Nicklaus POV
Since it was already late, we couldn’t return home yet. We decided to spend the night at a nearby motel and leave the next morning. I made sure Jessica and Mateo were paired in one room, while I shared a room with my mates. Additionally, I arranged for a larger room for the pack members who were with us, so they could rest for the night. Although Mateo protested, I told him to bear with it just for the night.
Returning to the room, I had a smile on my face, but seeing the cut near my mate’s lips filled me with sadness and anger. I carefully tended to her wounds, and as she slowly opened her eyes, she asked, “Where am I?”
“Don’t stress yourself too much. You’re safe here with me. I’m sorry I didn’t arrive earlier to save you.”
“Don’t say that; you did come to save me and the youngsters. Thank you so much.” She hugged me, and I stroked her hair. She continued in tears, “Thank you for being alive as well. I thought I would never see you again.”
“Stop crying. I’m here now. You don’t need to worry anymore. Nothing will happen to me, and I won’t allow any harm to come to you or Estella.”
“What about the youngsters?”
“They’re safe as well.”
“That’s good to hear. I feel so helpless, you know. I couldn’t even protect them from harm today. I don’t think I deserve to be the Luna of the pack; I’m useless.” I kissed her to quiet her and reassured her, “You’re the perfect Luna, okay? You’re not useless at all, even if you were just an Omega.”
“I know you’re trying to encourage me with your words, but to be honest, those youngsters left in my care could have been killed because I’m not competent enough to save them.”
I gazed at her with compassion. It pained me to see her in this state. I wished there was something I could do to help her shift into a wolf like the rest of us.
“It’s not your fault. It was a setup plan. Stop blaming yourself, and let’s discuss ways to help you become stronger. I know Margaret has already trained you, but you need more training and preparation to handle situations like this.”
“I’m ready. I don’t want to be a victim again, but rather the Luna who saves and protects her people.”
“I’ll teach and guide you, and I’ll also ask the witch I know to teach you how to deactivate whatever is blocking your powers from manifesting. Just in case, you might need spells to help yourself.”
“Sounds like a good idea,” she replied.
“Now, where were we?” I playfully tickled her, and she burst into laughter.
“I love you so much, my queen.” I kissed her slowly, gradually removing her clothes.
She winced due to the stinging sensation from her cut, and I paused the kissing to focus on her neck and caress her breasts. I kissed the spot where I had marked her, noticing her body shiver as if I had sent an electric current through her.
Eventually, she took the lead, riding me slowly, and we became completely lost in a world of passion and fantasy, continuing without pause.
The following morning, we all prepared to depart. News had already spread throughout the pack, and everyone was gearing up for war. I was certain the enemy would attack again. As we entered the mansion, my men got ready to attack Jessica. I shouted, “How dare you try to launch an attack on my guest?”
“We’re trying to protect you, Alpha. She’s the woman who tricked us and drugged our meal.” I was shocked, and so were Mateo and Gabriella.
“What do you mean, tricked and drugged? I just arrived, and I’ve never met any of you before,” Jessica defended herself. I felt torn, uncertain whether to believe her or my pack members.