21. Chapter 21

Chapter 21

Luna

I could see Orion’s fists clenched at his sides, his entire body trembling with barely contained fury. “Let her go, Marcosias,” he growled, his voice low and dangerous. “Now.”

Marcosias raised an eyebrow, amusement flickering in his eyes. “You’re in no position to make demands, Orion.” His gaze flickered toward me, and my stomach twisted with dread. “Besides, Luna and I were just getting to know each other better.”

Orion’s muscles coiled like a spring, his entire body tensed, as he took a step forward. Just as he moved, Marcosias snapped his fingers. Out of the shadows, two men emerged, blocking Orion’s path.

My heart pounded in my chest as I watched the confrontation unfold.

“Really, Marcosias? More men?” Orion growled, his voice low and lethal.

“Just a precaution,” Marcosias replied, his voice slick with amusement. “Can’t have you thinking you’re unstoppable.”

I watched in stunned silence as Orion lunged forward, his body a blur of movement. “No! Don’t!” I shouted, but my voice was drowned out by the chaos that erupted.

His fists flew through the air, each punch landing with brutal force. I winced as I heard the sickening thuds echo around the room. “Orion, be careful!” I cried, my heart racing in fear for him.

But he moved like a whirlwind, relentless in his fury, each strike fueled by his desperate need to reach me. “Get away from her!” he roared, and I felt my heart swell with hope.

The men fought back, but they didn’t stand a chance against him. “You won’t take her!” Orion shouted, his face twisted with rage, a look I had never seen before. The raw intensity in his eyes made my breath catch in my throat.

With each blow he landed, I could see the guards crumpling to the floor, one after another, unconscious and defeated. “Orion!” I urged him to stay safe, but the fire in his eyes told me he wouldn’t stop until he reached me.

I barely had time to react when Marcosias moved, his speed leaving me breathless. “No! Let me go!” I shouted, as I felt his cold hand grip my arm.

“Stop struggling,” he hissed, untying me with an unnerving calmness. Panic surged through me as he yanked me closer to him. “Orion!” I cried out, my voice trembling with fear.

Before I could process what was happening, I felt the sharp, icy edge of a blade press against my throat. “Don’t move, or I’ll make this very painful,” Marcosias warned, his voice low and menacing.

Every muscle in my body froze. “You won’t hurt me.” I managed to say, though my voice quivered with terror.

“Luna!” Orion roared, his voice echoing in the room, panic lacing every syllable.

“Ah, ah, ah,” Marcosias taunted, his grip on me tightening. “One more step, and your little mate bleeds.”

I swallowed hard, my throat pressing even harder against the blade, but I couldn’t move. I was paralyzed by fear, feeling the warmth of my blood start to trickle down my neck.

“Let her go, Marcosias!” Orion’s voice was rough with desperation. He took a step forward but stopped when the blade pressed harder into me. “This is between us. She’s innocent!”

Marcosias laughed softly, the sound sending chills down my spine. “Innocent? Oh, Orion, you’ve never been one to see the bigger picture. Luna is far from innocent. She’s the reason you’re here. She’s the reason you’re going to fail.”

I could see the struggle in Orion’s eyes—he wanted to tear Marcosias apart, but he couldn’t risk my life. His fists clenched at his sides, his entire body trembling with the effort of holding himself back.

“Marcosias, don’t do this. Don’t hurt her,” Orion pleaded, his voice raw, filled with a pain I’d never heard before.

Marcosias smirked, his lips curling cruelly. “Hurt her?” He leaned in, his breath hot against my ear, making my stomach turn. “Oh, I could do so much worse than hurt her. For instance, I could kill the baby growing inside of her.”

“What!” Orion looked at me, confused.

How did Marcosias find out? I thought.

“O, don’t tell me you didn’t know she was pregnant. Luna dear, you kept it secret. Opps. I ruined the surprise, right? My big mouth. Elena told me about the pregnancy.”

“Is it true?” Orion asked, looking at me, as a single tear drop rolled from his eyes.

“Yes,” I whispered.

“You know, a seer and a werewolf aren't supposed to have a baby together, which is all the more reason why I should kill her,” Marcosias interrupted.

“Don’t you dare touch her!” Orion growled.

“Orion, you never learn, do you? I have the upper hand here,” Marcosias said, holding the blade closer to my throat. I shuddered, tears stinging my eyes. “Please, Marcosias, don’t,” I whispered, my voice barely audible. I didn’t know what else to say. I couldn’t think past the cold steel pressing against my skin.

“Shut up!” Marcosias hissed in my ear, and I flinched. “You’re lucky you’re still breathing.”

“Marcosias,” Orion said again, his voice shaking with barely restrained rage. “I’ll do whatever you want. Just … let her go.”

Marcosias smiled, but there was no warmth in it. Only malice. “I’ve already told you what I want, Orion. I want you broken. And she,” he pulled me closer, the blade grazing my skin painfully, “is how I’m going to do it.”

Orion’s eyes flashed with a dangerous light. “If you touch her, I swear I’ll—”

“You’ll what?” Marcosias interrupted, his tone mocking. “Kill me? Not before I take what’s mine.”

A low growl rumbled in Orion’s chest, and for a second, I thought he might snap. I could see it in his eyes, the battle raging inside him. But he couldn’t make a move. Not with Marcosias’ blade at my throat.

“Don’t,” I whispered, my voice trembling. “Orion, please don’t do anything.”

Orion’s eyes burned into mine, and I could see the war waging inside him—wanting to save me, to end this, but knowing that one wrong move would mean my death.

“Do you really want her blood on your hands?” Marcosias whispered, his voice dripping with malice.

Orion’s chest rose and fell with shallow breaths, his fists trembling with the effort of holding himself back. He looked at me one last time, his gaze filled with something raw and agonizing, before he dropped his head in defeat.

Marcosias grinned, triumphant.

“Good boy,” Marcosias hissed, leaning in closer, his eyes gleaming with victory. Marcosias dragged me from the building, past Orien and his men.

Marcosias’ grip on my arm was like iron as he dragged me through the dense forest, the blade still pressed against my throat.

“Please,” I whispered, my voice trembling. But he said nothing, his eyes fixed ahead, a cruel determination in his gaze.

We reached a clearing, and there in the center was a pyre. My stomach twisted in fear as Marcosias shoved me forward, his grip never loosening. "Lie down," he commanded, his voice cold and unfeeling.

I shook my head, stepping back, but he yanked me closer, his knife grazing my neck. “Do it!” he snarled.

Tears blurred my vision as I obeyed, lying down on the wooden structure, the rough surface digging into my back. I couldn’t stop shaking, my heart racing, as I looked up at the dark sky.

Out of the shadows, a figure appeared—an old, hunched woman with wild, tangled hair and eyes that glowed in the darkness.

“It’s too early, Marcosias. The ritual won’t work—she’s only taken the potion once.” Her voice was low and raspy.

Marcosias snarled, stepping toward her, still holding the blade close to me. “I don’t care! You told me that I needed to sacrifice a pregnant seer for the ritual! Find a way to make it work, or I’ll slit your throat right here!” His voice was filled with rage, and I could feel his anger like a wave crashing over me.

The witch flinched but quickly recovered, nodding in fear. “There’s … another way,” she murmured, pulling out a small dagger. She knelt beside me and grabbed my hand, forcing my palm upward. “I’m sorry,” she whispered, but there was no kindness in her voice.

I gasped as the blade sliced across my palm, the pain sharp and immediate. Blood welled up, and the witch quickly pressed a cup to my hand, catching the dripping blood. I winced, clenching my teeth against the pain, praying to anyone who would listen. “Please, Orion,” I whispered under my breath, my eyes squeezing shut. “Find me.”

The witch began chanting, the words dark and unfamiliar. The air around me grew thick with an oppressive energy, and my pulse quickened. I could feel the magic swirling, wrapping around me like a noose. Tears streamed down my face as I silently prayed for this nightmare to end.

Suddenly, a howl pierced the night air. My eyes snapped open just in time to see a figure burst through the trees—Orion.

Relief flooded my chest as I saw him, but it was short-lived.

“What the hell are you doing here?” Marcosias growled loudly in fury, as he transformed into a wolf—a massive, hulking beast. His fur was black as night, and his eyes burned with murderous rage.

Orion didn’t hesitate. He shifted in an instant, his own powerful wolf form emerging—larger than I’d ever seen him, his silver fur gleaming under the moonlight. The two of them collided in a violent clash of teeth and claws, their growls filling the air as they tore into each other.

The sound of bones snapping, and snarls, echoed in the clearing as they fought, their movements a blur of fury. But it wasn’t just them. Marcosias’ clan had arrived. Wolves spilled into the clearing, attacking from every direction.

“No!” I screamed, as chaos erupted around me, the witch’s ritual forgotten, as Orion’s pack stormed the battlefield.

Wolves crashed into each other, claws ripping through flesh, jaws snapping with deadly force. I could barely make sense of it all—the growls, the blood, the fury—it was overwhelming. But through it all, I kept my eyes on Orion, praying that he would win.

"Please, Orion," I whispered again, clutching my bleeding hand to my chest. "Don't let him win. Don't let him take me."

“It’s time to finally end you!” Marcosias growled as he stabbed Orion with his claws.

“Orion!” I screamed as I watched Orion losing his strength.

A glow suddenly erupted from the bag that was hung around Orion.

My breath hitched as the vision took over, pulling me into its depths. I saw flashes—rapid, intense images—too quick to make sense of at first. But then, everything became clear.

I stood in a vast, empty space, the artifact glowing in my hands, pulsing with power. Suddenly, blood—my blood—dripped from my palm and touched the surface of the artifact. It glowed brighter, humming with life. Then, I saw Orion— his face strong, determined. Blood from his hand joined mine, and the artifact reacted, its power surging. Our blood mixed together, intertwining, as the artifact blazed with an intense light. I felt it then—strength. Unimaginable strength flowing into both of us, fusing us, making us invincible.

The vision ended, and I was thrust back into reality.

The battle raged on, a blur of fur and blood as Orion and Marcosias tore into each other. My heart pounded—I knew what I had to do. The artifact was the key, and both of our bloods needed to touch it for us to defeat Marcosias.

I spotted the pouch on Orion, swinging wildly as he fought. Taking a deep breath, I darted forward, my hands shaking as I grabbed the artifact. Just as I pulled it free, Marcosias roared, knocking Orion to the ground.

I placed my palm covered with blood on the glowing artifact.

“Now how do I get Orion’s blood on it?” I whispered.

Marcosias was relentless, slashing at him with deadly force. I gripped the artifact tightly in my hand, knowing what I had to do.

“Orion!” I shouted over the snarls and growls. His wolf eyes flicked toward me for a split second. Without hesitating, I hurled the artifact toward him.

“Smear your blood on it!” I screamed, desperation flooding my voice. “It’s the only way!”

The moment Orion smeared his blood on the artifact, something incredible happened. A blinding light erupted from it.

“What the …” I gasped, as the magic surged through the air, wrapping around him like a storm. Orion’s wolf form began to grow—larger, more powerful—until he was towering over everyone.

His fur gleamed under the moonlight, brighter than ever, and his eyes glowed with an otherworldly power. He was the biggest wolf I had ever seen—the biggest wolf in history.

Marcosias’s eyes widened in fear, but it was too late.

In one swift motion, Orion lunged at him, his massive jaws clamping down on Marcosias’s neck. With a single, devastating snap, the sound of bones breaking echoed through the forest. Marcosias fell limp, lifeless, his reign of terror finally over.

“Finally!” I broke down in tears.

Orion then changed back to his human form and ran towards me.

“My love, are you okay?”

“Yeah, I am” I replied, as I gave him a tight hug.

Orion eliminated all the members of the Marcosias’ clan and allowed the witch to go, since she was being threatened by Marcosias.

“I found Miranda unconscious in the building where Marcosias kept Luna. I took her straight to the hospital.” Jake turned to Orion, his voice low and serious.

As we rushed toward the hospital, I glanced at Orion. “She tried to save me, Orion. She risked everything,” I said, my voice trembling.

He nodded, swallowing hard. “We need to see her. I need to make things right.”

When we got to the hospital, I saw the relief in Orion's eyes as Miranda woke up.

She looked at us, her face pale but relieved. "Dad. Luna. I'm sorry," she whispered, tears filling her eyes. "I made a terrible mistake. I let my anger take advantage of me. I’m so sorry."

Orion knelt beside her, his strong hand holding hers. "I’m really sorry for not being honest about my relationship with Luna. I was scared of losing you" he said, his voice thick with emotion. "I love you so much, and I’m proud of you."

Later, as we stepped onto the estate, I felt the weight of everything we’d been through hit me all at once—the battle, the victory, the relief of it all.

“It’s over, Luna. We’re safe. Both you and our baby are safe.”

“I know,” I whispered, my voice barely audible. “But I still can’t believe it.”

Orion's hand cupped my face, and before I could say another word, his lips crashed into mine. The kiss was intense, full of passion and longing, a release of everything we had held back. When we finally pulled apart, breathless, he rested his forehead against mine.

“Luna,” he murmured, his voice full of tenderness. “I love you.”

“I love you too, Orion. Tonight, more than ever.”

Orion pulled me close, his voice hoarse with emotion. "You are carrying my child! The fruit of our love. Luna, you’ve made me the happiest man alive." His lips found mine again, and in that moment, I knew our future would be full of love, hope, and the strength that had brought us through every storm.

“Come with me,” Orion said, as he led me to his room.

He pulled me closer, and I melted against him. Our lips met softly at first, but the kiss quickly deepened, fueled by all the emotion we had bottled up. His hands roamed over my back, exploring every curve, igniting a fire deep within me.

“You make me feel alive, Orion,” I breathed, breaking the kiss.

“You are my heart. You always have been,” he replied, his forehead resting against mine.

I felt a wave of warmth wash over me as I gazed into his eyes. “I never want this moment to end.”

“It won’t. I’m not letting you go,” he promised, his voice filled with determination.

As we fell back onto the bed, laughter bubbled up between us.

“You are so beautiful,” Orion said, as he kissed me deeply.

Our tongues were entangled, and in the heat of the moment, Orion used his hand to lift my skirt and shoved his hand in my panties, as he navigated his way to my clitoris.

“Ahhh …” I moaned softly.

“You like it,” Orion whispered.

“Don’t stop …”

Orion continued stroking my clit as I continued moaning in his ears.

His gaze never left mine as he carefully undressed me, piece by piece. Each article of clothing peeled away with a tenderness that sent my heart racing. His hands lingered on my body, tracing the curves of my waist, my hips, as if he was memorizing every inch of me.

When I was finally bare before him, the intensity in his eyes made my knees weak. Orion took a step back, drinking me in, his lips curling into a slow, heated smile. Without a word, he guided me down onto the bed, his hands firm but gentle as they urged me to straddle him.

“Oh fu … fuck!” Orion moaned, as he grabbed my neck and kissed it.

I could feel the heat building between us, the raw, electric connection that surged with every touch. His hands gripped my hips, pulling me closer as I moved against him, every inch of my body alive with need. A deep moan escaped my lips, and I couldn't control it, couldn't hold back the pleasure that was flooding through me. “Oh my!” he gasped, as he ejaculated inside me, and I squirted on him.

The world outside faded into nothingness, leaving only the two of us in our own universe.

And in that moment, as we moved together, I knew that we were unstoppable. We had survived the impossible, and now, nothing could tear us apart.