We fell asleep in each other’s arms, the weight of the world forgotten for a few precious hours. I held her close, feeling her steady breathing against me, and for once, everything felt right.
The morning light streamed through the windows, casting soft shadows across the room. I woke up with Luna still nestled in my arms, her body warm against mine.
Luna stirred beside me, her eyes fluttering open as she looked up at me. “I should go home and get some clothes,” she said softly, pulling herself out of the blanket.
I frowned, not wanting her to leave just yet. “I can have someone shop for you,” I offered. “It’s no trouble.”
She shook her head, a small smile on her lips. “I appreciate that, but I’d rather grab my own things. I won’t be long.”
“I can have Jake drive you, he’s in front of the door,” I insisted, not liking the idea of her leaving on her own.
But Luna waved it off. “It’s fine, really. I’ll just take a taxi. I won’t be gone long.”
Something about the way she said it didn’t sit right with me. She was being too casual, too insistent. My instincts flared, warning me that something was off, but I didn’t press her. Not yet.
I nodded slowly. “Alright. But be careful.”
She kissed me on the cheek and grabbed her bag, heading out the door. As soon as it closed behind her, I stood there for a moment, my mind racing. Something wasn’t right. I could feel it in my gut.
I walked to the door and called for Jake. “I need you to do something for me,” I said quietly. “Follow Luna. Don’t let her know. And if anything feels off, I want to know about it immediately.”
Jake nodded, sensing the urgency in my voice. “I’ll take care of it, boss.”
As he left, I tried to shake the unease that had settled in my chest. Luna wasn’t telling me everything. I knew her well enough to know when she was holding something back.
Hours passed, and I waited. My phone stayed silent, no word from Luna or Jake. My unease grew, gnawing at me. Finally, Jake called.
“She didn’t go home, boss,” he said, his voice tense.
My heart skipped a beat. “Where is she?”
“She’s at an unfinished building near the outskirts of town. And she’s not alone.”
“Who’s with her?”
“Miranda,” Jake answered, and the name hit me like a punch to the gut.
Miranda?I thought.
I immediately grabbed my keys and headed out. My wolf surged inside me, a growl building in my chest as I sped toward the location Jake had given me. I should’ve known. I should’ve followed my instincts when Luna insisted on going alone.
When I arrived at the building, the scene in front of me sent a wave of fear and anger crashing through my body. I could barely breathe as I saw Luna and Miranda locked in a vicious fight.
"Luna!" I shouted, but she didn’t look up, her focus locked on Miranda.
Miranda’s eyes were wild, almost unrecognizable, and she growled, baring her teeth. "You should have stayed away, seer," she spat, circling Luna.
Luna, her breathing heavy but steady, wiped a streak of blood from her cheek. "I’m not leaving without you, Miranda. This isn’t you. Marcosias—he’s manipulating you."
Miranda let out a harsh, humorless laugh. "Don’t you dare talk to me about manipulation! You’re the one worming your way into my father’s life. You don’t belong here."
I stepped forward, my voice rough with barely contained anger. "Miranda, stop! This has gone too far. Luna isn’t your enemy."
Miranda’s gaze flicked to me, full of betrayal. "You. You chose her over your own daughter. Over your blood!"
I clenched my fists, trying to control the storm building inside me. "This isn’t about choice. Luna is trying to help you!"
"Help me?" Miranda’s voice dripped with venom. "She’s trying to take everything from me. The pack, you—everything that should be mine!"