Lucien.
The moment her wolf awoke, the world around us blurred , and suddenly it was just she and me.
Her scent, which was already so irresistible, deepened into something much richer and warmer. It was intense, nearly impossible to defy. It slowly took over my senses, forced its way into my lungs, and settled somewhere dangerously close to my control. As if it were trying to tempt me—daring me to claim her there and then.
It took everything out of me to keep my sanity.
I unhurriedly lowered myself at her feet, the forest muted instantly, as if it recognized what she was to me, and sought to respect our moment.
You are here.
The words escaped before I could stop them.
I felt her wolf acknowledge mine—not with words, but with a subtle shift in her scent. Her pheromones rose, agitated yet gentle.
Mate.
When I lifted my gaze, I noticed the trace of confusion across her face.
And my conscience immediately took a hit.
She was my mate, yet everyone seemed to know it but her.
Even her own wolf—a part of her, knew. But she didn't.
It was the only way we knew to protect her— to shield her human side from a truth she wasn't ready to carry. If I had my way, I would have told her everything. Claimed her. Tied her to me before the world could ever try to bare their fangs at her.
But this wasn't about what I wanted. And neither was it about what was needed to be done.
It was about Amara—her emotions, her mental wellbeing, and her peace. I had to protect her from anything that could burden her—even if that burden was me.
So, not yet. I couldn't claim her just yet.
I nudged her legs gently, inviting her onto my back. She hesitated only a second before climbing on.
Her movements were more careful now. Clearly, learning about my identity had changed something—she was more reserved than when I had only been L, her anonymous companion.
Still, her trust for me remained.
And that trust settled heavily in my chest—elating me in a way I didn't quite expect.
I ran. Carried both of us through the cold breeze.
The forest faded past us as wind rushed through my fur. Her grip tightened unconsciously, while her body leaned closer as it always did when she forgot herself.
That familiarity—that—almost undid every restraint I had concerning her.
In the distance, howls echoed. Too many for me to simply ignore.
I slowed, lifting my head toward the sky. The moon was nearly full.
Nearly full?
The realization struck hard enough to stop me completely.
There was only two days more until full moon.
"Is something wrong?" she asked softly.
I glanced back at her. Worry had already settled on her face.
"Nothing serious," I said, choosing my words carefully. "But we need to turn back. Too many wolves are out tonight."
It was only half a lie.
On every run, I spread my pheromones wide—an unspoken command. Do not approach.
At first, it was a rule that kept others away as I preserved the little quiet time I had to myself. But when my temper started to take a dark turn as I failed to find my mate, that rule was the best way to protect the members of my pack. And now, finally, while with my mate, my presence was stronger than ever. It was the best way I knew to protect the little time I shared with her.
When I turned us back towards her home, I felt the shift in her mood immediately.
Disappointment.
It radiated from her in quiet but noticeable waves.
"Are you upset?" I asked through our bond.
There was a pause. A long unsettling silence stretched between us before I heard her say anything.
"No."
The lie was gentle—but it was much too obvious for to to buy.
I studied her expression, the faint pout she didn't realize she wore. The countable lines between her creased brows. And her tight grip against my fair.
I had never seen her like this.
The sight did something to me that I didn't know a mere frown could accomplish.
"Thursday," I said at last. "I'll take you somewhere special."
Her eyes lifted. "Thursday?" she repeated. "That's… three days away."
"Yes." I forced steadiness into my voice. "I'll be busy until then."
Her shoulders fell. "Oh."
The sound cut deeper than it needed to. My chest tightened.
"Amara—"
I stopped myself before I could say anything more to her.
This full moon would not be ordinary. And for her, it could change everything.
But I wasn't going to allow her to face it alone or unprotected.
At her house, I lowered myself so she could climb down. She bowed slightly, courteous and a little distant now, then turned and walked away.
She had no idea how her unhappiness distressed me.
Her scent lingered long after she left—aching, and tempting.
But I endured it. I had to. For her.
Without wasting another second, I ran straight to the pack house, shifted, and headed for the clinic.
"Alpha," the nurses greeted at once.
"Has Killian left?" I asked. Half praying to the goddess for them to answer no.
"Yes."
I exhaled sharply and turned without another word.
Luckily, Killan's house wasn't too far from the pack house and so, I hurried there at once.
Outside his house, I could sense his hurried breath and his racing heartbeat. Then there was his scent, mingled tightly with his mate's.
All the signs was clear just how busy he was, and how he could use some privacy at that moment.
My timing was bad, but it was unavoidable.
After all, when his future Luna was in need of his service, it was an honor to attend to her without question
"Killian," I called through the link.
A jolt of panic answered.
"Come out."
Moments later, he stumbled outside, half-dressed and breathless. Sweat streaming down his pale face.
I looked up the window to see his mate watching us while clutching a blanket over her chest. She inclined her head politely, but her expression didn't seem too pleased by my interference.
"Come with me to the clinic."
He didn't question me.
He never did.
Back in his laboratory, I didn't waste time.
"I need a suppressant," I said. "Similar to mine—but weaker."
"For you?" he asked, confused.
I stared at the moon through the window.
"No," I said quietly. "For a female."
Understanding dawned instantly.
"I'll have it ready by morning," Killian said, already putting his working attire on.
"Kael will retrieve it."
He nodded, as he made his way to the shelf which held all his chemicals.
As long as her scent was muted when she shifted, her presence would remain hidden.
And until she was ready to face what she was… I would bear the weight of her existence alone.