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Chapter 16: Shadows of Reflection
Terakhir Diperbarui:
2024-12-06 19:09:39
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The Luna's Tattoos Chapter 17: The Beast Within
Lucien’s POVThe air in my bedroom was suffocating, heavy with a tension I couldn’t shake. Every breath I took felt shallow, my chest constricting as though the walls themselves were closing in on me. My wolf stirred restlessly beneath my skin, clawing at the edges of my sanity.“She’s here,” it whispered, dark and demanding. “So close. Let me see her.”I gritted my teeth and clenched my fists, digging my claws into my palms to keep them from fully extending. I had promised myself I’d control this for Olivia’s sake. But every second she was near, my resolve frayed a little more.I couldn’t stay here. Not like this.Before I realized it, I was moving, my body acting on autopilot. The bathroom was my sanctuary—a small space where I could breathe, where I could drown the beast’s voice in the sound of running water. My footsteps were heavy as I crossed the room and pushed the door open, not bothering to flip on the light. The bathroom was dimly lit by a silver of moonlight filtering thro
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2024-12-06The Luna's Tattoos Chapter 18: The Breaking Point
Lucien’s POVHer lips were fire, igniting parts of me I had long buried beneath layers of guilt and restraint. The world around us ceased to exist as her warmth consumed me. I deepened the kiss, unable to resist the pull, my hand tightening on her waist, the other sliding into her damp hair.Every inch of me wanted her. Needed her.My wolf stirred, no longer raging but humming in satisfaction, urging me closer to her, to claim her fully. The rational part of my mind—the one that kept me tethered to control—was slipping away. “Claim her,” my wolf whispered, almost tenderly now. “She’s ours again. Stop denying it.”But the whisper became a snarl as I pulled away, breaking the kiss abruptly, gasping for air. I placed a shaky hand on her shoulder to steady myself, though I knew it was more to create a barrier between us. “Lucien,” she breathed, her voice laced with confusion and longing.I stepped back, the distance feeling like a knife to my chest. Her eyes searched mine, pleading, que
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2024-12-08The Luna's Tattoos Chapter 19: The Dream Fantasy
Lucien’s POVThe voice cracked through my dream like a whip, yanking me out of the warmth and throwing me into the cold, cruel grip of reality. My eyes flew open, my breath heavy and erratic, my body aching with frustration and longing. I sat up with a start, only to find Nana standing at the edge of my bed, her brow furrowed and arms crossed. That was all a dream. No!!! Why would Nana walk in and destroy such a beautiful moment.“What are you doing?” she asked, her voice laced with concern.I blinked, still caught between the dream and reality. “What do you mean, what am I doing?” I growled, running a hand through my sweat-dampened hair. “You were moaning,” she said bluntly, her tone making it clear she wasn’t going to let it slide. “Loudly. In your sleep. That’s… not something I’ve ever heard from you before.”I froze, her words slicing through me like a dagger. My jaw clenched as I tried to piece together what had just happened. The dream. Her. Olivia. My wolf stirred restlessly,
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2024-12-08The Luna's Tattoos Chapter 20: A Father’s Disdain
Alpha Aaron’s POVThe room was thick with the scent of cigars and bourbon, a testament to the leisurely decadence of the Aristocrats seated around the polished oak table. These men were my equals in rank, but few could match my influence. I leaned back in my chair, drumming my fingers against the glass in my hand as the conversation veered toward business matters.“The northern packs are requesting additional territory near the trade routes,” Lord Ashworth began, his voice heavy with age but sharp as a blade. “They argue that the current borders are stifling their ability to export resources.”“They argue too much,” I said flatly, cutting through his words. “The northern packs are always demanding more, yet they contribute the least. Why should we hand over prime territory to a group that can’t even defend it?”Murmurs of argument rippled around the table. It was good to know some of these fools could still recognize strength when they saw it.“We could consider a conditional agreemen
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2024-12-09The Luna's Tattoos Chapter 21: Unspoken Hunger
Olivia’s POVThe sound of my heels against the hardwood floors echoed faintly as I ascended the stairs, my mind still spinning from the morning’s preparations. Breakfast was set, every detail in place, and now I had just enough time to prepare myself. I had a feeling that breakfast would be as chaotic as breakfast back at home, a breakfast of hostility and domineering presence.The moment I stepped into my room, I exhaled a deep breath, shutting the door behind me. Leaning against it for a moment, I let the quiet wash over me. My muscles ached faintly from rushing around the kitchen, and the heat simmering beneath my skin only added to my discomfort.The heat.I pressed a hand to my forehead, shaking my head with a rueful smile. “Get it together, Olivia,” I muttered under my breath.Heading to the bathroom, I turned on the shower, letting the room fill with the warm, musty promise of release. As I stepped under the spray, the water cascaded down my skin in soothing rivulets, each drop
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2024-12-10The Luna's Tattoos Chapter 22: Breakfast With the Beasts
Olivia’s POVI couldn’t shake the unease as I sat at the long dining table, my eyes flicking over the plates and cutlery I had spent the morning arranging. The table was fit for royalty, adorned with polished silverware and a centerpiece of fresh flowers. Everything looked perfect, yet there was a tension in the air that made my wolf stir uncomfortably.Lucien sat at the head of the table, his face unusually pale. He hadn’t said much since Nana bustled in to tell him his family was on the way. Now, his jaw was clenched, his fingers tapping an erratic rhythm against his thigh.He was nervous.It didn’t take long for me to figure out why. The moment the door opened, the weight in the air doubled.Archimedes.Lucien’s father swept into the room like he owned not just the house but the very ground we stood on. Tall, broad-shouldered, and radiating authority, he commanded attention without uttering a word. His salt-and-pepper hair was slicked back, and his piercing gray eyes scanned the ro
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2024-12-10The Luna's Tattoos Chapter 23 : The Trip to the Mall
Lucien’s POVAs we bolted out the front door, leaving the shenanigans of my family behind, I couldn’t stop replaying the scene from breakfast in my head. Olivia’s words, her boldness, the way she stared my father down as if he were a mere pup—it was like a slap to everything Archimedes represented. And she had done it for me. Me. I wanted to thank her earlier, but the storm of emotions left me tongue-tied. Now, as she walked ahead of me, her heels clicking against the stone steps, I resolved to find the right moment. She stopped by the car and turned to me with an arched brow, the corners of her lips tugging upward. “Well? Who’s driving?”I leaned against the car, crossing my arms. “I am, of course. You drive like a maniac, Olivia.”Her laugh was bright and airy, an antidote to the heaviness that lingered from breakfast. “Oh, please. The last time I drove you anywhere, you clutched the door handle like your life depended on it.”“It did,” I said, deadpan. “I’m still recovering from t
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2024-12-10The Luna's Tattoos Chapter 24: The Bond That Ties Us
Olivia’s POVThe drive continued in silence. Lucien was unusually quiet, his gaze distant as he stared out the window. It wasn’t like him to retreat into himself, and it left me restless. The hormones coursing through me certainly weren’t helping. My wolf was practically snarling for attention, pushing me to focus on him in ways I didn’t have the capacity to handle right now. I couldn’t stop the glances I stole in his direction. The broad set in his shoulders, the sharp jawline that twitched occasionally, as though he was grinding his teeth. Everything about him screamed tension. And I felt it, deep in the pit of my stomach. That hot, searing warmth that spiraled downward and settled inconveniently in places I had no business thinking about. My grip on the steering wheel tightened as I tried to shake the feeling. But it only grew worse. My breathing grew shallow, and the wetness in between my legs only added to my embarrassment.“Damn it!” I cursed out loud before I could stop mysel
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2024-12-11
Bab terbaru
The Luna's Tattoos Chapter 157: Where the Heart Lands
OLIVIA’S POVThe hospital room smelled of antiseptic and fresh cotton, the faint beep of the monitor steady as I sat up in the bed, my hands resting on the thin blanket, my body aching but alive. Five months had stretched since that night in the cavern, my belly now a gentle curve beneath the gown, the baby kicking soft against my ribs. Lucien stood by my side, his hand warm around mine, his dark eyes glistening with unshed tears, his thumb brushing my knuckles. Damien lingered near the door, his arms crossed, his jaw tight, the weight of the past days etched into his face. Alaric slouched in a chair, his boots propped on the frame, while Mara hovered near the window, her gaze soft but watchful.My chest tightened, my breath shallow as I looked between them, the words I’d held back for too long clawing their way up. I squeezed Lucien’s hand, my voice trembling but firm. “Damien, I need to say something.”He straightened, his hands dropping to his sides, his eyes meeting mine, steady
The Luna's Tattoos Chapter 156: Letting the Light Go
DAMIEN’S POVThe hospital’s waiting room buzzed with a low hum, the fluorescent lights casting a sterile glow over the tiled floor where I stood, my boots scuffing the edge of a chair. Olivia lay beyond the glass doors, her breathing steady now, the doctors’ voices a faint murmur as they worked. Lucien sat beside her bed, his hand wrapped around hers, his shoulders hunched, tears glistening on his cheeks as he stared at her pale face. My chest tightened, a sharp pang twisting through me, jealousy flaring hot as I watched him—his fear, his love, raw and unguarded. Alaric sprawled in a chair nearby, his knife tucked away, his head tilted back, eyes shut, while Mara perched close, her gaze flicking between Olivia and the door.I leaned against the wall, my arms crossed, my jacket creaking as I shifted, the weight of it all pressing down. Lucien’s return had shifted everything—cracked open a truth I’d dodged for months. Olivia’s heart belonged to him, always had, and I’d known it deep dow
The Luna's Tattoos Chapter 155: Shadows of the Fallen
LUCIEN’S POVThe cavern reeked of blood and ash, the air thick with the metallic tang of death as I knelt beside Olivia, my hands slick with her blood, her body limp against the cold stone. The Lunar Eclipse’s red glow faded overhead, the torchlight flickering weak across the carnage—bodies strewn everywhere, cultists torn apart, the original Alphas reduced to lifeless husks, Selene’s shattered form a pile of dust in the center. Natalie lay steps away, her chest still, her blood pooling dark under her, Olivia’s claws having ripped through her in that final, wild surge. My breath hitched, my fingers pressing against Olivia’s neck, her pulse faint but there, her mouth stained red, her eyes shut as she’d collapsed after screaming for her mother.Damien dropped beside me, his pistol clattering to the ground, his hands shaking as he gripped her shoulders, his voice raw. “Olivia, come on, wake up.” I pushed her hair back, my own hands trembling, her skin clammy under my touch, but she did
The Luna's Tattoos Chapter 154: Blood and Eclipse
NATALIE’S POVThe cavern pulsed with a low hum, the air thick with the scent of iron and damp stone as I sat chained to the jagged wall, my wrists raw from the iron biting into my skin. The Lunar Eclipse bathed the chamber in a sickly red glow, the light seeping through cracks in the ceiling, casting twisted shadows across the cultists’ hooded figures. Olivia slumped beside me, her pregnant belly straining against her shirt, her face pale and slick with sweat as the ritual began. The cult’s leader, Vladimir, a gaunt man with sunken eyes and a silver blade—stood over her, his voice rising in a guttural chant, the words foreign and sharp, slicing through the stillness.My heart pounded, my chains rattling as I strained forward, watching them carve symbols into the stone floor around her, their knives glinting in the crimson light. A bowl sat between us, its edges crusted with old blood, and they dragged a claw across Olivia’s arm, her gasp echoing as red welled and dripped into it. Pain
The Luna's Tattoos Chapter 153: Echoes in the Dust
DAMIEN’S POVThe pickup’s engine growled as I pulled into the cabin’s drive, the headlights sweeping across the gravel, cutting through the dusk’s heavy gray. Alaric slouched in the passenger seat, his boots propped on the dash, a half-empty beer can dangling from his fingers. We’d spent the day scouting the hills, chasing rumors of rogue wolves stirring trouble, but my mind kept drifting to Olivia—her pacing, her tears, the way she’d dodged my questions since Lucien showed up. The truck jolted to a stop, and I frowned, my gut twisting as her car came into view, parked crooked, the driver’s door hanging open.I climbed out, my boots crunching the gravel, the air cool and sharp against my skin. Groceries littered the ground—apples bruised and scattered, a milk jug leaking white into the dirt, a loaf of bread torn open by some critter. My pulse kicked up, my hands clenching as I scanned the yard, the cabin’s windows dark, the porch silent.“Olivia?” I called, my voice rough, bouncing of
The Luna's Tattoos Chapter 152: Chained
OLIVIA’S POVThe cabin’s wooden floor groaned under my restless steps, my socks sliding as I paced the living room, the late afternoon sun slicing through the blinds in thin, golden bars. Lucien’s visit three days ago clung to me—his eyes shattering at the sight of my four-month belly, his voice low with apology, the way he’d turned and left with Mara shadowing him. My chest throbbed, a steady ache I couldn’t shake, and I paused by the window, my fingers brushing the frayed curtain, my breath fogging the glass in short, uneven bursts. Damien’s boots scuffed the kitchen floor behind me, his shadow stretching long, and I spun, pasting on a smile as he leaned against the counter, his brow creasing with that quiet worry he’d worn lately.“You okay?” he asked, his voice soft, hands buried in his jean pockets, his dark hair falling into his eyes. “Been pacing like a caged wolf all day.”I nodded fast, my hand drifting to my stomach, the baby’s faint kick pressing against my palm. “Fine. Jus
The Luna's Tattoos Chapter 151: Homecoming
LUCIEN’S POVSleep wrapped me tight, the familiar hum of the house in Pine Hollow lulling me deep, my body sunk into the mattress. Three months had passed since I’d come back—three months of road trips with Little Lucien, Dad’s gruff jokes, Mom’s warm meals, and I’d found a rhythm, a peace I hadn’t known in years. Nana’s stern face flickered in my dreams, Mara’s laugh too, and Olivia—always Olivia—her shadow lingering no matter how hard I tried to let it fade. Mom’s voice echoed too, soft but persistent, urging me to forgive her, to hear her out. I’d nodded, let the words settle, decided in my heart to let it go, but my boots hadn’t crossed back to New Orleans.A howl pierced the night—sharp, wild, yanking me awake. I bolted upright, my heart pounding, the sheets slipping to my waist. The sound cut through the stillness, a wolf’s cry I hadn’t heard since I’d left the pack behind. I swung my legs over the bed, the floor cold under my feet, and stumbled to the window, shoving the curtai
The Luna's Tattoos Chapter 150: Veils of the Past
OLIVIA’S POVDust swirled around the truck’s tires as Dad pulled into the clearing, the engine rumbling to a stop. I squinted through the windshield, my stomach twisting as the familiar jagged pines of Blood Wagon Park loomed ahead, their shadows stretching long in the late morning light. My hands gripped the seat, the leather creaking under my fingers, a chill creeping up my spine. I knew this place—too well—and Aslaug lived here, her presence a thorn I’d dodged for months. The last time we’d spoken, her voice had dripped with venom, accusing me of chasing Ben, her Ben, despite me swearing I’d never tried. That call with him two months back—his sharp words, our friendship cracking—had been the end. I’d stopped reaching out, letting the silence grow, but stepping into her territory now felt like walking into a trap.I turned to Dad, my voice tight, my foot tapping the floorboard. “I don’t want to be here. Let’s get out of here, please. I’m not comfortable.”He killed the engine, his
The Luna's Tattoos Chapter 149: Unseen Currents
DAMIEN’S POVThe bed jolted beneath me, Olivia’s scream slicing through the quiet night, her voice raw and jagged. I bolted upright, my heart slamming against my ribs, the sheets tangled around my legs as I reached for her. She thrashed, her eyes squeezed shut, sweat beading on her forehead, words spilling from her lips—guttural, strange, a jumble of sounds I couldn’t grasp. Her hands clawed at the air, nails digging into nothing, and I grabbed her shoulders, shaking her gently, my voice hoarse. “Olivia. Olivia, wake up.”Her eyes snapped open, wide and unseeing, black voids staring past me, her breath ragged. She shoved me off, scrambling for the nightstand, her fingers snatching a pen and a scrap of paper from the drawer. I froze, my hands hovering, as she hunched over, scribbling fast—sharp, jagged symbols, loops and slashes that meant nothing to me. “Olivia,” I said, louder now, leaning closer. “You okay? Talk to me.”She didn’t flinch, didn’t look up, her pen scratching louder, f
