Wound of the Wolf: Sterling Moon: The Lycans of NYC (Sterling Moon: Lycans of NYC Book 2) by Vee R Paxton

Author:Vee R Paxton [Paxton, Vee R]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: WOOW Books, Rothenberger Publishing
Published: 2024-02-08T18:30:00+00:00

Chapter eleven

Kiera

My breath catches as I run my fingers through my hair. This is it, the night I face my fate. No matter what happens, I’m never going to be the same again.

I twist my fingers in the necklace Nate gave me and admire how it sparkles in the light of the full moon. Could it really protect me from unwanted claims? Letting it fall back around my neck, I shiver at the cool metal against my skin.

The air is tense with anticipation. I step into the clearing, shoulders squared, and will myself to stay calm. Dexter stands at its center, eyeing me hungrily. He’s one of the pack’s warriors, and he is a big man, broad shouldered and thickly muscled. He takes a step forward, his broad figure casting a shadow over me. “Kiera,” he growls. “I’ve been waiting for you.”

Fear pulses through me. I should have run away, should have avoided this ceremony altogether. Why did I come here?

My reason for coming here steps into the clearing: Nate. His lithe muscles ripple under the silver glow of the moonlight as he discards his shirt. For a second, desire fills me, starting low in my belly and spreading through my limbs before being quashed by my determination not to end up claimed.

“We have a mate claim tonight.” Silas’s stern gaze lands on me as he speaks. “Dexter wishes to claim Kiera. Are there any challengers to this claim?”

Nate’s deep green eyes meet mine. “I, Nathan Kincaid, Beta of the Southampton Pack, issue a challenge. I too wish to claim Kiera.”

My heart races with a mix of longing and fear. Silas gives a satisfied nod. “An outsider. You’re welcome here, Nathan Kincaid. I’ve spoken with your brother and look forward to a new fellowship between our packs, regardless of the outcome tonight.” He turns his attention back to me. “Kiera, will you accept as your mate whichever of these two men is strong enough to find you and claim you?”

I take a deep breath, tension rising in my shoulders as I prepare my response. Standing tall, I declare, “If he proves himself worthy, I do. If neither can prove themselves worthy, I reserve the right to remain unclaimed. I also wish to invoke the breeding clause, reserving the right to set aside a mate whom I’m unable to breed with.”

Nate nods to me before stepping away. Cat’s eyes widen at my words, but she quickly recovers and lifts a bottle from beside Silas’s chair. She grasps my hands firmly, her eyes like steel upon mine as she speaks her command. “Drink this. It will prevent you from being able to differentiate the scents of your suitors in the event one has attempted to sway you over the other.”

She hands me the bottle, and I down the bitter contents. My heart thuds against my ribcage as regret seeps in. Why didn’t I run away? Nate and I would have been better off. Instead, we’re playing with fire. If he catches me,

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