharp with danger, and I realized she was changing inside as well, mirroring my own transformation.Pulling apart, we gasped for breath, and I noticed my body start to feel the usual, exhilarating shift. I stretched, my limbs growing, my senses expanding, becoming sharper, more acute. I felt her follow my change, our bodies obeying the ancient, undeniable need of the moon.

As we sprinted through the forest, our feet struck the ground at the same time, a perfect synchronization, and I felt her heart beating in unison with mine. The wind was blowing so strong that everything around us appeared to speed up, a blur of motion. Bound by something powerful, something ancient, we loved each other so much that it went beyond any human aspect.In this wild, untamed state, we found freedom, our true selves shown under the moon's ash light.

Roman Grant, the Alpha, called a council meeting to discuss Layla's place in the pack. Lena spoke up, her voice dripping with skepticism. "I don't think we should trust her yet. We don't know anything about her."I defended her instantly. "I vouch for her, Roman. She's not a threat. And she has potential." I saw the flicker of curiosity in Roman's eyes.

Roman's eyes narrowed. "Potential? You mean the transformation? You think she can handle it?" He was testing me, testing her.I nodded confidently. "Yes, I think she could be a valuable asset to our pack." I truly believed it. I'd felt the power in her, the raw potential.

Roman made his decision, his gaze fixed on Layla. "We'll give her a chance. But, Layla, you must understand: our world is not for the faint of heart. You'll need to prove yourself worthy to be part of this pack."She nodded, a mix of determination and nerves evident in her posture. "I'm willing to do whatever it takes." Her resolve impressed me.

Roman turned to me, his command clear. "Gabriel, you're responsible for her training and safety. Make sure she's ready for the full moon." A heavy responsibility, but one I accepted without hesitation.

Roman's eyes seemed to bore into hers, his gaze intense, laying down the law. "Remember, Layla, loyalty to the pack is paramount. Betrayal will not be tolerated.

If you ever consider crossing us, think twice. The consequences would be... severe."I saw a shiver run down her spine, a hint of unease in her eyes. She was wondering what Roman was capable of, and I knew it was a valid concern." I understand," she said, trying to sound confident. But Roman's warning clearly left her with more questions than answers. I could almost hear her mind churning: What exactly did he mean by 'severe consequences'? And what would happen if she didn't comply with the pack's rules?

Roman's expression didn't change, but I sensed a hint of satisfaction in his voice. "Good. I'm glad we understand each other."The night after the full moon, I couldn't shake the feeling that something had shifted within me, a profound realization. I found Layla sitting by the river, staring at the water, lost in thought.

"Layla, we need to talk," I said, my voice low and serious, knowing the weight of what I was about to say.She turned to me, her heart racing with anticipation. "What is it?" I took a deep breath, my eyes locked on hers, steeling myself. "You're the one," I said, the words filled with an emotion I'd fought for so long. "You're the prophesied mate."I saw the shock hit her, like she'd been punched in the gut.

"What do you mean?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.My gaze burned with intensity. "The prophecy says I'm destined to be with a mate who'll bring balance to our pack. And that mate is you."

The truth of it was undeniable, overwhelming.Her mind reeled as she tried to process the weight of my words.

"How can that be?" My expression was torn. "I've resisted it, fought it, but I can't deny it anymore. You're the one meant to be mine." The admission was both a relief and a terrifying burden.

The air was thick with tension as my words hung there, changing everything between us. I felt a mix of emotions: fear of the responsibility, excitement for what could be, and a deep uncertainty about how this would unfold.

"What does this mean for us?" she asked, her heart racing with anticipation.My eyes locked on hers, my gaze burning with intensity.

"It means our fate is sealed, Layla. We're meant to be together."I felt a shiver run down my spine as my own words sent a spark of electricity through me. What did this mean for our future? For our pack?

As the night wore on, Layla and I sat in silence, the only sound the gentle lapping of the water against the shore. The prophecy had changed everything, and I couldn't help but wonder what lay ahead, even as I felt the pull toward her.

"You can't just drop this bombshell and walk away, Gabriel," she said, her voice trembling with emotion, calling me out.

My eyes flashed with intensity. "I know, Layla. But I'm not sure I'm ready for this. For us." The words were true, even as every fiber of my being screamed otherwise.

She took a step closer, her heart pounding in her chest. "Not ready? You're the one who's been pushing me away, Gabriel. Now you're telling me we're destined to be together?" Her frustration was palpable, and I couldn't blame her.

My face twisted in frustration. "I know it's complicated, Layla. But I feel it too. The connection between us, it's real." I needed her to understand the depth of my internal conflict.

She searched my eyes, desperate for answers. "Then what's holding you back?"My gaze burned with intensity. "My past, Layla. The pain, the bloodshed. I don't want you caught in the crossfire." It was the only way I knew to protect her.I felt a surge of determination from her.

"I'm already in this, Gabriel. With you or without you." Her words hit me hard, a testament to her strength and resolve.