Page 18 of Luna Rising

“He’s third-in-command, our head of security,” Ewan whispered in my ear as we entered the living room.

“Stop reading my thoughts,” I hissed. “It’s weird. And don’t you mean fourth? Surely, I outrank them both.”

Ewan’s smile was almost tender. “You outrank everyone except me.”

That wasn’t exactly the answer I’d been hoping for.

Asserting any degree of authority while wearing Ewan’s oversized college sweats didn’t make the impression I wanted. It is what is, I thought.

Essie and Colleen sat together on the sofa with Mrs. Wynn, sipping tea. Winter was in a chair with Walter standing behind her and leaning on the backrest. Charlie and Birch both stood. Ewan gestured to the only open seat, and I eased down onto the cushion. He stood beside me.

“There’s a lot we need to catch you up on,” he told me, nodding for Essie to explain.

She pursed her wrinkled lips. “Both the Fae and Wolf Zodiac Councils intend to hunt eternals.” Her gaze shifted to Winter. “They’ll kill those who haven’t risen. I just got word from a friend on the inside.”

Honestly, the hunting wasn’t concerning to me. Eternals were impossible to kill by design. That had been integrated into the spell the fae used to make us. It was the second part of Essie’s comment that left me with a sense of dread. Winter was a target. If they were smart, she’d be top of the list.

“So, what do we do?” I asked.

Essie ignored my question. “There’s more, dear. Each faction, both fae and wolves, will receive a missive tomorrow, demanding they hand over suspected eternals or protectors within twenty-four hours.” Her eyes cut to Ewan this time. “Anyone who refuses officially becomes an enemy of the High Zodiac Council. They’ll lose all privileges and protections that come with it.”

“Yeah,” Walter interjected. “It also means war. They will come for you in full force.”

“Normally, this would go to a vote,” Essie continued, as if Walter hadn’t spoken. Her jaw hardened. “I intend to make an executive decision, which may divide the Gemini fae.”

“The Taurus fae won’t comply, either,” Ewan said. “They’re happy to have a bonded pair of original wolves protecting their kingdom.” There was a trace of bitterness in his voice, like he didn’t appreciate his fae counterparts.

Colleen cleared her throat. “We’ve located most of the eternal protectors.” She gestured to us. “You two, of course. Then, we believe there’s one in the Pisces pack; they’re likely to turn her in if they know what she is. We suspect one of the Capricorn alpha’s sons as well. There is also a girl who was raised a lone wolf from what we can tell—we feel confident she’s an eternal. Finally, another pair is in the Ophiuchus pack up in the Snake Mountains.” Her gaze landed on Walter.

He turned to me. “They won’t oppose us, but I can’t say they’ll fight with us, either. It’ll take some coaxing. Their alpha might listen to you.”

“Me?” I pointed to myself, raising an eyebrow in doubt.

“Who’s their leader?” Ewan growled.

Walter ignored him. “In fact, she told me to tell you hello from her.”

“Their alpha’s a woman?” Charlie asked, looking extremely impressed.

All the original female wolves were brave, fierce, and every other trait the games sought. But only one woman I knew had the quiet strength to lead a pack on her own.

I smiled. “So you’ve met Diana.”

“She goes by Drake in this life.” Walter grew serious. “We’re going to need all the friends we can get, and the Ophiuchus could be the ace up our sleeve, if you know what I mean. The Zodiac order kicked them out years ago. They have little contact with the world outside the Snake Mountains. It would be a powerful alliance.”

“As would the Gemini wolves.” Colleen’s expression reminded me of when my mother scolded me as a child. Her next words didn’t help that feeling. “It’s time you made amends with your family.”

I thought back on the scene I watched between Zach and Brooke in the mirror. My father refused to believe the eternals were rising, but he wouldn’t have a choice once the Zodiac council’s communication reached him.

“Baby steps,” I told Colleen. “The tonic and tea are preventing the bloodlust, but I can’t control my temper. Seeing my family too soon might end as badly as my meet-and-greet with Kilbi.”

“I’ll go to Merrick for now,” Essie offered.

Colleen opened her mouth to protest, but Walter spoke over her. “If anyone can make Zara’s father listen to reason, it’s you, Essie.” He turned to me. “I will send word to the Ophiuchus to set up a meeting.”

“I’m going with her.” Ewan placed a hand on my shoulder. “Non-negotiable.”

Walter shrugged. “I’ll see what I can work out.” He swung his gaze to Colleen. “I’ve got eyes inside the Pisces pack. I’ll get her out before the council’s message reaches their alpha.”

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