The Alpha's Borrowed Luna (Abigail Hayes) novel Chapter 34

The Alpha’s Borrowed Luna

I understood the implication in his words, but didn’t press further.

We walked away from the training grounds, but I couldn’t help frowning as we went. The way she had leaned on Kaius’s shoulder kept playing in my mind.

“Are you okay?” Frost asked as we walked deeper into the forest, away from prying eyes.

“Yes,” I blurted out my answer, my voice strained despite my efforts to hide my feelings.

His knowing gaze made me feel exposed. “You aren’t. You are jealous.

I bristled at his directness. “You feel like you know everything, but you don’t.”

“I don’t know everything, but that I know.” His tone was gentle, which somehow made it worse. I didn’t want his pity.

I kicked at a fallen branch, frustration making my movements sharp. I should have expected that, it shouldn’t surprise me. I hadn’t ‘satisfied‘ him, so perhaps he got that elsewhere.”

“Don’t blame it on yourself, it’s not your fault.” Frost’s eyes searched my face with uncomfortable perception.

I turned away from his knowing look. He must think I’m pathetic getting jealous when I’m just a temporary stand–in, while she actually fits into Kaius’s life.

The trees grew denser as we continued walking. “How far are we going?” I asked, deliberately changing the subject.

“Far enough.”

J

I glanced at him curiously. “Frost.”

He looked surprised at the nickname. “Yes?”

“I’m exhausted. You do know I can’t transform into my wolf form as often as you can, right?” As an omega, my shifts were rare and painful–a weakness I’d learned to hide at Mistwood, where such limitations were treated with contempt.

His expression softened with understanding. “I know that. You won’t be shifting; I’ll be your ride.”

I blinked in surprise. “Sorry.”

“I don’t mind.”

He stepped a few paces away and began removing his clothes without ceremony. My cheeks burned as I quickly turned my back to him, but not before catching a glimpse of toned muscle that rivaled kaius’s powerful build.

The air shifted behind me, charged with the wild magic of transformation. When I turned back, a massive wolf stood where Frost had been–his fur a striking silver–white that seemed to capture the sunlight filtering through the trees. His ice–blue eyes remained the same, watching me with intelligent awareness.

He was magnificent–larger than any wolf I’d seen at Mistwood, his muscled form radiating power and grace. I approached cautiously, awed by the creature before me.

“You’re beautiful,” I whispered.

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Chapter 31

He dipped his head, almost like a bow, then lowered himself to the sound in invitation. I hesitated only briefly before climbing onto his back, my fingers twining in his thick fur for stability.

Once I was settled, he rose smoothly and began to move. Cautiously at first, then with growing speed as I adjusted to the rhythm of his gait. Soon we were racing through the forest, wind whipping through my hair, the world blurring into streaks of green and gold

around us.

For those precious moments, I forgot everything–the contract, Kaiu Lysandra, even my mother’s coldness. There was only the exhilarating freedom of speed, the powerful body beneath me, and the wild scent surrounding us.

I laughed aloud, the sound startling even to my own ears. How long had it been since I’d felt such simple joy?

We reached a small clearing where a stream cut through the forest floor. Frost slowed, allowing me to slide from his back. I stumbled slightly as my feet touched the ground, my legs unsteady after the wild ride.

The moments stretched peacefully as I sat beside the stream, trailing my fingers through the cold water while Frost kept watchful guard. No words were needed; his presence was comfort enough.

Then suddenly he stiffened, ears pricking forward, his massive body tensing with alertness.

“What is it?” I asked, instantly on edge.

He shook his great head, then turned back toward the direction we had come. His meaning was clear: we needed to return.

The journey back seemed shorter, my spirits sinking with each stride that brought us closer to the pack house. All too soon, we arrived at the spot where Frost had left his clothes.

He waited patiently for me to dismount and turn my back before shifting. I heard the rustle of cloth as he dressed quickly.

“My attention is needed,” he explained when I turned back to face him, now fully clothed. His expression was apologetic but

resolute.

I nodded, understanding. For all our growing familiarity, he was still Beta to the pack. His responsibilities came first.

“Thank you for this,” I said, genuinely grateful. “It was… nice to feel free, even for a little while.”

Something like regret flashed in his ice–blue eyes. “I’ll escort you back to your room.”

The walk back was silent, the easy companionship of our forest excursion fading with each step toward the pack house. By the time we reached Kaius’s chambers, the weight of reality had settled fully back on my shoulders.