Page 65 of Luna Rising

It was Zach who answered. “Tensions with the Virgos have been high for years, you know that, and they’ve been worse in recent months.”

I felt Brooke’s gaze and couldn’t bear to look over and see blame on her face. The issues with the Virgos were totally my fault, along with the Leo Fae holding her as retribution for my broken engagement.

“After the meeting, when the Virgos returned to their territory, the attacks started. They have killed six of our wolves. A lot more are injured. Your fae friend Winter, she made a passage between Arcane Falls and here. We started evacuating a few hours ago.”

“As retaliation for me killing Jonah.” It was a statement not a question.

“The feud between our packs started long before you were born, Zara. Don’t blame yourself. They exploited a weak moment and used it to their advantage. You avenged your father. Do not feel badly about that.” My mother’s tone was fierce, fire blazing in her eyes. “Jonah Ames was a bitter, nasty man.”

“Yeah, and you killed an alpha.” Brooke’s voice was full of wonder. “How many female wolves can say that? Just you, I think.”

I dared a glance in her direction and found my best friend smiling at me. She didn’t even flinch when she saw my red irises. Ewan rubbed my thigh encouragingly. We hadn’t talked about my fear of facing my family, which included Brooke now, but he knew. He’d been there when I saw Zach after losing my wolf and understood the shame I felt because of it. Plus, not all the Taurus wolves felt great about having a vampire as their alpha, so he got it.

“Well, there’s at least one other,” he said. “And she’ll be here tomorrow.

“Dia-Drake is coming?” I asked, not entirely surprised but a little. Her hold on the Ophiuchus pack was tenuous at best. A lady alpha wasn’t usual, and she’d admitted to dealing with defectors. Still, I was relieved she’d decided to join us.

“The Ophiuchus and Capricorn alphas have agreed to sign the alliance accords, thanks entirely to you and my mother,” Ewan said.

Mom patted my arm. “I’m very impressed, Zara. Colleen said you and Ewan traveled to the Snake Mountains to meet with the Ophiuchus personally. They have a reputation for being ruthless, skilled combatants. They will make great allies.”

I gave her a tight smile. “Thank you, but it’s not as impressive as it sounds. Drake is… a friend. Both she and her mate are eternal.”

I hesitated to say the last part, but Mom would know as soon as she saw Drake shift. I turned to Ewan and frowned. “Wait. What did they ask for in return?”

Normally, when packs formed alliances there was some sort of exchange, often a bride but not always. Technically, that was part of the accords between the Taurus and the Geminis. Ewan got me. Sure, we’d done it backwards, but still. Plus, he’d allowed my brother to bring the pack into his territory, which was unheard of.

“We’ll find out tomorrow,” Ewan said. “Essie is bringing a contingent to the signing as well. Their price is Winter’s protection. Also… Tish called. She and Lucca want to meet. I don’t think we can expect the entire Guerra crime family to fight for us, but I do believe they will, to keep their daughter safe.”

No one asked for clarification, and Mom nodded along as he spoke like she already knew all of it, so I figured Ewan had filled them in on the situation with Tish.

Awkward silence filled the room, and I chanced another glance at Brooke and Zach. They were lost in each other’s eyes, their love palpable. Jealousy spiked in my chest. Brooke was my best friend. Zach was my brother. The two of them having a relationship that didn’t involve me was weird, and I couldn’t help but feel possessive over both of them.

“We should get back to the lodge. It will make people feel better to see you, Zach, Brooke,” Mom said. Then, she narrowed her focus on me. “You too, Zara.

“Like right now?” I asked, voice scratchy and too high.

“Yes, Zara. Right now,” she said in her irritated-Mom tone.

“I’ll come.” Ewan sent reassurances through the bond as he glanced at my brother. “Unless you think that might upset your pack members too much?”

Zach shrugged. “It might. But we’re crashing in your territory, so they’re going to have to get over any hangups pretty fast. Besides, you married their alpha’s daughter without asking his permission, which is going to be a bigger issue than the fangs for most. Believe it or not, Zara is very loved among our pack.”

I finally addressed my brother directly. “Seriously? Why is that so hard to believe?”

“Because you’re kind of a brat,” he said.

Ewan squeezed my leg. “I like her that way. Keeps my life interesting.”

“I’m not that bad,” I protested, which probably went to their collective point.

Mom stood and sighed. “Enough, children. Yes, Zara, you can be a brat. Zach, don’t call your sister a brat.”

“Yes, ma’am,” we chorused in unison. Mom had no actual control over us anymore. We were both bonded, and Zach was alpha. Still, neither of us reminded her that we weren’t children and she couldn’t boss us around. My mother had lost her true mate because of me, so if treating me like a disobedient cub made her feel better, I would sit there and take it.

We all followed Mom from the house and out into the snowy evening. The cold air smelled crisp and felt good on my cheeks. Ewan slipped his hand in mine and ran calming circles on my palm with his thumb.

“You’re gonna be fine. If you feel any urges, I will know, and I’ll make an excuse for us to leave.

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