But then, it happened. The wolf spun around, and with one swift motion, he drove his claws into Gavin’s side. Gavin’s wolf yelped in pain, his body collapsing to the ground, helpless.
“No!” Luna screamed, struggling as the wolf dragged her back, pinning her to the wall. Her eyes were wide with terror, her breath coming in ragged gasps. I could hear her heart pounding through the bond, the sound fueling the fire inside me.
“Orion!” she cried out, her voice filled with desperation.
The world went red. I didn’t think—I just acted. All the exhaustion, the pain, it vanished. A raw, animalistic fury took over. With a roar, I tore into Marcosias’ wolf, every muscle in my body straining as I fought to end him.
“You’re done!” I growled, my voice shaking with rage.
Marcosias’ wolf snarled, snapping back with equal ferocity, but I was too late. I slammed him into the ground, biting and tearing, tasting blood, as I fought like never before. I was going to finish this.
Then, out of the corner of my eye, I saw Jake burst through the chaos with a pack of wolves at his side. They rushed in, ripping into Marcosias’ forces, turning the tide of the battle.
Marcosias’ eyes flicked to the reinforcements. He knew he was outnumbered now. He growled, backing away, blood dripping from his fur.
“This isn’t over, Orion,” he snarled, his eyes burning with fury. “I’ll be back. And next time, it’ll be worse.” With one last glare, he fled the room, out into the woods, his wolves scattering after him.
I didn’t have time to think about his words. The moment he was gone, I shifted back into my human form, my body aching with the transition, and ran to Luna. Her eyes were wide, her body trembling.
“Luna?” I whispered, shaking her gently. She didn’t respond. Her body slumped against me, and panic set in. “Luna! Stay with me.”
Her breathing was shallow, her face pale. I scooped her up in my arms, cradling her against my chest. “I’ve got you,” I whispered, carrying her toward the car. My heart raced. What if she didn’t wake up?
After what felt like an eternity, she stirred in my arms, her eyes fluttering open. “Orion?” she murmured, her voice weak.
“I’m here,” I said, relief flooding through me. “I’ve got you. We’re getting out of here.”
I drove straight to the city, my hands gripping the wheel tighter than ever before. Every moment felt like we were one step closer to safety, but something told me it wasn’t over. Marcosias’ words echoed in my mind.
When we finally made it back to my condo, it was noon. Luna and I just sat there, still reeling from what had happened. But then she smiled that soft, beautiful smile that made everything else fade away.
“We made it,” she whispered, her fingers brushing against mine.
“Yeah, we did. We’re safe now.” I looked at her, unable to hold back a grin.
We both rested, and later in the night, we headed up to the rooftop of my condo, wanting a moment to breathe, to feel normal again after everything. The city lights twinkled below us, the air cool and crisp. We sat there, side by side, letting the weight of the night fall away.
“It’s so beautiful, Orion.”
“Not as beautiful as you.”
“You are always good with words.” She blushed.
“You scared the hell out of me back there, you know,” I said, my voice low, as I looked out over the skyline.
Luna smirked, leaning her head against my shoulder. “I wasn’t about to leave you alone with Marcosias.”
“Stubborn as always.” I chuckled softly.
“You love it.” Her eyes met mine, a mischievous glint dancing in them.
“Yeah, I do.” I leaned closer, my fingers gently brushing her cheek.
Her eyes locked onto mine, and before I could say another word, her lips crashed against mine with an urgency that sent a sparkstraight through me. I kissed her back, hard, pulling her closer, until there was no space left between us. The kiss started slowly, deliberately, but then everything ignited. Her hands tangled in my hair, pulling me deeper into her, and I groaned against her mouth, losing myself in the heat of it.
"Luna," I murmured against her lips, my voice low and rough. "You have no idea what you do to me."
"Maybe I do." She smirked, her breath warm, as she whispered against my skin.