Crescent

Chapter 24

Author's Note: I'll be honest, I had given up on this story a while ago as it hadn't attracted a lot of attention among readers. I've recieved some requests to update, so this is for you guys out there reading and, hopefully, enjoying the story. Bear with me, as this story slipped from my mind for a while, and as always, I have not proof read anything! Thank you for reading and giving the story a try. You all make this site worth it :)

Chapter 24

Sawyer shifts back immediately, grabbing my arm and spinning me to face him.

"You're naked," I exclaim.

"Any real werewolf would know that doesn't matter." He spits. "And any real werewolf would know we passed my clothes minutes ago. You don't think I've noticed your weird behavior, or the fact you haven't joined a pack run in the months you've been here? You haven't declared with us. You aren't with your mate. You never talk about your old pack — hell, you don't even smell like any pack I've been to. So, what's the deal, Rivers? Are you a human playing wolf? Or are you just a rogue?"

I try not to gape at him, but I can't think of anything to say in response. Fear floods my veins.

Sawyer's mouth twists into a sneer. "What? No one ever call you out on your bullshit?"

"Hell of a way to talk to your Luna," a voice says from behind me. I spin around to find Tom stepping out from behind a tree, a somber look on his face. His dark hair looks ruffled and windblown, as if he has been running around for the last hour. "Come here," he says quietly while beckoning me over.

Yanking my arm out of Sawyer's grasp, I run to Tom and press myself against his side for comfort. My hands are shaking as I scrunch Tom's shirt in them.

"You're defending her?" Sawyer accuses Tom.

"The Alpha defends her, as should we as her chosen. You've been given another chance to carry the Gamma title. Are you trying to risk that?"

"She's not even with Alexander! I'd rather be an omega than hurt the pack with a flaky luna."

There's silence in the forest as the two men stare each other down. I can't tell if they're speaking in their minds, or just simply staring, but as my panic continues to go, so does a storm inside of me. It surges forward without warning, using my mouth as its conduit. "You will not mention this to anyone," my voice says. It comes out deeper and more powerful than I would have ever been able to do on my own, and chills crawl up my bare legs. I can see bumps across Sawyer's arms as he snaps his eyes to mine and glares. I ignore his nakedness and return his gaze with all the strength I can muster.

Sawyer clenches his jaw before breaking eye contact and tilting his head down, a cross between a nod and a bow.

"My mother is human and my father was a werewolf. I don't know who he is, but I know they weren't mates. I had no idea about any of this before a few months ago. I've never belonged to a pack, and I've never shifted. I'm not even capable of it, actually. Alexander is my mate and he has allowed me to live despite the law regarding those like me. I owe him greatly for that. To show my appreciation, I'm stepping up and learning to be a luna as well as trying to learn the customs of being a werewolf while I try to determine if I want to be with Alexander romantically or not."

We're silent for a long time, just staring at each other or the trees around us. Eventually, noises flutter through the forest of pack members trekking back toward the pack house. Tom tugs my hand, but I refuse to leave Sawyer here alone.

"Sawyer," I plead in a whisper. "I'm trying to do right by what has been forced upon me. You've been given a second chance among the gamma line. Please. Join my team and I promise I will do what is best for the pack and to the best of my ability."