Cade stopped for take out on the way home, and Ashley carried the bags to the kitchen when they arrived. Watching her go, his thoughts trailed to the things developing between them, and strangely, he found himself confused.
There was no question about Ashley's importance to him. Running with her as a wolf during the hunt was invigorating, and more fun that he thought it could be—surprising him considering how many hunts he'd been on.
In addition, she was beautiful, determined, sweet, and compassionate. Her perspective was also unique. Being a born human made her think differently from most—for instance, her need to make the situation with Elizabeth right instead of blindly fighting her as most lupines would've done.
It made Cade regret ever bringing that aspect of her nature up in a negative way even more than he already did.
Not to mention, making love to her had been more fulfilling than he'd ever experienced it—something he needed more of with her—and every time he tried to imagine going back to life the way it was before she came along, his gut clenched.
She was everything he wanted in a mate, giving him something to look forward to besides his retribution. Like a breath of fresh air.
So why was he feeling discontent?
Maybe he'd done something wrong, something he should make up for that he wasn't thinking about just then. He'd yet to take her out, which they'd have to do soon, but he wasn't sure that was the problem. Maybe . . .
The phone rang, interrupting his thoughts.
Cade wanted to reach over and break the damned thing. But at least it reminded him that when he was done calling Travis, anyone could interrupt his free time that day.
I'm disconnecting it when I'm done.
He answered the call on a clipped tone of voice just to let the person on the other end know it was a bad time.
The response surprised him.
“You always answer the phone that way?”
“Travis?”
“Naw, it's Santa Claus, and with the greeting I just got, all you get for Christmas is my middle finger.”
“Sounds fair,” Cade chuckled. “I was just about to call you.”
“I figured you were. Some of the Moon is in Burston now.”
Confusion struck over the unexpected line. “How did you know about Burston?”
“It's a long story, one I'll have to tell you when I get back in town.”
He could only imagine how his uncle knew, but didn't ask. If Travis said he would explain when he got back, that's what he'd do.
“But I called to let you know that they didn't find all of the lupines in the pack there. Some of them said their Alpha had a handful out hunting.”
“Yeah, I know what they were hunting,” Cade muttered, wondering if Travis knew about Ashley too. But first he mentioned, “There's been some intruders in the territory here, and we captured their Alpha. Any idea how many might be missing?”
“A good handful, but not exactly. Still, I know someone who can round them up, so don't get any wolves out to track anyone. Won't be worth it. Just keep your guard up until I can get out there.”
So maybe organizing a group to head out of the territory wasn't a good idea. “Will do. But what else do you know about?”
“Most of the story, including the fact that they were chasing an escaped newborn that your pack found. Is she still around?”
“Yeah, and here's some personal news you might wanna pass on to Mom when you get a chance. We're bonding, Travis.”
Silence came on the other end before Travis retorted, “Well hell son, if that's why you sounded so damned irritated when you answered the phone, hang up on my ass. You're too damned nice. I'll be out there with your Mom in a few days.”
Cade was grinning over his uncle's intuition, replying, “I will,” before properly hanging up on him. Too nice my ass.
Just as he was about to make another call to spread the word, the phone began ringing again. He stared at it like he'd just been insulted, then pressed the talk button before muttering, “It better be good.”
“I know, I know, you're with Ashley, but this is important,” came Aislinn's voice.
And it was. Her news had him scowling by the time he hung up.
Ashley was hoping for some free time to spend with Cade that evening, cleaning up before returning to the kitchen where she pulled out the steakburgers they'd picked up to eat. She figured out which was which, and then waited for him to finish with his calls, eager to dig in because the food smelled so good.
But Cade stayed on the phone for a while longer, and her hopes started dwindling when she overheard him mention going out that night to track. What's he tracking?
Just a few moments later, Cade stepped around the corner, and Ashley frowned when she saw his face.
“What's wrong?”
He headed over to sit down at the table, muttering, “I just got some good and bad news,” and started explaining the call he'd received from his uncle.
Ashley wasn't surprised by the confirmation that they didn't catch all of the lupines in Burston, but she had to ask, “They've already gone there?”
“Yeah, somehow Travis knew about it, but said he'd explain later.”
“Okay, so what's the bad news?”
Cade's countenance became even more irritated. “Aislinn called with a warning. Sometimes she has visions, and saw a confrontation with a demon in my future. She doesn't know why or who because the vision was vague, but it's coming.”
“What? You mean,” Ashley trailed, “Isaac?”
“That's what it sounds like. Aislinn said the most she knows is if the demon wins the fight, it'll put us both in a dangerous position.”
Ashley wasn't sure what to make of that. She stared ahead, trying to piece together why Isaac might confront Cade aside from the generic he's a demon and probably evil explanation, but she only drew a blank.
Hell, she wasn't even sure what a demon was anymore.
But one thing seemed certain, which she mentioned, “I guess that means our wolves are the ones he's trying to manipulate, not Paul's.”
“That's what I'm thinking,” Cade muttered. “So I called Caleb and Mike, asked them to let everyone know to keep their eyes open. Aislinn's gonna try to look into it too, might have more information later.”
Ashley hoped so, grumbling, “Can't we have just one afternoon where nothing turns up bad?”
“I wish,” he muttered back. “Now I need to ride up to the lumber mill and try to get information out of Paul in case he knows something about Isaac.”
Ashley pursed her lips. “So let me guess, you want me to stay here.”
“Only because I need something,” he replied. “I wanted to ask you to tell anyone who calls that I'm at Caleb's. Word spreads fast, and if Isaac overhears what I'm doing, he could cover his tracks. Leo's coming by to keep you company until I get back in case something happens. That way you're not stranded.”
That was good to know, and Ashley decided that once all was said and done, getting a car should be her first order of business.
Still, this development was unsettling enough to make her lose her appetite.
“How long will you be gone?”
“Don't know yet,” he admitted. “I'm gonna scout around with some of the wolves when I'm done with Paul, try to figure out where Isaac's been at least, which won't be easy when he can teleport.”
So much for having an evening to ourselves, Ashley thought. But it was necessary in order to make sure things went smoothly until Travis could get there with Hunter's Moon.
That's when an idea suddenly came to mind. “Cade, is there any way to protect against a demon? Silver and wolf's bane is harmful to lupines, so what about Isaac?”
Cade's answer wasn't the one she wanted. “I asked Aislinn actually, and she said it would depend on what kind of demon Isaac is, and that the only surefire thing that would stop him are primordial protection runes. But they cost a shitload of money and she doesn't have any.”
&n
bsp; Ashley grumbled in irritation. It wasn't as if they could find Isaac and ask him what kind of demon he was after all.
“Then do you know how strong Isaac might be?” she hesitantly inquired.
“There's no telling,” he muttered, “but I know he's stronger than I am.”
Why does that seem typical? Worry overwhelmed her as she grabbed Cade's hand, demanding, “You'd better be careful then, and keep someone with you.”
Cade squeezed her hand, and before she knew it, he'd hooked his foot into the leg of her chair and drew it around toward himself. When she was close enough, he leaned in, kissing her passionately, his tongue stroking hers until she was aching with want.
Ashley could scent his arousal as well, which had her dragging him back into another kiss once he tried to break it off. Cade must have liked it because he pulled her over to settle in his lap, spending long moments searching her mouth as she wrapped her arms around his shoulders.
“I will be,” he promised when it finally ended, resting his forehead to hers.
After a moment of enjoying the quiet with him, Cade added, “I also need to ask you something, Ash, and I want an honest answer.”
The request confused her, but she nodded in agreement. “Okay, what is it?”
Cade held her gaze as he inquired, “How do you feel about the thought of being marked now?”
Though uncertain about the source of his question, Ashley had promised an honest answer, and didn't back out.
“I think we'd do well together. It seems like the biggest problem we have is just getting enough time to be alone anyway,” she muttered, noticing his smile.
“Then you want it to happen?”
“I'd be a liar if I said I didn't. It just feels too good thinking about it not to want it. But,” she waved her hand, “why are you asking?”
There was something in his eyes that said he was unsure, and she didn't like it. “Are you afraid I'm still reluctant about it?” she added.
“Not specifically,” Cade returned. “I just wanna make sure you're comfortable with me.”
That made enough sense to be believable, but she couldn't tell if it was the entire truth, particularly when he grabbed their food and said, “Let's eat before this gets cold.”
She didn't move from his lap, or even look at the food, eyeing him curiously. “Cade, I'm not just saying that to make you feel better. I meant it.”
“I know,” he responded honestly. “It's just everything going on. You're right about us not having much time alone, and it's a pain in the ass.”
“True,” she agreed, guessing he was just irritated, and she couldn't blame him. Things were hitting them one after the other, and with the news about Isaac popping up, who knew how much worse it might get before Travis could arrive.
What did Isaac want anyway, and what was he capable of?
Somehow, Ashley got the feeling they'd find out the hard way.
Chapter 35
Cade didn't come back home that night.
He called to let Ashley know he was fine and updated the tracking. They'd only picked up a few scents here and there, but it suggested Isaac was hanging around outside of the territory, further implying that he was working with their enemies.
But Ashley didn't sleep well being alone that night. She woke every few hours due to her worries, and didn't succeed in getting any decent rest until Cade came home at six in the morning. When the mattress shifted, she rolled into him, passing out easily against his warmth, and didn't wake until noon.
Ashley let Cade sleep because of his long night, and went downstairs where Leo was already up after staying over. He relayed a message from Sara saying that until the current issues could be resolved, she'd pick up Cade's shifts at Blue Moon, which was apparently going to be helpful when a group of seven wolves in the pack showed up at the front door wanting to discuss those issues with him.
But she didn't let either of them bother him until he woke up, and made lunch for everyone in the meantime.
When Cade finally came downstairs, they were all in the kitchen eating and joking around. He looked surprised by the sight, but pulled up a chair to join in as if he couldn't have been more at home.
They casually chatted before getting to more important matters, and everyone agreed that it seemed like Paul was lying the night before when he'd claimed that he didn't know any demons, or at least had no idea Isaac was likely working with their enemy. So the group decided to go back out again that evening, especially when Sara called from Blue Moon to relay that a demon fitting Isaac's description was there.
He'd ordered a drink, paid for it, and asked some minor questions about what kind of relationship lupines had with werewolves, acting as if nothing were off whatsoever.
Cade left for the bar to catch him, irritating Ashley by requesting for her to stay home. She hoped he wasn't becoming overprotective, but gave in without arguing because she could use the time to call Elizabeth about tracking Johnny.
It didn't look like they'd be able to go anytime soon, but Elizabeth thought it was better if they waited on Hunter's Moon to get there and solve the problems themselves. She also offered to swing by, but Ashley didn't want to put her out.
So they talked while waiting for news from Cade, discussing a number of things, and when Elizabeth inquired to know if Ashley was comfortable being a lupine after she was turned against her will, she realized she hadn't even considered it in several days.
But the answer surprised her—not only did she feel more comfortable now, she didn't think she could go back to being a human.
After their conversation ended, Sara called and asked if Cade was back yet. It was seven in the evening by that time, and realizing that Sara had no idea where her brother was, Ashley immediately tried to call his cell phone.
Busy signal. Battery's probably dead.
Cussing, she decided to get a shower, and if Cade hadn't shown up by the time she was done, then she could worry.
But even as the water relaxed her body, anxiety plagued her mind. Reminding herself that tracking a demon who could teleport would be time consuming wasn't helping. The more she thought about it, the more dread churned in her gut.
He'd been gone for almost five hours without a word, which was plenty of time for a confrontation to take place.
Not to mention this time apart was driving her crazy. She couldn't tell if it was worse when she'd been denying her attraction in the beginning, or just not having him there now. Her instincts were convinced that he was her mate, and whenever she imagined him being hurt, or worse, it felt like a part of her was literally dying.
That's when Ashley realized without question that she wasn't just infatuated—she was head over heels in love with Cade Hodgins.
And she had no idea where he was or if he was okay.
The realization had her turning to go and find him herself. What if I never get to tell him how I feel?
Just as she opened the shower door, Cade stepped into the bathroom, and she came to a stop where she stood. He was barefooted, in a white t-shirt and jeans, and somehow looked unhappy—until he saw her anyway.
“Are you okay?” she asked quickly.
He vaguely nodded, his eyes roaming all over her body, reminding her that she was completely naked and soaked. At his expression, Ashley's pulse quickened with anticipation, especially when he dropped the clean clothing he'd been carrying and walked over.
Despite being dressed, Cade grabbed her, his mouth covering hers in a deep, unrelenting kiss. Ashley tugged him into the shower spray, searching his mouth desperately, the past few hours of worry fueling her desire.
“Why didn't you call?” she asked between kisses, moaning into his mouth when he slanted his lips over hers again before answering.
“Battery died,” he explained in short, reaching down to help her tug his now soaked t-shirt off before working on his pants.
Ashley forgot everything she wanted to say as her eyes roamed over the shape of his abdomen, his br
oad shoulders and chest, the water spattering over muscle and trickling across his skin. She became utterly riveted when he pushed his pants off, revealing narrow hips, his shaft jutting.
Once the garments were discarded in the floor of the tub, he pulled her back in, and Ashley forgot to breathe as their bodies came into contact. Cade shuddered against her like he'd been wanting to feel this just as much as she had.
She closed her eyes, rubbing her cheek against his chest while his big hands ran up and down her back, over her ass, making her arch into him.
“You're so soft, sweetheart,” Cade murmured. “I thought about you all damned day, and it pissed me off when we still didn't find anything.”
Hearing that, she grumbled, tightening her grip on him. “It worried me when you didn't call.” Then she saw his clothes at the bottom of the tub and smirked, adding, “I guess it shows though.”
Cade had that handsome, wolfish grin on his face when she gazed back up at him. “It's good you were in here,” he mentioned, grabbing the soap. “I need a shower too.”
Ashley snatched it from his hand before he could get started and began lathering a cloth, replying, “I'm already clean, so it's your turn.”
Saying the thought of being bathed was pleasing, he groaned. “Sounds good, but what do I do?”
Shrugging casually, she placed the soap back on the crevice in the wall and suggested, “Maybe you'll think of something.”
“Not so sure I will,” he retorted as she drew the cloth over his chest slowly.
“I hope not.” she grinned, wanting this to be perfect.
She kept thinking about how much she loved him, and how she'd been so afraid there wouldn't be a chance to tell him. But now, she was determined to make him mindless, please him anyway she could before she admitted those words.
Every stroke of the cloth was measured, learning more of her mate's shape while spending long moments washing his back, arms, chest, and then along his rigid abdomen. The suds went rolling over his skin, down and down, moving past the erection that was brushing against her lower belly so insistently.
Blue Moon Page 28
