The Lunar Curse: A Second Chance With Alpha Draven novel Chapter 465

Chapter 465: As I Wish

Meredith].

The last of the dishes was being cleared when Dennis leaned back in his seat, his eyes bright with mischief.

"Alright," he announced, clasping his hands together. "Since we’re all reunited after ages, why don’t we do something fun?"

Wanda’s head snapped up instantly, her smile already forming. I didn’t even need mind-reading abilities to guess what she wanted.

Combat.

"A sparring match," Dennis continued, grinning wider. "Just a friendly one. For nostalgia."

"There it is," Wanda said under her breath. She looked pleased and was practically glowing.

I stared at her. That smile wasn’t excitement. It was relief because combat was her pride and favourite weapon.

Oscar raised a brow. "A combat spar right after lunch?"

Levi nodded in agreement, leaning back slightly. "And you want me to fight in front of my wife?" he said lightly, squeezing Vivian’s hand. "I have a pride to keep. I can’t afford to lose to Draven right after dessert if I’m paired with him."

Vivian laughed softly, her cheeks warming as she squeezed Levi’s hand back.

Then, from the corner of my eyes, I caught Wanda rolling her eyes subtly. I noticed she doesn’t seem to like her sister-in-law very much.

Dennis barked a laugh. "This is why I’m the lucky one. No mate, no expectations. No one to impress."

Then, he placed a hand dramatically on his chest. "I can lose with dignity."

Even Draven’s lips curved faintly. But then Dennis straightened, his grin returning.

"Fine, fine—maybe we do something else. How about... horseback riding?"

Jeffery let out a breathy chuckle. "Only Draven will win that one."

Then he added, "You know how hard it is for us to tame a horse. Humans struggle. Our aura alone scares them. Draven is the only one who makes it look easy."

Wanda perked up at once, sitting straighter. "A challenge," she said, almost eagerly. "I like that."

Levi nodded while Oscar shrugged. But on the other hand, Vivian looked politely nervous.

Though I kept my expression smooth, something fluttered low in my chest.

I had never ridden a horse in my life. And what Jeffery said was true. Horses feared werewolves by instinct.

And I can never forget that one time, one of Draven’s horses attacked me back in Duskmoor after Xamira startled it. Thank the Moons, Draven saved me on time.

Just then, I felt Draven gaze on me. Then his voice slid into my mind through the link.

"I will help you."

I straightened slightly. "Let me try first," I answered him inwardly. "If I fail... then you can help me."

His eyes warmed slowly, deeply with a pride that made my breath pause.

"As you wish, my love."

I quickly looked away before anyone saw my cheeks warm.

Dennis clapped once. "Good. Horseback riding it is."

But before anyone stood, he added with renewed enthusiasm:

"After that, how about knife-throwing? Or—" His grin tilted wickedly, eyes landing on Wanda, then on me "—a strategy game."

Wanda visibly perked at ’knife-throwing.’ Meanwhile, I felt something inside me click into place.

"I like the idea of the game," I said gently. "Let’s do it after riding."

The others agreed while Wanda forced a polite expression. "That’s fine," she said smoothly. But her grip around her wine glass spoke volumes.

Just then, Draven rose from his seat, his fingers brushing my waist, light but possessive.

"My wife and I need to freshen up first and change into something more convenient," he announced.

Everyone murmured in agreement.

Then, Draven turned to me and offered his hand. I placed mine in his, and he led me away from the table.

I did.

Slowly, and carefully, he lifted my hair aside, exposing the line of my spine. Then he found the zipper of my forest-green gown.

The moment his fingers touched the fabric, my skin erupted in goosebumps. And he noticed.

His breath brushed the back of my shoulder in a silent, amused exhale.

"Nervous?" he asked quietly.

"Why should I be?" I swallowed. "Didn’t you say we were only going to change?"

He hummed. His voice was low, controlled, but full of implication.

"I said nothing about behaving," he whispered.

My heart stuttered. But then, with surprising restraint, he eased the zipper down slow enough to tease, but gentle enough to steady me. 𝘧𝑟𝑒𝑒𝘸𝘦𝘣𝑛𝑜𝘷𝑒𝓁.𝘤𝘰𝓂

The fabric loosened around my waist, and immediately, warm air met my bare back.

I felt exposed in a way that made me realize how deeply he owned every part of my heart.

When the gown slipped low on my hips, Draven stepped back just enough to give me space.

"Change," he said softly. "Before I change my mind and we never make it back downstairs."

My breath caught. I nodded and reached for a simple riding outfit from the rack—leather pants, a fitted top, and boots.

Draven grabbed a few things from his own side of the closet and stepped out of the dressing room, giving me privacy. A rare gesture, and one that made my chest warm even more.

When I finished and opened the door, I found him already dressed in a black shirt, dark riding trousers, and boots.

His eyes swept over me deliberately. And then, he held out his hand again.

"Let’s go, my Queen"

My pulse jumped as I slid my hand into his. Then we stepped out together, totally ready for the games.