His Ghost

Lucys Undoing. 8

As I emerged from the steaming shower, my head throbbed, and my neck felt stiff. I groaned, reaching for a bottle of Advil on the bathroom counter. My thoughts were sluggish, evidence of either a hangover or dehydration.

Or a pissed-off wolf. Since the Gym fight, the pulsing in my head had not let up. Tonight's run would be good for him, at least. Run off some of that anger and frustration in him. I also needed to stop drinking sooner rather than later.

Over the last six years, my wolf and I had been seamless; now we were operating separately. He wanted his mate; I knew it was a short-term fix and a long-term disaster. As I dressed, I reflected on the mess Erika and I were in.

The Lycans were fiercely protective of their territory and ancient practices. Resentful of any intrusion from the human world. Their pride and arrogance matched their immense physical strength.

They only formed alliances with other powerful factions that shared their old-world mindset. Despite their reputation for fighting within those factions, Ancient families with Ancient Grievances. They chose that over yielding to the new, modern way of thinking.

These factions included witches, vampires, Lycans, and Fae, to name a few. They formed the formidable Old Guard or Old World Order. Shrouding themselves in myth and legend. Due to the powerful ancient magic they possessed. Their numbers were dwindling.

Yet, they remained influential in the supernatural realm. These days, due only to mystery and intrigue. They had not been involved in our world now for centuries. I struggled to believe a few Lycan rogues had drawn them out.

Sam's words resonated in my head. His theory was worrying but, if handled correctly, advantageous for Shifters.

As I thought about the stubbornness and madness of it all, I couldn't help but shake my head. My life was at odds with Erika's. We worked within human society while keeping our existence a secret from most.

Our main focus was on the survival of our species. Living in prosperity and not under the ancients' thumb required assimilation. It also required social interaction. Hence, they hated us. We conformed to a new world and flourished.

We were no longer their subjects. We were as high up on the food chain as them and more than happy and equipped to hunt them back.

Unfortunately, Erika's notorious family name only added another layer of complications. It doomed our chances of acceptance.

In the last week, I got a flash of potential to have a fated mate. Even a Lycan then Viktor told me her name.

I had to get out of my head. I had to attend the bonfire pre-run party despite my pounding headache. As I mentally prepared for the event, my mind kept drifting.

I needed to distance myself from her before our bond became too strong. I could devise a plan once Leon arrived. She had to leave. That was the only reasonable outcome for everyone involved.

But the word 'mate' changed everything. It threw all rules out the window.

"Ready to go?"

Guy's voice snapped me back to reality as I walked down the stairs. He was now waiting by the front door. We both headed to the Oval. Both taking in the massive number of people here as we descended the hillside.

The full moon run used to be fun. It was a casual event. Estate families and warriors mingled without social boundaries. But now, it had turned into a high-end affair with catered food, live music, and enforced dress codes.

We saw my grandmother and her entourage as we approached the gathering. Perched on high in an elevated marquee.

Max and Niko came through the link, informing us of the hidden BBQ and drinks in the nearby tree line. They also mentioned two new possible enforcer units. Aiden and Sam had selected from the pack warriors. All eager to meet us. Our years away on contract had made us superstars among the warriors. Everyone wants a shot to travel in an enforcer unit.