Moon's Shadow

forest toward the pack's gathering place. His ranger uniform had been traded for dark jeans and a b

ncient pines that had stood sentinel for centuries. The trees formed a natural barrier,

s pack filled his nostrils-Tom Rivers' earthy cologne mixed with sweat from his construction job,

d in a rough circle, their faces illuminated by the soft glow of battery-powered lanterns. The old ways would have cal

and the authority of his position. His silver hair gleamed in the lamplight, and h

log beside Tom Rivers, his best friend and the

t carried herself with the confidence of someone who believed she was destined for leadership. Her

ice carrying just enough respect to avoid di

e humans safe," Kai replied

ld escalate their familiar argument. "Enough.

hese meetings-some were too young, others too old, and a few preferred to keep their distance from p

al tone reserved for pack business. "It's been three years since our last b

e knew where this was heading,

ued, "but stability isn't growth. We need the nex

five, he was also unmated, though the pressure o

man who worked as a nurse in Silverbrook. "The Timber Ridge Pack had two

eek, whose family had run the town's hardware store for two generati

e group. Dark Moon Pack had a reputation for aggression and expansion, tac

Marcus said, his eyes settling on Kai. "Our

f eyes turn toward him, measuring his reaction. He kept his expre

re too many responsibilities right now. Th

You're twenty-six, Kai. Most alphas have chosen

decisions based on what's right, no

ival," Marcus said calmly. "A pack wit

should discuss the available optio

look, though he wasn't sure h

" Janet said. "She's twenty-three, from good bloodlines, and her

es," Kai muttered

harply. "Leadership is about sacri

alley," David added. "Strong family, good rep

here. Names and bloodlines, pack politics and breeding potential. Everyt

ng abruptly. "This isn't a dec

ent but firm. "The equinox is in six weeks.

ers like a heavy cloak. Six weeks to choose a mate he did

answer by th

us replied. "The pack's

small groups to discuss the night's business, Kai fo

Tom asked, h

marry someone I've never met to produce cubs I'm not ready for, all while

iousness of the situation. "

"I know what the pack needs. But I can't shake the feeling that there's

you're waiting

be I'm waiting for someone who makes me feel like I'm more than just the

w that's not how it works for our ki

we sh

to his cabin while Kai chose a longer route home. He needed ti

sy affection between the husband and wife, the way they'd looked at each other with genuine lo

en who would bring political advantages and strong bloodlines to the pack. The th

hat morning, and now he wondered if that change would inclu

s, silent and knowing, as if it held secrets a