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A sudden rush of cold water crashed against their legs, drenching his black slacks up to the knees and splashing against Seraphina's bare calves.

"Oh!" She jumped back reflexively, breaking the spell between them. Her laugh rang out over the beach, genuine and slightly embarrassed. "I guess the ocean had other plans."

Orion didn't share her amusement. He'd been fantasizing about capturing her lips with his ever since he saw her on the beach yesterday, and it nearly became a reality. It took everything in him not to growl in frustration. His wolf paced angrily at being denied.

"The sea is temperamental today," he remarked, his voice rougher than intended as he smoothed down his wet slacks. "Much like fate."

She tugged his coat tighter around her shoulders, her fingers tracing the necklace at her throat. "This place is simply beautiful, Orion. I can see why you love it here."

"It could be yours too." The words escaped before he could stop them, raw and honest.

Seraphina's expression softened. "I'd like to spend today exploring more of the island, if that's all right. But tomorrow..." She hesitated, her eyes dropping to the sand. "I should really go home tomorrow."

Orion felt his wolf rise to challenge her words. The mere thought of her departing tomorrow made his chest constrict with a territorial possessiveness he hadn't experienced in centuries ofruling. The mate bond pulsed between them, practically visible in the salty air.

"Tomorrow is a long way off," he said, his voice dropping to the commanding timbre he used when addressing his pack. He stepped closer, eliminating the space between them created by that infuriating wave. "The island has much to offer someone like you."

Seraphina's eyes widened, and Orion caught the subtle quickening of her pulse in her throat. Good. She wasn't immune to him.

"I could give you anything your heart desires," he continued, reaching out to brush her black hair from her face. "The sapphire is merely the beginning. I have diamonds that would make the stars you study seem dim in comparison."

She shook her head, looking almost amused. "I've never been one for shiny things."

Undeterred, Orion gestured toward the castle looming majestically on the hill behind them. "Then perhaps the privacy of the eastern wing—quarters where no one or nothing would disturb us. Moments like this," he trailed his finger down her arm, "but with no interruptions."

Her breath caught, her body unconsciously swaying toward his touch before she steadied herself.

"Or perhaps," he pressed on, recognizing an advantage when he saw one, "you'd be interested in what it means to be Queen of Starlight Island."

He circled her slowly, his wolf enjoying the hunt. "You would rule by my side. Every decision and every council, your voice would carry the same weight as mine." His hand found her lower back, possessive yet gentle. "The pack would look to you for guidance and wisdom."

Seraphina tilted her head, her eyes narrowing. "Power and status? That's what you think I want?"

Orion paused, studying her expression. Most women he'd encountered over his long life coveted exactly that—the prestige of standing beside a king. Her reaction was... unexpected.

"I've been perfectly content with my telescopes and my small house," she explained. "I've never needed fancy titles or authority over others."

"Then what do you need?" he asked, genuinely curious now.

She stared at him, those green eyes holding his gaze with unexpected boldness. "I've always valued simple things. Independence. Purpose. Connection."

The last word hung between them, heavy with meaning. Orion felt the mate bond pulse stronger, responding to her unconscious acknowledgment of what was growing between them.

"And do you feel it?" he asked, his voice rough with unexpected emotion as he stepped closer. "This connection?"

Her eyes fluttered closed momentarily as his hand cupped her cheek. The bond between them flared hot like a star going supernova. When she opened them again, Orion saw his answer.

"Yes," she whispered. "That's what scares me the most."

Orion's chest swelled with satisfaction as Seraphina acknowledged the force pulling them together. Her admission—even with its cautious edge—was enough to make his wolf howl with delight. Her fear didn't concern him. Fear could be overcome. The connection between them couldn't be denied, and that was what truly mattered.

"That's precisely why you need to stay," he said, his thumb tracing the delicate curve of her cheekbone.

The contact sent electric pulses through his palm, confirming what his instincts had been telling him since the moment he'd spotted her on that Miami beach.

"These visions you're experiencing, Seraphina—they're not random. They're your Luna powers manifesting and growing."His voice deepened with authority. "You need to learn to control them before they control you."

Her bright green eyes widened slightly, and he could see the analytical part of her mind—the scientist—wrestling with concepts that defied her understanding of reality.