Fated by Blood and Moon

Chapter 9: The Strength Within.

The morning sun climbed higher, and the warmth of its rays reminded me that a new day had begun. The bond between Leo and me, though still new, felt like it had always been there, like a puzzle piece I hadn't known was missing.

We walked together through the forest, the silence between us comfortable, yet alive with unspoken words. My mind raced with thoughts of what had happened and what was to come. The Bloodfang Pack had hunted me, Darius had fallen, and yet my old life still clung to me like a shadow.

But Lyra's presence within me had never felt so strong.

"He's not just our mate, Maya. He's our strength now, too. But don't forget-you're powerful on your own. Never lose that." Lyra's voice was firm, protective. It reminded me that while I had found Leo, I was still Maya, the girl who had survived so much.

I glanced at Leo, his sharp silver eyes scanning the area around us as if constantly assessing for danger. His wolf, Fenrir, was just as alert, a powerful force inside him that I could sense even when he was in human form. There was so much we still hadn't discussed, but I knew this fragile peace wouldn't last forever.

"We should keep moving," Leo said, breaking the silence, his voice steady. "We'll reach the Silvermoon Pack's territory by nightfall. It'll be safer there."

The thought of being surrounded by another pack made me tense. I had spent years as an outcast, unwanted and rejected by my own. The idea of stepping into another territory, especially one as powerful as Leo's, filled me with unease.

"Your pack... will they accept me?" I asked cautiously, my voice barely above a whisper.

Leo turned to me, his eyes softening. "They'll have no choice, Maya. You're my mate, and in our world, that means everything. But more than that, they'll see your strength. They'll know you belong by my side."

Lyra hummed in agreement, her voice soothing in the back of my mind. "We are no longer alone. But remember, Maya, trust takes time. His pack may be strong, but you have me. We will face them together."

I felt a swell of gratitude toward Lyra, and a sense of calm settled over me. With her, I had never been truly alone, and now, with Leo, that bond had only grown stronger.

The forest around us seemed to thicken as we moved deeper into the trees, and my thoughts were interrupted by a sudden shift in the atmosphere. I could feel Leo tense beside me, his wolf rising to the surface, ready for anything.

"Do you feel that?" I whispered, my heart quickening.

Leo nodded, his eyes scanning the horizon. "There's someone nearby."

Just as the words left his lips, a group of figures emerged from the shadows. Four wolves, their eyes gleaming with hostility, stood before us, their forms shifting as they approached.

Leo stepped in front of me immediately, his posture protective. "Stay behind me," he ordered, his voice low and dangerous.

But something inside me rebelled at the idea of hiding behind him. I wasn't weak. I wasn't some helpless girl who needed saving.

Lyra growled within me, her voice fierce. "We stand as equals, Maya. We fight together."

I felt a surge of power from my wolf, her strength filling me, reminding me of everything we had endured. I stepped forward, standing beside Leo, not behind him. He glanced at me, his eyes filled with something between surprise and pride, but he said nothing. He knew I could handle myself.

The leader of the wolves sneered at us, his eyes flicking between Leo and me. "So this is the great Alpha of the Silvermoon Pack and his little mate? You've made quite the stir in these parts, killing Darius and his lot."

My heart pounded in my chest, but I stood tall. I wouldn't let fear control me. Leo's wolf, Fenrir, growled softly within him, his anger palpable.

"You should leave while you can," Leo said coldly, his voice steady. "This doesn't need to end in bloodshed."

The wolf in front of us laughed, a cruel, sharp sound. "You think we're afraid of you? You're not as invincible as you think."

Before I could react, the wolf lunged, his teeth bared and claws extended. Time seemed to slow as my body moved instinctively. Lyra surged forward, her presence wrapping around me like a shield, and I shifted mid-air, meeting the wolf head-on.

My wolf form was powerful, stronger than I had ever felt before. Lyra and I were one, our movements synchronized, our strength unmatched. I collided with the wolf, sending him crashing to the ground with a growl that echoed through the trees.

Leo moved beside me, swift and lethal, as he took down another wolf with ease. His eyes glinted with a fierce protectiveness, but there was also something else-respect. He didn't try to stop me or shield me; he fought alongside me, as an equal.

The fight was over almost as quickly as it had begun. The wolves, seeing their leader defeated, retreated into the forest, leaving us standing victorious in the clearing. I shifted back, breathing heavily, my body humming with adrenaline.

Leo stepped toward me, his eyes locking onto mine. "You're incredible," he said, his voice full of admiration. "I've never seen anyone fight like that."

I felt a blush creep up my cheeks, but I smiled. "I've had years of practice."

He chuckled softly, his hand brushing against my arm. "You don't need to hide behind anyone, Maya. You're stronger than you realize."

His words hit me deeply, and for the first time in a long time, I felt a sense of belonging. Not just with Lyra, but with Leo too. Together, we were unstoppable.

"We've only just begun, Maya," Lyra whispered. "This is what we were meant for."

And I believed her. For the first time, I felt ready to face whatever came next.

Leo's voice brought me back to the present. "Let's keep moving. We're almost home."

I nodded, taking his hand as we walked together toward the unknown, the bond between us growing stronger with every step.