Chapter 274\u00a0<\/p>\n
Third Person\u2019s POV\u00a0<\/p>\n
Finished\u00a0<\/p>\n
After a whole night of playing cat and mouse, Aysel was still brimming with energy. Back in her suite, she sighed with a mix of amazement and gossip.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cSo\u2026 Damon Blackwood and Celestine Ward really play rough,\u201d she remarked, her tone light, almost amused.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Magnus glanced at her, a faint, dangerous curve at the corner of his lips-an Alpha\u2019s smile that never quite reached warmth.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cDid you enjoy the view?\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Aysel laughed and threw herself into his arms, fingers boldly brushing over the hard lines of his abdomen, where Alpha muscle coiled like a restrained beast.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cNot as good-looking as my Alpha,\u201d she said sweetly. \u201cNot even close.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Magnus gave a soft, humorless scoff.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cSo you did look.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
The air around him dipped several degrees, Shadowbane dominance rolling outward like a cold tide. Sensing the coming reckoning, Aysel\u2019s gaze flickered guiltily. She pinched her thumb and forefinger together.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cJust\u2026 a tiny bit?\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
She clung to his waist, shamelessly wheedling.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s not like I wanted to look at another man. I opened the door and they were already\u2026 in heat.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Magnus bent his fingers and lightly scraped them over her cheek, the intimate gesture carrying a possessive warning only wolves truly understood.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cThen should your mate help wash your eyes clean, hm\u00a0<\/p>\n
Aysel\u2019s gaze instinctively drifted to his chest\u2014broad, powerful, marked faintly with the scars of battles fought and survived.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The temperature dropped again.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cYou looked at that too?\u201d Magnus asked softly.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Aysel: \u201c\u2026\u00a0<\/p>\n
The night after the storm finally calmed.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The massive ship cut steadily through the dark sea, its engines humming like a sleeping leviathan.\u00a0<\/p>\n
But in one lavish suite, the real tempest was only beginning.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Only then did Aysel realize-Magnus\u2019s jealousy over another male\u2019s scent was just a pretext. The real reckoning was something else entirely.\u00a0<\/p>\n
1\/5\u00a0<\/p>\n
15:41 Thu, Dec 18 D\u00a0<\/p>\n
Chapter 274\u00a0<\/p>\n
Finished\u00a0<\/p>\n
Her long lashes trembled, tears clinging to them as her ale skin flushed with heat. Her lips parted, breath unsteady, caught between pleasure and torment. Her wolf whined softly beneath the surface.\u00a0<\/p>\n
He refused to let her crest.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cBaby,\u201d Magnus murmured, voice low and rough, \u201cpromise me-promise your Alpha. No more throwing yourself into danger.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
He kissed her slowly, deliberately, his lips mapping her kin as sweat rolled down the powerful lines of his back. His wolf, Rafe, pressed close beneath the skin, restless and fierce.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cMm-\u201cAysel whimpered, lifting her hips instinctively.till refusing to answer.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cBe good.\u201d he coaxed, voice velvet-soft but unyielding. Our Aysel is always obedient. Say it. Say you\u2019ll never put yourself in harm\u2019s way again.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
He withdrew just enough to make her ache, watching her with dark, restrained hunger as she reached for something just out of reach. Unable to resist, he bent again, stealing a kiss that left her breathless.\u00a0<\/p>\n
After savoring her taste, he finally gave her a fraction.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cAysel,\u201d he asked quietly, \u201cdo you want it?\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
She hooked her arms around his neck, knowing he was forcing her to choose-to place her own safety above her pride. But stubborn as ever, she refused to yield.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cMagnus Sanchez,\u201d she whispered shakily, \u201cyou\u2019re awful\u00a0<\/p>\n
He sighed.\u00a0<\/p>\n
How could she be so stubborn-so fragile, so fierce, so unbearably lovable?\u00a0<\/p>\n
In the end, he couldn\u2019t bear her suffering. After a long, brutal stalemate, he relented, sparing both her and himself.\u00a0<\/p>\n
As they sank together into that deep, consuming bond, it struck him with sudden clarity:\u00a0<\/p>\n
Love was this-constant worry, constant yearning. Pain and sweetness twisted together, sharp and intoxicating.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Beyond the windows, the endless sea mirrored a sky strewn with stars. The wind surged across the deck, snapping sails and scattering shards of silver light across the water, folding everything into the lingering heat of the night.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Elsewhere on the ship, in another room, the temperature felt cold enough to freeze blood.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Damon stood there, eyes burning red, staring at Celestine-who was barely covered by torn, hastily gathered clothing.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cWhy are you here?\u201d he demanded, every word ground out through clenched teeth.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The thought of Aysel witnessing him entangled with Celestine sent a fresh wave of agony through his chest. After tonight, even if Aysel ever broke her bond with Magnus, there would be no future for Damon.\u00a0<\/p>\n
She despised Celestine. She would never accept a male hinted by her scent.\u00a0<\/p>\n
2\/5\u00a0<\/p>\n
15:41 Thu, Dec 18 DG.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Chapter 274\u00a0<\/p>\n
Damon\u2019s gaze was sharper than claws, filled with naked hatred.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Celestine had already recovered from her initial panic. he laughed lightly, unconcerned.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat are you angry about? Didn\u2019t you hear? There we door from outside, you might already be dragged off as Blackwood would still pay a fortune to ransom you?\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019d rather die.\u201d Damon spat.\u00a0<\/p>\n
24%\u00a0<\/p>\n
Finished\u00a0<\/p>\n
kidnappers on board tonight. If I hadn\u2019t locked the bargaining chip. Do you really think Alpha\u00a0<\/p>\n
Her expression darkened briefly before smoothing out gain.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cBut you didn\u2019t. And you slept with me.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
She knew exactly where to cut.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cDamon Blackwood, Aysel saw everything. She saw how you clung to me, how you begged like a dog in heat. In her eyes now, you\u2019re filthy. Do you think there\u2019s any difference between you and me to her? The moment you allowed me near, you became her enemy.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
She watched his face drain of color and pressed on mercilessly.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cIf you hate me so much, why do you keep softerling? Why give me hope again and again? If you truly didn\u2019t want me, you should\u2019ve driven me away. Tonight only happened because you opened the door. If it were Magnus Sanchez, do you think he\u2019d ever open it for another female?\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
This was her last chance.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Earlier, in the infirmary, the healer had given them medication to prevent infection after falling into the sea. She had bribed a steward, slipping the drug meant for Dariusz\u2019s memorial wine into Damon\u2019s water instead.\u00a0<\/p>\n
When the effect should have peaked, she knocked-claiming her medicine was missing, that she couldn\u2019t find a healer. Half-conscious, Damon had pulled her inside. He\u2019d tried to leave at first, but the door wouldn\u2019t open. When she undressed and approached, he could only sink helplessly into the trap.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Now Damon bent forward, covering his face as regretful tears seeped through his fingers.\u00a0<\/p>\n
When he looked up again, his eyes were filled with murderous loathing.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cYou schemed against me just to humiliate me in front of Aysel? What do you want?\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Celestine smiled faintly.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cAysel\u2019s appearance was an accident. I don\u2019t enjoy being watched.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Then she finally spoke her true aim, voice cold as frost.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cDamon Blackwood, I want you to marry me.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cImpossible!\u201d he snapped.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cYou think sleeping with me once means I\u2019ll take responsibility?\u201d he sneered viciously. \u201cCelestine Ward, you\u2019re nothing but a disgraced slut now. Why are you so desperate? So eager to crawl into a man\u2019s bed? Even street whores have more pride than you!\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
3\/5\u00a0<\/p>\n
15:41 Thu, Dec 186\u00a0<\/p>\n
Chapter 274\u00a0<\/p>\n
Finished\u00a0<\/p>\n
Her nails dug deep into her palms, eyes reddening. There was pain-being cursed by the man she once loved-and hatred for what she had become.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cAnd how noble are you?\u201d she shot back. \u201cWhy did you come on this voyage, if not to sell yourself to the highest bidder? You\u2019re a Blackwood heir in name only. Do you really think you\u2019re better than me?\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Once hailed by the packs as a golden pair, they now tore at each other like wounded beasts, hurling venomous words, eager to drag the other down into the abyss.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cI didn\u2019t force you,\u201d she sneered. \u201cIf you had any self-control, you could\u2019ve resisted. This is on you.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
She never wanted it to end like this-but the plan had failed, and his disgust toward her had shattered what little restraint she had left.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cGet out!\u201d Damon roared, hurling a glass that shattered at her feet.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Celestine watched him calmly.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cYou think I\u2019m relying on your conscience?\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
She smiled suddenly, dropping the final bomb.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cI recorded it.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Damon stared at her in disbelief.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cDo you have no shame?\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cShame?\u201d she laughed bitterly. \u201cDo I even have any left? My reputation is already ruined. What\u2019s one more sin? If you dare, send me to prison. Let the world see Alpha Blackwood on his knees in bed, begging for a woman. After that, what highborn she-wolf would still want you?\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Damon wasn\u2019t that kind of male. He prized pride and honor. He couldn\u2019t bear it.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat about Dariusz?\u201d he whispered hoarsely.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cDariusz?\u201d she laughed wildly. \u201cDon\u2019t bring him up. You knew I loved you all along. Wasn\u2019t it exciting, being close to your brother\u2019s woman? Everything you suffer today-you deserve it.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
She stared straight into his eyes.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cYou let me approach because you knew we were the same-hypocritical, selfish, weak. Standing next to Aysel Vale, didn\u2019t you feel ashamed?\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Damon collapsed, clutching his head.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Celestine stood.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cWhen we disembark tomorrow, I expect our mating certificate.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cDamon Blackwood,\u201d she said softly, \u201cwe are bound to each other for life.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
4\/5\u00a0<\/p>\n
The Pack\u2019s Daughter\u00a0<\/p>\n
Midnight Letters by Daniel Crowe 274 Chapter 274\u00a0 Third Person\u2019s POV\u00a0 Finished\u00a0 After a whole night of playing cat and […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"default","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","ast-disable-related-posts":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"default","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"footnotes":""},"categories":[35],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-20547","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-pack-princess"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/20547","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=20547"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/20547\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=20547"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=20547"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=20547"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}