The Alpha’s Shadow Luna のすべてのチャプター: チャプター 31 - チャプター 40

“We are family, Leahndra.” Keanu’s voice pulled me back to the present. “Is just calling you Leah okay?"“Yes,” I said automatically. “Leah is fine—"“We can stay here, where it’s safe.” He gestured around the golden sanctuary, his amber eyes bright with hope. “No one can find us. No one can hurt us.”I looked around the space, at the hanging crystals and warm carpet, at the protection that had kept him hidden and alive all these years. It would be so easy to say yes. To hide here and pretend the outside world didn’t exist. To never have to face the truth about Darien or what he might have been planning.But even as the thought formed, I knew I couldn’t do it.“We can’t just stay locked up here,” I said gently. “It might be safe, but what kind of life is that? There is an entire world out there."Keanu’s face fell, his shoulders slumping. “My father’s magic protects this place. It’s hidden. I don’t know anything about the world.” His voice dropped to almost a whisper. “I don’t have an

A silver lycan stepped into view, and my breath stopped completely. It was massive, much larger than the other lycans that had been threatening us. Where they had looked like bear shifters, this creature looked like something out of legend. Its silver fur seemed to shimmer even in the darkness of the storm, and every movement radiated power and control.At its side was a polar bear, enormous and deadly, its white fur making it nearly invisible against the snow.Behind them, more forms emerged. Smaller than the lycans but still impressive. Artic Dire wolves. I knew them … their distinctive size and strength … they were the Northwind pack officers.Which meant the silver lycan was Darien. Though my heart already knew that. I felt it leap in recognition when I saw him. Racing wildly in excitement. My foolish heart forgetting that I was being hunted by lycans when it came to Darien.Keanu growled, the sound rumbling from deep in his chest. His eyes blazed brighter, and I felt the temperat

The moment his fingers brushed my cheek, electricity shot through me. The tingles exploded across my skin, a thousand times stronger than before, and I gasped. My wolf howled with pleasure, pressing against my skin, wanting to shift and claim our mate right here in the snow.I jerked back, nearly tripping over my own feet in my haste to put distance between us.Hurt and confusion flashed across Darien's face. He looked at his hand, then at me, his brow furrowing."Did I hurt you?""No," I said quickly."I just, I'm cold. The touch was cold."It was possibly the worst lie I'd ever told. His touch had been anything but cold. It had been fire and lightning, and every good thing I'd ever felt amplified to an almost painful degree.Smooth, my wolf said sarcastically. Very convincing.If I could deck my wolf right now, I would. Shut up!He is not an idiot. You are making things worse.Darien didn't look convinced either. His eyes narrowed slightly, studying me with an intensity that made me

"I appreciate that you both want to protect me," I said, keeping my voice steady. "I do. But I'm not a prize to be won or a problem to be solved. I get to decide what happens to me. Not you." I looked at Keanu. "And not you." I looked at Darien.Keanu's expression shifted to something like shame. "Leah, I didn't mean—""I know." I softened my tone slightly. "I know you're trying to help. Both of you. But I need you to understand something. I won’t be talked over and ignored, or treated like I don’t matter. I will not go back to that. I won’t let anyone, even people who care about me, make choices for me."The room was quiet. I could see Darien processing my words, could see the moment he connected them to what I'd told him about Shane. His jaw tightened, and I knew he was remembering. The story of my ex-fiancé who'd used me. The humiliation of being discarded for my own sister."You're right," he said finally. "I'm sorry."The apology was simple and sincere, and something in my chest

The dragon's head snapped toward me, those burning eyes locking onto my movement. Heat rolled off its body in waves, scorching the air, making it hard to breathe.It growled, a sound that vibrated in my bones, and golden light built in its throat again.Darien was suddenly there, materializing between me and the dragon so fast I didn't see him move. His arms wrapped around me, pulling me against his chest, and I felt power surge through him as another barrier sprang up.The flames hit us.Even through Darien's shield, the heat was incredible. I pressed my face into his chest, feeling his heart racing against my cheek, feeling the way his muscles strained as he held the barrier against the onslaught.When the flames finally stopped, Darien's arms loosened slightly but didn't let go. I looked up at him and gasped.Burns marked his forearms, angry red welts where the flames had gotten through his defenses. Where he'd taken the damage meant for me."You're hurt," I whispered."I gladly b