The Luna Chronicles : Shadows of the Past

Chapter 6

Zeus and I basked under the sun for an hour, absorbing the warmth before our visit to Daniel’s house. The peace felt strange after everything that had happened. Yesterday, I mourned my mother. Today, I learned I was the queen of all wolves and would soon experience my first shift. The contrast left my stomach tight with nerves.

When we pulled into Daniel’s driveway, an uneasy anticipation hung in the air. Daniel, Genius, and a woman stood waiting. As soon as I stepped out, Daniel rushed over and wrapped me in a tight hug.

“Did he tell you who you truly are?” he asked.

I nodded, offering a small smile. Daniel hugged me even tighter.

“Thank the heavens. I was tired of hiding what we were—who you are.”

The weight of his words settled over me. Everything felt too big, too fast, too unreal.

When he finally let go, I chuckled softly. Genius approached next, his head lowered. Daniel and Zeus stepped back to give us space.

“Hey, princess,” Genius said quietly. “I’m sorry for not telling you all these years. I was sworn to secrecy by your mom and my parents.”

I studied him, my chest tightening. “Genius, it’s okay. I understand why you acted the way you did. But I still don’t understand how Oliver knew anything.”

Genius stiffened at the name, anger flashing in his eyes before he forced himself to calm.

“Oliver knows who we are because he’s from a rival pack,” he said. “He made it his mission to try and take you away.”

The words hit me like a slap. “Why would he take me? This is my home. I’m not leaving.”

That earned a relieved smile from him.

“Princess, I’m glad to hear that. But there’s still so much you need to learn about being a werewolf—especially one as powerful as you. And you can’t guarantee anything yet. You haven’t found your mate.”

My curiosity sharpened. “What do you mean, mate?”

“Your mate,” Genius explained gently. “The one chosen for you by the ancient ones. The one you’re meant to spend your life with. Princess… I won’t lie. I hope it’s me. I haven’t found mine yet, and it would mean everything if we were meant to be together. But we won’t know until after you shift.”

His honesty didn’t surprise me. Genius and I had always talked about a future together when we were younger.

“Genius… is it possible to have two soulmates?”

He blinked. “Normally, no. But you’re our queen. You’re stronger than most. You have powers. It’s possible. I think your mom had two. She had to choose between them.”

That stunned me. “Zeus never told me that.”

He laughed. “He didn’t know. Your mom only told me because I told her I was going to marry you one day. Now—come on. Time to meet your pack.”

The forest behind Daniel’s house buzzed with energy. A group of people waited, and I noticed Daniel and Zeus each had a girl standing close beside them.

Zeus approached first with a proud smile. “Artemis, this is my mate, Dream.”

I blinked. “Nice to meet you, Dream. I’m Zeus’s sister.”

Dream smiled warmly. “I know who you are, Queen. Your brother speaks very highly of you.”

Zeus blushed, which made me laugh despite everything.

Daniel stepped forward next. “Artemis, this is my mate, Jade.”

“Nice to meet you, Jade,” I said, amazed by how beautiful she was.

Jade dipped her head. “Nice to meet you. Zeus, Genius, and Daniel speak very highly of you. We’re grateful you’re our queen and alpha.”

One by one, the rest of the pack introduced themselves. Their excitement and reverence felt overwhelming, like stepping into a destiny I wasn’t prepared for.

Finally, Zeus, Daniel, and Genius stepped forward.

“That’s enough,” Zeus said gently. “It’s time.”

A hush fell over the clearing as they led me to a wide open patch of forest. The pack formed a circle around us. Zeus turned to me, his expression soft but heavy with worry.

“Artemis, I love you. But this is going to hurt. This is your first shift since you were bound with magic. Everyone has been instructed not to shift until yours is done. Genius and I will stay right by you. I’m sorry we kept this from you—it was only for your safety.”

I hugged him tightly. “It’s okay, Zeus. I understand.”

He smiled—then a sharp pain stabbed through my stomach, folding me in half. Panic surged through me.

“Princess,” Genius said gently, “don’t fight it. Fighting makes it worse.”

Another wave of pain hit my back. I dropped to my hands and knees. My bones cracked. My hands and feet reshaped into paws. My skin peeled away, replaced by purple‑tinted fur. My nose elongated into a snout. Sharp teeth filled my mouth.

Finally, the pain subsided.

I turned, noticing my tail, and saw Zeus and Genius staring at me with their mouths open.

A voice echoed in my mind. Finally. You can listen to me now, can’t you?

I tilted my head. “Who are you?”

I am your wolf. My name is Violet. I’ve been trying to reach you since we were little.

“Oh. Hi. I’m sorry—Mother put a spell on us because of something that happened when we were younger.”

Before Violet could respond, a scent hit me—musk, forest, something intoxicating. I approached Zeus. Not him. I turned toward Genius.

The scent was coming from him.

Violet shouted in my mind: MATE!

Before I knew it, I leapt onto Genius, licking him. He laughed and gently pushed me off before shifting into his wolf. His wolf was stunning—pure black with glowing purple eyes. He sniffed the air, then came over and licked me back.

The pack shifted and ran with us through the forest. For the first time since my mother’s death, I felt free.

When we returned to Daniel’s house for clothes, Genius swept me into his arms and twirled me around.

“Princess, I was right. You’re my mate!”

I smiled. “Yes, baby, I am.”

He kissed me deeply—until Zeus walked over.

“Artemis, you’re more beautiful than I imagined. And Genius was right. You are his mate.”

Daniel joined us. “Artemis, you’re beautiful. I’m glad you’re our queen.”

Genius growled softly. “She’s mine.”

Daniel laughed. “Relax. I have my mate. But I get it—I was the same with Jade. He’ll be protective until you mark each other.”

I frowned. “What do you mean, mark each other?”

“He’ll explain,” Daniel said, walking away.

I turned to Genius. “What are they talking about?”

Genius blushed. “Well, princess… to complete the mate bond, we have to perform an intimate ritual. We have to have s*x, and while we’re doing that, we bite each other over our mark spot.”

“Once we do that, we’ll be linked as one. We’ll feel each other’s emotions, help control each other’s anger, help heal each other. We’ll be one.”

My face burned. “Genius… I’ve never had s*x before.”

He stepped closer, placing a gentle hand on my shoulder. “Princess, we can wait until you’re ready. I won’t rush you. You’re new to all of this. Let’s just enjoy the rest of the night.”

I nodded, and he led me into the tent they’d set up.

Inside, Violet spoke again. Artemis, you need to complete the bond. If either of you gets hurt while the mate bond is incomplete, it could mean death for both of you.

“Violet, I’m scared. I’ve never slept with anyone before. I don’t even know what to do.”

It’s okay. Let him lead you. But you must complete it. You can have two mates—but you know him. You’re meant to be. Complete the mating bond.

“What do you mean I have two mates? What if I’m meant to be with the other one?”

Artemis, trust me like your mother trusted her wolf. Waiting for your other mate—someone you don’t know—could mean the end of us all.

I hesitated. I’d known Genius my whole life… but what if—

Violet cut in again. I didn’t tell you this to make you doubt. I told you because I know Genius is the one we’re meant to be with. I’ve always known. Please complete the mate bond. If something happens to him, then—and only then—will I allow you to meet the other mate.

I didn’t respond. Genius gently shook my shoulder.

“Princess? Are you okay? You haven’t said anything since we got in here.”

“Oh—sorry. I was talking to Violet.”

He smiled softly. “I’m glad you finally met her.”

I touched his face. “Genius… do you love me?”

He froze. “Princess… I’ve loved you for a very long time. I was just scared to say it.”

I rose onto my toes and kissed him. He kissed me back, slow and tender, until we were both breathless.

He pulled away slightly. “If we don’t stop, I won’t be able to.”

I smiled. “Did I say stop?”

He hesitated. “Art… are you sure? I don’t want you doing this because you think we have to.”

“I’ve loved you my whole life,”

I whispered. “I want a future with you. I want everything with you.”

The moment those words spilled from my lips, Genius enveloped me in a passionate kiss. Slowly, he began to unbutton my shirt, his lips tracing a tantalizing path down my neck. As he reached the sensitive spot near my shoulder blade, I instinctively pressed against him, our bodies moving in a dance of desire. Yet, just as the heat between us intensified, he paused, his words dripping with restraint, “Hold on, princess, we can’t indulge in this here for your first time.”

With a firm yet tender embrace, Genius scooped me up, carrying me upstairs to our bedroom. Upon entering, a sight of pure romance awaited – a bed adorned with rose petals, dimmed lights, and flickering candles. I turned to him, breathless with anticipation, “Genius, when did you find the time to set all this up?” A mischievous smile graced his lips, “I had some help.”

The air was thick with passion as he resumed kissing me, lifting me effortlessly and placing me gently on the bed. His lips traversed a seductive journey from my lips, down my neck, and to my breasts, where he skillfully unclasped my bra, releasing my n*****s to his eager mouth. Under the moon’s watchful gaze, arousal surged through me.

Genius continued his exploration, using his hands to slide my skirt down and expose my body. His journey reached its climax at my c**t, where he tenderly licked and teased, evoking moans of ecstasy. The anticipation built, only to be halted just before climax as he kissed his way back up to me. With a gaze locked into his intense eyes, I declared, “Artemis, I love you, are you sure this is what you want?” In that moment, certainty flooded me, “Yes, baby, I want you – my first everything, all of it, with you.”

With those words, he shed his pants, revealing his pulsating desire. But instead of rushing, he allowed his manhood to rest just outside my entrance, its throbbing sensation palpable. “Princess, I want to take this slow; I don’t want to hurt you.” Assured of his intentions, I felt him gradually sliding inside, encountering resistance from my tightness, even amidst my wetness.

“Princess, you are so tight; I’m sorry, but this might hurt,” he confessed. The initial discomfort gave way to pleasure as he skillfully navigated the uncharted terrain of my body. Violet’s presence became more pronounced, guiding my movements as I instinctively began to grind against him. Moans and passionate cries filled the room as he expertly explored every inch of my desire.

As the intensity peaked, I discovered my canine teeth had emerged. Gently, I grazed them across his skin, mirroring his own pleasure points. A near-loss of control prompted a reciprocal bite, marking a simultaneous climax that left us both breathless and entwined in the throes of ecstasy.

Genius gently collapses on me, his breath mingling with mine, “Oh, my princess, I never imagined our first time would be this magical.” I, breathless and overwhelmed, could only manage a smile in response. He grinned back at me, pulling me into his embrace, holding me close. “Princess, I love you,” he whispered, and in that tender moment, I couldn’t help but reciprocate, “I love you too, Genius.”

With those three words, Genius succumbed to sleep, his warmth and presence comforting. As I lay there, enveloped in the afterglow of our shared intimacy, a serene exhaustion washed over me. Today had been a tapestry of emotions, and I was grateful to have shared this profound connection with my brother, Daniel, and my beloved mate. A twinge of sadness crept in as I longed for my mother’s presence in this cherished moment, but I held onto the belief that her spirit lingered, watching over us with love.