Filed to story: Luna Graced Book by KristiferAnn Thorne
Would you both like to join me? I must attend to some business at home.
The Oracle gave her a penetrating look.
But Ill be seeing you soon.
Abby bowed.
Of course.
Thank you, Oracle.
I wouldnt mind a cup of tea, Bell chimed in as the Oracle left.
The two of them fell into easy conversation while sipping Bells herbal blendwhich was deliciousand Abby felt like she was finding her first friend here.
When there was a lull in the conversation, Bell set down her cup.
Forgive me if this is too forward, Abby…but I noticed you touching your scar earlier.
She pulled the collar of her shirt aside, revealing a scar of her own.
Abby swallowed her gasp, not wanting to offend.
Bell smiled gently.
I wasnt rejected like youthough many of the more recent members werebut Im showing you this so you know theres no shame in it.
Then how…? A rogue tore off Ryes mark in the same attack where Luna Remi was killed.
The rest is Alpha Romans story to tell, not mine.
The brief silence that followed was broken by a light knock at her door.
Abby stiffened and scented the air.
I believe its your mate, she said to Bell before getting up to open the door.
She greeted Gamma Rye and bowed her head as she moved aside.
I apologize for coming unannounced, he said.
I was missing my mate and wanted to check on her.
No apology necessary.
I understand.
How are you enjoying the place, Abby? The crescent moon between her breasts started to burn, and she was about to drop her eyes and say Much more than I deserve, but then remembered Bells words and kept her chin up.
Very much.
Im grateful to the pack.
And to the alpha.
Bell grinned at her mate.
I invited her over to make tea with me.
Moon Goddess help us all! Walk away while you can.
Abby threw her head back and laughed.
When she returned her gaze to her guests, she noticed Bell rubbing the inside of her wrist with a strange expression on her face.
Almost…wistful? At Abbys curious look, Bell shared a glance with her mate and then gestured to Abbys own wrist.
The alpha bit you so he could link you to the pack.
Normally permission is needed, but in this case, it was an emergency.
Thank you.
And would you please thank the alpha for me? Ill do so personally when I get the chance, but…it might not be appropriate at this time.
Rye studied her for a moment before giving a slight nod.
Absolutely.
May I interest you in a cup of tea, Gamma? He cringed.
Goddess, no! Thats my cue to leave.
Abby laughed, and again noticed something strange flash across both their faces.
Could she be accidentally violating one of their customs? Despite the kindness of her new friends, she suddenly felt the loss of everything familiar.
Bell gave her a wide smile.
I need to go and feed this man before he fades away.
Thank you for sharing your day with me, Abby.
And please ring me if you need anything.
Were just down the path.
Thank you both.
I appreciate everything youve done for me.
Abby shut the door behind Bell and Rye and turned on the lights in her little home.
She was alone.
A sob hit her throat, so she shut the curtains, closed herself off from the link, and let the tears flow.
She wept for her family, wept for the life that had slipped through her fingers.
And when she was done, she collapsed into bed, curled up, and gladly let sleep take her.
ROMAN In his own house, Roman tossed and turned, riding the waves of Abbys emotions.
She could shut herself off from the rest of the pack, but she couldnt from himand he wasnt sure if she realized it.
When she finally settled down, he protected her through the link so she could sleep.
Early the next morning, he threw on a black tank top and cargo pants, which he tucked into his combat boots, and headed to the training grounds.
He was meeting with his elite group of warriors as well as Rye and Logan, and he wanted to make it there before anyone else.
Hed already finished warming up when the rest showed up, and he began by putting everyone through some extensive stretches, a sure sign they were going to get their asses kicked.
He was feeling aggressive this morning, and his men would be feeling it later.
As he focused on the warriors in front of him, he sensed Abby stirring.
Had she reopened the pack link, or was he the only one who could feel her? He shook his head and waved his gamma over.
Rye took the group through the first set of maneuvers, yelling at them to change stances and attack.
And as the sun rose higher in the sky, the warriors started discarding their sweat-soaked shirts.
Rye called for a water break, and while the group was catching their breath, Roman felt a sudden warmth spread across his chest.
It took a few warriors giving him curious looks for him to realize he was purring.
A soft sigh came through the link, and everything else faded away.
A smile crept across his face as he tilted it to the sun.
Sigh… Leg.
Emotion tore through him, almost sending him staggering, and his eyes snapped open.
Even if her link wasnt open to the pack, his was, and at a minimum, the men in front of himstaring at him, mouths agapewere aware of what he was feeling.
A growl ripped from his chest as both his wolf and his anger surged, and his men immediately bowed their heads.
He snapped the link shut and stormed off the training grounds.
LOGAN
Logan ordered everyone to get back to training, then called the Oracle and blurted out what had happened.
Her sigh was loud enough to hear through the phone.
Im aware, Beta.
And Im almost to her house.
Thank you, Oracle.
Leaving the warriors under Ryes watchful gaze, Logan took off for Abbys house at a sprint.
As he burst into the clearing, he could hear Roman shouting.
You cant do that! Abby was cowering on her front porch, wearing a robe, her hair wet.
Im sorry, Alpha! I dont know what I did! You cant shower! And you cant…you cant touch yourself like that! Roman paced in front of her, throwing his hands up in the air.
Yes, Alpha.
Logan felt someone touch his arm and looked down at the Oracle, who was watching the scene with narrowed eyes.
She was washing, that is all, the Oracle said.
Logan shook his head, confused.
He doesnt want her to wash? Hed never seen his alpha in such a state.
The Oracle didnt answer, just cackled gleefully.
Alpha Roman growled from deep in his chest.
And youhummed .
Yes, Alpha, Abby said, keeping her head lowered.
Logan glanced at the Oracle.
Do I need to get him? No.
She shook her head, and the beads and charms in her braids clicked softly.
Hell leave on his own.
