Moonbound: Caught Between Mafia and Mate

Chapter 17: The Calm Before the War

The days that followed Matteo's confrontation felt like a ticking clock. Every sunrise and sunset marked the approach of the war that loomed just beyond the horizon. The atmosphere in the pack's territory had shifted—an uneasy quiet had settled over everything, as though the forest itself was holding its breath.

Luna stood on the balcony of the safe house, watching the trees sway gently in the evening breeze. The cool air kissed her skin, but it did little to soothe the heat of the power coursing through her veins. It had been growing stronger each day, a constant reminder that something inside her had awakened. Something primal and ancient, but also unpredictable.

Below her, the pack members moved like shadows, preparing for the battle that was sure to come. Warriors sharpened their weapons, scouts returned with reports of Matteo's forces, and plans were being made for the defense of their home. But through it all, Luna felt the weight of uncertainty pressing down on her.

What would happen when the time came to face Matteo? Would she be able to control the White Wolf's power, or would it consume her?

As if sensing her turmoil, Lorenzo appeared at her side. He moved silently, but Luna had come to know his presence so well that she didn't need to turn to recognize him. His hand brushed against hers, a simple gesture of reassurance that sent warmth flooding through her.

"You've been quiet," Lorenzo said softly, his voice low as he leaned on the railing beside her.

Luna sighed, her eyes still fixed on the forest. "Just thinking," she replied, though her thoughts were far from settled.

Lorenzo studied her face, concern flickering in his dark eyes. "About Matteo?"

"And the war," Luna admitted. "About... everything. I still don't know how I'm supposed to face him. What if I'm not strong enough?"

"You are," Lorenzo said immediately, his voice firm. "You're stronger than you think, Luna. You've survived everything that's been thrown at you so far. You've proven that time and again."

Luna met his gaze, the intensity of his belief in her both comforting and overwhelming. She wanted to believe him—wanted to believe that she was capable of controlling the power inside her. But the fear lingered, gnawing at the edges of her confidence.

"I just don't want to lose control," she whispered, her voice barely audible. "What if I hurt you? Or the pack?"

"You won't," Lorenzo said, his hand reaching out to cup her cheek, his touch warm and grounding. "I trust you, Luna. You're not alone in this. We'll face Matteo together. Whatever happens, we'll do it side by side."

Luna closed her eyes, leaning into his touch for a moment. She could feel the weight of his words, the promise in them. Lorenzo wasn't just her Alpha—he was her partner in this war. Her anchor in a world that was becoming more dangerous by the day.

"I just hope you're right," Luna murmured.

"I am," Lorenzo said softly, his thumb brushing against her cheek. "And when this is all over, we'll have more than just a war to deal with."

Luna opened her eyes, looking at him with a puzzled expression. "What do you mean?"

Lorenzo's lips curved into a faint smile, though there was a seriousness behind it. "You and I. We have unfinished business. You haven't told me how you really feel about all this yet."

Luna blinked, her heart skipping a beat. She hadn't expected him to bring up their relationship now, not with everything else going on. But the truth was, it had been lingering between them for a while—an unspoken connection that had grown stronger with each passing day.