AllFreeNovel
Share Us
It wasn't difficult to see how she mimicked the sun and its allure. She was just as bright when given the chance to shine, and I only hoped she knew that. At least, I wanted her to come to understand just how capable she truly was.
It was hard to believe she had once been a meek pushover with dwindling confidence. It was nice to have the chance to watch her step into her new role and accept it despite its challenges.
Eventually, Jane said goodnight to them, and they parted ways as she approached the house carrying a basket full of various things.
When she noticed me there, she smiled gently.
"What's that?" I asked, gesturing to the basket as I propped the door open for her.
She lifted it so I could get a better look. "The pack was incredibly kind today, and they gave me gifts. Tinsley and her aunt even pampered me and Ivy," she said, showing off her hair to me.
Seeing her genuine happiness took the sting out of my anger, and I gave her a smile in return. "It suits you. You look beautiful."
Jane blushed as she went inside, and I couldn't deny that she looked like a genuine Luna.
Spoiled with gifts and kindness, celebrated by our pack, and alight with joy because of it. She seemed to be glowing in a way, and something about it made my wolf pace within me. It stirred those longings I kept mostly tempered, but I knew I couldn't keep the newest threat to myself.
As much as I wanted her to maintain that happiness, I didn't want to keep her in the dark, either.
"I got a note from Sam at work today," I began, scrubbing a hand down my face. "Another warning. Either he's bluffing, or he plans on making some kind of move. I thought you should know."
It was a shame to watch as the pleasure slipped from Jane's features as she stopped and turned to face me. "Because of Ivy?"
"I think so. He's getting more brazen, but I can't let him intimidate us much longer. I'll have to act eventually."
Concern lingered in Jane's eyes. "What about the innocent ones?"
"I don't know. I want to safeguard them, but I can only do so much for people who still think I'm the devil himself."
"We have to wait and convince them, then. I don't know how, but we need to show them you aren't what Sam made you out to be," Jane said, hoping to appeal to me.
Closing my eyes to try and block out the frustration, I shook my head absently. "I just want this to be over. I need it behind me."
"What if this causes an all-out war? People will get hurt on both sides."
"Whether that happens is up to Sam. I'll do whatever I can, but his grip on them might be too tight for me to fix," I said, feeling more exhausted just from thinking about it.
"I know you can convince them somehow. You proved it to me," Jane said, stepping forward as she reached for my hand. "They aren't all lost causes."
That tether pulled tighter within me from the contact, and I did my best to savor it.
As much as I wanted to give in to her and promise I would save everyone, that slightest bit of resistance still stood.
With a sigh, I continued past her. "I need some sleep. I'm exhausted."
I could sense her disappointment but didn't want to dwell on it then.
Out of pure stubbornness, I was clinging to that shred of resistance left in me, unable to completely submit to our bond despite how I wanted to.
And yet, I could feel it beginning to crumble anyway.
Chapter 18 - Jane
Despite the issue with Sam looming over everyone in the pack, I found myself feeling optimistic about what was ahead of us. That was especially the case because I ran my idea of opening a library in town by Levi, citing how useful it would be, and I didn’t mind the chance to have something to work towards.
He seemed unsure at first, but when he realized how much it would mean to me, he told me to go crazy and do what I wanted with it. The building had sat empty for a long time, and he didn’t know what else to do with it.
I thanked him profusely, beyond happy when he handed me the keys with a smile.
