The four of them turn toward me, each exhibiting a look of what I can only surmise as gratitude and…pride. It stirs something in me, and I brush away the last lingering fears of doubt.
Ophelia’s blood runs deep, a bloodline as old as time. And I refuse to let myself become a statistic or disappointment.
This is my destiny, my fate. And I don’t care how ruthless I have to become if it means saving everyone from the next Great War.
Chapter Two
Maverick
Daxton adjourns the meeting after we all unilaterally agree there’s no time to waste. I may have overexaggerated a little when I said there was ample time to prepare. I can do it—no doubt about it. But there’s a bit more at stake than my ego presently.
Being away from my pack has certainly left us all at a disadvantage. I’m thankful Darius has been communicating with everyone back home and traveling between the two territories as needed. But even as Beta, it doesn’t fill the void of an absent alpha. Especially when the next time the pack hears from me directly, it’s going to be me informing them of the impending situation and what I need to ask of them.
I’ve spent my entire alpha life protecting the pack, to ensure they were safe. I know they will all step up to the task, but guilt still resides in me. I’ve already turned my backs on my beliefs, after swearing to never take a Luna to make sure I remain at my strongest for them. Though, they may think I don’t know their true feelings about the matter, but I wouldn’t be a very good leader if I didn’t.
I have to admit I was resentful toward my inner circle when I realized they were happy I had accidentally found my mate in Nyx. I can’t blame them for wanting normalcy. After all, that’s what our entire existence gravitates around. But out of all the possible Lunas, I get the one with an attitude problem and needs to be shared.
Not shared for her own needs, but the greater good of the universe. It’s almost ironic.
Part of me tries to convince myself that that’s the main reason I caved into agreeing. I’d be a terrible leader if I put my own needs above the greater good. But I’m slowly trying to teach myself that I’m allowed to let my walls down sometimes. Only sometimes though. Not all the time, and certainly not at anyone’s request.
I have no regrets though. When Nyx asked me to complete the mate bond with her, there wasn’t a moment of hesitation in my mind. I was done fighting the pull. Greater good and universe be damned, I couldn’t ignore my feelings any longer.
She was nothing like I had pictured in the rare and few times I had considered what it would be like to have a strong Luna by my side. No one in my entire life had ever dared to challenge me or speak back, so naturally I assumed my Luna would be…submissivefor lack of a better description.
Not controllable—just someone who would do as they are actually told and listen to me. Of course I’d want them to be strong.
Half of the battle with Nyx is her defying attitude. She loves to say no just to piss us off. I’m surprised she’s survived this long. Daxton must have the patience of a thousand saints to have not murdered her for the past two decades.
Still. Quietly, I’ll never admit that despite everything…Nyx is perfect for me.
I don’t want someone to be a mindless vessel who just does as they're told. I want them to be able to think for themselves, be able to make decisions in my absence and take charge when it’s necessary. Hesitation and self-doubt are the downfall of humanity and a price no one should pay.
“You’re deep in thought.”
I glance over to my side where Nyx is walking next to me, her calculating eyes scanning me as if she’s waiting to intercept and pull apart potential lies. If I was a better man, I’d feel guilty for making her behave this way around me, for having her constantly on the edge wondering what side of me she’ll get when responding. But alas, it’s what makes this dynamic unique and interesting.
I won’t coddle her like Lex does. And I certainly won’t feign some careless vibe to lighten the mood as that bastard Cade seems to do. Like me, Nyx is unapologetically herself. And even though we both know where we stand now, I have no intention of changing my existence to fit into a stereotype.
“Yes,” I answer truthfully. “I’m sure you’re the same.”
Nyx nods, surprisingly keeping pace as we head toward the row of familiar guest houses. “But hey—it’s almost like a present for you. You did want to murder me once or twice. Now the universe might wipe me out for you,” she jokes.
My mouth tenses up, not at all amused by her poor attempt to crack the world’s worst joke. “Don’t start with me. I have no intention of letting anything happen to you, regardless of how I spent many wonderful hours picturing your demise.”
“Aw,” she coos. “I knew you had thought of me.”
Cheek twitching as I feel a smile attempting to break free against my will, I narrow my eyes on the road ahead. “You’re lucky I like Daxton. It was our friendship that spared you.”
“You have friends?” she quips back as we reach the front door of my accommodation.
Shaking my head, I open the door for her, standing back as I gesture her inside. “The fact that the concept is foreign to you says more about your mentality than my personality, Nyx.”
“Sureeee. Keep telling yourself that.” A small, warm laugh frees itself from her body as she kicks off her shoes. One of her damn boots is still coming to a halt when I move quickly, shoving her back into the wall. My body covers hers as I peer down, lips finally tilting up in amusement as she grins, unfazed.
I don’t speak yet, my fingers reaching up to gently trail the healing bite mark on her neck. I ignore the similar marking on the other side, turning my attention to the only thing that matters—ourbond. As expected, her resolve crumbles well before mine. Nyx’s breath hitches slightly, little goosebumps arising on her neck from my touch.
“Don’t shut up on my account,” I tease. “It’s very unlike you.”
