Page 35 of Ocean's Whisper

Perfect. The universe had provided exactly what he needed to show her.

"Look," he directed, pointing toward the injured creature. "The ocean has brought you a test."

She gasped, immediately moving toward the pup. Her instinctive compassion was exactly what made her the ideal Luna—strong yet empathetic, powerful yet gentle.

"Stop," he commanded when she was halfway to the rocks. "This isn't about rushing in with human help. Use what's inside you."

She froze, confusion clouding her features. "I don't know how."

"Yes, you do." He moved behind her, his chest against her back, his hands on her hips. The contact sent his wolf into a frenzy of possessive pleasure. "Feel the water calling to you. It wants to help its creatures. You're just the conduit."

Her body tensed against his, then gradually relaxed as she closed her eyes. He felt the surge of power building between them—his ancient magic recognizing and amplifying hers.

"That's it," he murmured against her ear, inhaling the intoxicating scent of her skin. "Direct the water to heal, not harm."

The tide shifted subtly, water swirling around the rocks where the pup lay whimpering. A luminescent blue glow emanated from the water as it encircled the creature, bathing the wound in light.

"It's working," she whispered, her voice filled with wonder.

He felt pride swell within him. His Luna was extraordinary—learning in days what had taken others years to master. The mate bond between them intensified the sensation, creating a feedback loop of power and pleasure.

The seal pup's cries quieted as the water cleansed and sealed its wound. When the glow subsided, the creature lifted its head, alert and healed.

"I did that?" She turned in his arms, her eyes wide with amazement.

"You did." He couldn't resist capturing her lips in a possessive kiss, claiming her triumph as their shared victory. When he pulled back, she was breathless.

The seal pup barked once before sliding back into the waves, disappearing beneath the surface.

"The ocean isn't just your workplace, Isolde. It's part of you. Part of us." His hands slid down to cup her generous curves, appreciating the softness that his wolf found so appealing. "Every creature in these waters will benefit from your protection. Every coral reef will flourish under your care."

Her eyes sparkled. "My research—I could do so much more now."

"Exactly." He smiled, a rare expression that transformed his usually hard features. "Your powers serve the pack, the ocean, your work, and yourself. All aligned in perfect harmony."

"I've been fighting it," she admitted, her hands resting on his chest. "Afraid of what I might do."

"Fear has its place," he acknowledged, his thumb tracing her lower lip. "But it shouldn't stop you from becoming what you were born to be—my Luna, powerful and unafraid."

The ocean breeze swirled around them, responding to her acceptance and newfound confidence. He felt the shift in her energy—no longer chaotic and resistant, but flowing and purposeful.

"I'm ready," she declared, her chin lifting with determination that made his inner wolf howl with delight. "Teach me everything."

The alpha in him thrilled at her submission to his guidance, while the man appreciated her strength. She would be no weak Luna, but a true partner—exactly what he needed after centuries of solitary rule.

"We start now," he growled, pulling her flush against his body. "And I guarantee, you'll enjoy every lesson."

FIFTEEN

ISOLDE

Isolde closed the door to her guest suite and leaned against it for a moment. Her thirtieth birthday was definitely one she would never forget. Magical water powers awakening inside of her, a devastating tidal wave, and the most passionate sex she ever had.

The plush carpet cushioned her bare feet as she padded across the room to the enormous bay window overlooking the moonlit ocean. The water looked deceptively calm now, betraying nothing of the chaos it had caused at midnight—the chaosshehad caused.

She pressed her fingertips against the cool glass. "I can command and manipulate water," she whispered to her reflection. "All because I turned thirty."

The ridiculousness of the statement hung in the air. Yet she couldn't deny what she had seen on the beach today—her power coaxing the ocean water to rise and to heal that injured seal—with Nereus guiding her every step of the way.

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