Chapter 6

Chris POV

Of all the challenging moments in my life, from leaving Moonstone Pack for the Human World to launching my first IPO, standing there in front of the Pack with my hand outstretched was perhaps the most daunting.

It was hard not to be nervous. I'd wanted her since I was a child.

I could also feel Olivia's stare burning with the hostility only an older sister can summon.[EZ2]

Indeed, I realized I was holding my breath and discreetly made myself start breathing again. Passing out in front of her would probably leave Ava less than impressed. Besides, Olivia might take the opportunity to stab me.

Elder Degas stepped forward with a scowl and indicated Ava with a nod. "She would have to be Acting Luna."

I sighed but refused to drop my hand. As she had been previously mated, Ava could not be the permanent Luna to the Pack. It was ridiculous, and it wouldn't have been a problem for us in the Human World.

I tried to remember my lessons as a child, but as a future Alpha, I hadn't been much interested in all the mysticism surrounding the Luna. She served as the embodiment of the Goddess on Earth, and as such was held to high standards, including being mated only once. The idea that Ava was somehow "tainted" because she had been mated to Ethan angered me to my core.

Nevertheless, I dutifully repeated, "Acting Luna."

Ava nodded, her blue-gray eyes glimmering moonstone-like in the sunlight, and, thank the Goddess, took my hand.

"I will be glad to serve the Pack," she said, her clear voice carrying through the Square.

I heard Olivia snort and ignored her. I still couldn't believe what I had witnessed just moments ago. My sister had always been spoiled and self-centered, but to see her approaching Ava with a hot poker like that-what was that? If that were what life in Wolf Territory did to people, I wanted to return to the Human World as soon as possible.

Degas was nodding and telling the Pack that the Elders accepted Ava as acting Luna and welcomed me back as Alpha. I wanted to tell him not so fast, but there was no point. They were obviously relieved at my return. It wasn't time to make statements.

After trading bows with the Elders, Ava and I walked inside City Hall. I managed to remember the way to a small conference room on the first floor where as a child I used to sit in on Pack meetings. I was struck by the warm familiarity of the long hallways and carved doors. Making a life for myself in the technologically advanced, streamlined Human environment, I had forgotten the werewolf emphasis on aesthetics even with the most mundane objects.

The conference room itself was decorated with a tiled wall mural in warm autumnal shades and mullioned windows that looked out over the Square. I glimpsed the last of the crowd breaking up now that the excitement was over.

But it was just a glimpse. As soon as the door closed behind us, Ava turned to me, saying, "I realize how awkward this must be for you. My suggestion is that we just leave last night in the past. I know you didn't realize who I was, or, er, am."

I held up a hand, trying not to get too distracted by how her fair face had changed so little since I had last lived in Wolf Territory. "No," I said. "I knew who you were." I smiled. "Are."

"Oh." She looked a little thrown.

"We need to be truthful with each other from here on out," I said before she could dwell on things. "I want you to know I have no intention of staying in Wolf Territory, as Alpha or otherwise. I have a life in the Human World, a good life, and when I go back I'd like to take you with me."

"What?" Surprise brought a rosy flush to her cheeks.

"No one there will care that you have been mated before. We can be together openly, if you'd like that." I watched her eyes widen and smiled again, feeling relief that I could finally say the words I'd wanted to say for so long. I took a step toward her, wanting to reach out but restraining myself. "Personally, I'd like that very much."

She looked at me in amazement, but then she said, "I will never leave Moonstone Pack."

My mind flashed again to the scene in the Square: Ava held down by omega slaves, Olivia with her branding iron held high. It had been horrific. Surely Ava wanted to escape.

"Why?" I could only ask, stepping slightly closer and smelling her crisp, apple-like scent I remembered so well, not just from my childhood but also from the night before.

I was trying my best not to crowd her, but it was hard not to take her in my arms as she stood there, the sweet lips I had kissed creased into a frown. Frankly, if I had my way, I'd gather her up and take her back to my home right this minute. The thought made me a little light-headed.

A heavy knock on the door had both of us turning away from each other and stepping back. Of all people, Ethan opened the door and walked through. I noted he'd removed his Alpha cape, but he was still ridiculously overdressed, and he'd styled his hair to accentuate his widow's peak.

I saw Ava eyeing him warily and thought she was probably worried Ethan had been listening to us. But I knew the room was well soundproofed and just waited for him to say whatever he needed to say.

"Excuse me for bothering you," he said with a deference that obviously rankled. "But I have learned that Olivia has returned to the packhouse, locked herself in, and is breaking things. I'm worried she may injure herself or others, and we may need to intervene.

I didn't roll my eyes, but it was close. "Olivia is a spoiled child, and I suggest we simply leave her to calm down on her own."

Ethan nodded but didn't leave. I suspected his concern over Olivia was a pretense, something he confirmed when he told me, "I know you're very busy with your Human affairs on the mainland. I want to offer my services as your acting Alpha so that you may return to them."

I laughed. "Are you joking?"

He looked offended. I didn't care.

"You cheat on your wife, break her bond in the most painful way possible, and marry my sister in the next breath. Why would I ever trust you again?"

"Our bond is not broken," he said, "not completely."

"What?" Ava demanded.

"She is still my marked mate." He smiled at her in a way he doubtlessly thought was charming.

"I felt it break," she growled fiercely, her eyes flashing fire. "The pain made me pass out, which you know all about because you let Olivia take my wedding ring off my finger and then dumped me in the street!"

Ethan shrugged as though she'd accused him of nothing more than not covering his mouth when he yawned and actually put on an "Aw, shucks" expression.

I seriously wanted to kick his ass.