MATED TO THE MOON ALPHAS

Chapter 29: FADED

AARON

She wasn’t outside my door. I stepped out fully, scanning the front of the house, then the yard. I didn’t even perceive her scent at all, not even any movement or sign of her. ƒreewebɳovel.com

I exhaled sharply, dragging a hand down my face. "Goddess... this girl is going to be the end of me."

Frustration settled in my chest fast. This was exactly what I didn’t want. And now her mother was involved, which meant I didn’t have a choice anymore. I had to find her.

Kimberly wasn’t someone who called asking for favors. Not even when we were partially on talking terms unlike with Hardin... Even though she’s always been calmer than Thomas... I didn’t for once think she was any better. I could boldly say most of Enor’s sneaky tactics came from Kimberly.

The only reason I even entertained her calls was because she was Enor’s mother. But this? This was getting messier. And wrong. If word got out that Enor came to my place, this late at night... Especially with our history... It wouldn’t end well for any of us.

I ran a hand through my hair, frustrated, the cold night air doing nothing to settle the unease building inside me, infact the chill added to whatever was about to go wrong with me.

What if something actually happened to her?

I clenched my jaw. Why does she always have to make things harder than they already are?

I stepped back inside, grabbed my car keys from the table, and headed out again without wanting to think too much about it.

I didn’t even know where to start. Vale wasn’t exactly safe at this hour. Being at the center of several territories meant one thing, too many things moved around at night. Rogues. Strays. Maybe enemies too. Things you don’t want to run into unprepared.

I got into the car and shut the door harder than I intended. The quiet inside made everything feel heavier than the amount of worry clouding my chest. freёweɓnovel.com

I buckled up and tried her number again. It went straight to voicemail.

I stared at the screen for a second before dropping the phone onto the passenger seat with a sigh.

I was worried. More than I wanted to admit. No matter how frustrating Enor could be... I didn’t want anything happening to her.

I started the engine and pulled out, my eyes fixed on the road ahead.

...Just don’t let this be something serious. I prayed.

A few minutes later, I slowed as I approached the woods just outside the main road that led to her place if perhaps she got stranded somewhere. But... Something about the place felt off.

I pulled over, the headlights cutting through the darkness ahead. Then I killed the engine. And tried to listen.

I think we should head back home. Kyle finally spoke.

For a second, I almost forgot I told him to stay quiet after what happened earlier. If he had controlled himself, I wouldn’t have lost it and tackled Jeremy when he admitted he helped Elara disappear without telling anyone.

I was already pissed, and I crossed a line I shouldn’t have. Now Father was involved... and Jeremy was paying for it for lying and hiding the truth from the king.

And I still hadn’t found the courage to tell Elara. Honestly, I thought when I saw her, I’d just tell her everything. That it was a mistake. Those things got out of hand. But after seeing how much she cared about him... I couldn’t.

I couldn’t tell her I was the reason he was locked in the dark room right now, so I lied, even though it took everything in me to keep that truth buried despite the worry and fear that clearly covered her eyes when I stared into them. I felt totally guilty and my chest prickled more than it ever did.

But... I tried not to dwell on it. Father wouldn’t keep him there for long. He was fond of Jeremy... just probably still disappointed. I knew that much. If it had been anything worse, he would’ve involved Thomas, and then this would’ve spiraled into something far messier than it already was.

"I can’t just leave her," I said under my breath.

Kyle didn’t respond lightly this time.

Sometimes I wonder how you’re this soft. She’s not our responsibility. What if this is just another one of her games to pull you back in under her spell? He challenged me.

I rolled my eyes, but his words still hit somewhere deep.

"I was never under her spell," I muttered, stepping closer to the woods. "And don’t forget, I haven’t given you permission to speak yet."

Good. I’ll stay quiet then. Don’t say I didn’t warn you.

"I’d appreciate that." I shot back.

I pulled out my phone, fumbling slightly as I switched on the torch. That was when I heard it. A faint rustle. Almost too quick to catch.

I paused.

I can smell danger... Kyle’s voice came again, lower this time.

His words confirmed that I didn’t imagine it.

We should go back. Whatever is out there... it doesn’t smell right.

I scoffed quietly. "I’m the future Alpha. What does that say about me if I..."

"Shit. Redroad Rogues!" The tension in Kyle’s voice snapped through me instantly.

Redroad Rogues? That didn’t make sense. They were exiled seven years ago for treason. Father gave strict orders for them to be wiped out completely after their rebellion, leaving no survivors. If any of them were still alive... they wouldn’t dare come near Vale.

Something wasn’t adding up. I needed to confirm so I could alert the palace guards if necessary.

Be ready to shift, Kyle. I informed Kyle in my head but he didn’t respond with words. Just his fur trailing under my skin.

I let my senses stretch, listening for movement. But I heard nothing. The whole place was too quiet. Then, I took two careful steps forward, moving behind the nearest pine tree.

That was when I caught the scent. Faint... distorted.

Kyle felt it too.

It’s Moonbane powder. Kyle’s voice dropped, heavy with rapid tension.

That explained it. Moonbane ash was strong enough to blur scent trails, even for Alphas. Except for an Alpha, we have to channel a lot of wolf energy to catch it, barely.

I figured one thing for sure. They were hiding close.

I didn’t wait. Pain shot through me as my claws tore through my fingertips, pushing out like blades. My bones cracked, shifting into place as the change took over. My skin stretched, fur breaking through as my clothes tore apart piece by piece.

My shirt ripped open causing my buttons to scatter. My legs snapped into full form, tearing through my trousers as my body dropped into my wolf form.

My vision instantly sharpened. Red. Feral. Alive.

In one second, I caught the scent again. Sharper this time. Better than the last.

There was a moving shadow between the trees. Good. I lunged forward, Kyle fully in control now. We ran fast. Faster than the wind cutting through the trees.

But the rogue... It was quicker than most rogues I’ve seen. It was too quick for something that should’ve been weak compared to other wolves. It cut corners sharply, dodging through the woods like it knew the terrain.

We pushed harder and closed the distance. We leapt closer. My jaws parted, ready to snap around its throat, Then... Sharp sudden pain suddenly cut through my wolf skin.

It was as if something pierced through my side like a burning needle. My vision blurred for a split second, but I didn’t stop.

One arrow wasn’t enough to bring me down. Not even close. I growled, pushing through the subtle pain crawling down my limbs.

The rogue made another turn. This time, I dug my claws into the ground and launched forward, my body cutting through the air as I pounced.

I caught it. My fangs sank deep into its flesh in a split second. Hard and lethal so it wouldn’t survive even if he managed to escape. But I didn’t get the chance to finish it. Two more arrows slammed into my side at once.

The force hit me damn hard. My body lost balance mid-motion and crashed to the ground, rolling violently across the dirt until I slammed into a nearby tree.

Everything went completely still. My vision flickered as pain tore through me, raw and brutal, dragging a guttural sound from my throat as darkness started creeping in.

Just like that the night faded.