Resisting the Moon: A Royal Shifters Novel (26 page)

My whole body tightened and I moaned.
“I love you too.”

Digging my nails into the back of his hands, I screamed out his name as he released inside me. Still connected, Sebastian let go of my hands and kissed me, his lips warm and smooth. “You have no idea how amazing that felt.”

“I know what would feel even more amazing,” I whispered. I thought about what I wanted in my mind.

He bit his lip and smiled. “You sure that’s what you want?”

Tilting my head to the side, I blew out a shaky breath. “Yes.” I was scared about us simultaneously taking each other’s blood, for fear of what I’d see in our vision. But if we didn’t do it, I’d always wonder. “I want to taste you too,” I murmured. He licked his lips and slowly edged closer to me, his mouth on my neck. Breathing me in, I felt his fangs press against my skin.
“I’m ready, Sebastian.”

His teeth sank into my neck, as my own found purchase in his shoulder; the sweet taste of his blood flowing down my throat. Everything around us changed and we were thrust into a magical world of swirling mist. Only this time, it was a real place, and Sebastian was right beside me.

“This is weird,” I said, glancing around the field. There were mountains everywhere, but we weren’t in Wyoming. “Where are we?”

Sebastian intertwined his fingers with mine, a twinkle in his eyes. “Canada, my home.” He pulled me with him and pointed at a house in the distance. “That’s my house down there, or what used to be it. It’s changed so much. I haven’t seen it in so long.”

We walk toward it and I could feel the cool breeze sweeping across the landscape. “It’s beautiful here,” I said in awe. If I didn’t have my family in Wyoming, I’d move there in a heartbeat.

Sebastian nodded and I couldn’t help but notice the fascination on his face. He’d lived his life protecting others. It made me wonder if he missed the kind of life he could’ve had, one of freedom.

His gaze met mine. “I had freedom, love. Freedom is choice, and I chose to protect my kind. It was what I wanted to do. In the end, it brought me to you. I wouldn’t change a thing.”

“Nothing?”

He leaned over and kissed me. “Nothing.”

The closer we got to the house, the faster my heart raced. “What do you think we’ll find in there?”

That was when I heard it . . . laughing. We were almost to the house when the door burst open and an older version of me came running out. I barely recognized myself. My skin was wrinkled and my long hair had lost its blonde in favor of a bright white.

“Holy shit, that’s me,” I whispered.

Sebastian chuckled. “And you can still move too.”

I smacked him on the arm. “Let’s see how you catch up to me, old man. You’re a lot older than me.”

The old me held up her hand to shield the sun from her eyes, her chest rising and falling with her rapid breaths. “Sebastian? Where are you, old man?”

I burst out laughing. “She actually said it. This is crazy. I wonder where you’re at.”

Sebastian smiled and pulled me close. “Don’t worry, I’m coming.” I searched around the land, not finding him anywhere.

“Don’t tell me you’re scared?” The old me laughed. She started walking back to the house and that was when I saw a blur out of the corner of my eye. The old Sebastian came out of nowhere and lunged for her, taking her down to the ground. She laughed as they rolled down the hill.

Sebastian and I rushed down after them and found them holding each other in the grass, still laughing.

“You’re still as beautiful as ever,” Sebastian murmured.

I finally got a good look at the old Sebastian and my heart raced. His hair was white with wisps of dark gray, but no amount of wrinkles could take away the handsomeness of his face or the brightness of his blue eyes.

“And you’re still sexy as hell,” I replied back with a wink.

The old us started to kiss and when they stopped, they just stared into each other’s eyes. It felt strange spying on myself many years from now, but it gave me the closure I needed. We had a chance to live a long, peaceful life together.

“Do you think all visions will be like this?” I asked.

He brushed the hair off my face. “I don’t know, but I look forward to finding out.”

Tyla

I
t had taken us two full days to make the trek from North Carolina to Wyoming. We’d stopped along the way to rest, but for the most part, we’d stayed on the road. I was way past ready to get home.

Laila had decided to stay in the truck and keep her presence hidden until we were able to introduce her. She thought that if everyone could sense her, it’d take away from the family reunion. I think it was because she wanted to stay hidden longer. I knew she was nervous about joining a new pack.

We turned down my parents’ street and there were cars lined up in their driveway. My mother burst out of the house and waved as we pulled in, followed by my father.

“Here we go,” I said, giving Sebastian a please-help-me look.

Amelie parked behind us and burst out of the truck, jumping into their arms. My mother cried and ran her hands all over Amelie’s face. Bailey, Ryker, Micah, and Seraphina joined them on the porch and as soon as Sebastian and I stepped out, it was as if the whole world stopped. They all looked at us and froze.

Sebastian put his arm around me and leaned down, whispering in my ear. “I think the cat’s out of the bag.”

I snickered. “I do wish they would say something.”

Upon hearing this, my mother squealed and Amelie had to jump out of the way before getting trampled as she raced down the steps. My father beamed and nodded in approval.

Clasping my face in her hands, my mother glanced back and forth, from me to Sebastian. I’d never seen her so happy. “You were right when you said you had a lot to tell me. I can’t believe you actually did it! Your father and I were afraid you’d let your hard head get in the way.”

Sebastian tried to hide his chuckle and failed. “Thanks, Mom,” I grumbled.

My father joined us and shook Sebastian’s hand. “Thanks for bringing her home safely, son.”

Sebastian beamed and slapped him on the shoulder. “Trust me, it wasn’t easy.”

“Hey,” I snapped, elbowing him in the side.

Bailey rushed down to us and flung her arms around me, whispering in my ear. “I knew you wouldn’t let me down. I don’t think I’ve ever seen him smile so much, or you for that matter.”

“It’s because I haven’t,” I whispered back. I winked at Sebastian over her shoulder and he smiled.

She then let me go and wrapped her arms around Sebastian, kissing him on the cheek. “The ladies are going to be so upset when they see you’re taken.”

I snorted. “If they have a problem with that, I’ll be more than happy to deal with each of them on a one to one basis.”

Amelie giggled. “What are you going to do, waddle after them?”

Sebastian’s arm tightened around me and I froze at her comment. My mother glanced at Amelie and then to me, clearly thinking she missed something.

Seraphina was the one who walked up to me and touched my stomach. “Well, what do you know?” She beamed at Sebastian. “This is amazing news. I knew you two would find your way to each other.”

My mother screamed out in joy and I laughed. Micah and Ryker pulled Sebastian away, congratulating him, while the girls surrounded me. “I’m going to be a grandma,” my mother cried. “I never thought this day would come.”

I rolled my eyes. “Thanks, Mom.”

She placed her hands on my stomach and squatted low, telling the baby what all they were going to do together. When she stood, her brows furrowed. “Wait a second. How did you find out you were pregnant so fast? If you and Sebastian just mated, there’s no way you’d know without Seraphina’s help.”

Amelie glanced at the car and then to me and Sebastian. I nodded at her and she went to the car, opening the door. Laila unleashed her power and the whole world stood still for the second time that day.

Sebastian joined us and motioned for the guys to follow him. When Laila stepped out of the truck, the only sound to be heard was that of the snow’s soft pitter-patter as it landed on the ground. I specifically watched for Micah’s reaction. He stared at Laila as if she was a ghost.

Micah grabbed Sebastian’s arm. “What’s going on, brother?”

“I’ll tell you in just a minute. Hang tight,” he whispered. Walking over to Laila, Sebastian stood beside her. “Everyone, this is Laila. She’s going to be joining our pack.”

Bailey and Ryker smiled and introduced themselves, while my mother flanked me on the right and Micah and Seraphina on the left. “What is she?” my mother asked.

“It’s a long story,” I told her. “Why don’t you take Amelie and go inside? Sebastian and I need to talk to Micah and Seraphina.”

My parents took my advice and led Amelie inside, followed by Bailey and Ryker. Sebastian whispered something to Laila and her gaze lifted to Micah who couldn’t tear his eyes away from her.

“I think your brother’s in shock,”
I said.

Sebastian looked at me and then at Micah.
“I do believe you’re right. I want to make sure he keeps this secret to himself until I can tell Zayne.”
He and Laila stepped up to us and she smiled at them. “Seraphina, Micah, this is Laila,” Sebastian said.

Laila focused on Micah first, her gaze twinkling as she held out her hand. “I’m happy to finally meet you. Sebastian’s told me all about you.”

Micah took her hand. “You look . . .”

“Like my mother, I know. I can only imagine what you must be thinking right now.”

“Just a little shocked is all.” He let her hand go and turned to Sebastian. “I’d like to know what’s going on.”

Sebastian nodded. “Give us a second and I’ll tell you everything.” He turned Laila to Seraphina. “Laila, Seraphina is one of our pack elders. I’m hoping she’ll be able to help guide you through some of your powers.”

Seraphina grabbed her hand and held it. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, child. I must say, you have me very intrigued. Your power is something I’ve never felt.”

“I could say the same for you,” she replied back. “If you don’t mind, I’d love to ask you some questions. There is so much I don’t understand.”

Seraphina linked her arm with hers. “I’d be happy to help in any way I can. Why don’t we take a walk?” Laila looked to Sebastian for approval and he nodded. Once they walked off, he turned his focus to Micah.

Micah’s jaw tensed. “She looks just like Alina.”

Sighing, Sebastian placed a hand on his shoulder. “There’s a reason for that. Laila’s her daughter. I didn’t know she even existed until we found her in North Carolina a few days ago. She has been living with the Sierra Pack, thinking she was one of them. Her fae blood made it hard for others to differentiate what she actually was. I’m assuming that’s what kept her alive all these years. They would’ve killed her if they’d known she wasn’t one of them.”

Closing his eyes, he ran a hand through his hair. “She’s an Arctic, brother. I can sense our kind from a mile away.” He opened his eyes and it was obvious he knew.

“She’s more than just your kind,” Sebastian murmured. “She’s your niece.”

He looked up at the sky and sighed. “When are you going to tell Zayne?”

Sebastian glanced at me, his gaze sad and full of pain. “As soon as Laila’s ready. I just needed you to keep this to yourself until I got that chance to talk to him. Besides, you’ll need to be there for him once he finds out.”