Page 11

ELEVEN

HELENA

H elena woke to the unfamiliar weight of a muscular arm draped across her body. Her body cocooned in a warmth that had nothing to do with her newfound fire powers. She blinked in the gentle morning light filtering through heavy curtains, momentarily disoriented until the memories of the previous night rushed back.

Oh. My. God.

She had slept with a man she’d just met. A wolf shifter man who claimed she was his fated mate and the co-leader of his pack.

Helena studied Sol’s sleeping face—the strong line of his jaw softened in slumber, and his dark lashes resting against his cheeks. His neatly trimmed beard had left the most delicious burn against her inner thighs, and the memory sent a fresh surge of intense heat through her body.

“This is so crazy,” she whispered to herself, careful not to wake him.

Her hand hovered over his intricate tattoo, tracing the air above the design without touching his skin. It was beautiful and powerful—just like him. For a woman who had built her life around routines and predictability, this sudden plunge into the supernatural felt like diving headfirst off a cliff.

And yet.

When Sol had touched her, something primal had flickered inside her. The connection between them seemed to transcend physical attraction. It felt like...coming home.

“Maybe there is something to this whole mate bond thing,” she murmured, her fingers finally making contact with his warm skin.

Sol’s eyes fluttered open immediately, his vibrant green irises fixing on her with an intensity that stole her breath.

“Good morning, Luna.” His voice rumbled from deep in his chest as he pulled her closer. “Having second thoughts already?”

Helena propped herself up on one elbow, her red hair cascading over her bare shoulder. “How did you know I was thinking about that?”

“Your face gives everything away.” His fingers traced her jawline. “Plus, it’s what any sensible human would think after learning they’re suddenly part of a world they never knew existed.”

“Am I that transparent?”

“Only to me.” He captured a lock of her hair between his fingers, rubbing the strand as if testing its texture. “And for the record, I’ve never brought anyone to my bed before. Not in this castle.”

That revelation stunned her. “Never? But you’re?—“

“Hundreds of years old?” A crooked smile revealed the hint of a dimple. “When you’ve been waiting for your Luna, others pale in comparison.”

Helena’s fingers found the sheets, twisting them. “I’ve never done anything like this. Slept with someone I just met.”

“I’d hope not.” His possessive tone should have irritated her, but instead it sent a thrill down her spine. “You’ve always been mine, Helena. Even before you knew it.”

The conviction in his voice made her shiver. “I’m not completely convinced about all this Luna business, but...” She bit her lower lip. “I’m willing to stay. Today, at least. Learn about these powers before I start something else on fire.”

Sol’s eyes darkened with something primal. “And learn about me? About us?”

“That too.” She couldn’t help the flush creeping up her neck. “The sex was...”

“Earth-shattering? Life-changing? Cosmically ordained?” He grinned, rolling her beneath him in one fluid movement.

Helena laughed despite herself. “Your ego is the size of your castle.”

“Not ego when it’s facts.” His lips brushed her collarbone, sending sparks through her body—literal sparks that danced across her fingertips. “Look at that. Your fire seems to respond to me.”

Helena stared at her fingers in wonder. “Teach me how to control it. Please.”

Sol’s expression shifted to something more serious and more alpha. “I will. But first, I’ll show you what it means to be part of the Sunflare pack. What it means to be mine.”

The way he said “mine” should have set off all her independence alarms, but instead, it seemed to feel right in a way nothing else had before.

“Deal,” Helena whispered, sealing her promise with a kiss that threatened to ignite more than just her newfound powers.

Helena slipped out from beneath the silk sheets, acutely aware of Sol’s eyes tracking her every movement. She reached for her green sundress, feeling strangely shy despite their intimacy the night before.

“I could get used to this view,” Sol drawled from the bed, making no move to hide his appreciation of her naked form.

Heat bloomed across Helena’s cheeks. “Stop staring and get dressed. I’m starving.”

Sol chuckled, finally rising in one fluid motion that displayed his muscular physique to perfection. Helena tried—and failed—not to stare at his intricate tattoo spanning his upper arm, the mysterious symbols seeming to shift with the play of muscles beneath his skin.

“What does your tattoo mean?” she asked, pulling her dress over her head.

“It tells the story of our pack.” He came up behind her, his breath warm against her neck as he helped zip her dress. “I’ll explain it to you someday.”

The casual mention of “someday” sent an unexpected thrill through Helena. It implied a future together—something she wasn’t entirely convinced about yet, but couldn’t deny wanting for some strange reason.

When they entered the dining room, Helena’s chef’s instincts immediately kicked in at the spread before them. Platters of fresh fruit, pastries still steaming from the oven, and something that smelled divine simmering in a copper pot.

“Is that what I think it is?” Helena moved closer to the pot, inhaling deeply.

“Fig and cardamom compote. My chef remembered you mentioning your fondness for it last night.”

Helena blinked in surprise. “I barely mentioned it in passing.”

“Nothing about you is insignificant to us now, Luna.” The gravity in his tone made her stomach flutter.

As they ate, Helena couldn’t help comparing techniques with what she would have done. “This glaze on the pastries—I’d add just a touch more orange zest.”

“Perhaps you’d like to show him some time.” Sol’s eyes never left her face. “The kitchen is yours whenever you wish.”

“I’d like that,” she admitted, surprised at how natural it felt to imagine herself in this place.

After breakfast, Sol led her to a wood-paneled library where an older man waited, surrounded by ancient-looking books.

“Helena, this is Mitesh, my royal advisor and historian.” Sol’s hand rested possessively at the small of her back. “He’s going to help you understand your powers and your role as Luna.”

Mitesh bowed slightly, his eyes twinkling with wisdom. “It’s an honor to meet you, Luna. I’ve waited centuries for this day.”

“Centuries?” Helena’s eyebrows shot up.

“Indeed. The last human-born Luna was over three hundred years ago.” Mitesh gestured to the table laden with books. “Her story is detailed here, along with everything we know about the fire powers you possess.”

Helena ran her fingers over an ancient leather-bound tome. “I must admit, this is all pretty overwhelming.”

“Well then, let’s start with the basics. The power that connects Alpha and Luna is sacred,” Mitesh explained, opening one of the books to reveal illustrations of flames intertwining with wolf silhouettes. “Your fire doesn’t just exist alongside Sol’s wolf—it enhances it and makes it stronger. And in turn, his presence will help you control your flames.”

Helena glanced at Sol, who watched her with that intensity that made her breath catch.

“When you claimed her last night,” Mitesh continued, seemingly oblivious to Helena’s blush, “the mate bond grew stronger. You’ll both notice changes in your abilities.”

Sol nodded. “I felt it this morning. My wolf is...more present and more powerful.”

After an hour of explanations that left Helena’s head spinning, Mitesh excused himself. Sol closed the book they’d been examining and took her hand.

“Enough theory for now. Let’s see the gardens.” His thumb traced circles on her palm. “Fresh air will help clear your mind.”

The summer air greeted them with a kiss of warmth as they stepped outside. Helena gasped at the sight of meticulously maintained gardens stretching as far as she could see—roses climbing stone walls, fountains sparkling in the sunlight, and hidden alcoves promising privacy.

“It’s beautiful,” she whispered.

Sol tucked her hair behind her ear. “Not as beautiful as you with the sun on your hair.”

Sol guided Helena through the immaculately maintained gardens. Her fingertips trailed over velvet rose petals and smooth stone balustrades as they walked. Each turn revealed another breathtaking view—sculptures nestled among flowering bushes and koi ponds glimmering beneath weeping willows. She couldn’t reconcile the man beside her with this fairy tale setting. A wolf prince with his own castle and gardens straight out of a storybook.

“Did you design all this?” she asked, gesturing at a particularly stunning arrangement of blue delphiniums.

“I’ve had centuries to perfect it.” Sol’s hand found her lower back, guiding her toward a stone path that led away from the formal gardens. “But the forest beyond—that’s where I feel most at home.”

As they ventured into the woods, Helena felt the shift in the air—cooler and richer with earthy scents. Sol moved with unmistakable confidence, occasionally glancing back to make sure she was keeping pace.

“Where exactly are we going?” She stepped over a fallen log, admiring how the dappled sunlight played across the forest floor.

“Somewhere you can practice without burning down my castle.” His eyes glinted with mischief. “Unless that was your plan all along?”

Helena laughed. “I think I’ve caused enough destruction for now.”

They soon emerged into a clearing where a stone fire pit sat at the center, surrounded by what looked like purposefully arranged seating logs. The space felt ancient—sacred, somehow—with the trees forming a perfect circle around them.

“Our ancestors have used this clearing for fire ceremonies for thousands of years.” Sol’s voice deepened with reverence. “I can’t think of a better place for you to connect with your power.”

Helena approached the fire pit cautiously, her palms suddenly warm with anticipation. “How do I start?”

Sol positioned himself behind her, his chest pressing against her back as he took her hands in his. “Close your eyes. Feel the heat beneath your skin.”

His breath tickled her ear, sending a delicious shiver through her body. Helena closed her eyes, suddenly aware of every point where their bodies connected—his hands cradling hers, his thighs against the back of her legs, and his chest expanding against her shoulders with each breath.

“Now picture the flames,” he murmured, “rising from your core, traveling through your veins to your fingertips.”

Heat bloomed inside her, not unlike the desire she’d felt in his bed, but wilder—more ancient. It gathered in her chest then raced down her arms in thrilling waves.

“I can feel it,” she whispered, her voice catching.

“Direct it toward the fire pit. Let it go, Helena.”

When she opened her eyes, flames danced from her fingertips, arcing gracefully into the pit where they caught the kindling. The fire roared to life, higher than she expected, and Helena gasped in delight.

“I did it!”

“You did.” Pride colored Sol’s voice as he moved to stand beside her. “Now make it smaller. Imagine drawing the energy back toward you, just a little.”

Helena furrowed her brow, concentrating on the flames. They hesitated, then shrank to a more manageable size.

“Perfect.” Sol circled her, his green eyes reflecting the firelight. “Now move it to the left side of the pit.”

With a flick of her wrist, the flames shifted. Helena laughed in disbelief. “This is incredible!”

“You’re incredible.” Sol’s expression was intense and hungry—the alpha fully present. “My Luna is a natural.”

The possessive claim in his voice should have bothered her, but instead, it felt natural and correct—as if some part of her had been waiting to hear those words all her life.

Helena couldn’t contain her excitement at this moment. The power surging through her veins felt right, like finding a part of herself that had been missing all these years. Without thinking, she threw herself at Sol, her hands clasping his face as she kissed him with newfound confidence.

His response was immediate and consuming. One hand tangled in her red hair while the other wrapped around her waist, pulling her flush against him. The kiss deepened, and Helena felt her fire respond, warming her skin from within. When they finally broke apart, both were breathing heavily.

“That was...” She traced her fingers over his jawline, feeling the perfect roughness of his beard beneath her fingertips.

“A proper way to celebrate.” Sol’s eyes gleamed with pride and something deeper, a hunger that made her stomach flutter. “Would you like to see something special? A place I’ve never shown anyone else.”

“Even after hundreds of years?” Helena teased, finding it easier to accept his impossible age now that she’d witnessed supernatural power firsthand.

Sol took her hand, his thumb brushing her knuckles. “This place has been mine alone. Until now.”

They ventured deeper into the woods, leaving the ceremonial clearing behind. Helena noticed how the forest seemed to part for Sol, branches bending away as if recognizing their alpha. The ground rose gradually beneath their feet, and the trees grew older, their trunks wider and more gnarled.

“How much farther?” Helena asked, ducking under a low-hanging branch that Sol held aside for her.

“Getting tired already?” His voice carried that teasing challenge that made her want to prove herself.

“Not even close.” She squeezed his hand. “Just curious what could be so special that the mighty alpha has kept it all to himself for centuries.”

“Patience.” He pulled her closer as they navigated a narrow path between two massive rocks. “Some treasures are worth the wait.”

The forest grew denser, the canopy overhead creating a cathedral-like filter for the golden afternoon sunlight. Helena breathed in the scent of pine and earth, feeling strangely at home despite never having been much of an outdoorswoman before.

“Listen,” Sol whispered, pausing their trek.

Helena held her breath, tuning her senses to the forest. At first, she heard nothing beyond the usual woodland sounds—breeze rustling leaves, distant bird calls—but then a new sound emerged: water, flowing fast and powerful.

“Is that a river?” she asked, following Sol as he guided her through a thicket of ferns.

“Something better.” His smile held secrets that made her pulse quicken. “We’re close now.”

As they climbed over a fallen log, Sol suddenly stopped, pulling Helena against his chest. His body tensed, alert in a way that reminded her this man was also a predator.

“What is it?” she whispered, scanning the trees.

“Nothing dangerous.” Sol’s lips brushed her ear, sending delicious shivers through her. “Just making sure we’re alone. This moment is only for us.”