Moonlight's Gift (Moonlight Series Book 2)

by Ashlynn Monroe

  She held her arm close to her body, and he noticed blood seeping into the fabric she wore. The agony in her expression hollowed her pale cheeks, but the shadow of her sassiness lingered behind her eyes. “Thanks, Kane, but you don’t have to look out for me. I’ve managed all these years without you.”

  He flinched. She frowned. Neither of them spoke. Kane pulled away from the curb and drove toward his home. His wife loved to care for the broken and bruised she’d be pleased to have a guest, and he’d keep Bianca Archer safe for a few hours. Maybe I’ll finally get my paperwork done.

  Five

  Joy set the tray down as quietly as she could. A soft gasp caused her to stiffen. Damn it. She sighed as she sensed their guest was awake. “Don’t be afraid. You’re safe. I was just leaving you some fresh clothing for the morning.”

  Sabrina yawned. “Who are you? Can you turn on the light?”

  Joy went over to the wall and flipped on the switch. The beautiful young woman’s eyes were huge, and her brows drew together.

  “What happened?” Sabrina asked.

  “You hit your head. I bet you had crazy dreams. There were vandals at the community center; you must have slipped and my brother found you unconscious.” Joy couldn’t make eye-contact with Sabrina. I’m a terrible liar. “I’m J—Joy Foster.”

  Sabrina put her hand to her forehead and rubbed her temple. “Why aren’t I in the hospital?”

  Joy thought about what she wanted to say for a second. “We’re into natural medicines.”

  Sabrina glared. “I’m not. You need to get me to a real doctor. I was attacked—it’s all so fuzzy.”

  Panic made Joy’s heart race. I hope I don’t screw this up. “Rest is what you need to heal that concussion. My mother is, um, our doctor and she said you’d be okay. We don’t use this stuff, but we had a bottle. I was leaving this for the morning too.” Joy handed her a bottle of acetaminophen and a glass of water. Eyeing the drugs dubiously, Sabrina checked the intact safety seal. Joy shrugged. “Like I said, we don’t take manufactured medicine. Mom said these should make you feel right as rain.”

  Grimacing, Sabrina bit her lip and her scowl deepened. “Nothing personal, but I’d rather have a real doctor tell me and not someone’s mother. Oh gee, do I hear banjos? I’m sure you all mean well, but I’m going to the hospital. Now. I also need to see what happened to the community center. I have to secure what hasn’t been damaged or stolen.”

  “I’ll be right back, just stay in bed, and we’ll arrange your ride into town. You’re a guest here, and we want to take care of you.” Joy panicked and fled the room as fast as she could. As she rounded the corner at the bottom of the stairs, she ran straight into Law.

  Law grasped Joy’s shoulder. “I called the hospital to see if Chessa wanted me to go pick her up and bring her home, but they said Bianca left without being discharged. Did either of them come back here?”

  Joy’s heart clenched in her chest. “No. Oh God, I hope they’re safe. We have another problem too. Sabrina is awake and demanding a ride to the hospital.”

  “If I weren’t alpha, I’d be out looking for my family, but the pack has to come first. Damn it, go get Nik and tell him to meet me in the kitchen.”

  His family. Joy’s heart melted. She fought a wave of emotion threatening to pour out as tears. My brother has a family. “I’ll go find him, but can’t someone else look after the pack? You need to bring them home.” It’s time I tell him about Kane.

  Deep lines etched on Law’s forehead, and his jaw clenched until she saw a tick in his cheek. “You know I can’t do that, no matter how much I want to. Get Nik.”

  Joy grabbed her brother’s hand. “I—I have something to tell you about Kane.”

  Law’s eyes narrowed. “What?”

  “Tobias was Kane’s half-brother.”

  There was a pause. Law crossed his arms over his chest. “Why does that matter now? What does that have to do with Bianca?”

  “If Tobias was her father Kane is her uncle. Go to him if you need help and if he tries to say no remind him of his family obligation. You know how he is about the old ways. He’ll know I told you because it wasn’t a secret among Tobias’ pack.”

  Law nodded slowly. “I know you’re afraid he’ll put a kill order on you because of Tobias, but I will protect you. Thank you for this, you’ve been through hell, and yet you’re willing to put my family above your safety. I’m proud you’re my sister.”

  A hot flush filled her cheeks. She shrugged. “It’s not a big deal.”

  “It is to me. I hope I can find them without Kane. Dammit, I want to be out there, looking.”

  To Joy’s surprise, Law slammed the door when he left the common house. I wonder where he’s going. She stood in the hallway a moment. It was late, but she knew Nik wasn’t sleeping. Ever since she’d returned, she had the most perplexing pull toward him. I swear I can feel his every heartbeat. The sixth sense managed to be both weird and comforting.

  Joy approached Nik’s door and tapped lightly with her knuckle. “Come in,” Nik said.

  Joy pushed open the door. “Law needs you.”

  Nik stood in the middle of the room. His lounge pants hung low on his hips. His abs were the picture of male perfection and the sexy “V” at his hips pointed to dangerous territory. The lounge pants outlined an impressive bulge. Nik cleared his throat. “Eyes up here, woman.”

  Heat rushed into Joy’s cheeks with flaming intensity. She met his beautiful dark eyes and saw his amusement, but also the hunger. A sexual charge was in the room. Joy licked her dry lips then cleared her throat. His body is so different from the boy I remember, but what about his soul. I don’t know him anymore.

  “I felt you calling to me, pulling me. I knew you were looking for me.”

  “Then why aren’t you dressed?”

  Nik grinned. “Because I was hoping you were looking for me because you needed me, not Law.”

  Fire in Joy’s cheeks burned hotter as arrows of need shot through her core and desire blossomed. She hadn’t wanted a man in a very long time. Joy turned away and focused on the pile of dirty clothing in the corner of the room.

  “Don’t they do laundry around here anymore? Or have you forgotten how to leave it by your door? It’s still Tuesday, right?”

  “You start a fight every time things get too real for you. Stop pushing me away.”

  Joy’s throat tightened. “Law needs you.” She didn’t look at him as she shut the door. Why would I let you in when you abandoned me? You can’t want me, not now. She could feel Nik’s heart beating in time with her own. The sensation calmed her. What in the hell is going on with us?

  Six

  Pearl Wolfe appeared in the doorway of the foyer. Her long silk bathrobe rustled and she smoothed her rumpled black hair with her hand.

  “Kane?” Pearl’s sleepy question ended with a yawn, and her big brown eyes widened as she noticed Bianca. “Are you okay?” Her gazed flew to her husband. “Please, don’t hurt her.”

  “The woman knows. She’s under Foster’s protection. I brought her here to help her,” Kane said.

  Pearl visibly relaxed. “What happened to you?” Pearl took Bianca’s arm, guiding her away from Kane.

  “Nothing but my own stubbornness, I left the hospital looking for my daughter.”

  Pearl shook her head. “I’d heard she was bitten, and wolf blood runs in her. You’re Law Foster’s mate?”

  Bianca glared at Kane. Jeez, I guess he doesn’t talk to his wife much. “I—we’re married or something. I need to call him to let him know about Chessa. He’s probably sent someone or come back to the hospital to take her home and found us gone. My chest is so tight when I think about him I can’t breathe.”

  Pearl gave her a sympathetic smile. “Yes dear, I know how a wolf’s protection works. That feeling is his panic. You’re sharing it. Like the humans say, for better or for worse.”

  Bianca glanced between the mayor and his wife. Kane glared at Pearl. Insti
nctively, Bianca stepped between the couple. Something wasn’t right in the Wolfe household.

  “See she’s taken care of.” Kane pointed at Bianca. “I’m going to the office. Put her in the blue bedroom.”

  “But we never use that for guests.”

  “Just put her there,” Kane growled.

  “You don’t have to put me in that room. I’m happy with a couch. I just need a little rest before I go out looking for Chessa. Can I call Law? I have a feeling Kane must know at least one number on the farm.”

  Kane frowned. “I’ll take care of contacting Mr. Foster. Breathe through the negative sensation; it will pass if you force your thoughts away from him.

  Pearl paled. “You say that as if you know firsthand.”

  “I know a lot of things, but none of it is your concern. We’re content with our arrangement, right, my dear?”

  “Of course,” Pearl spoke stiffly.

  Bianca wanted to escape the domestic dispute, but she had nowhere to go, so she cringed in the shadows hoping things didn’t escalate.

  “Put Bianca safely to bed in the blue room. I’ll deal with Mr. Foster.”

  Bianca stepped forward. “Please don’t put me somewhere special. I just need a few hours to rest before I go looking again.”

  “Goodnight ladies. Bianca certainly has made my job as mayor of humans and alpha of wolves more exciting than I can handle at my age.” Kane walked away holding himself stiffly.

  Bianca suffered a wave of guilt. She’d never liked the mayor, but his recent help had been a blessing.

  Pearl watched the door close behind Kane. “I don’t mind you staying in the family wing. I’m just surprised. My husband is very—particular.”

  Bianca grinned. “That’s the nicest way I’ve ever heard someone describe a control freak.” When Pearl gasped, Bianca regretted her rash word choice. “He’s a very good mayor because he’s so—particular. I’m sorry, Mrs. Wolfe.”

  “Pearl, please just Pearl. It’s okay. I delude myself into thinking no one else can see Kane but me. He’s not usually so accommodating to our guests.”

  “Don’t put yourself out on my account.” Bianca grimaced. “I really should call Law myself. I hope Kane calls him right away, so he stops worrying. He’s got so much to deal with, and I just want to know he’s getting a good night’s sleep.”

  “He’s an alpha; they don’t get to sleep as soundly as other men. Trust me. I understand. You really love him, don’t you?”

  How could I not? Bianca nodded. “It’s crazy, but I do. I’m not even sure when it happened.”

  “The bond is amazing, or so I’ve heard.”

  “You aren’t, and I can’t believe I’m even asking this—mated—to Mayor Wolfe?”

  “We don’t always mate; sometimes we just marry like humans.”

  Bianca didn’t know what to say. The quiet woman had always seemed shy in public. Bianca had assumed she was meek; now she wondered if there was more to the story.

  “Is there anything you need help with?”

  Pearl’s eyes narrowed, and the corner of her mouth turned down. “Everything is fine here. Don’t pry.” She straightened her shoulders and her face relaxed. “You look like you could use some tea and sleep. Follow me.”

  Bianca followed Pearl into the private section of the Wolfe household. The kitchen in the mansion had to be as big as Bianca’s entire first floor. Bianca walked around the space admiring the modern appliances and marble countertops before sitting down at the large oak table. Pearl went to the cabinet and took down tea bags and cups. She put water in a kettle and set it over the gas burner to boil.

  “I knew your parents,” Pearl said. “Your mother was a lot of fun. She was my sister’s closest friend. Knowing what we are is a heavy burden for a human to bear.”

  “Who is your sister?” Bianca wondered if she’d met her mother’s werewolf bestie.

  “Mary Dupree.”

  The name was unfamiliar to Bianca. “Why did they stop being friends?”

  Pearl smiled sadly. She let out a sigh. “That is a long story, too long for tonight. Joslyn protected you from this world, didn’t she?”

  “Yes, but I wish she’d been honest with me and told me about my father.”

  Pearl brought the empty cups and tea bags over to the table. She sat down. “What would you do if you knew? Would you want to talk to him?”

  “No. I think I know who he was. My dad is dead, as is the man who donated his DNA to me.”

  Pearl nodded and closed her eyes for a second. “Yes, Tobias, I—that makes a lot of sense, wolves can bond with a human, as you and Mr. Foster know all too well. I’m sorry you never had a chance to know your father.”

  “I’m not. He kidnapped my daughter. I hate him. What I want is to gather a search party and go into the woods to find Chessa.”

  Pearl patted Bianca’s hand. The tea kettle started to whistle. Pearl sighed and stood up. “Chessa is different now so rest assured she’ll be okay in the woods. I can’t imagine how hard this is for a human. I promise you she’s not in danger, or we’d help you look for her.” Pearls gaze drifted away. “Tobias wasn’t always a bad person.” Her expression took on a wistful, far-off quality. Then she shook off the nostalgia and straightened her shoulders. “Your mother saved Kane’s mother’s life. Did he ever tell you?”

  “No, but Janna Foster did.”

  “Kane has always had a soft spot for you, I think, because of Joslyn.”

  “Soft spot? I guess I’d have been dead a long time ago if he didn’t like me.”

  “Yes, you would have.” Pearl wasn’t kidding. A chill ran down Bianca’s spine. She rubbed her arms.

  Pearl poured hot water into Bianca’s cup. “Don’t look so worried. Kane is a traditionalist. Law’s protection will keep you safe. My husband doesn’t care about much, but he loves this town. You’re good for our little community. Even before you knew about us, Kane would have had you killed if he didn’t like you.” Pearl took a sip of her tea.

  Bianca worried her lip with her teeth as a slow breath escaped. “I never knew how dangerous our small town is.”

  Pearl nodded. They both sipped tea in silence. Pearl set her cup down and tapped the ceramic with her long fingernails. “Danger is reality and safety is the illusion.”

  Profound words. Bianca mulled them over. She took another sip. “Spoken like someone who knows more about danger than about safety.”

  Pearl nodded. “As the mate of an alpha wolf you’ll come to that conclusion too. Give it time.” Pearl reached out and covered Bianca’s hand with her cold one. “Well, I’m exhausted. Bring your tea, and I’ll show you to your room.”

  Bianca stood and followed Pearl out into the hall and then up the stairs. When they made it to the top, she could tell this was a family only domain. The picture perfect façade was missing. This area inspired the homey feeling the rest of the house lacked. Bianca stepped over a skateboard.

  “That’s Royal’s. He’s our baby. I don’t think you know him. Of course, you know Hayden our thirteen-year-old and Jack our twelve-year-old because they come to the center for Wednesday basketball. Royal is eleven, so he’ll join the fun next year. They’re growing up fast.”

  Bianca nodded. “Are born wolves easier than a bitten to raise?”

  “Oh, heavens yes, but boys are always hard no matter if they’re human or loup-garou.”

  “Kane used that word too. Is loup-garou a type of wolf?” Bianca was glad to have someone to ask. She didn’t want any of Law’s people, not even his mother, to know how clueless she was.

  Pearl picked up a camouflaged backpack and set it on a long bench. “Our pack and most of the local werewolves emigrated here from France. Long before Wisconsin was a state, it was a wide-open territory.” She picked up a few more toys and somehow managed not to spill her tea. “The native people understood what we are. Some tribes feared us, but the Winnebago knew us because they too had shifters among the tribe.” Pearl set the items she h
eld on the bench next to the backpack.

  “That’s amazing,” Bianca said, fascinated. “How did wolves get to the Americas if your people were from France?”

  “You have it backward.” Pearl chuckled. They kept walking down the hall. “Our ancestors carry the blood of Native Americans. The history books have a lot wrong. Viking human men traveled to the Americas. They used the Great Lakes and Mississippi River to reach Wisconsin and mated with Winnebago shifter women. Some of the men returned home with their mates while others stayed behind and became part of the tribe.” Pearl opened a bedroom door then flipped on the light, and Bianca stepped inside. Bianca set her mug on a dresser. Pearl sat down on the bed “Don’t look at me like that. I’m not kidding.”

  “It’s just so—not what I expected.” Bianca struggled to express herself without insulting her hostess.

  Pearl nodded and patted the mattress next to where she sat. “The Vikings were very adaptable. The packs stayed together, and some migrated south. Our ancestors settled in France and coming here brought our history full circle. All werewolves owe their heritage to the Winnebago. That’s why the wolves in our territory are so powerful. Your Mr. Foster’s bloodline is one of the purest.”

  The way Pearl emphasized pure made the hair stand up on Bianca’s arms. Pure. Bianca wasn’t one of them. She hesitated a moment before sitting down next to Pearl.

  Pearl cleared her throat and took a small sip of tea. “Tobias’ line ends with your daughter. She will have more strength than a typical bitten. The Wolfe, Monstre, and Foster lines are the last three families that can trace ancestry back to those original Viking wolves.”

  “What are you trying to tell me? Really?”

  Pearl drained her cup and set it down on a bedside table before taking Bianca’s hand and giving it a gentle squeeze. “These are dangerous times. You and your daughter will need that strength. Remind those who would discriminate against you of the power your blood evokes.”