The Hidden Luna

Chapter Twenty-Seven

Scarlett sat at the kitchen table with Hunter, who was bulking up for the full moon, shoveling as much food as he could fit in his mouth. She knew he was used to the force of the full moon shift, but she couldn't fathom ever being that hungry. She was convinced he had eaten all of the food in the snack cabinet.

She arched an eyebrow as he offered her a bite of his hot-pocket. "It's nine thirty in the morning."

He swallowed the pocket in one go and shrugged. "Food is food, who cares when you eat it?"

Scarlett's lips tugged upward in a smile, though it never reached her eyes. "Pass me the pack of cookies."

Hunter winked at her as he tossed it, but in that exact moment, Asher sauntered into the kitchen, catching the package right in front of Scarlett's face. He leaned down and kissed the top of her head. "We've been through this, babe, healthy food."

He handed her an apple, which she took grudgingly and crossed her arms. "You're mean."

"I'm mean because I love you," he replied, unbothered by her insult. Asher sat down beside her, also with an apple, chewing on it happily.

Hunter finished his plate of hot-pockets and flashed both of them a grin. "If all goes well tonight, I will be returning to the perimeter tomorrow."

"That's good, man, I know Theo hates the hours," Asher said after swallowing a bite of apple.

Scarlett offered her congrats, knowing how restless Hunter had been feeling since he'd been told not to push himself too hard after the rogue attack. After he had finished his food, he put all four of his plates and two bowls in a pile in the sink and saluted Scarlett and Asher as he left the kitchen.

Asher looked to Scarlett. "Are you worried about tonight?"

Of course she was worried. She hated shifting, she hated how she felt after shifting. Everything about it was draining, but she could feel the anticipation of her answer making Asher nervous, as well as guilty. He had still blamed himself for her turning and he knew she hated it. Yet, what he failed to realize is no matter how much she hated becoming a werewolf, she hated how much Asher hated himself for feeling responsible. Scarlett shook her head, she wouldn't entirely lie. "Lilith made me feel a bit better with shifting. I think I'm more worried about tomorrow than anything else."

Asher nodded his head, a lock of dark hair falling free to the front of his face, perfectly framing his scar. "I know I keep saying it will get better and it doesn't feel like it will, Scar, but it really will in time."

"I know," Scarlett whispered. "I know it will, Ash, because I have you."

Asher looked as though he wanted to cry, his eyes glistening but tears never escaped. He took her hands in his and kissed her knuckles. "Your strength is incredible."

###

Scarlett didn't think her strength was incredible. She didn't think she possessed any strength at all as she got dressed the morning after. Yet again, she awoke on the forest floor. Leaves, twigs, and dirt weaved through her hair. She trembled as she plucked out the contents, setting them in a tiny pile beside her.

Once, she watched a Jane Goodall documentary about the orangutans she cared for, at one point, the camera panned over to two of the orangutans, grooming one another with their little fingers. This felt eerly similar to Scarlett and it made her feel like an animal.

Asher groaned as he rolled over beside her. At least this time she was awake and dressed before him, plus, they had crashed beside one another so she didn't have to track him down when she awoke.

Scarlett looked him over as he made another noise. His skin was tan from the sun, his muscles defined, every inch of him screamed perfection to Scarlett, except for the scar. She didn't think the scar took away from his beauty, she loved him with and without it, but she still wondered how he had gotten it. How bad it was when he did. Werewolves heal rapidly, so whatever it was that cause it, must have been horrible. Despite herself, she found herself lightly tracing his scar, earning a twitch of Asher's lips and his eyes flickered open. A smile formed when his golden eyes landed on hers. "Hey you."

"Hey," Scarlett whispered. Her throat was dry and she wasn't quite awake. "I have your sweats when you're ready to get dressed."

Asher nodded his head and sat up with a sigh. "I don't remember the last time a shift made me this groggy."

"Funny," Scarlett mused as she handed him his pants. "Aside from being thirsty and a bit sore, I feel all right."

Scarlett could feel the wave of relief that flooded through Asher. She would never get used to it, being able to feel his feelings if they were strong enough.

Asher stood and slipped on his pants, then he offered his hand out to Scarlett to help her stand. The pair kept their hands entwined as they walked back to the pack house.

When they had reached the backyard, Hunter jogged up to them with a grin. "Guess who is back on perimeter?"

Asher grinned back at his friend as he clapped him on the back. "Nice, man. Be careful."

Hunter scoffed. "I'm always careful."

Scarlett fought back her response. Hunter may be a good fighter, but the rogues still got to him before. The thought of him going back out there made her uneasy, so uneasy she realized Asher could feel it as he rested his hand on the small of her back.

Scarlett feigned a smile. "I'm happy you're well enough to be back at work."

"All thanks to you," he replied, pulling her in for a hug.

Scarlett could hear the sharp intake of air Ash had. She almost rolled her eyes at his possessiveness. Attempting to wrap her arms around him, though it was hard because of his muscular build, she hugged him back, hoping he would be okay.