My Marked Luna (Apphia and Nicholas) novel Chapter 61

**In Fragile Moments We Discover Strength Hidden In Stillness by Tao Cole Rynn**

**Chapter 61**

**Apphia’s POV**

“This dress is absolutely everything! The color complements your skin tone so beautifully!” Dough exclaims, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

I take a deep breath, trying to steady my racing heart as I gaze at my reflection in the mirror once more. The makeup is understated yet elegant, a touch of blush adding warmth to my cheeks and a soft lipstick enhancing my lips.

“Dough! Don’t forget about her shoes!”

With a flourish, Dough presents a stunning pair of heels that look like they belong on a runway. They are exquisite, glimmering under the light. I step into them with Dough’s assistance, feeling a rush of confidence as I realize I am now at least three inches taller.

“And before I forget,” Lily chimes in, her voice filled with enthusiasm, “Nicholas got you these!” She opens a small black velvet box, revealing a pair of enormous round diamond earrings. They are breathtaking, the kind of jewelry that seems to capture the light and sparkle with an otherworldly brilliance. Dough gasps, leaning in closer for a better look.

“I’m no jeweler, but I’d wager these are at least ten carats each,” he comments, his voice filled with awe.

“Good eye! They set him back two million,” Lily replies with a mischievous grin. My jaw drops, and I instinctively take a step back, my mind reeling.

“What?” I whisper, incredulous. That amount is staggering! Who in their right mind spends that much on jewelry?

“Nicholas wants you to wear them, Apphia,” Lily assures me, her gaze encouraging.

I’ve never adorned myself with anything even remotely close to this level of luxury. I steal another glance at the earrings, feeling a mix of disbelief and excitement. I nod at Lily, my heart swelling with gratitude.

—

**Nicholas’s POV**

I stand at the grand piano in the foyer, leaning against the window with a glass of champagne in hand, the smooth melodies of Grover Washington’s “Just the Two of Us” playing softly in the background. I can hardly contain my anticipation as I wait for my mate to arrive. The door swings open, and I turn, eager to catch a glimpse of Apphia, but my heart sinks as my parents walk in, dressed for the festivities.

“Don’t let it be too obvious that we’re not the ones you were hoping to see,” my father chuckles, his eyes twinkling with mischief.

“Who is this handsome man before me? Leon, do you recognize him?” Mom teases, her playful tone lightening the mood.

“Mom, as always, you look stunning. And Dad, you too,” I reply, my spirits high. Today is monumental; I am about to introduce Apphia to my pack and our alpha allies. They will see her as mine, a treasure to love and protect.

“How’s the party shaping up, Mom?” I inquire, wanting to gauge the atmosphere.

“Everyone’s eagerly awaiting your arrival. The guests are excited to meet the new Luna of the Sapphire royal pack,” she responds, her voice filled with pride.

—

Suddenly, I sense a shift within me; my Lycan stirs, alert and anxious. Apphia is near, and my heart begins to race. The door opens again, but it’s Lily who stands there, blocking my view of Apphia.

“Lilibet, move aside,” I command, my voice low and firm.

“We’ll head out first, and then you two can follow. No funny business,” Lily warns, her tone serious as she ushers my parents out of the room. Finally, it’s just the two of us, and the air is thick with unspoken tension. I wrap my arms around her waist, pulling her closer.

“You are divine, baby!” I whisper, planting soft kisses along her exposed neck and trailing down her collarbone. I can feel her heartbeat quicken beneath my lips.

“You look immaculate,” she breathes, her fingers weaving through my hair. I capture her warm, sweet lips with mine, our tongues dancing together. The heat between us ignites, and I feel myself harden in response to her closeness. Every fiber of my being longs for her. Her breath hitches, and then I catch a whiff of it… her arousal, thick and intoxicating in the air. I growl softly, pulling her even closer as I kiss her passionately.

“Ah, Nick,” she moans softly against my mouth.

Just then, the door swings open, and we are forced to separate, our lips parting with a reluctant sigh. “Fuck,” I mutter under my breath, frustrated by the interruption.

Lily stands there, her expression a mix of fury and amusement, while Apphia steps away from me, both of us breathing heavily.

“You two, bad, bad!” she scolds, her tone reminiscent of a mother reprimanding mischievous puppies.

“I can’t help it! Do you see her?” I protest, gesturing toward my beautiful mate. Apphia, her face flushed with embarrassment, can’t meet my gaze, mumbling an apology.

“Don’t apologize for getting a little naughty with me, mate. I have a feeling we’ll be quite impish together,” I reply, a smirk playing on my lips as she shyly returns my gaze.

“Let me see. Okay, nothing is—oh my goddess! Nicholas Lavista, you left a hickey on her neck!” Lily exclaims, her eyes wide with shock as Apphia gasps, her fingers flying to her neck. She looks at me in horror, but I can’t help but wink at her.

I wait as the two ladies fuss over covering the mark I left on her, a frown creeping onto my face. I loved having my mark visible on her. Once they finish, I take her hand, and together we make our way downstairs to the party, the anticipation of the evening ahead buzzing in the air.