Chapter 11

Having decided to do it, I wouldn't hesitate for a second.As if he knew I'd nearly recovered, the Alpha of the North summoned me to serve him.With Norman's help, I passed the search without trouble.Perhaps because of the poison, the old Alpha was in even worse shape than before.He didn't even have the strength to tie me up. He just reached for the little leather whip.This time I was far more compliant, leaning gently into his arms."Let me do it myself, Alpha. You just sit back and enjoy."Slowly I slipped off my outer coat and straddled him.He seemed not to have expected me to be so forward, and he let his guard down completely.Watching the fool, I brought the dagger down in one swift stroke and drove it into his heart.He had time only for a single cry before the life went out of him.But I hadn't reckoned that the old wretch must have long guessed someone would come to kill him, and had stationed hidden guards beside the tent well in advance.Before I could even stage the sce

Chapter 12

The next day, wolves crowded around the edges of the execution platform.Norman had ordered everyone to come and watch the execution.I glanced up at the sky, my plan already in place.Just before they set the fire to burn me, I laughed out loud.Many of the old Alpha's supporters cursed at me."What are you laughing at now, you bitch?""I'm laughing because this place really is as savage and backward as they say."I sneered and raised my voice."I came to the North by the command of the Moon Goddess. Wherever I go, light follows. Months ago the Moon Goddess came to me in a dream. She told me your old Alpha's cruelty was why the North never sees sun or moon all year. She charged me, as a Luna, to bless the North: to kill the old king of the North, ease the endless winter, and bring back the moon.""Yet the old Alpha dared to try to kill me, and in the end he was struck down by the backlash.""And now you mean to kill me too. That's a death wish of your own making."The old Alpha's supp

Chapter 13

When I woke again, I was lying in Norman's arms.The North had its first clear sky in ages, and it lifted everyone's spirits."Awake? You went through a lot this time."Norman stroked my cheek, teasing."I just clawed my way back from the dead. Of course I need a good rest."I answered lazily."But how did you know the sky would clear and the moon would come out? The North hasn't had weather this fine in years.""As a child I learned to read the stars and predict the weather from my mother. Yesterday I saw the wind had changed, so the moon should appear. Still, it was luck too, and my bet paid off.""I see. You really are clever, and bold enough too."There was more admiration in the way Norman looked at me now, and something warmer besides.Suddenly he drew a bouquet of colorful flowers from behind his back."These are for you. I had them brought from the Riverlands. I hope that one day the North will bloom with flowers this lovely too."I froze, taken aback that he would go to such l

Chapter 14

In the frozen, snow-blanketed land, Kristoff stood waiting.Before he could react, I landed a punch square on his face."Have you lost your mind?"It was the coldest I'd ever been toward him since the day we met."Matilda, I've finally found you."His voice was frantic, even choked, and his eyes reddened along with it."I am the late Alpha's Luna now, and the unmarked Luna of the North's new Alpha. Watch your words."At these words, Kristoff's eyes grew redder still."No... how can this be. Stop this, Matilda. I've come to take you home. You've suffered, haven't you? I'll take you back right now!"I looked at his outstretched hand and struck it aside without hesitation."Taking another pack's Luna without leave. Are you trying to start a war with the North?"A look of hurt and remorse crossed his face."I should have moved against the North long ago, from the very day you came here. Matilda, only by losing you did I learn how much you mean to me. My fated mate, my love..."The anguish

Chapter 15

"Alpha, I think that woman is just deceiving you!""The Riverlands are rich and thriving. She'll never come back to a barren place like ours.""She must be a wicked woman! She killed the old Alpha, then pretended to be your fated mate, claiming she speaks for the Moon Goddess. She's no good at all.""Let's go right now and kill every last one of them!"Norman's trusted men had gathered around him."Wait a while longer. I believe she'll come back."The sky was growing dark, and the Riverlands forces still hadn't pulled out of the North.The North's Gamma, seemingly unable to wait any longer, cursed outright."Damn it! Has that bitch already run back home? We should have killed her when we had the chance.""Shut your mouth! Remember, she is your Luna!"Norman snapped at him, and eavesdropping from outside, I felt a sweet warmth in my chest.At last I'd found a small place for myself in the North."Ahem. Who was it that wanted to kill me?"At the sound of my voice, the Gamma bowed his hea

Chapter 16

I was Norman's Second Chance, and by unspoken agreement we never spoke of the past again.In this life I was his only wife, and he never strayed or cared for anyone else.In the politics of the North he kept nothing from me, and I never failed the trust he placed in me.I introduced new farming methods to the North, and the harvests grew richer.Through our efforts, relations between the North and the Riverlands grew ever warmer.When the vampires attacked, with the North's help the Riverlands suffered almost no losses.He held me and kissed my eyes tenderly."In the next life, I want to meet you first and be your fated mate. Best of all, let us be of the same pack, so I can stay close to you in our homeland."So he had known all along.Known that I longed for the Riverlands pack, that I longed for my father far away.Still, meeting him in this life was my good fortune.Norman stayed by my side always, even after our son inherited the pack.He would often walk with me to the border bet