Unclaimed Luna’s Desire
Chapter 41 Deception in Gentleness

Ellie's POV:

Growing up, I never had a guy tell me he loved me or even show me a bit of kindness. My life was all about beatings and harsh words.

So, when Paul said he liked me, it hit me hard. It was like tossing a stone into a still pond, creating ripples that wouldn't go away.

I couldn't deny it-Paul's confession shook me up.

And when I told him I already liked Aelros, he didn't get mad. He just changed the subject like a true gentleman, making sure I didn't feel awkward.

Paul was someone I felt at ease with.

Unlike the respect I had for Weslin or the distance I felt with Aelros, Paul made me feel natural and comfortable.

We fit together like a cup and its lid, making me feel safe and at ease.

I'd never felt this way with anyone else.

Paul was like a warm breeze, bringing me comfort and warmth.

When he was around, I felt relaxed, both physically and mentally.

Even though Paul could be rough in bed, I found myself hooked on his daily acts of care. It was something I had always craved-someone to care for me, love me, and show me a bit of favoritism. Paul did just that.

Even when I turned down his confession, he didn't lash out. Instead, he cared about my feelings and took me to a movie theater I'd never been to before.

I'd never been to a place like that, let alone sat in front of a huge screen watching a movie.

Growing up, I'd walked past movie theaters countless times, only daring to stand at the door and watch others talk about the movies. I never had the courage to go in.

I envied their carefree lives so much.

When Danial went to the movies with his parents' money, I was stuck at home cleaning. And if my chores weren't up to par, my foster parents would beat me.

My body was often covered in bruises and scars.

To me, the movie theater was like a mysterious paradise, a wish in my heart.

I never thought Paul would make my wish to see a movie with friends like a normal person come true, and I was so grateful to him.

As I walked through the theater doors, I looked around curiously at everything the strange massage chairs, the buttery popcorn smell, the ice cream-filled display cases. Everything captivated me. This place was like heaven.

I didn't want to show Paul how clueless I was, so I secretly observed when he wasn't looking.

In this unfamiliar place, I felt out of place.

I was scared someone would replace out I was a nobody without a wolf, scared someone like William would show up and start beating me.

I was even more scared Paul would notice my ignorance and start to dislike me like William did.

Paul's kindness meant the world to me, and I didn't want to lose it.

So, during the whole movie, I barely paid attention to the screen. My focus was on Paul beside me.

"Ellie, are you scared?" Paul reached out and held my hands on my lap, looking at me with concern. "Is this horror movie too much for you?" "I'm okay," I replied.

"Of course, I knew you were brave." Paul gently patted my head and said, "When I saw you alone in the deep forest on the Pack's border, I knew it."

I turned to him, shocked. "But back then, I only saw Aelros. I didn't see you!"

Paul chuckled softly and handed me a piece of popcorn.

"Aelros didn't recognize you, but I did the moment I saw you," Paul joked, pinching my cheek. "A gem like you? I couldn't look away. Aelros thought you were a spy sent by William and wanted to kill you. To keep you safe, I had to gather evidence to prove you were innocent. So, it was Aelros who saved you, badly hurt and unconscious, and brought you back to the cabin."

I never imagined such a misunderstanding happened while I was out cold.

I was so close to being killed by Aelros.

But what really blew my mind was that Paul trusted me so much and even went out of his way to prove I was a good person.

I was filled with gratitude. "Thank you, Paul."

"Protecting the princess is a knight's duty. No need to thank me, Ellie." Paul handed me a vanilla ice cream and joked, "If the princess eats an ice cream, it's like knighting the knight."

I blushed at Paul's words, quickly took the ice cream, and licked it.

Paul reminded me, "Sweetheart, you have cream on the corner of your mouth."

At his reminder, I instinctively stuck out my tongue to lick my lips, but Paul quickly wiped it clean with his fingertip, and my tongue accidentally brushed against his finger.

I pulled my tongue back quickly, but saw Paul playfully lick the cream off his finger.

"Very sweet, just like you," Paul said.

Throughout the whole movie, I barely watched a few scenes, focusing all my attention on Paul.

He was too perfect, making me feel a bit inferior.

I thought, 'What do I have that could make someone as amazing and gentlemanly as Paul, who's so good at winning hearts, like me? It's like a blessing from an angel!' As we left the movie theater with the crowd, I thought our outing was over.

Even though I was a little reluctant, there was nothing I could do. Paul was the vice leader of the Pack, so he had to be busier than Aelros.

Aelros could only spend about four hours with me a day, let alone Paul.

I never expected Paul to hold my hand, lower his head, wink at me with his left eye, and say, "Let's go to the next place, the amusement park."

That was a place I had never been to as a child, and I never expected Paul to treat me like a kid.

My heart was filled with immense satisfaction.

Without even thinking, I quickly nodded. "Sure!"

In the Pack, Paul was very popular with girls, and everyone liked the gentle and caring Paul. But everyone was wary of his status and dared not get too close.

After spending time alone with Paul in a dark space, receiving his caring gestures, I had to admit that I didn't feel nothing in my heart.

But I knew I shouldn't have feelings for him.

From my background, I was just a woman without a wolf, while Paul was a highly capable vice leader, and my heart already belonged to Aelros.

However, I couldn't resist Paul's proposal. He seemed very good at getting to me.

I started to regret agreeing to go to the amusement park with Paul. Just as I was about to keep my distance, Paul said, "I am Aelros's friend. It's only right for me to take care of you. You're on my turf, so I've got you covered." Hearing Paul's words, the balance in my heart began to shift again, and I started to feel that Paul was not wrong.

I accepted his reasons, and it eased some of my concerns.

"Smile, Ellie. I love your smile," I heard Paul say.