Always Luna

aftermath

noun ~ the consequences or after effects of a significant unpleasant event

A darkness filled the room as Angela's body died, shadows creeping up the walls much like they did when Esmerelda spoke. They seemed to shift like ghosts, curving up the ceiling before disappearing into the dark corners of the room.

A shudder ran down my spine as the shadows shifted away, a shaky exhale escaping my lips. I dropped my gaze from the ceiling to find Phoenix staring down at me with those haunting eyes. My vision clearer, I weakly smiled at him, outstretching a hand. He growled low, wiping his hand on his torn trousers as he stepped over Angela's dead body to get to me.

The wolf beneath me rose to its feet, lifting me so I could reach Phoenix. I patted them, realising it was Sean's wolf the entire time. He let out a gruff bark as my knees quaked, but Phoenix was smooth and with a sharp intake of air, his hand engulfed the entirety of mine. My wolf whined, desperately seeking his warmth as it shot down our arm.

It had barely been a few days, but the bond was suffering from the trauma.

I was suffering.

Phoenix pulled me to him, engulfing me in his arms. He crushed me, his hands cupping either side of my rib cage from how intensely he held me. I weakly grabbed at the back of his torn shirt, tears pooling in my eyes as his wonderfully earthy scent slowly filtered through my nose. He was grumbling softly, just holding me as I held him.

"Nova." He whispered. "You're okay.".

I pushed myself from his arms, a weak attempt considering his strength. He released me, though, his hands moving to cup my face instead. I titled my head more into his grip, a sad, soft smile tracing my lips. His eyes were still dark, smears of blood coating his skin, but he was still beautiful. This man always made my heart flip.

"Of course I am." I murmured.

"You found me." His shoulders sagged.

"Well, I wasn't going to just leave you." I smirked.

He chuckled softly, shaking his long hair from his eyes. His thumb traced circles into my cheeks as his eyes darted over the entirety of my face, taking in every detail as I did his.

"Are you hurt?" He wondered, looking down. "The twins?"

"They're okay, just... sluggish. It's been a lot." I admitted.

He frowned, dropping his hands to wrap them around my stomach. They stirred but otherwise remained steady, half-asleep.

"I'm sorry."

"You would've done the same thing." I shook my head.

"You are pregnant and fragile."

I scowled. "You may be the victim here, but I can still make you sleep outside."

His eyes lightened with a laugh, before he finally bent his head and captured my mouth with his own. I sighed into the kiss, laying my palms on his chest. I felt the steady rhythm of his heart, a comforting feeling that he was real and alive.

Pulling away all too soon, I grabbed his hands from my stomach. "We need to sort this pack out."

He smiled, nodding. "Good idea."

My eyes scanned the area, finding most of the rogues had submitted and lay on their backs, waiting. The fangs were cornered, my pack taking their own initiative to round them up. Sean and Charlie both covered Phoenix and I, Pollux kneeling beside Gaia, whispering. The elder woman was clearly upset, tears falling from her eyes as she sat on the floor.