Page 56 of Ocean's Whisper

"That's what true mates do, Luna." His mouth claimed hers in a scorching kiss that left her breathless. "We balance each other. Your compassion with my strength. Your heart with my tooth and claw."

Around them, the ocean calmed to gentle waves, celebrating rather than mourning Marina's demise. The Seafang pack's boats approached, wolves howling their victory.

"They really came for me?" Isolde murmured against Nereus's lips, still stunned by their support.

"For us," he corrected. "You're their Luna now. Fierce and powerful. No one will ever doubt that again."

TWENTY-THREE

NEREUS

Nereus stood on the deck of the siren's yacht with his naked body pressed against Isolde who was clad only in a turquoise bikini that perfectly accentuated her curvy form. His arms wrapped tighter around her, his heart pounding against her chest. She was alive and safe in his arms.

The ocean breeze whipped through Isolde's blonde hair, carrying away the last vestiges of tension from their battle. Around them, his pack was cleaning up, dispatching the last of the siren's minions. Pride swelled in Nereus's chest—pride for his pack who had rallied behind him, but most of all, pride for his Luna who had embraced her power and vanquished their enemy.

"The pack actually wanted to save me," Isolde whispered against his chest, her sea-blue eyes gazing up at him in wonder.

"Of course, they did." His voice was a low rumble as he brushed some strands of hair from her cheek. "You're their Luna. You'remyLuna."

Nereus turned to his beta, Xavier, who was directing the cleanup operations.

"Take everyone back to the territory," he commanded. "Make sure the wounded are tended to. And prepare for a celebration tonight."

Xavier nodded, his eyes flickering briefly to Isolde with newfound respect. "Yes, Your Highness."

As his pack members filed back to their boats, Nereus kept Isolde pressed against him, relishing the feel of her curves against his skin. Centuries of waiting, and here she was—his perfect Luna.

Once they were alone, Nereus guided her below deck. "Let's see what this yacht has to offer," he murmured, his hand trailing down her spine, causing her to shiver.

The cabin was luxurious—all polished wood and gleaming chrome with a massive bed dominating the space. Nereus kicked the door shut behind them, then pulled Isolde against him, unable to contain himself any longer.

"I thought I had lost you," he growled, his fingers tangling in her hair. "When I found your houseboat empty..." The memory of that moment sent a fresh wave of terror through him.

Her hands moved up his chest, her touch both soothing and electrifying. "But you found me."

"I will always find you." The words were a vow, spoken with all the authority of an alpha prince who had lived centuries. "You're my Luna, Isolde."

He captured her lips in a kiss that was equal parts tender and fierce, pouring all his fear, relief, and overwhelming love into it. Her body melted against his, responding with equal passion. The mate bond hummed between them, vibrant and undeniable.

Nereus backed her toward the bed, his large hands sliding down to cup the full curves of her hips that he found so delectable. Even after centuries of life, he had never wanted anyone the way he wanted Isolde.

"I'm never letting you out of my sight again," he said against her lips.

Isolde pulled back just enough to look into his eyes, a mischievous smile playing at her lips. "Is that an alpha command or a promise?"

He chuckled, the sound rumbling deep in his chest. "It's a desperate plea from a man who's been waiting too long for his other half."

"Well," she whispered, her fingers tracing the hard planes of his chest, "in that case, I think I can accommodate you."

Nereus lowered her onto the bed, his body covering hers. "Show me again," he demanded softly, "Show me your power."

Isolde's eyes sparkled with newfound confidence as she raised her hand. A small sphere of water materialized above them, catching the moonlight filtering in through the porthole and casting prismatic reflections across their skin.

"Simply beautiful," Nereus breathed, not just meaning her magic.

Nereus hovered above her, his eyes darkening with desire and his body radiating heat. She was absolutely breathtaking, her blonde hair fanned out like a halo and her sea-blue eyes glazed with need. He couldn’t get enough of her—her curves, her scent, the way she melted into him as if they were two halves of the same soul.

He captured her lips in a passionate kiss, and his tongue soon slid against hers, teasing and claiming. Her hands roamed his back, her nails lightly scratching his skin, sending jolts of electricity through him. He growled low in his throat, the sound rumbling through her as his hands slid down her bikini-clad body. He traced the curve of her waist, the swells of her hips, the softness of her thighs, and she moaned into his mouth.

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