Wild Moon

Chapter Thirteen

The first light of dawn stretched across the Crescent Moon Pack’s territory, bathing the forest in a golden glow. The air was crisp, carrying the scent of damp earth and pine, the perfect conditions for a morning run. Lila loved this time of day—the stillness before the pack awoke, the freedom of the woods, the feeling of being completely untethered.

This morning, Kieran had insisted on joining her.

She had rolled her eyes at his not-so-subtle overprotectiveness but agreed nonetheless. He was always at her side now, a constant shadow, his golden eyes watching her with an intensity that sent shivers down her spine.

They shifted into their wolves at the forest’s edge, paws pressing into the soft earth, and took off at a steady pace.

Kieran’s wolf was a dark blur beside her, his powerful muscles rippling as he ran, always keeping just slightly ahead of her, as if ready to intercept any threat. Lila huffed, amused. Still overprotective.

Her silver-white wolf pushed forward, trying to match his speed, and for a while, she did. But then, something changed.

She felt off.

Not sick, not in pain—just... tired.

It wasn’t the usual exhaustion from a hard run. This was different. Deeper. A kind of fatigue that settled in her limbs faster than it should have.

She tried to ignore it, pushing herself harder, but within minutes, her breaths came shorter, her pace slowing.

Kieran noticed immediately.

He skidded to a stop ahead of her, turning sharply, his golden eyes narrowing as he watched her.

Lila slowed to a trot, then finally stopped, shaking out her fur, trying to act like nothing was wrong.

I’m fine.

Kieran’s wolf growled low in his throat, stepping closer.

You’re out of breath.

It’s nothing, she argued, though she hated how winded she sounded. Maybe I didn’t sleep well last night.

Kieran wasn’t convinced. He padded toward her, nuzzling against her neck, his warmth instantly grounding her.

We’re going back, he said, no room for argument in his tone.

Lila whined in protest but didn’t resist as he nudged her gently, guiding her back toward the packhouse.

By the time they reached the edge of the forest, she had to admit she was grateful. Her legs felt heavier than usual, her energy still drained.

Kieran shifted first, his human form tense as he turned to face her. “Shift,” he said softly, his concern evident.

She did, wrapping her arms around herself as the cool morning air brushed against her skin.

Kieran stepped closer, his hands finding her arms, rubbing warmth into them. “Lila, you’re not okay.”

She sighed, leaning into his touch. “I am okay, Kieran. Just... maybe a little more tired than usual.”

His jaw clenched, frustration flickering across his face. “This is because of the pup,” he said, almost to himself. “It’s already affecting you.”

Lila exhaled, resting her forehead against his chest. “It’s normal, isn’t it? Pregnancy takes a toll.”

Kieran’s arms wrapped tightly around her, his grip almost too firm, like he was trying to hold her together himself. “You shouldn’t be pushing yourself like this.”

She smiled softly against his skin. “You do realize I’m not dying, right?”

Kieran growled low, his hold tightening. “That doesn’t mean I’m not going to worry.”

Lila tilted her head up to meet his gaze, her silver eyes shining with quiet affection. “I know you will.”

Kieran searched her face for a long moment, then let out a slow breath. “I just... I don’t want anything to happen to you.”

Lila reached up, brushing her fingers against his jaw. “Nothing will.”

His golden eyes darkened with something she couldn’t quite place—love, protectiveness, something primal.

He kissed her softly, gently, but she could feel the weight of everything he wasn’t saying in that single touch.

And for the first time, despite the exhaustion creeping into her body, she felt safe.

Because no matter what, Kieran would always be there.