Page 88 of Moon Cursed

“You chose your second-in-command well, Daze. You wanted her to get the omegas on your side and she delivered—in a big way.” He tossed his head. “Honestly, after this, you’ve got more than the omegas choosing you.

“I’ve been watching the forums while I was away. I saw what irritating, scoffing blowhard Magnus was throughout the whole thing, but after seeing the video, and finding out nearly every metal wolf was put in the infirmary, or worse, he’s come down hard. The clan leader of every metal wolf in Wolf Nation just issued a statement saying, and I quote, ‘High Priestess Daciana is right. There is something sick, rotten, and diseased at the core of our nation when calls for change and equality are met with brutality and murder.

“‘If those responsible for the heinous actions of this morning are not brought to justice, they will have war.’”

I didn’t think my eyes could get any bigger. “Magnus said that? Clan leader Magnus said those words.”

Nyx tipped his chin.

“My gods,” I repeated, all other words failing me. “What about Ash? Has she issued a statement or done anything more than run around breaking people’s phones?”

“I’m pretty sure she’s gone aroundconfiscatingeveryone’s phones, because Nia’s video was the last that any student in the school has posted about this morning, and you know there’s no way they wouldn’t be blasting their sides of the story unless they didn’t have a choice.”

“Wow.” I rubbed my temples and hissed, dropping my hand. I received a blow there that morning that was apparently still tender. Nyx was right. I was taking a concerningly long time to heal, and deep down within my soul, my wolf was taking a concerningly long time to wake.

Down within that place, I felt for my bonds... and brushed up against only one for Edric.Did I imagine that moment with Paxton? I was so sure that he heard me in his mind? That my voice broke through an alpha’s command and stopped him from doing the unthinkable?

I guess I was wrong.

“Okay,” I whispered. “I guess that means there’s only one thing left to ask.”

“What is it, baby?” Nyx fell at my side, taking my hand. “I’m here for you.”

I nodded, lips trembling. “I just want to know... why the fuck are you wearing that bandana? You look like you’re about to go super saiyan.”

Nyx cringed. “Thanks for that description. It’s always nice to know your girlfriend thinks you look stupid.”

I should’ve corrected him and said I wasn’t his girlfriend... but I didn’t.

“And I have to wear this because I worked things out with Patrick.” Nyx rocked back, sitting down and propping his elbows on his knees. “I can’t believe it, but he forgave me. Said we’re good.”

“Wow. I admit, I didn’t think that was possible.” I eyed him. “But why does that mean you have to wear that bandana?”

“Because the man extracts a high price, and I mean that literally. I had to sign over my entire trust fund to him, and make a video that, if you love me, you will never look up. But handing over three million dollars wasn’t nearly as hard as this.” Nyx ripped off the bandana.

Eyes bugging out of my head, I clapped my head over my mouth. Tattooed across his head in big, bubble rainbow letters were the words: HOMO-HATING PRICK

“Wow.”

“Yeah, wow.” Nyx put the bandana back on. “He said I can’t have it removed for at least five years, so our daughter isn’t going to know my face without bandanas, hats, and makeup.”

“Oh, Nyx.” Despite everything, I smiled at him. “Patrick did extract a high price, but I’m proud of you for being so committed to earning his forgiveness that you paid it. As strange as it sounds right now, considering you’ve seriously fucked up that pretty face, I’ve never been more attracted to you.”

He smirked. “I’ll bet saving your life also upped my sex appeal.”

“You assume correctly.” I winced, pushing myself up and swinging my legs to the floor. “I still can’t believe today went so bad so fast. Nia once said she couldn’t believe people went around feeling like this all the time—in fear of someone hurting them.

“I admit, my goddess powers made me feel invincible too. Why wouldn’t I when I’m only vulnerable for twelve days out of the entire year?” I sighed, head sinking into my hands. “I don’t think I’m invincible anymore.”

“So it’s true. Everything Nia said. The alphas commanded the omegas to attack you and all the metal wolves, and the ones leading them were—”

“Badr and Orion.”

“Fuck’s sake,” he breathed, falling back in his seat. “What the hell happened to those guys! How could they do this? How could their wolves let them do this?”

“Badr’s wolf let him try to kill me before. I assume the bastard taught Orion the trick of it.”

“But all the other alphas too,” he pressed. “They know killing you before you complete the bonds puts the future of the wolf race at risk. How could they throw that away for—for beignets and en suites!”

---