Chapter 28 Luna #2
Too late. My marshmallow bursts into flame.
“—that happens,” Oli finishes with a laugh.
I pull back the flaming sugar ball, blowing frantically to extinguish it. “Is it ruined?”
“Some people like them charred,” Axel says, his breath hot against my neck. “Extra hot and gooey.”
I squirm in his lap.
Oli rolls his eyes but doesn’t seem truly annoyed.
“Fine, but I’m still teaching her the sacred art of marshmallow roasting.
Her first taste cannot be a charred one.
” He shifts closer so he can still help guide my hand.
“Perfect,” he says as the marshmallow puffs and turns golden. “Now we let it cool for just a second…”
He carefully pulls the marshmallow from the skewer and holds it up to my lips. “Open up.”
I part my lips, and he places the warm, gooey goodness on my tongue. The sweetness explodes in my mouth, and I can’t help the little moan that escapes me. A bit of marshmallow still clinging to Oli’s fingers.
I capture his hand and bring it to my mouth, licking the sticky sweetness from his fingertips. Oli’s breath hitches, his pupils dilating as he watches me.
“Luna,” he groans, the sound sending heat pooling low in my belly.
A drop of melted marshmallow escapes the corner of my mouth. Before I can wipe it away, Axel turns my face toward him and leans in. His tongue darts out, slowly licking the sweetness from my skin.
“Delicious,” he murmurs against my cheek, his voice a low rumble that vibrates through me.
“I think I love marshmallows,” I whisper, earning twin chuckles from both men.
“Wait till you try chocolate and graham cookies with it,” Oli says, already preparing another marshmallow.
Around us, the tenants continue their conversations, but it feels like we’re in our little bubble. Axel’s hands trace idle patterns on my hips, and Oli feeds me another perfectly roasted marshmallow, this time with a piece of chocolate and cookie.
The combination is even better, rich and sweet. A bit of chocolate melts on my lower lip, and this time it’s Oli who leans in, his thumb gently wiping it away before bringing it to his mouth.
“You’re right,” he says, voice husky. “Delicious.”
The tension between us is electric, and my wolf stirs again, more insistent now, pushing closer to the surface.
“Your eyes,” Axel whispers, turning my face toward him. “They’re changing.”
I blink, realizing he’s right. I can feel it—my vision sharpening, colors becoming more vivid. My wolf is responding to them, to this moment.
“It happened before,” I admit. “Earlier in the woods, I…”
I trail off, not wanting to bring up the Damien incident. But Axel seems to sense my discomfort and tightens his hold on me.
“That’s good,” he says. “She’s getting closer to the surface.”
Across the fire, I catch Hudson watching us. Our eyes lock before he turns away, resuming his conversation with one of the tenants.
“One more marshmallow?” Oli offers, already preparing it.
I smile, pushing away the lingering unease. “Definitely. I think I’m getting addicted.”
“To the marshmallows or to us?” Axel murmurs in my ear, his lips brushing against my skin.
“Both,” I admit. “Definitely both.”
The night flows on, stories and laughter circling with the smoke.
Oli entertains the group with tales of pack mishaps, most of which involve Damien in some humiliating situation.
Hudson remains somewhat apart, seated at the edge of the firelight.
But his eyes—I feel them on me throughout the evening, a weight I can’t decide if I want to shrug off or lean into.
“You’ve been good for them,” a female tenant says, nodding toward the pack members. “This is the first time I’ve seen those boys relaxed in months.”
“I’m just temporary,” I say automatically. “Just helping out for a while.”
She smiles knowingly. “Honey, the way those Alphas watch you, nothing about this arrangement is temporary.”
I flush, unsure how to respond. Before I can formulate a reply, another tenant joins the conversation.
“We’re all so happy the pack finally has a strong mate,” she says warmly. “And such a kind one, too. The little ones already adore you.”
My cheeks burn hotter. “I’m not—I mean, we’re not—” I stammer.
“No need to be modest, dear. We all see how they are with you,” she insists.
I don’t correct her. What would I say?
I was purchased to settle a debt?
As the fire burns down to embers and people begin drifting back to their cabins, I find myself lingering, staring into the glowing coals. The night has left me… confused.
I felt something close to belonging. These people, this place—it’s starting to feel like something I could call mine.
And the males… My eyes drift to where Oli is helping the little ones make one last s’more, to Ethan, deep in conversation with one of the older males, to Axel, who’s playing with some of the kids. Even Hudson, still watching me, feels more like… what? Home?
“Dangerous thoughts, Luna,” I whisper to myself. “Three years. Don’t forget that.”
But as I watch the embers pulse like beating hearts in the darkness, I wonder if I’ll want to leave at all by then.