The Alpha’s Borrowed Luna
I understood the implication in his words, but didn’t press further.
We walked away from the training grounds, but I couldn’t help frowning as we went. The way she had leaned on Kaius’s shoulder kept playing in my mind.
“Are you okay?” Frost asked as we walked deeper into the forest, away from prying eyes.
“Yes,” I blurted out my answer, my voice strained despite my efforts to hide my feelings.
His knowing gaze made me feel exposed. “You aren’t. You are jealous.
I bristled at his directness. “You feel like you know everything, but you don’t.”
“I don’t know everything, but that I know.” His tone was gentle, which somehow made it worse. I didn’t want his pity.
I kicked at a fallen branch, frustration making my movements sharp. I should have expected that, it shouldn’t surprise me. I hadn’t ‘satisfied‘ him, so perhaps he got that elsewhere.”
“Don’t blame it on yourself, it’s not your fault.” Frost’s eyes searched my face with uncomfortable perception.
I turned away from his knowing look. He must think I’m pathetic getting jealous when I’m just a temporary stand–in, while she actually fits into Kaius’s life.
The trees grew denser as we continued walking. “How far are we going?” I asked, deliberately changing the subject.
“Far enough.”
J
I glanced at him curiously. “Frost.”
He looked surprised at the nickname. “Yes?”
“I’m exhausted. You do know I can’t transform into my wolf form as often as you can, right?” As an omega, my shifts were rare and painful–a weakness I’d learned to hide at Mistwood, where such limitations were treated with contempt.
His expression softened with understanding. “I know that. You won’t be shifting; I’ll be your ride.”
I blinked in surprise. “Sorry.”
“I don’t mind.”
He stepped a few paces away and began removing his clothes without ceremony. My cheeks burned as I quickly turned my back to him, but not before catching a glimpse of toned muscle that rivaled kaius’s powerful build.
The air shifted behind me, charged with the wild magic of transformation. When I turned back, a massive wolf stood where Frost had been–his fur a striking silver–white that seemed to capture the sunlight filtering through the trees. His ice–blue eyes remained the same, watching me with intelligent awareness.
He was magnificent–larger than any wolf I’d seen at Mistwood, his muscled form radiating power and grace. I approached cautiously, awed by the creature before me.
“You’re beautiful,” I whispered.
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Chapter 31
He dipped his head, almost like a bow, then lowered himself to the sound in invitation. I hesitated only briefly before climbing onto his back, my fingers twining in his thick fur for stability.
Once I was settled, he rose smoothly and began to move. Cautiously at first, then with growing speed as I adjusted to the rhythm of his gait. Soon we were racing through the forest, wind whipping through my hair, the world blurring into streaks of green and gold
around us.
For those precious moments, I forgot everything–the contract, Kaiu Lysandra, even my mother’s coldness. There was only the exhilarating freedom of speed, the powerful body beneath me, and the wild scent surrounding us.
I laughed aloud, the sound startling even to my own ears. How long had it been since I’d felt such simple joy?
We reached a small clearing where a stream cut through the forest floor. Frost slowed, allowing me to slide from his back. I stumbled slightly as my feet touched the ground, my legs unsteady after the wild ride.
The moments stretched peacefully as I sat beside the stream, trailing my fingers through the cold water while Frost kept watchful guard. No words were needed; his presence was comfort enough.
Then suddenly he stiffened, ears pricking forward, his massive body tensing with alertness.
“What is it?” I asked, instantly on edge.
He shook his great head, then turned back toward the direction we had come. His meaning was clear: we needed to return.
The journey back seemed shorter, my spirits sinking with each stride that brought us closer to the pack house. All too soon, we arrived at the spot where Frost had left his clothes.
He waited patiently for me to dismount and turn my back before shifting. I heard the rustle of cloth as he dressed quickly.
“My attention is needed,” he explained when I turned back to face him, now fully clothed. His expression was apologetic but
resolute.
I nodded, understanding. For all our growing familiarity, he was still Beta to the pack. His responsibilities came first.
“Thank you for this,” I said, genuinely grateful. “It was… nice to feel free, even for a little while.”
Something like regret flashed in his ice–blue eyes. “I’ll escort you back to your room.”
The walk back was silent, the easy companionship of our forest excursion fading with each step toward the pack house. By the time we reached Kaius’s chambers, the weight of reality had settled fully back on my shoulders.
Frost left me at the door with a formal nod, all traces of the wolf who had carried me through the forest hidden behind his Beta’s mask. I watched him stride away down the corridor, already missing his calming presence.
Alone in Kaius’s room, I felt the emptiness acutely. I’d grown accustomed to solitude at Mistwood, had even welcomed the rare moments of peace, but this was different. Here, surrounded by Kaius’s possessions, his scent, lingering in the air, loneliness hit me hard.
The door opened without warning, Kaius’s frame filling the doorway. His eyes swept over me, taking in my windblown hair and casual clothes with a cold gaze.
“I heard you had some fun with Frost?” His tone was light, but something dangerous lurked beneath.
Anger flared within me–unexpected in its intensity. How dare he question my activities when he had spent the night elsewhere?
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Chapter 31
“I heard you had some fun with Lysandra,” I countered, meeting his eyes directly.
His expression barely changed, but I caught the brief flicker of surprise. “Why do you think that?‘
“It’s easy. I was at the training ground; she seemed very touchy. The image of Lysandra resting her head on his shoulder flashed in my mind, stoking my indignation.
A slow smile spread across his face. “Jealous? You shouldn’t be.”
“Never,” I insisted, though the lie felt hollow even to my own ears. “I wasn’t jealous, but as I am expected to keep to our contract, I thought you would have some restraints too; it just doesn’t feel fair
“I make the rules, not you,” Kaius said firmly, his voice dangerously soft, “and who I fuck is not your business. I’ll have you if I want you, and if you want me, all you have to do is tell me. But you weren’t available.”
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