Chapter 450:

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Nero’s gaze followed him for half a second longer than necessary. A flicker of something sharp moved through the bond, possessiveness, old instinct. Then it softened. He understood. Bram had been the one holding me together while he fought his way back. Still, the Dark Alpha in him didn’t love finding his newly bonded Luna flushed and laughing with another man first thing after waking.

Nero glanced at Bram. “Thank you.”

Bram looked between us and laughed quietly. “I’ll take that as my cue.”

He started toward the house, but I stopped him. “Bram.”

He turned.

“Thank you.”

𝖳𝗵𝘦 𝗯𝗲ѕ𝘁 𝗋𝘦𝘷і𝖾𝗐ѕ 𝘰𝘯 𝗴𝘢𝗅ոo𝗏e𝗹𝘀.сo𝗆

His expression softened. “Anytime.”

Then he disappeared inside.

I turned back to Nero, who was still watching the direction Bram had gone. “You’re jealous,” I whispered.

“I trust Bram.”

I smiled. “But?”

His eyes came back to mine. “But I don’t enjoy waking up to find my Luna has been riding through the forest with another wolf.”

I burst out laughing. “Is that why you’re upset?”

He stepped closer despite the exhaustion written across his face. “Because you’re mine.”

The words sent warmth through me. I shook my head. “You’re ridiculous.”

“And you’re blushing.”

I touched my cheeks. They were burning.

Nero smiled, but the smile faded as exhaustion crept back into his eyes. “You shouldn’t be out here,” I said.

“I’ve waited long enough.”

My heart tightened. I reached up and touched his cheek. His skin was still warmer than normal, though nothing like the terrible heat of the night before. “The fever is coming back.”

He shrugged, and I slipped my arm around his waist. “Come inside.”

He didn’t argue this time. We walked slowly back toward the house, and I noticed how carefully he placed each foot. He was stronger than he had been during the night, but he wasn’t healed yet. The curse might have been gone, but his body was still recovering from years of carrying it.

When we entered Gemma’s house, Nero lowered himself onto the couch. I reached for the water, and he watched me. “Remi.”

I sat beside him.

“I need to tell you something. We need to go back.”

My smile disappeared. “Back?”

“Moonstone.” His eyes moved toward the window. “I’ve been away from my kingdom too long.”

“You just broke a curse you’ve carried your entire life.”

He smiled faintly. “I need to go home, Remi.”

Something in his voice changed when he said it. Home. He wasn’t talking about Gemma’s house or the Free Lands. He meant Moonstone, his kingdom, the place where his people were waiting for him. He looked down at our joined hands. “I don’t belong here.”

My heart ached. “You belong wherever I am.”

His eyes lifted. “And you belong with me.” He squeezed my hand.

I folded my arms. “You’re still recovering. We aren’t traveling until you’re strong enough.”

He sighed. “You sound like my brothers.”

He leaned back against the couch. “Speaking of my brothers…”

I remembered. “Kade sent a letter.”

His expression changed immediately. “Kade?”

I nodded. “He wanted to know when you’re returning. He said Moonstone needs you.”

Nero’s jaw tightened. “And Kade?”

“He’s handling everything.”

Nero let out a quiet breath. “Kade shouldn’t have to.” I reached for his hand again. “He’s trying. And the armies are waiting.”

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