73-Kennedy


    A sharp ache throbs in my head. Did I drinkst night? No, that can''t be right-I haven''t had a drop since I moved here. My eyelids feel unbearably heavy, as if glued shut. I want to open them, but the weight is too much. Still, I''m wrapped in such cozy warmth, I''m reluctant to move at all.


    Just a few more moments, I tell myself, sinking deeper into the softness of the nket cocooning me. The darkness around me feels inviting, almost like it''s pulling me in to stay longer.


    When I finally stir again, a peculiar sensation washes over me—something warm and familiar brushing against my skin. "Hey, littlemb. Can you hear me?" a low, rumbling voice murmurs close by.


    “Mmhmm?” I respond softly, recognizing that deep voice instantly. I shouldn''t like it as much as I do, but for some reason, I can''t recall why I think that. I take a slow, calming breath. The scent of rosemary and mint envelops me, making me feel strangely safe. He shouldn''t be here, not with me. Another inhale, another exhale. Maybe this is still just a dream. He wants someone like Amy, not me. Breathe in. Breathe out. It''s so soothing.


    "Kennedy?"


    "What?" I whisper back, my voice rough and gravelly from sleep.


    He chuckles softly, his breath warm against my cheek. "Open those eyes for me, beautiful."


    I whimper faintly, resisting. "No." Then I burrow deeper into the bed, unwilling to let go of this perfect moment. This bed is incredible, and the dream of Ryker-he''s incredible. I don''t want to lose it by waking up fully.


    "Why not?" I feel a gentle pressure on my back.


    "This is a good dream. I don''t want it to end."


    His deepugh sends a fresh wave of goosebumps crawling across my skin. "Why don''t you open your eyes and just make sure it''s not a dream?"


    I whine again, drawing in a long breath before slowly cracking my eyes open. My gaze falls on the most captivating throat I''ve ever seen. Can a throat be sexy? I tilt my head upward, my nose almost brushing the smooth expanse of skin before me. That exins the strength of his scent. I watch his Adam''s apple move as he swallows, noticing the tiny shivers that ripple across his skin. Finally, unable to dy any longer, I meet his emerald green eyes.


    He''s here, right beside me, impossibly close.


    Oh shit! I jerk away from his arms, sitting up quickly.


    "What the hell!?! Luna!" Be''s sharp voice cuts through the room, making my head snap toward him.


    “Be? Wha......." I start to ask, but before I finish, a soft sheet is wrapped around


    me.


    "I''d prefer if your gamma didn''t see what you look like under your clothes," Ryker murmurs in my ear as he carefully tucks the sheet around me, making sure every inch is covered.


    I nce down for the first time. "What the fuck?! Where are my clothes?" I clutch the sheet tighter, tucking it under my arms so my hands are free.


    "The bigger question is, how are you feeling?" Ryker''s voice deepens, taking on a metallic edge that makes my eyes flick back to him. He''s just smiling—that smile that could melt anyone. For a moment, I''m lost in it, before I remember: Alpha just spoke to me... inside my head. I shake my head briskly to break free from Ryker''s spell.


    "How is that even possible? And you never told me about my clothes," I whisper, barely able to get the words out.


    Ryker''s hand glides lightly down my arm before taking hold of my left hand. He turns my palm over, revealing a thin scar stretching from the center of my palm down to my wrist.


    "You are officially a member of the Dark Moon pack," he says firmly. "And I''d really appreciate it if you didn''t wander into the woods in winter without anyyers on."


    "But I''m no good for this pack," I murmur, doubt creeping into my voice. "Not as a leader, and certainly not as a Luna. It would be easier for everyone if I just wasn''t part of the problem."


    "Hey, Be, we need a little break. Go eat something and get some rest. I''ll call if we need you," Ryker orders.


    "You got it, Bossman. I''m d you''re okay, Luna. And I agree-don''t wander off in the freezing cold again," Be replies, his tone a mix of concern and teasing.


    I roll my eyes, delivering the best sarcastic tone I can muster. "Okay, Gamma. Whatever you say."


    He smiles, reaches over, and squeezes my foot that''s peeking out from under the nket. Then, just as quickly as he appeared, Be stands and leaves the room. His retreat is so swift I almost miss it. Either he''s utterly exhausted—losing sleep over me—or this conversation is going to getplicated. Either way, a heavy weight settles in my chest.