Page 43 of Ocean's Whisper

"I can't just abandon all this," she murmured, moving inside where research papers and water sample kits still covered her small dining table. "My entire life is here."

Her doctoral diploma hung crookedly on the wall—the culmination of years of study and dedication. Beside it, a framedphotograph showed Isolde knee-deep in tide pools, teaching local children about marine conservation.

"That's who I am," she said, touching the glass. "Not some mystical Luna figure for a pack that doesn't even want me."

The reality of her situation crashed over her like a rogue wave. She had spent the past week so caught up in Nereus's world—the training, the sex, the politics—that she had forgotten the foundation she'd built for herself. Years of research, of fighting for ocean conservation, all apparently meant to be cast aside for a role she never asked for.

She collapsed onto her sofa, burying her face in a familiar throw pillow. "He can't expect me to just surrender my entire life and identity."

Even as she said it, her body ached with longing for Nereus—his touch, his scent, and his commanding presence. The mate bond pulled at her like an invisible cord connecting their souls.

"If he's managed this long without a Luna, he'll be fine on his own," she tried convincing herself, but the words felt hollow. The tears came harder now, streaming down her cheeks as she hugged her knees to her chest. "I can't be what they want or need. I'll never be good enough for them. I’m ahuman."

The memory of those attackers in the cave flashed through her mind—the hatred in their eyes when they had lunged at her. Just for being human. Just for existing.

"They'll never accept me," she sobbed. "And I can't spend my life fighting an entire pack just because fate decided to play a cruel joke on me."

Outside, the water churned in response to her distress, waves slapping harder against the houseboat's hull. Her newfound connection to the ocean—once a source of wonder—now felt like another burden in this moment.

"I'm supposed to just accept that we're fated mates and surrender my entire life?" She wiped angrily at her tears. "That's not fair."

Her phone buzzed relentlessly on the coffee table where she had tossed it. Nereus's name flashed on the screen again and again. With each ignored call, the ache in her chest intensified.

"I can't be the Luna just for him," she whispered, even as her soul screamed otherwise. "I'll get over this. Somehow."

She stumbled to her bedroom, collapsing onto sheets that smelled of home rather than Nereus. The buzzing of her phone continued from the other room as she curled into herself, sobs racking her body until exhaustion finally pulled her into merciful darkness.

EIGHTEEN

NEREUS

Nereus slammed the solid oak door to his royal study hard enough to rattle the ancient brass hinges. The sound echoed through the stone corridors, a physical manifestation of the rage boiling inside him. He had maintained perfect composure in front of Isolde, not wanting her to see how deeply the attack had shaken him. But now, alone in his sanctum, he let the fury loose.

With a savage growl, he swept his arm across the nearest shelf, sending centuries-old nautical charts and bound journals crashing to the floor.

"Fucking cowards," he snarled, pacing the length of the room like the predator he was. His muscles coiled with tension under his skin, the wolf inside him demanding blood.

Never in his three centuries of rule had anyone dared strike him directly within his own territory. The audacity of it—attacking his Luna during what should have been a private, intimate moment—burned like acid in his veins.

His study door opened, interrupting his violent thoughts.

Damien stepped in first, his weathered face grave. Xavier followed, the beta's powerful frame filling the doorway before he closed the door firmly behind them.

"Those weren't Seafang wolves," Nereus stated, not bothering with pleasantries. "I'd know the scent of my own, and these had a different mark on them. Foreign."

Xavier's eyebrows shot up. "Foreign shifters breaching our borders? That's an act of war."

"It's worse than that," Nereus growled. "They weren't just here for territory. They targeted Isolde specifically. Waited until we were vulnerable."

Damien moved to straighten the fallen charts. "Your human Luna has awakened extraordinary powers. Word travels fast in our world."

"She's not just 'my human Luna,'" Nereus snapped, his wolf's hackles rising. "She's the Seafang Luna. My true mate."

Xavier and Damien exchanged a quick glance that Nereus caught immediately.

"If either of you has something to say, say it now." The temperature in the room seemed to drop several degrees with his words.

Damien sighed. "Your Highness, we must consider the implications. A human Luna with magical water powers this strong—there are those who would see her as a weapon to be controlled or eliminated."

---