The Alpha and The Vigilante novel Chapter 43

"Perhaps," Alpha Cain was pensive. "But she was strong before I met her. Perhaps the Moon Goddess has taken a liking to her." I rolled my eyes. If anything, the Moon Goddess probably hated me. I followed no rituals, and have killed many.

I stirred in Cain's lap, beginning to get tired. He had continued to give me bites of food until I refused. He looked like he wanted to press the matter, but ultimately dropped it, probably not wanting me to make a huge commotion in front of his cousin.

"Your mate appears to be exhausted. You may stay here the night if you wish," Thane offered.

"Thank you, cousin, but we will be heading back to Blood Lake tonight. The pack has been restless without their Luna." Thane nodded his head in understanding at Cain's words, although I didn't quite understand.

Cain and Thane stood, Cain not releasing his hold on me, and I imagined he wouldn't be for a long while.

"Goodbye, Cain. Goodbye, Ares. You both are welcome to come by anytime." Thane smiled warmly at us, and I felt saddened by leaving. Even though Thane had given me back to Alpha Cain, there was something about him that was incredibly likable.

Alpha Cain nodded at him, as I said, a man of few words. "I owe you." He said, and I knew he was referring to Thane returning me to him.

Thane smiled. "Take care of her, cousin. Though I have a feeling she can do most of it on her own."

With those words, Cain stepped through the empty doorframe and into the night. I could feel his optimism through the bond.

When we got into the car, I tried scooting off of the Blood Alpha's lap, but his grip was firm and he growled harshly. He didn't seem quite too pleased about my escape.

One of his pack members was waiting in the car the whole time, and I felt bad that Alpha Cain hadn't invited him in, although I had a feeling the pack member would have been highly uncomfortable. Cain's willingness to go into another pack's territory with no backup just proved how much he trusted Thane.

Alpha Cain didn't say anything for the first thirty minutes of the trip, and I felt uneasy because of it.

Your and Thane's name are very similar. I mindlinked him, just wanting to ease the awkwardness.

The Alpha shrugged. "Not particularly. It is better that I met you while you were still young. It will leave plenty of time to put many pups in you, and they will be healthier due to your youth."

I swallowed the lump in my throat, looking away from his eyes that swelled in hope for his future family. I didn't want to have kids, and that was 90% of my responsibility as a Luna. If I had been mates to a normal wolf, there would be no pressure to carry on their lineage.

You can still choose someone else to be your Luna you know.

He growled fiercely in response, and jerked my chin up so we were making eye contact. "If I wanted to take another she-wolf to bed and impregnate, I would have already. I had plenty to choose from."

I narrowed my eyes at him, not surprised by this knowledge. All she-wolves craved mates with power and dominance, it was in their instincts. Even I on some level relished in my mate's power and dominance. I just refused to submit to Alpha Cain because he had not proven to be a worthy Alpha to my wolf and I. He had been considerably easy on us, and I knew he would have been harsher if it were any other wolf. It made him look weak to go so easily on me. I didn't think he would step up and completely dominate me when it came down to it.

"Does that make you jealous, mate?" He leaned over and mumbled the words into my half-ear. I held still, forcing myself not to react.