Chapter 1 - Ryan
"You know
something?" Georgia says, looking around our seedy motel room. "This
is kinda romantic when you think about it."
I quirk an eyebrow as
Kane huffs his disagreement from inside my mind. The lights buzz and flicker,
and the stairs on the way up here smelled like urine. There are odd stains on
the carpet, and I'm pretty sure something is growing in the corner by the window.
The faucet handle came off in the bathroom the moment I touched it, and I don't
think we can blame my increased strength for that one.
"Romantic
wouldn't exactly be my choice of words," I say, leaning back against the
chipped headboard. "But I suppose if you're comparing it to living in a
dumpster it could be seen that way."
Georgia grins.
"That's disgusting."
"So is this
motel."
She runs her hands
over the threadbare comforter and adjusts her position on the lumpy mattress.
"It's no quaint cabin in the woods, I'll give you that. But at least no
one's trying to kill us here."
"That part is
true. For now, anyway."
She shudders on an
inhale as she picks up a slice of cardboard-tasting pizza. "How long do
you think it'll take for them to find us?" She takes a bite of the crappy
meal and uses her free hand to pass me the bottle of even crappier wine. When we
arrived here from Whisper Valley a couple of hours ago, we stocked up at the
first gas station on the edge of town. The cashier, a woman with an oxygen tank
and the dry, glazed stare of the undead. I had to scent her twice to make sure
she really was human.
"If we consider
that the city is a mishmash of smells and sounds. And that we have the amulet
Caspian gave us…" I lift the bottle to my mouth and sip, wincing as the
bitter taste burns down my throat. "Maybe a day or two. Less if the poultice
Ethan applied to Scarlett's mark fails and the Alpha finds a way to tap into
her."
Georgia's face falls
ever so slightly, but she quickly masks it with another forced grin.
"Well, in that case, let's enjoy the heck out of this romantic evening
while we can."
I laugh, shaking my
head at her optimism. Somehow, even with the filth and roaches, being with her
in this dingy temporary refuge does feel oddly romantic. "To us,
then," I say, holding up the bottle of wine to her before I take a drink
and hand it to her. She almost chokes on it.
"Oh yeah. That's
good stuff," she forces out, coughing.
"Remind me to
take you somewhere nice when all this is over."
"This really
isn't so bad, Ryan," she says, passing the bottle back to me. "In
fact, I've experienced far worse in my travels."
The muffled sound of
sirens and traffic filters in from outside. It's been so long since I've been
anywhere near a city. The exhaust fumes burn my sensitive nose even through the
closed window, mixing with the acrid smell of hot asphalt and too many humans
packed together. Someone's cooking curry three doors down, and there's the
sickly-sweet stench of garbage from the dumpster in the alley. When I was a
boy, the idea of living here excited me. But now, all I need is the quiet of
the mountains and an open space to run as my wolf. I miss Whisper Valley
already.
City stinks, Kane grumbles in my mind. Too many scents. Don't like it.
I know, buddy. Me neither.
"Worse than this
place?" I take another sip of wine, grimacing as I look at the label. It's
a far cry from the earthy, robust flavors of the wine back home, but it's
enough to dull our senses for a short while. Shifters can’t stay drunk for long.
But if you drink fast enough, you’ll get a buzz. "I don't believe there's
anywhere worse than this roach pit."
"Oh, the
privilege you must have endured," she teases, taking another bite of the
pizza and chewing quietly.
I smile as I watch
her, the crude lighting of the room catching in her fiery hair and vibrant
eyes. So much has changed since Georgia stumbled into my life, absorbing Luna's
spirit and igniting our soul bond. It's not just our lives that have
changed—I'm changing too.
Kane's thoughts, once
a separate voice in my mind, now feel closer to my own. We're no longer two
halves of a whole, but merging into a single entity. Our thoughts and emotions
synchronize, yet I can still discern his influence—a constant, affirming whisper
of 'mate' whenever I look at Georgia.
Just weeks ago, I was
a lone wolf, mourning the loss of my mate and resigned to guarding the Soulcave
for the rest of my days. Then Georgia stumbled into my life, quite literally
falling into the cave and absorbing Luna's spirit. Our instant connection, the
prophecy of our soul bond, the rush to complete it under the full moon…
It just happened. But somehow it also seems
like a lifetime ago.
And yet, the
consequences of those frantic days are why we're here now, hiding in this dingy
motel. The pack's betrayal, the Alpha's brutal attack on Scarlett, our
desperate escape from the mountain—it all led us here, fugitives on the run
from the very people I used to trust. All because they fear the power of our
bond.
Reaching out, I take
Georgia's hand in mine and glance down at it, remembering the moment I marked
her, sealing our fate. The enormity of what we must face together weighs heavy
on me. We're not just fighting for our lives, but for the future of all shifter
kind. It's a daunting thought, but not one I want to delve into tonight. No.
Tonight is about pause. It's about my mate. Us.
"I'd like to hear
more about these travels of yours," I say as Georgia finishes her slice of
pizza. "Tell me, love, where have you been that's worse than this
place?" I search my mind, flitting through the memories we shared when the
soulbond really took root. But she’s been so many places, camping in less than
stellar conditions, that I’m not sure. “Was it the Gobi desert?”
"That’s
cheating," she says as she dusts her fingers off over the open pizza box.
“It’s not cheating
when our bond gave us this gift of shared memories. I’m sure there are a lot of
questions you could answer about me without a conversation too.”
She considers this,
eyes narrowed in playful suspicion. “OK, fair point. And for the record, the
caves in the Gobi were freezing, damp, and full of shrieking bats.” She tries
to mimic the sound, waving her hands. “But there were no roaches the size of baby
rats, so I’m afraid this place still wins.”
She relaxes into the
pillows.
“So that means I’m
wrong and there’s somewhere worse than the Gobi dessert.”
Georgia grins.
"There are many. Geology is a pretty filthy field—lots of mud. And while
that cave in Gobi was pretty awful, I think the worst conditions happened on
the dig in Vietnam that got me a job with the Geological Survey. That was
intense."
"Vietnam?"
Georgia nods. "It
was a dig in a rural area that had been ravaged by floods,” she explains.
"The villagers were so welcoming and generous despite having not much to
give. They invited us into their homes, offered us food and shelter even when they
barely had enough for themselves. It was humbling." She pauses for a
moment, her eyes reflecting a mixture of admiration and sadness. "But the
mud... it was relentless. And the humidity along with the smell of decomposing
vegetation. Gosh, I can smell it again just thinking about it." She lifts
her hand to her nose and shakes her head to push away the memory.
"We all ended up
getting sick. But our budget didn't allow for any delays. So we powered
through. Every day we'd work in shifts, digging and documenting all the
minerals we found while also battling horrible stomach cramps." She
shudders.
"Sounds like a
nightmare."
"At times, it
was. But it was also one of the most rewarding experiences of my life,"
Georgia says, letting out a wistful sigh. "We discovered a vein of rare
earth elements that could potentially change the technological landscape. It
made all the suffering worth it and paved the way for my job offer with the
Geological Survey."
As I set the bottle
down, I look back up at her and smile. "It still sounds better than
here."
She laughs. "The
food was definitely nicer. Even if it did make us all sick. But the
company…" Her voice lowers to a whisper as she leans into me. "It's
way better here."
I brush a strand of
fiery hair back from her face, tucking it behind her ear. "Once this is
over, I'll take you somewhere warm and sunny. No mud or decomposing vegetation.
No shrieking bats. No roach infested motels. Just you, me and forever stretching
out in front of us, I promise." My voice softens as I look into her eyes,
the intensity of our bond making my chest tighten with a different kind of
urgency.
"I'd like
that." Georgia smiles up at me, but it quickly fades as she looks away.
"It's just so hard to imagine this ever being over. Our lives are
so...complicated now."
I take her hand,
stroking my thumb over her knuckles soothingly. "This is just a rest stop
on the journey, my love. Nothing can stop our destiny."
Georgia's lips quirk
up slightly. "You really believe that?"
"I have to
believe it. The alternative is unthinkable."
At my solemn tone,
Georgia shifts closer, curling against my side. Her warmth and soft curves
press into me, igniting my desire to be closer to her. But I restrain myself,
simply wrapping an arm around her shoulders.
"I'm scared,
Ryan," Georgia admits. "Everything is happening so fast, and there's
still so much we don't understand about this bond between us. And then there's
Scarlett to worry about. What the Alpha did to her..."
I rub her arm gently,
wanting to soothe away all her worries. "Scarlett is tough, she won't let
the Alpha control her."
Georgia takes a ragged
breath. "And what if they're wrong? What if this bond of ours isn't some
magical cure-all? What if the more we bond, the bigger the target on our
backs?"
I pull her closer,
seeing distress in her eyes. "Our friends made their choices willingly
because they want a better future. Trusting in this bond gives them hope."
She bites her lip.
"Hope won't heal Scarlett's mental wounds or remove that mark."
"No," I
murmur. "Which is why tomorrow we'll find the witches on Caspian's list.
They have protection spells that can mask the Alpha's connection, make it
harder for him to track her through the mark. Maybe one of them can weaken the
bond or remove the mark altogether."
"But what if
their magic isn't enough?" Georgia whispers, trembling.
I cup her face between
my hands, holding her gaze firmly. "Then we keep fighting until the Alpha
is nothing more than dust and heartstone. I swear to you, Georgia, Scarlett
will be free."
She searches my eyes,
uncertainty still lingering in her gaze while she nods slowly. I can feel the
tension still coiled within her, so I lean in and kiss her forehead softly,
needing to comfort her, to reassure her that everything will be all right.
As my lips brush
against her skin, her breath hitches. Our bond hums. A low, steady vibration
that seems to resonate through every cell in my body.
Mate needs us, Kane rumbles, his presence stirring with interest.
For a moment, we're
both still, caught in this delicate balance between comfort and desire. I can
hear her heart racing, feel the slight tremor in her hands as they rest against
my chest.
Then she tilts her
head up, her lips barely grazing the edge of my jaw. It's a tentative touch,
more of a question than a demand. And I remain motionless, letting her set the
pace, even as every instinct screams at me to pull her closer.
"Ryan," she
whispers, her warm breath washing over my skin. The sound of my name on her
lips sends a shiver down my spine. I can't help the low growl that rumbles in
my chest as I tilt my head, giving her better access to my jaw and neck.
Yes. Mate aches. Let her
forget. Let her be held. Then take her. Cherish her. Protect.
Her fingers curl into
my shirt as she grows bolder, her mouth moving along my jawline with more
purpose. The softness of her lips fills me with a longing that I can't ignore.
And while I know I should resist when there are bigger things at play here, my body
betrays me. The need to touch her, to lose myself in her, becomes overwhelming.
My hands move of their own accord, tangling in her hair as I finally give in to
the urge to pull her closer.
Our lips meet in a
kiss that's equal parts desperation and tenderness. It's as if all the fear,
all the uncertainty of our situation, is being poured into this one moment of
connection.
“I want to forget what
we are, Ryan,” Georgia whispers between kisses, her hands sliding over my
chest. “Just for a moment… I want to feel like I’m just a woman. And you’re
just a man. Not a soulbond. Not a prophecy. No curse to break. No fate to
fulfill. Just us.”
Chapter 2 - Ryan
I trail my fingers
down her cheek, seeing the glow of Luna that's already started in her eyes and
is shimmering across her skin. It'd be impossible to forget, even for a moment,
who she is. But I can give her the illusion of it if that's what she wants.
I dip my head, kissing
her neck softly, whispering against her skin, "Nothing exists except you
and me, my love."
"Just us,"
she sighs, holding me tighter as I lay her back on the bed, holding myself over
her as I kiss her again then slowly unbutton her shirt, unveiling a pale pink
lace and satin bra. When I finally reveal her full breasts, I pause, drinking
in the sight of her creamy skin and pink nipples that are already hard. She
arches her back. "Touch me."
I dip my head, closing
my mouth around a nipple, teasing the hardened peak with my tongue. I can feel
her shuddering as I graze my teeth over the sensitive bud, sucking gently. Her
hands bury themselves in my hair, holding me closer as I move to tease the
other nipple.
"Ryan," she
whispers, her hand slipping under my shirt, the heat of her palm against my
chest sending a jolt down my spine.
She tugs at the
fabric, pulling it up over my head. I raise my arms, letting her toss it to the
ground before she runs her hands down my chest, tracing the muscles of my
abdomen. I groan, closing my eyes. Her hands trail lower, unbuttoning my pants,
before sliding them and my boxers down my legs. I kick them off, my erection
twitching against my stomach.
"You're
beautiful," she whispers, tracing her fingers over my cock, the heat of
her palm making me shudder as she grips my hard length.
"So are you. I
could never tire of looking at you."
She smiles, a faint
blush coloring her cheeks as she strokes me slowly, her eyes never leaving
mine. The sensation makes me heady, and I have to fight the urge to thrust into
her hand. Instead, I close my eyes and focus on sending the pleasure she's giving
me through our bond.
"Can you feel how
good that is?"
Georgia gasps as the
sensations flow through our bond, her eyes fluttering shut. "Yes,"
she breathes. "It's like a feedback loop of pleasure." Her hand
tightens around my shaft, stroking me more firmly.
I groan, my head
falling forward as she works me with expert strokes, building the pressure low
in my belly. The bond between us pulses with shared pleasure, amplifying every
touch, every gasp. My hand slides into her hair, my heart racing as I drag her mouth
to mine, kissing her hungrily.
Georgia moans into the
kiss, her lips parting to welcome the thrust of my tongue. Our mouths move
together with an urgency that mirrors the building passion between us. Her
fingers tease the sensitive underside of my cock, making me growl against her
lips.
Good. Mate knows how to
please us, Kane purrs, satisfaction rolling
through our shared consciousness.
My hand leaves her
hair to trail down her neck, over her collarbone, mapping the soft curves of
her body. I caress the swell of her breast, teasing her nipple into a tight
peak before continuing lower. Georgia arches into my touch, her breath coming
faster as my fingers skim over her ribs and down to the waistband of her jeans.
"Let's get you
out of these pants."
She laughs a little as
I push her back on the bed and unbutton her jeans, assisting me by shifting her
hips when I pull them down her legs and toss them aside. I take a moment to
admire the sight of her before me, her skin flushed with arousal as I position
myself back on the bed.
I settle between her
legs, running my hands up her smooth thighs. Georgia's breathing hitches as my
fingers brush against the lace of her panties, finding her soaked through.
"Oh, Ryan,"
she breathes. "I need more."
I can feel her need
pulsing, an aching desperation that matches my own. With a low growl, I hook my
fingers into the sides of her panties and slowly drag them down her legs,
revealing her glistening folds to my hungry gaze.
"You smell so
fucking good," I rasp, leaning in to inhale her intoxicating scent. I
press a reverent kiss to her inner thigh then spread them nice and wide so I
can just look at how wet she is.
"Please."
Georgia's fingers thread into my hair, urging me closer to where she needs me
most.
I can no longer resist
her plea, my mouth dropping to her hot, wet center. Slowly, I drag my tongue
through her slick folds, savoring her unique taste as it bursts across my
tongue. I groan.
"I could live off
the taste of you."
Georgia gasps and
arches off the bed, her fingers tightening reflexively in my hair as my tongue
swirls around her sensitive bundle of nerves. "Oh God, Ryan..." she
pants, her hips undulating against my mouth.
I groan against her
slick flesh and slide a finger inside her, my cock jumping as her tightness
envelops me. Her hips buck against my face as I work her inside and out, adding
a second digit and curling to stroke that special spot inside her. I can feel it
all, and I can barely keep it together.
"That's it,
love." My voice is rough as I encourage her. "Let go for me. I want
to feel you come undone."
"Ryan!"
Georgia's inner walls flutter around my fingers as she climbs higher and
higher, her body trembling with the force of her impending release. I increase
the pressure of my tongue on her clit, flicking rapidly as I thrust my fingers
deep, curling to stroke her just right. "Oh god! It's happening. I'm
coming! Ryyyyaaaannnnnn!"
With a final press of
my tongue and a deep thrust of my fingers, Georgia shatters. Her body arches
off the bed as a cry of pure ecstasy tears from her throat. Light bursts from
her skin, illuminating the dingy motel room in a radiant glow. It's as if the
very essence of the moon is shining through her skin, casting an ethereal
shimmer over every inch of her flushed flesh.
Beautiful. Our mate glows
for us, Kane rumbles with deep satisfaction.
Her essence floods my
tongue and I have to grip the base of my cock hard to keep myself from joining
her while I greedily lap up every drop. So
fucking good. Every sensation that wracks through Georgia filters through
to me. I can feel the pleasure, the ecstasy, and as I reposition myself on the
bed and line the tip of my cock up with her entrance, the sensation trebles the
moment I push inside.
"Holy fuck,"
I moan, trying not to pass out as I slowly drag my cock back and forth. This is incredible.
"Ryan."
Georgia's hands wrap around my biceps as we rock together, completely
overwhelmed. "You're glowing."
"Holy shit.” I
look at my arms and she’s right. “So are you."
“Oh my god. What is
this?”
“I don’t know,” I
return, gliding in and out of her slick heat. "But I’m not stopping to
figure it out. You're so, so tight."
“Oh, yes! Keep going!”
Georgia's grip on my
arms tightens as I pick up the pace, thrusting faster, harder. Our pleasure
builds, and my eyes roll back into my head, the friction driving me wild. I can
feel her tight, wet heat milking my cock, and I push in deeper and deeper. She
gasps, anchoring herself to me like I’m the only solid thing left in the world.
I plunge my cock deep inside her, filling her as she cries out my name over and
over.
Mine. Ours. Forever, Kane chants along with each thrust.
"Oh God, Georgia.
I need to come," I grind out through clenched teeth. "I can't hold
on."
"Come inside
me," she pants, her nails digging into my skin. "Please. I want to
feel it, feel you. Give it to me. Please."
Her words are my
undoing. With a guttural groan, I thrust deep one final time, my release
bursting from me as I empty myself inside her with a roar that shakes the thin
walls. The pleasure is so intense, so all-consuming, that for a moment I fear I
might black out.
Georgia cries out with
me, her own climax crashing over her in a wave of light and sensation that
floods through our bond and highlight every corner of the room. Her inner
muscles pulse around my cock, milking every last drop from me as we ride out
the intense pleasure together.
"Georgia,
Georgia, Georgia," I chant as the sensation becomes too much, and I slump
down on top of her, both of us barely keeping it together as we come back down
from that crazy, magical high. We just unleashed something ancient and
sacred—the kind of power legends warn you about. And we did it in a two-star
motel off Route 9. Holy shit.
For a long moment, we
simply cling to each other, panting. The air hums with leftover magic and
neither of us speaks. We just lie there, breathless, heartbeats slowly syncing
until finally, Georgia giggles. I lift my head to look into her eyes, suddenly feeling
very self-conscious. "Something funny?"
Georgia's eyes shine
with happiness as I roll off her and she shifts so she's close to me.
"That was fucking amazing," she says. "And we glowed. Together
this time." She shakes her head and laughs again. "So much for
pretending to just be human."
I can't help but
chuckle along with her. "I guess we're not so great at pretending," I
say, propping my head up on my hand so I can look down at her beautiful face.
"Good thing those curtains were closed, or we might have given someone quite
the light show."
Georgia grins up at
me. "Lucky it’s the city and weird stuff happens all the time." She
reaches up and brushes her fingers along my scarred jaw. "But I have to
say, this thing between us is amazing.
The sex. Our bond. You." She leans in and presses a light kiss right to
the center of my chin.
"Does that mean
you're no longer having second thoughts? Even after everything we just left
behind?"
Georgia bounces a
shoulder, her expression turning serious. "I don't want to lie to you,
Ryan, I'm probably going to have a freak out here and there because this whole,
'the fate of shifter kind depends on you' thing is pretty intense. But at the
end of the day, I'm one hundred percent yours. And I'd follow you anywhere, mate."
Her words send a
shiver down my spine, tingling beneath my skin. She makes me feel invincible.
"I like it when
you call me that."
She grins.
"Mate?"
I nod, and she trails
her fingers down my chest. "Mate," she murmurs.
Yes. She is our moonlight.
Our strength. She sees us, Kane rumbles
contentedly.
I let out a sigh and
press my forehead to hers. "I love you, Georgia," I whisper, before
leaning in to kiss her again.
Georgia pulls me
closer, our tongues tangling as she wraps her legs around my waist. "I
love you, too."
We pull away from each
other, our breathing ragged as we smile and lock eyes. I can see the heat in
her gaze, and before either of us can say anything, we're already coming
together again, our hands exploring each other's bodies as we kiss hungrily. I
know we should rest. But who needs sleep when you have a soul bond to explore?
In the name of science, of course…
Chapter 3 -
Georgia
"Remind me to
never get a room next to you two lovebirds again," Scarlett groans as we
step out into the street the next morning. The sun hits her full on and she
holds her hand up to shield her eyes. "Not unless it's soundproofed,
anyway."
“Sorry,” I mumble,
cheeks burning.
Scarlett laughs.
“Don’t be. I’m teasing. You two are soulbonded and horny. Who am I to stand in
the way of destiny? Just…maybe try to keep it down a bit next time."
"And always make sure your windows and doors
are covered," Ethan adds. "I was in the hall at one point and that
glowing you do was lighting up beneath the door."
I blush, but Ryan
sniffs, his expression unrepentant. "I'm not going to apologize for making
love to my mate. Besides, the glowing thing is new. We're still figuring it all
out."
"Oh, I bet you
are," Scarlett says with a wink. "But Ethan's right. You two need to
take precautions. We don't know who might be out looking for you. and that glow
of yours is like a giant neon sign of supernatural light."
Ryan slips his hand
into mine as we walk down the busy street, giving it a reassuring squeeze.
"We'll be more careful," he promises. "But for now, let's focus
on our next move. We can't stay in one place for too long."
Ethan nods, his eyes
constantly scanning our surroundings. "Agreed. We need to find those
witches Caspian mentioned and figure out our long-term strategy."
"All of that
sounds great," Scarlett interjects, "but I'm starving. Can we please
get some food first?"
Ryan chuckles, the
sound rumbling through his chest. "Food does sound good. I worked up quite
an appetite last night."
"I bet you
did," Scarlett quips with a smirk. "Just try not to break any dishes
with that new strength of yours, Romeo."
"My control isn't
that bad," Ryan protests, but there's a hint of a smile on his face.
We spot a diner just
down the block, its neon 'Open' sign flickering in the window. The promise of
hot coffee and a hearty breakfast is too tempting to resist.
"What do you say
we fuel up there and then make our plans?" I suggest, already feeling my
stomach growl just thinking about pancakes.
The others nod in
agreement, and we make our way into the diner and settle into a corner booth.
Ethan takes the seat facing the entrance, his posture alert despite the casual
setting.
Scarlett slides in
next to him and picks up a menu, studying it intently. "I think I'm going
to get the lumberjack special. Eggs, bacon, sausage, hash browns, and a stack
of pancakes. I'm ravenous."
"Maybe pick
something a little less pricey," Ryan suggests, leaning in to keep his
voice low. "The cash Caspian gave us won't last long."
Scarlett frowns
slightly but nods, setting the menu back down. "Good point. I'll just get
the basic eggs and toast then."
"How about we
split the lumberjack special?" I say, giving her a sympathetic smile.
"That way we can still enjoy a big breakfast without breaking the
bank."
Scarlett grins at me.
"Sounds perfect. I knew there was a reason I liked you."
"We should do the
same," Ethan says, looking at Ryan. "We'll need to stretch our funds
as much as possible until we figure out our next move. It isn't safe for any of
us to touch our bank accounts."
Ryan nods, his
expression grim. "You're right. We have to assume the Alpha's people are
monitoring everything. Credit cards, bank accounts, even our old cell phones.
We're off the grid now."
Scarlett frowns. “Two
lumberjack specials it is—split four ways with the pancakes on the side?”
Ethan gives her a
look. “How about I trade you my pancakes for your hash browns?”
Scarlett’s mouth drops
open. “How dare you even suggest such a thing.”
The waitress arrives
to take our order and, with the unflappable weariness of someone who’s seen it
all, looks us over from our rumpled clothes to the tangled states of our hair.
She flicks a pen at her notepad and asks, “Gonna need bottomless coffee today?”
“Yes, please,”
Scarlett says, instantly more chipper, the threat to her hashbrowns forgotten.
By the time the food
arrives, we’ve already devoured two pots of coffee, and even Ethan is almost
smiling again. The diner is quiet, sunlight filtering through the greasy
windowpanes and making everything feel softer, less dire, like maybe we’re just
four tired friends on a badly planned road trip instead of fugitives at the
center of a supernatural war.
"This is kinda
depressing," Scarlett groans, pushing her small serving of food around her
plate.
"We'll figure
something out," I say, reaching across the table to give her hand a
comforting squeeze.
She gives me a weak
smile and nods, but I can see the worry still lingering in her eyes. There have
been a lot of moments over the last few weeks where the reality of my situation
has really hit me. But this reality—being on the run, cut off from our old
lives and resources—is a little tougher than learning shifters and fated mates
exist. And as I finish my meagre breakfast still feeling hungry, I find myself
longing for the comfort of my tiny apartment.
"My
apartment!" I say suddenly, sitting up straight as an idea pops into my
head.
"Your
apartment?" Ryan's brow furrows. "What about it?"
I lean in close,
lowering my voice. "I have an emergency stash. Cash. Supplies. With the
countries I've travelled to last minute, it's always paid to be prepared for an
emergency."
Ryan's eyebrows shoot
up, a mix of hope and concern flashing across his face. "I don't know,
love. If the elders have figured out who you were in the human world, they
could already be watching the place."
"But how would
they know who I am? What information do they have beyond my first name and
knowing you found me in the soulcave?"
Ryan furrows his brow,
considering my words. "You're right, they don't have much to go on. But
they do have access to witches who can scry. We can't underestimate them."
“And I have this
handy-dandy amulet that’s supposed to hide me from that, right?” I hook my
finger in the chain around my neck to illustrate my point.
"It's worth the
risk," Ethan chimes in. "We need those resources. And since the
witches the elders' called in to bind Georgia ended up being on our side, we
might have an advantage they don't know about yet."
Scarlett nods in
agreement. "Plus, we could use some fresh clothes and supplies. I don't
know about you guys, but I'm not loving the idea of wearing the same outfit for
days on end."
Ryan looks between us
all, his expression conflicted. I can feel his worry and uncertainty pulsing
through our bond. "It's risky," he says finally. "But you're
right. We need those resources if we're going to stay ahead of the pack."
"So we're doing
this?" Ethan looks like he's about two seconds away from clasping his
hands together and begging, please, please, please.
Ryan nods. "We'll
scout it after this, make sure there's no sign of pack activity. Then grab what
we can. In and out."
"What? No hot
shower?" Scarlett whines.
I chuckle at
Scarlett's complaint, but Ryan's expression remains serious. "In and out.
I mean it, Scar. We can't risk lingering any longer than absolutely
necessary."
Scarlett sighs
dramatically but nods in agreement. "Fine. But the next safe house better
have decent plumbing. That motel's bathroom made me dirtier leaving it than I
was when I went inside."
Ryan nods. "We'll
do our best to find somewhere more comfortable next time. No promises,
though."
"A girl can
dream," Scarlett sighs as she picks up her fork and finished what’s left
on her plate.
Once we've paid the
check, we exit the diner, and a chill breeze ruffles my hair, causing
goosebumps to rise on my skin.
I shiver
involuntarily, instinctively leaning into Ryan. But I'm not sure if it's for
warmth or protection. The idea of heading back to my apartment—my old life—is
suddenly making me feel uneasy.
Strange to return to old
den, Luna murmurs in my mind, her presence
stirring restlessly. Smells of before. Of when we were separate.
"You OK?"
Ryan asks, his arm instantly surrounding me as we follow along behind Scarlett
and Ethan. “How’s your leg?”
“My leg is fine.” I
snuggle in closer as we walk. "I’m just a little chilly. And nervous, I
guess. Going back feels surreal. It's been my home for years, and yet I feel
detached from it now. The life I lead only a few weeks ago seems like it
happened in another lifetime entirely."
Ryan gives my shoulder
a gentle squeeze. "I get it. I felt the same way after my change. Except I
had a little longer to get used to things before the future of shifter kind
settled its weight on my shoulders. Everything's changed so quickly for you,
love."
A lump forms in my
throat. "It has. Sometimes I wake up and for a split second, I forget
everything that's happened. Then reality comes crashing back in and the life I
lived before, the career I spent so many years building, feels like a dream
that belongs to somebody else." I glance up at him. "Am I making any
sense?"
"You are."
He pulls me closer, pressing a kiss to my temple. "And I'm sorry you've
been thrust into this so suddenly. I wish I could have given you more time to
adjust."
I shake my head,
managing a small smile. "It's not your fault. And I wouldn't change it,
you know. Meeting you, discovering this whole new world... it's been
incredible. Terrifying at times, but incredible."
Ryan's eyes soften as
he looks down at me. "I'm glad you feel that way. I wouldn't change it
either." He pauses, his eyes crinkling slightly at the corners.
"Well, maybe I'd change one thing."
I raise an eyebrow.
"Oh? And what's that?"
Ryan leans in close,
his breath tickling my ear as he whispers, "I'd have met you sooner."
A warmth blooms in my
chest at his words, and I lean up to press a quick kiss to his cheek.
"If you two start
glowing…" Ethan warns over his shoulder, making me giggle and for Ryan to
pull me even closer.
As we approach my
apartment building, it's like I'm walking through someone else's memory. The
familiar facade looks unchanged, yet everything about being here feels
different. Ryan's arm tightens around my waist, his eyes scanning the area with
predatory intensity.
"We should split
up," Ethan suggests as we near the building. "Scarlett and I can
scout the perimeter while you two stay here and scout the entrance."
Ryan nods in
agreement. "Good idea. Keep your eyes peeled for anything suspicious. If
you see any sign of pack activity, don't engage. We need to stay
invisible."
As Ethan and Scarlett
disappear around the corner, I lean into Ryan's side, my gaze wandering to the
tall, brick-and-ivy-covered building. It's crazy to think that only a few short
weeks ago I was living a relatively normal life within those walls. Now I'm
bonded to an incredible man and caught in the crossfire of an ancient prophecy.
Ryan's hand finds
mine, fingers entwining, offering silent support. I squeeze his hand in return
and turn to look at him. "How do you want to play this?"
His gaze is still
focused on the building, eyes narrowed as he assesses our surroundings.
"Ideally, we just get to go in, get what we need, and get out without
anyone even knowing we were here. But I don't know. Something feels off."
I feel a shiver crawl
up my spine, a primal instinct alerting me to danger. This is new too—the
ability to sense potential threats, an eerie gift that's become a part of my
increasingly supernatural existence.
Danger scent on wind, Luna confirms, her hackles rising in my mind. But old. Faded. Maybe yesterday.
"I feel it
too," I murmur, suddenly aware of the ominous quiet that's fallen over the
street. The usual city noises are muted, as if the world itself is holding its
breath.
Ryan shifts closer,
his free hand instinctively moving to the small of my back. "Stay behind
me," he instructs, voice steady despite the rising tension.
"But—"
"Georgia,"
he interrupts. His eyes are hard, but there's an urgency in them, a plea for my
cooperation. For a moment, I want to argue, to assert that I'm not the same
woman he fell in love with anymore. That I'm stronger now, more capable. But then
I understand that this isn't about strength or capability. Ryan is steeling
himself for the worst-case scenario. He's up against the unknown, and his
primary instinct is to protect me—to protect us.
I nod quietly,
swallowing the lump in my throat. "OK."
No sooner have the
words left my mouth than a flurry of movement catches my eye. A shadow darts
across the entrance of the alley next to the building. My heart leaps into my
throat, adrenaline surging through my veins and I instinctively move behind
Ryan. He tenses, every muscle in his body coiling like a spring ready to burst
as he crouches slightly.
His eyes are locked
onto the alley's entrance, watching, waiting. And then, the shadow moves again.
Darting out from the alley and into the morning light.
A cat. A lanky,
disgruntled-looking tabby cat steps onto the sidewalk, its tail flicking
irritably as it blinks at us with an air of vague disdain. The tension drains
from Ryan's posture, and he rises from his crouch with a sheepish grin.
"I guess we
jumped the gun a little," he admits, scratching the back of his head.
I can't help but laugh
as I move to stand next to him. "Hey, that cat could've been a
shapeshifter," I say, giggling when Ryan mock glares at me.
"You think that's
funny, do you?"
"Oh no," I
manage to say through my giggles. "I think it's hilarious!"
He huffs but there's
no heat in it.
Just as our laughter
begins to fade, the sound of footsteps echo from around the corner of the
building. Ryan's body tenses again, his stance shifting slightly as he prepares
for another potential threat. But instead, Ethan and Scarlett emerge from the shadows,
their expressions relaxed.
"Coast is
clear," Ethan announces. "Anything out front?"
"Nothing,"
Ryan says quickly, shooting me a warning glance that I can't help but ignore.
"Except a very
suspicious feline," I add, grinning.
Ethan raises an
eyebrow. "What kind of feline?"
"A tabby
cat," Ryan answers, his tone firm and serious, as though we'd had a run-in
with an actual threat. Then, turning to me, he narrows his eyes, the corners of
his mouth twitching in an attempt to stifle a grin. ‘You're going to pay for that later,’ he tells me through our bond.
A shiver of
anticipation runs through me as his words echo in my head, making me grin
wider. ‘Can't wait,’ I shoot back,
just as Scarlett chimes in.
"Enough of the
mind talking, you two. We have supplies to gather here. That tiny breakfast we
had barely touched the sides."
As if on cue, my
stomach growls, echoing her sentiment. Ryan chuckles, pulling me closer to him
with an arm around my waist. "Guess we better get to it then." He
scans the area one last time. "Georgia and Ethan, you go inside. Scarlett
and I will keep watch out here. If anything feels off, Georgia and I can alert
each other through the bond."
I nod, trying to quell
the nervous flutter in my stomach. "OK. Let's do this."
Ryan releases me
reluctantly. "Be careful, love. In and out, remember?"
"I
remember," I assure him, squeezing his hand before following Ethan toward
the building's entrance.
As we climb the stairs
to my floor, every creak and groan of the old building sets my nerves on edge.
Ethan moves with silent grace beside me, his whole body transformed from the
casual friend at breakfast to a predator on the hunt. His shoulders are loose
but ready, each step placed with deliberate care to minimize sound. Even in
human form, he radiates that dangerous wolf energy—alert, deadly, protective.
At my door, I fumble
with my keys, my hands shaking slightly. Ethan places a steadying hand on my
shoulder. "Take a deep breath," he whispers. "I've got your
back."
I nod, inhaling deeply
before sliding the key into the lock. The door swings open with a familiar
creak, revealing the dim interior of my apartment. Everything looks exactly as
I left it, yet it feels like stepping into a stranger's home.
The scent hits me
first—vanilla candles, lavender detergent, the earthy comfort of old
paperbacks. It should feel like return. Instead, it just feels strange, like I
don’t really belong here anymore. Luna stirs uneasily, finding the familiar
human scents both comforting and wrong somehow.
Was home. Now just a den we
used to know, she observes, and I feel a pang
of loss for the simple life I'd lived here.
"Let's make this
quick," Ethan says, gently ushering me inside and locking the door behind
him. He immediately moves into what I recognize as a defensive position,
keeping himself between me and any potential entry points.
We move efficiently
through the apartment, gathering cash, clothes, and supplies. I stuff
everything into my largest backpack, trying to prioritize necessities over
sentimentality.
As I reach for a
framed photo of my family, a floorboard creaks out in the hall. Ethan and I
freeze, exchanging alarmed glances.
"Did you hear
that?" I whisper.
‘Ryan!’ I send urgently through our
bond. ‘Someone's outside my apartment!’
His response is
immediate, concern flooding through our connection. ‘Get out. Now.’
But Ethan's already
moving, his body coiled with tension, eyes flashing amber as his wolf rises
close to the surface. He holds a finger to his lips, then slowly moves toward
the front door with the fluid grace of a hunter stalking prey.
My heart pounds in my
chest as Ethan looks through the peephole while I strain to listen for any
further sounds. The silence stretches, broken only by the faint ticking of a
clock in the living room.
After what feels like
an eternity, Ethan relaxes slightly. "Must have been the building
settling," he murmurs. "We should go."
I nod, zipping up the
backpack and slinging it over my shoulder. "Yeah, let's—"
The words die in my
throat as Ethan pulls the front door open and a familiar figure stands
silhouetted in the doorway. I gasp.
"What are you
doing here?"
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