Lunar Eclipse

18 - Spirit World

Jos is tight lipped for the entire trip home, only responding to his father's questions with the absolute minimum. I'm ignored for the most part by both of them and don't dare to open my mouth. Since the petition for the injunction was dismissed, the Alpha is in a good mood and even switches the radio from classical to a modern song when we reach the fence to the territory.

"The next step will be the expert visit. A couple of gray wolves from the pack will give the scientists a good show and there's no way they will seize the land after that."

"Who are you gonna use, Dad? Gray wolves are rare, even for our pack."

The Alpha gives him a fond smile. "For starters, you are gray. Just need to find you a female and a couple of cute pups."

"Yeah, I guess that could work."

We reach the stretch of road paved with potholes and the poking of the rod starts again.

Jos tosses me a glance over his shoulder. Undoubtedly, he wants me to catch this part of the conversation. "Do you have any particular female in mind?"

"Honestly, I'm not even sure which one of them is gray."

"I'm gray," I butt in.

"Oh, really? Well, I guess we got our couple then." The Alpha grins. "By the way, where did you all of a sudden disappear to during the hearing?"

"I had to use the bathroom."

"You were gone for a long time."

My mind scrambles to come up with a logical explanation why I missed most of the proceedings. Jos gazes at me with a smirk. Don't get busted, his eyes warn.

"I was sick. Must have been the painkillers. I usually can't stomach them."

"Oh, I'm sorry to hear that." A concerned frown creases the Alpha's brows. "I hope you feel better now."

"Much better, thanks."

"Good, because I want Jos and you to scout out the land to find a spot where we can stage the wolf family. With everything that's going on at the moment, we need to be prepared at a short moment's notice."

"I think we can do that." Jos turns around again, his eyes much softer than before. "Is that okay with you, Raelyn, or do you have other plans?"

What other plans could I possibly have? "No, that sounds good." And the best part is that I'll get to spend some time in the woods. My wolf is itching to stretch her legs, even if Jos will likely take this as an opportunity to give me a good roasting for talking to Eric.

As soon as we get back to the packhouse, we take off. Though I still favor the burned front leg, I'm able to limp along without too much discomfort. Jos and I stroll down the beaten path alongside the shore of the lake and he slows down whenever I fall behind. His snout keeps nudging me as a reminder to take frequent breaks.

After what seems an eternity, we reach the cabin. Just as he did before, he shifts outside, his toned body a sight for sore eyes. Even though a small shadow of Dante's grief still presses on my chest, my wolf rumbles with pleasure. The strong attraction to Jos plays into her desire. She growls and snaps, demanding for him to shift back and mount her. Even my rational self is craving affection and I stretch into my skins.

Self-conscious of his burning eyes, I walk up the steps to the cabin. He follows me, his hand cupping my butt before I even reach the door. Turning me, he pins me against the wall. His heated lips trace kisses along my jawline.

"You shouldn't talk to a human," he mutters between heavy breaths. "If my father had caught you, he would've killed him and his family and made you pay a heavy price."