The Rejected Luna Strikes Back

im

et when I pull up in my rental

t corner of Tacoma, an

r the condo on my drive here

affordable, but there's also a big

easy. I would know-I've

striking silver hair and a gentl

d, with a bright, easy smile t

says, his voice w

e caretaker. You

d. It's a peaceful, quiet place, with ho

e enough to give residents a com

ers a reass

u to the cond

the building, Leo

ous tenant left it in great con

ank

the condo, and Leonard

are," he

e and take a

was hoping for-modern, with an

with large windows that

, noting the polished hardwood

is perfect,"

f. I've always preferred condos; they're easy to manage a

to them now," Akira huffs

inting out features with an ease that te

h I hear is hard to find these days. And there's a laundry r

wn this hall. It's

oom door, and my

A clawfo

es, the sound

n of ba

d along the smooth cu

ay, then shake my hea

e something that feels a littl

ebrow, his smile stil

you've had

hrug, leaning agai

say that. B

fully, leaning again

ugh. New place, new routine

hoping for," I admit, g

rom... everything. Just

e he's heard this story a hund

this place is

ew houses down. Molly, my wife, is cooking a feast toni

h I didn't realiz

I appreciate tha

d a smile that crinkles

't rush it." With a final nod, h

anything you ne

middle of the living room, lett

e's an unfamiliar emptiness, t

t at the quiet street, a mix of relie

" Akira says

alk back outside to my rental and get t

Damn, I think. I must have forgotten

ning. On a good note, the

keep walking and let

us to know who it is?"

speak to, that's for

up and tell whoeve

er and sigh. Akira will keep pest

to ring again. I

phone. I take a de

ar

do you think you ar

of things that can happen to

I say, striv

like that. You lost those rights yesterday, Mr. Jasper." I add t

as a lone wolf. Anti-werewolf activi

ll come pick you up." His deep voice sounds panicked now, and

r alternative? Is that what you think, watching you live with

Alpha, and I didn't permit you to leave." He sound

n't you?" I ask gently and cut the call. I

e'd be too happy with his long-lost love to eve

e too,"

y and the pack out of my head as I cook and e

hampoos and oils with me, and the smells

ght, I think, and this