The Alpha's Stolen Luna

Chapter 1: Sutton

Chapter 1: Sutton

I couldn’t take it anymore. It was smothering in the small room. I threw my legs over the side of the bed and stood up, pausing when the board creaked softly. I didn’t hear Mason anywhere in the cabin. He should still be out on his run. It was after midnight, but I should still have an hour or so before he would return. I only needed a few minutes.

I left the bedroom and made my way to the front door, stepping outside into the cold air. Descending the few porch stairs, I took a deep breath. I moved to a ray of moonlight penetrating the canopy. I let it dance on my skin, letting it invigorate me. One of the few things that still gave me feeling anymore.

My peace was interrupted by a low growl. I gasped and turned to see a giant gray wolf with his eyes locked on me. My heart pounded in my chest.

“Kahn…” I lifted my hands and took a step toward the cabin. “Mason… I was only getting some air. I wasn’t going…”

He launched himself at me. I screamed as his teeth found purchase on my upper arm. Pulled off my feet, he began to drag me back into the cabin.

***

Five years.

It had been five years, two months, and eleven days since I had been claimed by the Beta of the Dawn Stalker pack.

I didn’t know why, but it had become a habit for how long I’d been here to be the first thing to go through my mind when I regained consciousness. It’s not like I was counting down to anything. It’s not like I could just leave. I was here for life. I suppose it was a way to remind myself that I had survived this long. I could survive a bit longer.

My mind started to register what I was seeing. My blurred vision beginning to clear. At least from one eye. The other remained dark and I knew it was swollen shut. Flashes of yet another beating I had taken that night started to replay as I worked to get my bearings. My heart was beating fast and I swallowed the bile that threatened to come up. I didn’t know if it was over yet. I suppressed a cry as I pushed against the cold wood floor beneath me. I didn’t know how long I had been out this time, but the still-sticky blood I felt told me it wasn’t that long.

It was a lot of blood.

More than usual.

I could feel the biting sting along my arm and shoulder where his wolf had bitten down and the slashing claw marks down my side. I assessed the rest of the damage I had sustained. It hurt to swallow. My body was bruised and sore. My left hand and wrist were badly broken. I had a lump on my jaw and a gash on my brow, right above the swollen black eye. I was certain I had a concussion by the pounding radiating through my skull.

But it was still a lot of blood.

That’s when I saw the knife and more of the night’s events played back in my mind. I dragged myself across the kitchen floor and saw him. The familiar form of Beta Mason, my so-called mate, lay prone on the cabin floor, another pool of blood beneath him.

We were on our annual retreat. A month out of the year where Mason would take me on a trip to “reconnect,” as he always put it. For any other couple, it would sound romantic. For me, it was a nightmare.

I learned early on that he liked it when I fought back. So, I stopped. He grew bored of me most of the time, but eventually, his boredom would become resentment, then determination. That’s when he would plan our getaways. That’s why they were so long. So he didn’t have to hold back and I’d have time to heal enough to hide his work before having to make any appearances. After all, I was only a human. I healed slowly compared to his kind.

My heart started to pound as I contemplated the scene in front of me. Lycans had many abilities humans didn’t. An ability to heal quickly was one of them. It wasn’t instantaneous, but it was a fraction of the time it took for me. It allowed them to survive wounds that would be fatal to humans.

I swallowed hard, ignoring the sour, metallic taste.

If he still hadn’t gotten up… Maybe I had… I must have… I fought back this time. I fought hard.

My eyes went to the front door. This was my chance. I could get away. Or they would catch me and kill me. Either way, this torture would end. If I stayed, they would kill me anyway for what I’d done. It wouldn’t matter why. He was the Beta.

I pushed myself to my feet. My body didn’t even protest the movement as adrenaline began to course through me. I barely thought about what this could mean. Whether I would ever see my family again. How I would survive on my own. Who would come looking for me. Those were considerations that hardly registered in the face of freedom. With a shaky hand, I turned the knob and pulled the door open.

Without looking back, I stepped outside.

I looked around at the property. It was early morning but getting close to the first light of day. The cabin was tucked away in a forest. I had no idea which forest. I never knew where he took me. But it didn’t matter. As long as I got out of Dawn Stalker territory, I was free.

I went to the car. He always kept the key in the visor. Because who would dare steal from the Beta of the Dawn Stalker Pack? I started the engine and almost cried at the sound. Turning down the gravel drive, I made my way toward freedom. Driving in any direction I thought would lead out of the territory.

But the adrenaline started to wear off and my injuries were taking their toll. I couldn’t really grip the wheel with my broken hand and I was nauseous from the pain. And I was getting dizzy. A light rain began to fall, impairing my vision further. A fog started to form the further I drove, concealing the terrain with a blanket of haze. I gasped and yanked the wheel, swerving as the road curved before me.

Breathing heavily, I pulled off to the shoulder. If I crashed, they’d find me for sure. But the near miss got my adrenaline pumping again, at least. I could see the glow of civilization in the distance. I’d make it on foot if I mustered up the strength. And the rain would hopefully wash away my scent. Taking a few painful deep breaths — adding a broken rib or two to the tally — I dragged myself from the vehicle.

I wasn’t wearing any shoes. My feet and legs were exposed to the cold wet air of late winter. I didn’t care. My ears were filled with the sounds of nature around me. I felt the raindrops land and trail down my skin. It stirred up a multitude of aromas. Everything felt different. Felt new again.

I started walking. Putting one foot in front of the other. Slowly picking up my pace. I wasn’t really seeing where I was going anymore. But I told myself as long as I could feel the asphalt beneath my feet, I would be okay.

I wasn’t free just yet. But more than ever — I wanted to be.

Chapter 2: Lucas

Chapter 2: Lucas

I threw the last of my tools into my toolbox and closed it up. Stepping into the small bathroom at the back of the garage to wash my hands. I was drying them off when I stepped out to see my uncle coming up.

“How’s it looking?” he asked.

“You’re all set,” I told him. “You shouldn’t have any more issues.”

Uncle Rodney shook his head. “I still don’t know how you did it,” he said. “They insisted it would be another six weeks before that part would come in. I thought we’d have to put off clearing the field until next year.”

“I guess I’m just more charming than you,” I joked.

“Ha, more terrifying, more like,” he replied. “Whatever the reason, I’m grateful. Now, go get some breakfast.”

I lifted my toolbox. “It’ll have to be to-go,” I said. “I should get on the road before I’m missed.”

As nice as it was to come back to my childhood home, it was getting harder to extend the visits. As the Alpha of the Ironpaw Pack, every minute of my day was accounted for by others. But there wasn’t anything so important that I couldn’t help my family if they needed it. While there was always someone wanting something from me, that also meant there was always someone to assign a task to when necessary.

I loaded the tools into the back of my truck parked outside the garage. A light rain shower had just passed over, leaving puddles scattered around the yard. My Aunt Lara came up as I finished with a basket of food to take with me. We were saying our goodbyes when I heard a scream echo down the drive. My head snapped toward the direction it came from, the hair on my neck standing on end. My wolf, Rhonen, came to the forefront of my consciousness.

“Was that Daisy?” Aunt Lara said.

Another scream sounded from the silhouettes I could see in the distance. I took off at speed. The farmhouse was set a quarter mile from the main road. The figures quickly became clearer. It was Daisy, the neighbor woman, holding her son behind her protectively. I didn’t know where the danger was or what it was as the low fog was obscuring my view. But as I closed in, I was suddenly stopped in my tracks. The most intoxicating scent hit me with the wind.

‘Mate,’ Rhonen growled, pushing my feet to move again.

Daisy wasn’t the source of the scent. Who was with her? Rhonen had taken control of my legs, pushing faster. As I approached the large gate, Daisy’s cries to stay away broke through our desperation. Our priorities fought against each other. Ultimately, I went to defend my packmate.

“Lucas…” Daisy called.

I slid to a halt in front of her but I was instantly frozen in place. It wasn’t an animal or some axe-wielding villain facing me. Stumbling not even twenty feet away was a woman. Battered, shivering, and wearing only a nightgown that was wet and covered in blood. Shock overwhelmed every other emotion that was whirling inside me that she was the source of the incredible scent.

‘Mate,’ Rhonen echoed in my head.

Rage quickly took over. There was a distinct male scent mingled with hers. Rhonen’s hackles were raised as he vowed to rip whoever did this to her apart. Then our eyes met, locking onto the bright amber of hers.

“Help…” she spoke weakly before crumpling to the ground.

I rushed to her, dropping to her side. I yelled for Daisy to call for help. Rolling her over, I checked for a pulse. Electricity surged through me when I touched her, further stirring Rhonen’s and my excitement. But desperation was in control. Her heartbeat was weak. Her skin was freezing. Her lips were almost blue. I didn’t know how much of the blood that soaked her nightgown was hers. Scooping my mate into my arms, I pressed her against my chest as I ran back towards the farmhouse. I kicked the door open, demanding supplies as I headed directly for the guest room.

“We should get those wet clothes off of her,” Aunt Lara said as I laid her on the bed, not skipping a beat in the chaos. “Let me do it. You get more blankets.”

I growled protectively as she went to touch my mate. Aunt Lara’s eyes went wide and she took a step back. I took a deep breath to regain my control.

“I will take care of her,” I said firmly.

She gave me a strange look but nodded and left to get more blankets. I turned back to my poor, mysterious mate. She had wounds along her arms and shoulder. I worried pulling the gown over her head would reopen them. It was torn already, so I finished ripping it apart in order to get it off. I pushed Rhonen back as best I could, covering her up immediately once the wet clothing was removed. I needed to better assess her condition but needed to get her warm first. Aunt Lara came back and threw more blankets over her. I rubbed her arms and legs carefully through the blankets, working to get her circulation flowing.

“I’ll get some water boiling and some towels,” she said, picking up the soiled nightgown. “I’ll throw this out.”

“Don’t,” I commanded. “Bag it.”

I would have Rhonen memorize that scent. If he did this to her. He won’t get away with it. I heard voices from the other room but didn’t pay attention. My focus was on her. I brushed her honey-brown hair back, trying to envision her without the cuts and bruises marring her features. She was beautiful.

But there was one feature I had only caught a glimpse of before she collapsed but that was enough to stick in my head — her eyes. Her eyes were two different colors. One a piercing gray like a full moon, the other a warm orange like the rising sun. All I could hope for in that moment was that I would see them again.

“The doctor is on the way,” Uncle Rodney said from behind. “Do you have any idea who she is?”

“She’s my mate.”

Chapter 3: Lucas

Chapter 3: Lucas

“Lucas, what are you doing? She could be dangerous.” Daisy came rushing into the room. “Get away from her.”

My fists clenched and I shot her an incredulous look. “Get out, Daisy,” I growled.

Uncle Rodney pushed her out the door as I ignored her protests. Now that I had separated her from the gown and that male odor, I could tell there was something different, something odd, about her scent. It was still the most incredible thing I’d ever smelled, but there was more to it. Rhonen couldn’t sense her wolf, but it wasn’t a surprise with the state she was in.

Aunt Lara returned with a steaming bowl of water and some towels draped over her arm. She set it on the table next to the bed. The color had already come back to the woman’s lips. I checked her pulse again. It was stronger than before, still weaker than I would have liked, but steady. I took a cloth and dipped it in the water.

“Let me help you, Lucas,” Aunt Lara said gently. “I won’t hurt her.”

I nodded once in agreement. Dipping another cloth and wringing it out, she walked around the bed to sit next to her. I started to remove the blood from her face, being careful not to re-open the gash above her eye. I moved on to her chest and neck. There was distinct bruising around her neck where hands had gripped tightly. Moving her hair away, I wiped down the curve of her neck to her shoulder, freezing when I saw what I had revealed. The silvery-pink skin that was set apart from the rest.

She had been marked. She already had a mate. Aunt Lara noticed my shift in demeanor.

“I’m so sorry, Lucas,” she whispered.

“It doesn’t matter,” I said, continuing to clean her skin.

The tingling sensation was strong as I worked. Her scent was more powerful than ever. She was my fated mate. There was no denying that. If she had a mate, he was dead. Otherwise, I never would have felt our bond. A bond, even a fated one, couldn’t be formed over an existing one. She was mine now.

I pulled her arm from under the blanket. There were bruises from someone’s grip. Her wrist was hot and twice the size it should have been.

“Lucas…” Aunt Lara’s voice cracked. She lifted her other arm. “These are…”

“Bite marks.”

“These are from a wolf,” she said.

“I know,” I replied.

Bracing myself, I pulled the blankets down, exposing her abdomen. Aunt Lara gasped. She had dark purple bruises all over. A set of deep slashes from claws down her side. Various other small cuts and scraps along her legs. I didn’t understand why she wasn’t healing. But what hit harder was the scars.

A variety of scars riddled a gaunt body that made me suspect she had been starved. Rhonen was going crazy in the back of my mind. He was ready to break free and go hunting for whoever was responsible for this. But I would take care of her first. I would make sure she was okay. Make sure she knew she was safe.

I heard the front door open and more voices. I covered my mate back up. I could hear Dr. Callahan’s voice as Uncle Rodney led her back. I had never been more grateful she was the town doctor than at this moment. I never would have been able to handle another male touching her right now.

“Alpha Lucas,” the doctor greeted, coming straight to the bed. “Do you have any idea who she is? Did she say anything before she passed out?”

I reluctantly moved away, giving her space to access my mate.

“She only managed to ask for help,” I said. “I don’t know anything else.”

The doctor began to examine her. Shining a light in her eyes, feeling along her neck. My jaw clenched and my fists tightened when she removed the blankets again.

“She’s going to need stitches,” Callahan said. “I’ll have to do that here so they don’t reopen when we move her. We really need to get her to the clinic. I don’t like that head wound.”

“How bad is it?” I asked, sensing the worry in her voice.

“We need to get her on an IV and do some tests…”

“How bad is it?” I demanded.

She pursed her lips. “I don’t know, but if we don’t get her properly treated, she may not wake up.”

“Oh, goddess…” Aunt Lara gasped.

Rhonen howled in pain. My heart raced as I faced the thought of losing my mate before I even knew her. I didn’t even know her name. My stomach was in knots.

“Get it done,” I commanded before turning and storming out.

Grabbing the bag with the soiled nightgown, I left the farmhouse. Ignoring my uncle’s and Daisy’s calls behind me, I immediately shifted. I couldn’t hold Rhonen back any longer. He tore the bag open, shoving his nose into the fabric. We worked to move past the inviting aroma of our mate to the male scent that soured the clothing. Rhonen growled when he identified it.

She couldn’t have traveled far in the state she was in. He had to be close. We took off to follow her trail. Rhonen was halfway down the drive when Corin, Uncle Rodney’s wolf, leapt in front of us.

‘Wait.’

Rhonen snapped at him, growling viciously. Corin dodged, shifting back into my uncle’s human form. He held his hands up.

“Rhonen, wait,” he urged. “We need to think this through.”

Rhonen snarled aggressively, but Uncle Rodney held his ground.

“Please, Lucas, just hear me out.”

With some effort, I took control and shifted back.

“The bastard’s still out there, Rodney,” I yelled. “He’ll pay for this.”

“Yes, he will,” my uncle agreed. “But we need to get the whole story first. You aren’t heading into this level-headed. You’re going to kill the first wolf you see.”

“Are you questioning my competence?” I snapped.

“No,” Uncle Rodney said firmly. “I’m trying to help you. We’ll get some trackers out here. We’ll find out where she came from and we’ll go from there. For now, you need to take care of your mate. Get her to the clinic. Keep her alive.”

Rhonen fought to force the shift again. I managed to push him back. Our desire to be near our mate again won out over the desire for vengeance. At least at this moment.

‘She needs you, Lucas,’ Aunt Lara said through the mind-link.

My rage settled and I turned back toward the farmhouse. I would do whatever it took to save my mate.

Chapter 4: Sutton

Chapter 4: Sutton

The soft sound of classical music drifted over me. I had been entangled in a sweet dream filled with comfort and love. A foreign but wonderful sensation kept invading my mind making me want to hold onto the feeling as long as I could. Unfortunately, I felt myself being pulled back to consciousness. I let my eyes flutter open.

I was in an unfamiliar room lit with the natural light of the sun. I let my eyes adjust and turned toward the sound of a muffled voice. There was a set of glass double doors that led out to what looked like a balcony. A tall, broad man in a suit stood outside talking on the phone. My heart rate quickened. I couldn’t make out who he was with his back to me. If I knew him at all.

I vaguely remembered speaking to someone before the world went black. It was a man. A man with piercing hazel eyes. I didn’t remember much else. I didn’t know what happened to me after that.

I looked down. My left arm was splinted down to my last two fingers. There was a bandage wrapping my upper right arm and an IV line attached to the back of my hand. I was tucked into a comfortable bed with a tray of medical supplies sitting next to it. A laptop was set up on a folding table and chair nearby. It all seemed nice enough, but why bring me here? Why wasn’t I in a hospital?

I sat up cautiously. Wincing as multiple sources of pain sparked to life.

“You shouldn’t try to get up yet.”

I jumped in surprise, grimacing from the sudden movement.

“I didn’t mean to startle you,” he said, taking a step toward me. I shifted away and he stopped. “I won’t hurt you.”

“Where am I?” I croaked out hoarsely.

The man walked to a side table and poured a glass of water. Moving to the side of the bed, he held it out to me.

“Somewhere safe,” he said.

I took the glass. I made an effort to avoid touching him. He took a step back, thankfully giving me some space. I took a drink of the water. Too thirsty to question the contents. The man sat at the table, but his eyes stayed on me intently.

“The doctor will be here in a little while to check on you,” he said, his voice deep and smooth. It would be calming in any other circumstance. “She’ll be glad to find you awake.”

“How long have I been asleep?” I asked, only slightly clearer than before.

“Two days,” he said.

I chewed the inside of my lip nervously. I had lost two days. I had no idea where I was. Who this man was or what he wanted with me. I took another drink of water, clearing my throat.

“May I ask who you are?” I asked. “I’d like to know who I have to thank for saving me.”

The corner of his mouth twitched slightly. “My name is Lucas Danvers.”

I felt the blood drain from my face. I knew that name. I shifted in the bed, moving away from him.

“As in… Alpha Lucas Danvers?”

I had heard Mason and Alpha Anders talk about him several times. Alpha Lucas had taken over the Ironpaw Pack after defeating the previous Alpha in combat. From what I heard, it was a hostile takeover. Alpha Anders and Beta Mason seemed to… admire the brutality in which he accomplished his task. More than once, they discussed how formidable he was. They even seemed weary of dealing with him.

And now I was at his mercy. The most dangerous Alpha in Lycuria. A man even my sadistic ex-mate didn’t want to cross. Panic filled my chest.

He shifted forward in his chair and I leapt into action. Rolling from under the blankets, I grabbed a pair of scissors from the tray of medical supplies. Putting the bed between us, I jumped out, holding the scissors up.

“Stay away,” I threatened as he stood. “You can’t keep me here. I won’t let you. I’ll die before I become a plaything for another damn wolf.”

His eyes darkened. My words sounded strong but the tears started to fall without my say. My hands were shaking. I had ripped the IV out of my hand and blood was currently running down my wrist.

“No one is going to hurt you,” Alpha Lucas said softly but firmly, his hands raised in surrender. “I told you. You’re safe here. I swear.”

He took a slow step toward me, then another. I moved toward the door, only managing small steps as my stiff, sore body was slow to respond. I was still weak and days in bed hadn’t helped. My knees started to shake and the edges of my vision blurred. I tried to force my feet to move but felt my legs giving out beneath me instead.

Strong arms surrounded me before I hit the floor. I gasped as a tingling electricity shot through my body where he touched me. He lifted me up and set me on the edge of the bed, kneeling down in front of me.

“I told you not to get up,” he scolded, taking my bleeding hand. “We won’t be getting an IV back in this one. Hopefully you haven’t pulled your stitches.”

Taking the scissors from me, he reached over and took some gauze from the tray and dabbed at my hand, holding it firmly to stop the bleeding. Confusion washed through me at his attentiveness. He seemed upset that I had injured myself. I didn’t understand what was going on. Why would he care?

“There,” he said as he placed an adhesive bandage on my hand. “Now, I think it’s my turn to ask your name.”

Our eyes met and my heart skipped a beat. I cleared my throat, removing my hand from his. I honestly had no idea what was going on. The fear I had been filled with seemed to dissipate. This couldn’t be the same man I had heard about.

Whoever he was, there was no point denying his request.

“My name is Sutton Langston.”

Chapter 5: Lucas

Chapter 5: Lucas

The corner of my lip twitched. It was an elegant name. Regal. It suited her. I couldn’t lie that I was equally as impressed by her defiance as I was frustrated. I wouldn’t have her injuring herself again, but I liked the fire I saw blazing in her eyes. Any Luna of mine would need that.

I returned to my feet, taking a few steps back. She wasn’t comfortable with me yet. She still didn’t know who I was. Who she was to me. She couldn’t feel our bond. It was an excruciating mystery. Rhonen still couldn’t sense her wolf. Perhaps she had retreated so deep that all of her abilities were suspended.

“Well,” I said, leaning on the dresser casually, trying to put her at ease, “it’s nice to meet you, Sutton. And yes, I am the Alpha of the Ironpaw Pack.”

She chewed the corner of her lip. It was infuriatingly adorable, even if it was a tell she would need to break.

“How did I get here?” she asked softly.

“You showed up at my uncle’s farm. We had you treated by the local doctor,” I explained. “We weren’t sure when you would wake up. So I brought you here where you would be more comfortable. Anything before that, I was hoping you could tell me.”

She looked around the room again, trying to discern where here actually was. I waited to see if she would tell me what happened, but I started to believe that was going to be more difficult than I would like. I was about to say something when there was a knock on the open door.

“Knock, knock,” Dr. Callahan announced. “Our patient is awake. I hope I’m not interrupting anything?”

“We were just getting to know each other,” I said. “Dr. Callahan, I’d like you to officially meet my guest. This is Sutton.”

“It’s lovely to meet you, my dear.” Callahan approached the bed, setting her bag at the foot. “We were worried we may not get to know anything about you. I’m glad we could keep you with us.”

“It’s nice to meet you, Doctor,” Sutton replied politely.

“Do you mind if I examine you?” Callahan asked gently.

Sutton nodded. Callahan ushered her to scoot further up in the bed while she removed her equipment. She started by checking her vitals, commenting on the lack of IV port. Sutton blushed, hanging her head. I watched intently as she checked the visible bandages before coming to the wounds hidden beneath the pajama top she wore. Callahan asked her to lift her shirt and Sutton blushed deeper, glancing my way briefly.

The doctor looked at me. “May we have some privacy?” she requested.

“I’ve been changing her bandages since she got here,” I replied. “It’s nothing I haven’t already seen.”

Callahan pursed her lips sternly before starting to speak again. “Alpha…”

“It’s fine,” Sutton said through gritted teeth.

She grabbed the hem of her top and started to lift it with the doctor’s help. Still refusing to look in my direction. But I could still her flinch when she was touched. My knuckles turned white from my grip on the dresser. I had been the only one to touch her since she was declared stable enough to move. Not being able to help her through this was difficult, to say the least.

‘You’re hurting her,’ I linked Callahan.

‘No, you’re making her uncomfortable,’ she snapped, ‘Alpha. She doesn’t want you to see this. Please, leave.’

My jaw clenched. I looked at Sutton. Her cheeks were a dark red and she seemed to shrink every time she acknowledged I was watching. My chest burned. I was causing her pain.

Pushing off the dresser, I left the room, shutting the door behind me. I immediately started to pace the hall. This had better be quick. I hadn’t stepped away from her for more than ten minutes since I found her.

“How is she doing?”

I didn’t even look up as my Beta, Jaden, came up to me. I kept pacing.

“The doctor kick you out?” he chided. I shot him an irritated look. “Whoa. She did, didn’t she? Why…”

“She’s awake,” I informed him. Followed with a sigh of frustration. It wasn’t Jaden’s fault this was such a mess. “Her name is Sutton.”

“That’s progress,” my best friend said. “This is a good thing, man.”

“She doesn’t know, Jaden,” I told him. “She hasn’t sensed I’m her mate.”

“Oh, well… we still don’t know who her first mate was,” he said. “If her injuries were from an attack on both of them and he died… that bond may still be lingering for her.”

I shook my head. “No,” I said, my fists clenching again. “He did this to her.”

“What? How can you know?”

“She didn’t ask about him,” I said. “She said… she said she wouldn’t be a plaything for another wolf. Her scars, Jaden… She’s been suffering for a long time. He did this to her.”

Jaden stifled a growl. “We have the bastard’s scent, Luke,” he insisted. “We have trackers still out looking for him.”

“She could have driven for miles,” I stated. We had found the car pretty quickly that first day, but it didn’t tell us anything. Only that it likely belonged to him based on how strong his scent was. “I doubt he’s in our territory.”

“There’s only two possible pack lands she could have come from,” he said. “We’ll make inquiries. We’ll make sure whoever did this is dead.”

“Wait on that,” I said. “If they’ve started to search for her, I don’t want to tip them off that she’s here. Not yet.”

“Why not?”

I glanced back at the door to my bedroom.

“Because I think my little mate killed him,” I said, a hint of pride in my voice. “She’s a fighter.”

The door opened again and the doctor nodded at me. I entered without waiting.

“She’s doing well,” the doctor said. “It’s still a tough road ahead, but she’s on the mend. I’ve sent for something to eat to be brought up for her. We’ll leave the IV out for now. If she can keep some food and drink down. She can also start to move around a bit. Short walks will do her good. You know where I’m staying if you need me. Otherwise, I’ll be back in the morning.” She looked back at Sutton. “You get something on that stomach. And don’t push too hard. Light exercise only.”

Sutton nodded, giving her a small, tight smile. It was a polite gesture. It wasn’t a real smile. Otherwise, I may have banished Callahan back to Wildmore immediately. I’d been robbed of so many things from our first meeting. That’s not how mate bonds were usually discovered. Yes, it was an intense experience. But normally, it was joyous, erotic, overwhelmingly blissful. It was supposed to be the most poignant moment of our lives. So, I had been told. I suppose it still was. But not in the way it should have been. Not in the way I had been waiting so long for. That was stolen from us. Stolen from her.

So, I would make sure to experience every other happy moment with her from here on. I would be the first to see her smile. The first to inspire one. I would heal her to the Luna she was meant to be.

A guiding light to our pack.

Chapter 6: Sutton

Chapter 6: Sutton

I was tucked up under the covers again when Alpha Lucas came back in. It was the first chance I got to really look at him. I was too disoriented and worried about being trapped with a strange man before. Now, I was able to examine his features. He was tall with broad shoulders and a large build. His sandy brown hair suited his gray eyes and a full beard covered a strong jaw. I wouldn’t be surprised if half of the women in the pack were constantly fawning over him.

He came around the bed and, moving the chair from the table, sat next to me. I still felt awkward as he looked at me, but it didn’t stop my stomach from doing a little flip. He smelled nice. I don’t know why I just realized how nice he smelled. It was… comforting. Even the silence that filled the room felt calming.

Although, that could have been the pain meds the doctor had given me. Because there was no reason I should feel so comfortable sitting in the same room as this formidable and impressive wolf.

A knock on the door interrupted my thoughts. Alpha Lucas got up and went to answer it. I didn’t see who was on the other side. There was a muffled voice, Alpha Lucas responded, then wheeled in a tray completely filled with an array of food. The moment the aroma hit my nostrils, my stomach was growling. Alpha Lucas glanced at me.

“How is your stomach right now?” he asked. “Any nausea?”

I swallowed and shook my head. It was mostly honest. The truth was, I had gotten used to the nausea a long time ago. A lack of food often caused the state. So, right now, food sounded incredible. But I didn’t want to seem too eager. So I waited for him to give me permission to make a plate.

“Would you prefer to eat at the table?” he asked as he picked up an empty plate from the server. “Or would you rather rest there?”

“Oh… um…”

I was caught off guard by his question. It had been a while since I had been given a choice. I looked toward the door, thinking about how he hadn’t even let them bring in the cart. I didn’t think he would like the suggestion to go downstairs. My eyes drifted to the window. Wishing for some fresh air.

“Sutton,” his deep voice gently regained my attention. “Tell me what you want.”

“I… I’d like to go outside,” I said, trying not to sound as nervous about the request as I was.

“Okay,” he replied plainly. Setting the plate down, he disappeared through the bathroom door. A moment later, he came out with a garment draped over his arm. Coming to my side of the bed, he held up a thick robe. “There’s a table on the balcony. It’s a little chilly to go out in your night clothes. You should put this on.”

The care and consideration in his voice was shocking. Terrifying almost.

If I had never experienced anything like it before, maybe it wouldn’t have been. But there were times, in the beginning, when Mason would show the same hints of kindness. But it was a game. Just another way to toy with me.

Alpha Lucas held out the robe, looking at me expectantly. I was suddenly finding it hard to breathe. And it wasn’t because of the broken rib. I needed space. I pushed passed him quickly, putting a few feet between us.

“Why are you doing this?” I demanded. “What do you want from me?”

Alpha Lucas sighed, lowering the garment he had been offering. He looked at me with contemplation, but there seemed to be kindness in his eyes.

“Right now, I want to have a meal with you,” he said gently.

“And then?”

“That’s up to you,” he said. “But I think we should talk at some point.”

I chewed the corner of my lip anxiously. What choice did I really have? I didn’t have the strength to fight him off. At least he seemed to be interested in letting me heal. Dr. Callahan was nice enough, but he was still her Alpha. There was only so much she could do on my behalf. Either way, I would need some time to figure out a plan. So, I might as well stay on this man’s good side.

Alpha Lucas raised the robe again tentatively. I reached out and took it from him, throwing it on quickly. A smile played at his lips, but he moved before I saw it turn into anything more. He went back to the food server, which had him passing closely by me. Our shoulders almost grazing, wafting that wonderful smell of his my way again. I breathed it in involuntarily, unable to help the impulse. A fluttering in my stomach erupted unexpectedly and I felt my cheeks flush.

“There are slippers by the bed. I’ll start you with something light,” he started to speak. “You don’t want to put too much or anything too heavy on your stomach yet. I doubt you’d be able to keep it down for a while. Luckily, we have the best cook in the pack here.” He produced a full plate of fruits and steamed vegetables and delicious-looking fish in front of me. “Here. Don’t try to eat it all but eat what you can. I’ll be right out to join you.”

All I could manage was a nod. I felt like someone else was controlling my body as I opened the balcony door and stepped outside. I was immediately greeted by the cool air and sun shining on my face. I couldn’t help but close my eyes and take a moment to revel in it. After a few deep breaths, I looked to find the small metal patio table that was located to the right of the glass doors. I took a seat, setting my plate in front of me and my hands in my lap, waiting for Alpha Lucas to join.

As I looked at the plate, I started to think about what I would do once I got my strength back. It would go a long way if he kept feeding me like this for a little while. I would have to get an idea of what to expect once I was healed.

Alpha Lucas took his seat, taking up a surprising amount of space in the small area. He was larger than I thought. But he managed to make enough space I could avoid touching him.

“Eat, Sutton.”

Taking my fork, I took a bite of fruit. It was fantastic. My hunger took over and I quickly made it through half the plate within a few minutes. It wasn’t until I started to slow that I realized he was still watching me. Swallowing, I took the opportunity to speak.

“You didn’t answer my question before,” I said softly.

He didn’t reply. I looked up to find him staring at me expectantly.

“Why are you doing all of this?”