He pulled back a bit but didn’t let me go. “And as for Dark Moon, we’ll figure out a way to stop them. I won’t let Alpha Huxley get his paws on you. You’re not a weapon, Shade. You’re special. It’s time everyone, including you, started to realize that.”
“So, you’re going to let me stay?” I asked hopefully. “You aren’t going to send me away now that you know I’m cursed?”
“Shade, you can stay here forever if you want to.” He placed his hand beneath my chin and tilted it up, trying to make me meet his gaze, but I resisted.
I couldn’t look him in the eye. He was still an alpha after all. I knew my place.
“I was serious about what I said in the cave before Oliver came in,” he continued. “Shade, you’re my—”
“Shade! Is it true?! Did Dark Moon cross the border?!” Sunny shrieked as she burst into the room. “They were after me, weren’t they?! You have to… Oh! Sorry, I didn’t realize you were here, Alpha Caelan.”
I shifted nervously, wishing Alpha Caelan would let me go as Sunny took in the scene before her, rage burning in her eyes. I pushed away from him gently, trying to put a little distance between us.
Sunny glared at me, her nostrils flaring.Damn, it’s too late. The damage is done.
Her face morphed into a sweet smile as she turned her attention toward Alpha Caelan.
“I’m happy to see you again, Caelan,” she cooed as she approached, her voice dripping like honey. “I never got to thank you for the lovely time we had at the waterfall. I was sad we didn’t get more actually.”
She reached out to touch him, but he quickly stepped away. He cleared his throat and mumbled something about how nice the weather had been today before bowing to me.
“I appreciated your insight on the issue with Dark Moon, Shade. I may consult you more on the matter later. Ladies,” he said awkwardly before he hurried from the room.
I felt a pang of disappointment.What had he been about to tell me?“Getting cozy with the alpha? Explain yourself now, Shade,” Sunny demanded, crossing her arms over her chest.
“It was nothing,” I insisted even though I knew it was a lie. “He wanted to apologize that our time was cut short. He didn’t wantto seem rude. Then we talked about Dark Moon and the threats against you.”
“Uh-huh,” she replied skeptically. “You two were awfully close for a strategy discussion.”
“I was worried about being able to protect you properly in an unfamiliar territory. He was just doing his job as alpha by trying to calm my fears,” I replied, the lies rolling off my tongue smoothly. “He promised they’d do whatever they could to help.”
I’d never lied to Sunny before, but I was surprised at how easily it came to me now.
“Hear me loud and clear, Shade,” she warned, flashing her teeth as she pointed furiously at me. “Alpha Caelan is mine. No one else’s, understood?! I’ll destroy anyone who gets in my way…even you.”
She turned on her heel and stormed out, leaving me with her parting words. I sighed as I closed the door.Would she really do it? Would my own sister go against me for a chance at becoming Caelan’s luna?
Doubts and Confusion
SHADE
“Oh my Goddess, Shade!” Sunny squealed as she barged into my room first thing the following morning.
I shot up in bed, immediately on high alert as I looked around. Realizing there was no danger, I flopped back against thepillows.
“What is it, Sunny?” I grumbled, rubbing my eyes.
“Did you hear?! Deianira has been dismissed!” she announced, her voice filled with joy.
“That’s great, Sunny,” I yawned as I stretched.
“It’s more than great,” she scoffed. “That means there’s one less person in my way.”
“That’s true,” I agreed sleepily. “Gives you better odds.”Why did she have to run in here to tell me this? I was having the best dream.
“To be honest,” she continued, dropping onto the edge of my bed. “I’m surprised Caelan didn’t get rid of you. Everyone knows you don’t belong here. You’d think he would’ve cut the least likely candidate first.”
I gave a halfhearted nod.She’s not wrong. If Alpha Caelan was going to cut anyone, it would’ve made the most sense for him to cut me. Especially now that he knows about my curse. It’s obvious that I can’t be his luna.
