Forever Luna

Embrace

verb ~ to hold someone closely, especially as a sign of affection

NOVA

*Sexual content*

Charlie ran out of the car before the driver even secured the handbrake. I watched him run toward the pack house as though a hoard of witches was chasing him. Phoenix sighed beside me, muttering the beta's name softly.

"Do you think he's missed Calida?" I mused.

Phoenix's eyes creased as he smiled. "He's not been with her for fifteen hours. It's not that long."

"Most of that was in a car. I'm surprised he didn't shift." I commented.

His lips quirked.

I frowned, staring at him through slitted eyes. "What's that supposed to mean?"

"Nothing." He grinned.

Phoenix leaned between us to undo our seatbelts. The familiar click did not stop the scowl from lifting, even as the driver opened the door and he slid out. I stared at his outstretched hand, eventually taking it with an even deeper scowl.

"What did he do?"

"Just entertained himself." He mused, opening our bond. "You are a heavy sleeper."

He proceeded to show me some tricks Charlie pulled on me as I slept, his favourite appearing to be the one where I picked my own nose.

So childish.

"It's not my fault the air-con was perfect." I complained. "I will get my own back."

"I don't doubt that." He chuckled. "Now come on, we're home just in time for bedtime."

My mood sobered, lighting up with glee. I softly thanked the guards with us today, telling them to go home and get some rest.

"I miss my babies." I whined. "Do we have to leave them?"

"It is safer for them."

"Fifteen hours is a long time." I reminded him. "And the days where we have to fly, what then?"

"I suppose we could take them, but we'd need extra guards and help."

"Help? Like a nanny?"

"I suppose so, yes." He hummed. "Somebody with few commitments."

"Molly has a baby, so does Kate. Mum is a chef and Dad will be on guard." I shook my head. "Calida? Rose?"

He shrugged. "Whichever. It's something we can think about."

"The packs this week are close by. I will think about it." I stated.

Our hands swung gently between us, our arms brushing every so often. My mind wandered aimlessly, from seeing Tobias, to what would happen in a matter of days.

I surprised everyone today, but mostly I impressed myself. I stood up to one of my old bullies, in front of the old beta of my pack. It was a small remark considering I was a luna, but it was a leap for my past self. With assurance surging beneath my veins and nothing to stop me, I let my confidence pour out of me.

What was Lou going to do? Not only could I hold my own, but I had way too many people at my back to take her down without even blinking. She wouldn't even touch me. And that made me feel more powerful than ever before.

I felt strong in myself, and even stronger with my mate by my side.

The pack had improved considerably since I was last there. Seeing Damien's grave within the trees was heartfelt. I had memories of him being a caring man, and that innocent part of my soul ached for the loss. But I saw between the cracks now, saw the darkness that lingered in the shadows of my mind.