The tension in my muscles is still fresh, my body buzzing from the fight. The sounds of the training grounds are far behind me now, replaced by the quiet warmth of the washroom. The stone walls are cool, the air filled with the scent of water and soap. I’m still catching my breath when Kira enters, a soft smile on her face, her eyes a little wide from the energy she just witnessed.

  “You look like you might collapse,” she says with a small, teasing laugh, moving to the basin where she keeps the water. Her voice is warm, but there’s a softness to it now, like she’s trying to keep the mood light.

  I only nod in response, too tired to offer anything more. The air smells faintly of earth and sweat, and I’m aware of the grime on my skin, the aches in my limbs. I lean against the stone wall, pulling my hair out of my face as she pours the water with careful hands.

  Her hands are gentle when she starts to wipe my skin down, moving in rhythmic strokes. The silence between us is comfortable, but there’s a weight to it too—like we’re both still trying to process everything that happened today. I’ve never felt so exposed, so raw in front of anyone before, but with Kira, it doesn’t feel like weakness. It’s just… part of the process.

  “You did well out there,” Kira says quietly, her voice barely above a whisper as she continues to clean me up. “You’ve come so far, Laika.”

  I give her a small smile, still too exhausted to say much. “It wasn’t easy,” I say, but the words feel hollow. It was hard, but I feel like I’m on the edge of something bigger.

  There’s a long pause, and when she’s done, Kira pulls back a little, taking in the sight of me. “You’ve got this,” she says firmly, like she believes it with all her heart. “I know you’ve got it.”

  I don’t reply right away. I just take in the words, the comfort she offers. For the first time in a long while, I think she might be right. Maybe I do.

  Kira gently hands me a cloth, her fingers brushing mine for just a moment. There’s a softness to her touch, a quiet reassurance in the way she looks at me. For a second, I forget about the world beyond this room—the tension of my position in the pack, the uncertainty of what’s to come. In this space, with Kira, I feel like I can breathe a little easier.

  I wipe my face with the cloth, slowly, as the sound of water dripping from the basin fills the silence. I’m still trying to absorb everything that’s happened today. The fight, the strange shift between Apolloh and me, the way my body felt… different. Stronger.

  I glance up at Kira, who’s still standing there, watching me with that steady, warm gaze. She doesn’t say anything, just lets the quiet stretch on. I know she’s waiting for me to speak, but I’m not sure what to say. There’s so much swirling in my mind, and I don’t know where to start.

  “You’ve been through a lot, haven’t you?” Kira says after a long moment, her voice soft. “But you’ve made it through. You’re here, and you’re standing.”

  I nod, the weight of her words settling over me. “I don’t know how I did it,” I admit, the honesty coming out before I can stop it. “It felt… natural, in a way. But it also felt like something else. Like… I’m not the same anymore.”

  She steps closer, her presence comforting as always. “You’re not the same. You’ve always had it in you, Laika. You just had to find it again.”

  I swallow hard, her words sinking deep into me. The quiet of the washroom feels heavier now, the silence pressing on me in a way I didn’t expect. But it’s not uncomfortable. It’s just… real.

  “Do you think… I’ll be okay?” I ask, my voice barely more than a whisper. It feels like I’m asking more than just about today. I’m asking about everything—the pack, Apolloh, the future.

  Kira looks at me, her expression thoughtful, but there’s no doubt in her eyes. “I know you will. You’re stronger than you think.”

  The simple certainty in her voice steadies me, even if only for a moment. It’s enough to push aside the fear that I’ve been carrying, just for a little while.

  After the bath, I feel a little lighter, but the exhaustion still clings to my body like a heavy cloak. Kira helps me out of the washroom, her presence steady as she leads me back to the bed. The room is quieter now, the faintest hum of the pack’s activities outside the walls drifting in. I can hear the distant sounds of wolves sparring, but it’s all muffled, far away from where I am.

  “Take a rest,” Kira says gently, her voice low as she helps me sit on the edge of the bed. “You’ve earned it.”

  I nod, but my body is already sinking into the softness of the blankets, my muscles grateful for the break. I pull the covers over me, the warmth comforting in a way that feels both safe and strange after the intensity of the day. My body protests, every muscle sore and fatigued, but my mind feels… unsettled. The quiet isn’t enough to calm the storm inside me, but it’s a start.

  Kira hovers near the door for a moment, watching me as if she wants to say something more. She gives me a soft smile before finally stepping out, closing the door behind her with a quiet click. I’m alone now.

  The weight of everything that’s happened today presses down on me. The fight, the training, the shift in my relationship with Apolloh—it’s all too much to process at once. So, I close my eyes, hoping the rest will clear my mind and ease my body.

  But sleep doesn’t come easily. Instead, images of the day swirl in my mind, flashes of Apolloh’s gaze, the intensity of the fight, the way the wolves cheered for me. It’s overwhelming, and for a moment, I wonder if I’ll ever be able to catch my breath.

  Still, the exhaustion in my bones won’t let me stay awake for long. Slowly, the tension eases, my breath becomes slower, deeper, and eventually, I drift into a restless sleep.

  ~~~

  I wake with a start, searing pain shooting through my body. I curl up instinctively, rocking back and forth, trying to escape the unbearable ache.

  I can’t hold it in any longer. I scream, the agony ripping through me. Kira bursts in, concern etched on her face.

  “Go. Get. Eli,” I plead, my voice filled with desperation and pain.

  Hot tears spill down my face. What is happening to me? Why am I in so much pain?

  Eli arrives, Kira close behind, and I can barely breathe through my sobs. When he asks, I manage to answer, “I woke up… in terrible pain. My muscles don’t hurt. It feels deeper. Almost magical.”

  I sob again, helpless.

  His expression turns grim. “Laika, this pain isn’t natural. It’s your wolf waking up, struggling to break free. You need to shift soon, or your body will suffer severe consequences. You have to break whatever you were told as a pup.”

  After a few minutes, the pain starts to subside. I slowly speak, still shaken.

  “Okay. How do I figure that out?”

  “Talk to Apolloh,” Eli replies, his voice low. “He’ll have more answers than I can give you.”

  I nod, feeling the weight of his words.

  Turning to Kira, I feel the guilt rising in me. “I’m sorry I frightened you. I didn’t expect this… I didn’t know what was happening.”

  Kira steps closer, her expression softening as she kneels beside me. “You don’t need to apologize, Laika. I just… I hate seeing you in pain.” Her hand rests gently on my arm, and her voice is soothing. “We’ll get through this. You’re not alone in this, okay?”

  She gives me a reassuring smile, but there’s a hint of worry in her eyes. “We’ll figure this out together. Just… take things one step at a time.”

  Days have passed since the pain subsided, and the air between Apolloh and me feels charged, though we haven’t said much to each other. I know what Eli meant when he said I needed to talk to Apolloh about the wolf inside me. It’s not something I can keep ignoring, but I’m not sure where to start.

  I find him in the training grounds again, his posture relaxed but still commanding. There’s a part of me that feels like I’m walking into a trap, but I know I can’t avoid it forever.

  I take a deep breath, forcing my feet to move forward until I’m standing just a few feet away from him. Apolloh’s gaze shifts to me, and for a moment, I almost feel like I’m the one under the spotlight.

  “Need something, love of my life?” His voice is low, teasing, but there’s something softer there—something that hasn’t been there before.

  I swallow hard, feeling the weight of his attention on me. “I… I need to talk to you about my wolf,” I manage to say, the words tumbling out before I can think too much about them. “Eli said I have to shift soon, that it’s the only way to stop the pain from happening again. But… I don’t know how to. I don’t know what I’m supposed to do.”

  He steps closer, his gaze sharpening. For a moment, it almost feels like he’s assessing me, reading me in ways I’m not sure I’m ready for.

  “You’ve been through a lot, Laika,” he says, his voice steady. “The bond between you and your wolf—it’s been strained for so long. But I can help you. The first step is understanding it’s not about forcing the shift. It’s about letting go, trusting that your wolf is as much a part of you as anything else. You’ve been holding back for so long. You just need to accept it.”

  I nod slowly, my heart pounding. “How do I do that? How do I just… let go?”

  Apolloh meets my eyes, the weight of everything between us clear in the way he holds my gaze. “You have to believe in yourself, Laika. In your strength. You’re not just some helpless pup anymore. You’re the Luna. You don’t need to fear what’s inside of you. It’s a part of you, and it always has been.”

  There’s something in his voice—something deeper that I didn’t expect. I’ve heard him speak with authority before, but now it feels different. It feels… personal.

  I’m still processing what Apolloh said. “I’m not some helpless pup anymore.” It’s a thought that rattles in my mind, over and over again. But I’m not sure what to do with it. My wolf—Veyris—has been bound for so long. I don’t know how to break those chains.

  “I know there’s more to you than this,” Apolloh continues, his eyes focused on me. “We just have to figure out how to get rid of the chains holding her back.”

  I frown, feeling the weight of his words settle deep into me. “But how? I don’t even know what’s keeping her from coming out. I’ve tried to reach her, but every time I think I can… it’s like something’s stopping me.”

  Apolloh tilts his head slightly, his gaze intense. “It’s not just about physical barriers. It’s mental. Emotional. Those chains you feel—they’re in your mind, Laika. They were put there by someone who wanted to control you.”

  I nod, my breath catching in my throat. It’s true. My Alpha—he’s the one who locked Veyris away, made me believe she was too dangerous. He was the one who told me to suppress her. I spent so many years trying to ignore that part of me. The fear that if I let her out, she would be uncontrollable.

  “Then what do I do?” My voice is strained, the uncertainty creeping back in.

  “First,” Apolloh says, his voice steady, “we have to break through the fear. You need to accept your wolf as part of who you are, not something to be afraid of.”

  I swallow, still not fully convinced. But Apolloh steps closer, a hand gently placed on my shoulder. “And when you trust yourself, and trust Veyris, the chains won’t hold you anymore.”

  I take a slow, steadying breath. “And if I can’t? What then?”

  His expression softens, but there’s a resolve in his eyes. “Then we take a different approach. I’ll help you break the chains.”

  I look up at him, searching his face for any sign of doubt, but all I find is certainty. “How?”

  Apolloh stands taller, his posture shifting as though he’s preparing for something. “I’m going to command you to shift. You won’t be able to fight it. You’ll break the chains. You’ll finally let your wolf free.”

  I freeze at his words. “What do you mean, command?”

  He steps back slightly, his eyes locking onto mine with an unyielding gaze. “I’m the Alpha. I can command you to shift, to force the change. The chains you feel, Laika—they’re not just in your mind. They’ve become part of your body. If I command you to shift, to break those chains, your body won’t have a choice but to obey.”

  A knot tightens in my stomach. There’s a part of me that wants to fight him on this, to resist. But I also know I’ve been avoiding this moment for too long.

  “I can’t guarantee it won’t hurt,” Apolloh continues, his voice low and steady. “But you’ll break free. You’ll be free.”

  I look into his eyes, and for the first time, I don’t feel like I’m standing alone. I nod, my voice barely a whisper. “Okay. I’m ready.”

  ~~~

  The air around us feels heavy, charged with a tension I can’t quite describe. I stand tall, my body trembling slightly as I try to focus. Apolloh’s presence is solid beside me, his gaze unwavering.

  “I’m ready,” I say, my voice barely above a whisper. It feels like I’m walking on the edge of something I can’t turn back from.

  I close my eyes, pushing everything else out of my mind. I focus on Veyris, trying to find her within me. The connection is faint, like a shadow at the edge of my consciousness, just out of reach. I reach for her, feel the pulse of energy that’s hers. But every time I try to pull her forward, the chains that bind her tighten.

  I take a deep breath, frustration building in my chest. “Why won’t you come?” I whisper to myself.

  Apolloh’s voice cuts through the tension, firm and commanding. “You’re thinking too much, Laika. Stop forcing it.”

  The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation.

  I look at him, my breath shaky. “I’m trying! But… I can’t feel her, not like I should.”

  He steps closer, his eyes never leaving mine. “You don’t need to force it. You need to trust. Stop thinking, and just… let go.”

  I nod, though doubt still lingers in the back of my mind. I try again, but the effort only makes the chains around Veyris grow tighter, more oppressive.

  Then Apolloh speaks again, his voice low but unmistakable in its authority. “Shift. Now, Laika. By my command, I order you to break free of the chains that bind you.”

  The force of his words crashes into me like a tidal wave. They are not just words, not a plea or an encouragement, but a royal command—one that cannot be ignored, one that supersedes any order my previous Alpha had given. My body reacts instantly, the chains that held Veyris snapping apart one by one with the sound of cracking glass.

  The transformation hits me harder this time, like a floodgate bursting open. The shift is sudden, painful, but it’s different than before. There’s no resistance. No struggle. The chains are gone, and the raw power of my wolf, Veyris, surges through me, pushing me forward.

  My bones ache as they reshape, my muscles stretch and twist. The agony is sharp, but it’s not the same unbearable pain. It’s freeing. Veyris is rising inside me, stronger than she’s ever been, and I can feel the connection with her deepen as the last of the chains snap.

  I feel Veyris inside me, alive and powerful.

  I fall to my knees, breath coming in ragged gasps, my body still adjusting to the transformation. When I finally lift my head, I find Apolloh standing in front of me, watching with an intensity that is both commanding and… something else. Pride, perhaps.

  “You did it,” he says quietly, his voice filled with awe. “You broke the chains.”

  Panting, my body trembling with the aftereffects of the shift, I look at him, my heart racing.

  “You’re stronger than you think, Laika,” he replies softly. “But remember—this is just the beginning.”

  ~~~

  The training grounds are buzzing with activity. The sounds of clashing swords, growls, and the rhythmic thud of bodies hitting the mats fill the air. Wolves of all ranks are sparring, testing their strength and refining their techniques. I stand at the center of the training area, feeling the weight of the Pack’s expectations bearing down on me. I can’t help but notice the curious glances sent my way—whispers about the new Luna’s abilities.

  Apolloh stands off to the side, arms crossed, watching with his usual quiet intensity. His gaze is sharp, and I feel it, a constant pressure on me, but it’s not oppressive. He’s waiting for something, and that thought pushes me forward.

  Jaxe steps up to me, his posture relaxed but focused. As the Beta, he’s known for his strength and skills, and now it’s time for me to prove myself in his eyes. He’s a bit of a mystery to me—at times, warm and inviting, and at others, cool and distant. But in this moment, there’s a mutual respect, an unspoken challenge.

  “You ready, Luna?” Jaxe asks, his voice calm but carrying an edge of excitement.

  I nod, settling into my fighting stance. “Ready as I’ll ever be.”

  We circle each other, feet shifting on the ground, bodies tense with anticipation. Then, without warning, Jaxe lunges. I react instinctively, my body moving faster than my mind can follow. I block his strike, feeling the force of it reverberate up my arm, but I don’t let it throw me off. I slide to the side, narrowly avoiding his next attack.

  The sounds of training fade into the background, my entire focus zeroing in on Jaxe and the rhythm of the fight. I’m not just reacting anymore—I’m controlling it, my movements fluid and sure.

  Apolloh’s voice cuts through the air. “Focus, Laika. Don’t just defend—take control.”

  I hear him, and for the first time, I do more than react. I strike, landing a solid blow to Jaxe’s side. The Beta grins, clearly impressed, before quickly recovering and coming at me again.

  The fight intensifies. I dodge and strike, the adrenaline coursing through my veins. The wolves watching begin to cheer me on, their excitement growing with each successful move I make. The sound of their encouragement only fuels my determination.

  With a swift move, I manage to trip Jaxe, sending him sprawling onto the mat. I’m on him in a flash, my instincts kicking in as I pin him down. “Do you yield?” I ask, my voice steady but breathless.

  Jaxe laughs, a full-hearted sound, and raises his hands in mock surrender. “You win, Luna,” he chuckles. The crowd erupts into cheers at the sight of my victory.

  ~~~

  Later in the night, the air is thick with excitement as we make our way toward the gathering spot. The sound of laughter, drums, and distant music echoes across the fortress. The Pack is celebrating—there’s a feast tonight, a chance to honor the warriors, the strong, and those who have proved themselves worthy. I can feel the buzz of anticipation, the energy from every wolf in the Pack.

  As we approach the central area, the sight of the bonfire catches my eye. The flames flicker and dance, casting shadows that seem to move with the rhythm of the music. Wolves of all ages have gathered, some sitting on the ground, others standing in clusters, chatting and laughing. There’s a sense of unity here—something I’m still learning to fully embrace.

  Kira, standing beside me, bounces on her heels in excitement. “It’s been a while since we’ve had a celebration like this. It’s a big deal.” She turns to me, a grin on her face. “You’ll love it. The food, the stories, and… well, everything else.”

  I can’t help but smile back. “I’m looking forward to it.”

  Apolloh is a little ahead, his presence commanding even in the midst of a celebration. I watch as he greets others, his posture relaxed but regal. His voice, when he speaks, is warm yet carries the weight of his authority.

  As we make our way into the heart of the celebration, my eyes scan the crowd, noting the diversity of the wolves around me. The warriors, the elders, the pups—everyone has a place here. I’m still adjusting to the idea that I’m a part of it now, that my place is at Apolloh’s side, but the warmth of the Pack’s embrace is undeniable. They see me as their Luna, and while it’s still strange to feel that weight, it’s also starting to feel like home.

  The music picks up, and Kira grabs my hand, pulling me toward the center of the gathering. “Come on! We have to dance! Don’t worry, I’ll teach you!”

  I laugh softly, feeling a lightness I hadn’t expected. It’s a fleeting moment of joy, but it’s enough to make me forget the weight of the past and embrace the now.

  Kira pulls me into the crowd of dancing wolves. The music flows in waves, a blend of drums and flutes that seem to synchronize with the rhythm of our hearts. The tension that had gripped me earlier melts away with every movement, every step I take in time with the others. I can feel the Pack around me—strong, united, free.

  Kira’s laughter rings in my ears as she teaches me the steps, her energy infectious. I try to follow along, but my movements are stiff at first, hesitant. It’s not so much the dancing itself as it is the overwhelming feeling of belonging. With every sway, every laugh, the weight of being Luna settles less heavily on my shoulders.

  Apolloh’s gaze is unwavering from across the circle. I catch him watching me from the edge of the celebration, his eyes intense but filled with something softer, almost approving. A small smile tugs at the corner of his mouth when he sees me try to move more fluidly with the Pack.

  The music shifts, becoming faster, more frantic. Wolves pair up, spinning and leaping, their bodies weaving together in the dance. I follow Kira’s lead, picking up the pace, though I stumble once or twice. She grins, her laughter carrying over the music. “You’re doing great!” she says, not missing a beat. “You’ve got it! Just let go!”

  As I twirl in time with the music, I feel the tension in my chest ease. The moment becomes less about trying to fit in and more about being in the moment. I’m not just the Luna. I’m just a wolf in the middle of this celebration, just like everyone else.

  Eventually, the song slows, and the crowd disperses, but the energy doesn’t fade. It lingers in the air like the remnants of a dream. Kira and I stand near the bonfire, catching our breath. Her face is flushed from the dance, her smile wide.

  “You did awesome,” she says, still beaming.

  I can’t stop smiling either. “Thanks for showing me how to let go.”

  As the last notes of the song fade, a new wave of energy sweeps through the Pack. The drums pick up again, the sound stronger this time, filling the air with an even greater sense of unity. The celebration is far from over.

  As the night deepens, the firelight flickers, casting long shadows across the faces of the wolves. The air has grown cooler, but the warmth from the bonfire and the energy of the celebration keep us all moving. Laughter and music fill the space, echoing off the stone walls of the fortress, making the night feel alive.

  The Pack continues to dance, their movements becoming wilder, freer as the hours stretch on. Kira and I sit by the fire for a moment, catching our breath before we’re pulled back into the crowd. She takes a sip from a cup filled with something sweet-smelling and fruity. “They call it ‘moon nectar.’ It’s a tradition here, a drink for the celebrations.”

  I take a sip myself, the cool sweetness spreading through me. It doesn’t burn like the alcohol I’ve had before but has a smooth, energizing effect. It helps to loosen the tension in my muscles, and for a moment, I forget about everything but the warmth of the fire and the beat of the drums.

  Apolloh, standing nearby with a few other wolves, watches the festivities with a quiet intensity. From across the fire, our eyes meet, and I feel that pull again. He doesn’t smile, but I see the approval in his gaze. It’s as if he’s watching not just the celebration, but me—watching how I’ve found my place among the Pack.

  A few wolves approach, their faces alight with excitement. One of them, a younger male, grins at me and offers a playful bow. “Luna, will you dance with us?”

  I hesitate, unsure of how to respond, but Kira leans in, her voice warm. “You’ve got this. It’s not a challenge—just fun. Enjoy it.”

  Her words help, and with a deep breath, I nod. “Alright.”

  The younger male offers me his hand, and I take it, moving into the crowd once more. The night seems to stretch on endlessly, the celebration becoming a blur of movement and laughter. I’m no longer the outsider. The Pack has accepted me, and for the first time since I arrived, I feel like I truly belong.

  Time passes in the rhythm of drums and dance. I’m spun around the fire, my feet moving in sync with the wolves around me. There’s no judgment, no expectations, just freedom. The weight of the world seems far away tonight.

  Eventually, the music slows again, and the wolves begin to settle. The festivities move from dance to conversation, the air thick with stories of past victories and challenges. I find myself sitting near the fire with Kira, listening to the tales being spun, while Apolloh joins the elders, speaking in low tones, his presence commanding but calm.

  The night wears on, and though I can feel the exhaustion creeping in, the sense of belonging doesn’t fade. The Pack is here, and I am a part of it.

  As the hours slip away, the fire burns low, and the sounds of laughter and music begin to fade into the distance. The Pack, once wild with energy, starts to gather their things, making their way back to their tents or settling around the remaining embers of the bonfire. The mood has shifted from celebration to a more peaceful, contented calm.

  Kira stretches beside me, her eyes half-closed with exhaustion. “That was… incredible,” she says softly, a smile still lingering on her lips. “I haven’t seen the Pack this alive in ages.”

  I nod, my own fatigue weighing on me. “It feels… different now. Like it’s really my place here.”

  She grins. “It is. You’re one of us, Laika.”

  The last of the wolves drift away into the darkness, and the fire flickers one last time before it’s snuffed out, leaving only the glowing embers behind. The cool night air settles in, and I feel the weariness from the day’s events begin to settle over me like a blanket.

  As the Pack disperses, I glance over to where Apolloh stands by the edge of the firelight, his gaze sharp yet calm as he watches the last few of the wolves file away. The weight of the night seems to hang in the air between us, but something about the stillness of the moment calls to me. I push myself up from my seat beside Kira and walk towards him, my footsteps slow but purposeful.

  Apolloh doesn’t immediately look up. It’s almost as if he knows I’m coming, but when our eyes meet, there’s a shift in the atmosphere. It’s not just the pull of the Pack or the bond between us—it’s something else, something deeper.

  Without a word, he steps aside, allowing me to stand beside him. For a long moment, we both just stand there, staring into the remnants of the fire, as if there’s something we both need to process before we speak. The crackling of the embers fills the silence, but there’s a stillness in the air that feels different.

  Finally, Apolloh turns to me, his expression unreadable but soft. “Are you alright?”

  I nod, the exhaustion of the day catching up with me. “I’m just… tired. But… there’s something else. Something that’s been on my mind.”

  He tilts his head slightly, as if waiting for me to continue.

  I hesitate, unsure of what to say, but there’s a pull between us—a quiet intensity I can’t deny. I want to tell him everything, all the fears and questions swirling inside me, but instead, I take a step closer, closer than I’ve ever been to him before.

  “I’m still trying to figure out who I am here,” I finally say, my voice quieter than before. “I know I’m Luna, but I’m still… me. I don’t know how to be both.”

  Apolloh watches me for a moment, his gaze thoughtful, as if considering my words. Then he steps closer, his presence overwhelming in the best way possible.

  “You are both, Laika,” he says softly, his voice low and steady. “You don’t have to figure it out all at once. You’re learning. And we’ll figure it out together.”

  His words are comforting, but there’s something more behind them—something unspoken. The connection between us shifts, and I feel the weight of it settle around us like a quiet storm, just waiting to break.

  The cool night air brushes against my skin, and the world around us feels still, like we’re the only two people left in existence. I want to say more, but there’s a silence between us that feels right, that feels like it’s preparing to give way to something deeper.

  And then, without warning, Apolloh reaches out, his hand brushing against mine, his touch warm in the cool air.

  ~~~

  The night stretches on, the world around us falling into a hazy blur. The bond between us thrums in the quiet of the air, pulling me toward him with an intensity I can’t ignore. Every breath I take seems to draw me closer to Apolloh, and every step I take toward him feels more inevitable.

  I feel his hand on my back, urging me forward, guiding me through the darkened halls of the fortress. My breath quickens, my heart racing in time with the pounding of my pulse. The world around us feels like it’s disappearing, like nothing exists except for the two of us, this moment, and the unspoken tension building between us.

  We stumble into the bedroom, the door swinging open with a quiet thud, but neither of us pays it any mind. Apolloh pulls me toward him, his lips finding mine with an urgency that sends a shiver through me. The kiss is fiery, desperate—like we’ve both been holding back for too long, and now, there’s no more space to hide.

  His hands move with practiced ease, pushing aside the fabric of my clothes, the heat of his touch igniting a fire in me that burns hotter than the fire we left behind in the celebration. My own hands tremble as I reach for him, pulling him closer, needing him in a way that feels primal and raw.

  His lips leave mine only for a moment, just long enough to look at me with eyes dark with desire. “Are you sure?” he asks, his voice a low growl, a challenge laced with tenderness.

  I nod, my own breath coming in short gasps. “Yes,” I whisper, the word barely escaping my lips before his mouth is on mine again.

  The kiss deepens, the world around us fading completely as the intensity between us builds. There’s no stopping it now. Our bodies are already too close, too tangled in the pull of the bond. I feel him everywhere—his hands, his warmth, the raw power radiating off of him. My heart hammers in my chest, and for once, the weight of being Luna, of carrying the mantle of the Pack, slips away, leaving nothing but the two of us.

  I pull away just long enough to look up at him, my hands resting against his chest, feeling the steady beat of his heart. “I’ve never felt like this before,” I admit, my voice trembling with emotion.

  His gaze softens, his thumb brushing over my cheek as he leans in to kiss me once more. “You’ve never had a reason to,” he murmurs against my lips.

  The world outside no longer matters. It’s just him, just me, and the fire that burns between us.

  The room feels smaller, the space between us vanishing. Apolloh’s hands are on me, his lips claiming mine with a fierce urgency. I pull him closer, my body responding before my mind can catch up, the bond between us pulling tighter, hotter.

  Nothing else matters now. It’s just him, just me, and the raw need between us.

  I begin to feel the heat forming between my legs. Need dripping from my core .

  I whimper with want and press into him. Urging him to keep going, we explore each other—hands roaming. When he finds my ass, he gives it a good squeeze—causing me to moan into his mouth.

  His hands continue to roam stopping on my breasts. He cups them—plays with them. After he plays for a little bit he grabs at my shirt, pulling it off. Now my shirt is on the floor, he takes my undergarment off. Once it’s off he plays with my breasts some more.

  Pleading enters my eyes as I beg him to claim my breast—to give me more pleasure. Taking the hint, he takes them hungrily. I drop my head back and let out a loud, desperate sound, unable to keep it in.

  He nips at me playfully, making me arch closer into him.

  “I’m ready.”

  He stops.

  When he stands straight again, he takes me to the bed. I lay down on my back, already knowing what I need to do. He kneels down and starts worshiping me—pleasure ripping through me intensely.

  I feel him circle my clit with his tongue and moan with need—with want. I start to grind on his face, making him poke at me more intently.

  I stop and let him finger-fuck me for a few minutes before I start going again. My moans come in ragged breaths as we keep going.

  Soon enough, I start feeling my core get tighter. I’m almost to the edge.

  “Swirl my clit. I’m almost there,” I beg him. I’m at his mercy. I moan and moan until I feel my legs start to close around his face. I try to keep it in—to last a little longer.

  Sensing I’m holding back, he growls. “Don’t hold it. Let it go. I want to taste your sweetness in my mouth.”

  Giving up in desperation, I let go. Hot pleasure erupting out of me and into his mouth. I gasp one final time before he’s up.

  He pulls me into a kiss. “You taste wonderful,” a smirk on his face.

  “Yeah? Well, it’s my turn to taste you,” I reply. He backs up enough for me to get on my knees.

  I grab his massive cock and let him fuck my mouth. This goes on for minutes before I feel his cock start to twitch.

  He’s almost to the edge. I can sense it.

  He groans pushing a few more times before he lets go. His cum explodes in my mouth. I sexily moan and giggle at him.

  He pulls me up off the floor—pushing me into the bed. He centers himself in between my legs, before slipping his tip inside me. I gasp at how tight I am.

  “You’re still, So. Fucking. Tight.” He remarks.

  I laugh at his remark—only making me sexier.

  “Fuck,” he moans. “Your laugh makes me even harder.”

  “Apolloh, stop waiting! Fuck me until I can’t stand anymore!”

  And with that he is pulsing in and out of me—the faster he goes the louder I get. I hear his balls sleeping my ass as he moves inside me.

  “Faster. I need to feel you deep inside me.”

  He grunts, the exertion evident on his face.

  “Baby, I love you.”

  “I love you too.”

  We keep at it for several hours. By the time we stop both of us are so exhausted all we can do is just hold each other.

  By the time we fall asleep the moon is high above in the sky. I send up a mental prayer to the Moon Goddess—asking her for the meeting to go well these next few days.