Page 84 of His Lost Lycan Luna

"Well, I am hoping you don't, but if you did, and you wanted to be with them, I would let you go if that is what you wanted." I nod, my heart aching at the thought of leaving Gannon behind. He lets me go, turning back to the bags filled with presents.

"Please take your gifts, Abbie. I got them for you, and I expect nothing in return. I just wanted to see you smile," he says, his voice warm and sincere. I can't help but smile at his words, my cheeks heating when he reaches up, brushing my cheek with his hand.

"There it is," he says, a gentle smile playing on his lips before cupping my face in his hand.

"I have to go with the King tomorrow to your old pack," he says, switching the subject.

"You're going back?" I ask him, my voice thick with emotion. He nods, his eyes filled with determination.

"I have a bit of a strange request to ask, and you can say no if you like," he says, his voice tentative. My brows furrow, curiosity piqued.

"What is it?"

"Can I count how many lashes are on your back? The King wanted to know. He counted Ivy's while she slept, but he wants to punish Mrs. Daley, and he needs to know what charges to bring against her," Gannon tells me, his voice laced with anger.

"He wants to punish Mrs. Daley?" I ask, shock registering in my voice. She has always been this figure who I believed could never be punished.

"You and Ivy never should have been treated like that. I have counted the ones on the back of your legs," he says, looking away as if he did something wrong.

"But can I count the ones on your back, as I said you can say no?"

I swallow hard. It's not like he hasn't seen my back before or my butt. I chew my lip, considering his request.

"You just want to count them, that's it?" I ask, my voice wavering yet trusting Gannon.

"That is all, Abbie," he says, sincerity shining in his eyes. The thought of Mrs. Daley being held accountable for her actions is thrilling, and despite my reservations, I nod my head.

Gannon taps my thighs, gets up, closes the door, and returns to sit on the bed. Turning around, I unbutton my dress before pulling my arms out and only leaving my waist covered. Gannon pulls me to sit between my legs, and I feel his fingers tracing my skin gently. His touch sends shivers down my spine, and my face flushes when I feel his lips press tenderly against my shoulder.

"Thank you, Abbie," he whispers, and I turn my face to look at him. He helps me pull my arms back into my dress before turning me as I stand to help me with the buttons. When I do up the last one, his hand bunches my dress on my hip as he tugs me closer.

"I promise she will be punished," he whispers, and I nod. Any punishment was good enough for me. She needed to know the error of her ways, and I wished death upon her. What she let the butcher do would forever haunt me; bruises and lashes heal, yet what he did scarred my mind, and she allowed it. Tainted my dreams and haunted my soul.

"Can you check on the kids?"

"I can try if the King allows it. We will be in a time crunch. The King wants to get back so he can change Ivy and take her as his mate," he tells me, and I sigh. I would love to know how my Tyson is, but if the King was genuinely going to punish her, maybe that would make her change her ways.

"What's wrong?" Gannon asks, genuine concern in his voice.

"Nothing, I just worry about the children, especially the younger ones," I admit. Gannon brushes his knuckles across my cheek, his touch gentle and reassuring.

"Maybe one day I can take you back to see them," he says, and I smile, hope kindling in my heart.

"Really?" I ask before my smile fades. What if I run into the butcher? Panic begins to rise within me. I can't go back. What if he takes me, keeps me like he always said he would?

"If that is what you want," Gannon says, his voice steady and supportive. My skin itches at the thought of the butcher, and I scratch the back of my neck, only for Gannon to capture my hand.

"One day, you will tell me what makes you so nervous," he says, his eyes searching mine as he kisses my fingers.

"Maybe one day," I tell him, a soft smile playing on my lips as he tilts his head to the side, observing me. I observe him back when he leans in, and I hold my breath, wondering what he will do when his lips brush mine softly. I gasp at the sensation, and he tugs me closer, yet he doesn't deepen the kiss or press for more. When he goes to pull away, I gather my courage.It's just a kiss, I tell myself, trying to remind myself that I like Gannon.

So I kiss him back. I feel him smile against my lips before feeling his tongue sweep across my bottom lip, not forcibly. He is seeing if I would invite him in, and I do. My lips part when his hand moves to the nape of my neck. His fingers massage the back of my neck before tangling in my hair. His tongue brushes mine, and his taste overwhelms me as I kiss him back.

When I eventually pull away from him, he sucks on my bottom lip but allows me space, and my face flames at what I let him do. Yet I like kissing him, and he appears to like it too because he smiles at me before pecking my cheek.

"I have work to do, but can I come to see you later?" he asks, and I nod, my heart pounding in my chest as I wonder if more kissing would be involved. I turn to walk out when he grabs my hand and tugs me back. He nods to my presents.

"Draw me something," he says, his voice gentle and expectant. I chew the inside of my lip, feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness. I nod, accepting the gift before rushing out, and I hear him chuckle as I close the door. I race back to my room and shut the door, hearing him leave a few moments later.

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