Page 176 of Moon Claimed

Sascha’s honey eyes burned. “No one deserves to be treated like that, no matter their circumstances. Your part in Hercules Thana’s death was miniscule to the point of insignificance. Rhona has twisted that night to her favour. She is playing on the guilt you feel. Youdon’tdeserve this.”

I closed my eyes and tried to absorb his words to no avail.

He kissed my nose and forehead, whispering more kisses on my cheeks and jaw. “When you didn’t show, I assumed the black wolf took you, too, but all black wolves were accounted for and I could feel you around Sandstone. I cancelled the formal gathering for fear of alerting the wolf that I knew something more and left for Sandstone. You were well guarded by Rhona’s force. I couldn’t get to you.”

“Thank you for trying. It’s done now. Is there a way for me to leave the valley?” I peeked up at him.

Sascha froze. “You can’t leave the valley. It’s too dangerous.”

That put me in a pickle to say the least.

“Andie,” he said. “We’d be honoured if you remained on pack lands.”

My brows shot into the stratosphere. “There’s no way your pack wants me here.”

He didn’t answer.

Yep.

“Whether you wish to stay or not, there’s no other place for you now. The pack has acknowledged that.”

Tears clogged my throat.

Sighing, Sascha gathered me close.

After a moment, I sniffed. “I’m naked.”

His voice dropped. “I realise that. I thought you’d be more concerned about how Wade’s doing.”

Gasping, I shot upward. “Wade!”

Sascha caught my hand before I could launch out of bed, assemble an army, and find a flamethrower.

“We have him.” Sascha rushed. “I saw the images Daniil showed you. Hairy and Leroy found him last night. He’s okay. Tired.”

“I need to see him.”

He tugged me back a second time. “We returned him to tribe lands.”

My face fell. I stopped pulling away. “You did? I mean, that makes sense. He’ll be okay there.”

“We don’t have medicine here. We’ll lose points for one of our wolves harming Wade. The penalty would be greater if we held Wade here.”

Of course.“I can message him.”

My phone.

Was in my car.

“I need to get my car.”

“It’s in tribe territory,” he said. “I can ask for it, but you cannot enter Sandstone without sanction.”

I sat on the bed. “Right. Okay.”

“I’m so very sorry, Andie,” he said after a beat. “You must regret the day you ever met me.”

Did I?