Chapter 72 DANE Over my dead body , I growled .


    Auroras eyes shed .


    Youre an Alpha , Dane .


    I know you dont take kindly to challenge .


    But hear me on this I will challenge you when ites to my children .


    I held on to calm with the tips of my ws .


    Tonight was perfect .


    Why the hell would you even suggest I not see them again ? She shifted , and I could see the difort in her eyes .


    The uncertainty .


    She was so cool , calm , and collected , but she still couldnt hide her fears from me .


    That was how I knew that deep down , the woman whod been Ann Reed and the woman who was now Aurora DeVere were the same .


    But then she straightened her spine and looked me in the eye .


    The fact that she was brave enough now to stand up for herself , and stand up to me , was the sexiest fucking thing Id ever seen .


    Are you sure you want this ? she asked .


    Because I still cant unhear what you said all those years ago about drinking silver rather than having children with me .


    I cant help but think … if you started to hate me again … Chapter 72 2/5 Her voice lost its steadiness , and she stopped to take a breath .


    That wont happen , I said .


    I know the truth about you now .


    I pushed hair from her face , but she turned and walked a few paces away , her arms still wrapped around herself .


    How can you know the truth about me when Im not even sure I do ? I followed her , stood behind her , and put my hands on her hips .


    At my lightest touch , she allowed me to pull her against me .


    I rested my forehead on her silvery hair and breathed in .


    Nothing had ever smelled as good as this woman .


    It still felt like sin , being close to her .


    Allowing myself to desire her .


    The first night we met , I knew on a deep level it was my job to protect you .


    I knew it after that , too , but I fought against it .


    My wolf … he always liked you .


    He hated how I treated you .


    I felt my wolf shift inside me , giving a low rumble of agreement .


    at my words .


    She leaned against me but didnt turn .


    There have been so many years of distrust between us .


    You … caused me so much pain .


    I closed my eyes at her words but didnt flinch .


    I wanted her honesty .


    The fact that she was even allowing me to touch her was insane .


    I couldnt believe she hadnt made me grovel and beg on my knees , like I deserved .


    Even then , it wouldnt be enough .


    Nothing I did would ever be Chapter 72 enough .


    Maybe one day Aurora would forgive me , but I would never forget , and I would never forgive myself .


    This is what I want , I repeated .


    Them .


    And you .


    3/5 Not just that , it was what I needed .


    Being close to her … it healed something inside me .


    Something that had broken the night her pack attacked mine .


    Finally , she turned and wrapped her arms around me , fitting her body against mine for one too short moment .


    Then she stepped back .


    Theres so much more to think about , Dane .


    This isnt just about our family or about you and me .


    We have different packs now .


    And Im not just some pack princess .


    Im the Luna heir .


    I know .


    You know , but do you understand what it means ? I cant just give that up .


    Ive been scarred too many times by people I should be able to trust trying to hurt me or control me .


    Bing Luna of High Alpine is my chance to take control of my life and keep it .


    Forever .


    She took a steadying breath .


    Not just for me , but for my children .


    Its the only way I can protect them and keep protecting them .


    I frowned .


    You dont trust me .


    Chapter 72 4/5 Sheughed without humor .


    Of course , I dont .


    How can you even ask that with a straight face ? I stiffened , and she moved forward to put a hand on my chest .


    Our gazes met , and she looked sad .


    Dane .


    You were the person I wanted to love the most .


    That means I gave you the most power to hurt me , and goddess , did you use it .


    Time and time .


    again .


    Its going to take more than a few weeks or months of working together for me to get over the past .


    Her words made sense , even as they stabbed into my heart .


    But she was right .


    The knives that cut so deep were of my own making .


    You wouldnt consider being the Luna of Blue Ridge ? I asked .


    No.


    Her voice was quiet .


    The wolves of Blue Ridge still hate me .


    I can see it in them .


    And with Evelyn still here and pregnant with … her lips pressed together .


    She sighed and moved to her room .


    I followed , then watched as she walked to her desk and started sifting through the papers on top of it .


    What is it ? About Evelyn ? She shook her head , still focused on whatever she was searching for .


    Nothing .


    Anyway , I wont give up my freedom .


    I wont give up control .


    Not again .


    A dark storm loomed on the horizon , and we both knew it .


    When it was time for her to leave , would I let her take the Chapter 72 children ? Would I let her go at all ? It was a question even I couldnt answer .


    Suddenly , her search became more urgent .


    She opened and closed drawers , then looked around and cursed beneath her breath .


    A prickle of apprehension ran down my spine , and I stepped closer .


    Whats missing ? 5/5 When she looked up , her eyes were wide .


    The pages out of the journal .


    The ones we found in the Reed pack house .


    They arent here .


    Someone has been in my room .