Lunar Eclipse

13 - Red

After working the pigs and cows for over two months, sleeping in is a special treat. When I returned from the celebration last night, Dante was snoring, granting me a brief respite of unwanted intimacy. How long his abstinence will last is yet to be seen. Sex with him again is something I could do without, but it will need to be addressed eventually if we want to make this relationship work.

I take a long shower and venture downstairs where I'm greeted with the mouthwatering scent of fresh coffee and sizzling bacon. Jos's lips curl to a goofy smile to my cheerful "good morning," earning him a raised brow from Marco. Bay is nowhere to be seen; the injuries he sustained last night will likely require a few days of healing in his wolf form.

"When will you hold your claiming ceremony with Savannah?" Jos asks between sips from his coffee.

"During the summer solstice."

Hailey can't even look at Marco. "That's still three months. Don't you think it might be easier on Savannah if you did it quicker?"

"I'm not trying to make it easier on anyone. Choosing a mate is a male's prerogative and she will have to get over it. My brother lost fair and square."

I badly want to remind him that there's nothing fair about fighting a younger and much less experienced wolf but hold my tongue. Marco won't give a damn about my opinion.

I pour myself a coffee and smile at the Luna. "Do you need any help?"

"No, thanks. We are just waiting for my mate and Lance. They went hunting and promised fresh kill for breakfast."

My stomach rumbles with unrest. Lately, my wolf has been craving the taste of fresh blood, a sign that my body is reaching the next level of maturity. In my old pack, I would turn into a teacher for the younger females, showing them basic defense moves and taking them on runs in the woods. Fat chance I will get to do anything of that sort here.

"Will Dante be able to join the hunting party this afternoon?"

Marco's gaze rests on me even if the question is clearly directed at Harla. Animosity pours out by the buckets and I turn my back on him as my canines descend. Showing open aggression toward the future Beta could ruin the thrives I made over the last few weeks.

"Dante will have to finish his chores and take his mate for a run in the woods. I doubt he'll be able to hunt for the next few months." The sudden tension in the air is choking. "Are you okay, Raelyn?"

I turn back to the group and smile without teeth. "Yes, of course."

The door swings back, drawing everyone's attention to the rabbits the Alpha has expertly strung up to a cane that rests on his shoulder. He already skinned and gutted them, and the growls and snarls suggest that I'm not the only one starving. My knee bends automatically to bow in respect until I get the nod of approval to rise; it's a routine that has become second nature to me. The rest of the table is quickly prepared as everyone gathers around the food. The scent of the fresh kill overpowers the rest of my senses.

As soon as the Alpha takes his first bite, I tear into a rabbit flank. An approving growl rumbles in my chest. This is so good. Choking down the meat, I'm unable to keep my claws in when I snatch up the next piece of rabbit.

"Someone is hungry," the Luna remarks with a smile.

"The privilege of a pup." For the first time since my arrival, a certain fondness reflects in the Alpha's eyes. "Dante needs to provide better for Raelyn. That will cut down on her greediness."

Heat blossoms in my cheeks. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to take someone else's food."

"Don't be. As Alpha born, you require a certain diet, something my son will need to learn. When I first claimed Harla, she ate for two, even before she was carrying Dante. It's nature's way to prepare you for your Luna role."