Made in Moonlight

Twenty-Three

Blake leaves as soon as the sun sets.

I stand at the front door, dressed in my pajamas with my wet hair sticking to my shoulders as he pulls his shoes on.

"I hope they take the news well," Thomas says from his seat at the dining table.

"Doubt it," Leyla chimes in from the stove. "They were probably hoping she'd die."

"Leyla!"

She shrugs. "It's true. None of the pack wants us here."

"Well, they're going to have to get used to it," Blake replies. He looks down at me and frowns at something in my expression. "Will you be okay?"

I nod, even as my heart sinks. "I just—I wish you didn't have to go."

My words seem to surprise him. His eyes widen a fraction before a wrinkle appears between his brows. Guilt is written all over his face.

Slowly, hesitantly, he lifts a hand. His knuckles knock mine and he intertwines our fingers.

The feeling that erupts within me is hard to control, but I dig my heels in and stand my ground. I'm not going to fawn over Blake. That will only drive him further away. I need to show him that I can control this feeling. That it's all me talking and not my wolf-side.

I can't help but tighten my grip, though. Blake responds automatically and squeezes my hand back.

"I'll be back soon," he says. "If anything happens, you can shift now."

I nod. He's right. We spent all afternoon practicing my shifting. It's become easy. All I have to do is picture my wolf form, and I transform.

"Besides, you can talk to me anytime, remember?" Blake adds.

With his free hand, he taps his forehead. I frown.

"Is there no limit on how close we need to be?" I ask.

He shrugs. "It's something like a five-mile radius, normally, but it's different for...mates."

I don't miss the way his voice catches when he calls us mates. I also don't miss the way his eyes flicker away and his throat bobs.

I feel it in myself. Just thinking about my mate causes my stomach to stir. Remembering Leyla and Thomas are within earshot, I speak to Blake through our mind link.

"When you come back," I start, slowly, "will you come to my room?"

Blake blinks at me.

"Only if you want to," I add quickly.

"Clover, we spoke about this," he says in a way that sounds a lot like a no.

"Actually, you spoke about this. I'm in control, Blake. I showed you, didn't I?"

"Controlling your shifting and controlling your...emotions are two completely different things."

"Why can't you just accept that I want you?"

The words come tumbling out and my heart skips a beat.

No.

That's not my heart—that's Blake's.

It's a strange sensation, feeling what Blake can feel through our soulmate bond. The rope between us shines brightly and I realize I can feel his heart racing, desire thrumming along the string towards me.

My mouth turns dry.

"Don't say those words," Blake says, "or I won't be able to stop myself."

With that, he releases my hand and spins, shutting the cabin door in my face.