Page 110 of Moon Claimed

An even number of hands were in the air and flat on the table.Dammit.With Rhona absent, my vote would be the decider.

Hoping I didn’t come to regret it, I placed my hand on the table, ignoring Trixie’s surprised murmur.

“Rhona is a Thana and she’s a valued part of this tribe. We can’t allow the Luthers to weaken her stance in our community in case something happens to me. However, I suggest that Rhona only return to these meetings and those with the Luthers once we’ve witnessed stability in her behaviour.”

Everyone, even Valerie, seemed on board with that.

Thank fuck.I staggered to the door.

“Are you alright, Andie?” Roderick called.

We need to shift.My wolf was alarmed.

I know.And I really did. “Fine. Thank you. Just tired.”

Not waiting for their response, I wobbled down the hall, ignoring cheerful greetings. I had to get out of here.

Gasping, I made it to Ella F and fumbled for the keys.

I can’t wait any longer.

No!I shoved the keys in, and gunned the engine, tearing away from the manor.

I couldn’t go back into town. I flattened my foot on the accelerator, blinking through the black darkening my eyes.

Just wait,I pleaded with her.

If I do not shift, we will die. I shouldn’t have left it this long.

I ripped the wheel down and parked on the shoulder. The handbrake was barely up before I pushed open the door and fell to the ground. Kicking the car shut, I half crawled, half rolled to the edge of the road and didn’t hesitate to throw myself down the steep forest slope.

It happened immediately.

The shift took over.

… But then it didn’t.

My snout shortened and lengthened; shortened and lengthened. It should only move one way.

I arched, crying out. The cry morphed to a howl before cutting off to a pained cry yet again.

Flung forward, rocks and roots jabbed my half-shifted form as I tumbled farther down the steep slope bordering the north valley road.

It isn’t working,I panted.

We are too weak,she replied grimly.I waited too long to respect your wishes. I failed you.

I felt my leg break and choked on a scream.What now?

Nothing. Now we die and our mate will soon follow.

Sascha and Greyson would die.

Yes.

I didn’t know this could happen.She’d told me, but I hadn’t understood how quickly things could spiral downward.

You felt that I broke your trust, and you shut me out. I did not realise my efforts to prove our feelings for Greyson would affect you so deeply, and for that I am sorry.