Since Alice moved in, Carson had become her shadow. The house shifted its center of gravity to her belly; whispers focused on her comfort, her naps, her cravings. My name became a footnote in the days between.
One night, I padded downstairs for water and heard the two of them in the guest room. Alice’s voice was honeyed. “Carson, the moonstone amulet—your family’s amulet—I’ve heard it helps. The pup keeps waking me. Could I borrow it for a while?”
The moonstone amulet was more than jewelry. It was the Stormclaw treasure, the symbol that marked the Luna. Carson had placed it around my throat at our mating, the moonlight silver warming my skin while he vowed there would never be another Luna. His voice when he gave it had been solemn: It belongs to you, forever.
I watched them through the crack in the door. He kissed her face and smiled like a man making a secret bargain. “Of course. I’ll ask Brianna. You can wear it until the pup is born.”
My wolf—aggressive, ancestral—growled deep in my chest. I stepped back; the boards creaked and he opened the door, surprised to see me. There was guilt on his face, a quick wash that didn’t linger. He guided me into the hallway gently. “Brianna… you heard, didn’t you?” he asked, voice faltering.
I said nothing. Then I spoke, steady and careful, “I’ll lend it—on one condition.” I watched him relax at my acquiescence. I had what I needed.