The Luna’s Choice by Kat Silver

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Chapter 13: Theo

Once I was in my own bed, I fell into a restless sleep. I got up early and decided to go and see my parents. They had been spending more time at the lake house lately. It was where they planned to move permanently once I took over as Alpha, and it was good for Dad to be away from the bustle of the packhouse.

The lake house was about forty–five minutes away, and I made the drive as the sun was rising.

It was a beautiful drive. Roads weaving through the mountains, revealing idyllic scenes of forests and stone peaks overlooking the valleys below full of towns and cities.

I loved this drive. I took my time that morning, just enjoying the simplicity of life on that road.

But the lake house came into view, and I had to pull myself back to reality.

I parked the truck I had taken next to my mom’s SUV. She greeted me on the front porch as I approached the house. She must have already been up and saw me come up the drive.

“Theo, this is a pleasant surprise,” she said, opening her arms wide for an embrace.

I happily took it, wrapping my own arms around her delicate frame. My mother had always been a lot stronger than she looked. It was a trait I had always loved about her growing up.

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Chapter 13: Theo

It made her a force to be reckoned with. But it also made her approachable, which made others feel safe with her. It was a vital attribute for a great Luna.

“What are you doing here?” she asked as she pulled away, giving me a once–over. “You look tired. Is everything okay?”

I gave her a smile. “Everything is fine,” I lied. “I just missed you and Dad.”

“Well, a mother’s never going to argue with that,” she replied brightly.

She tucked her arm in mine and led me into the house. My dad was sitting on the couch in the living room reading a newspaper when we walked in. He looked up and his face lit up when he spotted me.

“Theo,” his big voice bellowed, “we weren’t expecting to see you until this weekend.”

He stood up as I approached, groaning slightly.

coming up sooner. I wanted to check on you guys out here

hasn’t been nice having your mother all to myself,” Dad teased,

to know that,” I said with a grimace but still happy they were

doing? Is her mother still… settling in?” Mom

“And as

Chapter 13: Theo

comfortable with the move.”

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on my back. “Come on, son.

wooden deck chairs, looking out over the water. We sat quietly for a little while, just enjoying

company.

feeling, Dad?” I asked

sighed deeply. “I’m doing okay. As well as can be expected, at least. Although, I felt

do you mean?” I asked

nothing. Just an episode with

can tell me, Dad,” I assured

felt like a

and I almost choked on my

thought it was a tether breaking,” he said, rubbing his

felt the blood drain from my

be honest, I’ve been having trouble separating them lately. So it was probably nothing,” he

if it wasn’t nothing?” I

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Chapter 13: Theo

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wasn’t telling him something. I waited for him

something I need to tell you,”

good,” Mom said as she came outside

me he thought he lost someone the

that. He was confused

unsure if I was ready to tell them, “you

knew the difference between a pack member

“Son, did you…”

head. “No, I didn’t do

Dad

“Ayla Garner.”

“Oh, no,” Mom whispered.