My lips tug into a smirk. “Worried about being conspicuous? I think we’re past that point now, Darius.”
He’s correct in asking the question. Dozens of wolves crossing multiple territories stick out like a sore thumb. But I’m beyond the point of caring.
Orson hid his antics from everyone, letting other panicked packs take center stage and cause distractions. But he’s not stupid by any means. The day we arrived on his land it wasobvious we were onto him. It’s probably why he dismissed us quickly.
I know Daxton is trying to hide his plan from him, but we’re a little over a week out from the new moon. Clearly Orson is planning something going by the witch’s warning.
Aside from that, she had saidby the next new moon, not during it. She said it had started, so realistically we could have a week or we could have five minutes. Fuck trying to worry about pleasantries and secrets.
If I had my way, I’d just send my pack into Orson’s territory right now and slaughter the whole lot of them. Of course, thatcouldtrigger my own demise but if I’m killing the bad guys, then surely that has to win me some points.
Sadly, I was outvoted and now we’re doing this ridiculous plan instead. I have no idea how many wolves Lex and Cade will take back to Shadow Creek, but I’m not leaving room for error. The more, the merrier.
“Very well,” he agrees. “Do you want to hold another pack meeting before we go?”
“No,” I answer without hesitation. “I said all that needs to be said. They are ready. I don’t wish to delay this any further.”
Darius sits down in the vacant chair across from me. “You want to get back to Luna Nyx.”
I raise my eyebrow at him. Slowly, the bastard just grins at me, unfazed by my glowering.
“How long have you been holding onto that one for?”
He shrugs. “A while. I just had to wait until I was sure you wouldn’t end my existence for using it.”
Scowling, I fold my arms. “It could still happen, Darius. Don’t be so sure yet.”
I continue to stare at him, to make him feel unsettled. It begins to work, his smile fading as he swallows nervously. I watch as hepicks up the paper and examines it, like he didn’t just put the list together himself.
Luna Nyx.
That’s a title I never thought would be associated with the pack, let alone her. But despite breaking his confidence, Darius is correct. I do want to return back to Nyx immediately. I hate the thought of leaving her unprotected. This is what I was afraid of—having to choose between the best interests of my pack or an individual.
I always assumed that I would easily be able to tune out any mate related feelings, that I would always opt to protect my pack. But sitting here, away from her, it’s a horrible, uncomfortable feeling to harbor.
The truth is I had to pick my pack—just as Lex and Cade needed to do the same. But all roads lead back to Nyx. We’re doing this for her, to protect her. The more wolves we have in Shadow Creek, the stronger we are if things go south with Orson.
I was wrong to assume I could have easily walked away. The distance never would have protected me. I’m not sure if the pining feeling is strengthened by the fact that we completed the mate bond, or if it was always going to be this hard.
There’s no possible way I would have been strong enough to stay away. The Moon Goddess herself wouldn’t have been able to stop me from finding my way back to Nyx. Though, ironically, that’s exactly how it works.
Fucking divine chemistry.
It started to sink in when I found myself in Nyx’s bedroom that night, desperate just to be close to her. I started to question my sanity, my competence as a leader. For someone I claimed to hate, I was stalking her in her own damn house.
And don’t even get me started on that poor excuse for clothing she was wearing.Thatwas the real test of strength. I’m still amazed I walked away when every fiber in my body wasscreaming to claim her, to fuck her into oblivion like that first time in the woods.
I had lied, claiming to be monitoring the area. To be fair, there was some truth in it. But the unspoken words painted a different story.
I was waiting for her.
The smell of her heat, the pulling of the mate bond, it was far too intoxicating to ignore. Our primal instincts were unleashed and so the battle began.
I excuse Darius out of pity, allowing him to leave once I had mentally tortured him enough.
After wrapping up my work in the office, I head back to my house. While here, there’s something I need to grab before we leave. Something important.
I mind link Darius and order him to prepare everyone. I’m done waiting. The sooner we leave, the sooner I can be back with Nyx. And if I stick to my punctuality, I might get more alone time with her.
