Fated by Blood and Moon

Chapter 22: Running Wild

Maya’s POV

The cool night air brushed against my skin as I stood at the edge of the forest, my body still humming from the intensity of the night before. The bond between Leo and me had deepened, becoming something almost tangible, a force that connected us in ways I had never imagined. But now, I needed to let go of the lingering tension in my muscles, the restless energy that had been building inside me.

Let’s run, Lyra urged, her voice filled with excitement. I can feel Fenrir close. He’s waiting for us.

I looked over my shoulder, spotting Leo standing a few feet behind me. His silver eyes glinted in the moonlight, his gaze sharp and focused. I could sense the pull between us, but there was something different in the air tonight—a wildness, a need for freedom.

Without a word, I nodded to him, and in an instant, I felt the shift within me, the familiar sensation of my bones reshaping, my muscles realigning. Lyra took over, her form breaking free as I fully shifted into my wolf. The power of the transformation always took my breath away, the rush of strength that came with becoming Lyra, my grey and brown wolf form standing proudly in the moonlight.

Leo followed suit, his body rippling as Fenrir emerged. His silver fur glowed under the moon, his eyes sharp and predatory. He was massive, larger than any wolf I had ever seen, and there was a raw power in him that made Lyra quiver with anticipation.

There he is, Lyra breathed, her gaze fixed on Fenrir as he stood tall, his eyes locked on us with an intensity that sent a shiver down our spine. I’ve waited for this.

Fenrir let out a low growl, and without warning, he bolted forward, disappearing into the dark woods. Lyra didn’t need any further encouragement—she took off after him, her paws pounding the earth as we raced through the trees, the wind whipping past us in a blur of leaves and shadows.

The thrill of the chase sent a rush of adrenaline through me, and I could feel Lyra’s excitement building with every stride. The freedom of running through the forest, the scent of the earth and trees filling our senses, was exhilarating.

He’s fast, Lyra noted, her focus sharp as we weaved through the trees, following Fenrir’s trail. But we’re faster.

The forest opened up into a clearing, and there he was—Fenrir, waiting for us, his silver fur glowing in the moonlight. He stood tall, his gaze locked on us with a predatory intensity that sent a jolt of anticipation through Lyra.

We slowed as we approached, our eyes meeting his. The air between us was thick with unspoken words, a connection that went beyond the bond Leo and I shared. This was something primal, something that only wolves could understand. It was about freedom, about the wildness that lived within us, waiting to be unleashed.

Come on, Fenrir growled, his eyes flashing with challenge. Let’s see what you’ve got.

Lyra let out a playful growl in response, and before I could react, she charged at him. Fenrir dodged her easily, his movements graceful and calculated. He was testing us, teasing us, and Lyra wasn’t one to back down from a challenge.

We circled each other, the tension between us crackling like electricity in the air. I could feel Lyra’s pulse racing, her muscles coiled and ready to spring. Fenrir was strong, but Lyra was determined to prove herself, to show him that we were a force to be reckoned with.

With a sudden burst of speed, Lyra lunged at him, aiming for his flank. But Fenrir was quicker—he sidestepped her attack, his jaws snapping just inches from her neck as he moved behind us. The thrill of the close call sent a rush of excitement through me, and I could feel Lyra’s grin stretching wide in our mind.

He’s playing with us, Lyra growled, her eyes gleaming with amusement. But he won’t win.

We turned to face him again, our body tense and ready for his next move. Fenrir crouched low, his eyes locked on us, and for a moment, everything went still. The air was thick with anticipation, the only sound the soft rustle of leaves in the breeze.

And then he pounced.

Fenrir’s speed was breathtaking, but Lyra was ready this time. We leaped to meet him in mid-air, our bodies colliding with a force that knocked the breath from me. But Lyra held her ground, her claws digging into the earth as she grappled with him.

For a few heart-pounding seconds, we were locked in a fierce struggle, our bodies twisting and turning as we fought for dominance. But then Fenrir’s strength overpowered us, and with a powerful shove, he pinned us to the ground, his massive paws holding us in place.

Got you, Fenrir growled, his eyes gleaming with victory as he loomed over us.

Lyra let out a low growl, her eyes flashing with defiance. But there was no real anger in her—just admiration. Fenrir had bested us, and Lyra respected that.

You’re strong, Fenrir acknowledged, his voice rough but laced with approval. But you’re holding back. Next time, don’t.

With that, he released us, stepping back to let us up. Lyra rose to her feet, shaking out her fur, her eyes still locked on Fenrir. The bond between us was stronger now, deeper. We weren’t just mates—we were equals.

We’ll be ready, Lyra promised, her gaze steady as she looked at him.

Fenrir let out a soft growl of approval before turning and disappearing into the forest once more. Lyra watched him go, her heart racing with the thrill of the run, of the chase, of the bond that had been strengthened between us.

As we turned to follow him, I felt a deep sense of peace settle over me. Whatever challenges lay ahead, I knew we were ready. Together, we were unstoppable.

And the Bloodfangs? They had no idea what was coming.