Page 26 of Moonlit Choosing Ritual

She hugged me with a squeal and I giggled. Everything was happening too fast.

The next morning, when I came out of my room, I found Alpha Liam sitting at the breakfast table. He was dressed in a black shirt and jeans, with his hair gelled back. His lips lifted into a soft smile upon seeing me. “Hi,” he said in a husky voice.

“Hi!” I blushed and went to sit in my usual place, which was on his left, two chairs away. Macy had told me that Alpha Liam wanted to take me out on a date.

I lowered my head and picked up a sausage. I didn’t know how to address the awkwardness.

“Kimble,” he said, and I whipped my head up. “Don’t think so much, okay? It’s just a date. If you don’t like it, we can go our separate ways, right? I mean you can leave me and go to your town. But I really want to give ‘us’ a chance.”

I let out a rough exhale. “Alpha Liam, I—” I bit my bottom lip. “This just seems so rushed. Besides—” I shook my head. “I’m not ready for a commitment like this.”

“Of course, I understand. In either case, we’ll be spending the day together. Date or no date.”

His words relaxed me and my shoulders sagged. “Sure.” I grinned.

“Cool. I’ll take you around my pack and then to my favorite spot.”

“I want to say something to you before you take me out, Alpha Liam,” I blurted.

“Sure,” he said with a frown on his lips.

“Thank you for giving me shelter and keeping me hidden in your pack. I don’t know why you’re being so nice, but—” I shook my head as tears gathered in my eyes. “But no one has ever been this kind to me.”

“Hey, please don’t beat yourself up. I know how you were treated in the Umbra pack. It was horrible!”

Tears rolled down my cheeks. It was horrible but… “I’m not sure if I’m the right person for you, but I’d like to leave if things don’t work out, and go back to a human city.”

“Yes, I understand. I’ll personally take you to Portland.”

“Not Portland. I want to go to the east coast.” I wanted to be as far away as possible.

He jerked his head back in surprise. A moment later, he said, “Okay, to the east coast. But first, let’s take you on a tour of my pack.”

“There’s just one more question. I’ve heard that werewolves have mates. What if you find yours?”

He stared at me for a few moments and then looked away, his face etched with sadness. “I don’t think there’s anyone for me out there.”

“I’m sorry…” I said, knowing that I’d touched a soft nerve.

“It’s fine. I hope you give me a chance.”

Gods. I was feeling like a young tree, heavily pressured, getting bent and twisted in the howling winds of generosity, each branch and root getting strained.

Fifteen minutes later, I was sitting in his jeep.

Chapter 14

Kimble

Everything was just too perfect. I had chosen a flowy, yellow floral sundress and a pair of comfortable sandals, wanting to look nice while also being comfortable for whatever the day might bring.

Our first stop was a quaint little café, Elm and Maple. I sat at a small table outside as he went inside to order. A gentle breeze fluttered my dress as I tucked the loose strands of my hair behind my ear.

“You look amazing,” Alpha Liam said as he took his seat across from me.

“Thank you,” I replied, my cheeks flushing. “You look great too.”

The server brought our iced coffees as we settled into easy conversation. He asked me about my favorite authors, movies, and the places I’d like to visit or had been to.

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