Page 47 of Moon Claimed

A tear slipped over my cheek. What the fuck was I going to do? What if my eyes did this in a meeting?

I had to practice.

Focusing on that unshakeable fury, I let it out again, barring my teeth as black edged in once more.

Drawing my rage in, I forced the shadows away.

I wasn’t a Luther yet, but maybe doing this would help me control the effects.

But would my smell change when I shifted? If so, the pack would know immediately.

Maybe if Rhona could take my place in meetings… I could think of some excuse. Sascha and the other Luthers would assume that was me avoiding the mating call.

In the grids, I kept out of the fighting, away from werewolves.

To consider staying wasmadness, but I’d lost so much. I’d fought so hard.

I couldn’t give up now.

Becoming a monster didn’t mean I had to become one inside. I could still fight for the right side. And maybe,maybeif I could show the stewards that they were my ongoing priority, I could share my secret one day without fear.

A growl slipped from my lips, and I doubled over as pain erupted in my fingertips. I fell to my knees, crying out and clawing my hands.

Needles were trying to press from the inside out.

I panted in a heap on the floor until the stabbing agony faded. What the hell was that?

Knock, knock.

“Andie?”

It was Wade.

I didn’t answer until the door handle turned. “I’m busy right now!”

“Oh my giddy aunt, are you getting some?” came his muffled reply.

I had bigger fucking problems.

I winced as a deep ache throbbed in my teeth, around where I assumed fangs would explode into existence one day. I dashed away another tear. “Go away.”

“Are you okay?’

“Jesus, Wade. Leave me alone!”

Scrambling for the mirror, I stared in horror at the darkness looking back at me. I watched the shadow of his feet under the door and reached for my mental forest.

“Okay... Sorry to interrupt.”

The shadow disappeared, and I listened to his retreating footsteps, sinking down to the floor, dark eyes and all.

No.

This couldn’t be my fate.

Irefusedto let this bite and transition determine my future. I couldn’t lose everyone and everything. This place was part of me now, andno onewould ever forge my path again.

Picking myself up, I made sure my eyes had returned to human norms and sat next to the window.