Page 85 of Luna's New Reign
The bond between us is a faint thread, fraying with every second, and the sharp pain in my chest tells me what I already know—he’s on the brink. He’s dying and I’m too far away to stop it.
And then Jacob’s voice slithers into my head.
>>> You’re stronger than I gave you credit for, Nepheline,the First Alpha mocks.>>> But we both know how this ends. You are mine, just like you were always meant to be.
I snarl, baring my teeth as I push through the mindlink, my voice trembling with rage.>>> I was never yours,I spit.>>> And I never will be.
He laughs, the sound cold and cruel. >>>Is that what you tell yourself?He taunts.>>> Locke sent me away because he knew I was better. He knew I’d come back for you, for what’s mine. And here I am, watching you fall apart. You’ll crawl to me, little Omega. You’ll have no choice.
His words are like poison, but I shove them aside, focusing on the bond, on Mateo. The sharp edge of fear cuts through me, but I cling to the thread that connects us, refusing to let it break.
>>> You’re not taking him,I growl.
Another contraction rips through me, but I don’t care. I press my hand to my belly, drawing on the magic coursing through me—the life I’m bringing into the world—and channeling it outward.
Locke steps closer, his massive wolf radiating strength as he runs his snout along my head. His presence is steadying, his bond with me like a lifeline as I reach for him through the magic.
>>> We’re not losing him,I say through the mindlink, my voice trembling with determination.
Darius moves to my side, his hand gripping mine tightly as he murmurs words of encouragement. His other hand glows faintly as he pours his own energy into me, into Mateo. Dr. Ellis steps forward, his hands steady as he lays them over my free one. “Focus, Luna,” he says, his voice calm but firm. “You can do this. Draw from us, from the pack.”
I let out a shaky breath, the tears streaming down my face as I close my eyes and pull on every ounce of magic I can find. It courses through me, wild and untamed, but I don’t stop. I pour it into Mateo, into the bond, into the wound that threatens to take him from me.
“You’re not allowed to leave me,” I whisper, my voice breaking. “You fucking told me you’d stay alive.”
The bond flickers, weak but still there, and I push harder, pouring everything I have into him. The room feels like it’sspinning, my vision blurring as the magic drains me, but I don’t stop.
Ican’tstop.
And then, just as I feel like I have nothing left to give, it happens.
His eyes snap open.
I gasp, my hand flying to my chest as the bond surges back to life. Mateo’s eyes meet mine, wide with confusion and relief through the magical tether. I let out a choked sob, my body trembling with the effort of holding myself upright.
>>> How?The First Alpha’s voice hisses through the bond, his shock palpable.
I collapse back against the couch, my chest heaving as the magic settles, the room spinning around me. The doctor’s voice cuts through the haze. “Luna, you need to push!”
The next contraction hits like a freight train and I scream, clutching at Darius’ hand as the pain consumes me. “I can’t,” I sob, the exhaustion pulling at me. “I can’t do this.”
“Yes, you can,” Darius says firmly, his voice steady as he strokes my hair. “You’ve done so much, Neph. You can do this too. We’re here. We’ve got you.”
Locke moves closer, his massive form a comforting presence as his golden eyes meet mine.>>> You’ve fought harder than anyone I’ve ever known,he says through the bond, his voice filled with quiet pride.>>> Now bring my niece into the world, Neph. She’s waiting for you.
I nod, tears streaming down my face as I grip Darius’ hand and bear down with everything I have. The pain is overwhelming, but I focus on the bond, on the life I’m bringing into the world, on the family waiting for her.
And with one final, agonizing push, I hear it—the sharp, piercing cry that cuts through the chaos, filling the room with a sound I’ll never forget.
“She’s here,” Dr. Ellis says, his voice soft with awe. “Luna, she’s perfect.”
I collapse back against the couch, my chest heaving as I reach out for her, my hands trembling as Dr. Ellis runs a few tests before wrapping her in a blanket and placing her in my arms. She’s so small, her tiny cries fading as I hold her close.
Darius squeezes my hand, his eyes filled with tears as he presses his forehead to mine. “You did it, Bambi,” he whispers, his voice thick with emotion. “You brought her into the world.”
I nod, my tears falling freely as I gaze down at her, my heart so full it feels like it might burst. “She’s perfect,” I whisper, my voice trembling. “She’s ours.”
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