Page 21 of The Night Wolf
The words were strained, and Sean couldn’t help but notice the ripples of Gareth’s muscles, desperate to shift. The man was having a hard time holding his anger in check.
“Do you want to go out for a run?”
“I invited you to dinner. It would be rude if I—”
The words were guttural, Gareth’s eyes bleeding color as they shifted to his lupine set. Sean knew that if he didn’t get Gareth out into the woods, he’d lose control of his wolf.
“Let’s go. Together.”
A quick breath. “Are you sure?”
Yes, Sean was certain. Gareth was the only Alpha Sean had met who deserved his title and had earned the chance at winning Sean’s trust.
“Let’s run, Alpha.”
Sean pulled off his clothes, and grinned at Gareth as the change washed over Sean. Seeming to take that as permission, Gareth yanked off his clothes, letting them fall to the floor in a haphazard mess. Sean averted his gaze, allowing Gareth a modicum of privacy—plus, he didn’t want Gareth to think he was perving over the big muscles on display.Allthe muscles.
When Gareth completed his transformation, he threw back his head and yowled. The sound chilled Sean because of the pain that was evident in it. Gareth truly did care, and that fact allowed Sean’s heart to thaw finally.
Sean yipped, and a moment later, Dani opened the door to the study.
“I’ll keep the food warm.” She stroked a hand over Sean’s head. “Take care of him, would you?”
There was warmth in her voice, and if Sean could cry in wolf form, he would. As it stood, Gareth rushed out the door, with Sean following close behind him. Gareth moved quickly, as though he was trying to outrun his rage, but Sean kept pace with him. When he closed the gap, he nipped Gareth on the tail, hoping to get him to play instead of letting the anger take hold of him.
It worked.
Gareth spun, glaring at Sean, who hopped around, taunting. Gareth’s lips curled, revealing his sharp canines, but Sean knew it was all for show. He wanted Sean to pull him out of his head. So, of course, Sean did what any good wolf would do.
He tackled Gareth.
The two of them tumbled to the ground, rolling around in the grass. There was such joy in wolf form. Scents were sharper, sights were more vibrant, and Gareth was… just more. Sean found himself at ease, wanting nothing more than to spend time with Gareth. He’d been alone so long, and now? Dani, Caleb, Gareth, even Dr. Franklin. They’d welcomed him, made him feel as though he was part of something.
Made himwant.
He shifted again, lying on his back, staring up at the stars. Here in Lydon, he could see forever.
“Are you okay?”
Of course Gareth would worry about him.
“Yes.”
He lay beside Sean. “It’s beautiful, isn’t it?”
“I’ve never seen anything like it.”
Gareth hummed. “Mother Moon blessed this land. Of all others, she shines brightest here.”
Sean rolled to his side. He and Gareth were so close, he could easily reach out to touch him. “Do you believe in Mother Moon?”
“With all my heart. She’s what makes me want to be a good Alpha for my people—herpeople. The legends tell us that Mother Moon looked upon humanity and found it inherently flawed. She could see that they lacked the strength and conviction of the animals. All except a certain group. These people were brave and cunning. They worked together to not only survive, but to prosper. She smiled down on these people and decided to grant them a gift. She took their bravery and cunning and placed them in a form with the strength and conviction of the wolf, making two halves whole.”
Sean had never heard the story told like that. “When people talk about Mother Moon today, she’s only myth and legend. A childhood tale parents tell their children so they grow up believing there is good in the world.”
They were quiet for a few moments. “What did Ryker do to you, Sean?”
“He took my life. Made me run for years, trying not to get caught and chained to his bed.”
