My Marked Luna (Apphia and Nicholas) novel Chapter 63

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

**Chapter 63**

**Apphia POV**

As I stand in the tent, the world around me begins to blur, fading into the background, until all that exists is the overwhelming sensation of Nicholas’s lips crashing against mine. This kiss is anything but innocent; it is fervent and passionate, his tongue exploring the depths of my mouth with an urgency that sends shivers down my spine. The sound of clapping and cheers fills the air, a cacophony of excitement that only heightens the intensity of the moment. Nicholas continues to devour my lips as if they are his lifeline, and my heart races wildly in my chest.

I gently place my hands on his broad chest, feeling the warmth radiating from him, and slowly coax him to pull back. When he finally does, he rests his forehead against mine, a satisfied smile gracing his lips.

“I love you, my Luna,” he whispers softly into my hair, and those words resonate deep within me. My heart is thundering, each beat echoing the truth of his declaration. He loves me. Nicholas Lavista loves me! A wave of joy crashes over me, and my wolf is purring with delight, her tail wagging furiously—tails?

The rest of the evening unfolds pleasantly, filled with laughter and conversation. I mingle with various guests, but soon, Nicholas drifts off to speak with some alphas. I find myself beside Vicky and Drake, who are deep in a heated discussion that soon leads them to excuse themselves for a private conversation.

I can’t help but steal glances at Nicholas as he chats with a group of men his age. He is nothing short of breathtaking, exuding a carefree confidence that draws attention. I notice several unmated women casting longing looks in his direction, their eyes sparkling with interest.

‘Shameless, bitches,’ Ziora scoffs in my mind. ‘He literally introduced us as his mate and Luna, yet they still bat their eyelashes at him!’ A surge of annoyance and jealousy courses through me. How many women are drawn to him on a daily basis? It doesn’t help that he looks like a Greek god, radiating charm and allure.

I turn away, a small pout forming on my lips as I crave a moment of solitude. Seeking refuge, I slip out of the tent and make my way to the far side of the garden, where a serene quiet envelops me.

Inhaling deeply, I savor the fresh air. It’s peaceful here—just the way I like it, I remind myself as I stroll towards the fragrant rose bushes.

“Congratulations, Luna,” a deep voice calls out from behind me, breaking the stillness. I whirl around to find Alpha Maximus Jere approaching, his expression unreadable.

Stepping back instinctively, I recall Nicholas’s warnings about him. Despite his smile, there’s a shadow of sadness in his eyes that intrigues me.

“You look absolutely exquisite, Miss Apphia,” he says, taking my hand and pressing a warm kiss to my palm.

I retract my hand and offer him a tight smile. “Thank you, Alpha Maximus.”

“Please, no formalities. Call me Maximus, or just Max,” he insists, and I nod, feeling a flicker of amusement in his gaze.

“So, you are the alpha prince’s mate and not merely his guest, as you once told me,” he states, his tone carrying an edge that makes me uneasy.

“I should get back inside, Alpha—Maximus,” I reply, feeling the need to distance myself from this conversation.

“Be that as it may, they don’t consider me one of their own!” His frustration is palpable.

“Why?” I press, wanting to delve deeper into his story.

“Because my grandfather chose the wrong side during a war many years ago, and as a result, my pack was ostracized from society. We lost all our allies, and our people suffered greatly. But after my father came into power over twenty years ago, he began writing to the privy council, seeking restoration to society. After much uproar, we regained our status, but we are still viewed as outcasts,” he explains, his voice steady yet tinged with pain. I frown, feeling the weight of his history. It seems so unjust that an entire pack should suffer for the mistakes of one man, an alpha who had fought for the wrong cause.

“I’m sorry to hear that,” I say sincerely. I can empathize with the feeling of being an outcast among your own kind.

“We’re doing well now. I may not be where I want us to be or where we should be, but we’re making progress. We’re climbing to the top, one step at a time.” Maximus turns to face me, his expression serious. “Miss Apphia, not everyone is pleased that you get to be Luna of the most powerful pack in the realm. Many have tried to get their daughters or granddaughters noticed by the royal family. You need allies in our society, and I want you to know that I am open to being yours.”

His offer catches me off guard, bold and unexpected. Allies are everything in werewolf society; it means having someone who will stand by you in times of need.

“I have nothing to offer you,” I reply with a shrug, the truth weighing heavily on my shoulders. I have no pack, no money, no connections—only a title I received today, and I feel utterly unprepared for it.

“That doesn’t matter. What truly counts is knowing that someone is out there watching your back,” he assures me.

I bite my lower lip, contemplating his words. My wolf thinks it’s a wise idea to cultivate allies, especially since we lack a pack to support us. But can I truly trust Alpha Maximus yet?