Lisa Kessler - Moonlight

The sun was still hidden below the horizon, but the faint glow of daylight was starting to seep across the mountains. It would have been beautiful if I weren’t such a mess. I pulled off at a rest stop and killed the engine. Gradually the colors bled across the dark sky, painting a masterpiece over me. As the sobs and hiccups calmed, rational thought crept back into my mind. First off, I needed to find a place to stay. I couldn’t take Adam’s Jeep when I left town, but I also couldn’t bring it back to him during the day while the other wolves were around. I’d have to wait until sunset. While the Pack changed, I could leave Chaney and call a cab.

Maybe I’d leave Adam a note, so he wouldn’t worry that something more sinister happened to me.

Just the thought of saying goodbye made my eyes well with tears again.

I needed to focus on the future. Sasha was in my future. I needed to stay away from her, and then there was Sebastian. Was he my friend or foe? Hard to say with him. Either way, I couldn’t really trust him. But I had to keep them both away from Adam and the Pack.

I was alone again.

Now that I’d been part of something, an “us,” it was tough to go back to being a lone wolf. I smirked at the euphemism. If I were a wolf none of this would be happening.

Focus, Lana .

I took a deep breath and fired up the engine. I’d get a room to hang out in for the day. Eat, try to write, and then I’d take the Jeep back to Adam’s, call a cab, and catch my flight to Chicago.

Simple.

I sighed as the sun broke the horizon. Nothing was simple anymore.

I watched Luke working Bruce and couldn’t help but smile. I’d been so busy with life, I hadn’t noticed how much he’d grown. Not just in size, but in manner and attitude. Luke used to be a mouthy teen, but seeing him on Bruce, taking him through his gaits, I realized Luke was turning into a damned fine horse trainer. At least I’d be leaving the stable in good hands. Aren could handle the business end with the feed company and the other owners in the barn. Everything would run smoothly after I was gone.

It stung a little to realize the world would still turn without me here. I’d been raised knowing the mantle of leadership would be mine someday. I would succeed my father as Alpha of the Pack. Giving it up wasn’t something I ever saw coming.

Then I saw Lana’s dark eyes in my mind, and my heart warmed. She was worth the sacrifice.

Jason drove up to the barn, and I walked over to great him. We clasped forearms in the traditional Pack greeting. “Thanks for coming by, Jason.”

“How’s Aren? Is he staying off the leg?”

I chuckled. “This is Aren we’re talking about.”

“I know.” Jason sighed, his smile fading. “I was serious about my instructions. His joint was badly damaged from the gunshot.” He paused and lowered his voice. “He may never heal completely.”

My chest tightened up. “He’ll be all right. We heal fast. You’ll see.”

“It’s not the healing, Adam. I did the best I could, but without a hospital and a new metal joint, I’m afraid he may always have a limp. Even when he shifts.”

“Are you saying he won’t be able to run with the Pack?”

Jason looked up toward the house and shrugged. “I honestly don’t know. But if he doesn’t rest it, he won’t stand a chance of the joint repairing correctly.”

“Have you told him any of this?”

“Oh, I told him. Did he believe me is the question you should be asking.” Jason’s eyes cut back to meet mine, and he frowned slightly. “Are you all right?”

I shrugged, wishing again for the millionth time that I could tell someone the truth. “Yeah, I’m okay. Rough night last night.”

He nodded. “I didn’t ask last night with everything going on, but… What happened to you two?”

Jason had these light brown eyes that could look right through you. They made most people uncomfortable so he usually wore sunglasses, but he wasn’t wearing any now, and I was left unprotected from his prying stare.

“We were chasing down the jaguar who killed Gabe, and there was some unexpected gun play.”

He frowned. “The jaguar shot Aren?”

“One of them did.” I didn’t realize my slip until it was out already of my mouth.

“There was more than one?” Anger flashed in his eyes. “Have you told Malcolm about this?”

“No.” I shook my head. “I didn’t want to worry him. Aren and I have it under control.”

“This is not under control. Not even close.” Jason crossed his arms over his chest, making it obvious he’d been working out lately. “If you don’t tell him, I will. It’s the full moon tonight, Adam. We’ve got to be on alert, especially if the jaguars have guns.”

“I’m not stupid.” He was starting to piss me off. “I’ll tell him.”

“When?”

“Back off, Jason.” I didn’t like being pressured, and it seemed like every part of my life wanted a piece of me. I didn’t need to be threatened by anyone, least of all the wolf in front of me. “I’m not a pup, and I outrank you.”

His fists clenched, and my eyes narrowed. Part of me wanted him to take a swing. A good fistfight might help ease all the pent up frustration brewing in my chest. But Jason let his hands drop to his sides.

“We’ll be vulnerable tonight if you don’t do the right thing, Adam. I don’t know what you’re hiding, but it can’t be worth risking the Pack.” He started to walk away and added under his breath, “We already lost Gabe.”

I tackled him then. We hit the ground so hard I saw stars for a minute, but a minute was all I had before Jason was wrestling to get on top of me. All the anger, worry, and frustration of the past two weeks exploded into physical form with every hit. He got his hands down on the dirt and pulled his knees in, I punched his stomach as he pushed up from the ground, and he returned fire with his elbow. I felt one of my ribs crunch as I rolled off of him. He started to get to his feet, but I snagged one leg and yanked him back to the ground. Before we could grapple anymore, Luke pulled me back.

“Stop!”

I stepped back, glaring at Jason.

“What the hell is wrong with you?” Jason spat.

“Nothing until you started getting in my face with your hotter-than-horseshit attitude.”

“ My attitude?” Jason pointed at his own chest, and then shook his head. “You know what? Fuck you, Adam. I’m done with this. I’m going to go check on Aren’s ankle, and I’m outta here.”

I stared at him as he walked up to the house, getting a little satisfaction that he was covered in dirt. Asshole.

When he vanished into the house I turned and found Luke staring right at me. “What?”

“I don’t know, but you’re acting crazy,” he said.

I started to open my mouth to deny it, then closed it again and shook my head. “I have a lot on my mind, and I don’t need Jason reminding me that Gabe’s dead. I’ll never forget that, and it pisses me off he thinks I might.”

“Tonight’s the full moon.”

“I know.” Apparently Luke was eager to change the subject. Suited me just fine.

“Are you going to change with the Pack?”

“Yeah, I am.” I nodded and glanced at the barn. “But then I’m probably going to have to leave for a while. I need you to take care of the horses for me.”

Luke followed my gaze and nodded. “Sure. When will you be back?”

I stared at the dirt, felt like dirt. “I’m not sure yet. Could be a while though.”

His brow furrowed. “What? Why?”

“You saw what happened with Jason. I’m wound too tight right now. I need to figure out how to make things right again.”