Page 81 of Luna's New Reign
“It’s him,” I say softly, my breath curling in the cold air as I take another step forward. “It’s my brother.”
Locke moves then, slowly, his massive paws crunching against the frost-covered ground. His head lowers slightly, his ears flicking back as he stops just a few feet from me.
And then, to my shock, he bows his head.
My heart shatters and mends all at once, the sight of his submission—his trust—taking my breath away. I don’t hesitate. I step forward, wrapping my arms around his snout as that’s all I can reach, burying my face in the thick fur there. “You came back,” I whisper, my voice trembling.
His body vibrates with a low rumble, something that feels like relief and sorrow all at once.
>>> I heard you,his voice flows through the pack bond we share, deep and rich, and unmistakably Locke.>>> Every time you spoke to me, I heard you. It took time, but your voice pulled me back. Away from him.
I pull back slightly, my hands still buried in his fur as I stare into his golden eyes. “You’re free?”
>>> Not completely,”he admits, a shadow flickering in his gaze.>>> But I’m here. I found my way back to you, Neph. Back home.
The tears spill over, and I don’t bother trying to stop them. “You’re home,” I choke out, hugging him tightly again, his warmth grounding me. “Goddess, Locke, I thought I’d lost you forever.”
Behind me, Darius clears his throat, his presence steady and protective as always. “Neph,” he murmurs, his tone softer now, “we need to get you inside.”
I glance back at him, reluctant to let go, but the cold is starting to seep into my bones. Locke steps back, his golden eyes flicking to Darius briefly before following me to the door. Darius guides me toward the living room, his hands hovering protectively around me. Locke follows, his large form moving with surprising grace as he pads silently across the floor.
When I settle into the nest, Locke lowers himself to sit just at the edge, his head tilting slightly as he watches me.
Darius stands nearby, his arms crossed, his brow furrowed in thought. “I can hear him,” he says suddenly, his voice filled with quiet surprise.
I nod, wiping at my damp cheeks. “Of course you can,” I say softly. “Technically, we’re all the same pack. He’s part of the Nightshades now, whether he realizes it or not.”
Locke huffs softly, his golden eyes glimmering with amusement. >>>You always were the bossy one,he teases, earning a soft laugh from me.
“Don’t act like you didn’t love it,” I shoot back, the bond between us flickering with warmth. It’s almost perfect having him here with me, in my house, on our lands again.
His gaze softens then, and he shifts slightly, his eyes dropping to my belly.>>> You’re pregnant,”he murmurs, awe lacing his voice. >>> I always knew you’d make a family, Nepheline. Even when we were younger, I knew you’d be the one to bring something beautiful into this world.
My throat tightens and I press a hand to my belly, feeling the faint flutter of life beneath my palm. “They’re everything to me,” I admit, my voice trembling with emotion. “My mates, this baby… And now you. You’re here, Locke. You’rehome.”
He nods, his golden eyes glistening with something I can’t quite name.>>> I never thought I’d see this. But I’m glad I have.
The warmth of the nest wraps around me like a cocoon, but the weight of the moment presses heavy on my chest. Locke’s massive wolf form is still at the edge of the nest, his golden eyes watching me intently. He hasn’t moved, hasn’t tried to shift back, and the question burns in my mind until I can’t hold it in any longer.
“Why haven’t you shifted back?” I ask softly, my voice trembling. “Why haven’t you… why can’t I see you, Locke?”
His ears flick and he lowers his head slightly, as if bracing himself for something difficult. His voice filters into the mindlink, deep and steady but laced with an emotion I can’t quite place.>>> Because this is all that’s left of me, Neph.
I blink, his words settling over me like a weight I wasn’t prepared for. “What do you mean?” I whisper, my throat tightening. “What happened to you?”
He takes a slow breath, his golden eyes never leaving mine.>>> The First Alpha destroyed so much of who I was,he begins, his voice filled with quiet sorrow.>>> There was nothing left that night. Nepheline, I died. My body did. But someone brought my wolf back. It’s the only form I have left. This is all that remains. My wolf. My instinct. My soul. If you’ll accept it, this is who I am now.”
The tears spill over before I can stop them. I reach out, my hand tangling in the thick fur of his neck as I choke out, “Yes. Of course, yes. You’re still my brother, Locke. No matter what form you take, you’re stillyou.”
His golden eyes soften as he leans into my touch, a low rumble vibrating through his chest. It’s comfort, it’s reassurance, it’s him—and it’s enough.
But then another sharp pain rips through my abdomen, stealing the air from my lungs. I gasp, clutching my belly as the contraction seizes me, my body trembling from the intensity.
“Bambi!” Darius is at my side instantly, his hands steadying me as he helps me lean back against the nest. His face is pale, his eyes wide with worry. “What’s happening?”
I let out a shaky breath, my teeth clenched as the pain ebbs. “I think she’s coming,” I whisper, my voice thin. “I think my baby girl is on the way.”
Darius curses under his breath, his hands moving to gently massage my belly. “You’re early,” he says, his voice tight but steady. “The doctor said it could be days.”