Page 37 of Hunter's Moon

I sank onto the edge of the bed, my legs suddenly weak. What did it mean to be human? I’d never really thought about it before. It was just who I was, what I’d always been. But now, faced with the possibility of becoming something... else, I examined my humanity in a way I never had before.

Being human meant being vulnerable, fragile even. It meant having limitations, both physical and mental. But it also meant being adaptable, resilient in the face of adversity. It meant having the capacity for great love, compassion, and creativity.

And what would it mean to be something other than human? To bear the markings of an alien race on my skin? Would I still be me, or would I become someone - something - else entirely?

My eyes drifted to Tharion, who stood patiently watching me, giving me the space I needed. From the moment he’d touched me in Grax’s cell, something had clicked into place. It was as if a part of me I hadn’t even known was missing had suddenly been found.

I thought back to our harrowing escape, the way we’d worked together seamlessly, as if we’d known each other for years. The way his presence made me feel safe, despite the chaos all around us. The way my body responded to his touch, as if it recognized him on a cellular level.

Could it be possible that we were meant to find each other? That despite our different species, we belonged together?

The idea both thrilled and terrified me. To tie myself to Tharion so completely, to become his mate in every sense of the word... it was a huge step. One that would change my life irrevocably.

But as I looked at him, taking in the features that had become so dear to me in such a short time, a sense of rightness settled over me. Yes, we hadn’t known each other long. Yes, this was all happening incredibly fast. But sometimes, when you know, you just know.

I stood up, my decision made. Tharion’s eyes widened slightly, a flicker of hope crossing his face.

“Tharion,” I managed to say, my voice steady despite the butterflies in my stomach. “I want you to claim me. I want to be your mate.”

Tharion’s eyes blazed with an intensity that made my breath catch. He stepped closer, his hands coming to rest on my waist.

“Are you sure?” he asked, the thread of hesitation making my heart crack.

I nodded, unable to find my voice. Tharion leaned in, his lips brushing against my ear.

“I’ll be gentle,” he murmured. “I promise.”

His words melted away the last of my hesitation. I tilted my head up, capturing his lips with mine. The kiss was soft at first, a tender exploration. But as Tharion’s arms tightened around me, pulling me flush against his body, the kiss deepened, igniting a fire within me.

Tharion’s hands roamed my body, his touch reverent and careful. He laid me down on the bed, his eyes never leaving mine. Slowly, he began to undress me, his fingers trailing over each newly exposed inch of skin.

“You’re beautiful,” he whispered, his voice filled with awe.

My cheeks flushed at his words. “Tharion,” I breathed, reaching for him.

He caught my hands, bringing them to his lips. He kissed each fingertip, then each palm, his eyes locked on mine. The tenderness of the gesture made my heart swell.

“I want to savor this,” Tharion said, his voice husky. “Savor you.”

He leaned down, pressing soft kisses along my collarbone, then down my chest. Each touch of his lips sent sparks of pleasure through me. I arched into him, desperate for more, but Tharion maintained his maddeningly slow pace.

“Please,” I whimpered, my fingers tangling in his hair.

Tharion looked up at me, a smile playing on his lips. “Patience, my love,” he murmured. “We have all the time in the galaxy.”

His hands and mouth continued their exploration of my body, finding spots that made me gasp and moan. The pleasure built slowly, a smoldering fire that threatened to consume me.

“Tharion,” I panted, my body trembling beneath his touch. “I need you.”

He moved back up my body, his lips finding mine. “I need you too,” he whispered against my mouth. “More than I’ve ever needed anything.”

Slowly, oh so slowly, Tharion joined our bodies. The feeling of completeness overwhelmed me, bringing tears to my eyes. Tharion noticed, his hand coming up to cup my cheek.

“Are you alright?” he asked, concern evident in his voice.

I nodded, smiling through my tears. “I’m perfect,” I assured him. “I just... I love you, Tharion.”

His eyes softened. “And I love you, Lina. Now and forever.”

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