Page 87 of Luna's New Reign
Maverick dives.
His talons glint in the lightning as he swoops down, slamming into the First Alpha’s chest. The impact is brutal, the First Alpha letting out a guttural roar as Maverick’s claws dig deep, tearing into him with savage precision.
Mateo doesn’t hesitate. He takes advantage of the opening, his claws flashing as he drives them into the First Alpha’s throat. The shadows around him dissolve, melting into the ground as the First Alpha collapses.
It’s over.
Mateo throws his head back and lets out a powerful howl, the sound reverberating through the clearing like a wave. It’s a call of victory, of triumph, and one by one, we join him.
The sound is deafening, a chorus of wolves rising into the storm, and I feel it—magic. It floods the clearing, filling everynook and cranny, washing away the darkness that’s plagued us for so long. It’s like a weight has been lifted, the air lighter, freer.
And then I hear it.
A baby’s cry.
It’s faint, but it cuts through the bond like a beacon, and my heart stops.
We’ve won.
Nepheline’s voice comes through the mindlink, soft and filled with emotion.>>> She’s here.
I fall to my knees, overwhelmed by the rush of relief and joy. Tears blur my vision as I look up at Mateo, who’s standing tall, his chest heaving, his crimson eyes glowing with victory. He’s battered, bleeding, but alive—and healing.
“She did it,” I whisper, my voice trembling. “They both did.”
41
NEPHELINE
I’m barely holding it together, exhaustion dragging at every part of me, but I can’t let go just yet. My baby girl is swaddled against my chest, her tiny, perfect form cradled in my arms. She’s so small, so delicate, and yet her presence feels so much bigger than this moment.
Her aura is almost overwhelming, radiating this soft, soothing energy that washes over me like a balm. It’s not just me—I can feel it rippling through the bond, calming everyone. Even Darius, who’s been pacing and fussing for hours, stands still, his tension melting away as he stares at her.
She makes the smallest sound, a tiny coo, and I’m gone. Completely undone. Tears slip down my cheeks as I lean down, pressing the softest kiss to her forehead. Her skin is warm and smells faintly of lavender, of home.
“Hi, baby girl,” I whisper, my voice trembling. “Welcome to the pack.”
Her eyes flutter open for the briefest moment, hazy and unfocused, but it’s enough. She’s here. She’s real.
Locke moves closer, his massive wolf form practically filling the room as he crouches beside me. His golden eyes are soft, almost reverent, as he lowers his head to nuzzle the baby’s head. His nose brushes against her cheek, and she lets out the tiniest squeak, her little hands curling into fists.
“Look, Locke,” I say softly, my voice thick with emotion. “She’s perfect.”
He rumbles low in his chest, a sound I know is agreement, and I smile. This is everything I’ve dreamed of and more. My family, together.
As I sink back against the pillows, my eyes fluttering closed, I hear her soft breaths, the quiet murmurs of my mates, and the steady hum of the bond.
“Welcome to the pack, Celeste,” I whisper one last time, her name a promise on my lips.
And then I let the darkness take me, secure in the knowledge that she’s safe, loved, and ours.
The world feels soft around the edges as I wake, my body heavy with exhaustion but my heart impossibly full. I stir slowly, the warmth of the bond pulsing faintly in my chest, and then I feel it—the magic. It’s alive again, humming like a melody through the packlands, wrapping everything in its gentle embrace.
“Hey, Bambi,” Darius says softly.
I blink up at him, my vision still hazy, but his face comes into focus, his warm silver eyes filled with so much love it makes my chest ache. In his arms, our daughter stirs, her tiny fingerstwitching as if she feels it too—the magic, the life returning to the land.
“She’s perfect,” he murmurs, pressing a kiss to her tiny forehead before helping me sit up. “Just like her mom.”