Page 38 of Moon Fated

“For Kooteney Health. Three days a week. You?”

I shook my head. “I was with a group in Seattle.” I blinked. Was. Why had I said was? “Sorry, I am with a group in Seattle. Heading back in a few days.”

Laughter erupted from a nearby table where children were engaged in a spirited debate over who would win in a race—a wolf or a deer. I grinned, thinking one of us should shift and show them.

I caught sight of Rowan across the square. He was flipping burgers, but his eyes flicked to mine the second I looked in his direction. “I think I’ll go make up a plate.” I excused myself and started toward him.

“Having fun?” He asked as I approached.

I nodded, shoving my hands in the back pockets of my jeans. “I don’t know how you look so relaxed.”

He shrugged. “I can be worried about my pack and enjoy an afternoon in the sun. Both can be true.” Rowan nodded to the table next to him, and I grabbed a plate. I didn’t have much of an appetite, but I took some pasta salad and veggies and dip. Rowan insisted on making me a burger.

I sat at the table next to where he was working and chatted with him while he finished cooking up the last sleeve of patties. As he was untying his apron, one of the Black Lake elders approached. He didn’t have to announce his station. If I couldn’t already sense his energy and standing, the way Rowan straightened would’ve given it away.

He looked between the two of us, his eyes narrowing.

Rowan grabbed him a plate. “Have you had a burger yet, Elder Kurt?”

I dipped a carrot in ranch and watched as Rowan helped him with his plate. The elders weren’t incapable of taking care of themselves, but most of them had lived for hundreds of years. It was an act of gratitude and respect to serve them.

“What was that all about?” I asked as Elder Kurt made his way back to his group.

Rowan shrugged, and I raised an eyebrow. He sat across from me, and I couldn’t help but notice how his t-shirt stretched over his shoulders as he leaned over the table. “They have opinions.”

I frowned. “About what?”

“About me.”

“As alpha?”

He picked up a tab from a can of pop sitting on the table and flicked it between his fingers. All I could think about was how those fingers had been all over me the night before. “More about the next blood moon.”

Realization hit. “Ah. They want you to mate.”

“Apparently, I’m ancient.”

I reached out and ran my finger over the streak of grey in his stubble. “Proof.”

He grinned and reached up for my hand. “I’m glad you came today.”

Laughter bubbled up from a group engaged in a spirited game of horseshoes.

"Rowan! Show us how it's done!" a burly man called, waving a horseshoe in the air with a wink.

“Want to play?” Rowan’s eyes sparkled.

I threw my plate in the garbage and followed him over to the pits. Despite the undercurrent of mystery tugging at my thoughts, I let the competitive spirit of the moment sweep me along. We made a couple of practice throws, but when Rowan got one centered on the post, I knew it was game time.

The cold iron felt grounding in my hands, a tangible reminder that not everything had to be about the weight of duty. I focused, aimed, and with a swift flick of my wrist, sent the horseshoe sailing toward the stake.

It landed with a satisfying clink, encircling the metal post perfectly. Cheers erupted around me, and my lips curved into a triumphant smile.

"You didn’t tell us she was a ringer.” The man who’d invited us over nudged my shoulder, then flinched and moved back a few steps. His eyes flicked between me and Rowan.

Oh geez. I turned to Rowan and pursed my lips.

“What?” He didn’t look the least bit apologetic as he wound up for another throw. “He shouldn’t have touched you.”

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