The Luna He Can't Get Back

Deanna stopped in the doorway; her breath caught in her throat as she raised her eyes up to see Tyler, the guy she had previously thought was her mate, lay across their bed tangled up with Isla, her younger sister. Though its broke Deanna's heart, the gentle sound of their laughter filled the room.

"Tyler..." Her voice cracked as she moved forward, her mind denying the treachery. The view in front of her was incorrect, so incorrect, but the reality struck her like a physical blow.

The sound of her voice startled Tyler awake. His eyes met hers and for the first time in more than a year there was no warmth there, just astonishment.

"Deanna, wait," he began, trying to distance himself from Isla. It's not what you believe.

Though they seemed hollow, useless, her chest constricted as his words fell from his lips. She could not trust them.

Tyler, no. Her speech was barely above a breath, a whisper. It's precisely what I believe. You choose her, right? You have been with her all along.

Isla's grin merely increased the suffering, much as salt on a newly cut surface. Deanna, I am his genuine partner. Isla remarked, her voice oozing with pleasure, "You're only... a placeholder."

The comments struck Deanna like a gut strike. Let down by her sibling. From the guy she had loved. The anger within her flared, searing hotter than the frigid treachery she had just seen.

"Get out," Deanna yelled, her fists shaking with rage. You two both. Get away of my view.

Standing, Tyler's visage contorted into something frigid and harsh. Deanna, you are mine. You always will be.

Deanna's heart thudding terribly in her chest as she fled into the night, the words hardly registered before she turned on her heel and ran.

A dark alley appeared in front of her, and she ran towards it, her breath coming in jagged spurts. Though it was from something more than only physical weariness, her heart raced. Was she insufficient? The questions pounded her head; the responses were too agonizing to consider, though.

Distant but clear, a little howl shattered the quiet as she approached the city's outskirts. Tyler's wolf; she could sense it in her bones. Hollow and possessive, the sound sliced the air. It was a summons. A statement.

She faltered, her throat tightening each breath. The howl reverberated in the distance, always reminding her that Tyler was not finished with her, that he was not going to let her go so simply.

But this time, she was not returning. The damage was too great and the treachery too profound. Deanna's heart raced as she approached the murky boundary of Darkridge Forest, so she hurried her pace.

Deanna entered the thick woodland, the canopy of dark trees above her consuming the moonlight. Every rustling and creak brought the woodland to life; the air was heavy with the aroma of pine and earth. Every stride seemed to pull her more into the unknown, yet part of her embraced it. Here, in the center of rogue territory, she could flee. She might conceal herself.

But there was something else, something basic that made her senses tingle. The hairs on the back of her neck sprang up as though the trees themselves were watching her. Her gut told her she wasn't alone.

Her foot caught the uneven ground underneath her as she stumbled on a root. Softly cursing, she grabbed the closest tree. Though not from her fall, her heart was still beating. It was something darker, something different.

A rustle in the trees drew her notice and she froze. Through the trees a shadow flashed; in the distance a deep growl rumbled. Deanna's eyes grew wide and her breath stuck in her throat. What was that?

Then, from the shadows, a man emerged. High. Commanding. The thing was huge; under the moonlight, its eyes shone a pale silver. Deanna's heart thudded painfully in her chest as she met the wolf's stare.

This was not your typical renegade wolf. Zane Blackwood was it.

The Moon Reavers' Alpha was him. The renegade pack. His stare was strong and unrelenting as he looked directly at her.

Deanna's body froze; every instinct screamed for her to flee. Her legs, however, refused to budge.

The stillness was pierced by Zane's powerful voice. Deanna Shadow, what brings you here?

Deanna's breath came in ragged gasps, so the moon hung low in the sky, casting an otherworldly light over the woodland floor. Before a tall, menacing shadow swept through the trees, she hardly had time to change. Her heart skipped a beat, but it wasn't dread that flooded her; rather, it was something else, something strong. Before she really saw him, she could sense his presence.

Stepping into the clearing, he seemed almost otherworldly. Unapologetically domineering, a reflection of pure might, Zane Blackwood, Alpha of the Moon Reavers, was just as the tales said. His dark hair framed his keen features, and his focused gaze fixed onto hers with a curiosity that made her skin prickle.

Who are you? Deanna asked, her voice a whisper of defiance, but she could hardly hold her ground against the strength of his presence.

Zane's lips curled a little, his mouth's corners tugging with a knowing grin. "Zane Blackwood," he said, his voice deep and rich, like the forest itself. Alpha of the Moon Reavers. You, Deanna Shadow, are more than you believe.

Unwilling to let him know how his remarks disturbed her, she narrowed her eyes. I am nothing. Just a woman wronged.

Zane stepped forward slowly; with each inch he advanced, the tension in the air grew denser. Deanna, I can feel your strength. The blood of the Moon Queen courses through your veins.

A familiar pain in her chest grew as he said her name, causing her heart to rush. Though she didn't want to admit it, she felt the unrelenting draw toward him. It was as though something within her knew him, a deeper link that scared her.

He never looked away from her. Your decision is what I'm providing. Assistance, refuge. It's yours should you choose to take it.

Deanna's head whirled. Can he be relied upon? But the warmth in his gaze sent a shiver of uncertainty through her as their eyes met once more. Unsure of what she was feeling, she stepped back slightly. This was not only physical attraction. There was more, more she couldn't define.

Deanna's heart raced faster when Zane reached out his hand toward her, his look offering assistance. His big, powerful hand looked both inviting and forceful, as if he thought she should trust him.

She stepped back, naturally separating them. "I don't need anyone's help," she said quietly, the words seeming feeble even as they left her lips. The reality was that she no longer knew what she needs. Tyler's betrayal and her family's abandonment left her adrift and lost.

But Zane was not just anybody. His presence was all-consuming, covering every square inch of the clearing. She sensed it, a draw, nearly magnetic, something basic she couldn't ignore, regardless of her effort.

What do you expect of me? her voice raspy and uncertain of where this discussion would go, she inquired.

For a heartbeat, Zane's guard fell; his eyes softened momentarily. Deanna, nothing. I wish to save you. I wish to assist you in knowing who you truly are.

Her heart raced. "What does that imply?"

His lips curled, but his smile showed no joy; just a profound awareness. Deanna, you're the Moon Queen's final descendent. The last of your sort. Your abilities are both a blessing and a curse. I can assist you in using them, guiding you to manage the flame within.

Deanna stopped moving. "How do you know that?"

His eyes stayed fixed on hers; this time, the attraction between them was clear-cut. He moved closer, his presence like the wild, untamed forest itself, impossible to ignore. He added gently, "I have known for a long time." You no longer have to flee. You are not by yourself.

A faraway, loud, harsh cry rang across the trees before Deanna could answer. It was an alien sound. The woods appeared to be holding its breath. Her heart raced.

Zane's eyes narrowed as he faced the howling direction. "Stay close," he said softly, his tone now warning her to pay attention.

Deanna stepped forward, her heart racing in her chest. What had she gotten herself into?