Luca's POV
Two weeks of intensive training. Learning to control my magic, fight alongside Rian, protect the pack.
I'm exhausted and exhilarated.
"Again," Rian commands, circling me in the training yard.
I focus, channeling magic into a defensive shield. Silver light shimmers around me.
Rian shifts and charges. His wolf slams into my shield—it holds.
"Good!" He shifts back, grinning. "That would stop most attackers."
"What about Kaine?"
"We'll make it stronger." He pulls me close. "You're doing incredible, baby."
"I'm tired."
"I know." He kisses my forehead. "But Kaine won't wait for us to be ready. We have to push."
"Then push me." I step back, raising my hands. "Attack. For real this time."
"Luca—"
"Do it. I need to know I can defend myself."
Pride flashes in his eyes. He shifts and attacks—fast, fierce, holding nothing back.
My magic responds instinctively. I don't just shield—I strike back. Silver light whips out, catching him mid-lunge, throwing him backward.
He hits the ground hard. For a moment, I panic. Then he shifts back, laughing.
"That's my mate!" He's on me instantly, lifting me, spinning. "Powerful and fierce and perfect!"
"Did I hurt you?"
"Barely. But you could have." He sets me down, eyes serious. "That's the point. You're strong, Luca. Really strong."
That night, celebrating my progress, he's extra attentive. His hands worship me, mapping every inch of my body.
"I'm so proud of you," he murmurs between kisses. "You've become everything I knew you could be."
"I'm just trying to survive."
"You're thriving." He settles above me. "My powerful, magical, beautiful mate."
When we make love, it's slow and deep and filled with emotion. The magic sparks between us, heightening everything.
"Love you," I gasp. "Love you so much."
"Love you more." He moves deeper. "You're my everything, Luca."
After, wrapped in his arms, I trace the bond mark on his chest.
"Scared?" I ask quietly.
"Terrified. But also confident." He kisses my hair. "We're ready. When Kaine comes, we'll be ready."
"And after? After we defeat him?"
"After, we live." His arms tighten. "We build the life we've been planning. Art shows, maybe children, definitely forever together."
"That sounds perfect."
"It will be. I promise."
The next morning, during pack training, everyone watches me practice. My magic is no longer a secret—it's an asset.
"Our Luna is powerful," Damon announces. "When Kaine returns, he'll face not just our Alpha, but our Luna's magic."
The pack howls approval.
Rian pulls me close, pride evident. "They love you."
"They love us," I correct. "Together."
"Together," he agrees.
That night, making love under the full moon, surrounded by the pack's protection, I finally feel it.
Hope.
We're going to win.
We have to.
Because I'm not losing this life we've built.
Not without a fight.