Zuria
The past few weeks with Arien had felt like a dream. He treated me in ways I never thought possible-like I mattered, like I was cherished. It was the first time I had ever been pampered, the first time someone had put me first. He never let me lift a finger, not even to go to work.
The first time I tried, he had blocked the door with his towering frame, arms crossed.
"You're not going anywhere," he had said, his tone playful but firm.
"Arien, I have to work," I had protested.
He had sighed dramatically before tossing me over his shoulder like I weighed nothing. I squealed, pounding his back, but he only laughed and carried me to the bedroom, dropping me onto the bed.
"You don't have to work anymore," he had murmured, brushing his fingers through my hair. "I'm here to take care of you now."
And he had.
For two weeks, he barely left my side, only stepping out when absolutely necessary. He took me shopping, buying me anything I even so much as glanced at. I had secretly purchased lingerie to surprise him when I was ready. I wasn't sure when that would be... but I knew the thought of giving myself to him didn't scare me anymore.
And now, here I was, sitting in his parents' luxurious living room, waiting for his mother, Luna Lorrie. The house was massive-bigger than Arien's-and tastefully decorated. Nothing like my uncle's house, which always felt cold and uninviting.
I exhaled, forcing myself to relax, but my thoughts kept circling back to Arien's words about Peter and Celeste.
"You don't have to worry about them anymore."
He hadn't elaborated, and I hadn't pressed, but I intended to find out what happened.
The sound of approaching footsteps pulled me from my thoughts. I turned just as Luna Lorrie descended the grand staircase, her expression warm and welcoming. I quickly stood.
"Good day, Luna," I greeted respectfully.
She waved a hand dismissively. "No, no, dear, you don't have to stand or address me so formally. You're my daughter now. You can call me by my name... or call me Mom."
My heart stuttered at the unexpected kindness.
"O-okay, Mom," I said hesitantly.
"That's better," she said with a pleased smile, gesturing for me to sit beside her.
She didn't waste time with small talk. "I wanted to speak with you about something important."
I nodded, straightening my posture.
"Arien hasn't marked you yet, has he?"
The question sent heat rushing to my cheeks. I shook my head, too flustered to speak.
She chuckled softly. "There's nothing to be embarrassed about, dear. What I wanted to talk about is the responsibility that comes with bearing his mark."
I tilted my head, surprised. "Responsibility?"
"When Arien marks you, you will officially be the future Luna of the Blue Moon Pack," she explained. "When he becomes Alpha, you will be Luna-the mother of the pack."
The weight of those words settled over me.
"You will also have children someday," she continued, her voice gentle but firm. "So you need to be prepared for that as well."
I swallowed hard. That thought hadn't fully sunk in before now.
"The duties of a Luna may seem less intense compared to the Alpha's, but they are just as vital. I visit our pack members daily-checking on families, visiting the sick in the pack hospital, overseeing the schools. It's exhausting, but it's necessary."
I nodded, absorbing her words.
"You will also need to look after Arien," she added with a knowing smile. "He may seem strong, but Alphas often neglect themselves. It will be your job to remind him to eat, to rest-to be his peace."
I lowered my gaze, feeling overwhelmed.
"And most importantly," she said, "you must be a symbol of peace to our people. They should feel comfortable approaching you, trusting you with their worries, knowing they can find comfort in you."
She sighed, a shadow crossing her face. "I fear I failed in that duty with you. You were suffering, and I didn't see it."
"That wasn't your fault," I reassured her quickly. "It was my burden to bear. But... after hearing everything you said, I think I can do it. I want to do it."
She smiled warmly and pulled me into a hug. "That's good to hear, dear. Always expect the unexpected. The role of a Luna is never predictable."
Her words settled deep in my heart.
After our talk, she insisted I stay for dinner, only letting me leave once I promised to visit again.
Later That Night
When I arrived home, the house was unusually quiet.
The bedroom light was on, meaning Arien was still awake. He hated sleeping with the lights on.
I peeked into the room and found him lying shirtless on the bed, his arms folded behind his head, his eyes closed. He looked like he was flexing on purpose.
Probably trying to impress me.
It was working.
"Hey, stranger," I called playfully.
His eyes opened just as I pounced on him.
He grunted but wrapped his arms around me, pulling me to lie against him. "Are you trying to kill me, baby?"
Baby.
My heart stuttered. "Maybe. But it's too early for you to die." I smirked. "You haven't even marked me yet."
His body tensed beneath me-just for a second-before he relaxed.
I frowned but decided not to push. Instead, I leaned down and kissed him, letting my lips linger. He responded instantly, deepening the kiss, his arms tightening around me.
I shifted, straddling his waist, pressing against him. He groaned, his hands gripping my thighs as I slipped my tongue into his mouth, savoring his taste.
His fingers skimmed up my legs, setting my skin on fire. But just as he slid his hands higher, I pulled away, my breath uneven.
"Zuria?" His voice was husky, questioning.
"No problem," I murmured, grabbing a few things from the closet and practically running into the bathroom.
I could feel his confusion, but I wasn't running away-not this time.
I took a deep breath and changed into the red lingerie I had secretly bought. It hugged my curves perfectly, exposing just enough to tempt him.
Peeking through the bathroom door, I saw he was still sitting up, waiting.
I stepped out, standing in front of him.
His eyes widened. He swallowed hard. "Babe, what's going on?"
I walked toward him, my hands running up his bare arms. "I think I'm finally ready for you to take me."
His jaw clenched, his pupils dilating as he processed my words. Then, he grabbed my thighs and lifted me effortlessly. I squealed, wrapping my legs around his waist as he carried me to the bed, his lips finding mine in a slow, possessive kiss.
He hovered over me, his hands trailing over my body, setting my skin ablaze. His fingers slid under the thin straps of my lingerie, pushing them down.
He stared at me, eyes filled with something raw, something deep. His hand cupped my breast, his thumb teasing my nipple, sending a jolt of pleasure through me.
"You're too sexy to be real," he whispered.
I trembled as he kissed down my body, every touch leaving me breathless.
And when his lips found my most sensitive spot, I shattered.
A moan ripped from my throat, my body arching. He held me down, his tongue working me into a frenzy, pushing me higher and higher until I could barely breathe.
"Arien... I think I'm going to-"
Before I could finish, pleasure crashed over me in waves, leaving me trembling beneath him.
He kissed me
deeply, his tongue tangling with mine. "You can't be tired now, babe," he murmured against my lips. "We still have a long night ahead of us."