Page 53 of Luna's New Reign
I hadn’t forgotten that but I hadn’t been focused on it either. Now it just reminds me of all the moments Mateo was probably meeting with some of the other Alphas or when Asani was in the clinic while Darius was fucking me in my nest. I’m equal parts embarrassed and intrigued.
Asani snorts, shaking his head. “I know that look, precious, and don’t you dare do whatever it is you’re thinking unless you want to be pregnant and barefoot for the nextseveralmonths.”
A shiver runs down my spine at the thought but I quickly wash it away. One baby is enough for right now and when Asani means several, I don’t doubt he means for avery,verylong time. “I’m not thinkinganything,” I muse but it doesn’t help. They’re all still looking at me like they want to eat me so I try to change the subject. “Date at the diner?” It’s an odd question, still sittingon one of my Alpha’s knots, my Beta’s cock still deliciously hanging out of his pants as he stands in front of me.
There’s no contest as I wiggle my way off of Remi’s knot, glad it deflated enough for me to hurry up the stairs and deal with my embarrassment alone. Embarrassment that only got worse as Remi’s cum and my slick slides down my thighs with every step.
Oh, the joys of being an Omega.
26
NEPHELINE
The diner at the edge of the packlands isn’t anything fancy but it’s where I first reconnected with Mateo. It was the start of my new beginning, moments with Maverick and his team. I’ve asked Maverick if he misses his old job, if he’d ever want to return and he says that as much as he loved it, he knows he is exactly where he’s supposed to be.
The bell chimes softly as we walk in, the smell of burgers, fried food, and cheap coffee wrapping around me like a warm blanket. There’s already a buzz of chatter inside—wolves from the pack, couples on dates, a few loners at the bar—and for a moment, I let myself believe it’s just another normal night.
River slides into the corner booth first, pulling me down into his lap like it’s the most natural thing in the world. I huff softly, but there’s no protest—not when his arms wrap protectively around my waist, his chin resting against my shoulder as I settle into him. Darius drops down to my left, Mateo taking the seat on my right, and soon, the rest of my mates are crowding intothe other side of the booth. Maverick, Remi, and Asani fill the space easily, Asani lounging back like he’s claimed the place as his throne.
The waitress comes and goes quickly, barely hiding her curiosity as she eyes the seven of us. I know how we look—dominating, too big for the little booth, the tension between us vibrating like a live wire. My mates are impossible to ignore. Mateo’s gaze flicks over the room, River’s protective energy presses close, Darius’ easy calm spreads out like a balm. And Maverick? He’s on edge tonight, eyes sharp, his presence coiled like a spring.
Asani and Remi are the least intimidating at the moment but that’s only because their gaze keeps dipping to my stomach as if I’ve magically expanded in the last several hours. I’m sure Asani definitely thought I would have with the way he fucked me all afternoon. His piercings made everything even more sensitive and now he’s forbidden from my nest tonight.
I thought he’d be pouting. Instead, his arms are thrown around the back of the booth, one behind Remi, the other behind Maverick, a faint smirk playing on his lips. My body heats, my scent sweetening so I try to focus onanythingelse. I wanted a night out and if they all jump on the same train, they’ll haul me back to the house so fucking fast.
So, I direct the conversation elsewhere. “Has anyone found anything?” I ask. I’ve been missing a few council meetings and my mates have stopped discussing everything around me. I don’t mind but I’m starting to feel a little lost.
River’s voice cuts through the hum of background noise. “I’ve found nothing. I combed through the town, checked the outskirts, even talked to a few locals. No one’s seen a wolf—or anything close to a super wolf.” His grip tightens subtly around my waist, his body tense beneath me. “What’s worse? The damage I did find doesn’t track. It feels like a ploy.”
“A ploy?” Darius echoes, his dark brows furrowing as he leans in slightly.
River nods. “A distraction. The superwolf isn’t some mindless beast. Whoever’s behind this is smart. Calculated.”
My stomach twists. I feel Mateo shift beside me, his elbow brushing mine as he leans forward, his power filling the small booth like it’s too big for the room. “It’s deliberate,” he mutters. “That makes it worse.”
Maverick clears his throat, speaking up for the first time tonight. “The defective ones weren’t like this. They were all chaos. Mindless destruction. They weren’t following orders—they wereacting out. If this Alpha has control of wolves that have retained their consciousness? Then they’re not just powerful. They’re smart.”
“They’re playing a long game,” Mateo pushes out. “The Alpha out there leading them must have been waiting. Lying in the dark.” His gaze flicks to me as if reading my thoughts. “Silas had to have known he existed.”
My throat tightens, my gaze dropping to the table. I stare at the small glass of water in front of me, my reflection distorted in the ripples across the surface. The knot that’s been sitting in my chest for months pulls tighter.
Of course, Silas knew.
The reign of the pack of the Forbidden wasn’t reallyover.
It was justresting.
A shiver rolls down my spine and I don’t even realize I’ve sighed aloud until River’s arms tighten around me. “Sweetie?”
I shake my head quickly, forcing a breath out through my nose. “It makes sense,” I say softly, my voice steady despite the tremor in my chest. “I never felt settled after Silas’ death. I thought it was grief. Or relief. I thought it was just…” I pause, biting the inside of my cheek. “I thought it was me.”
Silence stretches across the table.
“But it wasn’t,” I continue, staring at the wood grain as my magic pulses faintly in my fingertips, always close. “It was because this isn’t done. This—whatever’s coming—it’s not new.It’s always been there, waiting for the right moment to crawl back into the light.”
Maverick leans forward, adding his own piece to the conversation. “Then we can’t keep waiting,” he says quietly. “If they’re smart, then we need to besmarter.If they’re patient, we need to move faster.”
Mateo nods, his jaw tight as he leans back in the booth, his gaze sweeping over the table. “We’ll keep pressing. We’ll strengthen the borders, tighten the patrols. No more distractions, no more slip-ups. If this Alpha wants to come for us, then we’ll be ready.”