Page 46 of Moon Fated

“Can she commit to this pack? She sure as hell seems strong enough to lead if she can keep you at arm's length, but will she be loyal?”

I ground my teeth at the criticism, but it was a fair question. One I had to consider. “I’ll make sure. Before we bond.”

“Even if she’s topless?”

I shoved Jasper against the closest tree.

The pub's dim light spilled onto the street as Jasper and I approached. I pushed the door open, and the scent of beer, peanut shells, and warm bodies hit me like a physical force, carrying with it the undercurrents of her.

My eyes dragged to her like iron filing under a magnet. Her long, auburn hair cascaded down her back as she leaned over the pool table, cue in hand. Eyes focused, mouth slightly parted, her ass tilted in a way that made my jeans tighten.

Her shot was smooth, precise, but her shoulders never relaxed as she stood. I loved that she was there with my pack. Loved that she still trusted them even after the events of that night. The fact that she wasn’t at home curled up after the attack at the cabin showed her strength. It showed her desire for a pack, even if she didn’t know it yet.

"She’s trying to unwind," Jasper murmured beside me.

"Trying and failing.”

She straightened up, revealing the faint crease between her brows, the subtle clench of her jaw. Will laughed at something she said, and though she smiled back, it didn't reach her eyes.

The pull of her hit every fiber of my being, an invisible tether that yanked at my chest with every breath she took. It was painful to watch her like this, wrapped in layers of stress she couldn't shake off. My wolf prowled restlessly within, instincts screaming to go to her, comfort her, protect her.

"You’ve got a little—" Jasper reached up, pretending to wipe drool from my mouth.

I slapped his hand away. “Asshole.”

His chuckle faded behind me as I stepped forward, closing the distance between us. Evelyn straightened up and turned, her hazel eyes locking onto mine. There was a flash of something—surprise, maybe even a hint of pleasure—before she schooled her expression into one of casual indifference.

"Mind if I watch?" I leaned against the edge of the pool table.

"Only if you promise not to critique my technique," she shot back.

"Wouldn't dream of it," I grinned, watching as she chalked the tip of her cue stick. "Although, if you wanted a few pointers, I'm sure I could?—"

"From you?" Evelyn raised an eyebrow, amusement flickering in her eyes. "The last time you played me in pool, I recall a certain someone ripping the felt."

"That was one time. The table was defective."

Will laughed next to her. “I want to hear this story.”

Evelyn shot me a look. “I’m sure Rowan can tell you his version.”

“What, not in the mood to embarrass me?”

Her lips twitched as she drew a deep breath. “Not in the mood for much of anything, to be honest.”

I ached to wrap her in my arms. She was putting on a strong face, but I sensed the grief and fear hovering just below the surface.

I took a step closer. “Right now we’re safe?—”

"I swear, Rowan, if you tell me to 'live laugh love' or be present, I’m going to stab you with this poolstick.”

I knew what she was doing. What she’d always done. She was collecting evidence for why this life—this place—was worth running from. But I wasn’t going to let her slip through my fingers.

I glanced around at the small group of my wolves, their eyes trained on me. Waiting for my response. I walked behind Evelyn and picked up a pool cue. “I spent a long time waiting for things to settle after the packs split. If Kitimat stopped trying to spread their lies, then I could breathe. When my pack saw me as their rightful alpha, I could sleep at night. The truth is, we’re shifters. Our world is never going to be settled. There will always be another threat. But it doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy every damn moment in between.”

Evelyn’s eyes were fixed on me as I chalked the end of my cue.

“Want to play?” I asked. I was running out of time. I could feel her pulling back. Explaining away the moments we had in the cabin, the connection she felt at the picnic. I didn’t blame her, but I had to change the story in her head.

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