TWENTY-THREE

NEREUS

N ereus stood on the deck of the siren's yacht with his naked body pressed against Isolde who was clad only in a turquoise bikini that perfectly accentuated her curvy form. His arms wrapped tighter around her, his heart pounding against her chest. She was alive and safe in his arms.

The ocean breeze whipped through Isolde's blonde hair, carrying away the last vestiges of tension from their battle.

Around them, his pack was cleaning up, dispatching the last of the siren's minions.

Pride swelled in Nereus's chest—pride for his pack who had rallied behind him, but most of all, pride for his Luna who had embraced her power and vanquished their enemy.

"The pack actually wanted to save me," Isolde whispered against his chest, her sea-blue eyes gazing up at him in wonder.

"Of course, they did." His voice was a low rumble as he brushed some strands of hair from her cheek. "You're their Luna. You're my Luna."

Nereus turned to his beta, Xavier, who was directing the cleanup operations.

"Take everyone back to the territory," he commanded. "Make sure the wounded are tended to. And prepare for a celebration tonight."

Xavier nodded, his eyes flickering briefly to Isolde with newfound respect. "Yes, Your Highness."

As his pack members filed back to their boats, Nereus kept Isolde pressed against him, relishing the feel of her curves against his skin. Centuries of waiting, and here she was—his perfect Luna.

Once they were alone, Nereus guided her below deck. "Let's see what this yacht has to offer," he murmured, his hand trailing down her spine, causing her to shiver.

The cabin was luxurious—all polished wood and gleaming chrome with a massive bed dominating the space. Nereus kicked the door shut behind them, then pulled Isolde against him, unable to contain himself any longer.

"I thought I had lost you," he growled, his fingers tangling in her hair. "When I found your houseboat empty..." The memory of that moment sent a fresh wave of terror through him.

Her hands moved up his chest, her touch both soothing and electrifying. "But you found me."

"I will always find you." The words were a vow, spoken with all the authority of an alpha prince who had lived centuries. "You're my Luna, Isolde."

He captured her lips in a kiss that was equal parts tender and fierce, pouring all his fear, relief, and overwhelming love into it. Her body melted against his, responding with equal passion. The mate bond hummed between them, vibrant and undeniable.

Nereus backed her toward the bed, his large hands sliding down to cup the full curves of her hips that he found so delectable. Even after centuries of life, he had never wanted anyone the way he wanted Isolde.

"I'm never letting you out of my sight again," he said against her lips.

Isolde pulled back just enough to look into his eyes, a mischievous smile playing at her lips. "Is that an alpha command or a promise?"

He chuckled, the sound rumbling deep in his chest. "It's a desperate plea from a man who's been waiting too long for his other half."

"Well," she whispered, her fingers tracing the hard planes of his chest, "in that case, I think I can accommodate you."

Nereus lowered her onto the bed, his body covering hers. "Show me again," he demanded softly, "Show me your power."

Isolde's eyes sparkled with newfound confidence as she raised her hand. A small sphere of water materialized above them, catching the moonlight filtering in through the porthole and casting prismatic reflections across their skin.

"Simply beautiful," Nereus breathed, not just meaning her magic.

Nereus hovered above her, his eyes darkening with desire and his body radiating heat.

She was absolutely breathtaking, her blonde hair fanned out like a halo and her sea-blue eyes glazed with need.

He couldn’t get enough of her—her curves, her scent, the way she melted into him as if they were two halves of the same soul.

He captured her lips in a passionate kiss, and his tongue soon slid against hers, teasing and claiming.

Her hands roamed his back, her nails lightly scratching his skin, sending jolts of electricity through him.

He growled low in his throat, the sound rumbling through her as his hands slid down her bikini-clad body.

He traced the curve of her waist, the swells of her hips, the softness of her thighs, and she moaned into his mouth.

"Let me see all of you," he murmured, his voice thick with hunger.

She nodded, her breath coming in short gasps as he slowly peeled off her turquoise bikini.

He tossed it aside, his gaze devouring her naked form.

She was perfect—her full breasts, the delicate curve of her stomach, and the way her hips flared just enough to drive him wild.

He leaned down, trailing kisses along her collarbone, her shoulders, and the swell of her breasts.

"You're so beautiful," he said, his deep voice rough with need. "Every inch of your body."

Her fingers tangled in his hair as he moved lower, his lips brushing over the curve of her stomach.

He loved the way her body responded to him—the way her breath hitched, the way her skin flushed, and the way she squirmed beneath him.

He soon reached the apex of her thighs, her wetness a clear sign of how much she wanted him.

He inhaled deeply, her scent intoxicating, and he couldn’t wait any longer.

"Look at me," he commanded, his voice firm yet tender.

Her eyes fluttered open, locking with his.

He held her gaze as he slowly licked her sensitive folds, savoring the taste of her.

She gasped, her hips bucking against his mouth, but he pinned her down with a firm hand on her stomach.

He teased her, alternating between soft licks and slow sucks, drawing out her pleasure until she was writhing beneath him.

"Nereus, please," she begged, her voice trembling. "I need more."

He chuckled darkly, the sound vibrating against her skin.

"Patience, my Luna," he murmured, before diving back in with primal hunger.

He licked and sucked her with fervor, his tongue flicking rapidly over her clit, and his fingers teasing her entrance.

Her moans grew louder, more desperate, and he knew she was close.

"Come for me," he growled against her.

She obeyed, her body arching off the bed as she screamed out her pleasure.

He didn't stop, though, drawing out her orgasm until she was trembling, her spent body falling back onto the bed.

He kissed his way back up her body, savoring the taste of her on his lips.

When he reached her face, she pulled him into a deep, passionate kiss, their tongues tangling as she tasted herself on him.

She pushed him back against the bed, her eyes gleaming with mischief. "My turn," she whispered, her voice sultry.

He raised an eyebrow, a smirk playing on his lips. "Oh? And what do you plan to do?"

She didn't answer, just kissed her way down his chest, her lips leaving a trail of fire in their wake. When she reached his large throbbing member, she looked up at him, her eyes dark with desire. "May I?"

He let out a low groan. "You don't need to ask," he said, his voice thick with need.

She licked her lips, her eyes devouring him, and he nearly lost control right then and there. But he held on, watching her as she slowly licked the length of him, her tongue swirling around the tip. He groaned loudly, his fingers tangling in her hair as she took him into her mouth.

She worked him with a rhythm that had him seeing stars, her hand moving in sync with her mouth. He could feel the pressure building, the pleasure coiling in his gut, but he wasn't ready to let go. Not yet.

"Wait," he gasped, pulling her away gently. She looked up, her lips swollen, her eyes filled with confusion.

"What's wrong?" she asked, her voice breathless.

"Nothing's wrong," he said gently. "I just want to savor this night."

She smiled, her eyes softening as she climbed back up his body, her curves pressing against him. "Then let's savor it together," she whispered in his ear, her breath hot against his neck.

Her body was a masterpiece above him. Her curves glowed in the moonlight that streamed in through the yacht’s porthole. His hands gripped her hips, his fingers digging into her soft skin as she straddled him. Her eyes locked onto his, her hair cascading over her shoulders.

She then leaned down, her breasts brushing against his chest, and captured his lips in a searing kiss.

Her tongue slid against his, and he groaned, his hands moving up her back to tangle in her hair.

She pulled away slightly, her breath hot against his skin, and whispered, "I want to feel all of you inside me. "

His large member throbbed at her words, and he watched as she positioned herself above him. She took him in her hand, guiding him to her entrance, and slowly sank down onto him. Her tight, wet heat enveloped him, and he let out a guttural growl, his hands gripping her hips tighter.

"Isolde," he growled, his voice rough with primal need. "You feel so good."

She moaned, her head falling back as she took him completely inside her. "I love how big you are," she breathed, her voice trembling with pleasure. "You fill me so perfectly."

His wolf stirred inside him, primal and possessive, as he watched her adjust to his size. Her body was made for him, and he couldn't wait to claim her fully tonight as his mate. But he forced himself to be patient, letting her set the pace.

She began to move, her hips rolling in a slow, sensual rhythm that had him seeing stars again. Her hands rested on his chest, her nails digging into his skin as she moaned his name.

"Nereus," she breathed.

"That's it, my Luna," he encouraged, his hands moving to her ass, squeezing the soft flesh. "Take what you need from me."