10

“Right. We see what’s up, then we figure out our next move. I need to patrol the village and see if we can squeeze more space out of the building works for those we’ve settled in the house, today. We need to keep them moving out so we can accommodate the incoming, for now. There are still three times as many wolves at the mountain than we have here…. We need to really think about this. We’re at capacity almost and from what you said, Carmen thinks more will run soon.” Colton stands and makes it clear he’s dismissing the sub pack, ending this conversation for the time being, as though they are all somehow agreeing to leave this as is, they get up to move. I linger, waiting for Colton as they nod their respect and leave in an almost single file until only Meadow trails behind.

“I know you don’t want to fight our people again. Or him. I know how much it hurt to have to do that…. But sometimes, Hermano, you have to do horrible things for the greater good.” She pats him on the shoulder, rubbing his clavicle with her thumb for a second before kissing me on the cheek feather soft, and departs with a sad smile. We watch her go before Colton turns his attention to me fully.

“She’s right… I don’t want to fight my people again. It was hell to do it once, I can’t even get my head around doing it again.” Colton breathes out when we are alone and his despair washes over my instantly, tainting the air I inhale. Always at the heart of his decisions are his pack, even the ones that are not technically ours. My heart bleeds for him, a tight heavy pain that constricts my ribs, because I understand. I don’t want to hurt our people any more than he does. Most of them never did anything to deserve this.

“You heard what they said…. the people are turning. The memory being shared. I don’t think Juan has the command to make them fight like he did. Only his loyal would take up arms and they’re a lost cause anyway. When you take down the king you have to take down his circle of trust, or you leave betrayal as an opportunity. Didn’t you learn anything from the history teachers.” I nudge him lightly with my shoulder against his and he relaxes a little, that cute boy half smile coming my way as my words amuse him.

“How did I get so lucky in finding a mate who’s beautiful and smart…. You make every day easier; you know that?” Colton leans in and brushes a kiss across my lips, warmly soft and yet he still ignites butterflies; lingering a moment to rub his nose against mine and my insides melt and combust all at the same time. It never ceases to amaze me how responsive I am to his touch and I hope it never stops being this way. Six months on and he still gives me fireworks.

“The fates knew you needed someone to keep you in hand!” I giggle, running my fingers over that squared off clean shaven jawline and melt a little when he smiles, all full-on dazzling dreamy.

“Really? Keep me in hand… I think that’s a little backwards. I most definitely run dampener on your temper sometimes, baby. My feisty headstrong Luna.” He kisses me again and I can’t say that I can argue with that, losing myself in the pressing of his lips as he lingers longer than the last one. Colton draws back without pushing it further and fixes a serious look on me.

“Are you really not okay with carmen being here?” There’s a serious glimpse of unease in his eye and I exhale breathily, making a show of sighing dramatically and shrug. An inner war cascading around and green-eyed jealousy showing face as I try to rationalize my feelings.

“I don’t know. I know she can’t come between us; I know you don’t have feelings for her…. It’s just …. It was a time that sucked, and she was a major part of it. Maybe I need to get used to her being here. I know I have nothing to worry about at all, that she can’t do anything to hurt us, to separate us. She won’t be half the bitch now that I’m Luna and she knows her place…. and the consequences for disrespecting me.” I growl lightly with the last six words, venom infused in the real threat I put out there and Colton chuckles at my show of fierce.

“Baby, that temper, ouch.” He touches me and makes a mock sizzle noise before blowing his fingers dramatically. It does nothing to damper my fury.

“Well, she better take note, because I will tear her a new one if she annoys me.” I smirk, simmering, and Colton holds up mock defensive palms. His eyes alight with sudden laughter, seeing as his everyday hobby is to tease and taunt me and it always brings back his sunnier side.

“Scary! You’re cute when you’re a little feral. Wanna make out?” Colton disarms me with his humor and playfulness, a wink, and aims a grab on me that bursts the mood completely and gets me giggling. He pins me down on the podium, flipping me onto my back so he can lay on top of me and starts nibbling on my neck and jawline, heading for my face as I squeal and fight him with futility. It’s hopeless as he’s stronger, faster, and completely relentless when he wants to be, plus he weighs twice what I do. I was never a match in human form for this heavy, solid, Latino lover.

“Do you ever manage just one hour without needing to molest me?” I bat his face away as he goes in for a kiss and then give up completely and kiss him instead with a chaste peck to cool his jets. Pressing face to face and smiling as our lips collide. He grins despite being joined at the mouth and chuckles.

“Hour? I can’t manage ten minutes, baby.”