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Sylvie looks surprised by my outburst, but keeps it together. She makes me look like the one who lost it. She loves playing the victim. This woman knows I'm public enemy number one, but dares to pout on my yard as if she's the one having a hard time.

I want to kick and scream with frustration, but I'm not going to lower myself to her childish standards.

"Actually, I'm not here for personal reasons," she declares. "I regret to inform you that the world doesn revolve around you, Kenna. The clinic needs you to sign paperwork, and I was kind enough to stop by to inform you."

My body heats as embarrassment and anger cook within me. Is she telling the truth? Or did she plan this, knowing that I wouldn't welcome her in my home?

"You will speak to the doctor with respect," Kaden intervenes. "She is above you in rank."

Her expression softens when she looks at him. Kaden and I are similar in many ways— stubborn, independent, witty, sexual, but Sylvie treats us so differently. I am the scum at the bottom of her shoe, but Kaden is the stars above her.

"Kaden, I am... I am..."

"Yes," I press. I am tired of biting my tongue. She came here uninvited, and I will bare teeth for it. "Who are you, other than our self-proclaimed Luna? A doctor like me? What do you contribute to the pack other than drama?"

She'll never be Luna material. She chases the sun instead of the moon– fiery drama instead of peace. She's too distracted by the world she has in her head than to care about the pack.

She stands tall. "I'm respected by the pack." Her eyes crackle with pride, because she knows respect is not something I don't own. She's trying to hurt me.

"Respected by the pack, yes, but not by the Alpha."

"Enough," Kaden interjects. "Sylvie, go home."

"I'm not done here," she insists.

"Girl, if you don't get off my property..." I growl, my rage surfacing.

"Please, girl," she mocks. "You came into his life yesterday. I've been with him for years. Take a seat."

To hell with it. My wolf rushes forward and my clothes rip apart when flesh becomes fur. I charge forward, determined to remove this intruder one way or another.

Sylvie shifts, too. We're about to collide when Kaden jumps forward. He doesn't have to shift to shoulder Sylvie five feet back and swing atop of me to pin me down.

"Submit!" he demands, gripping my fur with a firm but not painful hold.

My wolf doesn't listen. She knows she has the Alpha's favor and can get away with much.

Sylvie whimpers as she watches us.

"Kenna!" he roars. This time, louder.

My growls simmer down to grunts and huffs, and I stop resisting.

While I can't fight Sylvie, I have a final trick up my sleeve. I shift back to my human form, revealing my nudity. Kaden's eyes instantly lock on my body, and she sees this.

She practically buzzes with rage. With a final growl, she turns and storms off, probably to cry wolf and encourage more drama.

"This is ridiculous," Kaden says as he shrugs his shirt off and pulls it over my head. "I'm transferring her."

"Why?" I scowl. "The damage has been done. My reputation is already in tatters, and if she's kicked out, things will only get worse. You would be ridiculed for picking me as your Luna because I'm considered the pack whore."

"Kenna, I don't give a fuck about rumors. I'm a grown man." He slaps his forearm. "This is the only truth I know. The blood that flows in me makes me an Alpha and nothing will change that, especially rumors."

He's lucky, but I don't have the same immunity. I'm no Alpha.

He touches my chin and lifts my head. He looks handsome, even with his irritated expression. His shoulders are golden with the sun. Broad and muscled. They crown him as the strongest man in the pack.

"I can't punish the pack for gossiping, because that would make me a dictator. Let them talk, but I won't listen. I want you as my Luna, and my word is fucking law. They'll have to address you as Luna whether they like it or not."

His arrogance flatters me. I don't know why this man insists on having me— a mess of a woman, but he keeps coming back to me.

"I should go inside and change." I reply.

He smiles. "You are running from me again. Fine. Run, but I'll chase your tight little ass to the edge of my territory and beyond."

I roll my eyes, and hope he can't hear how fast my heart is beating. "Don't you have things to do, Kaden?"

He shrugs. "Yes. I have a whole pack to run, but you keep pulling me back with your antics. I'm tired of this childish back and forth, so I'm pinning you by my side during the day." His hand slips down my neck until cupping the underside of my breast. My nipples instantly strain against his T-shirt, betraying my hardened demeanor.

"And pinning you to my bed at night."

My panties drench — except that I'm not wearing any, and my wetness drips down my thigh.

"I have to go." I step back.

"To wipe your pussy?" He smirks. "Fine. You're dismissed."

I stomp upstairs. Damn that man, and damn my vagina for being so obedient to him! His words, his touch, his fucking looks can have me melting with shameful desire.

I take a shower, scrubbing hard between my legs to erase the effect of Kaden. Then, I hang out in the living room. Occasionally, I peek outside to see if that witch came back. I swear I'll burn her at the stake if she returns.

After an hour, my temper has cooled. I call the clinic and confirm that they need my signature. I quickly change and head out.

When I return home, I collapse on my bed with exhaustion. Being murderous sure is exhausting.

– • –

I wake up grumpy, although that's not new. At least there's not much to do at the clinic, since my patients have dropped like flies.

I watch the pack house from a distance on my way to work. It buzzes with activity because the day of the flower is coming up, which is like mother's day for werewolves. Everyone is moving tables, flowers, food, and utensils to-and from the pack house. I think I'll go to the festival. I've spent enough time hiding from the pack, as if I've done something shameful.

As soon as I walk into the clinic, I'm greeted by Cheysa, who tosses an arm over my shoulders. "Kenna, I think you're the most unlucky bastard I know."

"I agree." I grin. "Because I have to work beside you every day."

"Fuck you," she laughs.

"Hey, don't make me write you up for sexual harassment."

"You're the one letting the alpha play doctor by re-arranging your guts," she whispers.

I shrug. "Why whisper? Everyone knows by now."

"YOU'RE THE ONE—"

I slap a hand over her mouth. "Goddess, you're such a child. Lower your voice!" I hiss.

She laughs. "Seriously, though. I have bad news for you."

"Try me." I encourage as I drop my bag on my table. "I already hit rock bottom."

"Well, Sylvie has been acting like the Moon Goddess. Get this— this morning, some people were gossiping about you in the dining room. Miss Goddess gave a speech about forgiving 'the other woman,' being the bigger person, and asked them to pray for you because that would be more productive than gossip!"

I rub my forehead. "This is getting out of hand."

"She's full of bullshit."

"She's about to be full of my fists."

Cheysa shakes her head. "You can't do that. It would only make the pack believe her. I'm sorry, Kenna, but I don't think this is wildfire is going to calm down soon."

"What do I do?" I groan.

"Can't Kaden help you?"

The only things Kaden can offer is dick and a Luna title. I don't want to take the easy way out, though. I can't become his Luna just to squash Sylvie's dreams.

"Doctor." There's a knock at my door.

"Yes?"

"Alpha Black is here to see you."

Cheysa raises her eyebrow. "Wow, one wasn't enough?" she grins. "You sure have been busy, Kenna."