“Elizabeth?”
She cast a defensive gaze at Ashley, snapping out, “What?”
“I'm not gonna try to change your mind about contesting me,” Ashley spoke evenly despite Elizabeth's sharp tone. “But no matter what happens between us, I wanted you to know that I'll help you hunt the bastard who killed William. He's a one eyed son of a bitch named Johnny, and I know his scent better than anyone else.”
Cade hadn't thought about that. Ashley would know his scent, and she'd be helpful in finding him.
Elizabeth seemed confused by the offer, facing Ashley completely before asking, “Even if I contested you, you'd still help me find him?”
Ashley gave a determined nod. “You're damned straight I would. I want that bastard to suffer just as much as you.”
“We'd both help,” Cade supplied, easily backing her on this. “I'm the one who told William to go with Mike last night, so it's just as much my fault as Ashley's.”
Elizabeth looked between them, the ire on her face fading into sadness. Releasing her breath, she spoke softly, “I know I'm being a bitch about this. But I had to do something.”
“That's why I wanna help you find him. If it were Cade, I'd react the same way.” Offering her hand, Ashley added, “So would it be possible for us to do some female bonding over a hunt for vengeance instead of kicking each others asses until we know them like our own?”
The others smirked over her question while Cade felt pride in Ashley, not only for offering this help, but also her patience and concern over Elizabeth's well being regardless of the she-wolf's anger.
He didn't think he could've asked for a better woman to bond with.
Elizabeth looked at her hand in consideration, and finally took it with the words, “That sounds like a typical girl's night out to me.”
They shook as Ashley replied, “Good, hopefully that means I'll fit in around here.”
Some of the wolves chuckled, and Cade grinned, glad to see this come to a peaceful ending between them. Not only was Maria right about Elizabeth wasting her energy with this, but Ashley didn't need the extra worries of being contested either.
Which reminded him to ask, “By the way, did you talk anyone else into contesting Ashley, Beth?”
Elizabeth shrugged. “I didn't do her any favors today, but it's only a handful that might stand off with her.”
That was relieving. Ashley had some of the strongest wolves in her corner, so challengers were likely to back down in the face of her support.
“Okay, I think we can handle that. So I'll see you guys shortly.” To Ashley, Cade added, “Let's go before the sun sets.”
He slipped an arm over her shoulders as they turned to go, and overheard Joe muttering, “Lucky bastard.”
“I heard that,” Cade retorted without looking back, and Hobbs chuckled.
Ashley smirked, mentioning, “I'm glad that worked out well.”
“So am I,” he agreed, casting his gaze down at her. “I'm proud of you.”
She pursed her lips. “Why?”
“You found a rational way around fighting her,” he explained. “Believe me, not all lupines would've cared to try, and even I didn't think you'd have much luck. But I also forgot you'd know that bastard's scent.”
They reached the truck where he opened her door, and thought he saw her blushing as she climbed in, which amused him.
But that amusement faded when she next mentioned, “I didn't think about it until I heard Hobbs mention tracking him. But I do, and Johnny's reminded me of that damned basement. I think he was the one who used to hit me all the time.”
Cade clenched his fist over the thought of her mistreatment. On an icy tone of voice, he growled, “If that's the case, I'd better not see him again, or you won't need to help Elizabeth track him.”
He was already tempted to go to the lumber mill where they were keeping Paul in order to snap his neck, and thinking about Ashley's abuse only made it harder to resist.
Cade just hoped Ulric got a verdict to him soon so he could contact Travis and get this taken care of, otherwise he may just do it.
Chapter 33
Ashley still felt tied in knots.
It wasn't that solving the problem with Elizabeth hadn't helped, but the closer to sunset it got, the more uneasy she felt.
Would she black out again? Run around all night on some wild instinct? Hurt someone without knowing what she was doing?
Cade must have noticed her distress because he slipped his hand into hers and held it. Somehow, the simple gesture was more soothing than she thought it'd be, but then again, his presence always seemed to help her calm down.
They stopped in a secluded area where he parked between a few trees, shutting off the engine to get ready for the hunt. The first task was that of undressing, and Ashley found it strange to do such a thing outside, but it was better to store her clothes in the truck than risk not being able to find them in the morning.
The sky was turning a deep golden color when she finished, and Ashley looked over her shoulder at a break in the branches above, noticing the moon radiating more brightly. Somehow, it’s soft glowing drew her in, entrancing her as it began pulsing with energy, like something she could see now that she never would've being a human.
She was almost mindless when Cade's arms slipped around her. It wasn’t a sudden touch, but she jumped, having completely forgotten he was there.
In response, he inquired, “You okay?”
“Kind of nervous,” she admitted.
“Would it help if I told you we all are our first time? But you'll be surprised by how much better you'll feel in the morning.”
“Better how?”
Cade kissed her cheek. “I'll let you see for yourself.”
Ashley got the feeling he was merely trying to reassure her, but was becoming too restless to question it.
“I feel like I wanna run.”
“Then do it.” When she looked back at him, he nodded his head. “I’ll be right behind you.”
Ashley trusted him, extremely grateful for his presence, and as the first stars appeared in the darkening sky, the pull of the moon became far too powerful to ignore. A wolf howled in the distance, one of their pack already running through the woods, and the sound called to her.
Ashley sprinted ahead without thought, moving into the trees. She couldn’t control it, but she didn’t want to. She just ran, swiftly ducking under branches and around trunks.
The further she went, the more she knew she was exactly where she wanted to be—in the middle of nature where things made sense to the instinct coming to life inside of her.
She came to a stop after a few moments and took in a deep breath. It was only then when she realized she'd changed while running without notice. Things looked different, bigger, and also brighter with her enhanced vision. She could scent the foliage and others nearby, as well as hear their shuffling in the distance more clearly.
Her thoughts were primal, human logic dormant in the grasp of her animal nature—but she was fully aware of herself.
Cade caught up not a moment later, already a wolf, and Ashley jolted when she saw him, but didn't run. He padded forward as she shuffled her paws uncertainly, but openly scented him, her ears perking up when recognition dawned.
Playfully, she lifted a paw at him and let a short yelp as if saying it's you!
Without warning, he hopped onto her, nuzzling her neck while Ashley struggled to get loose. Then she darted off, and Cade gave chase to tackle her. The two went tumbling through the brush together before landing on the ground in a clearing of trees not far from Caleb and Conner.
The twins were sitting on their haunches, ears perking over the playful behavior. Cade groaned at them, then stood and headed toward a clearing of trees where he settled.
Lifting his head, he threw a howl up at the sky.
His brother's joined in with him, as did Joslyn, and it didn't take long for the pack to show up.
Ashley stuck closer t
o those she knew while others greeted her—which meant scenting and familiarizing themselves with the newcomer.
A silver female eventually padded over, bigger than Ashley, and her scent was the same as Elizabeth's. She greeted the newborn stray without qualm—just as she'd promised—and then stuck close when a few wolves seemed to take exception to Ashley's presence.
It wasn't a large group, but they began snarling, making it clear that she was unwanted.
Ashley, who was smaller than most of the wolves there, growled in defense, backing away until some bigger wolves flanked her sides. Among them were Leo, Mike, Christian, and the twins, besides Cade, offering support.
It turned into a stand off, tension permeating the air, the opposition snapping threateningly. But they were outmatched, hesitant to make any moves without the strength to fight Ashley's supporters.
Inevitably, they decided it wasn't a risk worth taking, and began backing down. With no challengers to offer a real fight, the issue was settled. Ashley was no longer a stray in their city, but instead could now freely hunt with and participate in pack activities.
When this happened, Cade let another howl. The wolves joined in with him for a moment, then dispersed to comb the forests under the full moon, starting their hunt.
Ashley stayed with Cade as they began traversing the woods, learning survival as a wolf, such as hunting and tracking.
It was wild and primal, but it was . . . fun.
The time she spent as a wolf was enlightening, and running was surprisingly invigorating, like letting off pent up steam. Ashley began to feel a sense of harmony within herself and the primal nature she possessed as a lupine, as if she'd needed to change all along.
The knot in her gut began to disappear.
What's more, with those instincts at the fore, seeing things from that perspective helped her understand more about her inner workings—particularly concerning her bond with Cade. Being with him, hunting and playing, she knew he was her mate, the same way he'd been so confident of the reverse.
Ashley finally knew what it meant. Thinking of him as a boyfriend or lover wasn't fitting, as if those words weren't enough to describe their connection. The more they ran, the more she realized this, and wanted the night to draw on.
But it didn’t last forever, and toward morning, she and Cade found a comfortable spot in the grass to curl up on. Ashley rested her head against him, his own across her neck, and when she roused around midday, they were both human.
She felt more refreshed than she had all week long, just as Cade promised.
He was laying behind her with an arm over her side, peacefully sleeping when she woke. Ashley sat up slowly, the chill in the air making her long to get her clothing back on.
But a sound off in the distance akin to movement distracted her. She listened carefully, trying to discern the source as a sense of wariness overcame her, one that said you're not alone.
“Damn you're gorgeous.”
The sudden comment made her jump and turn to look down at Cade who was wide awake now, leaning on his arm with a fist beneath his scruffy jaw, looking as ruggedly attractive as ever.
Pursing her lips, Ashley would've made a witty retort, even taken more time to admire him, but she was too uncertain about their surroundings.
“Do you hear that?”
“What? That movement?”
“Is it others in the pack?”
“Most likely,” he replied, sitting up and drawing her in.
Ashley wanted to enjoy his warmth, but she was getting agitated. The sense of not being alone despite his explanation simply wouldn't desist.
But then Cade grew still as well, gazing around uncertainly.
“What is it?” she whispered.
Just as quietly, he remarked, “Feels like we're not alone.”
Hearing him say so only furthered her worry. So when he stood and mentioned, “Let's just get back home,” she didn't argue.
Thankfully, Cade knew exactly where they were, leading her to his truck without trouble. But the entire way, they both stopped at points with the sense of being followed, which only made her feel vulnerable considering her nudity.
Ashley started redressing the moment they reached the truck, stepping out of the way to let Cade grab his own clothing while hurrying through the tasks.
Once finished with her undergarments, she stood straight again and let a startled yelp.
The sound got Cade's attention, and Ashley scrambled to pull on her pants for more coverage from the man she'd spied standing about ten feet away in the brush.
“Isaac?” Cade asked.
Ashley remembered hearing that name the day before. He was the demon Cade mentioned sticking around because Ulric may still need Paul. While he was shorter than Cade, he looked thick with muscle, wearing jeans and a black leather jacket, as well as a pair of sunglasses in the morning light.
Plainly, he told Cade, “How touching, you remembered my name.”
There was no lack of irritation in Cade's tone when he inquired, “Were you just following us?”
“Yeah, why?” Isaac asked as if there wasn't a problem.
Cade rolled his eyes, then pulled his shirt on as he got to the point. “What are you doing here? Did you talk to Ulric?”
Approaching them, Isaac nodded in silent confirmation. Ashley zipped up her jacket just as the demon came to a stop and looked her over appraisingly—which earned a growl from Cade, who stepped in his way.
Rolling his eyes, Isaac muttered, “Relax, I'm just looking.”
“That'll be hard to do with your eyes ripped out.”
“So defensive over one female,” Isaac retorted apathetically. Then he got back on topic. “Anyway, Ulric told me the curse box isn't in Burston, said someone we know met him there with a foretelling of where he would find it. So the place is all yours.”
Ashley looked between the two of them, asking, “That's it?”
“Yeah, it's so exciting, I know,” the demon remarked like it were anything but. Shrugging, he added, “Ulric probably left you a message, he's thorough like that, but I figured I'd give a head's up since I was in the neighborhood.”
That was convenient, but Ashley wasn't certain what to think. If he was telling the truth, then Cade would have a message to confirm it, but she asked, “Why didn't you just come out and say so?”
“You were naked and would've gotten all confrontational on me. Well, more so.”
Ashley eyed him suspiciously, and in the process, noticed a chain hanging around his neck with a whistle attached that pricked her curiosity.
“Is that a dog whistle?”
Isaac smirked, correcting her. “Banshee whistle. Does the same thing, but also inflicts pain on whoever I target with it. I got it on the mystic market to use against Paul, but now that Ulric doesn't need him, my fun's been taken away.”
He'd muttered the words as if disappointed, then went on to say, “Anyway, this is my good deed of the century. So I'll be heading somewhere less . . . woodsy now.”
“Good,” Cade returned without bothering to mask his mistrust. “You'd have more fun somewhere else.”
They turned to go just as Isaac stated, “I never said that. This place is plenty of fun with so many wolves around for me to manipulate.”
Ashley looked back to ask what he'd meant, but Isaac was no longer there.
Furrowing her brows, she glanced at Cade to see an unpleasant expression on his face.
“What the hell does that mean?”
“Damned if I know,” Cade muttered, “but I'll have to warn everyone.”
Ashley figured he was right to do so, climbing into the truck with Isaac's words in mind. Coming from anyone else, they would've been confusing at most, but from a demon, she had no idea what to think.
There was nothing they could do though, at least, not at that moment. So Ashley put her mind on other things, like being a part of the pack now instead of a stray. It was relieving to have that security, and next she
wanted to work on controlling her change into a wolf and back.
Once that was accomplished, and lupines like Paul were taken care of, Ashley's life would finally be reshaped into something much more manageable.
She wouldn't be completely satisfied until her biggest worry was simply figuring out what to name the bakery she still wanted to open. So there was a way to go, but that future didn't seem nearly as unattainable as it did a week ago, and Cade had helped with that tremendously.
Would he become a permanent part of that future?
Looking at him as he drove, she thought about the hunt, and how it'd made her feel much more in tune with her instincts, particularly regarding him.
“Cade,” she started, “why didn't you tell me about how good it feels to run as a wolf before? Now I wanna get control of my change and do it again.”
He grinned in response, reaching over to thread his fingers through hers. “We can come back out here sometime to work on it if you'd like.”
Ashley glanced down at their hands, replying softly, “Yeah, that sounds good.”
Without pause, she unbuckled her seat belt to scoot over. His arm slipped around her shoulders as she leaned against him, acknowledging the plain and simple truth.
Imagining the future without Cade in it didn't sit right at all.
Chapter 34
Isaac was telling the truth.
Cade had a message from Ulric stating that he was moving on from Burston for the same reasons Isaac relayed. So everything checked out on that end at least.
Still, not unlike Ashley, Cade wasn't entirely convinced that Isaac's intentions were benevolent.
His last words to them said as much, though Cade wasn't sure why Isaac was manipulating anyone to begin with. Now that Ulric didn't need Paul, the demon was free to move on, and the fact that he didn't want to was troubling.
But there was relief in knowing Travis could be contacted now. It wouldn't take Hunter's Moon any time to reach Burston, but Cade had the sense that time was of the essence. There were too many variables attached to the things taking place to allow him to feel completely comfortable.
Undoubtedly, Paul's wolves were hiding beyond the territory, wanting to get their hands on both Ashley and their Alpha. So organizing a group to venture outside the borders and track them would be a good idea. But until things settled down, there was no choice but to keep a watch in the very least.
Blue Moon Page 27
