Page 19 of Wanderlust With Wolves

Luna frowns, confused. “Why would it?”

I blink. “Uh. Becauseribbons and running aside, this seemsinsanelyromantic? And I’m guessing there’s a lot of, um…post-chase activities?”

Luna shrugs. “There’s no conception unless the womanwantsit.”

I stare. “Like… magic?”

She nods. “We have tea for that.”

Tea.

Of course.

I drum my fingers against the wooden beam. “Good to know.”

I haven’t been on birth control in a while. I prefer it that way.

My mind flickers, unbidden, to Ronan.

To the way he looks at me, like I’m something he’s already claimed—something he intends to keep.

My cheeks heat, and I turn back to my ribbons,veryinterested in perfecting the display.

Luna doesn’t seem to notice.

Or maybe she does, and she’s just letting me stew in my own thoughts.

Luna continues tying ribbons, her voice softer now.

“The last time I ran in Lupercalia,” she says, “I was caught.”

I glance at her. “By your mate?”

She nods, smiling faintly. “Markus.”

I let the name settle, watching how she says it—like a secret, like a wish.

“He’s not here?” I ask.

Luna’s grip tightens slightly around a ribbon.

“He’s in the Rift Wars,” she says, voice even. “Serving his last tour. He’ll be home in a year.”

I don’t know why, but the way she says it—so measured, so calm—makes my chest tighten.

Like she’s daring the universe not to take him from her.

I swallow, sudden emotion thick in my throat.

“I hope he comes back whole,” I say quietly.

Luna finally looks at me, her amber eyes glowing in the firelight.

“He will,” she says simply.

She won’t allow anything else.

I believe her.

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