Page 45 of Dark Moon Secrets

Dammit. I kept hidden in the bushes, the sky changing to a soft blue quicker than I would have liked, and the day’s heat pushed away the night’s cool air.

More cars turned up, and I knew I was in serious trouble. What was it with these people doing an early-morning run before work?

I sat in the dried leaves and dirt, observing, alert for the moment I needed.

The people went off running, setting their watches, but before I could go, the others returned, hot and sweaty and in no rush to leave.

The pack members would be starting to arrive at the construction site. No chance of a shower now.

Nose on paws, watching, the last of the cars finally left. I didn’t waste my chance and turned back to my human form.

I rushed to my car, opened the passenger door, and grabbed my jeans and T-shirt. I slipped on the clothing, glad no one had seen me. Because of the time, I hurried, putting on my socks and work boots.

Slamming the door closed, I breathed heavily, but the stress remained as I went around to the driver’s side and got in. I was going to get it for being late to the site. I’d blown my position for the sake of seeing a woman.

A sweaty odor wafted to my nose, which would be a giveaway of what I had been doing. Sure, I was allowed to run in the bushland, but my reputation was something else entirely, and it wasn’t like Dad would believe me that I hadn’t been on the prowl.

Deodorant in the glove box helped improve my sweaty scent from running most of the night. It would do for now. I’d be sweaty soon enough from work.

Pumping the gas, I roared the V8 engine to life, enjoying the car’s vibrations around me. Slamming into reverse, I nearly missed a vehicle arriving, then I skidded out of the parking lot, letting the back wheels stir up the dust so they wouldn’t see my license plate number.

I grabbed my phone from the center console, the usual messages from Raine and Tyr about where I was. Nothing from Dad. That could be either good or bad.

Taking as many backstreets as possible to get there quickly, I arrived at the site soon, but it wasn’t quick enough.

I sensed the pack members were there on site already working. My only hope to avoid being questioned was to get in without being seen by Dad.

This side of the building was quiet, and I knew what needed to be done. I hurried over to the road, grabbed the electric nail gun, and pretended I’d been working.

The sound of the gun firing nails into wood satisfied me, and I was progressing with the build. I kept my wits about me, ready to be challenged for being late, but no one approached me.

So far, so good.

I was sure I was going to get away with arriving late. I worked double speed to build up a sweat to fit in and mask my already stinky body from the night of running.

With the planks secure, I needed more, so I went to the front of the site to collect more. My skin prickled at what I saw.

The alpha, Rafe, my dad, stood talking with Tyr. Heads close, conversation hushed. Whatever they were discussing was serious and didn’t involve anyone else.

That meant something, and I trusted my instincts that something was up.

I moved closer, choosing a different pile of planks to pick wood from, taking time to overhear what was happening.

“You sure…”

“You could be…”

“… beta…”

“Al won’t…”

Were they talking about me and my position as beta? Was Tyr going to support me? Something told me this wasn’t the case.

“Get back to work, Alaric,” commanded Rafe.

A soft growl moved in my throat. I needed to stay longer, but I couldn’t without causing a scene. I was already on probation to be beta. I had to toe the line, but I wasn’t used to doing it.

I picked up the smaller pieces of wood and returned to where I was working. Biding my time, I kept glancing at the two, who talked much longer than I was comfortable with.

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