TOTAL ECLIPSE OF THE LUNA

"Victoria," he uttered gently, "you can't keep it." He smiled. "It's a wild animal, not a pet."

I was busy petting an adorable baby beaver.

But, Drystan, I really want him.

"Come on, get up. We're already late," he said, taking the beaver from my hands and letting it go.

Drystan, are you going to teach me how to fight tomorrow?

"Victoria, you're too young and..."

I cut him off, glaring. If you say it's because I'm a girl...

"That's not what I was going to say, Victoria. I was going to say you're too... beautiful."

I grinned. My brother called me beautiful. Technically, he was my stepbrother, but still, he called me beautiful.

I love that memory, even if it feels like it's from another lifetime, bittersweet and distant.

The forest was quiet, the kind that calmed your nerves, until a branch cracked. I couldn't even enjoy a sunset by the riverbed without someone showing up.

I've gotten good at fading into the background, staying unseen.

The guy walked into view, limping, blood soaking his thigh. He collapsed by the water with a groan, cursing under his breath. Then his head jerked up, alert. His knife caught the failing light, sharp and ready.

He was losing blood quickly. I moved behind him, holding my makeshift sharp stick. One quick move, and it would be over.

"Just kill me," he mumbled, not bothering to look back. "Or they will."

"Turn around," I said, calm and firm. "Drop the knife."

He hesitated briefly but finally dropped the knife. I kneeled, tore a strip from his shirt, and started working. I ended up a little too close while helping him.

"You smell good," he said, voice faint but cocky.

"Shut your mouth," I said, tightening the fabric around his leg. "Or I'll leave you here to bleed out."

He winced as I tied the fabric above his wound. Then I left him for a moment, looking for something to help stop the bleeding and ease the pain.

"This is going to hurt. Try not to scream," I warned.

"Do I look weak to you?" he said, wincing. He cursed when I placed the herb on his cut.

"You'll need to clean it and stitch it up soon, or it'll get worse. Goodbye," I said, turning to leave.

"Wait," he called, his voice hardly just above a whisper. "Stay. If I'm going to die, at least let it be in front of someone ...

I let out a breath.

"Get up. We need to find shelter. And a skunk."

"A skunk?" he laughed, despite the pain.

"Yeah, a skunk. Unless you want them to track us, now move." I helped him up. He was heavy and strong.

"What's your name?" he asked, leaning on me.

Silence.

"You're one of those rogue girls, huh?"

"Stop calling me 'girl,'" I snapped.

"Then tell me your name," he said, grinning through the discomfort.

He had a decent smile; I had to admit. "Victoria. Happy?"

"Thane," he offered.

"Great." "We're almost there."

Inside the small cave, I eased him down. "Stay put. I'll be back."

I came back with some herbs and a canteen of water.

"Where'd you scavenge that?" he asked, eyeing the supplies.

"My secret stash. Don't get any ideas," I said, throwing him the canteen. "Go ahead and drink," pressed the herbs onto his leg, and the bleeding slowed. He grabbed my wrist, his grip stronger than he possibly intended.

"You've got some healer's touch. Where'd you learn this?"

"Survival 101. Now, be quiet and allow me work."

"Stay put. I'll be back tomorrow," I said as I finished.

"Victoria... thanks,"

I left, but my insides twisted as I thought about him. Too much blood was lost, and infection was practically a guarantee. I sprinted back to the academy, scaled the fence, and entered the dining hall just as dinner was starting.

Kara spotted me and gave me a meaningful smile. As I walked toward her, Sienna, my personal nemesis since day one, passed by.

"Look at that," she sneered. "Your hair's finally growing back. Almost looks like you're a girl again."

I ignored her. She was going to pay for that haircut. I'd been waiting for the right moment, and today was it.

"Kara, cover for me. I've got some unfinished business."

"Hurry up,"

I hurried into the kitchen, grabbed a glove, and went back outside. Near the fence, I found the plant I needed. I rubbed it on Sienna's bed sheets, then on her friends' too. Finally, I smeared it on her pillow.

"Payback's a bitch," I said out loud, grinning.

Three months ago, she cut my hair while I was asleep, just one side, as a twisted prank. I was furious and cut off the rest myself. Now my hair was almost back to normal, and I slept lighter, ready for her next move. Almost.

Past midnight...

"Kara, got to bounce. I'll fill you in later," I spoke softly, slipping away.

First stop: the nurse's office. I picked the lock, snagged antibiotics, a suture kit, and painkillers-next, the kitchen, protein bars, and a loaf of bread. Backpack loaded, I hopped the fence and took off, light in hand-same route.

He was still breathing when I found him. I brushed his cheek gently.

"Victoria," he mumbled, barely conscious.

"Hey, I'm here. I need to clean and stitch you up, so stay quiet, okay? Take these pills first."

"Kiss me," he slurred, eyes half-closed.

"What? No, you're delirious."

"Kiss me before I die..."

"You're not dying. Bite this." I was about to put a stick in his mouth, but he grabbed my wrist, pulled me close, and kissed me. Our eyes met for a moment, which felt too long. I pulled away, my cheeks burning. "Pants off. Now."

He gave a weak laugh. "Shouldn't that be my line?"

"Bite down. This is going to hurt a lot." I smiled, but my hands stayed steady.

I cleaned the wound, stitched it up (9 stitches total), and bandaged it tightly. Couldn't help but notice his body was all muscle.

"Finished. Don't even think about moving," I said, leaning back to inspect my work.

He gave a weak grin.

I dozed off for a while, but woke up to find his arm burning with fever.

Damn. I turned on the flashlight, gave him two more pills, and put a cold compress on his forehead.

"Victoria..." he uttered.

"I'm here," I said, replacing the compress as his eyes opened wide.

"You're my beautiful angel," he spoke quietly.

I smiled. "Delirious and still a charmer, huh?" He brushed my face with his hand, weakly.

Before I knew it, I was asleep against his arm.

By daybreak, his fever had broken.

"Thane, wake up. I've got to go," I said, shaking him lightly.

He opened his eyes, his arms pulling me on top of him.

"I still want that kiss, Victoria," he said, his blue eyes focused and staring into mine.

Four years ago...

Drystan fastened the necklace around my neck, his fingers dwelling just a little longer than necessary.

He gently lifted my chin and looked into my eyes. "This circle? That's us, Victoria.

I didn't wait. I kissed him, and he met me halfway, his hand finding my waist as he kissed me back, more deeply this time.

When I finally pulled away, breathless, my arms wrapped around his neck without thinking.

"Just wanted to be sure you felt the same," he said softly.

"This is wrong, isn't it?" I spoke softly, even though it didn't feel wrong at all.

"Wrong?" I repeated, pulling back a little.

"You're my sister, Victoria."

"Stepsister," I corrected him. "We're not related by blood, Drystan."

He let out a sigh. "You know this means we'll have to fight for us, right? Everyone will be against us. Especially our parents. My dad..."

"Drystan," I cut him off, my voice composed. "Kiss me."

A small smile appeared on his lips. "You're so beautiful." His kiss was gentle, almost hesitant, but it sent shivers through me. I closed my eyes, trying to remember every detail.

"When did you know?" he asked after a moment.

I felt my cheeks warm. "Last year, when you took me to the lake at Twin Mountains. What about you?"

He answered right away. "The night you were sick. I stayed up, scared I'd lose you. That's when I found out. I love you, Victoria. Not as my sister. Just you."

"Don't ever leave me," I whispered.

"I'll try my hardest," he promised.

Drystan has been my stepbrother and best friend since I was three. There are five years between us, but we've always been together. We spent every day exploring the forests and mountains near our pack town. He's been my protector, my teacher, and the one I trust with all my secrets. Now, he's the person I love most.

We walked home together, laughing as he talked about finishing his first studies. Soon, he'd leave for the alpha's academy, preparing to lead the pack. Before we went inside, he pressed his lips to my hand, then let go.

Dinner was the usual family affair. My mother sat stiff-backed, her sternness equaled only by my stepfather, Drystan's dad, and the alpha of the pack. "Eat," he finally barked, breaking the calm that had hung over the table.

We glanced at each other when we thought no one would notice.

After dinner, my mother sent me to my room. Soon after, shouting broke out downstairs. Alpha Malachar slammed his fists on the table, making the whole house shake.

The door squeaked open, and my mother stormed in. "Did he touch you?" she demanded.

"No, who? Drystan? Of course, not..."

"Good. You're leaving tomorrow. You're going to the academy."

"What? Why? Mother, you can't be serious..."

Her hand slapped my cheek. "I didn't raise a whore. Your stepbrother? You think we're blind?"

"No," I sobbed. "Please, don't send me away..."

"You'll do as I say. He's leaving too. It's for the best."

I fell onto my bed, tears running down my face. Drystan had warned me this could happen. He was always good at reading people. "The most valuable skill is understanding those around you, especially the ones who might turn against you," he once told me.

Everything I owed to him.

The thought of being apart tore at my chest. I needed to see him at our special place. After midnight, once the house was quiet, I slipped out and ran through the forest.

He was waiting in our clearing, moonlight shining on his hair. I ran into his arms, breathing in his familiar pine and spice scent, trying to remember it forever.

"Victoria," he spoke quietly, stroking my hair. "This isn't the end. I'll find you. You'll be my Luna, I swear it."

His speech grew urgent. "Listen carefully. Where they're sending you, it's harsh. Full of rogues and girls deemed uncontrollable. You need to stay strong for four years." He exhaled shakily. "Not being able to protect you... It's tearing me apart."

"Promise you'll come for me, and I'll survive anything. I'll fight for us, Drystan."

He pulled me close, settling onto the ground and drawing me into his lap. My fingers caressed his cheek before I leaned in, kissing him gently. "I love you, Victoria," he uttered, his hands gliding softly along my skin, his lips touching my neck and collarbone. We stayed like that all night, tangled together on the forest floor, kissing, touching, but never going further. "You're too young," he said firmly. Sixteen. Not yet.

Leaving him felt like I was being torn in two. My world broke apart without him. I felt incomplete and lost.

By the second year at the academy, the news hit me like a shock. Our pack had been attacked, my parents were dead, and the pack was overtaken by a stronger one. And Drystan? Silence. I waited, grasping at hope.

That place was hell. There were bullies everywhere, and eventually, I became one too. Drystan had been right about everything. Trust no one. Watch, learn, and know your enemy before they destroy you.

Now, in my final year, there's still no word from him. Doubt emerged in. Was he captured? Dead? I'm without a pack; officially rogue, and survival turned out to be my specialty, and fighting, too. When you're always one mistake away from disaster, you learn fast. I could disappear without a trace, use a knife like it was part of me, and turn almost anything into a weapon.

But despite all the walls I'd built, I let one person in. Kara. She wasn't Drystan; no one could ever replace him, but she became the closest thing I had to a friend. We'd been watching each other's backs since the second year. Life moved on, even if it seemed empty.

Now, I'm almost twenty, the end of the year is getting closer, and still nothing from Drystan. Not a single sign.

Every night I stare at the ceiling, asking myself the same question: what will I do when these gates finally open? Do I live as a rogue wolf, always running, or try to blend in with humans until I'm old and my memories of Drystan disappear?

I jumped the fence just in time to brush my teeth and pull on the gray uniform. Life couldn't get any more boring. Then the yells began. I grinned and gave Kara a quick wink.

We got breakfast and took our usual seats. Sienna was there, scratching at her blisters until her skin looked raw.

I dumped my tray and walked past her table. I stopped, then turned around.

"Try me again, and you won't wake up." I flashed teeth. "Sweet dreams."

Anger burned under my skin, hot and restless. I had nowhere to put it.

Kara smirked as she watched Sienna scratch herself.

Good. She deserved it, especially with that pretty face of hers.

Only six more months and I'd be free. But then what?

"Victoria," Kara cut in, "where the hell have you been?"

I listed off the day's crap, classes, drills, and all the academy's boring routines.

"Victoria?" Kara's tone lowered. "You kissed him?"

"Yeah. And..."

"You like him?" She sounded almost wounded.

"Kara, we've talked about this." I sighed. "I like guys. What we have is fun, but it's not forever." The words came across as bitter the moment I said them. We fooled around, but Kara cared more. "Sorry. I didn't mean to hurt you."

"No, you're right." She shrugged, acting excessively casual. "You were clear from the start."

"It's not about choices," I said, snorting. "I'm still a virgin. Maybe it's time to change that."

"Victoria, don't," Kara's eyes narrowed. "You're pissed."

"You have no idea."

Weapons class.

Perfect. I could finally let out some frustration, I thought.

Then Balthazar walked in. He was the academy lead, always stern, probably in his mid-forties, and looked like he hadn't smiled in years. He brought in a cart full of wooden sticks, thankfully not sharp.

I glanced at Kara. What was going on?

"You," he pointed to some woman, "and you," to Kara. Then his look fell on me. We stared each other down for a solid second.

"It's all in the posture and core," Balthazar barked. "Pay attention." He threw a stick to each of them.

"Read your opponent, predict their next move. That's the goal," he continued.

It looked brutal and probably hurt. But I already knew how to use a stick, thanks to Drystan. I'd bugged him until he finally taught me. I smiled at the memory.

"Victoria, you're up," Balthazar said, tossing a stick my way.

I glanced at my partner. He grabbed a stick. "You, sir?" I asked.

Balthazar smiled. First time. "Let's see what you've got."

He charged, and I blocked. Watch him, I told myself, look for his weakness. He attacked again, and I blocked most of it, but one hit caught my shoulder. Pain shot through my heart, and anger flared up. Drystan always said anger messes with your focus.

I moved back and noticed his left leg was always in front; he was lefty. Perfect. I lunged and hit his right ribs with my stick.

"You've got quick hands, Victoria," Balthazar said, eyeing me. "But this isn't your first rodeo with a stick, is it?"

"No, sir," I replied flatly.

"You," he pointed to Sylvia, "pair up with her." He came closer to me, softening his voice. "Tighten your core, Victoria. You've got this."

Sylvia was tough; I'd seen her fight before. But even a five-foot stick could take down someone twice your size. Maybe I was exaggerating, but it felt true.

I watched her movements, zeroing in on her right knee. One hard strike and she was down; my stick aimed at her face.

Balthazar appeared behind me. "Hit her," he ordered. "You've got to show strength, or they'll tear you apart."

I wavered, then turned to him. "It's just practice, sir. I'm not going to hurt her."

He looked at my neck, his face turning confused. He'd seen my birthmark, a perfect circle, almost like a brand.

"Alright, that's enough for today," he said sharply. "Dismissed." He left the room before I could react.

"Kara," I said, grabbing her arm. "Cover for me. I've got to go."

I climbed the fence and ran into the forest.

Thane was waiting for me, still limping but looking better. He smiled when I got close.

"Victoria," he said, extending out to touch my face. "How am I ever going to repay you?"

"You don't owe me anything, Thane. Sit down and eat. I need to change your bandage. Take your pants off."

He laughed, low and rough. "Taking orders from a woman..."

"Got a problem with that?" I answered, smiling.

"First time for everything," he said, pulling me closer. His lips touched mine, soft at first, then deeper. I kissed him back, wanting that rush of feeling alive. But then guilt turned in my stomach, like I was double-crossing Drystan.

"You're feeling guilty," Thane murmured, pulling back just enough to meet my eyes.

"I shouldn't," I said, focusing on unwrapping his old bandage.

"Who took your heart and broke it?" he asked, his speech quiet.

"I'm not weak," I told myself, but the tears still came. I wiped them away, angry at myself.

"Thane, I don't want to talk about it. He left me. He's not worth my tears." I looked at his stitches. "Hey," I said, forcing a smile, "they look good."

"You're something else," he said, his hand stroking my cheek. "People see you and think fragile, but you're a force not to be messed with.

My face grew warm as I finished wrapping the new bandage. When I was done, he put his arm around me and pulled me close. His lips touched my neck, his breath warm on my skin. He breathed in deeply, like he was trying to remember my scent.

"Ever done this before?" he uttered, his voice husky.

"Yeah," I lied, then added, "Well, with a girl."

He paused and pulled back a little. "With a girl," he repeated, lifting an eyebrow. "Should I keep going?"

I didn't answer.

"Your body," he said as his hand slid under my shirt, "is telling me yes."

"Thane," I spoke quietly as his hand moved lower, "don't stop."

His kisses turned desperate, hungry. He lay me down, wincing as he shifted to get on top of me. "Fuck," he mumbled under his breath.

His lips moved down my body, stopping just above my navel. He took off my pants. My mind races. Did I really want this, or am I just mad at Drystan?

"I won't," Thane said, as if he could read my mind. His mouth moved to my thigh, finding the spot that made me gasp. I could feel his arousal lying against my leg. He moved on me, his lips caressing my nipple while he touched me. My body shivered as I gave in, my hand stretching for him, helping him lose control.

"Victoria," he said, breath heated against me

After a while, he said, "Come with me. Leave this place.

"Thane," I spoke softly, my hand on his face, "I want to, but I can't."

"You still think he'll come back for you?"

"No," I owe up. "Four years, not a word. I'm done hoping."

"Come here," he said, wincing as he sat up. I straddled his good leg. He held me close, his hand tracing gently along my back.

Why did it feel so right to be in his arms?