Page 37 of Ruthless Moon

Okay, maybe not my soul. But this coffee isn’t just a drink—it’s a full-sensory experience.

“It’s good, yes?” Liandra’s eyes sparkle with laughter. “Eleanor was an excellent student. Rachel is good too, but Aiden’s mother was a natural. It also helps to have exceptional beans. They come from Italy.”

“It is wonderful. I don’t think I’ve ever had better,” I say, giving Eleanor and Liandra a bright smile.

Eleanor beams and takes a seat next to me. “I’m so glad you like it. We take much pride in our coffee around here.”

“I know this is a really strange situation Aiden and I find ourselves in, not really one of our choosing, but could you tell me anything about him that would help me...know him?”

Eleanor’s eyes shimmer with a mix of pain and pride. “Aiden always spoke of leadership with such hope. He admired so many qualities about his father—his charisma, his courage, his strength. But he also saw his flaws.”

“The gambling debt?” I say, keeping my voice low.

She hesitates for a moment, taking a deep breath before she continues. “Yes. It began as an occasional diversion but gradually grew into an obsession. No one knew it was as bad as it was until it was too late. Most of the debt was a secret. But the ranch suffered dreadfully and he could never explain why he couldn’t pay the bills.”

I glance at Aiden where he’s standing in the kitchen talking to a few people, feeling empathy for the loss he suffered.

“Aiden would often say, ‘I want to be the best of him and more.’ He wanted to overcome that tainted legacy and bring back stability for the pack. And then...”

“My father bought your late husband’s debt.” I don’t even have to think about it. Everything makes sense now. This is the leverage my father has on Aiden. This is why an honorable man like Aiden would do a deal with my father and go against everything he believes in.

She nods slowly, verifying my assumption. “When the accident happened that stole Ember and his father from us, the Gallaghers took notice and looked for an opening. We were vulnerable because of what my husband had done in secret.”

Aiden joins us in the sitting area and crouches at the side of the sofa closest to his mother. He takes her hand and squeezes it gently. “We thought we knew about all the debt,” he says, his voice rough and emotional.

I have a sudden desire to reach over and touch him. Comfort him. But I’m not about to reach over his mother’s lap.

Aiden’s gaze meets mine, deep with gratitude and a touch of pain. Like he can feel what I’m feeling for him. My sympathy. My support.

“I’m so sorry for what my father has done.”

He shakes his head. “Together we will strive to make it better for everyone.”

Such noble dreams. Such unrealistic expectations.But I smile at him for thinking them. Someone needs to see a better future ahead, because I don’t see a way out.

“And every day, you make us proud, my son. Your father’s spirit, both his strengths and his shortcomings, guide you. But it’s your own heart, your own choices, that truly define you. You will be the one to heal this valley from the hatred the Gallaghers spread.” She pats his hand and rises from her seat. “I need to check the roast. You sit with your woman, son.”

His woman.

My wolf bristles and my back straightens. Aiden and I might be in this together. A team. Working toward a common goal. But I amnothis woman and I will never be his woman. I will never belong to him the way I could have belonged to Liam. The way Ember already belonged to Aiden.

Aiden doesn’t make eye contact, but he follows his mother’s suggestion and takes her place on the cushion next to me. I can feel the others staring at me, but I focus on the patterns of the rug under my shoes. The strands of colored threads. The soft colors.

Don’t get up and run. Don’t get up and run.

“I’m sorry she said that. She didn’t mean to make you uncomfortable. It’s difficult for her to think about this marriage being arranged. Our pack doesn’t mate outside of Fate’s blessing. It’s justneverdone.”

“Good for your pack.”Dammit. I shouldn’t have said that. That was rude.I get up and take a few steps from the couch. “I’m sorry, I just... I need a little air.”

And then I do run.

Chapter Thirteen

I Would Die for You

LIAM O’CONNOR

In the ashen gloom of the narrow alley, I keep to the shadows. Hidden from prying eyes, I stand still as stone, my gaze riveted on the heart of the town square.

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