ep Luna took toward safety was accompanied by the sound of her heart pounding in her ears. The encount

ong under the pale moonlight. He hadn't said much since they left the cl

na said at last, b

her. His voice was calm, but there was an edge to

ut w

d. He stopped walking, turning to face her. "You think you can just wand

her chest rekindling. "I don't

s gray eyes piercing. "You're not just some healer anymore

or this. I didn't ask to be some...Moonborn or whatever it is you think

e. "Fine? Is that what you call it? Do y

"You expect me to trust you, to follow your lead, but you're just

led like a live wire, and Luna thought he might turn and walk away

ords heavy with pain. "I've seen him destroy lives, tear apart families, and l

off guard, and she found herself staring

she asked softly,

as

st her with the truth. Then, with a deep breath, h

Years ago, when I was barely more than a boy. Ronan wanted power, and my alpha stood

could see the shadows of old scars in hi

tinued, his gaze returning to hers. "When I heard about you, I knew he'd come for you next.

ier than she'd expected. She opened her mouth to s

"And you...you think I'm the Moonborn. That I have thi

ve felt it, haven't you? The way the moon speaks to you

an unexplainable connection to the moon, when her wolf seemed stronger, sharper, more

embling. "I don't want to be someone's weapon

first time, there was no frustrat

t get to choose what you are, Luna. You

g she couldn't quite name. His presence was overwhelming, but not in the way Ronan's ha

sked, her voice barely audible.

thought he wouldn't answer. But then he ste

the vulnerability in his tone making he

from him. There was something raw and unguarded in his expression

rp howl echoed in the distance, cutt

s body immediately tensing. "We need to m

Luna asked, he

ady moving. "They'll be searching

pulse pounding in her ears. Whatever was coming, she knew o