Epilogue

 

 

 

A warm breezed caressed Luna’s bare arms, causing a sigh to fall from her lips. It was the first sign of spring, a promise of things to come. Luna smiled, tipping her head back and closing her eyes, savouring the moment. They could all do with good things.

It had been a hellish month. A third of the family woods had burnt to the ground, the charred remains of the trees a testament to the pain and horrors it had witnessed. The trees that had sheltered so many within its lush green canopy had fled the raging fire, leaving nothing but lifeless sticks of charcoal in its wake. It had taken over twenty-four hours for the flames to die out, with firefighters from neighbouring towns pouring onto the property to get it under control.

Everyone had been surprised when the fire suddenly seemed to lose its intensity and finally die. Speculations and theories had spread throughout the ranks just as quickly as the fire had spread, but Luna knew that the magic behind the flames had simply run its course. Narrow beams of sunlight filtered through the blackened remains, giving it a somewhat haunted but mesmerising look.

Luna thoughts strayed back to that day. After killing Russo – and Chase removing his head from his body just to be on the safe side – the rest of the pack had turned up. Russo’s men had quickly succumbed to their own bloody fates, but none had time to luxuriate in their victory. The wailing of sirens infused their air, leaving them only minutes to discard the bodies.

Luna recalled the panic that had welled up inside her. How could they explain several dead bodies and broken cars? In the end, it hadn’t been necessary. Dagger still in her hand, her fingers seemingly refusing to let go of it, the enchanted blade grew hot. For a second, Luna imagined the heat would be enough to burn her and then she remembered what Chase had said when he gave it to her.

Stepping forward towards Russo’s body, she sunk the blade into the lifeless flesh. “Ignite,” she whispered. The heat from the knife rushed down the blade and poured into the werewolf’s body. Within seconds, blue-tinged flames consumed it. Another few seconds, all that remained of the psychotic shifter was floating away in the breeze.

“The rest,” Chase had choked out. Luna had barely had enough time to stuff the dagger under a rock beside the house before the fire engines and the sheriff had arrived on the scene. Briggs, stony-faced and hard-eyed had taken one look at everything and demanded to know what had happened.

Already healing well, Michael had spun a story about how he’d returned home to find a gang of young men smashing their vehicles, the woods already set ablaze. How they’d confronted them and ran them off. Briggs just listened to Michael but didn’t say anything. There was no evidence to suggest anything else. In the end, Briggs was forced to act on Michael’s words. A week later, after several communications with Michael’s lawyer, the charges of suspected murder were dropped.

Dealing with dead bodies and sheriffs were easier to deal with than her love life, Luna mused. Informing Pierre of how she felt about Chase was even harder than when she admitted her affair last year.

“I’m sorry,” she’d whispered, a single tear dropping from the corner of her eye. “I wish I could change everything, but I can’t.”

Pierre had closed his eyes, but Luna had caught the flash of pain in them before he turned away. “I had hoped that you would have chosen me over him, ma petite, but if this is what you want then I will respect your decision.”

“I do love you, Pierre, just not …” Her heart choked within her throat. It was so hard to breathe.

“Just not the way you love him,” Pierre had finished, his words layered in sadness. Releasing a long sigh, he turned around, putting on his neutral lawyer mask once more. “It is just as well, I suppose. I received a phone call this morning. It seems like an enemy of mine has made an appearance in Los Angeles. I’ll need to meet up with a guide in New Orleans.”

A knot formed in Luna’s throat, removing her of the ability to speak. Instead, Pierre had stepped forward, kissed her tenderly, and walked away.

Even now, three weeks after Pierre’s departure, Luna still missed him. He’d been a big part of her life, had taught her so much and had protected her. And she’d hurt him. Again. She didn’t deserve him, but she couldn’t deny how much she’d fallen in love with Chase.

Hints of cinnamon floated through the breeze, mingled with the scent of chamomile. As Luna twisted her body, Chase came into view. A smile spread across her face as those chocolate eyes smiled down at her, her knees melting under their intensity. Full lips dropped down, claiming hers in a soft embrace.

Chase was hers.

Her werewolf.

Holding the perfect cup of tea.

After all, some temptations just could not be denied.