The Luna Trials by Marissa Gilbert

Chapter 43

Savannah clenched her lips, preparing to fight. This conversation was going from bad to worse.

“What kind of reaction do you expect to get for a claim like this?” She crossed her hands over her chest. The defensive movement came naturally to her, and Darius frowned, seeing this.

“I want you to go with me,” he said without breaking eye contact. Bjorn wasn’t lacking confidence.

“Now.”

“Go where exactly?” Savannah was slightly startled by his bluntness,

“To the real North.” He lifted his chin higher and took a step forward. Savannah decided not to budge and stayed in her place. Showing weakness now would have been a mistake,

“And this is… where again?” The woman looked at him questioningly.

“My castle,” he replied calmly. “The White Bear Clan territory. This is from where I am planning to rule the North and other kingdoms in the future.”

“Other kingdoms?” She shot her brow up. Now, this was getting interesting. “Are you even

serious?”

“I am deadly serious.” Not a muscle flinched on his face, and he took another step. “My family have been working for this for years. And we have never been closer.”

“You family?” Savvy decided to try and fish for more information while he was offering it so easily. “And here you gave me an orphan vibe.”

“I guess you can say that about me now.” The man chuckled. “I am one of the last ones left. But I will do anything to keep the family’s legacy.”

“How very noble of you,” she scoffed, still thinking of the best course of action. “I didn’t take you for a family man.”

“Family is of crucial importance to me.” Now Darius was almost next to her. “You will learn this over

time as you are going to be a part of it.”

Savannah was unimpressed with the statement. “Have you ever thought about maybe asking for my opinion first?”

“I am asking you to go with me now. Leave this place; forget about Kai and the stupid humiliating Luna Trials.” His jaw tensed as he took another step. The last one. Now she was finally within his reach, and they both knew that. “This is a one-time offer, Princess.”

“And if I say no?” She swallowed the lump that formed in her dry throat. Close, he was too close. What would you do then?”

“I would still make you mine,” he promised while his healthy eye darkened. “But it would be a less pleasant process for you. This is why I want you to think carefully now. It’s rare for me to give anyone a choice, but I would prefer us to have a good start even if the finale doesn’t change.”

sound like a choice!” Her

an offer,” Bjorn retorted. “I am offering you everything. I will throw the whole world at your feet. I will give you your mate’s head on a spike. Your every wish will be granted as long as you stay by

head? Isn’t he your best buddy? The last time we spoke, he even had sx on your

Bjorn brushed his fingers over her arms gently

reaction. For the first time, Sawy stepped

conspiring to do this to her made her

his own accord. As you know, I had no interest

I do to deserve such an honour?” Savvy taunted, quirking

how to be stubborn; at this point, it was

a while ago, and nothing could change her mind. She was in

beyond retrieve. Even if the leaders of the white bears decided to kill her here and now after her words, she knew she wouldn’t

push the man

read it in her eyes as he glowered suspiciously, but then his gaze landed on something else, and Savannah felt him grasping her neck painfully and yanking her towards himself. The airflow was restricted now, but it wasn’t her main problem. The main problem was the power she felt vibrating from him. If he tightened his grip on her

her.

pulled the zip of her front jacket down and tore the rest off her with his free hand, leaving her just in a black cropped top. She was terrified when his hand went to her chest, but then she saw him hooking the North Star necklace with his finger. “When did he give this to you?” Bjorn seemed furious, his eyes glowing red now. “When you disappeared

rasp in her throat as he squeezed it tighter.

matter!” Darius grunted as he circled her, looking

your answer? Come with

She snarted, her voice hoarse, certainty still

clenched tight, but other than that, nothing changed in his expression. Deep inside, he knew

I

restoring quickly and gathering her strength, she managed to stand

He charged at her, trying to capture her again, but this time she was ready and dodged in time, recoiling

you are going to regret!” He promised, baring his teeth. “I thought one lesson was enough for you, but it looks like you will need more! No worries, Savannah. I will be a good teacher for

threw her towards the giant fire pit. She hit the heavy hot cast iron wall that burned her exposed

still tried to get up. However, the creaking of the opening shrine doors distracted them both as they turned and saw Astrid walking in, followed closely by Naya and Petra. All three women were shocked by the picture that unfolded before

first one to charge at Bjorn, not a moment of hesitation.

work.

to look at the pink-haired werewolf, “Go back and make as much noise as you only can. The guards are near. Let them know that there is an intruder inside the shrine,

the contenders.”

almost bumping into Brigit’s chest. Now there were two white bears in the room, and

assessed the space around her,

bridge

however, he managed to dodge the blow and recoiled by throwing her at Savannah, who was trying to attack him too, knocking her off her feet. Both women grunted as they tried to get up, but Naya and Astrid were next. The white

was furious This was probably the best opportunity they would ever have at catching him

now, she knew there was only one way to overpower him. They either needed more people, or she would have to use her third form. Just the thought of It made her shudder.

of them. They were primal creatures, full of power and strength. They were sleeping inside of them, hibernating, One could