The Lunar Queen Chapter 43

Iris POV

After we all separate, Elias and I head to his room.

“You okay, love?” he asks, tilting my chin to meet his eyes.

“Yeah, I’m fine. I just always thought that when I finally met my siblings, it would be different,” I say. My fingers curl slightly at my sides before I force them to relax, like I don’t want him to see how much that actually bothers me.

“Lyric isn’t upset with you. She’s been through a lot—waking up from an almost year-long coma caused by your twin sister, then having to take her life, and later discovering you’re a triplet—that’s a lot,” he says gently.

“I know, and I get that. I just didn’t even know any of this was going on. My grandparents never said anything,” I reply. My voice dips at the end, quieter, like saying it out loud makes it feel heavier.

“Your parents probably never told them because they didn’t want you to worry,” he says.

“Can you tell me what happened? I want to ask Lyric, but I feel it might be too soon. Still, I want to understand her better,” I say. There’s a tightness in my chest when I say her name, like I already care more than I expected to.

“Well, Summer never really liked that she didn’t look like the rest of the Cassidy pups. And the fact that the Alpha’s son paid her so much attention only made things worse because she couldn’t understand why Lyric, not her. So she hurt her a lot over the years, and as they got older, it got worse. Eventually, Lyric told Mason she didn’t want to talk to him anymore, but that only stopped it temporarily. The worst was last year, before the ball, when Mason scented Lyric as his mate, and she was branded a freak by Summer. She was in a slight coma for a few days, and Mason went through a lot to be able to take Lyric to prom. Summer blackmailed someone in the pack to take pictures of Mason, and she took a picture of Mason and Lyric kissing. She went missing the day before their graduation. When they found her by the border, she was violated repeatedly, badly beaten, and badly cut,” he says, wiping my tears, which I didn’t even realize were falling.

“How could someone do that to their own family?” I say, voice cracking. My stomach twists hard, like I can feel pieces of that story sitting wrong inside me.

“She didn’t consider her family,” he adds.

“But if my parents had kept me, she would have been the different one,” I say. The thought hits heavier now, like something I can’t fix but still feel responsible for.

“Yeah, we know. You and Lyric are identical—give or take some inches in height,” he replies.

“Do you think she’s mad at me for not telling her sooner?” I ask. I hate how small my voice sounds.

“Of course not, love. Lyric is an amazing person with a big heart. She already loves you, I’m sure. And you both have the rest of your lives to make it right because you’ll be living together. You’ll get to know her bonus sister and your cousin Mira,” he says.

“Bonus sister?” I ask.

“Yes, Winter. They have a soul connection. Winter was all she had at one point and was the only one who knew the truth about Summer,” he explains.

“I can’t wait. I can’t believe she went through all that and is still so put together,” I say. I shake my head slightly, like I can’t fully wrap my mind around it.

“That’s the makings of a true queen,” he concludes.

My mother would always tell Aria, “A Queen never lets the world see her cracks. She’s always holds her head high and never let them see you falter,” he says.

“I don’t understand,” I say.

“As the king and queen, eyes are always on them—the packs within their kingdom, the members of the royal pack, the council, other shifters—and the moment anybody sees a crack or that something is wrong, they will try to use that against you,” he says.

“I get it, and being who she is, she can’t have cracks?” I ask.

“I honestly think, from knowing her, it’s just not in her to let people see her weak,” he says.

“Come here, love,” he says.

I walk over and sit in his lap.

“No matter what, she is going to love you; they all will,” he says before kissing me softly.

He glances at the clock on the wall, his warm breath ghosting over my skin.

“We have about an hour before we have to meet up with everyone. What do you want to do?” he asks, his lips brushing my neck in a soft kiss that sends shivers racing down my spine. My breath catches slightly, my body already leaning into him before I even answer.

He nips at my marking spot, the sharp graze of his teeth pulling a deep moan from my throat.

“Oh, I like that sound,” he murmurs, his voice turning husky, thick with desire. His hand tightens slightly at my waist, like he felt that reaction deeper than just the sound.

“I want you to mark me, Eli,” I whisper breathlessly, my body already aching for him.

Whatever restraint he’d been clinging to shatters in that moment. He scoops me up effortlessly, his strong arms cradling me as he walks us to the bed.

He lays me down gently on the soft sheets, his eyes dark and intense as he starts undressing me with deliberate slowness, peeling away each layer like he’s unwrapping a gift. His gaze doesn’t leave me, heavy and focused, like he’s memorizing every reaction I give him.

“I can take my clothes off,” I say, giggling softly, a flush creeping up my cheeks.

“Yeah, but I’m having fun watching you as I take them off,” he replies, his fingers lingering on my skin, tracing the curves that make my pulse quicken. Each touch drags slower than it needs to, like he knows exactly what it’s doing to me.

He unhooks my bra, and my breasts spill free, nipples already hard and pebbled from the cool air and his gaze.

He leans down, sucking one into his hot mouth, tongue swirling around the sensitive peak. I moan out in pleasure, arching into him, my hands threading through his hair. My fingers tighten in his hair without meaning to, holding him there.

Eli’s hands move lower, tugging off my jeans and panties in one smooth motion, leaving me completely bare and exposed.

He settles between my thighs, his broad shoulders nudging my legs apart, and then his mouth is on me—sucking my clit with firm, insistent pulls that make stars burst behind my eyelids.

“Fuck, that feels so good, Eli,” I moan, my hips bucking up against his face.

He slides two fingers into my dripping pussy, curling them just right to hit that spot inside me, pumping in time with his tongue. The pleasure builds fast, coiling tight in my core. I cry out as he picks up the pace, his free hand gripping my thigh to hold me steady.

My stomach tightens, the edge rushing toward me. “Oh fuck, Eli, I’m close!” I scream, my voice breaking.

“Cum for me, love,” he growls against my skin, lapping up my juices like he’s starved for them.

My orgasm crashes through me in relentless waves, my pussy clenching around his fingers as I tremble and gasp, riding out the bliss until I’m boneless beneath him.

Eli strips out of his clothes quickly, his cock hard and throbbing as he positions himself at my entrance. He pushes in slowly, inch by inch, stretching me with a delicious burn. He stops when he reaches my barrier, his eyes locking onto mine with tender concern.

“Breathe, love—it’s going to hurt a little.”

I nod, inhaling deeply, and he thrusts the rest of the way in, burying himself to the hilt. Tears spill down my cheeks from the sharp sting, but he stills completely, letting me adjust to the fullness of him inside me, his thumb brushing away my tears. His forehead presses lightly against mine, grounding me without saying a word.

After a moment, the pain fades, replaced by waves of unimaginable pleasure as he starts thrusting slowly, in and out, each movement dragging along my walls. I move my hips to match his rhythm, urging him deeper.

“Yes, Eli—please don’t stop,” I moan, wrapping my legs around his waist.

He increases his speed, pounding into me with growing intensity, the bed creaking under us. Then he flips me onto all fours, gripping my hips as he fucks me harder from behind, his cock hitting even deeper, making me see spots.

“You are so tight, princess,” he growls, his voice rough with need, one hand sliding up my back to tangle in my hair.

After a few more thrusts that leave me gasping, he pulls me up and carries me to the wall, pressing my back against the cool surface. He lifts my legs around his hips and fucks me there, relentless and raw, our bodies slamming together with wet, echoing slaps.

“Mark me,” I moan, tilting my head to expose my neck, the need burning in my veins.

His canines elongate, sharp and gleaming, and I offer him my throat. He sinks his teeth in with a possessive growl, the pain blooming into ecstasy as my climax rips through me in shuddering waves, my pussy squeezing him tight.

My gums itch fiercely, my own canines pushing through, and I turn to mark him back, biting down on his shoulder, claiming him as mine. He roars in pleasure, his cock pulsing as he releases inside me, hot ropes of cum filling me up, spilling out with each final thrust.

He thrusts a few more times, drawing out our shared high, before pulling out gently and carrying me into the bathroom, his arms steady around my spent body. The steam from the shower already starts to fill the air as he sets me down, but I cling to him, not ready to let go just yet.

After we both shower we get dressed to head back downstairs.

Lyric POV

By the time Cole and I get back downstairs, everyone is already here.

“So glad you could grace us with your presence, your majesty,” Winter teases.

I glare at her. “Shut it,” I growl. My eyes linger on her a second longer than necessary, like I need something normal to hold onto before I let myself feel anything else.

“So, are we swimming?” I ask.

“Hey, Mary, we’re going to swim today. Can you have the omegas set up a BBQ for us by the pool?” I link Mary.

“Of course, dear, give us an hour,” she links back.

I close the link. “Mary is setting up a BBQ,” I say, taking my shorts off to get in the pool. The fabric slides down my legs, and for a second, the simple motion feels grounding—something real, something I can control.

“Where are Micah and Jace?” I ask, looking around.

“They both found their mates and went to get acquainted,” Hunter says.

“Oh, I’m loving all these marks I see. Congratulations, guys. Clearly, this year’s ball was a success,” I add. My smile comes easy, but there’s still something tight in my chest that doesn’t fully loosen.

Iris walks over to me. “Hey, can we chat?” she asks nervously.

“Of course,” I say, linking our arms and walking away from the group. Her arm is warm against mine, unfamiliar but not uncomfortable—just new.

We sit in the grass across from each other.

“It’s really like looking in a mirror,” I say.

“Yeah, I know. It’s different than just looking at pictures,” she says.

“You’ve seen pictures?” I ask, surprised.

“Yeah, mom would text me pictures of you and Summer. You really did look beautiful at your prom,” she says.

I blush, thinking about prom night. The memory hits sharper than I expect, my chest tightening before I push it down.

I glance over at Cole and can feel his eyes on me.

“It’s okay, my love. I know you loved him, and I also know you are mine,” he links to me.

“I’m sorry, my king,” I link back.

“Never apologize, my queen,” he replies.

“Thank you. I wish I could have known about you too,” I say softly. My voice dips, quieter now, like I’m talking more to myself than her.

“I’m sorry I didn’t say anything to you earlier,” she says.

“You didn’t do anything wrong. Seeing me was a shock, I get that,” I respond.

“No need to dwell on the past. We have each other now, and that’s what matters,” I tell her. I hold her gaze a little longer, like I need her to believe that—and maybe myself too.

“Maybe one day, you can tell me about growing up here and with her,” she suggests.

“Definitely,” I agree as we both stand to head back.

“We need to talk to Mason,” Nova says.

When we walk back, “Hey, guys, mind if I steal your mate for a second, Aria?” I ask.

“Not at all,” she says.

I loop my arm through his as we walk to the same spot I and he were in. My fingers tighten slightly around his arm before I can stop myself.

“I just want to know where your head’s at, Mason,” I say.

The look on his face breaks my heart. It hits instantly, sharp and familiar, like something I never really got over.

“I don’t want to say it out loud. It makes me feel like I’m betraying Aria,” he says softly.

“Give me your hands,” I say, holding mine out.

He gives me his hands, and I read through his thoughts. All of them.

When I’m done, tears stream down my face. I don’t even try to stop them this time.

He wipes my tears, and I see Cole making his way toward me.

“I’m fine, my king,” I link to him.

He growls but stops walking.

“I never knew that was how you felt all this time,” I say, voice cracking.

“I loved you, sunflower, from the first moment I laid eyes on you. And as we got older, it only increased the more time I spent around you. My main goal was seeing a smile on your face. I’m not going to lie about my feelings right now. I’m happy I found my mate; she’s perfect, but she isn’t you, Lyric,” he says softly.

My heart pounds in my chest at his words. Hard. Loud. Like it’s trying to remind me of something I buried.

“You love him still,” Nova says softly.

I block her out. Too fast. Too hard. Like I don’t even want to hear it out loud.

“I hate Summer more than I care to admit. You were mine, and I never even got to fully experience a mate bond with you. When you found out I was your mate, it brought pain, heartache, and fear. She stole that moment of happiness from us,” he says, tears streaming down his cheeks.

I step into his arms and hug him. For a second, everything else fades—just like it used to.

“I’m so sorry. I thought I was ready for this conversation, but I’m not,” I say.

I turn and give Nova control.

“Change our appearance, Nova,” I say, and we shift.

Then we run into the woods.

“What the hell is happening right now?” I ask Nova.

“You love him, and even though you’re both mated, you still love each other and never really got closure or clarity about those feelings. You were just pushed into new bonds,” she explains.

I block Cole so he can’t feel or sense me. The moment I do it, something twists in my chest—but I don’t stop.

I need a minute.

About five minutes later, we end up by the lake. Nova lies by the water, and I hear paws.

I recognize the scents—it’s Winter and Iris.

They lie next to me, one on each side, and nuzzle my neck.

“Shift back so we can talk,” Winter says.

I shift back, and they do too.

Winter opens her bag and hands Iris and me each a sundress.

“Talk to us,” Winter urges as we all sit by the water.

“I love him, Winter. He was taken from me, and I hate that he was,” I cry out. My voice breaks open, raw in a way I haven’t let it be in a long time.

“I loved him my whole life, and he was my mate. I had to reject him. All I wanted was him. He meant everything to me once, and I had to push him away to survive. When I finally got him back, I had to push him away again. And I love Cole. I loved him before we were mated, which is why I was so conflicted about Mason and my destiny before,” I cry.

“I feel so guilty for feeling this way,” I say through sobs. My hands curl into my dress, gripping the fabric tight.

“Hey, don’t feel guilty. Everyone understands what you went through,” Winter says.

“Cole is hurt—you blocked him—and Mason’s a wreck. The guys are trying to calm him, and Aria’s hurting because she thinks Mason will reject her for you,” Winter explains.

My head snaps up. “No, he would never do that,” I say. Too fast. Too certain. Like I need that to be true.

“Iris, can you link Elias and tell him to tell Aria where we are and have her come here? I need to explain everything to her,” I request.

Her eyes glaze over as she links Eli.

“I just feel so stupid for letting Summer take him from me. I missed so much with him, and I missed him so much,” I say, voice cracking.

A few minutes later, Aria and Mira run up to us.

They shift back and change into the dresses they brought.

When Aria sees my face, her expression falls.

“What’s wrong?” she asks.

“I need to explain myself to you, as Mason’s mate and Cole’s sister,” I say, wiping my tears.

“I’ve loved Mason since I was five. He was my prince charming. He meant everything to me once. I had to push him away when we were younger because I was tired of being punished for things I couldn’t control. When I found out I was his mate, I was terrified because I was happy and worried about what Summer would do when she found out. When I saw how much work he put into prom, I was hopeful for us, but that was shattered as soon as Kasey took that picture of us,” I say, tears flowing.

I look at her. “He won’t reject you,” I say to her.

“You don’t know that. I see how he looks at you, Lyric,” she says, her own tears flowing.

“I do know,” I say, grabbing her hands and showing her what I saw earlier when I hugged him in the hospital.

She pulls her hands out of mine.

“Is that real?” she asks.

“Yes, it is. He won’t reject you, Aria. He’s just trying to come to terms with everything,” I say.

“I’m sorry, Lyric. I thought you were trying to steal him and hurt my brother,” she says.

“But it’s so much deeper than I knew. I wanted it to be simple, but it’s not,” she adds.

“Just know this: it is you that is his mate. He will not betray you or your bond. He isn’t like that. But before you, it was only me, even before he knew I was his mate. He thought he was getting me back when he turned 18, but instead, he lost me all over again. I’m sorry that you and your brother both came into the aftermath of us,” I say.

“Princess,” Cole’s voice sounds behind me.

My chest tightens, and my stomach drops. Instant. Heavy. Like I already know what he felt when I blocked him.

I jump up to run, and sparks burst up my arm as strong arms lightly grab me.

“Please don’t run from me. You shut me out,” he says, his voice sounding like he’s breaking.

“I just want to help. I felt your emotions. They were all over the place. Please talk to me,” he begs.

“Cole,” my voice cracks.

“Please, princess,” he says softly, pleading.

I turn in his arms, and seeing his face shatters me. The hurt there hits harder than anything else today.

“I’m sorry, my king. I didn’t mean to make you feel like this,” I say.

“I don’t care how you make me feel. Just don’t shut me out. Don’t keep things from me, the good or the bad. I can’t function if you are not okay,” he says, cupping my cheeks and wiping my tears.

“I love him,” I whisper.

“I know, my love,” he says.

My head snaps up. “What?” I ask.

“I know, Lyric. I can feel it every time you look at him or he is near you. I see how he looks at you—longing, regret, disappointment. I also know that you are MINE, and mine alone. Nothing will change that. So have your feelings, process them, but do it with me. You shutting me out is not an option. We are mates, and we will get through everything together—including your unresolved feelings for your first love and first mate,” he says.

“I love you. How are you so perfect?” I ask.

“Because I was made for you, and you for me. You are the other half of my soul, baby,” he says, kissing me softly.

And even as I kiss him back, something inside me finally settles—not gone, not fixed—but no longer tearing me in two. Just… waiting.