Page 4 of Fat Forced Mate

My wolf bristles at the threat to our territory. "The Cheslem Pack?"

"Seems likely. Though, there's something different about their patterns lately. More purposeful." He stretches, casualexcept for the tension in his shoulders. "Interesting timing, with the lottery coming up."

There's something he's not saying. James has been oddly quiet about the lottery preparations, despite his position requiring involvement. Now I know why—his sister is coming home, the sister he doesn’t talk to anymore. He must have known for days, probably helped arrange it.

The urge to ask about her burns in my throat, but I swallow it back. That's not my right anymore.

"Speaking of work," I say instead, "don't you have somewhere to be?"

"Probably. But watching your brood is so much more entertaining." His grin fades slightly. "Seriously though, Nic. You've been pushing yourself too hard lately. The pack notices."

"The pack needs—"

"The pack needs an Alpha who doesn't look like he's carrying the weight of the world alone." James leans forward, all traces of teasing gone. "You're doing good work. Better than anyone expected so soon after... everything. But you need to let us help more. And you know Thomas will force your hand into accepting that help if you don’t take it on your own—he won’t tolerate your martyr complex."

I start to protest, riling a little at the implication that my Second would usurp my authority like that, but another knock cuts me off. As if summoned, Thomas himself enters with yet another stack of papers, his efficiently pressed suit a stark contrast to James's casual ranger uniform. He must not be long back from his outing with Dynastes and the trainees.

"The final lottery preparations are ready," he announces, adding to my desk's chaos. "Elder Victoria wants to review the ceremonial arrangements with you before—"

A commotion in the street below catches my attention. My wolf suddenly surges forward, nearly taking control as a familiar scent drifts through the open window. Lavender. Sage. Magic.

Luna.

I'm at the window before I realize I've moved, eyes locked on the figure emerging from a black SUV from which the others have already vanished.

The first thing I think, absurdly, is that she looks very lonely like that, standing in the glaring sunlight, staring around as if she has no idea where to turn now. Five years haven't changed her essential grace; she holds herself straight and proud despite everything. Her copper hair catches the sunlight as she steps onto the sidewalk, longer now and falling in curls down her back. The simple dress she wears hugs curves that have only grown more lush, more womanly.

My wolf howls with recognition, a mournful croon.Mate. Ours.

I silence him with practiced control, even as my fingers press against the glass. She looks lost, uncomfortable, yet somehow more confident than when she left. The city has changed her. She carries herself like someone who knows her worth now, no longer the uncertain girl who used to slip through pack gatherings trying to avoid attention.

Behind me, James has gone very still. I don't need to look to know he's watching his sister's return, to feel the complex mix of emotions rolling off him. Pride. Worry. Guilt.

"Well," he says finally, voice carefully neutral. "Guess the prodigal daughter returns."

It’s an awful joke, and no one laughs. The last time Luna was here, she was despised. No one in their right mind would ever have prioritized her over James, her far more favored brother, the popular, well-liked friend to the Alpha’s son.

My wolf snarls at his tone, though there's no real censure in it. James has always been caught between pack duty and family loyalty where Luna is concerned. I'm not the only one who carries regrets about her departure.

"Nic?" Thomas's voice seems to come from far away. "She said she needed a minute in the car. Should I go down to—"

"Yes." The word comes out rougher than I intend. I clear my throat. "Yes, escort her to the guest quarters. Make sure she's comfortable."

Go yourself, my wolf demands.Claim her. Fix what you broke.

But I can't. The memory of our last night together burns too fresh, despite the years between then and now. The look in her eyes when I rejected her publicly, when I chose pack politics over what we had.

What kind of Alpha would I be if I couldn't even face one shiftless woman?

A coward,my wolf snarls.

Below, Luna turns in a slow circle, taking in the changes to the town square. The old fountain has been replaced with a more modern design, the shops have been renovated, but the essence of Silvercreek remains the same. I wonder if she sees it as a prison now, after tasting freedom.

The sound of James rising pulls my attention back.

"I should go help with the... arrangements. Greet her. We haven’t talked in a long while, but I missed her." He pauses at the door. "But I know she’s different now, Nic. Stronger. Don't expect her to be the same girl who left."

I know,I want to say.No one could have gone through what she did and come out unchanged.

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