Page 136 of My Only Luna

Lately, it’s been in these areas, so when I knew Rafael was going to come here, it’s the reason I came. Not for the party, but in case I was needed.

If I go by old lore, it is a vampire-like creature that only comes out at night and feasts on children and foetuses. Nothing of the sort has been heard of for hundreds of years. But I exist. What’s saying there aren’t other monsters out there?

I see the little doll-like child holding her hands out, remembering what Rafael said about her not being able to see. Fuck, she doesn’t know how much danger she’s in right now. She giggles, sensing the creature moving closer to her but clearly not realising what it is.

“Mama? Daddy?” I frown. I have one chance to get this right or she is dead.

Alright…

I rush out just as the creature lurches forward, hissing loudly, its long tongue extended. Kiara screams in terror, realising it is not her parents. Just as I slam it across the forest, it slams into a tree, cracking it, and I scoop Kiara into my arms, growling dangerously at the creature who hisses and launches itself at me.

I snarl, the sound ringing off the trees and the child in myarms whimpers. I have no time to waste, unleashing the rage that is always festering within me and tear the monster to shreds. Decayed flesh, acidic blood and stench fill the air before I step away from the disgusting mess.

Finally. I got you in the end.

I exhale and she clings to my neck, her body shaking in fear, tightening her hold on me, her lips quivering. I turn and head back towards where her parents are waiting.

“I’m scared. I want Mama,” she sobs. I don’t say anything, I don’t fucking speak to pups, and I don’t comfort anyone. If I speak, guaranteed I’ll make her cry even more.

Just then Scarlett and Elijah burst from the trees, most likely having realised the monster was dead. I can see the relief in their eyes when they see their daughter.

Scarlett shifts back, not bothered about being naked, causing a growl to rumble in Elijah’s throat as he swings his head towards his Beta and me, daring us to look.

I scoff internally, mentally rolling my eyes. This man is way too fucking possessive.

Scarlett takes Kiara into her arms and soothes the terrified pup.

“I got you. I got you, Kia. It’s alright, my darling.”

I walk off ahead. I know Rafael won’t stop harassing me to know what it was, and I don’t know what to say yet. I don’t have answers for half of what I find myself in. Since these four have also seen me, it is best I have a word with them before I leave. I don’t give a shit about anyone’s questioning, but right now I need my identity to be kept secret. I have plans, but they will take time.

Elijah

We are back at thevilla and the rest of the children have been put to bed. The adults have gotten dressed and Scarlett has given Kiara a bath before settling her down with a cup of hot milk on the kitchen stool.

Rafael looks at us. He has just finished telling us how Alejandro shifted at the age of thirteen. First, they thought the premature shift was the reason for his odd form, but realised it just became more and more beast-like. The man is about six and a half feet tall, but his Lycan form is near eight. He is faster, stronger, and has a sharper sense of smell than an alpha werewolf. This comment makes me cast the man a frown.

“So in other words, he’s a freak of nature,” I remark.

“Freak of nature? Isn’t that what your pup is?” Alejandro replies, taking out a cigarette and lighting it.

“Not in front of the kids, Alejandro,” Rafael warns, his words falling on deaf ears. I growl at Alejandro, daring him to insult Kiara again.

“It’s the truth. A wolf who can’t walk properly, doubt she’ll ever be able to, and a pup who can’t see in the dark? A fucking invalid. Surprising, considering she has two alphas for parents.” Two growls tear through the room and I lunge at Alejandro, my fist raised. But the younger man grips my fist, not caring that my claws dig into his hands. “I’m just stating facts, dickhead,” Alejandro snarls, his eyes flashing as he stares into my darkened ones. “Back. Off.” His command rolls off him and I feel my wolf fight me. I grit my teeth, wrenching my hand free. “At least she has the two of you to take care of her, because life’s going to be fucking shit for her. Get used to it.”

What the fuck was that command?

“Scarlett. Take Kiara to bed. Now,” I say. I don’t want her to hear this shit. Scarlett glares coldly at Alejandro before she lifts Kiara, who is staring wide-eyed, her young mind uncertain of exactly what is happening.

“If you hadn’t just saved her… I’d fucking kill you.”

“And die in the process,” Alejandro replies coldly, smoking his cigarette.

“I’m sorry on his behalf, Elijah. What was that thing out there?” Rafael asks, trying to diffuse the situation.

“Something that feeds on children and foetuses of werewolves. I had a feeling for a while it wasn’t rogues behind the brutal murders,” Alejandro explains as if he’s bored, but it’s the guilt in Rafael’s eyes as he looks away that makes me wonder what’s going through his mind.

But the scoff from Alejandro as he looks at his brother makes understanding hit. Rafael thought it was him? Whoa… how fucked up is their relationship?

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