Page 27 of Moon Destiny

“They normally can’t. But I’m a former U.S. Marshal. Dalton Security has a long history of partnering with the federal government.”

She absorbed that information, and I could almost see her mentally sifting through details and deciding which follow-up question was most important. “How long were you a Marshal?”

“Thirty years.”

“Why did you quit?”

I thought it over, because there were several reasons, including my failed marriage to a human. I settled on the one that required the least amount of explanation. “It’s not possible for me to do that kind of work now.” I waved at my face. “Eventually, people would notice I don’t age. Years ago, werewolves could disappear for a while and then reinvent themselves with a new identity. With modern technology, those days are gone, especially in a field like law enforcement.”

She frowned. “I haven’t really let myself think about the whole immortality part of things.”

Sympathy streaked through me, as well as guilt. As her sire, I was supposed to help her through all aspects of her transition. I’d bitten her. It was my job to make sure she retained her sanity as she grew into her new life. Instead, I’d given her a book and pawned her off on Dylan.

“It can be a difficult adjustment for turned wolves,” I said. “You’ve spent your life until now anticipating that you would grow old.” I searched for a way to comfort her about perhaps the most complex issue she’d ever face. “I can tell you that werewolves in general dislike dwelling on the past. The truly ancient among us are reluctant to talk about bygone eras. It’s better to live in the present.”

Her lips curved. “That sounds like something a yoga instructor might say.”

My breath eased out because she’d let me off the hook. And because talking to her was, well, easy. I returned her smile. “Actually, most werewolves could probably do with some yoga.”

“You could get certified,” she said, her blue eyes twinkling. “Maybe offer some classes.”

“Something to keep in mind if I’m ever pondering a career change. Although I’m not sure my enforcers would appreciate seeing me in spandex.”

We stared at each other like that for a minute, both of us smiling. Her nose scrunched in that charming way that made her freckles stand out. She was like a living, breathing representation of summer with her deep blue eyes and golden hair. It was tempting to linger in her warmth.

But I couldn’t. With the rogues’ trail gone cold, it was safe to return to the house. I had a million things to do, including contacting the Council and doubling my enforcers’ patrols. I needed to check on Dylan and get my team of security experts working on the bullet casings Tanner had found.

And I needed to tell Brooke how to end this thing between us.

I cleared my throat. “You wanted to know about rejected mates.”

Her smile faded. “Yes.” I’d ruined our brief moment of happiness, popping it like a bubble and plunging us straight back into our tense reality. My wolf stirred, telegraphing its displeasure with this turn of events.

I ignored it.

“The only way to sever the mate bond is for each mate to reject the other,” I said.

She looked surprised, as if she couldn’t believe it was that simple. “So we do that now or…?”

“It has to be under a full moon, the same as a mating ceremony.”

“How long—?”

“Roughly a month from now.” Something she would have known if she’d gone through her first shift. I could sense the moon’s phases even in broad daylight. When the moon was full, it was nearly impossible to remain in human form. Restless energy built up, and only a shift could release it. I could stay on two legs if I had to, but it was unpleasant.

“A month?” Something like panic flashed in her eyes.

“The pack will gather and—”

“Oh no. I can’t do this in front of everyone.”

I sat back. “You don’t have a choice about that. Neither of us does. I know this is all new to you, but this is a metaphysical connection. With the exception of the mageborn, werewolves don’t use much magic. Not like the sorcerers or the fae. But we’re the only immortals with fated mates. This is our main source of magic, and as with all magic there are rules.”

She was quiet for a moment, those gears in her mind turning once more. “What if one mate refuses to reject the other?”

“Then the ceremony can’t go forward and the bond stays in place.”

“Has that ever happened?”

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