Book 2 Chapter 26
Caleb's Point of View
I followed my mate up to our bedroom. It was hard to hold my composure as we made our way up our stairs. As soon as we were in the room, she spun around to face me.
“I am sorry. I know that this gathering is important, and I know that it was one of the first that I was involved in as a Luna. I know that I have placed your alliance in jeopardy.” She was pouring out words so quickly it was as if she was running a marathon with them.
“Daphne stop” I tried to tell her.
“Look I will apologize if you need me to. I really do not want to but I will never do anything to put the pack in danger.” She was rather wound up and talking with her hands.
“Love please” I tried to cut in again.
“I know that they do not have our fighting forces, but I did not mean to cause a war. It is just she started talking and I seen red.” I could not take her rambling anymore. In two quick strides I reached her and cupped her face with my hands slamming my lips onto hers. It was an effective measure to shut her up.
Once I was sure that she was not going to continue to spew words like a volcano I slowly pulled away. Daphne looked up at me bewildered by the kiss.
“I have never been prouder of you, my love. I knew that having them here was going to be hard for you. I had not invited them originally; however, Noah pushed my hand in the matter.” I take a deep breath and allow her a moment to let my words sink in. I slowly seen the realization come to her eyes.
“So, you are not mad at me?” She asks me timidly.
“Hell, no love I am so proud of you, and honestly turned on. You have no idea how hot it was to barge into that room and see you in all your glory while Heather cowered back from you. You were so beautiful up on that table with your teeth bared and claws out. There was a huge part of me that wanted to take you right there in front of everyone.” I watched her face go into shock at my words. “Caleb, I shifted in front of everyone.” She is mortified by her actions.
“No one seen anything love. Scarlett covered you before you shifted back. I promise my heart that your modesty is fully intact.” I am quick to reassure her.
“The other Alphas though Caleb they do not know my history. I will look like a freaking lunatic to them. Who is going to want to have an alliance with a pack that has a lunatic Luna? I just seriously messed up.” I quickly kiss her before she can go any farther. I know that she is worried that she somehow messed things up for me but in truth it was the complete opposite.
“Dang it Caleb you can not just kiss me every time you want me to be quiet.” She whisper yells at me sternly.
"You are my mate; I can kiss you whenever I want to. Besides, you keep getting yourself worked up, thinking that somehow you have damaged me, or the pack and you have not. Do you want to know what those other Alphas seen? They seen a fierce, protective Luna. They seen a Luna that will not be made to cower in fear. They seen a Luna that has no problem getting her claws dirty to stand up for herself, or her pack. Every man in that room wanted you in that moment. Every woman desired to be you.” I look deep into her eyes, willing her to see the truth in my words.
"I feel like I acted like a fool Caleb.” I see the tears starting to form in the corners of her eyes, and I pull her into a big hug, crushing her into my chest.
"Oh, my beautiful, slightly delusional mate.” I try to break through the heaviness with a little light banter. “You were magnificent, and I am sorry that you are not happy with all of this. I on the other hand am extremely happy that you finally got to confront her. You know that less than a year ago you would have never talked back to her, more less went on full attack mode. You have healed and grown beyond anyone's wildest imagination. Like I said before words cannot describe how proud I am of you. I wish that you could see yourself through my eyes just once. Then you would know how incredible, amazing, and fearless you truly are.”
“I am not fearless Caleb. I fear losing you or disappointing you every day.” She whispers into my chest.
“Daphne there are only three things that you could ever do that would disappoint me.” I tell her. "Really, only three huh. So, what are those three things?” She asks me.
“Well, the first one is to ever intentionally harm someone in this pack that has not deserved it.” I start off with.
“Well, that's kind of a given fact Caleb, plus I would never do that.” She simply states.
“The second thing would be if you ever tried to take another lover to your bed. The very thought of another man putting his hands on you makes me quake with anger. In truth not only would it disappoint me, but it would make me despise myself because I know that I would become a heartless murder at the point.” There is no joking in my words, and she nods in understanding. Considering she was ready to rip Heather's throat out for even talking about trying to seduce me, tells me that she feels the same way that I do.
"What is the third thing?” She asks me quietly.
"Well, the third thing if you ever did my love, you would essentially be signing my death certificate.” I look deep into her eyes so that she knows I am dead serious. “If you ever chose to reject me, reject this pack then my heart would shatter. Oxygen would simply cease to exist for me, and I would never recover for that.”
“I love you, Caleb.”
“I love you too Daphne.” We stand there for a few minuets longer simply holding each other. Eventually I remind her that we have a busy day tomorrow, and we should get some rest. It is not long before we are snuggled up against each other in our bed. I am pleased that she is back to snuggling with me. I know that it may sound childish, but I crave her touch. I pull her over to where she is draped across the front of me, hugging her into my chest as we both quickly find sleep.