The Dual Claim のすべてのチャプター: チャプター 61 - チャプター 70

I tried to mull the words over in my head, but Sori taking my hand and holding it took all my attention.I wanted to pull her in my lap and hold her tight.In all honesty, I was starting to think about other things besides holding her. After all she’d been through, how could I even approach that?And that devilish grin she gave me? I nearly groaned out loud.Elara’s interruption came at a good time.I talked to her.You did?Yes. She felt sad when you turned away. I told her we would always be there.You’re a good wolf, Zee.Yes, I am. Nice of you to finally notice.I swear he winked at me. Smartass wolf.“Elara can you say the words again?” I asked.“Most certainly,” she said and recited them again.“Two souls wander life to life, Through joy and sorrow, peace and strife. Across all ages, old or new, Until they find the bond they onc

“Thanks, I appreciate it,” I said into the speakerphone before I pressed the button to end the call to the granary in Riverton, the town to the west, bordering Silverpine’s land.During the last snowstorm, there was a leak in the roof of our silo, and the grain molded.Now we had to spend money to replace it this late in the season.We still had the grain silo for sale, but it was a catch-twenty-two, we use that grain to feed the Pack and then we didn’t profit from the sales we made from it. It was cheaper for me to buy and replace rather than eliminate profits.This expense came right on the heels of a costly repair on our heavy equipment trucks.“When it rains, it pours,” Dad used to say. Thankfully, the Pack coffers were able to handle the unexpected repairs and grain replacement.I heard Kane approach before he knocked on the doorframe of the open door. I didn’t like the look on his face.“What now?” I asked.“Noth

The upstairs was empty; I could hear Sam and Elara downstairs in the kitchen. I scooted across the hallway barely wrapped in a towel… old habits die hard.I held my towel firmly in place, even in the privacy of my room. Again, old habits.I closed my bedroom door and leaned against it. My eyes took in my new room. Gabriel said it was their guest room, but I knew better.Elara set this room up for the daughter she knew was coming one day. I bet the room grew up with each generation of wolves born. How many had she hoped through, only to start the cycle all over again.I opened the blinds a smidgeon, just to let some light into the room, giving it a twilight feel. One of my favorite times of the day.Trying to open the dresser drawer proved to be impossible one handed, so with a deep breath, I let the towel drop.I tugged on the drawer pulls and it slid open to reveal all the soft, silky, and lacy things Gabriel and I quickly discovered

Everyone nodded. This was a heavy responsibility. “Who’s been doing this up until now?”There were a lot of blank stares and everyone looking back and forth to each other.Gabriel leaned in and whispered, “No one. The Pack hasn’t had a Luna since my mother died.”I closed my eyes and breathed deep, almost forgetting the room and everyone in it… except for Gabriel. He smelled like a blend of cedar, vanilla, and spice.My mind felt dreamy, like I was drifting off to some unknown place, but anxious to get there.I saw woods with very tall trees, and the moon shining brightly, and fireflies…lots and lots of them, swirling and twirling about.Then I heard the most beautiful voice in my head. “You will never be alone, my child. I will guide you each and every step of the way. Embrace your journey and the life you were destined to lead.”I opened my eyes to find Gabriel watching me, his eyes not missing a beat. Everyone else was still talkin

I tied my laces in a double knot and trotted down the stairs and out to the front porch.The sun was barely over the horizon. The air was brisk, and the snow was melted from the roads and sidewalks.A perfect morning for a run.I did some pathetic stretching, and set out on an easy pace.I would rather shed my skin and let Zee take the lead, but I knew he’d just make a beeline for Sam and Elara’s to see Soree.He’s made it perfectly clear that she can’t be out of our sight. Regardless of whether she’s on Pack lands, with a senior member twenty-four seven.She might be in danger.When in reality, the only danger around her, is me.Which is precisely why I’m going out for a run.Because all I can think about every second of the day, is her wearing slinky underwear beneath her everyday clothes.Both Zee and I growled in unison, and my pace increased.I crested a small hill a couple of miles from the Pack House