Betrayal

•14•

Lyla awoke several hours later to her heart pounding and soaked in sweat. Luckily Tyler didn't wake up also. Gingerly moving out from under Tyler's arm Lyla inched her way to the edge of the bed then slipped out to take a shower.

Amazingly Tyler was still asleep when Lyla returned dressed and agitated. Something was working her wolf into a frenzy. To calm herself she decided to go for a run. Changing to shorts and a t-shirt Lyla wrote a quick note and placed it on her pillow so Tyler would see it as soon as he woke up.

Quietly walking downstairs Lyla stopped and grabbed an orange juice and an apple. Taking them outside she sat on the patio chair and gazed at the full moon. So that's why her wolf was edgy. Lyla always went for a long run on a full moon to keep her wolf from getting restless. From an early age, whenever the full moon is high in the sky her body would fill up with energy that screamed to be released. She noticed after her first shift that her wolf would get anxious close to a full moon. Lyla often wondered why the moon affected her so but of course her parents were no help, they just laughed at her and told her she was imagining things.

Adam was the only one that understood because he felt it also. The pull of the moon. The feeling of freedom while running as fast as your legs would go. The power boost at each full moon that continues to energize your body even in human form. With each shift during the full moon we both grew stronger but we have no idea why. Neither of them has told anyone, only the two know and that's because Adam happened upon Lyla shifting one night and realized she was going through the same things he was. They agreed to keep it a secret as they weren't really sure what it all meant.

Realizing she would know have to tell Tyler and his parents Lyla took a deep breath and tried to figure out how she was going to do that. Standing she figured a good run would help clear her mind and maybe give her inspiration to tell her secret and also in dealing with Karin. Stepping off the porch onto the soft grass she was about to undress and shift until she heard the door open. Turning she met the gaze of Alpha Drew.

"I figured you would be out here. You were always drawn to the moon. Even as a pup the moon seemed to intrigue you. On patrols I would find you outside basking in the glow of the rays of the moon. At times you seemed to glow along with the mother moon. Her beauty transformed you into a stunning young woman that I am proud to call my daughter." Blushing with the unexpected compliment Lyla shook her head.

"I am not nearly as beautiful as she. Her brilliant glow and generosity in sharing some of it with me is a rare gift that I hope to one day give thanks for. And it is I that am proud to be able to call you father. A strong leader that puts his pack first and requires nothing in return is indeed an outstanding Alpha and man. I am lucky to have been paired with Tyler and to have been accepted into this loving and wonderful family." Drew had joined Lyla in the yard and was now standing next to her.

He took Lyla's hand and placed his other one over hers enveloping her small one in between his bigger ones. "You my dear angel is just what this family needs. Ginger has always wanted a daughter to spoil and talk girl stuff with and my son needs a strong, independent woman to keep him in line. A Luna that will stand by her mate but also not be afraid to speak her mind and let her opinion be known."

"I'm not sure about a strong Luna but I am willing to give my all to Tyler and the pack." Lyla admitted with a smile.

"That's all I ask of you." Alpha Drew smiled. "Now let's go for that run."

Drew shifted and ran towards the woods with Lyla following. Not far into the the run Lyla stopped and sniffed the air. Turning to her left she took a few steps then stopped.

Alpha, Karin and her friends are close to the border. I smell at least ten rogues accompanying them.

Alpha came to stand next to her and sniffed the air also. I don't smell anything. Are you sure?

Yes alpha I am sure, its her unique scent that I have smelled since her birth. I would know it anywhere.

Alpha Drew took more steps toward the direction they were facing. Still not smelling anything he sent his patrols in that area. Check out the border, Lyla thinks Karin and her group are close.

We haven't seen anyone but we will run the border again. Any particular area?

Lyla? Can you tell which direction? Report to Lyla on this please I will head back and get the fighters ready. Alpha Drew ran home leaving Lyla in charge linking Tyler and Ginger on the way.

Yes, Southwest. They are about ten miles away.

Wow, Luna you can smell that far away?

I am not the luna yet and yes I have always had a rather keen scent of smell but after completing the mate bond it has improved drastically.

As of yesterday you are officially the next luna so you are entitled to be addressed as such.

Any sign of them yet?

Lyla, sweetie, Are you alright? I am on my way!

I am fine Tyler, I am headed to the border to show the patrols where they will be showing up at.

Stay where you are until I get there, I am on my way.

Tyler, I am capable enough to find the traitors.

It's not that, I just don't want anything to happen to you. Karin is devious and will stop at nothing to hurt you. Oh and Adam will be here within the hour with the Moonshine pack.

Great another overprotective male to tell me stay home. Lyla huffed and snorted blowing air through her nostrils.

Hunnie, I'm not telling you to do anything I just want you to be careful and I prefer to be with you just in case.

Okay I will wait here but hurry.

Almost there sweetheart.

Lyla spotted her mate running toward her with the strap of a backpack between his teeth. She shifted as he pranced up to her dropping it at her feet. Lyla knelt to pick it up and Tyler licked her face. Laughing she ran her hand down his back. "Your black fur is gorgeous and so soft." Lyla nuzzled her face in Tylers neck making his body tremble. Shifting back to human Lyla fell into Tyler's lap.

"That's not fair, I was having fun with your wolf." Lyla pouted.

"Sorry babe but if you would have kept on we wouldn't be much help to the pack for a few hours." Lyla blushed at that and turned back to the backpack. "I assume you brought clothes."

"I figured you would want to be in human form to confront Karin." Tyler reached in and grabbed some shorts and a shirt.

"Yes that would be a good idea. Is the pack getting ready?" Lyla asked as she shrugged into her shirt.

"Dad was on the phone with Alpha Grey and they are all on alert. Grey will be here about the same time your brother is. The coven is doing some protection thing for you and will be here soon also." Tyler stood and pulled Lyla up with him wrapping his arms around her and resting his forehead against hers.

"I love you Lyla, I couldn't bare it if anything were to happen to you." Lyla drew back and gazed upon Tyler's darkening eyes. "I am not going anywhere." Lyla rose up to kiss his lips. Tyler buried his fingers in her hair pulling her closer and nipped at her lips to gain entry. The passion filled kiss left them both breathless. "I love you Tyler and you can't get rid of me that easily."

"Oh sweetie, I never want to get rid of you although you may want to run after you realize what a mess of a mate you are matched with." Tyler winked.

Giggling they walked hand in hand toward the border line that Karin was expected to come upon shortly.