The Alpha's Stolen Luna - Chapter 208: Chapter 208

: Sutton
Our run lasted a lot longer than we had anticipated. It was almost midnight when we finally made it back to the cabin. But it was entirely needed. Nova and Rhonen had the time of their lives. We probably circled the entire lake just following new scents and game trails. We didn’t come across the waterfall near the rock formation, but that was fine. Our goal was to just let our animals have a good time.
They even got to hunt. Taking down a rabbit and a beaver. Letting Nova devour her kill was a new experience for me. I thought I would have been disgusted. But my instincts were so in tune with Nova’s now that the whole encounter just felt natural. And surprisingly delicious. Although, I would still stick to preparing my food in human form.
When we got back to the cabin, Jaden had started a fire in the fire pit behind the cabin, overlooking the water. We sat out there for a few hours before going to bed. I slept like an absolute rock.
Waking up well-rested and refreshed, I quickly got ready and cooked breakfast for everyone as they slowly woke up. Apparently, Lucas had requested that they stock the kitchen for us before we arrived. I had been nervous about sharing the small bathroom between four adults, but Helene and Jaden had thought ahead and had each showered the night before.
Jaden sat up on the couch bed, throwing his legs over the edge with a yawn and a stretch as I poured the eggs in the pan.
“Good morning, Luna,” he said sleepily as he came up to the island counter. “Ready to do some investigating today?”
“You bet. So, you better not let me down with that waterfall,” I teased.
Jaden chuckled. “I would never dream of it.”
I handed Jaden the loaf of bread to put in the toaster before turning the sausages on the stove. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Helene emerge from the spare room. She froze when she saw Jaden, her face turning a bright red before she scurried to the fridge. She muttered something about just grabbing her medication before retreating back to the bedroom.
My brow furrowed in confusion at her behavior.
“What was all that about?” I asked.
Jaden shrugged without a word, but his expression seemed oddly controlled. The corner of his lip twitching slightly as if he was trying not to grin.
“I hope you didn’t mind Lucas and me leaving you with Helene last night,” I said.
“Not at all, Luna,” Jaden said, but I could see him stiffen slightly.
I wondered if he had also picked up on Helene’s little infatuation with him also. I had thought it was cute the day before, but the more I thought about it, the more I worried. Lycans tended to wait for their fated mates. I didn’t think Jaden would be an exception to that tradition. I could completely understand that desire, but I hated to think it would end with my sister’s broken heart.
I was thinking about bringing up the subject with him when Lucas came out of the bathroom and I was completely distracted. He towel dried his hair as he crossed the room, shirtless, with his jeans hanging perfectly on his hips. Grabbing my chin, he greeted me with one of those spine-tingling kisses I would never get tired of.
“You were up early,” he commented once he released me.
“I was ready to start the day, I guess,” I replied with a smile as I dished the eggs and sausage onto a serving plate.
I called Helene out and we all ate standing up at the kitchen island. I think they all sensed my eagerness to get going. I wasn’t going to argue. As soon as everyone was well fed, I deposited the dishes in the sink to deal with later and rushed us toward the door.
Jaden opted to stay behind so he could get his bearings and map out the route to that rock formation we were looking for. Lucas, Helene, and I loaded back into the truck to head to the rental office a couple of miles up the road.
We pulled into the dirt lot outside a little building with the office sign hanging out front. I didn’t see any other cars, so I wasn’t sure if it was open yet. I guess it was still early.
“Wait here,” Lucas instructed. “I’ll go check it out.”
He got out of the truck and headed for the door. I glanced in the rearview mirror at Helene. Despite my eagerness, it still hadn’t escaped my notice that she was quieter than usual.
“So are you going to tell me what’s up or am I going to have to pry it out of you?” I pressed.
“What? I don’t know what you’re talking about. Everything is fine.”
“Helene…” I said with a warning tone.
My sister grunted, aggressively crossing her arms across her chest.
“It’s nothing,” she said, quite unconvincingly considering the blush that filled her cheeks.
“Liar,” I retorted. “What happened while we were gone last night?”
Helene rolled her eyes but gave in.
“It was stupid,” she said. “I… I had taken a shower first and realized I’d left my evening shot in the cooler in the kitchen. I thought Jaden was outside still, so I…”
“Helene, please tell me you didn’t walk through the cabin naked…” I blurted out.
“No,” she exclaimed, but her face still flushed a deeper red. “I was in a towel. But unfortunately, the provided towels don’t cover as much as I would like them to. But… I… ran right into Jaden on the way.”
I worked to hide my laughter. It wasn’t like it was an end-of-the-world encounter.
“Shut up, Sutton,” Helene scolded. “It’s not funny. It was embarrassing. And awkward.”
I was about to apologize and reassure her that she had nothing to be embarrassed about, but I got distracted by a car pulling into the lot. It must have been the property manager because Lucas waved us over.
“This conversation isn’t over.”