Blessed By The Moon

Chapter 23

I couldn't bring myself to go down to the pack breakfast. I couldn't shake the feeling that Nick had been outside my door last night. I thought I'd caught his scent just as Axe and I were... well, in the middle of reconnecting with a kiss. But it vanished almost as fast as it appeared, like he'd decided he'd seen enough. I hadn't seen him yet today, and it left me feeling uneasy.

Just as I was deep in my thoughts, Lucille strolled into my room with that bright, polished smile she always wore, a plate in hand. She set it down and quietly tiptoed to the door, glancing around the hall. The pack was downstairs for breakfast, so it was practically deserted. She motioned for someone to come in, and Caleb stepped into the room.

Interesting.

The door shut, and Lucille's tone dropped. "Luna Skye," she began, her voice low and purposeful. "Remember the rebellion I mentioned back at the death ceremony? Where Alpha Axe was going to kill you?" I'm happy to say it's moving along smoothly. With Caleb on our side—and, more importantly, Alpha Daniel."

My stomach knotted at the mention of Daniel's name, I know he kidnapped me, I know I escaped, but I don't know the details. 

I kept my face neutral and listened. They seemed too eager, almost anxious. Caleb took over, his voice steady yet charged. "Everyone thinks my runs are just to clear my head. But the truth is, I'm meeting with Daniel's pack halfway. He's provided me with a wolf-odor masker, which keeps my scent hidden." He paused, his eyes searching mine. "Skye, our pack would never survive a war with them. They're nearly as big as we are, and that's not even the worst of it. Daniel has rogues and vampires fighting alongside him. He's got almost double the power."

Wolf-odor masker? What? That's... terrifying actually.

The mention of vampires hit me hard. The fear was real now, and it coiled around my chest. I felt like the walls were closing in. Yet I managed to keep my voice steady, listening in silence as Caleb's words sunk in. It wasn't just the strength of Daniel's pack that disturbed me; it was how easily he'd roped Caleb and Lucille into his cause, and how desperately they were placing their trust in him.

I trust Lucille, but every bone in my body was screaming at me to run far away from Daniel.

Lucille took over, speaking softly. "They've promised to free us—every servant. When they attack, they'll give us a signal, and that's when we'll lead the servants to safety in the woods. Daniel's men will be waiting to escort us to freedom."

Caleb's expression softened, almost sad. "I'll make sure every last one of them reaches home safely. Then I'll establish my own pack as a second Alpha."

It took me a long moment to process, to catch my breath. It sounded perfect—almost too perfect. "There's a catch, isn't there?" I asked, keeping my tone steady. "What is it? You don't actually need me to make this work."

Caleb's forced smile made my skin crawl. "Daniel... well, he's got a soft spot for you, Skye. It's unusual. Something about you having a destiny, an important role to play. He's insistent that we get you out alive. He wants to reward you for your suffering."

A lie, he wants to punish me for reasons I don't even remember.

My chest tightened. I could feel Caleb's worry, taste it in the air like stale smoke. And Lucille? There was nothing, a blank emptiness that made me shiver. Was this my new power surfacing from that kiss with Axe?  if it's just this much from a kiss, what happens if we complete the mating ritual?

I forced a smile, meeting their eyes. "Count me in," I said, my voice calm. "It's time for justice."

They looked visibly relieved, exchanging quick celebratory hugs before leaving me alone with my thoughts. As the door shut, I stared down at the cold breakfast they'd left behind.