Page 17

FOURTEEN

NEREUS

N ereus watched the sun play across Isolde's curves as she slipped back into her jeans, admiring how the denim hugged her generous hips.

The sight was almost enough to make him want to strip her down again, but he restrained himself.

There would be time for that later. Right now, his Luna needed guidance.

He pulled on his own jeans but left his chest bare, enjoying the way her eyes kept drifting to his muscles.

"Your magical power isn't your enemy," he said, stepping closer to her. The ocean breeze tousled her blonde hair, and he fought the urge to run his fingers through it. "It's an extension of you."

"Easy for you to say." She buttoned her light blue blouse, which perfectly matched her eyes. "You've had centuries to practice."

Nereus smirked. "Are you calling me old?"

"If the shoe fits..." Her teasing smile sent a jolt straight to his core.

He moved behind her, placing his hands on her shoulders. Her body immediately responded, leaning back against his chest.

"Feel the water," he murmured against her ear. "Don't fight it. The ocean reacts to your emotions because it recognizes you as its daughter."

"That's what scares me." Her voice was but a whisper. "What if I get upset again and hurt someone?"

He turned her to face him, tipping her chin up with his finger. "That's why we're going to practice. Now."

He guided her to the water's edge where gentle waves lapped at their feet. The tide was coming in soon, perfect for what he had in mind.

"Close your eyes," he commanded. When she hesitated, he added more firmly, "Trust me, Isolde."

She complied, her lashes fluttering shut against her cheeks.

"Now, feel the pull of the tide. It's already moving with natural forces. Your job isn't to create the power, but to direct what's already there."

He placed his hand on her lower back, feeling her tremble slightly under his touch. The contact sent a surge through his own power, the ancient water magic that had been his birthright.

"Raise your hand," he instructed, his voice low and authoritative. "Palm facing the ocean."

She extended her arm, hesitant at first, then with more conviction.

"Now, visualize the water rising to meet you. Don't command it—invite it."

A small ripple appeared, different from the natural pattern of the waves. It moved toward shore with purpose.

"Yes," he encouraged, feeling pride swell in his chest. "That's it."

The water climbed, forming a column about a foot high.

"I'm doing it!" Her eyes flew open in wonder, and for a second, the water wavered.

"Focus," he said, pressing his body against her back, his arms encircling her waist. "Feel how our powers mesh together."

The sensation was intoxicating. Where his skin met hers, energy flowed between them, amplifying and harmonizing. The water column grew higher, more stable.

"This is..." she breathed.

"Us," he finished. "Together. This is what the mate bond means. My strength flows into you, yours into me."

He guided her other hand up, and the water split into two dancing columns.

"When you feel yourself losing control," he continued, "remember this sensation. Our connection acts as an anchor."

She turned her head, her lips tantalizingly close to his. "So I just need to keep you around all the time?"

"That’s the plan," he replied with a wolfish grin.

The water columns wobbled as she laughed softly, then collapsed with a splash.

"That was simply incredible," she said, turning fully in his arms.

He brushed her damp hair from her face. "No, you're simply incredible. And this is just the beginning of what you'll be able to do."

He immediately sensed a shift in her energy.

Her sea-blue eyes clouded over, her shoulders slumping as the reality of her newfound powers crashed over her.

The sight of his Luna in distress triggered every protective instinct in his body.

He wrapped his arms tighter around her, refusing to let her spiral into darkness.

"I don't think I can stay here near the water," she whispered, her gaze fixed on him. "I should really go inland, somewhere far from the ocean."

He felt his wolf bristle at the mere suggestion. His Luna, leaving? Unacceptable.

"No." The single syllable held the weight of his centuries of authority. "You will not run from who you are."

"But I destroyed?—"

"You're not listening." He cut her off abruptly. "Running from your true nature isn't the answer. It never is."

Her full lips trembled slightly, and he fought the urge to claim them with his own. Later, he promised his wolf. First, she needed to understand.

"Your powers aren't just about destruction, Isolde." He softened his tone. "They're about life. About healing. About harmony with the very essence of this world."

The wind picked up around them, tousling her hair. He brushed a strand from her face, allowing his fingers to linger against her cheek. The contact sent a current of electricity between them—their mate bond strengthening with each touch.

"But the research station?—"

"Is just a building," he finished for her. "No one was hurt. And I'd bet every dollar in my accounts that all your precious research was backed up to those cloud servers you scientists love so much."

A hint of a smile tugged on her lips, and he pressed his advantage.

"Besides," he continued, his thumb tracing the curve of her jaw, "I've already directed my team to rebuild the station. Better equipment, expanded facilities—whatever you need."

"You can't just throw money at everything," she countered, but there was no heat in her words.

He chuckled, a deep rumble that originated from his chest. "Watch me."

He pulled her closer, reveling in how perfectly her curves fit against his hard frame. His wolf howled in approval at the contact. This woman—this magnificent, powerful creature—was meant for him. Had always been meant for him.

"Think of what you'll be able to accomplish now," he murmured against her ear, feeling her shiver in response. "Not just with a new facility, but with your powers."

She pulled back slightly, curiosity brightening her eyes. "What do you mean?"

"The connection you've always felt with the ocean?

It wasn't just passion or interest—it was your power calling out to you.

" His arms tightened further around her waist, anchoring her to him.

"Imagine what you could do for marine conservation now.

Healing ocean life, redirecting pollution, and guiding endangered species to safety. "

He watched her face as the possibilities dawned on her, satisfaction flooding his veins. This was his Luna—intelligent, compassionate, and powerful. He would help her see her full potential, even if he had to drag her kicking and screaming toward it.

"You really think I could do all that?"

"I know you can." He pressed his forehead against hers, their breath mingling in the salt-laden air. "But not if you're hiding in some landlocked state, pretending to be something you're not."

Her hands came up to rest against his bare chest, and he felt her power humming just beneath her skin, responding to his own.

"I'm scared, though," she admitted, vulnerability shining in her eyes.

"You don’t have to be. I’ll help you through it and keep you safe. I promise."

He lowered his head, capturing her lips in a kiss that was equal parts dominance and tenderness. He poured all of himself into it, branding her as his. When he finally pulled away, her cheeks were flushed and her breathing unsteady.

"Stay with me," he commanded, though he knew the decision had to be hers. "Stay and become who you were always meant to be. My Luna. The ocean's daughter. A force of nature in your own right."

The lingering hesitation in her frustrated him, yet he understood her fear. Power like hers—raw, untamed, magnificent—would terrify anyone who didn't understand its purpose.

"You might think your powers are a curse," he stated, his eyes locking onto hers. "But they're not. They're a gift."

Her piercing blue eyes bore into his, reflecting both doubt and yearning. "A gift that destroys."

"A gift that will rebuild better than before." He reached for her hand, savoring the electric spark where their skin connected. His wolf growled approvingly within him. "Walk with me."

He didn't phrase it as a question. Alphas didn't typically ask; they directed. Yet he was careful not to drag her, allowing her to follow his lead willingly. That was the delicate balance he needed to master with his Luna—guiding without forcing.

The private stretch of beach before them was pristine, untouched by the pollution that plagued so many coastlines. He had made certain of that over the centuries, using his influence and power to protect what belonged to the Seafang pack.

"Your powers are essential to us," he explained, his voice deep and unwavering. "A pack without a Luna is vulnerable. We need your strength."

"What if I can't learn to control it?" Her curves brushed against his side as she walked, sending a rush of heat through his body.

"You will." He didn't entertain her doubt. "Because you must."

They rounded a bend in the shoreline, and he immediately sensed distress in the water. His heightened senses detected it before his eyes confirmed—a young seal pup stranded on the rocks, bleeding from a gash on its side.

Perfect. The universe had provided exactly what he needed to show her.

"Look," he directed, pointing toward the injured creature. "The ocean has brought you a test."

She gasped, immediately moving toward the pup. Her instinctive compassion was exactly what made her the ideal Luna—strong yet empathetic, powerful yet gentle.

"Stop," he commanded when she was halfway to the rocks. "This isn't about rushing in with human help. Use what's inside you."

She froze, confusion clouding her features. "I don't know how."

"Yes, you do." He moved behind her, his chest against her back, his hands on her hips. The contact sent his wolf into a frenzy of possessive pleasure. "Feel the water calling to you. It wants to help its creatures. You're just the conduit."

Her body tensed against his, then gradually relaxed as she closed her eyes. He felt the surge of power building between them—his ancient magic recognizing and amplifying hers.

"That's it," he murmured against her ear, inhaling the intoxicating scent of her skin. "Direct the water to heal, not harm."

The tide shifted subtly, water swirling around the rocks where the pup lay whimpering. A luminescent blue glow emanated from the water as it encircled the creature, bathing the wound in light.

"It's working," she whispered, her voice filled with wonder.

He felt pride swell within him. His Luna was extraordinary—learning in days what had taken others years to master. The mate bond between them intensified the sensation, creating a feedback loop of power and pleasure.

The seal pup's cries quieted as the water cleansed and sealed its wound. When the glow subsided, the creature lifted its head, alert and healed.

"I did that?" She turned in his arms, her eyes wide with amazement.

"You did." He couldn't resist capturing her lips in a possessive kiss, claiming her triumph as their shared victory. When he pulled back, she was breathless.

The seal pup barked once before sliding back into the waves, disappearing beneath the surface.

"The ocean isn't just your workplace, Isolde.

It's part of you. Part of us." His hands slid down to cup her generous curves, appreciating the softness that his wolf found so appealing.

"Every creature in these waters will benefit from your protection.

Every coral reef will flourish under your care. "

Her eyes sparkled. "My research—I could do so much more now."

"Exactly." He smiled, a rare expression that transformed his usually hard features. "Your powers serve the pack, the ocean, your work, and yourself. All aligned in perfect harmony."

"I've been fighting it," she admitted, her hands resting on his chest. "Afraid of what I might do."

"Fear has its place," he acknowledged, his thumb tracing her lower lip. "But it shouldn't stop you from becoming what you were born to be—my Luna, powerful and unafraid."

The ocean breeze swirled around them, responding to her acceptance and newfound confidence. He felt the shift in her energy—no longer chaotic and resistant, but flowing and purposeful.

"I'm ready," she declared, her chin lifting with determination that made his inner wolf howl with delight. "Teach me everything."

The alpha in him thrilled at her submission to his guidance, while the man appreciated her strength. She would be no weak Luna, but a true partner—exactly what he needed after centuries of solitary rule.

"We start now," he growled, pulling her flush against his body. "And I guarantee, you'll enjoy every lesson."