Chapter 135
Mymother’s expression softened, just a little.
And I felt my stomach sink.
Because I knew that look.
My mother was starting to thaw.
Great. Just what I needed another person quietly voting Team Derek.
She caught me staring and arched a brow. “He’s good with him,” she murmured quietly.
I pressed my lips into a line. “He’s trying.
She gave a slight nod and turned back to her herbs, humming as she moved to the far counter.
I moved to the table and slid in next to Derek with my plate, but my appetite had disappeared.
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After lunch, while Aiden was distracted by a picture book in the living room, Derek caught my eye.
“Can we talk?”
His voice was careful. Gentle. Which immediately put me on edge.
I gestured toward the hallway and led him out to the back porch. It had snowed a little in the night, and now it had melted just enough to leave the air crisp and wet, the scent of pine heavy in the air. I wrapped my arms around myself and turned to face him.
“What is it?”
Derek rubbed a hand over his jaw, suddenly looking younger. Or maybe just vulnerable.
“I want more time with him,” he said. “I know you’re still figuring things out, and I’ll take what I can get, but… I was thinking maybe he could come stay with me. For a night or two. Just to start.”
I blinked. “Stay at Silverclaw?”
He nodded, “Yeah. We could camp out in the estate or maybe even head up to the north ridge if the weather clears
I just… I want to make memories with him. Teach him things. Show him my world.”
He smiled, eyes lighting up like he could already see it.
“We could build something together,” he said. “A den. A real one. He’d love that, right?”
I held up a hand before he could keep going. “Derek-”
“I know it’s fast,” he added quickly. “But he asked if I could show him how to track. I thought maybe-”
“Derek.” I met his gaze, firm. “I’m glad. Really. I’m glad you care. And you’re being… amazing with him. But overnights are a lot.”
His shoulders dropped slightly. “Right.”
“Let’s take it slow,” I said. “You can absolutely spend more time with him. But for now, either here at Moonstone or if I’m with you. Okay?”
Chapter 175
He didn’t argue. Just nodded. “Okay.”
Hivoice was quiet. Disappointed, but understanding.
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And for a moment, we just stood there. Close, but not touching. Linked by a boy who deserved more than either of us knew how to give.
Then the front doors of the estate burst open, and two Moonstone warriors Jogged past us toward the motor pool.
I stiffened. “What the hell-”
Idarted inside, Derek right behind me, and caught Chad holding out of the Alpha’s office, already in uniform, his expression grim.
“Chad!” I called. “What is it?”
He turned mid–step, still moving. “There’s been another rogue attack.”
Derek and I shared a sharp look.
“Where?” I asked.
“Lakepoint,” Chad said, adjusting the strap across his chest. “Pack elders were targeted. Two wounded. One critical. We’re mobilizing now.
I grabbed his arm before he could push past. “I thought this was over. Pierce is dead.”
Chad’s jaw tightened. “Apparently not over enough.”
Then he was gone.
Derek and I turned to each other at
her at the same
time.
His mouth moved before mine. “Why are the rogue attacks still happening if Pierce is dead?”
I didn’t answer.
Because I didn’t know.
But deep down, I felt it in my bones.
Something bigger was moving. Something we hadn’t seen yet.
And the worst part?
It wasn’t over.
Not even close.
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