Page 21 of Wanderlust With Wolves

No oneshould be tracking her but me.

Vane laughs, shaking his head as I storm past him. “What happened to waiting ‘til after?”

I don’t answer.

I’m already in my truck, tearing down the mountain toward the lodge.

I findLuna outside the lodge, arranging small decorative baskets, looking entirely too pleased with herself.

She doesn’t even turn when she hears my approach—but I know she smells my frustration, because her tail flicks in amusement.

“You’re early,” she says sweetly.

I don’t bother with pleasantries.

“Maya.” My voice rumbles. “Where is she?”

Luna finally looks at me, her expression too knowing.

“The chase doesn’t start until midnight, dear brother. You know that.”

I clench my jaw so tightly it aches. “Where. Is. She?”

Luna just smiles.

“She’s getting ahead starton decorating the path,” she says.

I’m about to demand more, but then Luna tilts her head, golden eyes glinting.

“Oh,” she purrs. “And she picked red ribbons.”

The world stops.

My vision narrows.

Blood roars in my ears.

Red.

Not innocent white for friendship.

Not soft gold for conversation.

Not even blue, for those seeking partnership.

Red.

Red is a signal. A declaration. A choice.

Red means sex.

A low, guttural sound escapes me.

Luna laughs softly, flicking a ribbon between her fingers. “Struck a nerve, have I?”

I don’t bother responding.

I tear away from the lodge, already catching Maya’s scent on the wind.

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