William Ralph moved through the forest like a shadow given flesh swift, silent,unstoppable. the trees blurred past them as he carried Lira cradled against his chest, her body pressed to the hard warmth of his bare skin The pack kept pace effortlessly on either side, a moving wall of fur and muscle that parted only for their Alpha,Lira's mind spun in frantic circles, trying to process everything that had happened in the last hour Earthquake, Fall, Dual moons Wolves shifting into men and now this being carried like a bride by a naked, impossibly gorgeous stranger who claimed she belonged to him,His scent surrounded her completely: storm, pine, and something primal that made her head swim every breath dragged more of it into her lungs, stoking the strange heat that had started the moment their hands touched It wasn't just attraction It was deeper,Hungrier Like her body had recognized him long before her mind caught up.She tried to focus on something,anything else. The forest, for instance It was breathtakingly beautiful in a wild, untamed way the trees were ancient giants, their trunks glowing faintly with bioluminescent moss Tiny motes of light drifted through the air like fireflies, but brighter, almost magical. Overhead, the two moons one full and silver, the other a sharp crescent cast everything in a dreamlike glow. "Where… where are we going?" she finally managed, her voice muffled against his shoulder. "To the heart of Black Moon territory," William answered without slowing his deep voice vibrated through his chest into hers "My den" The safest place in the Kingdom for you right now,"And after that?"He glanced down at her, golden eyes unreadable in the moonlight "After that, we talk You ask your questions I give you truths and then…" A muscle ticked in his jaw "We deal with what's already burning between us."Lira's cheeks flamed She ducked her head, hiding her face against his neck again Bad idea The skin there was hot, smooth, and tasted faintly of salt when her lips accidentally brushed it. William's arms tightened around her instantly, a low growl rumbling in his throat.
"Careful, little one," he warned, voice rougher now. "You're testing my control." She swallowed "Sorry.""Don't be." He exhaled slowly"Never apologize for wanting me It's the most natural thing in the world."
They ran in silence for what felt like miles though with his speed, it might have been far more Gradually, the forest opened into a vast clearing dominated by an enormous rocky outcrop A mountain rose behind it, its face carved by time and weather into dramatic cliffs Nestled into the base was what could only be described as a fortress woven into nature itself,The Black Moon den. It was stunning A sprawling complex of natural caves expanded and reinforced with dark timber and stone Torches burned in iron brackets along winding paths, their flames reflecting off polished obsidian accents embedded in the walls,Wolves some shifted, some still in fur patrolled the perimeter or lounged on ledges overhead. As William approached with Lira in his arms, every head turned Eyes widened,Noses lifted to scent the air, a ripple went through the pack. Low whines,Excited yips A few shifted instantly into human form men and women of all ages, all strikingly beautiful in that fierce, wild way werewolves seemed to possess .William didn't stop,He strode straight through the main entrance a massive arched cavern mouth flanked by two enormous carved wolves, their eyes inlaid with glowing moonstone The interior opened into a grand central hall lit by more torches and a huge central fire pit Furs covered the stone floors. Tapestries depicting epic battles and full moons hung from the walls,Dozens of pack members gathered, their murmurs falling silent the moment they saw her Lira felt every gaze like a physical touch Curiosity, Awe, Wariness and beneath it all—hunger.
William's growl was immediate and thunderous It rolled through the hall like a physical force, making several younger wolves drop to their knees."Eyes down," he commanded, voice laced with Alpha power "She is not for your staring."lnstant obedience Heads bowed,Bodies averted Only one person didn't lower their gaze—a tall, broad-shouldered man with close-cropped auburn hair and sharp gray eyes. He stepped forward, naked and unconcerned, a respectful nod to William but his attention fixed on Lira. "Alpha," he said, voice deep and steady "The scouts reported the veil tear hours ago We feared raiders from the east. But this…" His gaze softened slightly as it settled on Lira. "This is her, "The Blue Wolf."
William's arms tightened possessively. "Yes, Marcus This is Lira Arabella,My mate."
A collective inhale swept the hall Marcus clearly William's second-in-command—dropped to one knee, fist over heart. "Welcome home, Luna."The title hit Lira like a punch. Luna ,She wasn't ready for that. Wasn't ready for any of this William didn't pause,He carried her past the kneeling Beta, down a torch-lit corridor that branched off the main hall The air grew warmer, scented with cedar and something faintly spicy. Finally, he ducked through a heavy fur curtain into a private chamber that could only be his. The room was massive and luxurious in a rugged way. A huge bed dominated one wall piled high with soft furs and pillows, easily big enough for four people a natural hot spring pool steamed gently in the corner, its surface lit by glowing crystals embedded in the rock. Weapons hung on one wall swords, axes, daggers—all beautifully crafted. Books lined shelves on another, Books, Real ones Leather-bound and ancient. William finally set her down gently on the edge of the bed. The moment her feet touched the fur-covered floor, her legs wobbled. He steadied her with hands on her waist, thumbs brushing the strip of bare skin where her blouse had ridden up.
"Easy," he murmured. "The bond is already working on you, Your body is adjusting."
Lira looked up at him really looked. Up close, in the warm torchlight, he was devastating. The scars told stories of violence survived. The golden eyes told stories of loneliness endured. And the way he looked at her now—like she was both miracle and torment—made her chest ache "I'm scared," she admitted quietly."I know." He brushed a knuckle gently along her cheek "But you're also brave You stepped into my hand back in the forest when you could have run That took courage."She laughed shakily "I don't feel brave. I feel like I'm going to throw up or pass out Or both."William's lips curved in the faintest smilethe first she'd seen from him It transformed his face, softening the harsh lines, making him look almost boyish for a moment."You won't. I won't let you." He stepped back, giving her space for the first time since the forest. "First—clothes. You're still in your human-world things. They smell like coffee and rain, and it's driving me insane."He crossed to a large wooden chest and pulled out a soft robe—deep blue, almost the color of midnight. When he returned, he held it open for her,Lira hesitated. "Turn around?"His eyebrow arched, amusement flickering. "I've been naked since we met, little one. And I can already scent every inch of you. But yes." He turned politely, giving her his broad back She quickly shrugged off her apron and blouse, then skirt, folding them neatly on the bed out of nervous habit The air was warm, but goosebumps still rose on her skin—part cold, part awareness that he was only feet away. She slipped into the robe. It was huge on her, sleeves swallowing her hands, hem pooling at her feet, but the fabric was butter-soft and smelled faintly of him. "Okay," she said.William turned,His gaze darkened as he took her in—his robe, his scent, enveloping her small frame. A low growl escaped before he could stop it."You look…" He cleared his throat. "Better. More like you belong here."He gestured to a low table near the fire where someone had silently delivered food while they were speaking roasted meat, fresh bread, fruits, and a carafe of something that smelled like spiced wine "Eat," he said. "Then we talk."
Lira's stomach growled traitorously She hadn't eaten since her break at the café. She sat cross-legged on a fur cushion, William lowering himself opposite her—still gloriously naked and completely unbothered by it.
They ate in silence at first The meat was tender and seasoned with herbs she didn't recognize The wine warmed her from the inside out Finally, she set her goblet down. "Tell me everything. From the beginning."
William leaned forward, elbows on his knees, golden eyes steady."Very well But know this first, Lira Arabella: everything I tell you is truth And once you hear it, there is no going back."He took a deep breath "You are the Blue Wolf. The one foretold for a thousand years. And I am the Alpha destined to claim you… or die trying."