Page 133 of Moon Claimed

We both jerked at the harshness of my lowered voice.

“Yikes, baby girl. Think wolfy wants out.”

He’s right. The new moon is drawing too close. We’ll need to do several shifts a day. And longer runs.

We’ll make it work.“I’ll need to shift more often in the next few days. On Wednesday, the shift will trigger when the sun goes down and I’ll remain a wolf until morning. I don’t know how to get out of tribe night with things so bad after Clay.”

“That’s a tricky one.”

“Tell me about it.”

“What if you came down with a sickness? That would inspire sympathy and cover you.”

“I can only do that so many times before my absence every new moon is noticed.” The change of day would help a little, but after a few years, surely someone would notice my continued absence.

Wade hummed. “How about this? We form an extra security squad for the new moon in case the Luthers seek revenge for Clay.”

I considered that. “We could spread around the manor lands in pairs.”

“I’d be your pair obviously.”

A smile broke over my face. “You’re a genius.”

“I know. Now go run. I’m staying here tonight.”

“Do I get a choice in that?”

He ignored me and, listening to the urging of my wolf, I grabbed my keys and slid into Ella F without further argument.

The lake again?I asked.

My wolf pondered.That will be fine.

We can run for longer tonight and explore something new.

That appealed to her more. It must get boring when there was an entire valley to explore. Directing Ella F along the dirt road that led to the swimming spot Rhona took me to so long ago, I scanned the area for company before stripping.

I want to try something, my wolf said.

We both loved a challenge. For the last week, we’d tried to complete our shift as fast as possible.

I’m not sure we can shift any faster.Well, notintowolf form. I still had work to do on the return shift.

That movie Wade was watching with the robot cars.

Transformers?

They shift in the air. I want to try it.

I laughed.Like a run and jump thing? Sure, why not.

Taking off at a sprint toward the lake, my eyes sharpened to see easily in the darkening night, I pumped my arms and legs, gaining speed.Ready?

Do it.

At a full bolt, I threw myself forward headfirst.

I shrieked as the shift took over, my flight adding a layer of chaos to the already hectic flurry.