Taken by Moonlight

by Violette Dubrinsky

  Vivienne grinned and took a seat at the edge of the bed. Cassie looked tired, with faint circles under her eyes, but she was no longer pasty and wild-eyed. She’d changed into comfortable clothing—a plain blue T-shirt and pajama bottoms, and her hair, like Vivienne’s, was pulled into a messy bun.

  “You swear you didn’t know anything about this before now?” Cassie asked, staring intensely into Vivienne’s eyes.

  “No clue.”

  “Interesting,” Cassie murmured and then her eyes narrowed in the way that alerted Vivienne that her twin had something to say and was contemplating whether or not to say it.

  “What?”

  “I think I have a vague memory of Mom teaching us to pray when we younger. Except Mom’s not that religious and she wasn’t praying in English. It’s really fuzzy anyway and I always thought it was a strange dream I’d had. After everything I just learned, it probably did happen. I mean, I just found out that I’m a druid, you’re a druid, Mom’s a witch, and our house is being patrolled by werewolves. I mean, this is like a crazy cross-over episode of Wolf Lake and Charmed.” She broke off and then fingered the book of spells once more. A little smile touched her lips. “I think I always knew something was off with us—well me, anyway. You weren’t as peculiar.” When Vivienne lifted a brow, Cassie continued in an exasperated voice, “It makes sense, Viv. I’m a certified freak of nature. No, don’t say anything, I’ve accepted it so it doesn’t offend me anymore. Plus, it’s got a certain ring to it. I love everything about the outdoors. Druids are earthy creatures, right? At least, that’s what my college professor told me.” She smirked and rolled her eyes.

  Vivienne chuckled and shook her head. “Your professor might have gotten some of his facts wrong, Cass.”

  Cassie smiled and added, “Knowing Khan, the facts were all made up. I still think he bought that Harvard degree on eBay.” They both laughed and Cassie reached for Vivienne’s hand.

  “So, who’s the hunk, where’d you meet him, and where’d he go?” Cassandre asked with a lifted brow.

  Because Evelyn had commandeered Cassie’s time for most of the day, she hadn’t seen much of Conall or anyone else. Vivienne thought hard of how to explain Conall to Cassie and decided to say what she knew and felt. If anyone would understand, it would be her twin.

  “Conall’s a werewolf….” She paused, expecting a gasp of shock or a lifted brow or a question but Cassie just sat there with her eyes trained expectantly on her twin. Vivienne had forgotten Cassie wasn’t one for hysterics. Last night had been an anomaly. “…and he says that he’s my mate. I don’t know what that really means. I feel like I’ve known him for much longer than I actually have. I met him when we went camping. Do you remember? When I disappeared after being chased by that wolf. That was his nephew. They were there with…his pack I guess. Anyway, he brought me back.” Cassie’s eyes widened slightly. “Cass, I don’t know. It’s like he’s inside me.” Vivienne blushed and lowered her eyes as she thought of the double meaning of that phrase. “I can’t explain it better. I feel like I need him, and it confuses me, but at the same time, I understand it. It’s complicated.”

  When she looked up at her sister, Cassie was staring at her with that curious, I-intend-to-figure-it-out expression she usually wore. She inched closer to Vivienne and asked, “So, he’s a werewolf, and you’re a druid, but you’re his mate?”

  She nodded slowly. She really had to sit down with Conall and have him explain to her what it meant to be a mate. He’d given her the whole ‘I belong to you, you belong to me’ speech, but what did that mean?

  Cassie stared long and hard, before a large grin split her lips and she tilted her head to the side. “Do all werewolves look like him, and does he have a twin?”

  Vivienne rolled her eyes, laughed and shook her head. “Cass!”

  “I’m just asking. Who knows? They might. He might.”

  ***

  Conall returned to Vivienne’s house slightly after ten. He’d made a quick stop back to Cedar Creek to drop Sloan off. Although he wanted to return, he wouldn’t be doing so tonight. He wanted to bring Vivienne to his home during the day, when all of the pack was awake, and could get a good look at her. He refused to bring her in the night to have Brennus or Gresham start rumors that he was sneaking her in. He had nothing to be ashamed of, especially not his druid mate, and the sooner the pack figured that out, the better for everyone.

  Raoul was the first to approach him as he came out of the SUV. His beta took one look at his face, and said, “I’m guessing it went well?”

  Conall nodded, and knowing that Raoul wanted an explanation, added, “Cronin called the meeting to claim kinship over Vivienne and Cassandre.”

  A frown touched Raoul’s lips but he waited for his alpha to finish. Conall explained the rest quickly, and Raoul flashed a smile. “No wonder you look so…approachable.”

  He passed his beta a deep scowl that only made Raoul smile more.

  “So what are we doing? Do you want us to stay and keep watch tonight or are we returning to the city?”

  “Stay. Cronin was convinced he was going to be awarded kinship tonight. He isn’t going to give up just because I thwarted his plans.” He’d seen it in the way that Cronin had looked at him as the Council voted, like it meant absolutely nothing. “We’ll leave for Cedar Creek in the morning.” He was making his way to the door when he paused and looked back to Raoul. His beta lifted a brow. “Did you all eat?” With their fast metabolisms and bigger bodies, weres had ravenous appetites.

  Raoul nodded emphatically. “This house is overrun with good food. Plus, Evelyn’s a great cook. I was thinking of moving in, offering her my protective services in exchange for….”

  Conall continued to the door. He was anxious to see Vivienne, but he was also nervous about what might happen, with the state he was in. After taking a few deep breaths, and willing his wolf to be at ease, he pushed the front door open and scented his mate out.

  ***

  After her conversation with her sister, Vivienne had checked on Drew, who’d been quietly lying in her bed and hadn’t wanted company, before deciding on a long, warm shower. She spent over a half an hour under the spray of water. By the time she was finished, she was relaxed enough to lie still, and wait for Conall. She’d just entered her room, towel secured snugly around her body, when the door knob twisted, and Conall walked in. His leather jacket was partially open, as if he’d unzipped it as he made his way to her room, and his boots were still on. Today, he was dressed in the look she’d come to associate with him. Jeans, leather jacket, and a T-shirt.

  Feeling her heart begin a rapid thumping in her chest, Vivienne fingered the top of the towel. “How’d it go?”

  “Good.” His reply was immediate. He shrugged out of the jacket and draped it over one of the chairs in her room.

  She swallowed audibly, positive he could hear the pounding of her heart. Vivienne almost rolled her eyes. Of course he could hear it. He was a werewolf, with heightened senses, and all that stuff.

  A smile curved his lips and she knew he’d just read her thoughts. He took a seat, positively dominating her chair, and undid the laces of his boots. Licking her lips, Vivienne moved toward her closet and pulled the door open. It shielded her body from his gaze as she quickly undid the towel, and pulled a large T-shirt over her head.

  “What was the purpose of the meeting?” She shifted her gaze to where Conall sat as she asked that question. He was leaning forward on the chair, staring at her. It gave off the impression that he was patiently waiting, although she didn’t think Conall the patient type.

  Vivienne moved over to the drawer that contained her intimates and pulled it open. She quickly removed a panty and walked rapidly over to the closet once more. Door open, she put it on quickly and poked her head out. Conall was now standing. She froze as he approached her. As she watched him move, watched him put one long leg before the other, watched the slight sway of his big arms, she could as much help the poo
l of wetness growing between her thighs as she could stop the falling of a waterfall.

  He stopped directly before her, and she lifted her gaze from his wide torso to his eyes.

  “Maximilian Cronin called the meeting to claim kinship over you and Cassandre.” His hand lifted and a finger curled around her damp hair. She’d partially dried it before returning to her room.

  “Wh—what’s kinship?” she managed as he came impossibly close to her. She had to remind herself, over and over, that despite her attraction to Conall she didn’t know much about him, much about anything he said.

  He closed his hand over her hair and cocked his head to the side. “Soft.” Eyes lowered to her lips and Vivienne inhaled deep and unconsciously parted them. His eyes flashed yellow for a brief moment before he turned away. Vivienne watched him in confusion as he said, “The law of kinship can be applied to any two creatures joined by a blood or familial bond. Cronin tried to claim kinship of you and your sister through your grandmother.”

  “He didn’t succeed, right?” Still not sure exactly what kinship meant, Vivienne knew that whatever it was, if Cronin got it, it was bad.

  “No. I made a counter-claim for you, and Cassandre has the right to choose.” He faced her, and his voice was strong when he said, “Even if Cronin had gotten the Council to vote in his favor, I wouldn’t let him have you.”

  She nodded and slowly approached him. Conall’s eyes narrowed, but he didn’t move away. When her hand landed against his chest, his gaze fell to her lips.

  “Thank you,” she said softly.

  ***

  He didn’t hear the words, but saw her lips move. Conall felt the beast stir. Hell, it had been stirring long before now, with Vivienne’s scent so strong on the air. He nodded and was about to force himself to leave the room—he’d been unpredictable of late, and she was the last person he wanted to hurt—when she stepped into him, pushed herself onto her toes, and placed a quick kiss to his jaw.

  Her eyes rested longingly on his lips before she tried to step away from him. Conall secured her waist in the crook of his arm, and Vivienne gasped, and then moaned as he pulled her tightly against him. His erection pressed into her belly, and she boldly slid her hands into his hair and pulled his head down to hers.

  Conall felt his control snap. It was as if the thread holding it…just vanished. He lifted her easily, growling against her lips when her legs wrapped about his waist. Her tongue was eager in its exploration of his mouth, and he quickly took them to the bed. He deposited her, none-too-gently, but Vivienne had the same wild look he was sure dominated his entire being. He’d tossed his shirt and was about to unzip his pants when small, soft hands pushed his away. Giving him a saucy smile, Vivienne turned her attention to his belt. She slowly pulled it from his jeans, falling back onto the bed as she did so, and licking her lips. She was teasing him. Dressed in a measly T-shirt with a seductive, needy look on her face, Vivienne was teasing him.

  She came upright once more and slowly tugged at his zipper, turning her head to the side to watch him as she pushed his jeans down over his hips. Eyes narrowing dangerously, Conall pushed her back onto the bed, and tugged both his jeans and boxers off.

  Her eyes widened as they settled on his arousal, and a small “o” formed on her lips.

  Conall smelled her fear, and it overrode her desire for him. The beast retreated slightly and a smidgen of sanity returned. It was enough that Conall might have been able to willingly remove himself from her room.

  “Vivienne,” he began, only to stop abruptly when she pushed her hips off of the bed and reached both hands under her T-shirt. Her eyes, golden and shining brightly with passion, no longer fear, locked on his as she slid her underwear down her legs and then dangled it from her fingers, baiting him.

  In the next instant, he was settled between her thighs. His erection nudged her slick folds, and she whimpered before lifting her hips to his. Conall leaned down and kissed her, probing her mouth with his tongue until she moaned his name, and twisted her head away.

  “Please,” she murmured.

  Pushing himself to his knees, he ripped through the fabric shielding her body from his. He groaned as he looked down at the perfection of her body, before he lowered his head to her breast. As far gone as he was, as much as he wanted his cock buried snugly in her. He had to taste her.

  Her fingers slipped into his hair, holding him against her as her hips rocked up against him.

  “Conall,” she moaned, and he licked his way down her body. He lifted her hips and she parted her legs further for him.

  Conall growled and lowered his head, pulling her nub into his mouth as he pressed a finger into her sex. Her body clutched at him, and she bucked against his mouth, pressing her fist against her own to keep her screams of pleasure bottled. Although needy for his attentions, she remembered that she was in her parents’ house. Conall didn’t have any such qualms. He wanted Vivienne, and regardless of where she was, he was going to have her.

  As he stroked her, a ragged groan tore from her lips before she cut it short. Unsatisfied, he added another finger, moaning against her as her body clenched down on his. As his hand moved, little noises escaped the back of her throat. Conall growled, pulling her closer to his face. Her body tensed and she began to shake

  Vivienne groaned and whimpered, her hand leaving Conall’s head as she gripped the sheets.

  “OhmyGod. OhmyGod.” She pressed her fist against her mouth and screamed, her body jerking rapidly as she came. Sliding his fingers from her, Conall flicked his tongue against her bud once more before he moved up her body.

  ***

  When Vivienne opened her eyes next, he was staring down at her with those yellow eyes. His gaze was everywhere, on her lips, her breasts…. She moved her hands to his ass and gripped him tightly. His teeth snapped together, and she noticed his fangs were longer. Reaching up, she ran her tongue along them, feeling the pinch as they nicked her. She groaned when he fell onto her, kissing her deeply. His hands moved under her hips, lifting her. As his girth parted her, she gasped both in pain and pleasure, and promptly forgot how to breathe. Closing her eyes, Vivienne groaned and buried her face in his neck.

  Conall held still for long moments, allowing her to adjust to him, before he began to move. As he slid back before coming into her again, Vivienne whimpered. He felt so good. His movements continued, strong, powerful thrusts that seemed to ingrain him into her body. When she began moving her hips for more, he lifted his head and stared down at her. His eyes shined brightly, yellow and fierce. As he held her gaze, Conall’s pace increased.

  “Yes…yes!” It was intense, and fast, and Vivienne couldn’t be more turned on at that moment if she’d tried.

  ***

  Feeling the overwhelming need to pull out and flip her over, Conall bit into his cheek, hoping that pain would keep him from taking her as he wished, and potentially hurting her in the process. The first time he’d taken her, he’d lost control, but his control before then had been much greater than it was now. If he lost it now, what was to prevent him from changing completely, and taking her despite protests?

  Vivienne’s legs locked tightly about his waist, and before he knew what was happening, she was straddling him, riding him. Surprised, he stared up at her. She leaned down and licked his lips, moaning as her body continued its erotic dance. It was hard to believe that a few days ago she was an innocent. It was harder to believe she’d become so strong as to topple him.

  Her body began to tremble, and he knew she was close. Pulling her head down, he kissed her, all the while pushing up against her.

  Come with me. Her voice was an erotic breeze in his mind. She pulled away from his lips and kissed his neck.

  Come with me, Conall.

  Gripping her hips, he thrust hard. Vivienne bit into her lip, and Conall watched as a slight well of blood appeared. He caught the little drop in his mouth, and moaned. Like everything about her, her taste was addictive. He felt himself swell further
. Her words, spoken directly into his mind, were turning out to be a potent aphrodisiac he could not ignore.

  Yes…please. Just like that.

  She clenched her muscles against him, and her hips bucked frantically. The trembling intensified and Conall’s own release was close. Vivienne pressed flat against him and nipped at his jaw, his chin, his neck.

  With a deep growl, he bit down against her shoulder.

  She cried out, and squirmed, but his arm closed about her waist. Her hips continued their wild dance, and then she surprised him even more. She bit him. Sharp teeth closed over a part of his shoulder.

  Come—with—me. Yes. Come. Her body rippled around him, and she screamed into his shoulder.

  Conall couldn’t stop his release if he tried. He buried his hand in her hair, tightened his hold on her shoulder, and did exactly as she commanded.

  Chapter Eleven

  It took long moments for her breathing to level, for her body to stop strumming like a violin being played by Conall’s agile fingers. That—was—intense. She’d only had two out-of-body experiences in her life, and both had been with the man lying next to her. The man she’d barely known for a few days, but knew so intimately well. Biting her lip, Vivienne darted a glance in his direction. Conall lay on his side, a muscular arm thrown across her middle, as he watched her.

  Vivienne lifted her gaze to the ceiling. Could she deny him anything? She remembered her first encounter with him, running smack into him after being chased by Eli. She’d been partially correct about that creature chasing her. It hadn’t been a wolf. It had been a werewolf.

  Conall’s arm tightened about her waist, and she turned to him. A little smile graced his lips, making him all the more irresistible to her. She thought back to the question at hand. Could she deny him? As she stared into his penetrating blue gaze, another question popped into her mind. Did she want to?