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Orion retrieved the tattered guard's uniform he'd been wearing, grimacing as he pulled it on. The fabric was ripped in several places, but it would have to do until they reached the boat.

"Stay close to me," he instructed Seraphina, his tone brooking no argument.

She nodded, pressing against his side as they made their way through the corridors. Chance and the two elite guards formed a protective formation around them. Every sense remained on high alert as they navigated through the estate and into the jungle beyond.

The dense vegetation provided welcome cover as they moved swiftly toward the hidden cove. When they reached his stashed clothes, Orion changed quickly into his dark jeans and crisp black dress shirt, making sure to keep Seraphina in his sight.

Chance radioed the second team. "Package secured. Heading to extraction point. Meet you at Tristan's."

Static crackled before a voice responded. "Copy that. Western perimeter clear."

The speedboat sliced through the water, carrying them away from Iverson's island. Orion kept Seraphina tucked against his side, his arm a steel band around her shoulders. The salt spray misted her face, giving her skin a dewy glow that made his wolf rumble with appreciation.

"You were magnificent," she said softly, her fingers tracing patterns on his thigh. "Terrifying, but magnificent."

"Did I frighten you?" The question revealed more vulnerability than he'd normally allowed himself to show.

"No," she answered immediately. "You made me feel safe. Even as a wolf—especially as a wolf—I knew you wouldn't hurt me."

Pride swelled in him. His Luna was not only powerful but brave. The perfect match for a king who'd waited several lifetimes.

Within the hour, they had boarded the helicopter for the final leg home. As the aircraft lifted, giving them a panoramic view of the turquoise waters below, Orion reached into his pocket and withdrew the sapphire necklace.

"I believe this belongs to you," he said, the deep blue stone shimmering in the sunlight.

Seraphina's eyes widened. "You brought it with you?"

"I knew I would find you and bring you back home where you belong."

She turned, lifting her hair to expose the delicate nape of her neck. Orion fastened the clasp, then bent to press his lips against her skin, inhaling her intoxicating scent.

"Everything I have is yours," he murmured against her ear, "When we get home, I intend to show you exactly what that means."

TWENTY-ONE

SERAPHINA

The helicopter lowered onto the small airstrip on Orion's island, and the vibration beneath Seraphina's feet gradually stilled as the engine powered down. Through the tinted window, she could see the castle—Orion's castle—standing tall against the backdrop of the setting sun. It looked different now. Not like a cage but a sanctuary.

Orion opened the helicopter door and jumped down first, his powerful frame moving with fluid grace. He turned, extending his hand toward her.

"Let me help you, Luna," he said, his deep voice carrying easily over the dying whine of the rotors.

Seraphina placed her hand in his, feeling the warmth of his skin against hers as she stepped down, her sundress fluttering around her knees.

Chance approached them, flanked by the dozen pack members who'd assisted Orion in rescuing Seraphina from Iverson's estate, their eyes shining with victory.

"Thank you for coming for me," Seraphina said, her voice filled with emotion. "All of you."

Orion squeezed her hand before turning to his beta. "Chance, I owe you more than I can express."

Chance's mouth quirked in a half-smile. "Just doing my job as your beta. Plus, I thought we might need to leave some evidence behind, make it look more like an act of revenge from his enemies. Disposing of a U.S. Senator would've raised questions otherwise."

"The world is better without him," Orion said firmly. "His ambitions would have brought destruction to humans and shifters alike."

One of the elite guards stepped forward. "We would do anything for our alpha." His gaze shifted to Seraphina. "And for our Luna."

A warmth bloomed in Seraphina's chest at the word.Luna. She had resisted the title, fearing the responsibility it carried. Now, looking at these faces—these people who had risked their lives for her—she felt a sense of belonging she had never experienced.