novelraw Chapter 828 828: That was my first kiss
Chapter 828 828: That was my first kiss
"Your hair looks beautiful when you leave it down," Denzel said, his voice low. "And your eyes... they remind me of a vast sky full of stars."
"Really?" Juniper was stunned.
"Yeah. They seem to glow sometimes."
Juniper blushed, flustered by the compliment. It was so genuine that for a split second, her mind drifted to Dominick. She realized what she was doing and squeezed her eyes shut, trying to force the memory away.
Denzel saw her expression shift instantly. "What happened?"
"Nothing," she replied.
"Just tell me," he insisted.
She sighed, dropping her guard. "Don't be upset. I just thought about my ex. He never said things like that to me. It makes me wonder what kind of fated mates we really were. Was it just our wolves responding to each other, and nothing more?"
Juniper realized she should not have spoken about Dominick and her past.
"Sorry, I didn't mean to bring him," she murmured.
"Don't be sorry. It's normal to recall things like that. After all, you two were together for a long time," Denzel answered in a tone of understanding.
"But that togetherness couldn't touch the emptiness I felt back then," she confessed, the words spilling out as she finally gave voice to her regrets. "I was so desperate to build a name for myself because my adopted family never wanted me. I was such a fool, measuring everything by power and money. I even looked down on others just to feel superior."
Juniper shook her head, looking at him with searching eyes. "If I hurt you in the past, I'm sorry. I have this feeling you visited the palace grounds often, and we must have crossed paths."
"We did," Denzel admitted. "But you never spoke to me. We just passed each other, and I would bow, as was expected. We never had a real interaction, and I knew nothing of your life. I have a rule: I don't judge people based on rumors or status. I only judge them after knowing them, not before."
Juniper arched a brow, lingering on his words. "So, when you first saw me here, you weren't angry that I chose San Ravendale of all places?"
"Why would I be angry?" Denzel asked, looking genuinely surprised by the thought. "I was shocked, sure. But you have the freedom to be anywhere. Honestly, my only concern back then was those rogue wolves attacking you, not your history. I never spent time thinking about what you did or didn't do in the palace. That was never my place to judge."
Juniper simply gazed into his eyes for some time.
"You have no idea how soothing your words are," she mumbled. Her face buried in his chest as she suddenly hugged him tightly. "Don't ever leave me, Denzel. The only fear I have is that those whom I love leave me."
"I won't," he gave a gentle pat on her back. "Wait! Do you love me?" He was genuinely shocked.
"Huh?" She lifted her head, meeting his gaze again. "No... Yes... I mean..." she felt stuck when Denzel laughed lightly.
"Don't laugh," Juniper told him.
"Okay, I won't," Denzel said, pressing his lips together. Then, a moment later, he asked again, "Do you really love me? This early you fell in love with me!?" he teased her.
"I mean... I've not developed that deep love. But yes, there's love. How to explain to you..." She bit her bottom lip. "You must be thinking what kind of person I am who fell for someone so quickly."
"When did I think that?" he chuckled. "But if you really love me, then I'm not letting you go, Juniper. I mean... This is the first time I have been feeling something more than a mere attraction," he asserted.
"Were you in a relationship before me?" Juniper asked, her curiosity getting the better of her. "You don't have to answer if you'd rather not."
Denzel offered a thoughtful smile. "Why wouldn't I answer? I had two relationships back in college, but they were nothing serious. Actually, did I mention that my first kiss was with you last night?"
Juniper's eyes widened, her hands flying up to cover her mouth in sheer disbelief. "What? No! Oh my god!" She lowered her hands slightly, looking at him as if trying to see if he were joking. "How is that even possible?"
"Why wouldn't it be possible?" Denzel asked, looking genuinely confused.
"You dated twice," Juniper countered, shaking her head. "You said you had two relationships. It's hard to believe you never kissed either of them."
"They were relationships in name only," Denzel explained, keeping his voice steady. "I never pursued anyone. They approached me, and I just went along with it, mostly out of curiosity to see what it was like."
"But surely there were times when things... might have happened?"
"I always stepped back," Denzel replied. "I wasn't going to kiss someone unless my heart was fully in it. I don't let pheromones dictate my actions either." He offered a small, confident smile, clearly proud of his restraint.
Juniper sat with that information, struck by the truth of it. She remembered her own heat cycles and how he had remained completely composed, refusing to be swayed. His control was rare, almost unnerving.
"So, last night when you kissed me..."
"That was my heart's calling," Denzel said.
Juniper felt a sudden sting of inadequacy, and she lowered her gaze, picking at the fabric of the blanket. "But you aren't my first kiss," she murmured.
"I intend to be your last," Denzel said, his voice firm and immediate.
Before she could process his words, he cupped her face and captured her lips with his. The kiss was deeper and far more intense than the night before, leaving no space for her insecurities.
When the pulled away, Denzel said, "You will look forward to a bright future and also live in the present. No more thoughts about the past. Do you promise?"
"l promise," Juniper replied and smiled.