My Blood Moon

Chapter 23

It wasn't easy explaining the whole Derreck fell off a cliff thing to Mel..I mean, Mom. She insisted I call her that from now on. It feels great to have a mother again - especially after four years without an udult and nearly seven years since I lost my own. Just thinking about how amazing it feels to have her warms my heart, but the guilt that I can't share this feeling with Derreck kills me at the same time.

Maybe it's time we let him go. My wolf suggests with a painful whine. At least, until it's safe enough to do something about it.

I nod, knowing she's right.

"You okay?" Rhys asks, coming up behind me.

We just about have everything cleared out. I made Mel accept my gift of using the Haile money that was left to me to replace what had been destroyed. Well...she insists she will pay me back but I told her that since this was because of me, there is no need. Currently I'm scrubbing my hand raw as I attempt to remove the blood from the wall. We threw out the dining table - because even I don't want to eat on something that held a dead animal. Sure, I may have reduced myself to hunting poor woodland creatures while on the run...it's the principle that counts. Plus, it's gross.

"Yeah, just trying to clean this up." I say, pointing to the now clean wall - when did that happen?

He gives me a look before his face falls, showing just how much stress all of this has been on him. "No, you were thinking about Derreck."

I don't answer, we both know he's right.

He sigh, running a hand uselessly through his short hair. "Listen, I know I'm just getting used to this whole wolf thing. But, even so, I know the way I feel for Laura - strange as it seems. I love her more than I knew it was possible and I can't help but think how not too long ago, she hated my guts. The point it, I don't know what I'd do without her now. And I cannot fathom how you can be doing so well. I don't know if it's a good façade on your part, but you're stronger than any of us can dream to be. You're strong, determined, beautiful, amazing, talented, and the perfect Luna. And I haven't met other Lunas, but I know none will ever compare to you...unless you count Aislynn as Luna - even then you're still the best."

I can't help the grin that splits my lips as he rambles on - classic Rhys - and I looks around to make sure no one else hears what I have to say. "You're right about the façade. I'm falling apart inside, but I can't let you all down. I can't bear to think what could happen to you all if I lost it. If anyone dies because I'm not doing my part-"

I can't finish that sentence as my heart constricts in my chest.

Rhys places a comforting hand on my shoulder. "You have no clue how much strength you give all of us. We will fight for you. Even if that's to get your heart back."

"Thanks." I say with a small smile as a scent hits my nose. "I'll be back."

Rushing outside with a growl, I grab Raif by the neck and throw him to the ground. Instinct takes over and I kneel down, pushing my knee into his chest as my hand squeezes his windpipe. He tries to pry my hand away frantically as he fights against his wolf. I barely notice two people trying to rip me from him as my eyes flash dangerously at him. Growling angrily, I push my knee further into his ribs and an odd satisfied feeling courses through me as I notice how pale he's getting.

"Get her off him!" An undistinguishable voice calls out as many hands start to wrap around me.

I fight back a couple before I'm suddenly in the air, kicking and screaming at thin air. A growl escapes as I lose control, shifting right there. Landing on all fours, I turn to look at the pack to see them all blocking me from my prey. Everything goes red as my paws scrape into the ground - a part of me tells me this is irrational and completely odd for me. But the rest, a much angrier side, tells me this is completely and entirely justified. He's part of the pack that took my mate, tortured my mind, and ruined my home. He was asking for this, one some level. And now it's my job to show him what he's dealing with.