The Luna’s Choice by Kat Silver

Chapter 44: Kingston

I waited for her to say something. Despite my comments, I really could see that she was happy with Theo. It hurt like f***ing hell, and it was hard to keep my behavior in check. But I was trying. Ever since Randy had come to Sablemane and told me about their theory about Ayla’s effect on Alphas, I had been working to reconcile my feelings for her. It got easier after they had marked each other, but it was still hard.

Pierce had protested my coming here for this reason. He insisted he should go instead, but I didn’t want to hear it. I needed to see her. But it was genuinely just to mend things between us. Ayla may have forgiven me back in the Onyxcrown ruins, but I knew she still thought of me as the person who tried to force his mark on her and kept her father’s ring from her.

It was eating me up inside thinking about it.

“Ayla, I just want to try to make things right,” I said again. “With our history… with our families… I’d hate for you to keep hating me.”

“I don’t hate you, Kingston,” Ayla insisted. She shook her head. “Truth is, I’ve missed you, too. Your friendship. I still appreciate everything you did for me. But it can never be the way it was before.”

“I know that,” I said firmly. “Believe me, I know. But our packs are still allies. And I won’t pretend that I could be friends with Theo any time. soon.” Ayla gave me a look. “Simply out of jealousy,” I said with a wry grin. “Forgive me my wolf’s nature. Some things aren’t so easily changed. But you’re right. I’m not blind. Whatever mistakes he made before, he’s not making them now. I can at least respect him for that.”

“Thank you,” she replied sweetly.

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“But it would be nice to have some friendly company when we’re doing business,” I said.

She smiled slowly. “I think we can manage that,” she confirmed. “But can we worry about that tomorrow? I’m wiped for the day.”

I chuckled. “Of course,” I said, standing from my chair.

I offered her a hand. She took and stood. I made an impulsive decision and pulled her against me, wrapping my arms around her in an embrace. She stiffened at first, but I just held her. As she realized it was meant as an innocent gesture, she relaxed, snaking her arms around my waist for a moment.

I thought it would have been a terrible, dangerous idea. Holding her again, breathing in her scent like this. Memories flashing through my mind. This should be torture.

But it wasn’t.

settled through me. For the first time in weeks, it was just nice to hold Ayla and know she was safe and happy. That’s all that mattered now. I would

away, giving me a tentative

better go,” she said. “Theo’s

I teased. “I won’t lie. It feels good making him squirm

her eyes. “He’s handling it just fine. He knew

ruin all my fun.”

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said as she made her way to the door. “If it helps, I wouldn’t expect him to

course, waiting nearby. I averted my eyes as he kissed

know, I can’t imagine this would stay hidden with all the traffic it’s been seeing.” I commented.

that. We never had much use for it before now. But setting up something more permanent and covert now makes sense. We’re starting construction

as we returned to the packhouse. We said our goodbyes at the junction where we would go our separate ways. I thought about the day as I walked back to my room. I had

It was Pierce.

I answered lightly.

it go?”

sighed. “The interview was enlightening,” I said. “They’re definitely dealing with Grogan. We have one more rogue to interview, but I feel he won’t be as forthcoming.”

between you all?”

I said. “But it ended on

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relax through the

said. “But I’ll keep you posted

“So, she’s doing well?”

“She’s doing really well. I’ll

into a pair of sweats to sleep in and sat on the edge of

home. No one had mentioned it. I didn’t think they knew about it. Harry must have mentioned it in his journal at some point. When Pierce