I dropped to one knee, taking her hand into mine. I placed a soft kiss on her palm, her skin warm against my lips. My eyes found hers once again, relaying a silent message of loyalty and protection.
I’d give my life for her.
“Whoa, whoa, whoa!” She shouted, her head darting all around the territory. “This is what we’re NOT going to do! I’m not royalty and would never be royalty, so don’t treat me like I’m someone important. Don’t-!”
I stood, furious at her self-depreciation. “You are important! You are special, Kiya, and our goddess clearly believes so too.”
“Don’t put me on a higher pedestal, Neron.” She growled, jerking her hand away. “I don’t want special treatment from you or anyone!” Her head jerked to her friends. “As for you four, treat me any different, and I will kick all of your asses!”
All four shot to their feet, dusting off their knees. Kiya sighed, running her fingers through her clean, white curls. “Jackie, Abigail is in the hospital. Orion took her there when―!”
Beta Jacqueline shot off the battlegrounds in a blur, taking huge strides toward the hospital. Her friends trailed behind her. Kiya wasted no time running after her group, her hair flailing behind her in the wind.
“Son.” My father came up to me, his tall stature towering over mine. “Remember what I said. It’s your time to claim her as your mate.”
“Now isn’t the time, Dad!” Turning to the pack, I ordered the corpses to be burned and the pack members to help the wounded.
I took off after Kiya.
**Unknown***
My Moon had finally awakened.
The worthless cur I brought back did its job. Yet, it failed to capture her before her awakening. But that was no problem, Zain Prince was merely a pawn in my game. A distraction and a portal, a portal to bring the girl to me. Did he expect to have his chance for petty revenge? Ha!
He thought small. I think grander. Once My Moon is in my arms, I’ll execute my plan. The Prince family-no, this world would pay for what they’ve done to me and my people. It’s about time someone cut those filthy mutts down a peg. All I have to do is capture their beloved avatar.
And she will be *mine*.
***Kiya***
The power that surged through me was incredible. It was like I was being bathed in vibrant warm waves rolling over my skin. It felt energizing. As much as I want to focus on this insane, sudden, yet amazing development, I couldn’t. Not when Abigail’s hurt.
My friends and I surrounded Abigail’s hospital bed, unsure on what to do. Slumped in a chair, Jacqueline’s pained expression broke my heart. She looked absolutely defeated. I could her eyes watering with tears as she stared at Abigail’s peaceful face in complete silence. Abigail was lying unconscious with heavy bandages over her stomach. Her wound was so deep that she had to be sedated. It hurt to see my best friend so… vulnerable.
I had to do something.
I thought back to the battlefield when I healed Neron’s chest wound. If I healed Neron back there, I could heal Abigail too, right? The only thing was, I didn’t know how I did it before. Maybe all I had to do was touch her?
“Jackie, I’m going to try something.” I jumped. My layered voice scared the shit out of me. It was like both Artemis and I were speaking at once. Jackie, for a moment, got defensive over Abigail, her green eyes glazing black. “I won’t hurt her. I promise.”
Jackie’s eyes softened, registering what I’ve said. Eyes shifting back to emerald green, she leaned back in her chair in silence, stifling the sobs threatening to escape from her throat. Sucking in a deep, shaky breath, I gently pressed my palm on the gauze, careful to not pop any potential stitches underneath.
What do I do now? Or even say? I was expecting a bright laser show as I had seen in movies, but nothing happens. My mind raced back to the battlefield, trying to recall how I healed Neron. What was happening at that moment? What was I thinking about? What was I feeling?
Concern, and the desire to take his pain away. That was all I remembered.
And it happened.
White light shined from underneath the bandages, illuminating every fiber of the cotton. We all watched with bated breath as the light glittered before disappearing. Abigail groaned softly, opening her coffee brown eyes. The first person she saw was Jacqueline with tears swimming down her face.
“My Butterfly…” She cooed, caressing her cheek. “Are you okay?”
Abigail nodded, “Y-Yes…I don’t feel pain anymore.” She tenderly propped herself up against her pillows and slid the gauze downward to her navel to reveal a flawless flat stomach. “H-How? They clawed me, I—!” Her eyes met mine, and she did a double take, “When did you…Your hair is white.”
“I’m figuring this thing out too.” I chortled, holding her hand. “I healed you…I think. It’s the second time this happened today.”
“How did this happen? You look so…ethereal.”
“I think it came from-” Without warning, I became lightheaded. My world went hazy. All the energy was draining from my muscles quickly. My legs gave out, I expected to hit the hard hospital floor, but I didn’t.
“Don’t worry, I got you.”
*I’m so tired*…
Before I blacked out, I felt my protector, his sparks, his warmth…the person that was slowly changing into my safe place.
Neron.
**Neron***
“Don’t worry, she fainted,” I reassured her friends. I adjusted Kiya’s body in my arms. Her white hair faded back to its natural beautiful black, and any inkling of her tattoo markings disappeared beneath her skin. She must be exhausted from exerting so much power.
Her scent changed. It’s much sweeter than before, tempting me to kiss her as she slept. Goddess, I think I’ve fallen deeper in love with her.
“You won’t do anything to her, right?” Darien asks, eyeing me suspiciously. I grunted, offended he thought I would do such a thing. Kiya was more precious to me than diamonds, and I’ll do nothing to break her trust.
“On my honor, I won’t. I’ll take her to her room and then I need to assess the damage and loss from today’s ambush.” I held Kiya against my chest, careful not to disturb her. Each breath she took was light as a feather, tickling my bare chest.
While leaving the hospital, I spotted my father again, eyeing me with firmness. Regardless of what he says, I refuse to put Kiya’s trust at risk. Today, I witnessed the unadulterated power my father alluded to me.
All this time, she was Selene’s avatar. I should have known the moment I saw her shift into a white wolf. I didn’t know Kiya held this much power within her body. But now, with her identity exposed to the pack, there was no telling what would happen from here on out. She would be hunted for her power as history states. She’ll be in more danger, and I couldn’t let that happen.
I would die before I let anyone touch her. I know I don’t deserve her, but I was still hopeful for the day I am worthy enough for her to allow me to call her mine. My woman. My mate. My heart. Until then, I will be her protector.
Whoever dares to try and bring any harm to her, will die by my hand.
*I swear it*.