less when necessary but he was never cruel. He demanded

lse seemed to fade. "Healer," he said, his tone was always di

e the warmth spreading through her chest. "The inju

e," he said, turning away a

k, his word was law. You don't disobey the Alpha but e

e was far from the ears of inquisitive listeners. Around them warriors were trainin

amian observed, watching as Liam rejoine

Selene replied. "Their hearts

gh Damian's lips.

cted gently. "We've all been hu

ce, as if searching for

but she replied gently. "I'm no d

ue." His voice dropped lowe

our position Alpha," she said. "But no, I don't fear you, Damian. I se

t he might reach for her, maybe even close the distance that was between the

ng on" he said, changing the subject. "Our broth

d be arriving with them too. She kept her expression

y." His tone

or a few day

determine the future

reach out, to touch him, to ask him the question she feared. If he fe

l reveal what she wil

. "What if her decisio

a can choose," she said carefully, "but

as low, almost a growl. "But so

from across the grounds. Cassian, Damian's

the border patrol has

e'll continue this discussion later," he sa

re a mess. Three days until the ceremo

topping by the kitchen huts to collect the

cook, a plump woman with strong arms and

e confirmed. "He dislocated h

dy to keep up." She handed over the jar of herbs to Selene. "Take extra. She

rather than a celebration," Selene s

y this one." She lowered her voice, and looked around to ensure no one w

w. "What? Betting on th

is the favorite among the elders." She studied Selene's face. "But

to sound curious an

ieve the Alpha's heart has already been c

.. "The Alpha's business is

rta said "It's j

bark," Selene thanked Ma

ta's smile was suspiciou

ng, made herbal concoctions for illnesses among the elders and she cared for the pregnant she- wol

ehind her cabin. She often found peace among the medi

uching the leaves and stems of each plant.

I might fin

ose up quickly.

her way carefully along the gard

l bench in the garden. "You shouldn

has its privileges, but strong knees aren't among

m was respected for her connection to the moon

" Miriam observed. "You

efore her. She taught Selene everything she knew before p

re fixed on Selene's face. "I athink a

"I don't know

y." The elder's voice wasn't judgemental , only kind. "The

t began racin

e leaned closer. "The moon goddess works in ways we often don't

afraid to ask the questi

eveal her choice for the Alpha's mate. But remember this, Selene the goddess reve

ey the godde

ed. "All choices do. The question i

r aged hands. "When the moment comes