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Her breath hitched again, a soft moan escaping her lips as she picked up the pace. Orion's hands moved to her breasts, his thumbs brushing over her nipples, teasing them into hardened peaks. She gasped, her hands moving to his chest, her nailsdigging into his skin as she lost herself completely in the sensation.

"Orion," she whispered, her voice trembling, and the sound of his name on her lips sent a shock of heat through him. He could feel her teetering on the edge, the way her body tightened around him, and he knew she was close.

"Let go, sweetheart," he urged. His hands moved to her hips, guiding her movements, driving himself deeper into her with every thrust.

She let out a cry, her body shuddering as her orgasm hit her with full force. Orion felt her inner walls clench around him, and it was the most electrifying sensation he’d ever experienced. He couldn’t hold back any longer. With a final, powerful thrust, he followed her over the edge, his release surging through him like a tidal wave. His body convulsed as he spilled himself inside her, a low, guttural growl escaping his lips.

For a moment, neither of them moved. Seraphina's body slumped against his, her head resting on his chest as they both caught their breath. Orion wrapped his arms around her, holding her close, his lips brushing against the top of her head. The room was quiet, the only sound the crackling of the fire and the steady rhythm of their breathing.

"Seraphina," he murmured, his voice low but filled with emotion. "You're everything I never knew I needed."

She lifted her head, her green eyes meeting his, and he saw the vulnerability in her gaze. The fear, the doubt, but also the hope. He reached up, brushing her dark hair from her face, his touch gentle.

"I don't know if I can be what you need," she whispered, her voice trembling.

Orion's heart ached at the uncertainty in her voice. He cupped her soft face with one hand, his thumb stroking her cheek. "You already are," he said, his voice firm but gentle."You're my Luna. And I'll spend the rest of my life proving that to you if I have to."

She searched his eyes, and for a moment, he thought she might argue. But then she let out a shaky breath, her body relaxing against his. "I'm just scared and unsure about what's happening," she whispered.

Orion's arms tightened around her, holding her close. "I know," he murmured. "But you don’t have to be. I'll protect you. Always."

For a long moment, neither of them spoke. The fire crackled in the background, and the room was filled with the scent of their passion, mingling with the faint aroma of sandalwood and sea salt. Orion's hand moved to her back, gently stroking the soft skin there, his touch soothing.

"Stay with me," Orion said, his voice soft but filled with determination. "Not just today. Always."

Seraphina didn't respond, looking very conflicted. Her bright green eyes held a mix of desire and doubt, hope and fear. Orion could sense her internal struggle, and though every fiber of his being wanted to demand an answer, he restrained himself.

Instead of forcing the issue, he decided to savor this moment a while longer. With a fluid movement that showcased his strength, he gently rolled them both onto their sides, pulling Seraphina into the curve of his body. Her soft curves fit perfectly against his hard planes, and he relished the warmth of her skin against his.

"We don't need to decide everything right now," he murmured, his lips brushing her ear.

His arms tightened around her, and he inhaled deeply, drinking in her scent - an intoxicating mix of jasmine and starlight.

"This feels right," he whispered, more to himself than to her. His wolf stirred contentedly within him, satisfied with their mate's proximity.

Seraphina relaxed slightly in his embrace. Orion allowed himself a small smile, feeling a sense of triumph in this moment. He knew she was scared and overwhelmed by the sudden changes in her life. But he also knew, with a bone-deep certainty, that she belonged here. With him.

FIFTEEN

SERAPHINA

Seraphina's mind whirled as she tried to process the last few hours. The weight of Orion's muscular arm draped possessively across her waist anchored her to this surreal reality. She had known this man for barely a day, yet she'd just given herself to him completely. Her body still hummed with aftershocks of pleasure that rippled outward from her core.

"I've never..." she whispered, trailing off as she struggled to find words adequate enough to describe what she had experienced.

Orion's chest rumbled against her back. "Neither have I. Not like this."

She almost laughed. A 400-year-old wolf king who'd surely had countless women, claiming she was somehow different? Yet the conviction in his voice made her believe him.

His earlier words echoed in her mind:"Stay with me. Not just today. Always."The request still hung between them, unanswered.

Seraphina traced the edge of his intricate tattoo on his arm. "How can this situation even be real?" she asked. "I'm apparently some wolf queen with psychic powers lying naked with the Alpha King of Starlight Island."

"Luna," he corrected, his breath hot on her neck. "And you're not 'apparently' anything. Youaremy Luna."

The possessiveness in his voice sent a fresh wave of desire through her body. Part of her—the growing, wild part—wanted to surrender to this pull between them. To believe in mate bonds and wolf shifters and her place as his queen.

But the logical astronomer in her brain flashed warning signals. "My whole life is back in Miami."