Chapter 7 Luna
Luna
Notebook: If it’s too good to be true, you’re probably dreaming.
Fire licks at my heels as I run through an endless corridor with locked doors.
The smoke is so thick I can’t see, breathe, or think beyond the desperate need to escape.
My parents’ screams echo in my ears. The corridor stretches impossibly long before me, doors melting into one another, the ceiling dripping molten paint that hisses when it hits my skin.
I stumble, my legs buckling beneath me. The stench of burning flesh fills my nostrils.
“Shhhh,” a voice murmurs, deep and steady, cutting through the fear. “You’re safe.”
Strong arms wrap around me, pulling me away from the fire, from the endless corridor of locked doors.
I struggle at first, then collapse against the broad chest.
“I’ve got you,” the voice rumbles, the sound vibrating through me. “Nothing can hurt you now.”
The fire recedes, the smoke clearing.
I can breathe again, each lungful less painful than the last.
The arms around me are solid, anchoring me to something beyond the terror.
I press closer, desperate for the safety they promise.
Warmth surrounds me, seeping into my bones, thawing the fear.
It feels… good.
Right.
I let myself sink into it, this unexpected sanctuary.
But the warmth grows, intensifying.
What was comforting becomes stifling.
I’m hot.
Too hot.
Suffocating.
Abruptly, my eyes snap open.
Someone’s breathing, deep and even, stirs the hair at my nape. I look down and see strong male legs tangled with mine. A large arm wraps around my waist, holding me in place.
Panic floods me, icy and swift.
I scream and drive my elbow back with every ounce of force I can muster.
It connects with solid muscle. A male grunt beside my ear, the arm around my waist loosens just enough.
I twist, and my fist shoots up and connects with his face.
I hear the satisfying crunch reverberate as his head jerks back.
“Ouch!” The voice is deep, gravelly, tinged with disbelief rather than anger.
I scramble to escape, but my legs tangle in the throw blanket, sending me crashing to the floor with a thud.
The door bursts open with a resounding crash against the wall as a figure storms into the room. The lights flicker on, blinding me momentarily.
“Axel! What the hell are you doing?” Alpha Hudson’s voice booms, filled with fury.
The male, Axel, remains on the edge of my mattress. His wild blond hair falls in untamed waves to his shoulders, framing a striking face. His light-blue eyes are crinkled with amusement as he laughs—a low, throaty sound.
He looks slightly younger than Alpha Hudson, maybe in his early thirties, like Ethan, though this one radiates something entirely different.
He wipes blood from his chin, smearing it across his chest. “Nightmare,” Axel says. His grin is all teeth. “Figured I’d make it better.” His gaze locks onto mine, shimmering with admiration and something darker. “She has one hell of a right hook.”
“Apologies, Luna,” Alpha Hudson says, concern softening his tone as he extends a hand to help me up. “Are you alright?”
Axel cocks his head, studying me with unnerving intensity. “No one’s broken my nose in years. I like it.”
My bare legs are exposed, scars and all.
“You like it?” I retort, finally finding my voice. “Try that again, and you’ll get more than a broken nose.”
Axel’s grin widens, blood staining his teeth a vivid pink. “Promises, promises.” He strides towards me, wrapping his large arms around my waist and lifting me off the ground, crushing me against his chest in what feels like a hug.
“Let her go,” Alpha Hudson barks. “You’re scaring her.”
Axel releases me, his eyes sparkling with mischief. “Did I scare you, Wildcat? You didn’t even hesitate. Straight for the kill. Beautiful.”
“Out. Now. We’ll discuss your punishment later.” Alpha Hudson snaps, but Axel’s gaze remains fixed on me, a wicked grin plastered on his face.
“Just wanted to make the nightmare go away.” He boops my nose playfully. “I promise to make it up to you,” he adds, his eyes shining wildly. “We’re going to have a lot of fun, I can tell.” He winks before turning to Hudson. “I like her,” he announces, laughter trailing behind him as he walks away.
“We’re giving her time to acclimate, Axel!” Alpha Hudson calls after him, and frustration is evident. “No repeated performances.”
But Axel has already vanished down the stairs.
“I’ll make sure this doesn’t happen again,” Hudson asserts, his tone firm. “You have my word.”
I meet his gaze, surprised to find not just anger at Axel, but genuine concern for me. It sends an unexpected flutter through my chest that I quickly suppress.
“Your word means nothing to me,” I reply, sharper than necessary. “If he tries again, I’ll aim lower than his nose.”
A ghost of a smile touches Alpha Hudson’s lips. “I don’t doubt it.”
He nods once before pulling the door shut behind him.
Alone again, I sink back against the pillows, staring at the blood spatter on my sheets. My heart still races, but not entirely from fear anymore. Something else pulses beneath my skin; the thrill of fighting back, landing that perfect blow, and seeing surprise bloom in those ice-blue eyes.
And beneath that, something more disturbing… the memory of Axel’s approving smile, the hint of fascination in his gaze as he called me “beautiful.”
I shiver, curling back into bed, pulling the blankets tightly around me.
I should feel disgusted. Terrified.
Instead, I ponder what kind of male considers a broken nose a compliment. And what sort of female finds that intriguing rather than horrifying?