by Tia Louise
I don’t tell her what else is on my mind — that I’m not sure how I feel about being with her in this palace. I’m pretty sure I’m not the kind of guy her sister would choose for that role of husband Mercy mentioned earlier. While my gut response is fuck her, I’m not sure Dylan would be wrong. Maybe Mercy should find a better guy than me.
I can’t argue my merits at this point, because I don’t have any. All I have is faith in myself that I’ll get back to being worth someone like Mercy one day. In the meantime, I’m far from being that guy right now.
“Sleep well, beautiful.” I give her one last kiss before I step out onto the balcony, remove the towel, and spring over the railing, shifting into my panther form as soon as my feet leave the flagstone.
Full Moon
Mercy
Koa didn’t come back that night, and he didn’t sleep at the tree line either. The same thing happened the next night, so as much as it drove him crazy, I slipped out after midnight, shifted and ran all the way to his apartment to sleep with him. He might complain about me running around by myself at night, but it doesn’t stop him from fucking me, which is what I want anyway.
I know he won’t sleep with me in my bed. I also know why since I tasted him. We haven’t talked about it. His past is something he’ll have to decide when he’s ready to share with me. I’m afraid of what’s happening between us, and I sense he is, too. Shifter relations are so unpredictable, and we both have plans we intend to keep. Still, I can’t lie in my bed at night aching for him when he’s just a few miles away — an easy dash for a little lynx like me.
He’s dead asleep when I crawl into bed with him. I wriggle my head under his enormous arm and slide my body skin to skin with his before he even wakes. His hands are on me immediately, even if his eyes remain closed.
“I told you not to run around at night by yourself.” His voice is groggy with sleep, and warmth flushes through me at his touch, his overprotectiveness.
“Do you want me to leave?”’ I whisper coyly.
“No.” His large hands are already on my ass, guiding me to his erection.
“Then shut up and kiss me.”
It really doesn’t take more than that to get what I want, and I want him. Whatever is out there in the forest doesn’t scare me. Woodland Creek has a history of unexplained supernatural visitors and happenings. I have no reason to believe whatever he encountered is specific to me. It’s never bothered me before.
Since Andy changed Koa’s work hours at the gym, we don’t see each other during the day anymore. The only time I see him is when he comes in — usually right when I’m leaving. It’s not ideal, but at least we have the night.
I do have the number for his burner phone, however, and on this slow Thursday, I’m feeling naughty.
Remember the first night we met in the meadow? I text him.
His reply makes me smile. Pretty sure I’ll never forget it as long as I live.
Wish I could slip out and meet you there now.
Tonight. It’s a date. We can reenact.
At that moment, Jim walks behind the counter and pulls out the canisters of protein mix. He always eats when he’s bored.
“Dude, it’s supposed to be a big, full harvest moon tonight. Want to meet up with Sally and me and watch it?”
Chewing my lip, I realize I’ve lost track of the moon these past few days. “I don’t know…”
“That’s okay. I’m sure you and Koa have plans.”
“Actually, it’s Thursday night.” I look down at my phone. “Dylan’s back, and you know. Dinner.”
“With that Hayden guy?” He’s all wide-eyed confusion. “I thought that now… well… You know, with Koa and all. You’re not still dating that guy?”
“We were never dating,” I snap. “Still, what Dylan wants, Dylan gets.”
Not that I like it at all.
I realize Koa’s waiting for my answer, and I quickly text, Rain check until tomorrow night. Okay?
He doesn’t answer right away, and the bell over the door rings. The young mother I’ve been training the last month enters pushing a stroller. Her hair is flying out around her face, and she seems overwhelmed.
“I’m sorry, Mercy,” she says, leaning down to pull her baby out of the stroller. The little girl is screaming, and a bad smell wafts toward us from her. “It must be a full moon or something because Tanya has been especially active today.”
“Dude, that baby pooped.” Jim’s holding his nose, and I fight back my gag reflex.
“It’s okay,” I say, waving to her from behind the bar. “We can reschedule your session.”
“You won’t charge me?” She looks like she might cry. “Thank you so much! The sitter didn’t show up, and Tanya wouldn’t go down for a nap. I think she’s getting sick. If she has another ear infection—”
“Of course I won’t charge you.” Rounding the bar, I touch her arm, guiding her to the door. “Head on home and try to nap with her. Isn’t that what they say? Nap when the baby naps?”
“Oh my god, that’s the only time I can get anything done!”
No wonder she’s always exhausted. “Just do what you can and call me when you’re ready.”
She’s out the door, and I internally shiver. Thank goodness shifters don’t get pregnant so easily. Walking back to Jim, I can tell he’s onto me.
“Some babies are really tough,” he says. I don’t answer, and he keeps going. “Then others are really easy. I guess you never can tell what kind you’ll get.”
“The best thing is to make sure you’re ready before getting pregnant.”
It isn’t long before my next client shows up to train, and the remainder of the day passes pretty quickly. I’m in the weight room, restacking the dumbbells when large hands span my waist from behind.
“I’ve been thinking about that damn meadow all day thanks to you.” The low voice behind me tightens every muscle in my core. Turning, I’m captured by his green eyes. Dammit, Koa is so sexy. He lights me up in all the right places.
I smile and put the dumbbells I’m holding on the rack before returning to him. “It was slow earlier this afternoon.”
“So we meeting up later in the forest?” That grin on his lips makes my knees weak, but I fight it.
“Something came up,” I lie. I hate lying to him, but I can’t tell him the real reason I need to postpone. It feels too presumptuous. “You didn’t see my text?”
His brow knits, and he pulls out the small black phone. “Shit. I didn’t see that. Rain check? Really?”
We’re heading back to the front when I hear the little bell above the door ring. Jim’s behind the juice bar, and his comment makes my stomach sink.
“Looks like your ride’s here, Mercy.”
Koa stops following me, and I look up to see none other than Hayden Cross standing out front. As usual, he’s dressed in a tailored business suit. One manicured hand is in his pocket, and the other twirls a set of keys. He looks like everything Dylan wants me to be — cultured, rich, and snobbish.
“Hayden,” I say, trying to control my voice. I hate him being here. I hate Koa seeing me leave with him. I hate that I inexplicably just rain checked our secret hook-up. “I told you I don’t need a ride.”
“I dislike arguing with you, but I’ve seen that bus.” He looks down, smiling that stupid, perfect smile. I feel Koa pulling away behind me. “It does not become you.”
“I haven’t finished packing up my things.”
“I don’t mind waiting. Can’t have dinner without you.” My whole body cringes. He’s speaking so loud, every word rings clear through the gym.
When I turn, I see Koa behind the bar pretending to be busy. I know he’s confused. I’m pretty sure he’s angry, and I can’t tell him anything right now.
“Well, hello,” Hayden is close behind me, following me to the bar. “It’s you… Doris’s nephew?”
My brow lines, thinking he’s confused Koa with Jim. I’m bewildered when Koa looks up an
d gives Hayden a tight smile. “Church guy,” he says.
Church?
“Hayden Cross.” My designated driver holds out a slim hand.
“Koa Raiden. You’re picking up Mercy?”
I stiffen when Hayden drops back and puts an arm around my shoulders. “We have a standing dinner date.”
Only the slightest flinch crosses Koa’s face. It’s possible I’m the only one to see it. “At my house,” I add quickly. “It’s a Thursday night thing.”
“Sounds nice.” Koa’s tone tells me he means the exact opposite. I want to die.
“Mercy, we really have to go.” Hayden holds my arm, and I take my bag off the counter, trying to send Koa a reassuring look.
His lips curl in what looks like disgust, and he blinks away. “I’ll see you tomorrow,” I say quickly, my voice sounding weak to me.
“Sure,” is all he says.
Tomorrow, I reassure myself. I’ll explain everything tomorrow. Less than twenty-four hours, and he’ll understand.
* * *
Koa
What the fuck was that? I’m standing behind the bar watching some well-dressed douche lead Mercy out, and I feel like I’ve been sucker-punched in the gut. Less than four hours ago she was sending me sexy texts. Now she’s leaving to have dinner with Mr. GQ himself?
Whatever. What the fuck is wrong with me? I’ve been fighting this for days, but I know it’s the truth. I’m no good for Mercy. She belongs with a guy like that. Someone who can buy her nice shit and take care of her.
Yeah, like I’m buying that crap. My insides feel like they’ve been shredded.
“Dude, Sally and I are headed up to the Observatory to see the harvest moon tonight. You’re welcome to join us.”
Jim’s voice is empathetic, and I’m pretty sure he’s feeling sorry for me. That almost makes me see red. I do not need anyone feeling sorry for me.
“Thanks, but I’ve got other plans.”
My other plans find me in a low booth at Vider’s Pub polishing off my third Irish Car Bomb and setting up for number four. It’s a stupid way to behave. Trust me, I’m aware how stupid I’m acting. Mercy doesn’t owe me anything. We haven’t made any commitments. From the start I’ve made it clear I’m not sticking around, and besides, I’m ignoring the given: She comes from money and prestige. Of course, she’s dating some Armani-wearing wank with manicured nails.
A pretty waitress with cute blonde curls sets a pint of Guinness and a shot of whiskey in front of me. “Expecting friends?” She leans against the side of the wooden booth and gives me a smile.
“Nah,” I say, lifting the shot glass and dropping it straight into the stout, which I immediately pick up and drink fast.
“You’re new in town.” She watches me curiously. “Just passing through?”
Half-way through the pint, I take a break and set it down. “Yes.” I say emphatically. “I am just passing through.”
She nods. “I get off at two if you’re looking for company. Pretty harvest moon tonight.”
“So I heard.” I lean forward heavily on the table, rubbing a hand over my face. “I’ll have one more of these then I’ll call it a night.”
“Oh, well, okay.” A note of disappointment is in her tone. It causes me to look up. Again, she gives me a sweet smile.
She’s not a bad looking girl. Light blonde hair, bright hazel eyes. She has nice, big tits. Yeah, I’m a dog, I checked out her tits with her standing right in front of me. Guess what? She didn’t seem to mind.
“You sure you don’t need a little company?” Her hip is against my seat back, and she rolls toward me slightly, giving me a better view of her assets. “I’ll shoot you a text when I’m done.”
Nothing. I feel absolutely nothing for this sexy woman hitting on me. My dick has called it a night. I realize I’m leaning toward her and catch myself, straightening in my seat.
“I take it back,” I say, suddenly tired. “That was my last one.” Reaching in my pocket, I pull out two twenties and place them on the table. “Thanks for your help…”
“Bridgette.”
“Bridgette. Thanks for your service.”
“I didn’t get the chance to do much.” Standing, I rise to my full height in front of her and her jaw drops. “Seriously? You have to go?”
Patting her shoulder, I nod. “Yes.”
I’m out the door before this has the chance to go any further. I’ve already gotten mixed up with one female in this town. I’m not looking for another one. That is, if my body were even interested. I can’t decide which is more stupid, getting drunk to forget about Mercy or allowing myself to feel so much for her in the first place. How did that happen?
I’m walking home in the darkness, only it’s an extremely bright night. Looking up, I see what Jim was talking about. A perfectly full moon is straight up in the sky. Thanks to Mercy’s text, that first night in the meadow drifts through my mind. I remember vividly the moment she shifted, and I saw her beautiful body for the first time completely nude. The moon was much smaller then, but I can still see that silvery light touching her nipples. God, she was so fucking beautiful.
She stood and walked straight to me bathed in the light of our beautiful moon. I’m at my apartment when I realize I’m sporting a semi. Seems my dick has not called it a night. It’s just decided to wake up for only one person.
“Forget it, buddy,” I growl. “I’m not playing games with Mercy Quinlan.”
Yes, I’m talking to my dick. You might be a drunk fuck if…
Good thing I’m at my apartment. Time for this stupid-acting shifter to call it a night.
If identifying the thing stalking Mercy’s house is why I’m here, I’m not going to solve that mystery in my current condition. It’s time to stop acting like a jealous boyfriend, wrap that shit up, and get back on the road.
Fated
Mercy
Welcome home, Dylan. I haven’t seen my sister in a week, but really, who gives a shit? She doesn’t call or even message me. She simply shows up back at home, and sends Hayden to fetch me for dinner as per usual.
Forget whether I have plans or not. Forget last Thursday was one blow up followed by an even bigger one. Forget everything I’ve said. None of it matters. Her decree for my life is the only important thing. On top of all that, making me hate her even more, she’s screwed up my situation with Koa.
He might be down on his luck for now, but he’s proud and he’s a fighter. He won’t put up with flaky behavior for one minute, and I’ll be lucky if he’ll even listen to me tomorrow. I wish I could go to him tonight, but that’s a gamble I am not prepared to take. I have to put that situation on pause until tomorrow.
Smoothing my hands down the front of my silky red dress, I inhale deeply and prepare to face the queen. My hair is up in a loose ponytail, and I’m wearing a gold cuff on my wrist and gold hoop earrings. Thursday night dinner is a formal occasion.
Standing at the top of the double stairs, I glance out the huge windows at the enormous harvest moon. It’s glowing orange and big as a planet over the rolling hills. The high-pitched howl of a wolf sounds from a distance, and I feel my insides pull. I should be out there on a night like this running and dancing, feeling the energy of our celestial mother surging in my veins.
Instead I’m trapped in this plush prison. But not for much longer! That thought gives me a little encouragement. With a sigh, I start down the stairs.
Everyone’s in their places around the table, salad course almost finished. I’m taking longer and longer to join them these days.
“Gorgeous as always,” Hayden says with a smile, standing as I cross the room to my assigned seat at his side. “You never fail to steal my breath.”
“Thank you, Hayden,” I say without enthusiasm.
Dylan doesn’t rise. “Glad you decided to join us,” is the closest to a greeting I get from her.
Suddenly, I feel wicked. Whether it’s the moon or the way I left things with Koa, something inside me sna
ps. “I almost changed my mind. It’s so gorgeous tonight, I almost decided to ditch and dance naked in the moonlight.”
That got a rise out of her, even if it only came in the form of a deep scowl before she took a long sip of wine.
“That would be something to see, I’m sure.” Hayden laughs, clearing his throat. “You are such a spirited little thing.”
God, he’s infuriating. They all are. Picking up my fork, I stab my salad a few times, glancing at each of them. Only Hayden seems to be engaged tonight. Penny seems more nervous than usual, and Grant hasn’t looked up from his plate. I assume he’s on a tight leash after his slip last week. Dylan just looks disgusted as always.
“How was Chicago, dear?” Penny’s voice wavers.
Dylan inhales and straightens in her chair. “Something of a letdown. I didn’t accomplish what I’d hoped.”
“You know what they say,” A gleam is in Hayden’s pale blue eyes. “Win some, lose some.”
“Not you, Hayden,” Dylan’s tone is uncharacteristically bitter toward him. “Never you.”
He leans back in his chair, examining a manicured nail. “I do seem to be incredibly lucky in that regard. It can cause lesser people to hate me, I suppose.”
“Or! It could be that attitude right there,” I say, still enjoying my wicked streak. “That makes them hate you, I mean.”
His blue eyes cut to mine, and instead of anger, a sly grin curls his lips. “So spirited. I don’t remember you being like this last full moon.”
Something about the way he says it creeps me out a little. Still, I would never let Hayden Cross think he got under my skin. “Must’ve been the humidity last month. Or maybe it was the heat.”
“I see… prefers cooler temperatures.” He says it as if he’s making a mental note, and I mentally note how thankful I am when the servers appear with our entrées.
A plate holding a tiny bird surrounded by what look like tiny cabbages is set in front of me. Once the servers depart I start to giggle.
