Night Moves

by Silver James

  “Yes, yes I am. But I’m an asshole with good news.” He turned his smile on Lainey. “We found your brothers. Easy and Digger have them and they’ll be here in about forty-five minutes.”

  I eased around to look at her. She was blinking so hard she couldn’t see. Fighting tears. I could almost feel her relief as the scent of baby powder wafted off her.

  “Are they okay?”

  Wiz nodded. “A few bruises, some scrapes. We caught them trying to shimmy under a chain-link fence. They’d almost escaped all on their own.” He grinned. “No wonder those two get along with Jonah, who, by the way, has insisted that Levi and Louie stay with Sam and Easy while you two recuperate.”

  Lainey left to get ready to see her brothers. Doc came in with a nurse to help me shower and get cleaned up. I was dressed and even though I fought it, I was in a wheelchair when the kids arrived to be checked over. They were dirty, scraped up, and hungry, but more or less fine. Levi sported a black eye that he was fuckin’ proud of because he’d gotten it trying to protect Louie. Louie had a split lip, gotten the same way.

  I watched Lainey fuss over them, hugging them and kissing their hurts after they were treated by Doc and his nurse. I got jealous as hell. She was my mate. I was hurt. She was supposed to fuss over me, kiss my boo-boos. I caught a whisper of laugher in my mind.

  Childish much?

  Damn straight I am. Come kiss me.

  Laughing out loud, Lainey very carefully arranged herself in my lap and kissed me, much to the amusement of her brothers.

  “Ewwww.”

  “Yuck!”

  A wave of energy rolled down the hallway. The Russian had arrived. Even Levi and Louie recognized something big and bad was headed our way. They ducked behind my wheelchair and peeked over my shoulder.

  “It is good you are up and around, Hollywood. I will arrange to have all of you moved to the compound.”

  I didn’t like his tone of voice. “Trouble?”

  “Yes.”

  Lainey tensed but didn’t say anything. She shifted out of my lap and stepped behind me. The boys leaned against her sides and she rested her left hand on my shoulder.

  Something flickered in the Russian’s eyes. I couldn’t decide if it was envy or approval. Either way, he was acknowledging that Lainey and the twins were mine. Good.

  Two hours later, the boys were shooting pool with Jonah and a couple of the provisional members under the watchful eyes of Sam and Teri, who was Sandhog’s old lady. The inner cadre, including Wiz and me and Lainey were all gathered in the Russian’s office.

  “We got them,” Radar announced. “I set up a worm in their remote access program which gave me a trapdoor too. I can see everything they do now. Found some interesting things along the way.”

  He glanced over at Smoke who took up the story. “Your cop was dirty, Hollywood.”

  “Gerald ain’t my fuckin’ cop.”

  “He’d been workin’ with the Hell Dogs.”

  There was something Smoke wasn’t saying and I remembered the hint he’d dropped in my lap at Outlaws. “What else, man?”

  “I’m pretty damn sure he set the fire that killed your mother.”

  Lainey gasped but I couldn’t breathe for minute. I figured she’d gotten drunk, passed out, and left a lit cigarette. I was mostly gone by then, living here at the compound with the Nightriders and learning how to be a Wolf. Still, the woman had done her best by me and loved me as much as she could after losing my father.

  “Soon as I can get around, that motherfucker is dead.” I cut my eyes to Lainey. She watched me, her eyes going dark blue. I got a jerk of her chin in acknowledgment. Good, she wasn’t freaked out I was contemplating hot-blooded murder. There was nothing cold about what I wanted to do to that man. He’d tried to make a move on my mom and beat the crap out of twelve-year-old me when I told him to get lost. When Brick and Lug Nut showed up, I’d bet they explained the facts of life to him. That explained the hard-on the asshole’d had for me my whole life.

  Digger cleared his throat. “Sorry, man. Bullets were flyin’ that night.”

  Fuck. I wouldn’t get the satisfaction. At least the motherfucker was in the ground.

  Gunner shifted position. “There’s more. His partner was equally interesting. Seems like his last job before joining the Mission Springs Police Department was working security for a corporation.” He glanced around at everyone. “Black Root.” He gave it a beat then looked to the Russian. “Want me to call McIntire?”

  “No. I will make that call.” The Russian stared into space, thinking. “We must take a closer look at this Black Root. Too bad he also died in the crossfire. I would have enjoyed discussing thing with him.”

  Nobody breathed for a minute. We all knew what occurred during one of the Russian’s discussion. He looked at me again and said, “The Wolf from Homeland Security.”

  I nodded. “I’ll let him know.”

  “Last order of business.” Russki stared at Lainey. She met his gaze for just over a minute before she dropped her eyes. Impressed the hell out of me. I didn’t know many full members who could hold his stare half that long. “Do you wish to claim her, Hollywood?”

  “Yes.” I reached for Lainey’s hand, felt her trembling and gave her a squeeze. “You’re mine, cowgirl. Remember what I said? Wolves mate for life.” I leashed my wolf as my nerves collided with his. Her nostrils flared as she sucked in a huge breath, but she didn’t speak. “And remember when I told you the Nightriders weren’t done with you, that I wasn’t done with you?” That question got a terse nod. “Still ain’t done, babe. Now and forever. My mate. My life.”

  The corner of her mouth twitched. “Guess I’m stuck then, huh.”

  Easy laughed. “You’d better put a ring on it, Hollywood.”

  Lainey looked pensive. “Naw. I want one of those cool leather jackets like what Sam has.”

  I breathed. Thank fucking God. With that patch, she was safe, she was mine in the eyes of the club, and every brother in the world would protect her.

  Paper rattled and I looked around as Easy dropped a big sack in my lap. I pulled out a jacket with two rockers on the back. Property of… Hollywood, with the Nightrider Original patch between them.

  I held it out. “This is forever, Lainey.”

  She bent and kissed me. “Abso-fucking-lutely.”

  Dear Reader:

  I have a not-so-secret love of MC books. There’s just something about finding the gentle side of a really bad boy. When the world of my Moonstruck Wolves, detoured into the gritty, sometimes violent lives the Nightriders, I happily jumped on for the ride. These outlaw MC brothers thundered out of the dark into my imagination, and above the roar of their Harleys and introduced themselves.

  Hollywood flagged me down and demanded I write his story next. He pointed to Lainey and said, “MINE!” And indeed she is. Their story won’t be for everyone. Hollywood belongs to an outlaw motorcycle club. His Nightrider brothers are outlaws. And their enemies, the Hell Dogs, think nothing of rape, torture, and murder. If readers are sensitive to these themes, this is not the series for them.

  As an author, I’m always humbled when readers love my characters as much as I do. I live with these people during the course of their stories. They are very *real* to me and to know that they *live* in readers’ imaginations leaves me gobsmacked. Thank you.

  I leave you with one favor to ask. People talking about a book is a priceless gift readers can give an author. When you like a book, please consider leaving a review and suggesting it to your friends.

  Again, thank you for visiting my worlds. The door is always open so don’t be a stranger. Happy reading!

  ~Silver James

  BOOKS

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  Thank you for reading this book. I hope you enjoyed it. Reviews help other readers find books to read. I appreciate every review, good or bad. Please consider leaving one at the etailer where you bought this book or on Goodreads. If this is your first Moonstruck book
, please check out the rest of the series and my other books, too.

  Available Now in Digital and Trade Paperback

  Moonstruck: Secrets

  The existence of Wolves has remained a secret for over 200 years. Now, the members of Army Special SciOps Unit 69 are about to be exposed. When a covert operation behind enemy lines goes wrong, Sergeant Major Ian McIntire must trust Major Hannah Jackson to save his men—and his heart. She's already privy most of his secrets but the one she doesn’t know about the moonstruck alpha werewolf may get them all killed. She has one chance to get them undercover and safe, but it may already be too late.

  Ten years later, former Army sniper Michael Lightfoot’s life as a forest ranger fits his need to run wild when the moon is full—until two wild wolf pups are kidnapped, along with Dr. Liz Graham, the wildlife biologist who makes him want to howl. The last thing he expects when he rescues the feisty doctor is to be moonstruck. With her life in danger, he must reveal his true self—and risk losing her—in order to save her from the shady corporation stalking the Wolves.

  Warning: Secrets, lies, and betrayals are more personal under the full moon, but when a Wolf loves a woman, he’ll do whatever it takes to keep her safe.

  Welcome back to the Moonstruck world with this full length Moonstruck novel containing new chapters and deleted scenes in addition to the first two novellas, BLOOD MOON and BAD MOON.

  MOONSTRUCK: LIES

  Moonstruck Genesis #2

  Hunters…

  Dr. Jacey Randolph just might be crazy. A rescued wolf is more than he seems and his ability to get into her head—literally—makes her doubt her sanity. When Colonel Joshua Harjo shows up on her doorstep with a wild tale that the wolf is actually Marine Captain Nathaniel Connor, Jacey must make a leap of faith—and jeopardize her heart—to get involved with the Wolf and a group of former Army SpecOps soldiers in full rescue operation mode.

  Wolves…

  Sean Donaldson answers an SOS from an old Army buddy and rides smack dab into the middle of a conspiracy. Murder and kidnapping are just the tip of the iceberg. Undercover, his best intentions are complicated by Annie Simmons and her son, Cody. What she doesn’t know about the lies he’s told can hurt her…and put Cody in danger.

  Lies…

  Secrets, lies, and betrayals are more personal under the full moon but when Wolves fight for their hearts, they’ll risk everything to uncover the lies endangering those they love.

  Welcome back to the Moonstruck world with this second full length Moonstruck novel containing new and deleted scenes and chapters never before published, in addition to the previously published novellas, HUNTER’S MOON and WOLF MOON.

  Still Available in digital format only –

  the original Moonstruck novellas

  Blood Moon

  (Moonstruck –Book 1)

  Army Major Hannah Jackson knows where the skeletons are hidden at the Pentagon and now she’s been tasked with keeping the secrets of Army Special Sci Ops Unit 69—the Wolves—and their secret is a doozy. That a civilian corporation wants to exploit the Wolves is a matter of pressing concern.

  Sergeant Major Ian McIntire doesn’t trust Hannah as far as he can throw her—and that’s quite a ways considering he’s an alpha werewolf. The woman is a pain in his butt and with the Blood Moon coming, the unit needs to complete their mission and get home before tempers flare. While she might know most of their secrets, the one she doesn’t know about the moonstruck Wolf might just get them all killed.

  When a covert operation goes wrong, Mac must trust Hannah to save his men—and his heart. Secrets, lies, and betrayals are more personal under the full moon, but when a Wolf loves a woman, he’ll do whatever it takes to keep her safe.

  Warning: Pursue an alpha Wolf at your own risk. Hot sex, bad words, and action of the blood and guts kind will ensue.

  BLOOD MOON: WINNER 2013 INTERNATIONAL DIGITAL AWARDS SHORT PARANORMAL NOVEL

  Bad Moon

  (Moonstruck –Book 2)

  Former Army sniper Michael Lightfoot lives a simple life as a forest ranger in Wyoming. The job fits his need to run wild when the moon is full—until two special wolf pups are kidnapped, along with Dr. Liz Graham, the wildlife biologist who makes him want to howl.

  The last thing Michael expects when he meets the feisty doctor is to be moonstruck, but the alpha Wolf has more on his plate than just convincing Dr. Liz to love him for who he is. She's being stalked by mercenaries who stole two wolf pups for an unknown faction. Now, with her life in danger, he must reveal his true self to save her. Reuniting with some of his old Army Special SciOps unit, Michael takes on the corporate raiders who want more than just his hide—and Liz’s expertise.

  Secrets, lies, and betrayals are more personal under the full moon, but when a Wolf loves a woman, he’ll risk heart and soul to keep her.

  Warning: When a moonstruck Wolf meets his mate, hot sex will ensue. If his mate is threatened, bad words and violence of the blood and guts variety will definitely occur.

  Hunter’s Moon

  (Moonstruck –Book 3)

  Dr. Jacey Randolph just might be crazy. A rescued wolf is more than he seems and his ability to get into her head—literally—makes her doubt her sanity. After the death of her husband in the Gulf War, she returned to the family ranch to run an animal sanctuary. Bad enough she has to fend off advances from the local sheriff, but now she’s turning into some sort of Dr. Doolittle. Except she doesn’t talk to animals, dammit.

  When Colonel Joshua Harjo, an old friend of her husband’s, shows up on her doorstep with a wild tale that the wolf is actually Marine Captain Nathaniel Connor, Jacey must make a leap of faith—and jeopardize her heart—to get involved with the wolf and a group of former Army SciOps soldiers in full rescue operation mode.

  Secrets, lies, and betrayals are more personal under the full moon but when a woman loves a Wolf, he can do no wrong. And Jacey Randolph is not about to let a little thing like a band of mercenaries keep her from the Wolf she loves.

  Warning: Explosions, death, and sex go hand in hand when a group of Wolves and their women fight for their existence.

  Wolf Moon

  (Moonstruck –Book 4)

  Sean Donaldson, former combat medic and demolition expert, answers an SOS from an old Army buddy and rides smack dab into the middle of a conspiracy. Murder and kidnapping are just the tip of the iceberg. Going undercover with a biker gang seems the quickest solution but Sean’s best intentions are complicated by Annie Simmons and her son, Cody.

  Annie is a waitress at the Half Dollar Bar and Grill just scraping by to provide a better life for her son. She doesn’t want a man in her life, especially a scary dude like “Boomer,” the big biker who steals a part of her heart. What she doesn’t know about the lies he’s told can hurt her…and put Cody in danger.

  Secrets, lies, and betrayals are more personal under the full moon but when a Wolf fights for his heart, he’ll risk his life to make sure the family he loves survives.

  Warning: When it’s the month of the Wolf Moon, anybody who gets between a moonstruck Wolf and his mate deserves what they get. Blood, sex, and four-letter words dead ahead.

  Bride’s Moon

  (Moonstruck –Book 5)

  When the remnants of Special SciOps Unit 69, the Wolves, reunited to save a group of soldiers used as lab rats in a secret experiment, Colonel Joshua Harjo never expected to command the covert government unit again. Someone near the top wants the 69th back on active duty and Harjo is tasked with making it happen, along with keeping the men the Wolves rescued top secret.

  Amy Rouse is the best “cat herder” around and she’s recruited for administrative duties with the new unit, a job with perks—Wolves and their commanding officer, Joshua Hargo, the man of her dreams. Amy didn’t count on murder, mayhem, and a redheaded Deputy US Marshal to complicate her life.

  Secrets, lies, and betrayals are more personal under the full moon, but when a man loves a woman, nothing will stop him fr
om tying the knot.

  Warning: The road to romance is never smooth and a runaway bride might just jinx a highly sensitive operation.

  Rogue Moon

  (Moonstruck –Book 6)

  Rudek Tornjak is a Wolf without a pack. A man scarred by his past, he prefers it that way. While living in the shadows of the French Quarter, whispers of treachery and betrayal reach his ears—along with accusations implicating him in unthinkable acts. He comes out of hiding to confront his accusers only to discover he’s under a death sentence. On the run, he encounters Isabelle Fontaine, a woman with a past of her own she’d rather keep hidden.

  Family is everything to Izzy and she’ll do whatever it takes to keep hers safe. Crossing paths with a shadowy corporation and a rogue Wolf puts the people she cares about in jeopardy—not to mention her own life and heart.

  Secrets, lies, and betrayals are more personal under the full moon, but when a betrayed Wolf fights for his honor, no one is safe—not even the woman he loves.

  Warning: Doubt a Wolf’s honor and you’ll get a serving of hot blood and guts to go.

  Christmas Moon

  (A Moonstruck Novella, #7)

  The Wolves have been busy since blowing up half of Louisiana. Thanks to the government, there’s a bounty on their heads so they’re living off the grid. But Christmas is here and the kids want to know if Santa will find them this year. Not a problem until the phone call asking them to find and rescue a pregnant girl. On December 20th. In New Mexico. Piece of fruit cake, right?