Curse of the Moon Goddess
Can't Deny It

“I said no! I’m not ready for this. Let go!”

I took off running, leaving my mate to fend for herself, recognizing the owner of the voice.

In seconds, I found Aleina trapped in the arms of the guy from earlier. This time I took a good look at him. He reminded me a lot of my own mate. Fancy clothes and blonde hair. Not particularly tall for a guy, but he was still a little taller than Aleina. I couldn’t see his eyes, but I assumed they would be the same color as Olivia’s.

I released a low, threatening growl.

“She said let go.”

The guy whipped his head around, irritation written all over his face, his green eyes glittering mischievously. He didn’t release her but held her tighter. I could tell she was struggling to get free. Though she’s a tough cookie I highly doubt she was a match against her mate. Even if she was in danger, she was powerless to the bond.

“Well, if it isn’t my soon to be brother-in-law. Shouldn’t you be with my sister right now rather than ruining my fun?”

Before I could respond, as if on cue, his sister came to stand by my side. I could feel her irritation radiating off her, though her face looked as pleasant as when I first saw her.

“Jake, honey, why did you leave me? Let’s leave my twin brother alone so they can enjoy their time together,” her words were dripping honey, but there was a warning buzzing in it.

I ignored her. I was no longer mesmerized with my silly, weak, china doll mate. My childhood competitor was in danger. Despite the despise I felt for Aleina, my stomach turned at the scene before me. She was genuinely scared, and her eyes begged me not to leave her. No way was I going to do that. I never, in all the years I’ve known her, have seen her scared. She was the type to play with bears and put spiders in your bed if you got on her bad side. And yes, that has happened to me on more than one account. To see her scared like this sent even Duncan in a turmoil. He wanted to rip this guy’s head off and I was tempted to let him.

“I won’t say it again. Let her go now.”

“Please Richard. I can’t breathe,” Aleina begged, tears beginning to form in her eyes.

Richard glanced down at Aleina, disdain etched into every fiber, “You dare tell me what to do woman. Know your place. If I want something, I get it. Now, tell this nosy wolf to butt out!”

That was the final straw. Duncan was livid and out for blood. I barely had control to not shift. In one swift move, we grabbed hold of Richard mostly by the shirt the other part a small portion of his neck. We ripped him away from Aleina who moved away while pulling a knife out from under a piece of her dress.

That’s the Aleina I know. A fighter.

“I guess I didn’t make myself clear enough. She doesn’t want you touching her then you don’t touch her. She’s not some pushover like your sister was raised to be. She’s a fighter and a pretty great one at that. If you ever attempt something like this again, I promise I will not hold my wolf back. He wants your blood and next time; I’m going to give it to him. Understood?” I got centimeters away from his face, a permanent scowl on my face.

I’m pretty sure this useless pup wet himself. He was so terrified. He nodded his head at record speed.

Satisfied we’d knock some sense into him, I tossed him a good three feet away. Olivia rushed to check on her brother, who was struggling for breath from the landing.

Ignoring the worthless twins, I turned, eyes soft with worry, Duncan back in his place, to Aleina. I held my arm out to her, not sure how she would react after what just happened.

She gave me a warm, sad smile, before linking her arm in mine. As we walked away from the lake, she laid her head on my shoulder. It felt so nice. I tried convincing myself it was because she’s safe now, but a part of me knew that was not the case.

We walked in complete silence, enjoying the calm as the night rested on us. I guided her away from the gathering towards the training grounds. I knew we both needed this. It’s been over a week since either of us got to train.

Thankfully, we both kept some training clothes at the arena. We both quickly changed and met back at the training circle. Not a word was spoken as we eyed one another. Without a word we knew it would be a hand-to-hand combat style training.

After a moment of observing, she lunged. I dodged easily. We continued back and forth. I’d swing, she’d dodge. She’d swing, I’d dodge. We both found a rhythm and I couldn’t help smiling. This felt like our own kind of dance. Unable to resist, I started humming random notes that surprisingly worked together.

Aleina laughed. Not the giggle she had used with Richard earlier that evening. No, this was her strong, heartfelt laugh.

Taking advantage of the opportunity, I lunged. Her eyes had closed briefly at that precise moment, so she didn’t see me coming. I barreled right into her, sending us both rolling outside the circle.

I opened my eyes to the most beautiful sight. Aleina’s eyes were alit, the gray in her eyes giving them the most mesmerizing, mysterious aura. How could Richard not see how strong, independent, and wonderful Aleina was? Why did he feel he needed to control her when it was so obvious, she could control the world with a single look?

“What is it pup? Cat got your tongue?”

She laughed again, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. Duncan did his weird purring thing again and I lost it. I reached a gentle hand up to cup her dirt and sweat covered face. To me, she looked far more beautiful like this than dressed up as a fairy. Fairies are miserable, this wolf was an angel.

I nodded in response to her question. Her eyes glittered with surprise and joy.

She leaned forward as I closed my eyes. Instead of feeling her lips on mine though, I felt them warm a spot on my forehead.

“Not yet,” she whispered.

I smile, understanding what she meant. I don’t know where this is heading, but I like the path we have found ourselves on.