Chapter 4

Chapter 4

The fireflies led the way, drifting through the dark in scattered constellations, and the werewolves followed their light deeper into the Moon Forest. At its heart, the ancient oaks opened onto a wide clearing where the moonlight gathered soft and full, and stepping into it felt like being held-like the Moon Goddess had cupped

the space in her hands just for this night.

Pack members moved through the clearing in clusters, speaking low to one another, green oak branches held carefully between their fingers as they waited to speak their vows and become officially mated.

The branch I was holding was dark red.

The stares found me the moment I stepped into the light. They swept from my face to my wrists, where the two leaf-shaped scars were plainly visible, and the whispers started almost immediately. I had never much cared about whispers.

Eric was already waiting in the center of the clearing. When he saw me, his expression shifted into something that was almost concern. “Where did you go last night?”