Page 54 of Luna

Chapter 19

Lucien

Luna sleeps peacefully beside me, her chest rising and falling in a gentle rhythm. I watch her, unable to look away, my mind a whirlwind of conflicting thoughts and emotions.

I replay the events of the night in my head. The way she arched beneath me, her soft gasps of pleasure, the feel of her skin against mine. And then, that moment — her climax building, her body tensing, and suddenly the shadows in the room coming alive. They danced and swirled, responding to her in a way I’ve only read about in ancient texts.

She is powerful. More powerful than I initially believed. And I’ve just fed her my blood.

Stupid. Reckless. Dangerous.

I run a hand through my hair, frustration building. What was I thinking? I don’t fully understand what she is, what latent abilities might be inside her. And now I’ve introduced vampire blood to the equation. The potential consequences are unpredictable at best, catastrophic at worst.

My gaze falls on her sleeping form again. She looks so peaceful now, free from the pain that had been etched into her features earlier. Part of me wants to believe that’s why I did it — to ease her suffering, to give her a reprieve from the constant agony.

But I can’t lie to myself. Not completely. The desire I felt for her was overwhelming, all-consuming. I wanted her so badly, wanted to lose myself in her without worrying about causing her more pain. Was that the real reason? Did I prioritize my own selfish desires over her safety?

I clench my fist, anger at myself rising. I’m supposed to be protecting her, not potentially putting her in more danger. What if my blood awakens something in her that she’s not ready to control? What if it draws even more attention from those who might wish to exploit her power?

And yet... I can’t bring myself to regret it entirely. The connection I felt with her, the way she responded to me — it was unlike anything I’ve experienced in my long existence.

I gently brush a strand of hair from her face, marveling at how young and vulnerable she looks in sleep. The urge to protect her, to keep her safe from all harm, wells up inside me with surprising intensity.

But what if I am the one Luna needs protection from?

I rise from the bed, careful not to disturb her, and begin pacing the room. My feelings for her are far more complex than I ever anticipated. What started as an obsession, a need to protect and possess, has evolved into something more. Something I can barely comprehend let alone name.

And instead of dealing with more pressing matters – the vampires that are running riot in the city, and whoever the fuck is controlling them, and whether that person knows what she is – I’m here, losing myself in her.

I sit down in the armchair and watch her sleeping. How many times have I dreamed of watching her like this? Of being close to her? Of seeing her come while I’m inside her? Feeling her clench around me, and hearing her scream my name?

Now, here she is.

But I do not deserve the pleasure she makes me feel.

After everything I’ve done, after all these centuries of guarding my heart, how can I allow myself to be this vulnerable again?

I close my eyes. Memories rise from the basement of my soul, sharp and painful. And I let them come for me.

England, 1521

I stand in the shadows of our bedchamber, watching Elizabeth sleep.

For weeks, I’ve managed to hide my new nature from her. I have fed in secret, convincing myself that I could find a way to return to my life. That I could still be the man she married.

“Lucien?” Her voice, soft with sleep, pulls me from my thoughts. “You’re home late again.”

I move to her side, taking her hand in mine. Even in the dim candlelight, I can see the concern in her eyes. “I’m sorry, my love. There was business to attend to.”

She sits up, her brow furrowing. “You’re so cold. Are you ill?”

“No, I’m fine,” I assure her, fighting the urge to recoil as her warm hand touches my cheek. Trying to ignore the throbbing vein in her neck, visible beneath her pale skin.

The scent of her blood is intoxicating, and I hate myself for noticing it.

A growl rises in my throat, and I try to bite down on it.

I kiss her neck and pull her closer. But I’m too rough. She jerks away from me and studies my face.