HER Young Mate (Completed)

Part Fifty-Five: Luna

Beneath the falling moon we panted in unison. We had run further and faster than we ever had in one night, together. Owen, realizing we hadn't returned, commanded the pack in its normal scouting routine. Danny and I, however, ran till nights end, making our bond and claim permanent. I felt so much elation and oneness with him. I felt so right. I felt so whole, and for the first time in forever, despite the bond that linked me to him, I felt free. Like fire. Like wind. I had ran like a free wolf in the night, knowing he was by my side; it meant nothing could go wrong. We collapsed to the forest floor as we changed back into humans. My bones were sore as they popped back into place, but more than anything I was simply tired.

"We- we should get back..." Danny said between breaths. I nodded, part of me wanted to stay like this forever, but the Luna in me was growing, and my heart swelled at the thought of seeing my family.

"I agree..." I nodded. We changed back into our clothes, our muscles sore, and our bellies grumbling. "Danny!" I laughed as he picked me up in his arms again. He smiled his sideway grin and carried me back towards the truck. We drove in near silence. I cuddled up to his side as the warm heater blasted over my cold cheeks, and when my lips felt cold I pressed them to his warm neck.

When we arrived home he pulled me from the truck the same way he placed me in it, and he walked me into the house. It was quiet and still, but it felt warm and peaceful in our home. Everyone else was already asleep, and likely giving us space; tomorrow most of what I consider my little family will be moving out, but I was glad they were sound asleep here and now. Danny placed me on the stool in the kitchen, and when I went to move off of it he kissed me and shook his head, and I knew to just wait.

In the calm early morning silence he made me a cup of coffee, and I watched him lovingly, trying to remember every movement he made; he looked so perfect, having just run he smelled like pine, and despite his disheveled hair and a dirt smudge across his cheek and parts of his bare chest, he looked flawless. Rugged and powerful; mine. A little growl built up under my breath.

"Love." He kissed me softly as he approached me, handed me my coffee, and pulled away again, going back to the fridge to pull out some food.

"Are you sure you don't want me to help?"

"Positive." He smirked.

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Danny's POV:

"What's wrong?" I asked as I put the spatula down and walked across the kitchen to her. She was crying suddenly, a quiet sniffling cry, tears streaming down her face. She shook her head and I picked her up, set her down on the counter, and wrapped my arms around her. "Cora, what is it?"

"I'm happy, I'm just- I'm feeling all of these emotions- at once- they're- they're so strong..." She hiccuped as she wiped her eyes. I sighed as I kissed her forehead, but I couldn't help but smile, feel pride like never before, pride so strong I wanted to cry myself, but instead it made me feel strong. Strong like I could move mountains or change the direction of the sea. I felt invincible.

"You'll be okay, you're just becoming the Luna. Officially." I smiled wider and kissed her forehead again. "Your connection to the others is growing stronger."

"Oh, that makes sense." She nodded, but she seemed sort of out of it, like she was on a mild drug- just feeling the motions instead of controlling them.

"You'll need to eat, and relax today, don't worry Coralie, you'll learn how to tune all of it down." I let my lips linger on her forehead longer this time as I kissed it. My hand instinctively went to brush her hair over her shoulder -she shuttered- and I watched her silky hair brush against the fresh scars on her neck. When I touched them with my finger tips she shivered, but she still seemed zoned out. I couldn't help, but to press my lips against the soft flesh of my claim. The skin felt warmer than the rest of her. I wanted so badly to touch her more, but knew how much she needed the rest. "You need sleep." I said quietly. She nodded.