The Fallen Luna’s Gambit

Fiery Pursuit

Zygmund appeared apprehensive as we bid farewell to the last departing guests. About half of the guests remained and sprawled all over the pack lands either came in a mobile home or brought camping gear. He seems aloof to my attempts at reaching out to hold him.

"Is everything OK, Zygmund?" I asked, feeling dejected during the happiest day of my life.

"I have a lot on my mind, Aradia. Your things should still be in your room since we couldn't spare any resources preparing for the ceremony. Your office is ready, and Luna Zoë hired an assistant. Your schedule is already full. The transition begins when we return from our trip," he said.

"Where are we going on this trip so I know what to pack?" I asked, wondering why we have to go if my fully packed calendar.

"Luna Zoë planned it for us, and it would be impolite to turn it down. She also planned out both our wardrobes and had them packed and loaded. I am going to run with the rest of the boys. I should be back shortly," he interjected as he leapt into a shift into a majestic red wolf towards a small group of waiting wolves.

Emotions simmered with the delicate blend of joy and anxiety within me, watching through my bedroom window, clad in the lingerie Rodi gave me. I watched as more of the shifted wolves returned from their after-party run.

Refreshed, I sat on the bed and looked through my phone calendar to get ahead of my appointments and assigned tasks. Luna Zoë sent me a few references to review with cited sources in the pack library. Seeing my packed schedule for the next month, I grew restless. I felt heat beginning to form and rise from my core that sought release. Each tick of the clock increases my need to be free.

"Arrie, I know just what you need. If you let me take the reigns, I promise it will make you feel better," Lyka assured me telepathically.

Without any arguments, I opened the wrought iron glass door to the small balcony outside my room for a breath of fresh air. Lyka delivered her promise as the burning desire for liberty prompted her to take over.

Fine, needle-like threads of black and gold sprouted through my skin. My center of gravity changed as my joints shifted and cracked into paws and hind legs. The front of my face stretched into a snout, and my ears perked up. I felt a tingling sensation around my eyes as my vision sharpened. When my body settled into my wolf form, I felt exhilarated. Curious to see my wolf, I turned to face the glass doors behind me and caught a glimpse of a large dark wolf with golden highlights shimmering in the moonlight. With my senses heightened and my wolf instinct intensified, I leapt from the balcony and into the dewy green grass below and started to run. The fantastic night breeze gently combed my coat, tempering the heat within me.

Unaware of the speed my paws drummed the ground, I found myself in a meadow by a spring lake. I could hear children's laughter at a distance. I directed my hearing towards the source of the sound and let my gaze follow.

"Poppy, again! Again!" one said in a young boy's bubbly voice as he held on to a leaping grey wolf's neck.

"Mum, my turn! My turn!" came another voice that seemed to be from a giggling young girl, trying to jump on a smaller brown wolf's back.

"You know I can feel you, right? So I understand what you mean. I want a few pups, too, and, of course, a good mate," Lyka interrupted as she dipped her head to drink from the spring, giving me a glimpse of her impressive form.

"You are beautiful! Your glow is a brighter gold now. We used to be mostly grey and black. Now your golden fur seems to be coming in nicely," I commented, pointing out the changes in my wolf.

"Oh, you have no idea, Arrie! Your experience is just part of what is to come. However, we must cut this short as something is niggling at me. Do you hear that? A few wolves are coming straight towards us! Let's go, Arrie! We need to get back!" Lyka demanded as we scanned the area for safe passage around the thundering strides of approaching wolves, who seemed to communicate with each other as their heads bop in either direction.

The packhouse came into view, and I scanned for my patio. I hopped and clawed to pull myself up, gripping the rails to keep my balance. Then, kicking my paws on the patio floors to clean myself before going through the wrought iron glass doors and into the bathroom as my body began to return to my human form seamlessly.

The warm shower relaxed and calmed me for a spell. Then, my heated core began to clamp and contract, leaving me heaving under the battery of water spraying overhead.

"Take a deep breath, Arrie. It will soon pass," Lyka cooed to soothe me.

I slid down the tub, shut off the shower, and then turned on the faucet. As the tub filled, I poured some lavender and chamomile bath salts. I felt myself slowly drift to a dream-like trance as the warm bath's aroma enveloped me.

Back in a meadow lined by towering cypress by a silvery lake, but this time in human form, dressed in a billowy golden silk chemise that caressed my body with the breeze carrying a scent of oranges, star lilies, and red poppies. The high moon bathed the scene with an iridescent silver glow. Innocent laughter broke the silence of my reverie. My eyes dart through the shadows and found Lyka's approach. She strode majestically, larger than during our earlier run, bathed in a golden glow with a slight peppering of black fur.

"Hello, Arrie! It's time I explained the feelings and sensations you experience tonight and the children whose laughter you hear," Lyka greeted as she pointed her snout at the edge of the lake.

"You mean the heat? Momma already told me about the birds and the bees, or in our case, mating and pups. I understand it's normal, but I didn't quite expect it to come on this early," I explained as I took the spot on the soft grass beside her.

"Arrie, you aren't like every other wolf. Momma has no idea what you are yet, but she will soon enough," Lyka explained.

"So, what am I?" I asked.

"Let me first introduce myself. I am Lykaia. I am the same wolf you've been calling Lyka, but you see me in my fully developed form here, a preview of what you will become," she narrated.

"What about the children? Are they mine and Zygmund's?" I countered.

"They are yours, that is for sure. But, unfortunately, you can only hear your children's voices for now. But, rest assured, we will meet in time. They are our heart's desire and purpose. So, it will be best that as these days go by, you remember that," Lyka continued.

"But for now, wake up and get yourself ready as your mate is near to fetch you to go on your honeymoon!" she abruptly ended as I am jolted from my sleep, bringing my awareness to my pain-riddled body. I turned as I heard a medley of knocks and footfalls outside the bathroom door.

“Aradia, it’s Zoë and Zygmund. Are you ready yet? I wanted to come by and see you off before you go," Luna Zoë announced.

I pulled the towel from the warming rack next to the tub to dry myself. Next, I wrapped myself in the room, used the towel to wrap my head, and headed to the walk-in closet by the door to dress.

"I will be out in a minute," I reassured them as I picked out a pair of tan trousers and a cream-colored blouse to wear on top of the white lacy lingerie Tina gave me. I went to my jewelry case and picked out the gold Cartier love bracelet customized with a smooth black tourmaline and two black pearls that Papa gave my sisters and me engraved with the Dragon Moon insignia inside. I wore a pair of dangling gold teardrop black pearls earrings. I swiped a sheer red lipstick on my lips, thinly lined my lids, and pinched my cheeks before patting powdered foundation on my face.

"Hello, Luna Zoë. Good morning, Alpha Zygmund!" I greeted them, opened the door then ran to hug my mate.

I kissed Zoë's cheek as I went and gave her a warm embrace.

"Aradia, you look wonderful! What a lovely pair of earrings! Here's a little gift I have for you," she gushed as she went around and closed the clasp of a gold and platinum necklace with the Umbra Moon insignia pendant—a daintier version of what she wore the last night.

"There you go. This necklace was the first gift I received from Luna Agatha, Zygmund's gran. I think it's time it goes to you. So you will always feel me close," she remarked, her voice filled with joy and nostalgia as she turned me to admire the necklace in the mirror by the door.

"Now, Zygmund, take good care of your Luna. I don't need to explain how important she is to you and the pack. I know how you feel, and you also know that we have no choice in that matter. Now, go, you two, and get started on giving me grandkids!" she cawed as she pushed us out to the hallway.

"I will call you as soon as we arrive at where ever it is we are heading. I have many questions about my schedule, and I think I may need an assistant to keep everything straight and on schedule," I said as we rode the elevator to the main floor.

"Oh, work can wait. I am still here. Just enjoy yourselves. Remember, if you ever feel overwhelmed, hold the pendant I sent, and I will know," whispered the last part as though it was inaudible to Zygmund's wolf ears.

The elevator doors opened to a rush of activity on the main floor. Guests greeted us with pleasant congratulatory well wishes as they passed us with their assigned omegas catering to their whims, trailing a few steps behind.

After one last hug to Luna Zoë, we waved our goodbyes as we entered the idling black Escalade in awkward silence. As her figure became smaller and faded away from view, a pang of longing grew in my chest, reminiscent of the day my parents' departure from Umbra pack after the ceremony.

"Where are we headed?" I asked Zygmund, attempting to break the ice and reaching for his hand.

"Mother chose the place, so I am sure it will be to your liking," he quipped and pulled his hand away, turning his attention to the buzzing iPhone on his lap. He typed something with an evil grin painted across his face.

"Is everything OK?" I pried, slightly annoyed

"Yes. It looks like we are here," Zygmund stated while the car stopped.

"You know, I am doing all this to honor my mother. She is worth everything to me. If she likes you, I am willing to make this work," Zygmund continued, his glistened gaze fixed forward towards a distant point on the horizon.

We waited a few more minutes while Omegas loaded our luggage into the Gulfstream striped with Umbra pack colors and bearing its logo.

"Luna Aradia, it's time to go," Gamma Fred barked as he opened the door and extended his hand to help me while Beta Marcus opened Zygmund's door for him.

I took my large envelope bag, donned a wide-brim hat and sunglasses to shade my face from the noon sun, and then stepped on the tarmac. With hastened heels, I swiftly ascended the steps into the Gulfstream, eager to start this honeymoon.

The human flight attendant, Marge, welcomed me at the doorway while a preoccupied Andy filled the food and beverage cart.

I took a window seat, fastened my seatbelt, and began to wonder about our destination.

"Mother, we are about to take off. I love you, too. Yes, I will make sure to work on that. I will take good care of her, I promise… Alpha's honor!" Zygmund quickly said, avoiding my eyes. He clicked off his phone as Marge closed the doors behind Beta Marcus. Like a well-scripted play, the captain's voice filled the cabin, welcoming us and briefly quipped our flight plan without revealing where we would land, and the safety demonstration began. Marge stood up in our midst as Andy outlined each step of the safety instructions over the plane's PA system, lustfully tracing the curves of Marge's body, dallying on her lower back with a grin.

Observing this scene unfolding brought a warmth beginning to glow below my navel like slow embers on a windless night. I reached across the aisle to hold Zygmund's hand, which he surprisingly held in his warm, clammy hands.

"Are you feeling well, Alpha Zygmund? Let me get you something, perhaps, water? I asked as I reached to loosen my seatbelt with my free hand.

"You don't need to do that. We have Marge for that.

"Marge, I would like some water, please, Marge," Zygmund said as he firmly grasped my hand, the other waving over the giggling Marge.

"Alpha Zygmund, was there anything else you needed?" Marge said as she handed him a bottle of Evian.

Zygmund's hand felt warmer, and I sensed electricity passing between our joined hands, then a gentle tug to look into his bright eyes. He rose from his seat.

"Marge, that will be all. Thank you. Could you please deliver some wine and a cheese plate to the main suite so I may spend a little more time with my new bride," he replied as he pulled me up and guided me to the room towards the back of the plane. With his hand on the small of my back, he swooped me up and cradled me like the bride that I am, nearly losing his balance as he traipsed the aisle.

He opened the door to a luxurious room with a king-sized bed, a large OLED screen TV, a round table with four chairs, a bar, and a few closets. He laid me gently on the bed, then lay on the space next to mine. He looked into my eyes as electricity sparked and ran through our bodies with every touch. He leaned towards me and cupped my left cheek, tracing the curves of my face. His fingers lifted my chin as he came closer to kiss me.

With closed eyes, I pushed myself up with my elbows to meet his kiss. As soon as our lips touched, sparks turned to burn embers of fiery heat coursing through my body. Intense flames soon consumed any oxygen in the room as he deepened his passionate assault by placing his body on top of mine and sliding his arm under my head, his free hand reaching for and squeezing my derrière. I reached up and ran my fingers through his hair as my body sank deeper into the firm bed.

Out of breath, he moved his lips to the crook of my neck. Then, before I could catch my breath, I felt the sweet sting of his canines sink into my parking spot, overwhelming me with an ambrosian delight of pain and pleasure as my arousal flooded into the lingerie I wore just for this occasion.

My mind lost and my body floating on a cloud of delight, I felt his expert fingers, and he started to free me from my blouse gingerly. I ride his thigh, nudging my skirt and exposing everything below my waist as he licked the mark he left close and peppered the rest of my neck with kisses.

I leaned into his neck and reciprocated kisses on his neck, gently sucking on the spot where my mark would be. I felt my canines elongate, my wolf purring and biting down. I lingered on my bite, savoring the taste of his blood flowing into my mouth as my juices soaked my underwear and the bed. I felt a snap inside me and saw myself through his eyes. I felt his lust and ache from his bulge against my belly and his desperation for freedom. As I licked the mark, I ran my hand on his back, both from the desire to comfort him and the paralyzing longing to complete the bond. We were interrupted as we liberated ourselves from the stitch of clothing separating our scorching bodies.

"Alpha, I have your order ready for you. Please unlock the door," Marge called from the other side of the door.

"Ugh! Just a minute!" he snapped back as he threw himself against the bed in exasperation and fumbled with his trousers. Then, he rose and headed for unlocking the door, receiving the cart from Marge, who was straining her neck like a giraffe to look over Zygmund to see inside the suite.

Although I wanted to cover my body with the duvet, my body continued to burn hotter than ever before. I ripped off my clothing and kicked off my skirt, leaving the teddy I had under everything. I ran to the room's thermostat and lowered the temperature to its limit. I jumped into Zygmund's arms, wrapping my legs around him, eager to finish what we started and seeking relief from my heat.

Zygmund wrapped an arm around my waist to keep me from falling; with his free hand, he set the food cart next to the table.

"This is not what I had planned for us. I want our first time to be special and in our honeymoon suite," Zygmund uttered between breathless kisses.

"I can't wait anymore, Zygmund. I need you. I want you now!" I demanded, tightening my legs around his waist and grinding against him.

"I promised my mother to take better care of you, and I intend to keep it," he replied in a husky voice revealing his struggle to maintain his resolve.

"We have a few more hours. We have time," I torridly responded, panting from the heat, my fingers grabbing the back of his head and pulling his face into a fiery, aggressive kiss.

He walked us to the en-suite bathroom with a shower. He leaned against the shower wall, placing me directly under the shower as it poured cold water on us. I continued to lock him in a smoldering kiss as my body remained unaffected by the barrage of cold water. He knelt and placed my legs on his shoulder, burying his face between my thighs. He pulled the lingerie's fabric and exposed my clean-shaven crotch. Without a word, he alternated soft kisses on my inner thighs, working his way into my core. He kissed each side and let his tongue explore my folds, drinking every drop of my juices. Finally, he paused and flipped me, my head now between his legs. With one hand, he reached my crotch, spread my folds apart, and began his assault on my pearl of pleasure, alternating between licking and sucking. I grind against his face harder, trying to reach for my peak. As I was about to come undone, he took his long tongue and entered my flooded cavern, going in and out, circling around.

I freed his throbbing bulge from his constricting trousers. My eyes widened at the sight of the enormous appendage attached to my mate, baffled and excited to see how it fits inside me. With both hands, I started to massage his member up and down, licking the early drops of his essence, then rolling my tongue around the head. Finally, I slowly lowered my head and took him as far as I could. After the initial gag, I felt his head down my throat; my mouth stretched around his girth.

With a low growl, he tightened his grip on my glutes and pulled my hips closer, letting his tongue go further into me. My hips moved with this rhythm of his tongue, my body becoming more heated as I felt my release within reach. I continued to bop my head as he started to move his hips faster against my mouth and his manhood grew, going deeper into my through and further stretching my mouth as he approached his climax.

His tongue continued to go in, out and around my weeping slit; as he drank my juices, I squirted as I came undone as he reached his peak, knotting my throating and releasing an explosion of his essence that I dutifully swallowed. Our bodies still writhed with pleasure, grinding against each other's faces until every drop of our passion emptied into each other's mouths, and his knot relaxed. He gently pulled out of my mouth, still stiff, then flipped my body back to our original positions. Face to face, he brushed my hair from my face, and we looked into each other's heavy-lidded eyes. I realized that my episode passed as my teeth rattled and my body began to shake.

He reached and turned on the hot water, and we took turns slathering shampoo into each others' hair, then lathered up our bodies with soap. Each time we touched each others' bodies, I felt my temperature rising to match the hot water pouring down on us. Finally, noticing my heat, Zygmund reached and turned off the hot water and maximized the cold water. I pulled myself closer to him and started to climb up on him.

"Please stay right there. I will be right back," Zygmund firmly said as he pried my burning body off.

"Zygmund, please, just one more. I need you in me," I begged, reaching up to kiss him, refusing to let go.

"Aradia, I will be right back," Zygmund replied, leaving me in the bathroom under the cold shower.

My core began to swell while my body burned. Steam began to rise as each cold droplet touched my skin. Not wanting to move, I let the shower pour on the back of my neck without relief. The mist started to fill the bathroom, fogging up the mirror on the wall. The door flung open as Zygmund came in, making the mist dance inside the bathroom. He turned off the shower and wrapped me in a plush robe. I reached for him wrapping my arms around his neck and my legs around his torso. I slammed my mouth against his and kissed him, which he returned, matching my feverish fervor. He pulled the back collar of my robe, revealing my shoulder, then I felt a pinch on my back which woke me up to see Beta Marcus' reflection against the mirror as he plunged a syringe of mysterious liquid into me, causing my body to go limp.