My Marked Luna (Apphia and Nicholas) novel Chapter 67

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

**Chapter 67**

**Gavin POV**

I found myself consumed by an overwhelming sense of longing for my mate. The ache in my chest was relentless, a constant reminder of the bond I had foolishly severed. How could I have rejected her? How could I have let her slip through my fingers like sand, when all I truly wanted was to wrap her in my arms and keep her safe from the world?

With my heart heavy, I stepped out of my office and made my way to Alpha Duncan’s office. I needed to know if there was any news regarding Apphia. My wolf, restless and agitated, mirrored my desperation. We both yearned for her return. Duncan, however, was a man of few words, especially when it came to matters outside the pack’s business. I was informed by an omega that he had been spotted in the backyard, and without a second thought, I headed in that direction.

As I approached the packhouse’s backyard, a chilling sound reached my ears—screaming.

“Let me go!” A woman’s voice pierced the air, filled with panic.

“No, why are you running away from me?!” That unmistakable voice belonged to my Alpha, Duncan. My instincts kicked in, and I rushed towards the source of the commotion, my heart racing as I navigated through the trees.

Emerging into a clearing, my gaze fell upon an alarming sight. Duncan had a girl in his arms—Nalani, the daughter of our former gamma. She was struggling against him, her face contorted in defiance, yet he held her tightly, refusing to let go.

“Duncan! What on earth are you doing?” I called out, sprinting towards them, but he turned to me with a low growl, his eyes flashing with a mix of frustration and possessiveness.

“Dude, she doesn’t want you to touch her,” I said, trying to keep my voice steady despite the tension in the air.

“She’s my mate!” he shot back, the words laced with a possessiveness that was so unlike him.

I took a step back, my eyes flickering to Nalani, who looked anything but pleased. She was glaring at him, her expression fierce and unyielding.

“Congratulations?” I offered awkwardly, unsure how to navigate this unexpected situation.

“Let me go, you weirdo!” Nalani’s voice trembled, a mix of anger and fear.

“Not until you tell me why you ran from me,” Duncan insisted, his tone demanding.

At that moment, the former gamma and his successor rushed towards us, concern etched on their faces.

“Alpha, let my daughter go,” the former gamma stated, his voice a blend of authority and respect, yet laced with urgency.

“No, she’s mine!” Duncan growled, a primal intensity radiating from him. It was a side of him I had never witnessed before.

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