Two

Martha

Running deeper into the Oak-hickory forest, I repeat to myself. "This is what I need."

In the distance, I hear the distant howls of fellow werewolves on their runs, but I try to steer clear of my pack members.

I have to clear my head and find a way to survive the day without feeling like an abandoned wife.

I can't shake the feeling that my husband, Lucian, might be cheating on me. Maybe I'm overthinking, but his recent behavior has been shady and my intuition is rarely wrong.

I married Lucian Remus and became the Luna of the Red Moon Pack eighteen years ago.

Despite approaching thirty-five, I still look like I'm in my mid-twenties. Our first night together resulted in our amazing daughter, Star. She's confident, strong, and challenges Lucian when needed. She's the only one who can confront the Alpha in our pack.

Star and I can literally fit in the same outfit if I lose a little weight, and she’s always saying I'm taking her shine in the Pack. Having a great body is terrific, but as I get older, and I look like I haven't aged a day, it becomes harder not to find one or two werewolves openly goggling at me.

Lucian seems to like it though. He had once said it feels great knowing that no matter how much those horny werewolves want me, they can never have me.

At first, I thought he was being romantic, but over the years, I realized he was being extremely possessive, and I had no choice but to put up with it. I wasn’t just his wife, I was also his Luna and I had to be responsible for the Pack.

All of this would have been easy to tolerate, but Lucian hasn't cared for me romantically since a long time ago. It seems like the spark between us has diminished. Or did it ever exist?

I've heard of cases where attraction dwindled in marriage as couples got older, but was that our case?

Lost in my thoughts, I wonder if things would be different if I hadn't followed my parents' wishes and married an Alpha. What if I had met a strong, handsome werewolf who truly loves and protects me?

As I galloped through the woods, lost in contemplation, a wolf unexpectedly tripped me, causing pain. Luckily, I managed to roll away just in time to avoid his sharp paws.

As I gazed up, I was enchanted by the sight of the most captivating wolf I had ever laid eyes on. His coat was lustrous, and his eyes held a mix of longing and tenderness.

I felt an irresistible pull towards him, as if he held the answers to my deepest desires within those deep, mesmerizing blue eyes. Though not as massive as Lucian, he possessed a similar presence.

Instead of simply posing for my admiration, the wolf locked eyes with me, his intense gaze penetrating my soul as if he was trying to uncover the depths of who I truly am.

I didn't cower before him; instead, I mustered the courage to inquire about his identity.

However, without a word of apology, he galloped away from me, leaving me stunned and yearning for an explanation.

Though I wanted to scream and demand the apology I felt I deserved, I realized there was no telepathic connection between us, indicating that he wasn't a member of our pack. His scent was distinct, a blend of rosewood and an intoxicating hint of whiskey.

Instead of chasing after him, seeking retribution, I swiftly returned to where I had left my clothes, eager to make it home in time to start the day.

As the sun reached its zenith, I finally arrived at the secluded corner of the woods where I had transformed.

To my astonishment, I come to a sudden halt and furrow my brow as I witness a familiar dark wolf undergoing a breathtaking shift into his human form.

It was the very same wolf I had encountered earlier!

His shoulder-length ebony locks and well-sculpted muscles were an absolute feast for the eyes. And those low, indistinct moans he emitted? Utterly tantalizing.

But just as I found myself entranced by his alluring physique, he swiftly transformed and spun around to face me, leaving me utterly bewildered!

I couldn't believe my own eyes as I gazed upon the stunning man who had taken the place of the enigmatic wolf.

His captivating eyes, adorable nose, and perfectly chiseled jawline had me completely spellbound. And that birthmark adorning his chin? It bestowed upon him an irresistible aura akin to that of a protagonist in an anime movie.

In a hushed whisper, I muttered to myself, "This can't be real," yet my inner wolf, Lady, seemed irresistibly drawn to him.

There was an inexplicable force pulling her towards him, and I found myself unable to resist its power. I couldn't help but wonder, how was his birthmark concealed in his wolf form?

He appeared younger than my cousin Geri, who is nearing 30, suggesting he must be in his late twenties. Yet, he possessed a natural allure that could render any woman weak with a single glance.

I watched as he flashed a smirk in my direction, closing the distance between him and Lady as if he hadn't just fled from me moments ago. Did he really think his good looks could excuse his rude behavior?

"Hey there, Luna Martha, it's a pleasure to finally meet you," his deep, velvety voice caressed my ears, leaving me momentarily stunned as I tried to recall how I had given away my position.

Oh, right! My fur. My unique brown-dotted coat is both a blessing and a curse. It's one of my best features, but it also made me feel like an outsider among my Pack while growing up.

The handsome werewolf glanced around, then locked eyes with me, as if anticipating someone to emerge from behind and pounce on him.

It took a moment for me to realize he must be waiting for Lucian. That realization dampened my mood once more, reminding me of the reason I had ventured out for a run in the first place.

I nonchalantly began to walk away, making my way towards my clothes to shift, hoping he would take the hint and depart. But he didn't.

His intense gaze sent shivers down my spine as it traced the contours of my shifting form.

It may seem a bit silly to shift and dress in front of an attractive stranger, but I couldn't deny the exhilaration it stirred within me. It might sound crazy, but there was something about him that made me feel alive and completely liberated.

Oh my, this situation is getting intense!

I quickly remind myself that I'm a married woman, and these thoughts are so wrong. I hastily change back into my jogging suit to regain control.

But to my surprise, the werewolf moves closer, his breath now on my face. He's certainly intimidating, I'll give him that.

"This is so fucking wrong, Martha. You're a married woman," I quickly caution myself again, reminding myself of my commitment.

"You, Martha, are a work of art," he says, his words sending shivers down my spine. His groans fill my head, and I bite my lip to suppress any moans.

I try to rationalize it, blaming the lack of physical touch for these indecent thoughts. But I should be used to attention from young male werewolves by now, so why am I feeling aroused? It's so wrong.

"How can Alpha Lucian let you go for a run looking like a sin without tagging along?" he suddenly questions, turning me around to face him.

He presses his body against mine, and I catch my breath, feeling breathless. "What the hell are you doing?" I try to break free, but he holds me tightly, refusing to let go.

I blinked, not able to register a thing as I looked into his dark blue eyes. I can't explain how I am feeling because it's too profound. I hope he didn't notice that I'm trembling due to arousal.

“Easy Luna, you are trembling. I just want to have a conversation with you.” His voice came out so deep and sexy that I found myself unconsciously rubbing my core against his thigh.

“Stop this at once, Martha” I cautioned myself but I couldn't. “Damn, he is so handsome..” I swallow, unable to resist his tempting countenance.

I felt his hand on my back go lower as he looked into my eyes. This is wrong. This is wrong. I chanted in my head but I didn't stop him when his hand cupped my ass cheek and squeezed it.

Absent-mindedly, I let out a moan. “Don’t stop..”

“You are getting me hard, Luna..” He groans softly, his two hands now on my ass, rubbing and kneading them like soft dough as I let out wanton moans. If Lucian finds out about this…

The moment the thought of my possessive husband penetrated my thoughts, I quickly pushed the stranger away from me.

Gasping and panting for air, I licked my wavering bottom lip and pressed my thighs tighter to suppress the ache in my clit without looking at him.

“Did you do that on purpose?” I immediately blamed him for how aroused he made me feel and the corners of his mouth lifted in a smile.

“Did I? If I remember correctly you started this by rubbing your-”

“You owe me an apology,” I cut off his words before he could say how embarrassing I acted a while ago.

“I know, but I'm not sorry for bumping into you,” He gave a half-assed apology but I couldn’t stall any longer.

“Apology accepted, who are you?”