Alpha's Claim: A Lunar Legacy

and aching from the events of the previous night. Sleep had come in fits and starts, her dreams haunted by the snarls of wolves and the cold, predatory gaze of Cilli

ith purpose, some hauling firewood, others sharpening weapons. A group of children chased each other through the clearing, their laughter a stark contrast to the tension that hung over the a

was no mistaking the authority in his stride. Two wolves trailed him-Conall and a woman Saoirse hadn't seen before, her auburn hair braided tig

. She stepped out of the tent, her bare feet sinking into the cool earth, and

e's. "You're awake," he said, his voice neut

ression skeptical. "This her?" she

rennan, meet Aisling. She

e. "So you're the omega who's got Cillian's pack in a frenzy.

voice steady. "I didn't ask for any

d, her tone sharp. "You've brought war

is voice firm. "She's here

one last appraising look before turning to Conall. "Let's c

llow him toward a small fire pit at the edge of the camp, where a pot of stew simmered o

. "You'll need

ling as the scent of the stew hit her. She hadn't realized how hungry she was until now. She ate in

voice soft but insistent. "Protecting m

ows resting on his knees. "I told y

rupted, her frustration bubbling to the surface. "You could've let m

nd intense. "You think I'd let him take you? You think I could

pull that was both comforting and terrifying. "I don't know what I am to you," she admitted. "I

"I didn't ask for this either," he said. "I've spent years building this pack, kee

re?" she pressed. "W

e bond took hold. I can't undo it, and I can't ignore it. And even i

, confused. "Wh

rom your pack, from everything you've ever known. That takes

, Saoirse felt a flicker of something other than fear-hope, perhaps, or the beginnings of

as on his feet in an instant, his body tense. Saoirse followed his gaze, her h

d, her voice tight. "They're massing at the bord

reath, his hands flexing

east thirty, maybe more. They'

is war to Lugh's Claw, just as Conall had warned. She stood, her voice trembling but re

l you will," he growled. He grabbed her arm, pulling her clos

she protested, he

d, his grip tightening. "We've face

you to him. Not

The bond pulsed between them, stronger than ever, and for the first time, S

Gather the warriors. Set up defenses along the northern a

etermination. "We'll hold the line," she sai

o Saoirse. "You sure about this, Declan

of his decision-the burden of leadership, the cost of the bond they

rried off to rally the pack. Declan turned back to Saoirse, his expre

w if she could trust the bond that had upended her life. But as she stood beside Declan, wat

was enoug