My Marked Luna (Apphia and Nicholas) novel Chapter 69

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

**Chapter 69**

**Maximus POV**

Apphia Aeson. Apphia Aeson. Apphia Aeson.

This name has become an echo in my mind, a relentless reminder of my recent torment. Ever since I first laid eyes on her at Lady Anaiah’s grand banquet, she has woven herself into the fabric of my thoughts. Her captivating fragrance envelops me like a warm embrace, and there’s a serene aura about her that calms my restless spirit. I felt it the moment my lycan acknowledged her beauty; she was undeniably special.

Yet, the harsh reality is that Apphia belongs to Prince Nicholas—my adversary in every sense. I had my suspicions, but I clung to the hope that perhaps I could carve out a place in her life, to learn more about her, because my lycan was inexplicably drawn to her essence.

The revelation that she was indeed Nicholas’s mate, his Luna, crushed me. It was just like him to come out on top—he always seemed to have the upper hand. Now, the first woman who has ignited a deeper passion within me is forever out of reach, claimed by him.

That bastard.

Still, I refuse to let Apphia slip through my fingers. She could very well be my ticket to advancement. With the upcoming privy council meeting looming, I need a significant endorsement to secure new members. Who better to endorse me than the Luna of the most powerful pack? Our future Queen? So, I proposed an alliance to her. Though Apphia may not grasp the intricacies of politics, I sense a latent potential within her. I could utilize her to bolster my own pack’s influence.

The door to my office swings open, and my beta, Basil, strides in, his expression serious.

“Basil, what have you discovered about Apphia Aeson?” I inquire, my voice steady but edged with urgency.

“I’m afraid I found nothing conclusive, Alpha. The information surrounding her is tightly guarded, and they seem intent on keeping it that way. I even went to the general hospital where it was rumored she spent a month before being taken to the castle,” he replies, his brow furrowing in frustration. Whispers circulate about her being found near death at the border, lingering in a coma, but nothing is verified. I need to uncover her past, to understand her origins.

“Alpha, this level of interest in a woman is unlike you. What compels you to dig so deeply into the life of the young Luna?” he asks, his gaze scrutinizing me.

“Everyone is intrigued by her. She is the Luna Queen of the realm, and I must know the players in every game I’m involved in,” I respond, my tone genuine.

Basil exhales deeply, his eyes drifting to the picture of Apphia resting on my desk. “She appears so… fragile and innocent.”

“I believe she possesses a strength that belies her appearance,” I counter, my gaze fixed on her image. “She is truly exquisite,” my lycan interjects, a note of admiration in its voice.

**Apphia POV**

“Do you want me to fuck you, Apphia?” Nicholas’s sultry voice slithers into my ear, igniting a fire within me. I nod eagerly, my heart racing. I find myself sprawled on the bed, completely bare, my legs splayed wide open. My breath comes in quick gasps, each one filled with longing.

“Nicholas!” I moan as he lavishes attention on my nipples, sending waves of pleasure coursing through my body. The heat of desire engulfs me, and I crave him with an intensity that’s almost overwhelming. My core is slick with anticipation. He smirks, positioning himself at my entrance, his eyes smoldering with raw passion.

“Please,” I plead, my voice thick with desperation. He relishes my pleas.

“I adore the way you moan my name, baby,” he murmurs, his fingers trailing down to my inner thighs, igniting shivers all over my skin.

“Please,” I breathe out, my body trembling under his touch.

“But you haven’t said it yet, baby,” he teases, his fingers abandoning my legs to explore my stomach, lingering on my breasts, caressing them with a tantalizing slowness. I cry out, overwhelmed by the sensations; I feel myself teetering on the edge of ecstasy.

“I want you inside me, please,” I cry out, desperation lacing my words. A wicked grin spreads across his face as he slips his fingers into my wetness.

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