Page 71 of Luna's New Reign
I slowly move forward, my snout bowed low in respect. My brother isn’t just an older Alpha but the rightful heir to the Redstone pack. He is owed my respect. Locke doesn’t move from where he’s sitting a few paces away.
So, I continue approaching. Those expressive gold eyes follow me, tracking my steps, a snarl forming on his lips. I can’t tell what it means because he won’t fucking talk to me or even respond to me but I try.
>>> Locke, I need you back. Goddess, they took everything from me but they won’t take you.
Each step brings me closer to the darkness until the shadows nip at my fur, my ankles, my feet. It’s suffocating but I press forward. Locke means more to me than anything at this moment. When I’m within reach of him, I lower myself to the ground, the ultimate submission to another Alpha.
>>> Locke, you told me that you would always be there for me. Now, it’s my turn. I’m here. Come back to me.
My voice turns into a plea, tears glazing my eyes as I wait for Locke to do something.Anything.And then he moves, just enough, his gaze falling on my wolf. A low whine permeates the air, his tail swishing through the darkness.
>>> Nepheline?
I could fucking cry right now but I don’t. I can’t. He’s still in the shadows. I need him out here. I don’t even know why it’s so important but it feels like my magic can’t touch him here.
>>> Yes! Locke, it’s me. You saved me months ago but they kept you alive and away from me. It’s time to come home.
>>> I… can’t.
His golden eyes glow as he snarls again and I realize the gesture isn’t directed to me. He’s having a hard time accepting back his humanity.
>>> What did they do to you? I saw you die in my arms.
His nostrils flare as he dips his head, running his nuzzle against the top of my head—just the way he used to do when I was a kid. An almost fatherly gesture.
>>> A serum, I think. It’s keeping my wolf alive.
My heart breaks at his words because that means my brother truly is dead. That without the serum, I’ll lose him all over again. A cry tears from my throat but even if that’s the case, I need him back.
>>> What does that mean?
He doesn’t answer me, just continues to pet the top of my head.
>>> Come home with me, Locke. Come back home.
Again, there is no answer but I stand, hoping he’ll follow. A few steps into the light, I wait for his presence to show up behind me and when it does, I feel like I’ve conquered the entire world. For the first time in weeks, I finally see my brother. He’s here, in the packlands of my mind, back in the light where my magic can reach him.
But just as I go to nuzzle against his neck, he disappears and I’m thrown back into reality.
I grumble under my breath as I shift in the nest, trying to find a position that doesn’t make my back scream or my hips ache. I swear the moment I stop moving, I feel like I’m turning into one giant,very roundboulder. Being in my head, I can almost forget that I’m pregnant.
“This is bullshit,” I mutter, flopping dramatically onto my side, only for Mateo’s warm, steady hand to press against my back and ease me back into a comfortable position. “I get Locke tocome out into the clearing and then this.” I point angrily at my belly but I’m not truly pissed off with it. The backaches are just annoying.
He’s crouched beside me, watching me like I’m made of glass—which, at this point, I might as well be. “You’re doing plenty, Nepheline,” he says firmly, brushing a stray strand of hair from my face. “Don’t start.”
“Doingplenty?” I scoff, narrowing my eyes at him. “I’m literally justsittinghere. I can’t even get up without someone carrying me like a helpless potato.”
Mateo’s lips twitch as if he’s holding back a laugh. “You’re growing life inside of you. You’re literally bringing our child into the world. You’ve already done more than any of us could ever hope to accomplish.”
Before I can argue, he presses his hand gently against my belly, his eyes softening as he feels the small movement beneath his palm. “And you’re bringing your brother back to us. I can feel it through you, Neph. The bond is getting stronger, so much stronger today than it was last week or even yesterday. Don’t underestimate what that means.”
I let out a breath, my frustration dimming slightly as I meet his gaze. “But it’s not enough. I can feel the veil weakening. Iknowthe First Alpha is pushing against it. He’s out there holding onto my brother, taunting us, Mateo. And I’m just…” I trail off, waving a hand weakly over myself. “Here. Stuck.”
“You’re not stuck,” Mateo counters, his voice firm but gentle. “You’re the magic that’s holding us together. That’sprotectingus. You’re making all of us stronger, even if you don’t realize it.”
I open my mouth to argue again, but before I can, Remi chimes in from the corner of the room where he’s been folding laundry, his usual sunshine-like energy lighting up the space. “He’s right, sunshine,” he says, turning toward me with a bright grin. “Youarethe magic. The heart and soul of this pack. You don’t have to fight to be important. You just… are.”
I glare at him half-heartedly, but the warmth in his voice melts through my defenses like it always does. Damn him. “Yeah, well,” I mutter, shifting again as Darius comes strolling into the room with a tray. “Tell that to my swollen ankles.”