“That was quick.” Luna sat with both legs crossed on the wide seat in a perfect yoga pose. The woman was both relaxed and seriously odd. But somehow likable.
“Yes.” Mia drove out of Seattle, getting caught in traffic for fifteen minutes until they finally broke free. “If I’m pregnant, and I’m not saying I am, why should I hide it?”
“Because a hybrid is a threat, and all threats are taken out,” Luna whispered.
Fire raced through Mia, and she yanked the wheel, driving off I-90 and through a neighborhood. Finally, she stopped at a strip mall with a pharmacy. “I’ll be right back.”
“Got it. I understand you need to buy the pregnancy test way outside of Lost Lake. Just think of the rumors that would start there at the speed of light.” Luna jumped out. “I need some gum. Or food. I need food. I haven’t eaten in too long. You don’t eat enough,” she murmured.
Mia was starting to think that her new young friend babbled a bit. “Fine. Come in and get a granola bar.”
They walked inside, and she moved toward the aisle she needed, finding a pregnancy test as her stomach rolled around like she was on a carnival ride. Gulping, she met Luna at the counter, where she paid for the test, a box of gummy bears, a carton of gum, and three different types of protein bars.
They moved for the door just as an elderly man walked in.
He paused. “Luna?”
Luna stilled, her eyes widening.
Mia partially put her body in front of Luna. “Hello?” She angled her body in case she needed to go for the weapon at the back of her waist beneath her sweater.
The man looked to be in his late eighties, with a shocking head of white hair, dark brown eyes, and a wide chest. He was clean-shaven and stood to at least six feet, appearing to be in decent shape. He cocked his head. “You’re from the Silver Pack. The new mate to Seth Volk,” he murmured, blinking and frowning. He looked from Mia to Luna.
“Hi there, Denny,” Luna said smoothly, stepping to the side. “I went for a run. Then I got a wild idea and thought I’d hitchhike my way to Seattle. Mia picked me up, and it was so nice of her to do it.”
Mia bit back a growl. The woman really was a truly horrible liar. Her face was red, her eyes were darting around, and she was biting her lip. “How do you know who I am?” Mia set her hand on her hip, closer to her weapon. Obviously, this guy was a wolf shifter from Luna’s pack.
Denny’s gaze flashed down at her. “Everyone knows who you are.”
Icy fingers trailed down her spine. “It was nice to meet you, Denny.” She needed to get Luna out of there.
Denny lifted his chin. “I’ll give you a ride home, Luna.” It wasn’t posed as a question.
“Of course.” Luna brightened, tucking her protein bars into her jacket pocket. “I would love a ride home.”
Mia looked down at her new friend. “Why don’t I give you a ride? We can grab a coffee and chat.”
A low growl rumbled up from Denny’s chest.
Mia turned to keep the threat in sight. She had no problem shooting him in the leg if they needed to run.
“No, I can catch a ride with Denny.” Luna smiled, the gesture not reaching her eyes. “You really need to go, Mia. Like, now.”
Mia faltered. She couldn’t tell if Luna truly wanted to leave with the man, but she didn’t want to cause problems for the young shifter.
Denny’s frown deepened, and he leaned in.
“Whoa,” Mia said, putting her hands up.
He leaned in more and sniffed. “What the hell?”
Luna grabbed Mia’s arm. “Denny, I’ll meet you right outside.” She pushed past him and yanked Mia out into the rainy day with surprising strength. She nudged Mia toward Erik’s stolen truck. “Go. You have to go now,” she hissed.
Mia couldn’t leave her in trouble. “What are you talking about?”
Luna’s face scrunched up. “He’s old, Mia. I’m talking three hundred years old. His senses are better developed than anybody. He can scent if you’re pregnant, and he can probably even tell if there’s something off about the pregnancy. Like if you got pregnant too soon.” She shooed Mia away, her gaze darting back over her shoulder. “Go. Please.” She then turned and walked back into the pharmacy.
Chills skidded down Mia’s back. She hurried to the truck to jump inside and roar out of the parking area.
