Bound by the Moon (A Royal Shifters novel Book 5)

by L. P. Dover

  I can only hope so. “Thanks, Ansley.”

  I let her go and get back in my Jeep. She smiles sadly and waves as we pull out of her driveway. “I can always use magic on her,” Tia suggests. “Just a little something to make her feel happy.”

  The thought is tempting, but Ansley will never forgive me if she found out. Concentrating on the road, I shake my head. “We can’t. I don’t want her mad at me. I’m just hoping I dream about her and her future mate tonight.” I glance over at Tia, and she nods, but there’s a hint of slyness to her smile. “What are you grinning at?” I ask, turning my attention back to the road.

  Tia giggles. “Oh, just you. If you don’t dream about Ansley, maybe you’ll dream about the wolf you’ve been dallying with for the past couple of months. What exactly do you two do when you’re together?”

  Cheeks burning, I keep my focus on the road. My dreams have recently been more on the X-rated side, making it awkward since I can’t see the guy’s face. “That’s none of your business,” I say, winking over at her.

  Tia shakes her head and laughs. “Guess I know now why you’ve been moaning in your sleep.”

  If she only knew. I had a couple of human lovers the past year, but nothing compares to the sex I’ve had in my dreams. Ever since I started having the dreams, I’ve stayed away from human men. They can satisfy our needs, but I’ve heard wolves are the best. When I wake up, my body feels satiated and tired, as if what happened in my dreams was real. I can’t explain it, but it’s incredible. Just thinking about my dreams makes me wish I could skip the party and go right to sleep.

  My body trembles and I look forward to more dreams. “Let’s just say my mate knows what he’s doing.”

  I knew my college graduation party would be huge, but I didn’t realize to what extent. As I look around at everyone, it brings me joy to see our closest friends and allies come together. Not only are there wolves from the Royal pack here, but Chase Maheegan is here with his Timberwolf pack, the Northwestern alpha, Ian Randale, and his people are here, along with Colton Redding and his red wolves. We’re all separate groups, but we work as one. We help each other in times of need.

  So much has changed this past year with the royals resurfacing. For the longest time, the packs have been at a standstill. No one was finding their mates, and no new wolves were being born. That is until the royals brought magic back to our people.

  I glance over at Tia and smile at the way she observes everyone with such fascination. She’s not used to seeing wolves get along the way we do. “Different, huh?” I say.

  She takes a sip of her margarita. “A little. I think some of them are afraid of me though.” I’ve noticed it too with their skeptical glares, but I’m hoping in time they’ll be more comfortable around her. I thought with her being by my side, it’d help, but word about how she came to be with our pack has spread far and wide. Everyone knows how powerful she is and that her magic can put a wolf down with just a flick of her wrist.

  Taking her arm, I pull her over to the refreshment table so I can grab a handful of cotton candy grapes. They taste just like the sugary treat. I search around for Orin, and I find him tossing back whiskey shots with some of the other males in the pack. Maybe he fits in more because he’s a wolf and not a witch. Some are afraid of Tia’s power.

  “Laila will be here in a few minutes,” I assure her. “Once everyone sees you with her, maybe they won’t be so afraid of you.” It just so happens that Laila and Cedric pull up into the driveway just as I say it. Laila is a royal arctic and part fae, which gives her a type of magic that’s even more powerful than Tia’s. They met many years ago when both were held captive by other alphas. Captive. The thought of it all infuriates me. When I look around, there are so many women among me who have been victimized. I was abducted and tortured by the Yukon pack. Faith was taken by the Blue River alpha, Killian. And Laila was thrown into the middle of a fae war and almost didn’t survive. We’re all stronger now, but it’ll never end. All I want is to keep people safe, to protect them.

  “Kami, Tia,” Laila squeals, waddling over with her arms outstretched. Her baby’s due in a couple of months, and she looks radiant in an emerald dress with her bright red hair in loose waves down her back. She hugs me first and pats my back. “Happy graduation. Have you heard anything from the academy?”

  “Not yet,” I say, letting her go.

  She winks at me. “You will. Don’t worry.”

  Turning to Tia, she hugs her hard. “And how are you holding up? I know it’s different being here.”

  Tia laughs, but there’s a hint of sadness to it. “It is, but I’m adjusting. I know some here probably still see me as the enemy.”

  Laila links her arm with hers and pulls her toward the crowd. “They won’t after tonight.” Laila winks at me, and I mouth the words thank you to her.

  Faith comes up beside me and bumps me with her shoulder. “Are you enjoying the party?”

  I bump her back and smile. “Of course, I am.” Then I flourish a hand around the yard. “But you didn’t have to do all of this. I can’t imagine the amount of work it took.” What used to be my parents’ simple backyard has been turned into an oasis, surrounded by twinkling lights and fountains with a dance floor right in the middle.

  Faith snickers. “It was fun. I think your parents love it.”

  We spot my parents on the dance floor, holding onto each other as they slow dance. “They do look happy.”

  “Yes, they do,” Faith agrees.

  Clearing my throat, I lower my voice. “I might need your help in a little bit. Do you see Jamie over there?” I nod at her, and Faith follows my line of sight. She’s dressed in a cute yellow top and jeans, talking to two other girls in our pack.

  Faith nods. “I do see her. What’s wrong?”

  “Nothing’s wrong,” I say with a mischievous grin. “I happened to have a dream about her and another wolf in our pack.”

  Faith gasps. “Seriously? Who’s her mate?”

  After searching the crowd, it doesn’t take long to find Thorin with his friends. I nod toward their group and Faith looks over at them. “Thorin. I’ve seen Jamie around him on numerous occasions. There’s definitely something between them. I have a feeling if we get them together tonight, it’ll happen.”

  Faith turns to me, her smile playful. “Leave it to me. If this works, then it’s safe to say you do have a special power. It’ll be the third couple you’ve matched.”

  If only my magic worked on my own mate. It’d be nice to know who he is. Once I’m done with my grapes, I grab another handful from the table. “Have you talked to Micah?”

  Micah is a royal arctic just like her, and he used to be her protector. Now that she’s bonded with my brother, Micah’s free from his duty. Faith pulls her phone out of her back pocket and sighs when she looks at their last text.

  “The last time I spoke with him was a week ago. He said he was okay.” I can hear the concern in her voice.

  “I’m sure he is, Faith. And when he comes back, he’ll have the other royals with him.”

  Many years ago, the first Royal pack was attacked, and the ones who weren’t murdered went into hiding. Everyone thought Faith was the last royal female, but she’s not. That’s why Micah is on the search for the rest of their old pack. They’re not safe out there on their own.

  Faith nods. “It’ll be nice to see my old friends again. It’s been so long.” Her eyes focus on something across the yard, and she smiles. “Ah, here comes my brother.” She snickers under her breath. “I know you just love him.” Her words drip with sarcasm.

  On the contrary, her brother’s a complete and utter asshat. He’s a royal arctic, and all the ladies in my pack love him. Hell, all the women everywhere adore him, and he knows it. His charm, however, does not work on me. Silently, I groan and turn my focus to Colin, who gives me a smirk as he approaches. Is he good-looking? Of course, he’s a royal. He possesses all the attributes of an arctic with his whitish-blond hai
r and striking blue eyes. His left arm is covered in tattoos, but he doesn’t need them to help with his bad-boy persona. He’s the kind of guy girls are warned to stay away from. I can only imagine the number of hearts he’s broken over the years.

  Colin smiles at us and winks at Faith. “Good to see you, sis.”

  Faith kisses his cheek. “Glad you could make it.” Then she turns to me, her eyes twinkling with mischief. “I need to go check on something. You two have fun.”

  I glare at her, but all she does is grin wider and hurry away. Colin chuckles and plucks a grape from my hand, popping it into his mouth. It takes all I have not to shove the remaining ones down his throat.

  “Saw you on TV.” He moves closer and smiles even more. “Good job, by the way. I heard you applied to the FBI Academy.”

  “You heard right.”

  His expression is both shocked and impressed. “Nice. I didn’t know you were interested in that.”

  I snort. “I’m not shocked. I didn’t know you thought about anyone else other than yourself.” Do I really believe that? No, but it felt good to jibe at him. He’s very protective when it comes to his family and friends. I’ve seen it firsthand when he risked his life to stand by Faith’s side when the Blue River pack took her. He also tried to protect me from a drunkard one night at a party many months ago. It infuriated me he thought I wouldn’t be able to defend myself.

  Colin shakes his head and laughs. “You are one feisty wolf tonight. I get the feeling you’re mad at me about something.”

  I look right into those crystal blue eyes of his. “Being mad at you would mean I actually care. Why don’t you bother some of the other females around here? I’m sure they’d be happy to have your company.”

  He glances around the yard and shrugs. “I could, but I’d rather stay here with you. You’re more entertaining.”

  “Great,” I grumble sarcastically. “Now I’m being punished.”

  He bursts out laughing. “See, that’s what I like about you. You’re witty and funny as hell.” He moves closer to me, and I tense when his body touches mine. “Look at all those men staring at you,” he says, his breath warm against my ear. My heart rate spikes, and I hate myself for it. When I peer out at the crowd, several wolves from the other packs are watching us. I can sense their need to be closer to me; I can even feel a hint of it coming from Colin. “Be prepared, Kamille.” Shivers run down my arms; no one ever calls me by my real name. Hearing him say it makes me feel things I don’t want to feel.

  “Prepared for what?” I say, my voice breathless.

  “All of these men are going to be breaking down your door to get time with you. I can see it in their eyes.”

  I step away from him. “I’m glad you won’t be one of them. There’s only so much ego one can fit in a relationship.” His smirk makes me want to smack it off his face. “And do me a favor, don’t call me Kamille. Only my close friends get the privilege.”

  It doesn’t matter what I say, but he seems to get more enjoyment with each passing second. I turn to walk off and run right into Chase Maheegan, the alpha of the Timberwolf pack. He catches me in his arms and smiles. “I still have that privilege, don’t I?”

  Holding onto his arm, I smile back at him. He’s a gray wolf, just like me, with ash-colored hair and dark blue eyes. He’s more like a brother to me than anything. “Of course, you do,” I say sweetly.

  Chase winks at me and then extends a hand to Colin. “Good to see you again, brother.”

  Colin shakes his hand. “Same to you.”

  I deliberately keep my focus on Chase. “Do you want to dance?” I ask him.

  Chase chuckles and shrugs. “Sure. I’m not a very good dancer though.”

  I let his arm go and take his hand. “I’ll teach you.” He follows me onto the dance floor, and I happen to glance over my shoulder at Colin. Big mistake. There’s a look in his eyes that says he’s not done with me.

  Why the hell can’t he just leave me alone? Oh, I know why. Guys like him always want what they can’t have.

  3

  Colin

  I have a problem. A huge fucking problem, and her name is Kami Grayson. I’m not used to women shooting me down, but she has no issue. In fact, she enjoys it. Two can play that game though. I love getting her riled up. She’s cute when she’s pissed. Although, I have to admit I’m a little jealous of the way she looks at Chase. He’s one of the good guys. He owns a vineyard in California and a private jet to take him anywhere he wants to go. When it comes to women, he doesn’t lack in that department. Granted, I’m an architect with plenty of money in the bank, but the only reason why women want me is because I’m a royal.

  “Why aren’t you out there dancing?” Tate asks. I look over my shoulder to see him and Faith right behind me. Why am I not dancing? Probably because I’m too busy watching his sister flirt with Chase, but I’m not about to tell him that.

  Tate comes up and rests a hand on my shoulder. “You should be out there talking to the ladies.” I glance out at the crowd, and even though there are many gorgeous women around, none of them are what I want.

  “I’ll make my rounds,” I assure him.

  He pats my shoulder. “Excellent. The other packs and I have talked about having more parties like this. That way, it gives more wolves a chance to find their mates. Your name happened to be mentioned more than once by several of the women.”

  I smile, but it’s not in me right now to be enthusiastic. “Great.”

  Tate chuckles and turns to Faith. “Ready to get back on the dance floor?”

  Faith shakes her head and grins at me as if she knows something I don’t. “Actually, I want to talk to my brother for a minute.”

  Tate nods and peers out at the dance floor. “Okay. I’m going to cut in on Chase. He’s been taking up way too much of Kami’s time.”

  I think it’s a good idea and it makes me smile. Faith notices my change of mood and smiles up at Tate. “You should totally do that.”

  Once Tate’s gone, Faith shakes her head and snickers. “What in the world is going on with you? I’ve watched you stare at Kami the entire night.” Was I that obvious?

  “Who’s creeping on who here?” I counter. I watch Tate walk over to Chase and Kami and ask to cut in. Chase twirls Kami one last time, and her laugh echoes in the air. She’s never laughed with me like that.

  Faith slaps my arm. “I’m serious. What’s going on with you? Do you feel something happening between you two?”

  If she only knew. Even now, I can’t seem to look away from Kami as she dances with Tate. There’s a reason I’m enamored by her, but I’m not about to tell Faith because Tate will find out. The last thing I need to do is confide in my sister about how I’ve been dreaming about Kami for the past two months. The crazy thing is that the dreams are so fucking real. I’ll wake up and smell her all around me as if she was there in my bed. I’ve never experienced anything like it before. In some of the dreams, we’re just together, either walking around a lake or in the woods. I don’t know what she sees when she looks at me, but I know she can’t make out who I am. She says it every time we’re together about how she wishes she knew who I was and how she wanted to hear my voice. Still, I talk to her. It’s the only way I can say the things I wish I could in person.

  But then, there are other nights when our dreams take a more heated turn, and one thing leads to another. I haven’t had sex with anyone since the dreams started happening. My fingers ache to touch her skin and feel her body wrapped around me; no one else’s. Those are the nights when I wake up exhausted, covered in more than just sweat.

  Faith slaps my arm again. “Are you ignoring me?”

  I jerk my attention to her. “Sorry. My mind isn’t focused right now.”

  She giggles. “That’s for damn sure. Do you think she could be your mate?”

  “No,” I reply quickly. “She hates me and doesn’t hide the fact.” Kami is the only woman who doesn’t want anything to do with me. The fire in
side of her draws me in, hypnotizes me even. I’ve never met anyone like her.

  “That she does,” Faith agrees, turning her focus to Kami and Tate. Her words sting, but it’s the truth.

  “Have you heard from Micah?” I ask, changing the subject. Hearing how much Kami despises me only makes me want her more.

  Faith shakes her head. “Not as much as I’d like. I’m sure he’ll find the others with no issues.”

  I can tell she’s worried about him. “He will,” I assure her. “If anyone can, it’s him. I told Micah exactly where to go. Stark will recognize him.”

  Faith nods, but I can see the doubt on her face. “I hope so. I don’t want them in danger.”

  The problem is that they are in danger, especially the unmated females. With word spreading about the royals and what we can do, it draws more attention every day. Packs all across the country want our power.

  I’ve tried calling Stark for days to let him know Micah was coming to see them, but he hasn’t responded. It’s not the first time they’ve gone MIA, but usually, he calls back within a couple of days. This time, he hasn’t.

  I’m the last one to have seen Stark and the girls when they were in British Columbia. Everyone thought Faith was the last royal arctic female, but she’s not. There are three others, and Stark took it upon himself to protect them. We were childhood friends until our pack was ambushed and all of our parents murdered. Our parents had stayed behind so the kids could get away. The knowledge of that haunts me to this day. It’s time the new generation brings all of the royals together again. That way we can watch after each other, so our parents’ sacrifice wasn’t in vain.

  I drape an arm over Faith’s shoulders. “Micah will bring them back.”

  She blows out a sigh and looks up at me. “I know.”

  Kami and Tate finish dancing and he comes over to steal Faith away to the dance floor. Kami walks over to Tia and Laila, grinning and using her hands as she speaks. I don’t even think she realizes she does it; I think it’s cute.