MOON'S REBELLION

ilent. The familiar scents of home filled her heightened senses-the earthy musk of the earth, the pine-fresh breeze,

with a mix of fear and excitement. She knew she shouldn't be here; s

r skin, raising goosebumps. She scanned the darkness for any sign. Then, there - a flash of movement betwee

you weren't going to show up,

e was ruggedly handsome, framed by shaggy dark hair; piercing eyes, black as o

s her t

managed, hating the

yra felt herself fight the urge to step back

on her territory. But a stronger, more primeval part of her was ur

?" she asked in a

smile. "I felt you, the moment you c

are, sacred bond between true mates. But she had never imagine

g," she whispered, more

u." He took another step closer, and Lyra fought the urge to take a step back. "But I have been so

ger who felt more familiar than anyone she'd ever known. But her human mind rebelled, re

way her voice shook. "I'm supposed to m

an." His eyes were unyielding and locked on

"I just can't. It's not possible. I have resp

ead around, ears straining. Night patrol. She had

elding grip. "Then go, my Lyra. But know this: I will be here. Waiting for you." His

as his own. With one last, lingers look, she turned

ving, Maya was waiting for her. The healer's warm br

am Lyra had built around herself. However, she fel

ed the quake in her voice

ain moving. "You were gone a long time. I was starting to get worried." Reaching

inally met Maya's eyes, forcing a reassuring sm

riend could tell that something was amiss. But to her r

d with a soft, comforting voice. "You know

, Maya was a soothing balm to the turmoil raging within her. But even as she let herself be comfo

felt toward Raven was all that she'd ever felt-an attachment that seemed to be more than the mere ap

evade her. Silently, she slipped from her den, shifted into wolf form, and ran through the forest

her attention again. Lyra slowed and then stopped, her nostrils flaring as she tried to track the scen

ght in body, softened in his eyes containing recognition, Raven stood before

was hers by right of the mating bond. Yet her human side called a h

e whispered, even as she

breath caught as his fingers traced the line of her jaw. "I've been alone for so lon

the gap between them. Still, duty and responsibility kept her rooted to

obligations, a life planned out for you." His thumb caressed the sensitive skin beneath her ear. "But I also know

can't." She turned her head, breaking the connection. "I hav

ely felt the loss. "Then I will wait for

go." She threw one last, yearning glance at Raven, cataloguing every

sing him. Throwing one last, yearning look in his direction, she turned to run

more. The healer's warm brown eyes held nothing but concern as she took

?" Maya's voice was

r stomach. How could she expect to convey explanation on something so unexplainable? How could she expect to detail an inexplicable affi

d the only thing s

ra attempted an encouraging smile, but from the dubious

n her own. "You know you can talk to me,

nd's embrace. The feel of Raven's touch was still so ne

verything, that's all. The mating ceremony, the responsibilities." She tilted her he

arm hug. "I'm here, Lyra. Always." She pressed a soft kiss again

hidden from everyone, even from her best friend. No matter the cost, she would