Moonlight's Gift (Moonlight Series Book 2)

by Ashlynn Monroe

  Bianca frowned. “That was generous of him, but I want you to stay away from Mayor Wolfe.”

  “Why?”

  “Because I’m your mother and I’m telling you to avoid him.”

  Chessa rolled her eyes. “Whatever, fine.”

  Bianca nibbled her lower lip. She looked around at everyone. “So, what’s it like, being a wolf?”

  Joy reached out and covered Bianca’s hand with hers. It must be so hard for her, being a human in our world, so confusing.

  Chessa’s exasperated snort was the first reply. “Oh my gosh, are we really having this conversation?”

  Bianca blushed. “I’m just curious.”

  Peyton chuckled. “Depends on the day.”

  Joy shrugged, but she turned to look at Chessa. “What do you want your mom to know about it?”

  “It’s okay?” Chessa looked away shyly. “At first, I didn’t like it, but when I run I’m happy. I—I think it’s kind of cool now.”

  Joy reached out and squeezed Bianca’s hand. “Are you thinking about asking Law to bite you?”

  “Maybe.” Bianca shrugged. “It might be better for everyone.”

  Chessa’s eyes widened. “No, Mom, don’t change.” She put her hand on Bianca’s arm.

  “Being a wolf is overrated,” Trin added, crossing her arms over her chest and shaking her head.

  “This talk stays between us, please,” Bianca said, leaning forward. “Okay, subject change. Peyton was bitten as a teenager, and she’d like to share her story with us.”

  “Really?” Chessa leaned forward. Trax appeared interested too. Trin rested her head on her hands.

  “My mom and dad were bittens.” Peyton made eye contact with everyone sitting at the table. “So I was born human. My dad’s mom was a bitten too and mad that I was human. I didn’t know her well because of the fighting. She argued with them about biting me. She wanted dad to bite me as a baby, but both my parents wanted the choice to be mine.” Peyton paused. The kids gazed at her, absorbed in the story. Joy hadn’t known Peyton before the bite. She tried to imagine her as a human.

  “Around Easter, I turned fifteen,” Peyton said. “They’d invited Grandma for dinner, and she’d gone off about how the smell of human was ruining her appetite. She hurt my feelings, but I had no reason to fear her.” Peyton sighed and shook her head. “I wish I’d been less trusting. The next week when I left school, she was waiting for me and said Dad was hurt. I went with her. After driving a few blocks, she stopped, bit me twice, and told me she’d fixed my problem.” Peyton wiped a tear from the corner of her eye and cleared her throat. Joy’s heart ached for her old friend. “I managed to get the car door open and fell out onto the sidewalk with my school bag lying there in a pile of scattered books and papers, hurting, until one of the sophomores found me and called his dad.”

  “What happened?” Chessa asked. She and Trax hung on Peyton’s every syllable.

  “I changed and so did everyone who loved me. I wasn’t happy, but then I met Ben, and life got better.”

  “He’s a wonderful guy,” Joy said, pulling her chair closer to the table. “So why aren’t you his mate?”

  “I don’t want some primal wolf connection.” Peyton frowned. “I’m waiting for the man to do right by my human side and marry me.”

  Bianca snorted. “The mayor can take care of any cold feet. Just find a reason to piss Kane off, and Ben will be your lawfully wedded husband. Just ask Law. The mayor needs to stop meddling.”

  Joy laughed. “I doubt Kane had to twist Law’s arm very much.”

  “Well, it was hardly the wedding I’ve always imagined.”

  “You do like Law, right Mom?” Worry trembled from Chessa’s voice.

  “Oh, I do. I’m teasing. I might have wanted a bit more romance, but Law is fantastic. I’m very happy with the way things worked out.”

  Trax crossed his arms over his chest. He appeared uncomfortable.

  Joy grinned, changing the subject. “So, tell the kids about school after you became a werewolf.”

  A faraway look came into Peyton’s eyes. “Being a freshman always sucks, but after the bite, it was like I wore some kind of damaged label. Born friends who liked me when I was human suddenly wouldn’t eat lunch with me anymore. I was more like them, but that pissed them off somehow.”

  “Sounds just like my day.” Chessa threw up her arms. “I’m mad at most of my friends. I had no idea I was part of the popular born clique.” She leaned over and hugged Trinity. “I’m glad you aren’t like the others.”

  “If they don’t like my bestie I don’t like them.” Trin grinned. “I was getting sick of Melody’s drama anyway.”

  “Yeah, me too. Now we have Trax, so at least we have our own group. The bitten kids are nice too.”

  Trax stayed quiet, but the furrowed brow and downturned lips spoke volumes.

  “What do you think about school?” Joy tried to keep her tone neutral. “You missed a year so being the oldest kid in your grade has to be tough.” Sympathy for the boy put her on the verge of tears. Lately, everything makes me break down. Her soul seemed ripped in half without Nik. Why did you leave me?

  Trax shrugged. “Whatever, I’m just doing time until I get sick of going.”

  A small gasp whispered from Chessa, and she paled. “You’re leaving again?”

  “Maybe,” Trax said. “I haven’t figured it out yet. I told you I wouldn’t ditch you.”

  “I like being in class with you. I hope you stick around.” Chessa bit her lip.

  Trin chuckled. “I’m not going anywhere, so at least you have me.”

  “Thanks, Trin.” Chessa gave a casual nod.

  “What’s your advice, Peyton?” Joy asked. “You’ve lived it. How did you manage?”

  Bianca leaned forward, attention piqued. The kids also sat up a little straighter.

  “Stop fighting.” Peyton looked Trax in the eyes. “It won’t change the way borns feel. They have more strength than we do, and bad blood can carry over into adulthood.”

  Trax put his foot up on the table leg and leaned back in his chair. “I don’t care. If a guy deserves to be punched—he’s getting punched.”

  Bianca frowned. “What did the boy do?”

  Trax’s scowl deepened, and he slumped down a little further. “He told Chessa she was a mutt because some wolf slummed with a human and now Chessa is polluting the blood.”

  Joy wanted to punch the kid too. Bianca’s eyes widened. Peyton just shook her head.

  “It’s not like I asked for this,” Chessa grumbled.

  Reaching out, Bianca took her daughter’s hand. “No, you didn’t. If you want to homeschool on the farm, I’ll look into what we need to do.”

  Trin’s quick intake of breath and her devastated expression twisted Joy’s heart.

  Chessa reached out and took Trinity’s hand. “I’m not going to let them make me hide. If they don’t like what I am, too bad. I’m staying.”

  Trin brightened. “I have your back.”

  “I know. I just don’t understand why it has to be like this.” Ches exhaled and slumped, looking as melancholy as Trax.

  “Does anyone want something to drink?” Bianca stood up and walked toward the refrigerator.

  “Nah, I should get going,” Peyton said. “I’ll stop by the farm sometime and check in with you guys.” She stood up. “See you later.”

  Chessa grabbed Peyton’s hand as she walked passed. “Thanks.”

  Peyton smiled down at her. “No problem. There are more good people in this town than bad ones. Don’t forget that.”

  “I won’t.” The left corner of Chessa’s mouth dipped down. “I guess.”

  After Peyton had shut the door, Joy stood up. “Let’s get some of these boxes in the truck. Do you want to pack up the bedrooms tonight?”

  The kids groaned. Bianca gave the teens a long perusal. “I think they’re bushed from the stressful day. We can finish this weekend. I still have three weeks before we ha
ve to be out. Most of it’s done, and I owe you for that.”

  “You don’t owe me a thing. I’m just glad I can help.” A strong sense of family filled Joy, and she reached out and took Bianca’s hand. “I’m just happy to see you settling in with Law. You’re part of the pack now.” But am I? Can I ever really be in the pack again?

  Eighteen

  Bianca gasped as Law pulled her into his arms as soon as she walked in the door. His kiss was firm and demanding. She opened her mouth, and his tongue slipped inside. He groaned and pulled back, resting his forehead against hers. “I want you, woman.”

  “We’ll be alone for a few hours. Chessa and Trax are catching up on schoolwork, so they aren’t behind. You have me all to yourself.”

  “Good,” Law growled, letting go. Taking a step back his lips twisted in a wry smile. “We haven’t had much time to be a man and a woman. No matter what you are, I love you. I don’t want you to change.”

  Pleased, Bianca smiled shyly and looked at him through her lashes. She wasn’t the coy type, but he made her feel like a teenager. “Thanks.”

  “I’ve been trying to find the right time, but—.” Law reached into his pants pocket and pulled out a small box. “Hell, I’ll be holding onto this forever if I keep waiting for everything to be perfect.”

  Bianca held her breath. Her throat tightened.

  Law gave her a sexy half-smile. “You’re mine. A wolf claims, and there’s a primal need to protect what’s his, but a man wants to cherish his woman. I won’t forget I’m married to a human.” He paused. “If I do, remind me. I want you to stay here.” He opened the box. “Always.” Inside sat a diamond ring. The stone was large and ringed with a circle of smaller multi-colored gems. “You make the house my home. This was my grandmother’s ring. Ma gave it to me for you. I want the humans to know you’re taken just like the wolves do.” He leaned forward and cupped her cheek in his palm before brushing the hair off her face with a backward swipe of his thumb. “Let the shotgun wedding Kane gave us stand.” He went down on one knee next to the kitchen table. “Will you be my wife and my mate today and every day until we draw our last breaths?”

  What do I say? He’s actually asking. Her throat ached with emotion. “I—yes! Law, I love you.” Throwing her arms around him, she almost knocked him over as she pressed her lips to his.

  Kissing her back, he put the box down on the table. She stood bent over holding her kneeling mate, kissing him with all the passion he inspired and groaned as lust burst into flames inside her core. Law pulled back. “Being with me won’t be easy. The pack expects a lot from the alpha’s woman.”

  Grinning, Bianca winked. “And the woman expects a lot from her alpha. Make me come.”

  Law growled. “When you can’t walk tomorrow remember you asked for it.”

  Bianca gasped as he scooped her off the floor as he stood. She wrapped her arms around his neck. Her pussy ached. “Oh, Law, I need you so much it hurts.”

  “I can smell how hot you are, woman. I need to taste you.” He carried her toward his room. Our room. Her heart hammered erratically in her chest.

  “I’m glad I’m not renewing my lease,” she whispered in his ear.

  Law held her tighter. “You don’t know how happy that makes me. I’ll protect and treasure you.”

  She touched his face. “I know. You’re the first man I’ve ever trusted.”

  Law smiled against her lips as they kissed and he set her down on her feet shutting and locking the bedroom door. Law started to unbutton his shirt, but Bianca stopped him. She took over, and after each button had exposed his hair sprinkled chest, she kissed the spot. When she reached the bottom button, she knelt and placed a kiss on his navel.

  Bianca’s vision hazed with lust. She fumbled with his belt until it opened. Then she unbuttoned and unzipped his fly. His pants fell to the floor with a clatter from the buckle. Law pulled her to her feet and wrapped his arms around her, kissing her breathless. His primal passion turned her on. The musky male scent she associated with him fueled her need.

  Law kicked off his boots and shrugged off the shirt. When he pulled off his boxers, Bianca enjoyed the sight of his erection. He had a beautiful cock. Taking ahold of the hem of her long t-shirt, Law tugged the fabric over her head. His fingers skimmed her sides as he put his hands in the waistband of the colorful leggings and slid his palms down her hips as he worked the material to the floor.

  Bianca stood naked; Law gently pushed her back toward the bed. They never broke eye contact as she half-sat, half-laid at the end of the mattress. He knelt at the foot of the bed and his head dipped down between her parted legs and he kissed her labia. His tongue flicked out to tease her clit. She gasped. He made a sound somewhere between a moan and a growl and buried his face in her pussy. She clutched the back of his head and closed her eyes as sensation washed over her.

  Pulling away, Law looked up at her. “You make me as hard as a brick, woman.”

  Prickles of awareness stirred in her womb. Her pussy responded, and she trailed her fingers lightly down Law’s stubbled jaw. My werewolf needs to shave. He resumed using his talented tongue again and lavished her with his attention. She put her hands on the back of his neck and pressed him closer. He made an emotional grunt, as he loved her with his mouth. The ferocity would have scared her if she hadn’t already been so lost in him. Her mind buzzed as her womb tingled.

  Law grasped Bianca’s waist and pulled her closer to the edge of the bed. She gazed at him, totally in love. He moved up the bed until his body rested against hers. She ran her fingernail lightly across his full bottom lip before pressing a kiss to his mouth. She could taste her essence. Every part of Law was sexy to her, and she nipped his lip. For a moment, they just gazed into each other’s eyes. His thigh was between her legs and she rubbed against her alpha male, groaning.

  “I can feel your heart beating with my heart,” Law said as he gazed at her with his beautiful unnatural glowing eyes. “You awe me, woman.” His lips descended into a punishing kiss that left her breathless and wanting. When Law pulled away, he held her breast and sucked hard on her nipple.

  Bianca arched her back, crying out. He’s amazing, magical. He slipped his hand between her legs, strumming her pleasure points. She whimpered.

  “I want to hear you beg for me,” Law said as he moved so quickly she had no time to think as he pinned her hands above her head. She lay trapped on the mattress and her heart thundered in her ears. Law gazed into her eyes as if she was the most amazing thing he’d ever seen. She could feel a heat creeping up her neck as he kissed her passionately until her want erupted in flames. He let go of her arms and trailed his fingers over her breasts and found her clit with his mouth. Law sucked and licked until she thrashed.

  When he stopped she groaned with disappointment. “I can give you what you need, but first tell me you will never relinquish my protection.” Law looked up at her. “Tell me you’re mine.” He pressed his mouth to her folds, sliding his tongue inside of her, fucking her with it before he pulled out and continued flicking her clit.

  Every sensation pushed her closer to the edge. She bucked her hips under him. “Please, Law.” She begged.

  Law paused and looked at her, grinning. “I’m waiting.”

  Bianca pushed up toward him with her hips, rubbing her wet pussy against his chin crying out in frustration. “I’m yours. I accept your protection.”

  Law straddled her on the bed. His gaze held hers as he pressed his cock to her entrance and his girth and length filled her completely. She gasped. He pulled back and thrust forward. Law adjusted his position holding up her hips to angle deeper inside of her. His cock rubbed against her sweet spot with every stroke. Law moved faster and more forcefully with each stroke. Bianca saw sparks behind her eyelids as she shattered against him. And he kept thrusting until the final moments of her orgasm ebbed.

  “I love you,” Bianca gasped out, and her pussy clenched him. He threw back his head and his eyes stayed closed. Hi
s sex face was even sexy. She watched him come.

  Law collapsed beside her and pulled her close. He put his hand behind her head and brought his lips to hers. The kiss was slow and tender now as the embers of passion cooled. When he broke the kiss, he looked into her eyes.

  “I didn’t use a condom because I want you to have my baby. Don’t go back on the pill. I want to add to our family.”

  Do I want more children? Raising a baby with a mature man would certainly be different from what she’d experienced with Chessa, but there was so much to consider. “I…”

  “Don’t overthink this,” Law interrupted.

  What do I say? Given the supernatural connection they shared she actually felt his desire to have a child. The image of a baby with Law’s eyes sent an electric pulse through her heart. “Okay. We’ll let nature take its course. If we’re meant to have one, we will.”

  “I know you’re scared, but I want us to raise our child together. He won’t be your baby. He will be our baby.” Law pressed a kiss against her forehead.

  “He?” Bianca raised an eyebrow.

  Law propped himself up on his elbows and looked down at her. “He.”

  I thought I couldn’t love him more, but I was wrong.

  Nineteen

  Kane stood looking out the window. Storm clouds gathered in the east, moving fast in his direction. The puffy dark masses were outlined with gray and rolled starkly against the starless nighttime sky as twilight burned away the sunset. He picked up the glass of bourbon he’d been sipping and took a long swig. Given the precarious nature of his position, he seldom drank, but tonight he needed one. Maybe two. Picking up Joslyn’s picture, the one he kept in his desk drawer, the one he’d taken of her during happier times he studied her beautiful face. Based on Bianca’s birth date Jossy had been pregnant around the time he’d snapped the candid. If she were alive, she’d hate me for this. Kane sat the picture on the window ledge and picked up his cell phone. He swiped several times with his thumb and put the device to his ear. Thunder boomed shaking the glass in the window. Lightning zigzagged across the sky. His emotions matched the storm.