The Second Chance Of The Rejected Moon (Celine and Bastian) novel Chapter 4

Chapter 4

That same afternoon, old Jasper, his son, and his grandsons began clearing away the cabin’s rubble. Since most of it had been built from stone, the structure could still be saved. The Delta Christian sent was fairly quiet. He introduced himself and immediately started setting up the tent. As for me, I gathered enough firewood to build a bonfire in honor of my grandmother Amelia.

At times I cried. At times I smiled. And sometimes my gaze drifted blankly into nothingness for long stretches of time.

I’m going to miss my grandmother so much. The only thing I want is for her to reunite with my mother and her ancestors in the afterlife, and for her soul to finally find peace.

Jared walks over to me, and the rest of his family does too, though they keep a respectful distance without invading my space. The moon rises high above us, bright and waxing, when I light the bonfire. In silence, I shed tears for my grandmother, for my mother, and for myself.

“Thank you all for staying to keep me company and say goodbye to my grandmother,” I say after a while, my voice barely held together by the warmth of the fire crackling in front of us. “You can go home now. It’s getting late, and nightfall will

come soon.”

Smoke spirals upward in thin ribbons, carrying the scent of damp wood and freshly disturbed earth. Cold wind slips through the trees, raising goosebumps along my exposed skin and making the flames dance, casting long shadows over the broken stone remains of the cabin.

It’s cold, and even though Jasper is still a strong wolf, he’s old. His rough, weathered hands tremble faintly when he holds them near the fire. It isn’t fair for him to stay outside any longer with winter approaching.

“Jared can stay and watch over you tonight,” his father, Martin, says while adjusting his coat, his breath turning visible in the icy air.

I shake my head and offer him a sad smile, feeling the dry skin of my cheeks pull slightly with the effort.

“That’s not necessary, Mr. Martin.” I glance toward the Delta, who’s roasting the rabbit I caught earlier, slowly turning it over the fire while fat crackles and the smell of cooked meat mixes with the smoke. “I already have company, and Jared looks just as exhausted as the rest of you. Come back tomorrow.”

The snapping of branches beneath their feet breaks the silence as they begin walking away. Jared makes a face, his shoulders drooping slightly while his eyes linger on me a second too long before he turns away. His breath leaves in soft white clouds as he joins the others, dragging his feet reluctantly.

The Delta watches me for several seconds before returning to what he was doing, his eyes fixed on the rabbit as if it’s the most fascinating thing in the world. I don’t want to make him any more uncomfortable.

I step into the tent, which is surprisingly spacious. A small bed made from thick blankets spread across the ground calls to me, but I haven’t eaten yet, and I’ll need my strength for tomorrow.

An hour later, I hear the Delta’s footsteps approaching.

“Miss Celine, your dinner’s ready.”

I step outside, pulling my coat closed tighter around myself.

“Then bring it over and eat with me.”

The Delta refuses and hands me the entire roasted rabbit. It isn’t very large, but it’s enough to share.

“I already ate before coming here. I’ll patrol the area and keep the fire going outside.”

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The Second Chance Of The Rejected Moon

He’s young, probably around my age, and I can’t tell whether his discomfort comes from knowing who I am or from missing the pack celebration for my sister and my former mate’s union.

I only nod, close the tent, and sit near the bed, digging the tip of a sharpened stick into the ground so I can eat more comfortably

The heat burns tny fingertips, but I’m so hungry I ignore it. I haven’t had a proper meal in days.

By the time I finish eating, I’m so exhausted that sleep drags me straight into bed. There’s no point offering Delta Thomas a place inside the tent if he gets cold. I already know he wouldn’t accept.

I close my eyes and fall asleep within seconds.

A scream wakes me.

I pull on my boots quickly. It’s well past midnight, and Delta Thomas is nowhere in sight. My wolf stirs uneasily, warning ne that something is wrong. Alert. Ready.

I take a slow breath, catching unfamiliar scents. Not rogues. Wolves. Several of them.

I step out of the tent with my knife hidden in my hand, keeping it out of sight from whoever is surrounding the campsite.

A few yards ahead, I spot Delta Thomas lying motionless on the ground. I run toward him and press my fingers against his pulse.

Relief rushes through me when I find it. He’s alive. Just unconscious.

I scan the darkness around us. The firelight doesn’t reach far enough, and beyond the trees there’s nothing but shadows.

I quickly pull off my boots and lower the zipper of my coat. Shifting into my wolf form is the smartest option. If I need to run, speed will give me an advantage.

But I don’t get the chance.

Someone slams into me from behind, pinning me to the ground within seconds.

“Well, hello there, little wolf.” A man laughs against my ear. “Were you trying to run away? Your sister sent us to keep you company tonight. Wasn’t that thoughtful of her?”

The laughter around us grows closer, and suddenly all I can see are bare feet and clothes dropping onto the ground nearby.

No, Goddess. Please don’t let them ruin me like this.

“Please let me go. I swear Anne will never see me again.”

The man’s warm tongue drags across my cheek, and nausea twists violently in my stomach. Disgust. Revulsion.

“I don’t think that’ll be enough after her fiancé broke things off with her this afternoon.” His voice drips with amusement. “She says it was your fault, so now you’re going to pay for it.”

That voice…

“You… William?”

The dark chuckle of my brother’s best friend, the future Beta of the pack, feels like poison.

“If you don’t fight me, I’ll treat you nicely, little wolf. Then I’ll let my friends have their fun when I’m done with you,” he whispers against my ear.

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