Page 33 of Moon Cursed

“I was born knowing I’d have to make my own way in this world. No one’s handing me a piece of the pie, but everyone’s trying to take it.”

“Then I’ll change it. I’ll protect your pie.” The words were out of my mouth before I heard them, and how it sounded. “I mean, I’ll protect you and the omegas from losing all the things you have a right to. Stronger inheritance laws, and harsher prosecutions for alpha command–based thefts.” I nodded to myself, adding those to the list of the many laws I needed to change. “This is how they do it, isn’t it? How they force the omegas to be subservient.

“They force you all to live on home base, and the only way to make it around the field is to cling to their cleats while they drag you around behind them.”

“Now you’re getting it.” He smiled to take the sting out of it. “You really think you’re going to be my savior, don’t you?”

I warmed for no good reason. “I will tear down this backwards world and build a new one on its ashes, and I mean that from the deepest corner of my soul. No one is more committed, determined, or bloodthirsty than me.”

His grin shone over me, dragging my gaze to those full, pink, sinfully kissable lips. “I believe you. I don’t know why but... I do.”

I tugged at my collar. It was hot out here. Why was it so hot! It was the middle of autumn for Luame’s sake.

I roughly cleared my throat. “Anyway, what’s this million-dollar empire your folks run? Have I heard of it?”

“Most likely.” He reached into the basket and pulled out two more Maltas. “The laws may force us werewolves to hide our identities from the mundanes, but it doesn’t stop us from selling to them. My mom is the creator of the She-Wolf line of clothing, shoes, and accessories. My other mom is her co-founder and brand ambassador.”

My brows blew. “She-Wolf? Your parents are the founders of She-Wolf? But I saw their clothes and ads everywhere when I was living with the mundanes, and I meaneverywhere.

“I wanted to buy an outfit too, but I couldn’t even afford the buttons on their cashmere Rebel Wolf coats.” I sat back, mind blown. “How did I not know actual she-wolves were the creators of She-Wolf?”

“Did you ever know much about Wolf Nation?” he asked as he pulled his legs in and draped his arms across his knees. “I mean, other than what temple visitors told you?”

I made to reply, and then stopped. No one had ever put it in those terms before but—

“You’re right,” I said softly. “I didn’t know a thing about my home other than the little glimpses I got from visitors pouring their hearts out. I was supposed to be a grand symbol of our society, but I wasn’t allowed anywhere near it.”

I shook my head, pulling myself out of morose thoughts. “But here’s something else that’s interesting, you were raised by two women but you still think it’s cool to run around calling women bitches.”

Paxton flinched, losing his grin fast. “I don’t think it’s cool, and my moms would’ve kicked my ass if they heard me call you that. I really am sorry, Daze. It just came out, but that’s no excuse.” He dropped his head, massaging the bridge of his nose. “Look, I’m not always going to get it right every time but...”

I jumped when strong, calloused fingers brushed over mine, stroking soft circles that erupted goose bumps all over my arm.

“But I never make the same mistake twice,” he whispered, lifting our bonded hands.

I made the most unfortunate squeak when he pressed his lips to my palm.

“I promise you, baby.” Paxton’s warm breath skittered over my veins, marking the path his gentle peppered kisses left down my arm. “I will never take the smile from your lips again, and that’s a promise that will last the rest of our lives.”

I melted, leaning in to take those lips for myself—

Wake the fuck up, woman!

Snapping up, I broke free of my wolf’s hold, and his. I tore my hand away, shooting up to my feet.What the hell!I shouted at my wolf. Even with the bond broken, my wolf remembered what it was like to want Paxton more than air, and what it was like to not be dying, and she was gunning for him.

“You can take your promise and shove it back up your bullshitter, thank you very much, and—and—and why am I still here?” I snatched up the food, tossed it back in the basket, and hitched the basket up my shoulder. It was coming with me. “Goodbye, Clarke. Let’s never do this again soon.”

He laughed at my retreating back. “Bye, baby. Same time, same place tomorrow.”

“I won’t be here! And stop calling me baby!”

I’m pretty sure my rejections didn’t sink in. He was laughing too hard to hear them.

***

THE NEXT MORNING, MRS. Ash and I sipped our coffees while our steady gazes latched on to each other—locked in an epic staredown.

I broke first, offering her a bland smile. “Thank you so much for coming back, Mrs. Ash. I’m sure you’re a busy woman, and I have an hour before class starts, so why don’t we get right to it,” I said, setting down my mug. “You said you have ideas on how to improve relations between the students, and further Luame’s glorious vision for the future. I’m eager to hear them.”

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