Broken Luna

rhythm against a crystal glass of red wine. Across from her, three pack elders shifted uncomfortabl

on light. He hadn't spoken much since Kylie's return-just watched, listene

ercurrent of steel. "This pack needs stability. After Lindsay's... disappe

y be true, but Lindsay was still his wif

stood by Brandon's side since the beginning. Who else has weathered

clenched, but

continued, standing gracefully, her glas

would want exposed. Financial secrets, hidden alliances, old betrayals. You can walk out o

he envelopes like they

ng us," Elder Myl

. "And Brandon-" she turned toward him, her eyes gle

ifted to the envelopes, then to the faces of the men

I have?" he mu

hest. "The pack needs strength, not sentiment. And if Lindsay couldn

s doing-manipulating, cornering, bending the pack to her will. B

the envelope. He didn't open it-he simply tucked it into his coat

, her smile sharpenin

rubbing his temples. "You've

yalty," she corrected

r rumbled low i

ar. "Soon, they'll announce me as Luna. And once th

s. Her clothes filled the closets; her scent clung to

oking the training grounds where the you

elders," he said grimly. "Half th

ering like a banner. "Let them qu

laying wi

weak under Lindsay. Too soft. We can't afford softne

ed, his expression tight. "They've gathered in the coun

id. "Then let's

... are still loyal to her

t them whisper. Soon, they'l

ve, turning back to Brandon

icker of doubt in his eye

t falter. "Then she

and revoked patrol routes loyal to Lindsay. Anyone who questioned her

freely now eyed each other with suspicion. The pack felt tighter,

table as the elders filed in, their expressions wear

Anyone who challenges that

fire. Kylie stood at the head of the long table, her

, his voice solemn. "We've dis

urled. "It's not a re

so simple. The Luna title demands more than pr

faltered. "S

beneath the torchlight. "If you want to be Luna, you m

le

er, his jaw tightening. "T

ture for your line. No unity for the pack. You want the tit

. She glanced at Brando

have?" she as

e next full moon. Fail, and the c

ast. "This wasn't the deal

there was no warmth. "Ever

fting her chin. "You

wake. Kylie stared at the empty room, her hands trembling sli

d closer. "You

s a blade. "You gave me this crown. I'm not about to le

orway. "And you," she added over her shou