“Charles?” I whispered, suddenly feeling emotional—not that it would be enough to help me shift.

  He nodded and shook my hand. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, again.”

  I shook his hand and couldn’t pull my gaze from him. “Thank you so much for everything. I’m not sure I would’ve made it without your support.”

  “You would have.”

  I cleared my throat and pushed aside my feelings. “This is Charles, the wolfborn who kept me going when James had me—well, both of us—captive.”

  Ziamara shook his hand and introduced herself to him and the younger two wolfborns.

  Alex introduced the girl with curly red hair as Emery and the lanky boy as Mateo since we’d only met them in their wolf form.

  Zia shook their hands. “I’m off to sleep while the pack plays. Have a good night.”

  “Goodnight,” they called as she meandered out of the room.

  I introduced myself and showed them where the food was. They dug in, and the younger two chatted excitedly. I half-listened, waiting for Killian’s footsteps. When would he arrive? I tapped my fingers on the table.

  “Are you okay?” Alex asked.

  “Sure. I probably should sleep, too, but I need to speak with Killian about a wolf essence stone.”

  “Isn’t that an urban legend?”

  I stared at Alex. “You’ve heard of it?”

  “I’ve spent the majority of my human days in the Faeble. You’d be surprised how much I’ve learned, just sitting back and listening to the conversation around me.”

  “What do you know?” I leaned forward, having lost my fatigue. “Tell me everything.”

  “There have been quite a few werewolves passing through the bar in search of it. Some have called it a double-edged sword.”

  Emery and Mateo both stopped eating and stared at Alex.

  “Why?” The room warmed by at least ten degrees. “Is it dangerous?”

  Alex paused and frowned. “Some have said that its destruction would kill every werewolf.”

  My jaw dropped. It made sense—something so powerful to rid us of the moon’s curse could also annihilate us. “It can also reverse the curse of the moon. How many are after it?”

  “Your guess is as good as mine. I’ve seen maybe four or five groups of wolves over the years.”

  “Other wolfborns?” Emery asked.

  Alex nodded. “Part of mixed packs, like we are.”

  “I didn’t realize that was so common,” I said.

  “It’s not. That’s why I’ve only seen a few a year.”

  I twisted my hair into a tight knot. “I hope none of our rival species have caught wind of the stone.”

  “What did Toby and Sal say about it?” asked Alex.

  “They both looked as shocked as I felt.”

  Alex bit into some casserole. “That’s a good sign. Have you guys talked with Tap?”

  I nearly smacked my forehead. “I didn’t even think to ask him. I went straight to the witches. I wonder what he knows. I'll bet he's heard plenty!”

  “I take it they don’t know anything?”

  “I’m waiting for Killian to get here. They’re still busy helping Gessilyn.”

  “We’ll do whatever we can,” Emery said.

  “Yeah,” Mateo agreed. “Anything.”

  “Thanks. I don’t know what anyone can do at this point. We need a stone that nobody can locate, and we don’t even know what it looks like.”

  “I’ve heard it’s bigger than the Hope Diamond,” Alex said.

  “Really?” I exclaimed.

  He nodded.

  “What does it look like? What color is it?” My mind raced with possibilities.

  “I really don’t know.”

  My mind buzzed with excitement. “I wonder what else it can do? What if it can help us in more ways than just breaking the moon’s curse? If it’s really that strong, the possibilities are endless. What if—?”

  “Looks like you have the fever.” Alex set down his fork and studied me.

  “What fever? I’m not sick.”

  He shook his head. “Everyone I’ve seen discussing it has that same look in their eyes.”

  I sat taller. “I’m not being greedy—I’m merely thinking of the possibilities.”

  The three wolfborns exchanged a glance.

  “I’m not.” I rose and pushed the chair in. “I’m going to call Killian again. Eat whatever you want. There’s plenty.”

  “Wait,” Alex said. “I didn’t mean to upset you.”

  “You didn’t.” I pulled out my phone. “I just need to find out what the witches are up to and what they can tell me about the stone. Oh, and Toby put your pack rings in the drawer with the nice silverware. Hopefully soon, you can wear them more than one night a month.” I turned to Charles. “And we’ll have one made for you, as well. You’re certainly a part of this pack after all you’ve done.”

  “Thank you, ma’am.”

  “Just Victoria. Please.”

  Charles nodded.

  I found Killian’s number, called him, and paced the hallway.

  “Hi, Victoria. I’m really sorry I haven’t made it over there like I promised, but Gessilyn got herself into a bit of a pickle with a new spell. We’re all heading over to the other side of the globe to help her out.”

  Disappointment washed through me. “I understand. Is she okay?”

  “Once we get her out of the tree trunk she’ll be good.”

  “What?” I exclaimed.

  “Long story. We’ll all laugh about this over some drinks later. I’ve got to run.”

  “Do you have just a minute to answer a question? A quick one?”

  “I’ll call you soon. We really need to get Gessilyn out.”

  “Okay. If you need anything, let me know.”

  “Sure. Talk to you later.” The call ended.

  I walked to the living room in a daze and sat on the couch. My mind spun as I tried to piece everything together. I wanted to learn everything I could about the wolf essence stone. Since Tap might know something, I called him.

  “Victoria, is it an emergency?” Something crashed in the background. “I’ve got a group of mesmers here, and they’re going a little crazy.” Glass shattered. Tap’s assistant, Quinn, shouted curses.

  “No, it’s not an emergency,” I said. “I’ll talk to you when your hands aren’t so full.”

  “Talk soon.” Loud laughter bellowed in the background as the call ended.

  I stuck my phone in a pocket and tried to think of someone else who might know something. No one came to mind. Sighing, I tried to conjure enough emotion to shift and run with the pack, but after everything I’d been through, I was on empty. My inner wolf seemed to have settled in for a long winter’s nap.

  “You okay?” Alex stood in the doorway, arching a brow.

  “Yeah. Just wishing I could shift.”

  He sat next to me. “I know the feeling. Wanna watch a movie? I haven’t seen one in a long time. Ember and Mateo never have.”

  “Seen a movie?” I stared at him.

  “Welcome to the world of only being human one night a month. They’ve spent their entire lives in the woods. Remember when you first met me?”

  “Always in the woods.”

  He nodded.

  I grabbed a remote and turned on the TV. “What are you guys in the mood for? A comedy?”

  Everyone agreed. We found a movie, but I couldn’t stop thinking about the wolf essence stone. It was something we needed to deal with, but after the wedding.

  Chapter 103

  Victoria

  Chilly fingers ran over my cheeks, waking me. My eyes fluttered open. Toby sat next to me on the couch, wearing the same thing he’d worn before shifting. He smelled strongly of wolf, meaning he must have just recently shifted back. He smiled and placed a cool kiss on my lips.

  I pulled him close and wrapped my arms around him. “Why are you so cold?”

  He snuggled against me. “Let me show you.”

  “Okay?”

  Toby took my hand and led me to the front door and onto the porch, where thick white flakes floated from the sky and stuck to everything in sight. My breath caught.

  “It’s snowing.” He wrapped his arms around me. “That’s why I’m so cold. I wound up shifting back halfway between here and the Faeble. I had to run through the snow in the buff. My clothes were just outside Moonhaven.”

  “You poor thing. We should get you inside.”

  He tightened his hold on me. “I’m happy here. This is romantic, don’t you think?”

  “Most definitely.” I relaxed, enjoying the moment. “How was your run, despite the chilly end?”

  “Lonely.” He backed up, pressed me against the side of the house, and pressed his warming lips on mine. I gripped his muscular arms and opened his mouth with mine, deepening the kiss, growing greedier by the moment. I allowed myself to forget everything else and for a moment, my world only consisted of the two of us.

  A breeze blew icy snowflakes onto my face and arms. Toby shivered. I pulled away from the kiss, gasping for air. “We should get you inside.”

  He stared into my eyes, his expression intense. “I didn’t shudder from the cold.” He closed his eyes, trailed kisses from my earlobe to my mouth, and put his hands on the small of my back and pulled me against him. He shivered again and held my gaze. “I got your note in the mail.”

  My mouth fell open. I’d forgotten about it.

  Tears shone in his eyes. “The only thing that has ever broken my heart more than what I read was when you died in front of me.” He pulled me closer and kissed me with such passion I nearly went limp. He led me over to the bench and sat, pulling me onto his lap. “Did you really expect to die again?”

  I raked my fingers through his hair and nodded. “There was no reason to think you knew I’d left the werebears’ protection. Your father couldn’t wait to kill me. He thought once I was out of the way, you’d finally see the light and join him.”

  Anger flashed across his face, but then his expression softened and he ran his fingertips down my face. “We showed him, didn’t we?” He gave me another mind-melting kiss and then pulled back with a serious expression. “Don’t ever do that again, though.”

  “What?” I asked.

  “Give up. You and I are going to live a long, happy life. I swear it on my own life. We’re going to be alive centuries down the road with great-great-grandchildren running around our feet. Do you understand?”

  I swallowed and then nodded.

  “It’s the truth.”

  “I hope so, but I really think we should get you inside. Your fingers are still cold.”

  Toby took several deep breaths. “You’re right. I just want to be alone out here with you. You intoxicate me.” He put a fingertip on my lower lip and opened my mouth and looked at me with hungry eyes.

  It took all my self-control to stand and take his hand. “Let’s get you inside.”

  “We need to start making those wedding plans.”

  I pulled him toward the door. “Let’s discuss those as we watch the snow fall from inside the house.”

  “Sounds like a plan.”

  Inside, I grabbed a blanket from the living room and wrapped it around him. He walked me over to a large picture window and pulled me close. “How does a winter wedding sound?”

  “You want to wait a year?”

  He kissed my ear and whispered, “I want to marry as soon as possible.”

  “I can’t argue with that. How about tomorrow? Tonight?”

  Toby laughed and placed his lips on mine. “Sounds good to me.”

  BROKEN WOLF

  CURSE OF THE MOON #4

  Chapter 104

  Toby

  I held my breath and focused my breathing, yet my pulse continued racing through my body like an out-of-control truck down a steep hill. My attention moved to the fully transformed supernatural bar, now covered in flowers and shimmery decorations. I pressed my sweaty palms against my slacks and then adjusted the jacket of my tuxedo.

  The band continued playing the soft, romantic melody as Jet and Ziamara came down the aisle. Zia smiled at me as she took her spot next to the other bridesmaids. Jet took his place next to me and whispered something, but I couldn’t tell what.

  The tempo changed, and everyone seated in front of us rose to their feet. My mouth went dry. In just a moment, I would see my beautiful bride and we would marry at long last. I’d waited centuries for this day. It didn’t seem possible that it was really here. We’d been through so much—and that was putting it mildly.

  Finally, she came into view. She looked a little dazed as she scanned the guests, but then her face broke into a grin when our gazes locked. My heart soared and then I relaxed.

  There was nothing left to come between our wedded bliss. We were about to become husband and wife, and start our new life together in a magical paradise.

  Tap, the former troll king and owner of the supernatural bar, looped his arm through Victoria’s. They walked down the aisle, both smiling and nodding to the guests. They reached the small platform. The music lulled until it stopped.

  Soleil, our pack valkyrie who was certified to marry in sixteen countries, stepped up next to me and made eye contact with Tap. “Who gives this bride?”

  “Her mother.” The small but mighty troll extended an arm to Laura, who sat in the front row. She rose and nodded.

  “Come on up.” Soleil held out her hand to Victoria, and helped her onto the platform.

  It took all of my self-control to keep from running to Victoria. I wanted to skip past all the formalities and kiss her. To have us declared married.

  I took a deep breath. It would only be a few minutes. I could wait.

  Victoria walked over to me and took my hands. Hers were especially soft. Her entire face lit up as we stared at each other.

  Joy raced through me like bolts of electricity. I grinned like a fool and didn’t care what kind of teasing the pack would have in store for me later. My bride stood in front of me.

  Soleil moved to her position and adjusted her blonde hair. She cleared her throat and spoke about love. I could hardly pay attention, though. Victoria had always been the most beautiful woman alive, but standing before me in her sparkling wedding gown, she was even more gorgeous than usual. Her eyes shone with excitement equal to what I felt, and her smile had never been wider.

  A clatter sounded from another part of the Faeble.

  Victoria pulled her gaze from me and turned.

  I cleared my throat, trying to get her attention. Our favorite bar could burn down around us for all I cared—just as long as we continued with the ceremony.

  Gasps sounded from the back of the audience, and they moved forward. I turned my gaze from Victoria to see what was the matter. Whatever everyone else saw was blocked from my view. Guests rose from their seats and pressed themselves against the walls, stumbling over each other. They cried out.

  Victoria turned to me, wide-eyed.

  I squeezed her hands and turned to Soleil. “Declare us husband and wife!”

  Her gaze was focused on something behind us.

  “Stop the wedding!” came a deep voice with a thick Icelandic accent.

  I didn’t have to turn to know who he was—or who he wanted.

  Victoria.

  The tall brute of a werewolf stepped forward. People cried out. A few fainted. Everyone knew the violence he was capable of—he could kill us all single-handedly. “Hand over the bride, and nobody gets hurt.”

  I wrapped my arms around her. “You’ll have to kill me first.”

  “No!” Victoria pulled away from me. “Don’t hurt anyone. I’ll go.”

  “Don’t!” I grabbed her arm.

  She turned to me. “You’d rather everyone die?”

  “No,” I whispered.

  Victoria held my gaze. “Then let me go.”

  Chapter 105

  One Week Earlier

  Victoria

  “Look at this one!” Ziamara shoved the bridal magazine at me and added it to the stack on the kitchen table. Our pack vampire stared at me, her eyes wide with expectation, and pulled some of her rainbow-colored hair behind her ears. “Tell me that’s not the perfect wedding dress.”

  I glanced down at the magazine. “It’s nice.”

  “Nice?” she exclaimed. “It’s the most beautiful one I’ve ever seen. Right?” Ziamara nudged Stella, who sat between us at Toby’s spot at the head of the long table.

  “I’d definitely wear it.” Stella twisted a strand of curly hair around a finger. She’d been so helpful since joining the pack. I’d turned her into a werewolf when a cruel vampire had been after her, and I’d never seen anyone so grateful to be a part of the Moonhaven pack.

  My mom grabbed the magazine. “Oh, I really like this one. It’s so elegant. I can make one just like this—and make all the adjustments you want.”

  I pulled a sticky note from the pad. “Mark the page.”

  Ziamara arched a brow and rubbed her rounded stomach. “What’s with you?”

  “Nothing,” I said too quickly and grabbed one of the magazines. “I just want to get married. The details just don’t matter. I’ve already got my dream groom.”

  Stella sighed dramatically. “I hope I find love like that one day.”

  “You will.” I flipped through the pages, my mind far from the dresses in front of me. Ever since I’d heard about the wolf essence stone, I hadn’t been able to stop thinking about it. Only when Toby was around could I distract myself, but he was out with some of the pack guys, getting fitted for tuxes.

  Ziamara spoke about flowers and my mind wandered again. I didn’t know much about the stone, but I knew I wanted to find it. Its size and beauty was said to put the Hope Diamond to shame. It was also widely rumored to hold the cure to the curse of the moon—what forced every werewolf to shift only at the full moon. Well, every werewolf except me. First, I couldn’t shift at all, then I started shifting when my emotions were high. And now with my thoughts so focused on the stone, I wasn’t shifting all that often anymore.