My Marked Luna (Apphia and Nicholas) novel Chapter 56

**Chapter 56**

*Apphia’s Perspective*

Doubt gnawed at me like a relentless tide. He would come to see me as nothing more than a burden, a weight dragging him down, and inevitably, he would seek out a stronger mate—one who wouldn’t flinch at the slightest touch and could contribute to the strength of his pack. The thought sent a shiver down my spine.

“Apphia, listen to me,” Lily’s voice broke through my spiraling thoughts. “Nicholas isn’t like that jerk. He truly loves you, and he wants nothing more than to make you happy. He’s known all along that we are mates, but he has been patiently waiting for you to feel the bond.”

Nicholas had known, even before I did. I stole a glance at him, and there it was—an anxious glimmer in his eyes, a silent plea for reassurance. The rapid thudding of his heart echoed in my ears. Was he afraid I would turn him away?

With a trembling hand, I reached out, my fingers brushing against his strong jawline. He leaned into my touch, and in that moment, everything felt right. He pressed a gentle kiss against my palm, and I could almost hear the sincerity in his whispered promise, “I’ve got you, Apphia. I’ll never hurt you.”

Those words, simple yet profound, wrapped around my heart like a warm blanket, easing the turmoil within me. I nodded, my heart racing as I stood on my toes and pressed my lips against his softly. A sigh of relief escaped him, as if he had been holding his breath, waiting for this very moment.

In an instant, he wrapped his arms around me, pulling me closer as he deepened the kiss, his tongue exploring my mouth. I responded instinctively, my arms finding their way around his neck, drawing him nearer. How could I have ever doubted that he was my second-chance mate? The magnetic pull I felt towards him suddenly made perfect sense. Nicholas Lavista, the stunning alpha, was my second chance at love. Such mates were a rarity, and here I was, blessed beyond measure.

As we finally broke apart, both of us gasping for air, I couldn’t help but ask, “Why didn’t you tell me?”

He took my wrist gently and led me to my bedroom, opening the door with a sense of urgency. Once inside, he sank onto the couch, pulling me onto his lap, his lips finding my hair as he inhaled deeply, as if trying to absorb every part of me.

“I couldn’t tell you, Apphia. It’s too sensitive, especially after everything you’ve been through,” he said, his voice thick with emotion, tinged with anger at the circumstances that had brought us here.

“Apphia, you have no idea how many times I’ve dreamed of this day. I spent countless nights awake, imagining you in my arms. I craved you—no, I still crave you,” he confessed, his words sending delightful shivers down my spine.

I leaned in closer, pressing my lips to his once more, surrendering to the moment. My fingers tangled in his raven-black hair, and I couldn’t help but wonder why I hadn’t realized sooner.

As our kiss deepened, I let go of all my fears, allowing myself to indulge in the sweetness of our connection. My heart soared with joy, and I couldn’t suppress the soft moans that escaped my lips as his kisses trailed over my exposed skin.

“Apphia, you’re so perfect,” he murmured, his fingers gliding over my body, igniting a fire within me. I felt a rush of heat, a desperate yearning that was almost overwhelming.

His tongue danced along my neck, and I reveled in the sensation, my hands roaming over his sculpted physique. We were both lost in our desires, and I felt a primal urge to be consumed by him. “Oh goddess,” I gasped, a blush creeping across my cheeks. I was utterly shy, yet exhilarated.

I captured his lips again, this time with a bit more urgency. But as his fingers caressed my skin, a sudden wave of fear washed over me, creeping in like a shadow.

“N-Nicholas, stop,” I stammered, breathless. Panic clawed at my throat, and I felt the walls closing in.

“No, it’s Nicholas,” Ziora whimpered from within me, but my fear drowned out her voice. Nicholas halted immediately, concern etched on his handsome face.

She moved closer, wrapping her arms around me in a gentle embrace.

“No, you’re not a mess, and Nick won’t reject you,” she reassured me, her voice calm and steady. “Do you want to talk about what happened?”

I hesitated, biting my lip as uncertainty washed over me. But Lily had always been kind and wise, and I felt drawn to share my fears. I opened up about the feelings that surfaced when Nicholas touched me, and she listened intently, her expression serious.

“I didn’t think I could react like that. I know Nicholas isn’t Rory, but I still feel scared, and it worries me that I’ll always be afraid,” I admitted, my voice breaking.

She took my hand, squeezing it reassuringly. “What you’re experiencing is PTSD, and it’s completely normal after everything you’ve endured,” she explained gently.

“But I don’t want to feel like this. I want to be with Nicholas without fear, and if I keep pushing him away, I’m scared he might get angry with me,” I confessed, a knot forming in my stomach.

“Angry? No! Nicholas understands what you went through was horrific, and he’s worried about you,” she countered, her eyes filled with empathy.

After our heartfelt conversation, Lily stood and guided me to the bed. Today had been overwhelming, and I could feel the exhaustion weighing on me. I sighed deeply, closing my eyes as my head sank into the silk pillow.

As I drifted into sleep, my dreams were filled with visions of Nicholas. Yet, lurking in the shadows was the nightmare of Rory, but in those dark moments, Nicholas was always there to save me.