The Royal Luna (Book 1)

2

SIX YEARS LATER

"What are you doing?" I asked, slowly opening my eyes, the morning light gradually filling the room. I blinked a few times, adjusting to the brightness and the newfound clarity. As I rubbed my eyes, I felt two strong hands gently pulling my hands away, and I looked up to see Zion, my boyfriend, and mate, leaning down to kiss my neck, leaving a trail of feather-light kisses down to my chest.

"You smell so good, baby," he whispered, causing a blush to creep up my cheeks. His lips continued to plant kisses, moving from my chest up to my jaw, igniting sparks and sending tingles throughout my body. The sensation was both exciting and overwhelming, pulling me out of my sleepy daze and grounding me in the present moment. Zion's husky voice brought me back to reality. "Good morning, baby girl," he greeted me, his voice filled with warmth and affection. Our reality felt like a dream, a perfect world where I had been given a second chance by the love goddess herself.

I marveled at the love and respect I received from Zion, my best friend turned boyfriend and mate. He treated me with the utmost care, making me feel like a priority rather than a choice. I basked in the adoration and worship he showered upon me, feeling truly blessed to have him in my life. The connection we shared was something I had always dreamed of, and now it was a reality beyond my wildest imagination.

Zion's lips continued their exploration, and I couldn't resist the overwhelming desire any longer. I grabbed his face in my hands, pressed his cheeks, and kissed him passionately, losing myself in the intensity of the moment. With a mischievous smile, I broke away, quickly getting up from the bed and darting toward the bathroom, playfully locking the door behind me. "Kallisto!" Zion's voice rang out, his hand banging on the door, as I hummed to myself, shedding my clothes and stepping into the refreshing cascade of the cold shower. The cold water enveloped my body, washing away any lingering heat and dispersing the lingering desire. I stood there, allowing the droplets to fall on me simultaneously, creating a symphony of sensations that calmed my senses and cleared my mind.---"Zion?" I called out, making my way to the kitchen, a hint of an unfamiliar song humming in my ears. I followed the enticing aroma of bacon and eggs, leading me to find Zion, my god-like mate, cooking breakfast. He wore a white t-shirt and blue ripped jeans, looking effortlessly handsome and at ease.
As I approached him, he turned toward me, a smile spreading across his face. He walked over and kissed my mark, sending shivers down my spine. "Hello, beautiful," he greeted me, his touch making my whole body quiver in response.

I marveled at the fact that a night that was supposed to be just for eating cookies, meant to drown out the sorrows and forget the past, had transformed into something extraordinary. It had become a night that would forever be etched in our memories as the beginning of a deep and profound connection. Zion was more than I could have ever asked for in a mate, and I felt truly blessed to have him by my side.He looked down at my smaller frame, his gaze filled with adoration and planted a gentle kiss on my forehead. Heat crept up to my cheeks, and I couldn't help but smile, completely captivated by his love. "I love you, Kallisto Marshall," he declared, his words washing over me like a warm embrace."I love you, Zion York," I replied, my voice filled with sincerity and affection. With that, he peckedmy lips and turned around to finish preparing breakfast for us.---Later, as I sat at the kitchen island, enjoying the delicious meal Zion had prepared, I received a text message from Cassey. It caught my attention, as it seemed out of the ordinary. "What was that?" Zion asked from across the island, his eyes focused on me as he served himself a cup of coffee.

"Just a text from Cassey, no big deal," I replied, trying to dismiss it as inconsequential. Zion nodded, sipping his coffee and occasionally stealing a sip from my glass of orange juice. I giggled at his new habit, causing him to frown playfully.

"I know it's not healthy," he responded, his tone serious, "but I can't help it." I chuckled, shaking my head at his stubbornness, and pulled the glass away from him. He playfully rolled his eyes at me, but his eyes twinkled with affection. "Excuse me, ma'am," he said, grabbing the glass and drinking it all at once.I stared at him with my mouth hanging open, feigning shock at his audacity. "Rude," I playfully scolded him, and he leaned over to kiss my cheek, making me blush. I couldn't help but feel overwhelmed by my love for this incredible man. "Should I wait for you tonight?" I asked, a hint of disappointment in my voice.

Zion shook his head, a solemn expression on his face. "No, there's training, and we'll probably be late. I don't want you to wait up for me. Also, don't bother making dinner for me; I'll probably eat with the guys," he explained, causing my pout to deepen. The thought of being away from him for an extended period saddened me. "But I'll come home to sleep, I promise. Things are just hectic with the upcoming events."

Curiosity sparked within me. "What events?" I inquired, searching his eyes for answers. He kissed my forehead, his gaze intense and filled with a mixture of emotions. His eyes transitioned from dark to a captivating blue and back again, enchanting me. "I'll be at the café all day," I stated, and he nodded approvingly.

"Good girl," he commended me, his words bringing a blush to my cheeks. The power of his eyes over me never ceased to amaze me. After a while, I gathered my things and left for the coffee shop, heading to my car parked in front of our home. I admired the red Porsche, parked near the flower pots that Zion had planted himself because I had mentioned liking them. It was just another testament to his thoughtfulness and love.

As I drove, I rolled down the windows, enjoying the fresh air and being greeted by pack members and the chaotic traffic. I glanced at a billboard in front of me, where I saw a picture of the king. It struck me that I had never met the king, nor had I seen a picture of him before, especially the new king. I recalled meeting the previous king and queen when I first arrived, but rumors swirled about the queen not being the king's true mate. The circumstances surrounding her departure remained a mystery, with conflicting accounts suggesting her death or her rejection and subsequent escape. It was a curse that seemed to run in the family, as even the woman destined to be the future queen had rejected the upcoming king.

Whores!

My wolf jeered, quick to pass judgment without knowing the full story.I countered, "You don't know the reason behind it; don't be so quick to judge." Silence fell between us as we pondered the complexity of the situation. A mate was meant to stand by your side through thick and thin, a soulmate who had your back just as you had theirs. But what if the mate turned out to be abusive?

You hit him back!

My wolf retorted, fueled by a fierce determination.

"But what if I end up killing him?" I posed the question, reminding my wolf of the gravity of such actions. She fell silent, conceding my point. "That's what I thought," I said, a tinge of sadness in my voice.
The billboard caught my attention again, displaying a picture of Zion. The words "YOUNG KING INVITES PACKS TO THE ROYAL BALL" grabbed my attention, leaving me intrigued and surprised by the unexpected turn of events.