Ethan’s hand settles on my shoulder, warm and steadying. “The current political head is pushing for wolf-centric policies. Genocide against all non-wolves. It’s a narrow view of who deserves to live.” His fingers tighten slightly. “Most of it happens behind closed doors.”
The current political head?My brain stutters, making the connection.
Conrad’s father.
My scent match’s father.
Oh my God. I came within a breath of being part of that family. Of standing beside a male whose bloodline is steeped in this kind of hatred.
Bile rises in my throat. I swallow hard, looking between Ethan and Axel with new eyes.
These males aren’t just alphas. They’re protectors. Guardians. Maybe even heroes.
I glance back at the wounded shifters, my heart swelling with a fierce urge to help them, to make a difference. This is more than just a sanctuary.
“Ignorance and hate make people capable of terrible things,” Ethan says. “Most think being different is dangerous. But our differences, our diversity, that’s where our strength lies. Until the world learns that, we protect who we can.”
Rage boils in my blood as I take in their battered bodies. How could anyone be so cruel?
“I want to help them,” I say. “However I can.”
Axel grins. “Knew you’d understand, Wildcat. You’re a survivor, like us.”
I crouch near a white bunny huddled in the corner of a pen, trembling. He shrinks away, brown eyes wide with fear.
“Hey there, little one,” I murmur. “It’s okay. I won’t hurt you.”
Slowly, he hops a little closer. Scars crisscross his soft fur.
“I’m Luna,” I whisper, scratching behind his ear, and realization washes over me and I glance up. “Wait… is Oli a bunny? Was that him the other day?”
Axel barks a laugh. “Yep. The little shit took full advantage of nestling in your cleavage.”
I give the bunny’s paw a gentle squeeze, then rise. A flutter of wings draws my eye to a brightly colored bird on a nearby fence post.
“Hello there, beautiful,” I say, approaching with my hands open in front of me. “I’m Luna.”
The bird shifter tilts its head, wary. One wing is mangled, feathers missing.
Then something bumps against my ankle. I look down to find the russet bunny with familiar mischief in his eyes.
“Oli?” I breathe.
He twitches his nose adorably. I scoop him up.
“I should’ve known,” I say, holding him to my chest. “But I’m still calling you Fluffy.”
The guys chuckle as Oli snuggles deeper into my arms.
“That’s why Damien’s so protective of him,” Ethan says. “Oli is one of the lucky ones. He never saw the worst of it. He spends a lot of time with the other bunnies. Or… nestled somewhere warm.” He winks.
Across the yard, I spot a small raccoon limping. Axel moves toward it, lifting it into a cushioned pen. Then he crosses to a squirrel with a missing tail and gently strokes its back.
My heart melts. I never expected Axel to be so gentle.
“Are you… is sheThe Luna?” a soft voice asks.
I turn to find a teenage girl, wide-eyed, staring at me.
