Emma felt the electricity of the event as soon as they climbed out of the truck. Lucien parked the truck in front of the resort and was inside checking them in. Emma took in the sunshine and the people milling about. Old friends greeted each other, introducing them to new friends. Lunas hugged Lunas. The party atmosphere had already started. How much of this would Lucien let her indulge in? She didn't know, so she stood outside the truck absorbing it all. The warmth of old friends permeated her and she had a smile on her face when Lucien exited the hotel lobby. He didn't seem to notice because he didn't comment on it."Hey, Lucien."A graying Alpha approached him, who smiled a rare smile at the man. "Rogan. How the hell are you?"They clasped hands than did the one-armed bro-hug that men liked to do. Emma's smile broadened. Even Lucien had old friends here. She refused to be sad that she didn't. She'd chosen this way of life and many of her former friends had left her behind. One wo
Emma's heart clenched. They were sharing a cottage, a large house, really, with Dex. She paused. Could she do this? "Come on. Let's unpack," Lucien said, oblivious to the turmoil she was experiencing.She'd never told him about Dex and she was glad she hadn't. There were no late-night soul-baring talks in their early marriage. Lucien didn't seem to care about Emma's past. She didn't know who he dated before marrying her either. She'd never thought about how odd that was until now. She climbed out and followed Lucien to the back of the truck, keeping her gaze off of Dex's vehicle. The scent of him called to her. Or maybe it mocked her. The universe reminding her what might have been if she'd been a stronger person. Lucien handed her a suitcase. She took it then followed him into the house. "This has a kitchen," Lucien said. "We don't need to eat breakfast with everyone else.""Are there supplies?" she asked."That's your job."She would check it later. "Why don't you want to eat wi
Emma stared at Lucien as he left. Was he serious? "Wait.""What?""I need a credit card.""Charge it to the room, but don't be lavish."He closed the door behind him and Emma gaped at it. He was leaving her, not letting her participate in the night's activities. Again. Her empty stomach emboldened her. She yanked open the door. "Lucien."He stopped in the hallway. "What?""You're seriously going to leave me here to fend for myself?" she asked He waved a hand. "You'll figure it out Emma. Pick up the phone in the room and call room service. It isn't rocket science."He strode away from me. Before I closed the door, I caught a glimpse of Dex. He wore a gray pin-striped suit that set off his blue eyes. His blond hair was slicked back, neater than when she'd seen him in the kitchen. The sight of him looking so handsome took away her breath. He'd paused in his doorway, which was just down the hall. She cast her gaze downward, her cheeks warming. She wished Dex hadn't seen that, hadn't see
Emma woke to an empty bed. Lucien whistled in the bathroom as he shaved. She braced herself, but he didn't seem angry when she entered the bathroom to shower. He wiped his face with a towel. "Morning.""Morning," she said. Since he wasn't angry, she felt a little bold. "How was the banquet?"Pretty good," he said.He pulled on a shirt. Nothing fancy, so maybe he wasn't going to a meeting today. "What's on your agenda?""What's not would be a smaller list," Lucien said and left Emma in the bathroom. She followed him out. There was something she wanted to do today. "There's a meeting of Lunas today.""So?""I'd like to go."She stood in the doorway to the bedroom, wringing her hands. She stopped not wanting him to see how important this was to her. "Why?""Because I'd like to be a good Luna."He frowned. "We've been married for five years. Why the sudden interest in being a good Luna?""Because it's time, Lucien.""Time?""Yes. I've been shirking my duties."She didn't point out that h
Today was the day. Emma had worn Lucien down and he let her out of the room. Out of the cottage more importantly. Today there were no activities, but she could go where she wanted without him.Lucien left for the day because the Alphas still had some work to do. "Stay out of trouble," he said before he left. "Don't make me regret this.""I won't, Lucien. You can trust me."He studied her, then went out the door. This was her first taste of freedom. Her first taste of being an actual Luna. She rubbed her hands together. This could be fun.Lucien had told her he might meet her for lunch. Most likely it was to check up on her, but she wasn't going to complain even if it was a temporary thawing of their relationship. She would take what she would get and do well with it.She left the empty cottage and looked around. The sun shone and she turned her face to its warmth. The last time she'd been out was when dusk had been falling when they first arrived. Didn't matter, she hadn't had time to
Emma smiled at Brutus. "Hey. It's nice to see you."He didn't return the smile. "Why are you here?""At the conference? I'm with Lucien. Alpha of the Fang City Pack."How come he didn't know that? He rolled his eyes. She laughed. "That's not what you meant. Dex and I bumped into each other. We were just catching up. We were talking about that burger place we used to go to.""A trip down memory lane? Isn't that often fraught with pitfalls?"She hadn't remembered Brutus being so maudlin. They'd had some good times together. Brutus wasn't a one-woman wolf so there had been a revolving door of women in his life. Emma never got attached to any of them. Their time was usually short-lived. "Pitfalls?""Yes. Like Dex remembering how you tore out his heart," Brutus said. She stepped back from the venom in his voice. "Dex isn't angry with me. Why are you?""Because, Emma, I'm the one who had to pick up the pieces. I was the one who had to make sure he ate and slept and took care of himself.""
After lunch with Lucien, Emma met up with Kendra again. "Some of the other women heard about your homeschooling advice and want to ask you questions," Kendra said when they met at a picnic grove in the woods"Okay. I'd be happy to answer them," Emma said.She hadn't told Lucien about her morning. She didn't want to lose the positive buzz she had from contributing something to this council. Lucien would find a way to downplay her accomplishments. Or he'd be embarrassed that she was the center of attention. Either way, she didn't talk about it and was vague about what she'd done that morning. He'd returned to some breakout session for Alphas. Her afternoon was free. A few women straggled in and sat across from Emma at the picnic bench. She smiled at everyone and Kendra introduced them all. "I'm not a Luna, but I'm here representing Wolf Woods."Emma's ears perked up at the name of Dex's pack. "Welcome.""Our Alpha doesn't have a Luna yet, but I'm the Beta's mate so we figured I'd get
Emma saw Leyton one more time before she went to the cottage. "Emma."Emma turned to see the young woman hurrying up to her. "Hey, Leyton. How was your day?""It was amazing. I've learned so much. Even though I'm not doing the duties of a Luna, I know how I can help the pack better.""Good.""And I'm thankful we have such a great Alpha. Dex is doing an amazing job," she said.Emma burst with pride as though Dex was her Alpha. "I'm glad to hear that."Leyton motioned to walk and Emma fell into step beside her. They walked towards the cottages. "Seriously. Some of these women have weak Alphas. I'm not going to name names, but I hadn't realized just how good Dex is being. We are such a motley crew of wolves. He had a big job.""Alphas are made to be Alphas."Still, Emma was glad that Dex was a good one. Every pack needed a strong leader to keep the other wolves in line. Emma didn't know what kind of Alpha Lucien was. She had never seen him in action. She'd heard some things, but rumors
Their day dawned clear and sunny and Emma was sorry that the wedding wouldn't be outside. Dex had said that no one could find Lucien and she'd agreed to have the event at the Grand Hall. It was easier to keep her safe. She hadn't been sick since that one morning and other than naps here and there she'd been able, with Leyton's help, to pull everything together for the wedding."It's the day, Emma," Dex said from the doorway.He held a tray of food in his hands. "Yes, it is. Is that for me?""Yes. Eat up. Leyton is on her way.""She's going to kick you out," Emma said. He put the tray on her lap balancing the heaping plates of food precariously. She hoped the butterflies in her stomach would let her eat. "She can do that today."Emma laughed. "My Alpha doesn't get to be an Alpha today.""It's our day, but I want to make it the best for you, Emma."She put a hand on his face, her heart full to bursting with love for Dex. If she hadn't gotten the courage to go for what she wanted in li
Dex finally went to work and Emma dialed Leyton's number ready to share her news. "Hey.""Hey. Do we have an appointment today?""No, but I have news.""Go ahead.""I'm pregnant."Leyton squealed. "Oh, Emma. That's the best news ever.""We need to move everything up, Leyton. Can you make some calls for me?" Emma asked. "Sure. Who can I call?""The bakery and anyone who is making food for the wedding," she said. "Got it. You'll call the dressmaker?""Yes""How are you feeling?" Leyton asked. "Okay, but I was queasy this morning. I hope that isn't a habit.""No. That wouldn't be fun.""We'd better get on these calls. I'm worried the dress won't be done in time.""She'll do it, Emma. You're our Luna."Emma grimaced. She didn't want to be known as a demanding Luna, but she needed this dress sooner than expected. "I hope she can do it.""She can. It'll be fine, Emma. I promise."They disconnected, but Emma wasn't so sure about this phone call. She made it and the dressmaker assured her t
Emma woke with a start. Her stomach was queasy and she wasn't sure that she was going to make it to the bathroom. She'd never felt this way before. Wolf shifters didn't get sick and they healed from wounds quickly.She scooted out of bed and ran. Dex murmured something behind her, but she was too busy getting into the bathroom.What was going on, she asked herself as she hovered over the toilet. Dex appeared in the doorway, sleep still in his eyes. His hair was sticking out at odd angles. "You okay?""I don't know."She emptied her stomach then sat back against the opposite wall. Her mouth was dry and her stomach was cramping up. "I guess I ate something that didn't agree with me."She wasn't so sure, but she had no other explanation. Dex settled beside her. She moved away. "I'm gross, Dex.""Doesn't matter. I'm concerned.""I'll be okay. I'm sure."Her stomach had settled, but now she was a little lightheaded. She closed her eyes. "I don't like how you look. You're pale. Let me make
Leyton called Emma later that day. "We made up. Thank you for listening to me, Emma.""That's what I'm here for. Not just as your Luna, but as your friend.""Brutus has been especially sweet to me since we patched things up.""He should be. What he did was wrong, but I'm glad you've forgiven him.""And you have for sure?"Emma didn't even need to think about it. "I have, Leyton.""Now you have a million decisions to make, Emma.""About what?""You're wedding."Emma had put off thinking about it, but now she could. She was free and it filled her with joy. "Dex and I haven't talked about it. It's his wedding too. Let me get back to you.""You'll have it in the clearing?""Yes unless it rains. Then the Grand Hall.""This is so exciting. This will be the pack's first wedding. Everyone who is married came here that way. You'll be giving us all a reason to celebrate."Emma laughed. "Good. I'm glad I can bring something positive to the pack.""You always do, Emma."Her friend's response warme
Emma kissed Dex goodbye for the day. He looked down at her, his hands holding her head. "I don't want to leave you.""You have a pack to run, my Alpha."He laughed. "Yes. I know.""I'll be here when you get home. I promise," Emma said. He pulled her into a hug, then walked out the door. She watched him as Leyton appeared out of the woods. "You okay, Leyton?" Dex asked. "I need to talk to Emma."Dex shot Emma a look, then climbed into his truck. Emma had never seen Leyton look so unhappy. She went to her and wrapped her in her arms. "Oh, Leyton."Leyton sobbed and Emma let her. She couldn't imagine what had happened to make Leyton this upset. She would wait until Leyton could talk; right now she was ugly crying and her breathing was stuttering. Emma led Leyton to the porch steps and they sat down. Leyton's crying had finally subsided, but the tears still rolled down her face. Emma wiped them with her sleeve. "Okay. Tell me what's wrong.""Brutus.""Okay. What did he do?" Emma asked,
"Their directive was clear, Dex," Emma said the next day. "I have to go there without anyone."She didn't like it, but she would do whatever it took to get free.Dex paced in their kitchen. "I don't like it.""If we want a future together we'll abide by their rules."Dex frowned, taking her into his arms. "You're right and I appreciate you being so brave for us.""I can't imagine this will take long.""I hope not. I'll be waiting at the border of Fang City territory."Emma put a hand on his face. "It's almost over. This is the last step.""I know, but I'd assumed I could be there with you.""I'll be fine.""Come back to me.""In a heartbeat, Dex."He drove Emma as far as he could. She walked the rest of the way, shifting only once to cover some ground. Lucien wasn't in the hall when Emma arrived, but the Elders were waiting. Their seats were higher than where she stood, but she refused to be intimidated. This was her first time back in Fang City since Lucien had kidnapped her. She cou
Emma knew it was time. With the divorce impending, and since she hoped the meeting with the Elders would result in the dissolution of her marriage, she needed to talk to her parents. They'd raised her and she needed to give them one more chance to accept her eventual marriage to Dex. She approached him with the idea of going to see them. "They are my parents and I need to at least respect that."They stood in their kitchen, which she was finally thinking of as hers now, too. He rested his forehead on hers. "You have such a beautiful heart, Emma.""What do you mean?""They sold you off to Lucien and you are giving them another chance.""It's out of respect.""They've done nothing to earn your respect, Emma.""Are you trying to convince me not to go?"He straightened. "No. I'll support your decision. I'll even drive you there if you want."She smiled up at him. How did she get so lucky that her fated mate was Dex? "I'd like that.""Can you wait until this afternoon?" he asked. "Give me
Emma would have regretted having Dex kill Lucien. Maybe that was selfish of her, but she wanted her break with Lucien to be clean and right. The Elders would grant a divorce and she would be able to marry Dex. The mood among the packs was triumphant but subdued. Lucien wasn't going to let this go this easily. There would be another confrontation. Emam knew this with every fiber of her being and wondered if maybe she should have let Dex kill Lucien. It would have saved wolf lives. Didn't matter now. Lucien was gone. He'd had to slink off with his warriors.Dex surveyed the wolves, now in human form. "Thank you all for being a part of this.""We can't let Lucien ruin the progress we've made towards peace," Lugo said. Dex shook his hand. "I appreciate you being on my side. This was just the first battle I think."Lugo nodded. "I agree, but we need to regroup before we can fight again. We have wounded."Being wolves they'd heal quickly, but they would all be weak for a few hours. Lugo'
Dex looked at the crowd gathered in the clearing. He stood on a stump so everyone could see him. He cleared his throat and everyone quieted down. Emma was just within reach as he preferred her. "It seems that war has come to our doorstep."Several people looked at each other. "I didn't ask for this and I don't want it, but we have to defend our territory."A yell went up in the crowd. He put up his hands to quiet everyone down. "We need to do this together."He had their attention. "This is a fight for our land, for our way of life. We are being threatened because of what we believe in. I expect them to come at dawn when they think we are asleep."He glanced at Emma. He took her hand then went back to speaking. "We will spend the night preparing."The crowd dispersed. "They're behind you Dex," Emma said. He nodded, but he was in warrior mode now.As he'd suspected, Lucien and his troops approached at the first light. Dex had his warriors spread out along the edge of his pack's terri