Reborn Luna: Read Chapters 1-5

Hope’s POV

“Please don't do this,” I choke out.

“Kneel,” Keith, my mate, repeats, the word cracking on his tongue.

My body crumples, and I drop in the center of the council room. The force of the wooden floor reverberates in my knees and thighs. The sealing charm affixed to my back burns, making it impossible to move.

It is nothing compared to the reminder of how it was placed there.

Trickery. Deceit.

Words I would have never thought to place alongside Keith.

When we were invited three days ago to a royal banquet to honor Princess Lilith’s coming of age ceremony, I had no idea it would end up like this. That I would go from esteemed guest, Luna of the Lotus pack, to a criminal.

The Alpha King and his Luna Queen remained quiet, but I could feel their animosity, their conviction. To them, my guilt was absolute, and nothing would stop them from seeking justice for the harm done to their daughter, Princess Lilith.

I search Keith’s familiar face looking for the male I had grown to love, but in his place is a shadow of who I thought I knew. I see the ambition in his eyes now—the need to prove himself mixed into the blue irises that once made me feel whole.

His eyes flash, his wolf rising to the surface. A pained expression crosses his face, and for a fleeting moment, hope blooms in my chest.

He’s going to stop this. He won't let them hurt me. He knows I'm innocent.

In a flash, it’s gone, smoothed over by regret and grim determination… by distance.

My wolf whined in response, confused by what the human half of our mate was doing.

“Keith, you know me,” I plead through the ache in my chest. “I’d never do something like this. I—”

“Alpha Keith,” the Alpha King interrupts from his throne. “If you're unable to fulfill the command, Dane will complete the task for you.”

“I’d be happy to exact my King's orders,” Dane rumbled.

I keep my eyes on Keith, refusing to look the Alpha King's beta in the eyes. I don’t need to see the eagerness in them.

When I was first accused of attempting to murder Princess Lilith, Dane’s demand for justice was the loudest. We might be wolf shifters, but a broken neck would kill us just as any human.

When Princess Lilith had mysteriously lost her footing and tumbled down the stairs, a staircase only the two of us were on, calls of foul play were uttered amongst the gathered packs.

Luckily, the fall down the stone steps of the corridor didn't end her life. Instead, the hit to her temple knocked her clean out. After a day of unconsciousness, a healer had declared her blind when she woke, her optic nerves permanently damaged thanks to the blow she took.

A soft whimper sounds from behind Keith—her whimper.

I know I shouldn't look. My wolf warns me against it, but my traitorous eyes lift despite my best efforts.

Lilith sits on a smaller version of her mother's throne. Her ruined eyes are milky, unseeing, yet trained in my direction as if she can sense me.

The Alpha King growls a warning at me. “Avert your eyes, taitor.”

The Queen rubs her daughter's arms and whispers comforting words to her as Lilith trembles as if the thought of my attention is something to be feared. My wolf growls at the fake display of vulnerability.

She might be a victim, but I'm one too, and she knows it.

Why? Why would she lie?

What does she have to gain from this?

“I didn't do it!” I shout. “I demand a truth seeker. They will assert my innocence.”

“Hope, don’t,” Keith warns.

His words are like a physical blow. First, he sides against me, now he won’t allow me my due process. Did I ever really know him?

“Do you think I'm a fool?” the Alpha King cuts off my reply. “There is only one truth seeker in the seven packs, your cousin, Allicent. Am I supposed to believe she would stand against you, whether or not you are wrong? No. We have already spared your dignity and given you a private trial due to Keith’s family’s standing, but I will not allow you to walk away from this.”

My wolf rises to the surface, battering at the magical chains preventing me from moving, from shifting.

“If you dare to question a truth seeker's vows to the goddess, then you're a fool,” I growl, fueled by the grief splintering in my chest.

Dane lunges forward, his fingertips inches from me, before two warriors slam into him, restraining him.

“I should have your tongue!” He yells, all semblance of composure gone. “Devious bitch. Have you no respect, no decency? You don't deserve the grace the royal family has gifted you.”

He spits at me, and Keith surprises me by taking a step towards him, a rumble emanating from his chest. He's defending me, like he still cares.

“Stand down, Dane,” Keith's eyes narrow in challenge.

“I don't take orders from you,” Dane hisses.

Dane looks like he might try to break the warrior's hold, but Lilth 's voice halts his movement.

“Hope,” Lilth starts, ignoring the squeeze of her mother's hand that is probably meant to stop her from speaking to me directly. “I forgive you. For your anger, your jealousy. I know how hard it must be for your wolf to adjust to a new hierarchy. It's only natural that she would feel aggressive towards a dominant, fertile female so close to her mate's heat.” The soft way she spoke did nothing to take the edge off of her words. But no one in the room seemed to hear the venom in her words. Unease settled in my gut as she continued. “ That’s why I put a stop to the call on your life. Our animal halves can be difficult to control. So please, in the name of the goddess, just accept your wrongs so we can all move forward.”

My wolf growled, raged at the condescension in her voice.

This was what she wanted, I realized, to be the benevolent princess in the face of the jealous, visiting Luna.

And I walked right into her trap.

Who would believe my word over the Princess? Foolishly, I believed my mate would.

But the question of why remains.

“Enough!” The Queen shouts, rising to her feet. “This spectacle is over. Alpha Keith, the potion.”

The order was clear. I was out of time.

Panicked, I gazed at Keith. I tried to pull away, but my body was useless beneath the hold of the spell. His hand flexes around a small bottle, a war raging between his flashing eyes.

“Alpha Keith,” the Queen commands again at his hesitancy. When he doesn't move, she trots down the dias toward him, reaching for the vial. “I’ll do it myself.”

“That won't be necessary,” Keith says, snapping out of momentary hesitancy. “She is my mate. I will discipline her.”

The sting of betrayal cuts deep.

This is something I couldn't have prepared for. To have the person, my person, the other half of my soul, offer me up on a platter to those who would harm me.

To take up the task of doing it himself.

I can't breathe.

My wolf howls in anguish as he kneels in front of me.

Tears stream down my face.

“Please …” I sob, unable to believe this is real.

“Hope…” Keith says in a strong voice, as if I mean nothing. “For the crime of attempted murder of Princess Lilith…”

“ …if you ever loved me… please…don’t…”

“The crown had decreed justice by measure for measure.”

I don't bother searching the room; no one will put a stop to the madness.

I met Keith's eyes. The shuttered blue was unrecognizable as he peered down at me. The world moved in slow motion.

His strong fingers secured my chin.

The vial is lifted in the other hand.

The pop of the quark as it's released.

Then Keith's voice floods my mind through our mate bond.

I’m doing this because I love you.

He pours the amber liquid into my eyes. I try to squeeze them shut, yelling at the scoring heat engulfing my face. It's useless, the burn soaks through the thin flesh of my lids, and my mind goes quiet.

It feels like my eyes are being carved out from the inside. The pain builds and builds until I can no longer recognize the sound of my voice.

The world goes black.

****

I hear the wind before I feel it. It caresses my skin as it rushes past, cool and sharp. The leaves rustle above me, and the earth smells like rain and pine.

Exhaling a breath, I take peace in the silence. In the knowledge that I’m alone.

I rarely am these days, even if my company is the warriors stationed at my door.

After my sentencing, we returned to the Lotus pack. The pack tried to rally around me, not knowing the full story of my blindness. While I was grateful to them, I also resented that kindness.

If they knew what really happened, would they follow in the footsteps of their Alpha and decide I am guilty?

Would they still treat me as their Luna, or would I disgrace them?

Keith’s lie is the only reason I haven't been challenged for the position of Luna.

My mind goes back to the conversation we had before we came home.

“We’ll tell the pack there was an accident.”

I scoffed, fingers digging into the sterile sheets of the healing room. The burn from the position had faded, taking my sight with it.

There was a blessing in this curse. At least I didn't have to look at Keith anymore.

“I’m doing this for you,” he continues after a moment. “ It was why I had your trial remain private, so that others won't judge you for your mistake.”

“The only mistake I made was mating you.”

There is a change in the air as silence stretches between us.

I can feel his anger like a sun ray beating against the surface of the water.

It has nothing on the storm building inside of me.

When he finally speaks, his voice carries the detachment I've come to associate with since the trial. “Hate me all you want, but I am still your mate and your Alpha. When we return to the Lotus territory, we will inform them that during the gathering, a group of rogues attacked both you and the princess, which resulted in your blindness. Am I understood?”

“Yes, Alpha.”

I tuck my legs under me, remembering the way the sun used to rise here—how the light would dance alongKeith’s fur as we ran and make it look like spun gold.

It's funny how the absence of sight does nothing to erase the images your mind has already consumed.

Some days, I wish my memories would reflect the absence of my vision.

Hope.

Keith's voice enters my mind. Where it was once a comforting tether, it is now an invasion. I tense my body, bracing myself for another betrayal.

Where are you? He asks when I don't respond.

My wolf growls, her guard up. Though my sight has been ruined, my sense of smell and instincts have amplified, allowing me to learn a new way of experiencing the world.

Just breathe, I remind myself.

Hope? The irrational ringing in my head scrapes along my mental walls.

The cliff, I snap. In the forest.

His thoughts go still. It's almost as if I can see him standing straighter, tighter, sharper.

Come back.

It's an order. I'm done taking those.

No.

Now is not the time for one of your tantrums. Go home, now.

Something in his voice wavers, tremors of anxiety ghost the irritation. The sound brings back thoughts of the old Keith, and my anger rises.

Does my sentence contain me in my room? You already took my sight and denied my request to go home. I won't give you my peace as well.

This is your home, he asserts.

Not anymore.

This isn’t a game. You could get hurt—

I’m already hurt, I stand and shift. The familiar feeling of my bones breaking and realigning grounds me in a way I desperately need. My paws feel the stone beneath them, and I shake out my fur. You made sure of it.

I’m coming to get you. Don’t move.

I ignore him.

Please—just wait.

I freeze at the panic in his voice.

I’ve never heard him sound like that.

Then—I feel it.

An impact knocks me to my side.

Hard.

My body crashes to the ground. The earth dips, falling away from my scrambling claws. Gravity takes me before I can shift and try to catch hold of rogue roots.

Before I can scream.

Hope! Keith’s voice rips through the link as I fall.

Wind roars in my ears.

My name echoes in my head.

But I don’t answer as the impact of the stone steals my consciousness.

Hope’s POV

I open my eyes with a small groan. My head pounds dully as a soft light filters through. The creak of a chair draws my attention.

“Hope?”

My father’s voice drags me from my haze. I blink once— twice—and the world organizes, sharpens. I inhale a sharp breath, in shock.

I can see.

My wolf whines, just as confused as I am.

I jolt upright, heart thundering against my ribs. The last thing I remember is the fall from the cliff.

I gulp, studying my father's worried expression. His skin is smooth, and the crinkling around his eyes has lessened.

“Papa?” My voice cracks. “Wh—what happened?”

He grips my shoulder, and I have to concentrate to hold back the sudden tears that threaten to spill. “You took a hit to the head while watching a sparring match. One of the warriors got careless. You passed out.” His smile is forced as he runs a gentle finger across my forehead. I wince when he touches the left side of my forehead. “The healer says you’re lucky all you got is a pretty nice goose egg.”

This can't be possible. I know this story. This time, but it isn't possible…isn’t it?

I study his face. His face is smoother. No gray in his beard, no limp in his stance.

I blink again, taking in the room. “How long was I out?”

“Not long. A few hours at most.” He frowns as he analyzes my face as if he could see any ailment I might have.“How are you feeling?”

Pressure builds behind my eyes. My wolf whines. None of this makes sense. Memories overlay reality as I look at the whitewashed walls and the scratched wooden floors near the bed. The smell of pine needles and antiseptic. Drown out my father's firewood scent.

The scene is the past come to life, one from years ago. From the first time I met Keith.

How is this possible?

What happened after the fall?

Who pushed me?

I can feel my anxiety rising, but I'm helpless to stop the spiral.

I swing my legs over the edge of the bed, ignoring my unsteady limbs. “What’s today’s date?”

“Hope—” My father reaches for me, trying to steer me back to the bed.

“What’s the date?” I shout, pulling my arm from him.

This can’t be real.

My wolf paws and pushes at the barrier of my mind, sensing my distress and wanting to protect me from it.

Papa hesitates. “March fifteenth.”

“And the year?”

“2006. Same as this morning.” He grips my arm gently. “How about we take a seat?”

I let him lead me back to the bed.

My breath catches. I feel my heart stutter, and I blurt. “I’m eighteen.”

He gives me a worried look. “Yes…”

I grip the blanket seeking comfort.

I was twenty-one yesterday.

The nausea that rolls through me makes me thank the goddess I’m sitting. My wolf paces but doesn't try to dissuade my triangle of thought.

I was twenty-one. Blind for three years.

I—I died, I think.

Keith— I can't even bear to finish that one.T he betrayal, the pain, the fire… all of it rushes back.

I died.

“Here, drink this,” my father says, handing me a glass of water.

I take it from him, if only to give myself something to do.

I’ve been sent back. Reborn.

Could it be the Goddess left this as a gift for me?

His brows knit together. “Hope…”

I turn to Papa, a thousand thoughts swirling in my head. Among them all two take the presidency.

No one can know, and I have to avoid Kieth at all costs.

If I am being given this chance to reduce everything, I need to make sure I do this right.

I put on my best bashful look. “Sorry Papa. I'm okay now. Everything was just…confusing for a few seconds there.”

“Of course. You were just knocked unconscious. It's normal to be out of sorts when you wake up.”

Papa pats my shoulder. “ I'm going to let the healer know you've woken up. Alpha Keith will also want an update on your health.”

I press my lips together and nod. My mind is racing. This is the day. The one where everything begins.

The succession ceremony of the Lotus Pack. Keith assuming his role as Alpha. I was here to represent our pack since my sister was off handling pack business. And then—I was knocked out.

Just like now.

And when I woke up the first time… he came.

Young, charming. A new Alpha is ready to ensure that the alpha family of an allied pack wasn't offended by the incident.

That was the moment everything changed.

Our eyes met, and we knew we were fated

He hadn't even gotten the full apology out before his wolf rose to the surface and called out to mine.

My father's hand was on the door. She was about to exit when I whispered, “No.”

“What?” Dad asks.

“There's no need to inform anyone. Papa.” I said quickly.

“Hope, you’re not making any sense—”

“I am.” I face him, my voice steadying. “I think I should head back to the pack. Tonight.”

He shakes his head. “Absolutely not. You need to rest—”

“You’ve always trusted me,” Standing and taking my hands and mine. “Please. Trust me now. I can’t explain it all, but if I stay, something bad will happen.”

“You’re afraid of Keith?”

“No, of course not,” I add quickly when I see the signs of flaring temper in Papa’s eyes. Signs of flaring temper in my father's eyes

He's a fierce Alpha me and my sister mean more to him than anything. If he knew the truth, if he even suspected that I had ill feelings toward Keith, it would cause tension between our packs.

War is the last thing I want.

I just want to be free.

My wolf stirs beneath my skin. A low growl rises from my chest, rumbling with rage. She remembers too. The betrayal. The lies. The pain.

She refuses to forgive him.

So do I.

He studies me. His eyes narrow. “You sound like your mother when she saw visions.”

I hate lying to my father, but it's the only way to preserve the bond between our packs while giving me a chance to escape and choose a New path. “ I don't know what this is. But this is something I have to do. I feel it, Papa.”

He sighs. “Fine. What do you want me to do?”

"Say I'm worried about Tessa," I say, folding my arms tight over my chest. Dad lifts a brow, skeptical. "She fought with you. She didn’t even come to the Lotus Pack with us."

He exhales slowly, then nods. "You're not wrong. She's stubborn, like your mother. But how do you expect me to explain that you left after the hit you took?"

“Easy. When I woke up, Tessa had called me asking for me since I was feeling fine and the healers at home are more advanced than the ones in the lotus pack, you let me go,” I answer, seizing the opportunity with both hands.

He considers my words. "You’re not wrong. Blue Rock has always had the best healers."

I try not to show my relief.

This might actually work.

"Alright," Papa says finally. "You can head home. I’ll arrange for Tino to take you back."

Tina was my father's most trusting warrior. He had watched me and my sister since we were little girls.

Making sure not to appear too anxious to get away from the Lotus Pack territory. I started to slip on my shoes and my jacket. Thankfully, I hadn't been changed into a healing gown while I was here.

Of course, it couldn’t be that easy.

A rapid knock sounds at the door moments before Karen, my father's girlfriend, steps in with her too-bright smile. Trailing behind her like lost ducklings were her children: Leah and Tyler.

I use the word children loosely. Tyler was my age, and Leah's one year younger, and the two could not look more different. While Taylor was fair and blue-eyed, his sister had dark brown hair and an olive complexion.

Karen claims that they are both fathered by the same male, but I always have my doubts. I'd never begrudge my father happiness. Many shifters find companionship again after losing their fated mate. The new connection would never be the one they had, but they were capable of loving someone else after the loss.

I want my phone to be happy. He deserves it. However, there was something about Karen that didn't sit right.

Never mind the fact that she hated my sister and I. I can deal with not being liked, but what bothers me the most is the ax she puts on in front of Papa.

Her calculating stairs slide over to me.

I freeze, my spine stiffening instinctively.

“I'm so glad you're up and about, darling. How are you feeling?” She says in that annoying high-pitched voice of hers.

“Better. Thanks.” I say keep my response short.

Right now the only thing I care about is getting the fuck off this territory.

“Clinton,” she addresses Pap,a “Shouldn't you be getting the healer. That was quite a hit she took.”

“No need, sweetheart. I'm sending hope home so she can be seen by our healers,” Papa says casually as if the whole idea was his.

Karen gives me a plastic grin before turning back to Papa. " You're right. Truly, our healers have much more knowledge than the ones on Lotus Pack territory. Oh, why not let Tyler take Hope? I'm sure he'd love the drive. Right, Tyler?"

"Of course, mother," he says, grinning like a fox about to break into a chicken coop. "I’d be happy to make sure Hope gets back home safely."

Dad chuckles. "That’s not a bad idea. It would save Tino the trip."

My stomach clenches. There is no way I’m letting that pompous little mama's boy take me back.

I keep my tone even when I say, "He can’t."

Everyone looks at me, but I just smile sweetly and continue. "Tyler’s license was revoked last month. DUI, wasn’t it?"

Leah’s eyes flash. Karen’s mouth tilts into a barely perceptible frown.

Papa's face darkens as the full force of his dominance is directed at Tyler. "I never heard about this? Is it true, Tyler?"

"I—It was one time—" Tyler stammers.

"You drove drunk?" Dad cuts in, voice rising. "Do you have any idea the lives you put at risk, your own included. You say you want to be a warrior, but until you learn to put your thoughtless, reckless behavior behind you—

Karen steps forward, laying a hand on Papa’s arm and cutting him off. "Clinton, he’s young. He made a mistake—"

"That kind of mistake costs lives," he snaps.

Karen’s lips press tightly. "You're right. Maybe we should finish this talk in private."

He nods.

She shepherds him out of the room, casting me a glare when he’s not looking.

Tyler and Leah just glare at me.

"You're such a narc," Tyler hisses.

I shrug. "Don't blame me for your poor choices. Pap would have found out eventually. How do you think it would have gone if he had been kept in the dark longer?”

His fists clench, but he backs off. Smart choice.

A minute later, Papa comes back through the door. His jaw’s still tight, but his eyes soften when he looks at me.

"Tino is getting the car ready for you," he says. "He’ll be here in a few minutes."

I nod. "Thanks, Papa."

He exits the room, and I ignore the two eyesores as I pack.

There's no need for more conversations or interruptions. I don’t want to give Keith even a whiff of my exit.

The fewer goodbyes, the better.

Hope

If I don't make eye contact, maybe they will go away.

My wolf huffed at my naivete.

Judgemental bitch. I hate it when she's right.

Tugging on my jacket I try to wait for Tino in the hallway.

Leah decides that's the moment she wants to make her move. Side stepping, she blocks the doorway, arms folded, chin tilted like some warped mini version of her mother. Fucking great.

I thought her momentary lapse of silence meant she would do us all a favor and save her whining for someone who cared.

I should have known I’m not that lucky.

The goddess gave me a do over not a get out of jail free card.

I rolled my eyes, unwilling to play games when my time was ticking.

“Well, I don't have all day. If you have something to say I suggest you do it before Tino gets here,” I say evenly.

No use in letting her know she's annoying me, that will only make the interaction take longer.

“You should watch who you're talking to, daddy isn't here to save you,” she snarls, looking me up and down with a frown, as if she finds me lacking.

My wolf presses beneath the surface of my skin and I do my best not to react.

Daddy.

She knows I hate when she calls my father that.

I snort. “You must really enjoy the false reality you create for yourself.”

A growl slips from her throat. I know it is meant to be threatening, it would be if her level of dominance were anywhere near mine.

Regardless of who my father is I would rank her and we both know it.

Tyler lingers at her side, lounging against the door frame. His large body is relaxed, bored even, but there’s heat in his eyes.

“Now, now girls. We're family. Can’t we get along for five minutes.,” Tyler said with false sincerity.

By the goddess there isn’t time for whatever game they want to play.

“How about you fuck off and get out of my way,” I retort.

Leah scans me before smirking and I know I'm not going to like what she says next. “Sure. But I want something in return. You know, for making this as painless as possible for you.”

“All the pain thinner you inhale must really be getting to your head. Stand aside.”

She takes a step towards me. “You think you are so clever aren't you. Well let's see how smart you think you are when I’m Luna of the pack.

Shit, I forgot this is her delusion.

Leah was—are— determined to be Keith's Luna.

Many females are. His family is descended from a branch of the royal family that carries Lycan blood, the original creatures from which all wolf shifters emerged.

Though Keith’s family is no longer part of the royal line. There is no question of his strength.

If he wants he could challenge the King and take his place but he won’t. His pack, the lotus pack, prided themselves on being warriors.

Goddess I had to get out of here.

Maliciousness filled Leah's eyes as I moved to barrel towards her. “Oh good you're leaving. I guess you won't need this anymore.”

Her hand flicked toward my neck, lightning quick, but I was quicker.

I jerked my left shoulder back, the necklace I wore lifting as her fingers grazed it.

I blink. “Excuse me?”

“The necklace,” she snaps. “I’ll take care of it for you.”

My hand rises instinctively to the pendant resting against my collarbone.

Cold metal, yet warm with memory.

My mother’s.

I hardly ever wear it, but today felt right. It felt like fate.

Only now I knew what a fool I’d been.

Not this time.

“No.”

Leah’s nostrils flare. “No?”

“This isn't one of your pretty trinkets. It belonged to my mother,” I say. “You don’t touch it.”

She steps closer, practically vibrating with annoyance. “Don’t be selfish, Hope. You don’t get to hoard jewels when you’re abandoning your place here. Besides, it would look better on me anyway.”

Abandoning? That’s rich. We both knew I was doing her a favor by leaving.

I steady my voice. “You don’t care about the necklace. You just wanted something shiny to show off to Keith. Hoping it will finally make him notice you.”

Her eyes flash.

I smirk knowing I hit my target.

“You think I don’t know what today is about?” I say, sharper now. “You and all the other desperate females dolled yourself up for him, hoping he’d notice you exist. Pathetic.”

Leah lunges with a small roar, fingers outstretched, but I weave, stepping back and twisting to keep our distance.

Her nails catch air.

Tyler straightens.

I keep one eye on him unsure if he'll choose to help her or me.

“You don’t deserve it,” Leah hisses.

“And you don’t get to take it.” My fingers clutch the pendant tight. “It’s not about deserving. It’s about my mother.”

Leah growls in frustration, then throws a look at Tyler. “Do something.”

He rolls his eyes but slinks with all the fake laziness of someone about to get nasty.

“I have news for you. She’s dead,” he says, walking toward me. “But you're still alive. So I’d do what Leah asks you. After you humiliated me in front of Clinton you're on thin ice.”

“That was your own doing,” I snap. “If you do not want a reality check, don't do stupid shit.”

He sneers. “Let’s see how tough you are without your precious title.”

Tyler's arm lashes out like a whip.

I don’t hesitate.

I duck and kick out. My foot connects hard with his stomach.He lets out a shocked grunt and stumbles back into Leah. She yelps as they crash into the wall leaving the door free.

I plant my feet.My pulse pounds, but I keep my face neutral. Waiting.

“You bitch,” Tyler growls, scrambling upright.

“You’re lucky I didn’t go for the face.”

Leah takes a shaky breath, then snarls at Tyler. “Useless.”

“Me?” Tyler barks. “You’re the one who—”

A sharp knock cuts through the tension. The door creaks open, and a tall, broad-shouldered man steps in.

Tino.

Thank the Goddess.

The warrior Clinton promised.

His serious chocolate eyes scan the room—Tyler rubbing his side, Leah flushed and furious, me still standing steady in front of them.

His gaze settles on me. “Hope, Alpha Clinton sent me to escort you home.”

Leah steps forward, voice sickly sweet. “She was just leaving.”

He doesn’t even look at her.

“Coming.” I walk past Leah. Past Tyler. Neither stops me.

But as I reach the threshold, I turn.

“See you when you get home.”

Leah scoffs.

Tyler mutters something under his breath recognizing my words as the threat they were. I don’t care.

I step into the hallway beside Tino.

“That looked cozy,” he said.

“Like a Christmas morning,” I replied.

Tino chuckled. “Wouldn't expect anything less from them. Correct me if I'm wrong but Tyler's shirt looked a little wrinkled in the chest area.”

Of course Tino caught that. He was the one who trained me in combat.

“I might have aided him in a lesson on personal space.”

His blue eyes flashed with pride. “That's my girl.”

Damn, I missed Tino.

When it came to Leah and Tyler, he was always on my and my sisters side. Tino loved my mother, so he didn't take well to any actions from Karen that were made to make my sister and I feel like we didn't belong. Her children's actions were an extension of that.

He doesn’t speak anymore, as we walk and I’m grateful.

The emotions welling up in my chest are unexpected. The realization of what I have again and what I’m giving up.

The unknown that lies before me.

I need to keep it in check.

Tino has always seen too much. It wouldn't serve me to have him asking what was wrong. If he did I didn't know if I’d have the heart to lie to him.

We reach the stairs, and I pause, just for a second.

My wolf paces in my mind, agitating, hurting, falling under the weight of leaving our mate.

It hurts. But staying would destroy me.

“Ready?” Tino asks with a raised brow.

I nod again.

I don’t look back.

The car drives down the mountain road, smooth and silent, nothing but trees blurring past and the crunch of tires on gravel.

My thoughts are the only thing competing with the noise.

I rest my forehead against the window, ignoring the building's need to turn back.

But then—something shifts.

My body tenses. My lungs freeze mid-breath. The hairs on my arms rise.

I smell him.

Keith.

I twist in my seat, eyes scanning the trees flashing by.

Impossible.

But I know his scent—dark cedar, firewood, a hint of rain. I yank my head away and stare ahead.

I’ll have to train myself not to think about him.

Not to feel anything at all.

Keith

I walk down the sterile hallway of the healing quarters, my boots clicking against the linoleum floor as I move toward the room of the Blue Rock packs Alpha’s daughter, Hope's.

I’d already had a word with Oliver, the young warrior got a bit overzealous during training. He was adequately remorseful and gearing up for his extra cleaning duties for his lack of self control.

The hit wasn't life threatening, still, I wanted to check on the female myself.

The scent of antiseptic hits my nose, but there's something else mixed in with it. Something sharp, sweet, intoxicating—like jasmine on a breeze, with a hint of pine.

That scent... I know it.

My wolf perks up, moving to the edge of my skin with a frantic excitement.

It's the second time he's reacted this way in the span of minutes.

It's intoxicating, haunting in its evasiveness.

And it's right inside this door.

I pause outside of the room, my fingers brushing the cold metal handle, and I let the alien feeling of dread settle into my chest.

Something about today feels different, like the world is about to shift.

I can’t shake the feeling, like the rumble of thunder before a rainstorm or the silence before a battle.

I’ve never let fear stop me, never let it's claws sink deep enough to affect my choices and I wouldn't stop now.

With a steadying breath I twist the knob, and step inside.

I expected to see Alpha Clinton or at the very least one of the warriors that accompanied the Blue Rock packs Alpha. What I didn't expect to see is an empty room.

My wolf growls with a frustration I can't quite understand.

It’s pristine, the bed made neatly, the sheets untouched. I frown, my heart quickening as I sniff the air and inhale the traces of the honeyed scent mingling with the scent of the Alpha and a few others.

I stalk over to the mattress noting how it gets stronger where her body would have lain.

The strange urge to press my face into the sheets and suffocate myself in the fading traces of her scent causes my limbs to shake.

What the fuck is happening to me?

I push aside the odd reaction and refocus on the present.

I was told she’d still be here. A momentary flicker of unease runs through me.

Why would she leave?

The longer I stand in the room the clearer the scent becomes. It's as if it's pushing itself in front of the others, reaching for me. Overpowering.

Reminding me of its importance.

The connection slams into me certainly.

The jasmine-pine blend I’d caught earlier when a car passed by me outside. This was it. It had lingered in the air as if the driver had been waiting just for me.

The female from the Blue Rock pack is quickly forgotten as a tug pulls from somewhere deep inside of me.

I can find her later. She is probably with her father anyway.

I take a deep breath, wanting to sustain myself on the sweet fragrance filling my lungs, and immediately mind-link my guards at the gates.

Find out who just left the premises.

Normally, only mates pairs would have access to each other's minds but my Lycan blood allowed me to create a deep bond with my pack. One that made us as formidable as the rumors said.

Not only were we bonded through a pack link like other packs but I was able to sense their emotions and speak to them as well.

Jace, my head warriors, voice flows across my mind.

The Blue rock female, Hope. She is being escorted back to her territory on her father's orders.

I swallow hard. So it is her. A mixture of trepidation and a ridge of anger disturbing my usual peace.

Was she injured more than I thought?

Did she appear to be hurt? I asked Jace.

Not that I noticed, Alpha. Should I send someone to retrieve her?

Not necessary.

I quickly leave the healing room and head down to the private cabin I assigned to the BlueRock Alpha and his partner.

I need answers and he is going to be the one to give them to me.

As I walk along the path, my beta and best friend, Linc, materializes beside me, matching my pace.

“What's wrong?” He asks without preamble.

“Nothing,”

“Ah, so we're starting the day with lies.”

I huff. “Nothing life threatening.” I amend.

Though if this is what I suspect it will alter a few lives, namely mine.

“And we're rushing to the Blue Rock Alpha’s quarters because?” he pushes, unwilling to drop the subject.

I halt in my tracks. I don't keep secrets from Linc.

Being at odds with your beta is the quickest way to destroy a pack.

“I smelled something. A female.” Jace's hazel eyes reflected his confusion so I continued. “it stores something in me.”

“The bond?” Jace said with incredulity.

“I’m not sure but my wolf won't let it go.”

“What does Alpha Clin— his daughter,” Jace surmised putting this pieces together.

I nod confirming.

His large hand claps me on the shoulder, a broad smile on his face. “Well what are we waiting for? Let's go get your female.”

“Never would have pegged you for the romantic type,” I teased to hide what he called hope my female did to my insides.

“Romantic no,” he shrugs a rounded shoulder. “But I am aware of how much you wanted to avoid the barrage of females getting ready to throw themselves at you at the banquet. What better way to do it than to start your ascension by annoying your mate.”

“ Let's not get ahead of ourselves. It's just… a peculiarity that's all.”

Memories of last nights nightmare, of sweating and gasping for breath I ran for her, heart pounding in my chest? The female I’ve seen fall from a cliff, the one I’ve leapt after—again and again, every time—no matter the consequences, fill my mind.

She was—is mine. I know it.

That curling feeling in my chest grows. Like a tether squeezing my heart yanking me west in the direction of the Black Rock packs.

Could it be?

Hope.

The name reverberates in my mind.

I didn't get a good look at her when she first arrived, a mistake I need to rectify.

My wolf growls and thrashes pushing me to take action.

He wants to chase her.

“Keith?” Jace asks, concerned.

Shit I must have spaced out again.

“I’m fine. Let's go,” I say walking with haste to Alpha Clinton's quarters.

Jace follows, silent though I know he has questions.

When we reach Alpha Clinton’s sweet partner, Karen opens the door with a smile on her face. I know it's meant to be inviting but something about the female displeases my wolf.

“Alpha Keith. What a pleasure.” She says amicably.

“I don't mean to disturb you,” I say deciding politeness is the best course of action. “I was wondering if Clinton was available to speak.”

She waves her hand as if to wave away my concern. “It's no bother. He's right this way,” she says, leading me into the sitting room.

Jace follows, giving the older female a curt nod.

I still don't understand what Clinton is doing with her, his voice projects in my head.

Neither do I. I heard Luna was beloved. Not sure how he ended up with Karen.

I didn't have a problem with Karen but I could see how much she desired status. The fact that Clinton couldn't always felt odd to me.

Rumor is she bewitched him.

I resisted the laughter building in my throat.

Alpha Clinton stood up when we entered the room.

“Keith, what brings you by? I know there must be much to do before your ascension.”

“I was headed to the healing building to check on your daughter but it appears as if she left. Is everything alright?”

I older Alpha nodded. “Hope is fine. Thank you for checking up on her. It's my other daughter, Tessa, who was in need of her sister so she left early to be with her. Hope send her regards for not because ng able to stay for the ceremony.”

My instincts prickle. I doubt I am receiving the full story but I feel no ill intention coming from Clinton so I let it slide.

“Of course. She should be with her sister if she needs her.”

“She is a good girl,” Clinton said fondly.

I give him a nod. “I look forward to seeing you and Karen tonight.”

Before I leave, the same jasmine and pine scent flows into my nostrils.

I search for the source, noticing a folded sweater on the back of a chair.

I have to clench my fist to keep from reaching for it. From holding it close and inhaling her scent.

My eyes blow wide when I spit a picture above it.

On the mantelpiece there is a family photo of Clinton and his daughters.

And right in the center is her.

The woman I’ve been dreaming of for months now? The woman who has haunted my nightmares and kept me awake at night.

I shake my head, trying to clear it as I walk out with Jace on my heels.

I’ve always dismissed it, chalked it up to coincidence. But the scent... the way it’s latched onto me, that’s not a coincidence.

Neither is the face staring back at me.

Find her. My wolf growled.

There was nothing more I wanted. But I had a duty to perform.

After my ascension, I promised.

Hope

The sun dips low, casting long shadows over the training grounds as I step onto the field. The smell of my childhood home eases the sharp edges of my frayed nerves.

When we arrived at Blue Rock the first thing I did was look for Tessa.

My boots crunch against the gravel as I head to the training fields.

A flash of red captures my attention. Tessa's lithe frame is there—center ring—bare arms swinging as she brings down a familiar male.

Ben.

He hits the ground with a grunt, and she doesn't look down as she turns, scenting the air.

"Hope?" Her voice cracks like a whip. She straightens, her eyes- a vibrant sky blue like our mothers— narrowing with her words. “You’re back?”

I move faster, practically jogging to hug her. I crash into her squeezing her, thinking of all the years we went without seeing each other.

Her arms cage me to her. “Hey… hey,” she braces my shoulders, pulling my back gently to look over my face, concern etched onto her features. “Are you okay?”

Shit.

I almost forgot. To her it's only been a day and half since we've seen each other.

I nod, smiling to ease her worry. “Yeah. Everything is great.”

A groan sounds behind me as Ben lifts his large body from the ground.

“Warn me next time you try to shove my body through the floor,” he says to Tessa.

He towers over her, which is not a hard thing to do being 6’5.

Ben is one of our warriors, a gamma through and through.

She grins at him, “Where's the fun in that? Besides, if you were paying attention you would have seen me coming.”

Ben looks at her like she was responsible for the sun rising and to him she was.

“Hey Benny,” I say.

“Hey Hope. What brought you back so early? I thought you would stay with your father through the ascension.”

I shrug. “ Plans changed. Plus I wanted to be home with you guys.”

Tessa gives me a stop bull shitting me look. “Where’s Leah? Tyler?”

“Back at Lotus pack. You know Leah won't give up her chance to be noticed.”

My wolf girls bitterly. She understands why we need to make this design but choosing to leave our mate doesn't make actually doing it easier. We will always want him on an elemental level even if logically I know we have to make a different choice.

Tessa moves closer, her body tense as she studies me. “What happened?”

I know she means with Leah and Tyler but why did it feel like she can see through me.

“Same old shit. I was already on my way home and Leah threw one of her tantrums,” I say. “But I handled it.”

Tessa narrows her eyes. “You handled it?”

“I told Leah to stop being a bitch and then I kicked Tyler’s into her,” I admit, trying to skim over the more upsetting details.

If Tessa finds out Leah tried to take our mothers necklace from me it will only cause problems when they get home.

Her eyes widened. “You did what?”

I could understand her shock. While my sister was always as fiery as her hair, I've always tried to defuse situations with words.

“I kicked him. Clean hit. No blood, no bruising, just embarrassed his dumb ass.”

“Goddess.” She blinks like she’s not sure I’m real. “I don't know what's gotten into you but I like it…”

“Figured you would. I just got tired of their crap.”

Tessa laughs, half in disbelief, half in pride. She pulls me into another hug, strong arms squeezing tight. “I thought I’d have to go hunt them down for targeting you when I’m not around.”

“I’ve got it covered. I’m done letting people treat me like a punching bag.”

She studies me. “What changed?”

Everything. But I don’t say that. Not yet.

Possibly not ever.

“I’m just tired of pretending things are okay when they’re not. And that goes for ignoring the wicked witch and her goons.”

“Well, I for one think this deserves a celebration burger,” Ben says, hooking a meaty arm around each of us.

“Oh hell yeah,” Tessa agrees. “I’m starved.”

I wrinkle my nose at both of them and run up ahead before spinning in my heel and walking backwards. “Maybe a shower wouldn't hurt first. You both smell sun soaked garbage.”

“Hey!” Tessa yells as before I turn and sprint towards the house.

Ben’s boisterous laughter follows me with each step and my heart feels lighter than it has in a long time.

After their shower, we all congregate in the kitchen of the pack house.

Since Tessa is useless when it comes to cooking I volunteer my services and Ben acts as my sous chef.

While I work on seasoning the burger meat a loud chirp sounds through the room.

“Shit,” Ben says, checking the comms unit all warriors carry. “Zan needs me in the security building. Will you guys be alright without me?”

Tessa rolls her eyes. “I'm sure we'll be fine for the ten minutes you're gone.”

Ben smiles mischievously. “Don't miss me too much while I’m gone.”

She throws a piece of lettuce at him but I can see the smile trying to break free.

It's nice, seeing her so carefree.

By the time Ben comes back dinner is ready and we spend the rest of the evening laughing and joking around. It gets late Ben excuses himself to go on patrol and I catch the linger glance he gives Tessa before leaving.

Once the door shuts and I'm sure Ben is out of ear shot I say, “So …roof?”

Tessa bobs her head, her wild red curls bouncing with the movement. “ Roof.”

We take our places on the worn blue rooftop. It’s our spot. Has been since we were kids. Nothing but the Stars above us and a quiet place to vent to each other without judgment..

The wind ruffled my hair and I tucked the strains back, thinking of where to start.

“I used to think Karen made Dad happy,” I say.

Tessa looks over, cautious. “And now?”

“Now, I know she’s poison.”

“She’s always been poison. You just didn’t want to see it.”

Tessa leans back on her hands.

“Your right. I guess I just hoped that even though she was rotten to us she would help him. Papa was so lonely when Mom died. It took him so many years to be himself again and all I wanted was for him to be happy. It blinded me but I see it now. We never had a chance at making us a family again. Not when all she wanted was a Luna position and status for her children.”

“They’ve been trying to shove us out of our own pack for years. maybe not physically but emotionally. She wants us to believe that we have no place here.”

“ I just don't understand how Papa doesn't see it.”

Tessa’s quiet for a second. “Maybe his dreams are similar to yours. Maybe he wants so badly for our family to be whole that he isn't thinking clearly. It wouldn't be the first time that he refuses to see what's right in front of him.”

She's referring to there argument and the reason I told my father I wanted to come back to our territory.

Papa and Tessa got into an argument about her ascension, or rather the lack of one.

Tessa wanted to be Alpha. She was strong enough for it and as first born she had every right to the position but Papa didn't want to see it happen.

He knew the life of a female Alpha would be filled with challenge and turmoil.

Females just weren't considered fit for the role of Alpha.

“You know he believes in you. He's just afraid,” I say, remembering my other life.

The one where she not only gave up her dream, but her true mate, Ben.

Her eyes flash. “Am I supposed to cut myself off at the knees because he’s scared. What about me? What about my fears? The fear of never living up to my potential, of letting myself beneath a male I know will never be as good as me keeps me up at night. Should I ignore that and just do what he asks to make him happy?”

In our other life, she married an Alpha, following our fathers wishes. It wasn't until after she found herself with him that she recognized Ben as her true mate but it was too late. Her Alpha mate was cruel, abusive. She gave up her dreams to give father peace, and it cost her everything.

Not this time.

This wasn't just my second chance, I realize looking into Tessa’s eyes.

I hold her gaze, putting all of my …“No. You shouldn't.”

“What?” She asks, blinking in confusion.

“Let’s just say I’ve had a change of perspective. It won’t be easy. Father's fear is justified but you are an Alpha Tessa. You were born for it.”

She stares at me with a war raging in her eyes, like she wants to believe me but she's scared to get her hopes up.

“I want you to be Alpha of this pack,” I say with conviction.

She shakes her head. “Dad won’t allow it.”

“Then we’ll make him.”

“You’re serious?” she says, unable to his surprise.

“Dead serious.”

Tessa sits up, her eyes burning. “You’d back me? Even if it means standing against the council? Against Father?”

“I’ll do whatever it takes.”

She exhales slowly. “They won’t listen. They still think women are meant to follow, not lead.”

“Then we show them otherwise.”

“And how exactly do we do that?”

“Simple. You prove your strength. I will prove your worth.”

“We won't have to. We will use their laws against them and call on a duel for the position. With the King and Queen overseeing the battle there will be no one who could deny the outcome.”

She laughs. “You’re crazy.”

“No. I’m ready and so are you.”

Tessa stares at me like she’s seeing a new person. “You’ve changed.”

“You have no idea.”

A beat of silence. Then she reaches over and grabs my hand.

“You really think I can do it?”

I grab her hand and squeeze. “I already consider you my Alpha. Now let's go show them what I see.”

She nods. “Then let’s make them choke on their rules.”