Page 35 of Anders
Pack members look out for each other,Anders said, which was true but still an evasion.And you were in my territory, under my protection as head guardian.
Etta studied him for a long moment, her gaze penetrating.You’re not telling me everything.
Damn her perceptiveness.Even with her memories suppressed, her journalistic instincts were razor-sharp.
Anders stood abruptly, needing to put some distance between them.There are some things that are better experienced than explained.
What does that mean?Etta rose as well, following him as he moved toward the edge of the clearing.
The moon was rising now, nearly full, its silver light bathing the landscape.Anders could feel its pull, knew Etta must feel it too.
It means,he said, turning to face her,that your wolf is closer to the surface than you realize.We’re only a few days from the full moon.Whatever suppression you were given seems to be breaking down.I suspect that soon, you’ll shift whether you’re ready or not.
Then help me be ready.She stepped closer.Stop treating me like I’m fragile.I need to know everything if I’m going to face this.
The moon’s glow illuminated her face, catching in her hair and making her seem almost ethereal.But the determination in her eyes was entirely earthly, entirely real.
What do you want to know?
Everything you’re not telling me,she said immediately.Starting with why you’re so careful around me.Why you keep your distance even while teaching me about connections.
The irony wasn’t lost on him.
Because,Anders began, then stopped, searching for words that wouldn’t overwhelm her.Because your situation is complicated.You’re recovering memories, experiencing sensations you’ve been denied for years.Pushing too much too quickly could be traumatic.
It was true but still not the whole truth.
Etta stepped closer, her scent changing subtly.The anxiety was still there, but now it combined with something that made Anders’s wolf stir restlessly.
I think there’s more to it,she said.I think there’s something specific you’re not telling me about how we’re connected.
Anders swallowed hard.She was too close now, close enough that he could see the flecks of gold beginning to appear in her irises—a sign of her wolf rising with the moon’s pull.
Etta,he said, his voice rougher than he intended.This isn’t the time—
When is the time, then?After more of my memories return on their own?After I’ve pieced together what you already know?I’m tired of people making decisions about what I get to know about myself.
He practically flinched away from her words.
She was right, of course.After everything she’d been through—years of manipulation, her identity stolen from her—who was he to decide what truths she was ready to face?
You’re right.You deserve to know.Anders took a deep breath, steadying himself for what he was about to reveal.There’s a special kind of bond that can form between two shifters.It’s rare, but when it happens, it’s…profound.
Etta’s eyes widened slightly.The mate bond you mentioned.
Yes.Anders nodded, watching her carefully.Sometimes, shifters recognize their mate immediately.Other times, it takes longer—circumstances, timing, personal barriers can delay the recognition.
What does this have to do with us?Her voice was hushed now, as if she already knew where this was leading.
The moonlight seemed to intensify, casting them both in silver.Anders could hear her heartbeat quickening, smell the subtle changes in her scent as her body responded to his proximity.
From the moment I caught your scent,Anders said,my wolf recognized you.That’s why I’ve been keeping my distance—why I’ve been fighting my instincts to protect and claim.
You think I’m your mate.
I know you are.But you’ve had so much taken from you already.I didn’t want to add one more burden, one more thing you didn’t choose.
Etta was silent for a long moment, her expression unreadable.Anders braced himself for anger, rejection, perhaps even fear.
