Mine and Yours

LAKE

“Luna, we’re here to begin the preparations,” Shayna is escorted by two warriors as she passes through the open door to my cell with a blanket in her hands. Lee trails right after her.

“Girls, I have no intention—”

My words are cut off by one of the warriors clearing his throat. I growl as I see the intent behind his eyes.

Shayna and Lee look at me desperately. I push myself off the floor and let the warriors undo my chains.

Shayna and Lee scurry behind me as I walk out of the cell. Their heads are continually bowed, and their hands are folded in front of them.

Wolves of all ranks stop what they’re doing and stare as I walk proudly up out of the dungeons. The sun is setting, making the sky beautiful with purples and pinks painted across all corners.

Shayna wraps a blanket around my half-naked body to shield me from the cold and the wandering eyes, and more than likely, to hide my mark from Lucas.

My heart clenches at the thought of my mate. I wonder what he’s been doing all this time. These days away from him have made my body weak, as well as Lynne’s.

I can barely walk because of how tired I am, but I refuse to let anyone have the satisfaction of seeing my weakness.

“Luna, this way to the pack house,” Lee ushers me to follow her. Shayna follows behind.

As we walk, I notice the energy sizzling from the pack members.

I can hear whispers against me. As soon as I glance at the gossipers, they immediately bow their heads and shut up.

“Shayna, what happened to everyone?” I ask over my shoulder.

“Luna?” she asks, puzzled.

“They’re so…submissive,” I breathe out.

“Luna, Luna!” I’m stopped by a female pup who tugs on my blanket. I smile down at her gently.

“Polly!” a woman scolds and hurriedly takes her child away from me. I can see the fear in her eyes. “Please forgive her, Luna. She meant no harm.”

I can see that the woman and her daughter are very cold. Their lips are blue, and their skin looks so icy.

“Here.” I slip the blanket off myself and hold it out to the mother. “You two need it a lot more than I do.”

“Luna, we couldn’t possibly—”

I put my hand up slowly, and as kindly as I can, I say, “Please, take it. I’ll make sure to give out more as soon as possible.”

The mother tears up as she reluctantly takes the blanket from me and nods. I smile down at Polly and ruffle her hair.

“Be good for Mommy, okay?” I bend over so I can be eye level with her.

Polly smiles. “I’ll be the bestest girl ever, Luna!”

Lee takes my arm gently and leads me away. Shayna is quick to offer her jacket. I take it, not knowing what Lucas would do if I didn’t.

“Luna, here is the dress for tonight,” Lee opens the enormous walk-in closet located inside Lucas’s room.

I’m presented with a gorgeous blue mermaid-style gown. The sleeves and neckline are covered with lace and sparkling jewels. The skirt flares out, just hanging on the rack.

“Alpha had it handmade for you,” Shayna adds. I guess she can read my shocked demeanor.

“Let’s get this over with,” I sigh, trying to hold back my need and longing for my mate. For whatever reason, I feel a double connection now more than ever.

DERRICK

Drax steadily lingers over a hilltop overseeing Dark Shadow territory. He stands tall and sniffs the cold air. Lake’s magnificent scent rattles our bones.

I can’t help but imagine our reunion and the enjoyment I’ll have by ripping this alpha’s head clean off his body.

The crystal is glowing light red mixed with pink, meaning Lake is nearby, and I’m closer to having her safely with me.

Drax twitches his ear as the sound of footsteps come up behind him. A growl escapes his breath as the scent we pick up resembles someone.

“Long time no see, Derrick,” Drax turns to see Jake sitting idly on a tree branch above us. My wolf bares his teeth as his hackles rise on the back of his neck.

“I’m not here to fight,” Jake puts his hands up in surrender. “I’ve come to strike a deal.”

Drax and I refuse to back down. We can feel the power of his wolf and the magic protecting him. That witch is near too.

“Listen, I want Moonlight out of there just as much as you do,” Drax growls in a rage. He is quick to send his body flying into the air. Jake is too fast, though, and easily dodges the attack.

“Sorry, didn’t mean to ruffle your feathers,” Drax lands on his feet on the ground as Jake apologizes. “Lake. I want Lake out of this terrible place.”

~That’s it.~

~

I force Drax to shift back. “You’re the one who wants her under your control!”

Jake and I are standing toe to toe. His nose is touching mine as our eyes lock.

“Ah, I guess Oliver told you about the Dream Walker’s activities?” Jake rubs the back of his head.

“Listen, that thing isn’t my ‘true thoughts,’ okay? Oliver was right about that thing doing what its master wants, but I’m not its master.”

“My mate is in danger—”

“Uh-oh…,” Jake taunts. “I guess Oliver didn’t tell you that part either.”

I grab Jake’s shirt collar and growl, “What part?”

“The Bonded curse?” Jake smirks. “Yeah, there’s no way out of it. So, as of now, Lake is both your mate and mine.”