“Masterson.”
“I’m calling in your debt. Get Bianca to the old Conner farm.” Kane paused. I’m giving my daughter the gift of moonlight and all the power that comes with it. “My man will take care of it from there. You’re keeping her safe, remember that.” Kane took another drink.
“You swear to me she’ll be bitten and nothing more?”
“I swear it.”
Randal sighed. “How soon do you want her there?”
“As soon as possible. Everything will be in place. Get her to go in the old barn, use any means at your disposal.” Kane hung up and poured himself a second glass of liquor. Waiting for Alden’s call would make for a long night. He settled back into a comfortable chair with Jossy’s picture and his drink, watching the storm.
****
Bianca smiled; Law looked peaceful as he slept. She smoothed some of his blond hair off his forehead. He turned toward her and snuggled deeper into his pillow. I love this man so much. Thunder rumbled outside, but Law didn’t stir. Her cell phone rattled on the bedside table as the device vibrated notification of the incoming call. Instinctually, she grabbed the sheet, wrapping the blue cotton around her naked torso as she answered.
“Hello,” she whispered as she slipped into the bathroom and closed the door. Law needed his rest. Dusk had come and gone while they’d made love and now the house sat dark. A chill had stolen the heat of the day away, and goosebumps pebbled her skin.
“Bianca?” Randal’s voice held a strange cadence. Lightning sparked across the sky outside the window causing the shadows to dance in the dim room.
“What’s up?” Bianca asked. “Are you okay?”
“Kloe needs you.” His voice sounded muffled.
“Sure, tomorrow—.”
“Tonight,” Randal interrupted. “They’re holding her, some damn werewolves.”
“What are you talking about there’s no such—.”
“We don’t have time for bullshit.” He cut her off again. “We need to go now. They said they wouldn’t let her go unless you promise to come alone.”
“Who are they, and what the hell do they want?” Bianca started to pull on clothes. “I’m getting ready now. Where is she?” I’ve let her down a lot lately, but not this time.
“I’ll take you. They want you alone.”
“Who?” Bianca demanded a bit more sharply than she’d intended.
“I’ve never asked you for anything—not one thing. I just need you to do this for me, for Kloe. They want to send a message back to Foster.”
This werewolf crap made me push her away, but I’m not letting it kill her. “When?” Bianca hopped on one foot balancing her phone on her shoulder as she put on her sock. “Is she okay? How did you both find out? Oh God, you two aren’t werewolves are you?”
“No. I’ve always known. Kloe has—had no idea. There’s a break in the fence passed the gate on the East side. I don’t want Foster to know you’re leaving so you can’t walk right out. I’ll be waiting on the road.” Randal hung up.
Bianca hurried and smoothed her crazy hair. Without a shower, the whole pack would smell Law all over her. She put on her shoes. The storm intensified. She didn’t have a raincoat and with the wind nothing else would keep her dry, but she put on a sweatshirt because it was better than nothing.
Cold wetness hit her with such force she squealed as she rushed across the yard, Bianca tried to shield her face with her arm, but rain still blinded her. When she reached the common house, everyone was sitting down to eat. Chessa frowned but waved. I can only imagine how bad I look.
Joy came over grabbing a dishtowel; she handed it to Bianca. “Come in, and I’ll get you a real towel.” Her head tilted to the side. “You’re so pale, what’s going on? Is Law okay?” Joy put her hand on Bianca’s wet arm.
“He’s sleeping. I—could you watch out for Chessa for a while?”
Joy rolled her eyes. “That doesn’t sound ominous at all.”
“I’m serious. I need to help a friend, and if I’m not back by morning, I need to know someone is making sure she has breakfast and getting to school. Trax too.”
“I’m not going to promise anything until you tell me more.” Joy stepped forward, and they went deeper in the dark mudroom out of earshot. “I want to help you.”
“My friend Kloe has been taken by someone—werewolves. Her husband said they want me alone. They have some kind of message for Law. I’ll do whatever it takes for them to let her go. I’m sneaking out because there’s no way whoever is guarding the gate is going just let me walk out without telling Law.”
“That’s a terrible plan. You can’t just show up and expect them to honor what they’ve promised.” Scowling, Joy crossed her arms over her chest.
“I can’t not go. Kloe’s husband is waiting for me by the road.”
Joy peeked in the kitchen. “Okay, but I’m not letting you show up alone. I’ll go with you. Mom and Law will look out for the kids—no need to ask. You need a wolf, and I volunteer.”
“No.” Bianca turned to go.
Joy grabbed Bianca’s arm. “I’m coming. Law would kill me if I let you go alone.” Joy’s grim determination etched on her face as her brow furrowed.
There was no point arguing. “Let’s hurry.” Bianca opened the door. The rain came down hard making it almost impossible to see across the yard. With so much wind, an umbrella was useless. Taking a deep breath, Bianca rushed out of the mudroom into the storm. Cold water hit her with shocking intensity, and she cringed against the deluge. Fear and instinct urged her to go back to the house, but the bond of friendship compelled her forward. Lightning illuminated the path for a second and then darkness returned.
“This would be easier in my wolf,” Joy shouted over the rumble of thunder as she ran beside Bianca.
Lightning split a tree on the state land bordering Law’s territory. Fire lit the trail enough for Bianca to see the break in the fence. She grabbed Joy’s arm. A pool of water congregated in the low-lying area. Bianca sloshed through the flooding and nudged the loose boards. She tripped, falling in the mud. Dirty water splashed her face. It doesn’t matter. Kloe matters. Blinking rain out of her eyes, she looked up the hill. A car sat on the road, and the headlights flashed twice. Joy made her way out with more grace than Bianca had managed. The lights flickered again. I hope that’s you, Randal. Bianca slipped on the wet grass as she climbed the hill between Law’s property and the road. As the passenger door opened, Bianca saw Randal in the glow from the dome light.
Twenty
Randall slammed his hand against the steering wheel. Kloe’s broken heart bothers me, but she’ll move on. She didn’t know Bianca was immersed in the world of werewolves and hadn’t even seen Chessa since the child’s rescue. The exclusion is crushing Kloe. Hell, I miss them too. Poor Kloe. I wish I could tell her. He refused to endanger her.
Bianca is staying away to protect us, but I have to hurt her. I need to do this for Kloe’s happiness. All Randal wanted was peace. He screamed, holding the steering wheel tight enough to make him shake. When this is all over, I’m taking my wife away from here, as far away as possible. Do they have werewolves in China? He didn’t know anything except this place and the wilderness surrounding the town, but he needed to breathe once the burden lifted and he’d never get that chance if he stayed. He slammed his hand against the dashboard roaring his aggression until his throat ached. Kane will find a way to kill me or con me. I’m done.
“Damn it,” Randal muttered when he saw Bianca push her way out of the break in the fence. He blinked the headlights. Deep down he’d hoped she wouldn’t show. He hit the lights again. She ran through the rain, and he leaned across the seat, pushing the door open. As he sat up, he saw someone else running toward the car too. Bianca slid in, and a moment later the back door jerked open as a dark haired woman entered.
Randal flipped on the dome light. “You were supposed to come alone.”
“We need back up,” Bianca said. “Joy is be
tter equipped to handle wolves than we are.”
Randal’s wipers worked hard against the rain. He glanced back at the uninvited woman, and his jaw ached from the force of gritting his teeth. It’s too late to do anything about the she-wolf. “We could have handled it.” Shit. “Whatever happens isn’t on me, you come at your own risk.” He and Joy made eye contact using the rearview mirror. She didn’t flinch.
“If this is so dangerous why are you involving Bianca?” Joy asked. “You’re from town, go to Kane.”
“Can’t. Kane would decide to kill Kloe if she doesn’t handle this well. Kloe won’t handle this well.”
Bianca nodded. “He’s right. It’s too dangerous to go to Kane.
Randal flipped off the light and tried to drive forward, but his tires spun because water had collected in the ditch. He managed to get the car moving. The storm strengthened, and Randal had trouble seeing the muddy country road. He leaned ahead trying to peer out the windshield. A deer leaped in front of his car, and he slammed on the breaks. They locked up, and he fishtailed. The car stopped in time to avoid the animal in his path. The wind raged harder, and shining eyes in the trees were the only warning as the rest of the herd bound across the road. Taking a deep breath, Randal did his best to slow his racing heart. If an accident were the only thing I had to worry about today would be a good day.
Bianca shivered beside him, so he flipped on the heat. Her companion glared at him from the backseat, and he sensed she didn’t trust him. She was a smart woman. They drove a few miles in silence. Travel was slow going, but he exhaled relief as the old Connor place came into view. The barn was the only structure standing.
There was no sign of anyone and no vehicles sat parked anywhere visible. Bianca’s hand was white-knuckled as she held onto the door handle. She appeared ready to jump out and run to Kloe. Guilt tugged at Randal’s heart. He wanted to turn around.
“Shouldn’t we kill the lights?” Bianca whispered. “Do you think they’re still here?”
“I don’t like this.” Joy sat with her arms crossed, glaring a hole in the back of his head.
Randal frowned. “I don’t love this either, but I’m not going to risk Kloe’s happiness by giving up now.”
“That’s an odd thing to say,” Joy observed. “Your heart is beating hard, and I smell fear.” She reached into the front and grabbed Bianca’s biceps. “I think we should get out of here. Are you sure you trust this guy?”
“Randal is like a brother to me. I’m sure I’d react with fear if Law were being held somewhere too.” Bianca turned and put her hand on his shoulder. “I’m putting my life in your hands.”
He flinched. Can I do this? Then he thought about the joy on Kloe’s face when he said he wanted to have a child. He didn’t look at Bianca. “This is for Kloe.” She nodded. He sagged with relief. “Joy stays in the car with me; she’ll be able to hear if you need help. You go alone.”
“I’m not letting her go into some dark barn, filled with hostile wolves, alone,” Joy said. “You’ve seen what feral wolves can do. I don’t know what these guys are, but they aren’t getting a chance to rip her apart.”
Bianca shivered. “Thanks. Like I wasn’t scared of the creepy old barn already.” She chuckled darkly. “But he’s right; I’ll do this for Kloe.”
“Don’t do it!” Joy grabbed Bianca’s arm.
Bianca bit her lip as she glanced back at Joy. “I have to.” Randal heard her take a deep breath as she pushed the door open and rushed out into the deluge.
Joy growled, low and menacing. “You’d better not be sending her to die, or I’ll rip your throat out.”
He understood how his father found suicide easier than living. His hands ached as he gripped the steering wheel and fought the urge to call Bianca back. I deserve whatever happens to me. I’m sorry.
Twenty-One
Joy’s terror hit Nik. His wolf held him, but her need cut through the primal instinct. She’d rejected him, but the bond was strong. Joy was his woman. His. Nik pushed through the fog of animal thoughts until he was aware again. His body was still in the wolf, and the wolf paced in a cage. He smelled the barn and the rain. A crack of thunder resounded through the space. Oh shit, I went feral. His last memories were of stalking Kort. The child? Remorse filled him. Did I hurt James? Another spike of adrenaline hit him as the echo of Joy’s terror sent his heart racing. Joy. Nik forced his human form back, and the transformation was agony because he had to push his wolf away. A howl turned into a scream as Nik lay naked on the dirty concrete.
“Let me out!” He coughed because speaking hurt after not using his voice for so long. “Joy’s in trouble.”
The barn was still dark, and Nik realized he was alone. Rain pelted the barn and echoed off the roof. No one would hear him. Keys hung to the side. “Time to get creative.” Nik looked around his prison for anything he could use. A shovel was propped against the wall across from him. Nik picked up his water dish. He dumped the contents and turned his hand so he could fit the metal bowl between the bars. He aimed carefully and tossed the bowl like a Frisbee. The tin clattered next to the shovel but didn’t hit the shaft as he’d intended. “Damn it!” Then the bowl rolled and hit the side of the blade. The shovel fell forward. Nik lay on the ground, stretching his arm through the bars and reaching for freedom. His fingertips brushed the tip of the handle. He pressed himself so tightly to the bar his shoulder ached and his thumb and forefinger managed to grasp just enough of the wood to inch the tool closer. He let go of the breath he was holding, and reached out again. This time, he managed to pull the handle close enough to pull the shovel into his cage.
Another jolt of pure terror made his blood run cold. “I’m coming, baby,” Nik muttered. He turned the tool so that he could angle the blade out of the front of his cell and angle the blade toward the wall. He scrapped the edge up the limestone until it clinked with the metal of the keys. His arms shook with the awkward effort, but he pulled back slowly with the keys in a precarious position. His elbow locked and the slight jerk was enough to send the keys to the floor. “Fuck!”
Nik rested for a second, but Joy’s fear didn’t give him long. He angled the shovel, and the tip of the cutting edge hit one key. Nik scrapped them along the floor in an agonizingly slow progression. There was a chip in the floor and one of the keys caught. Nik twisted the shovel every way he could, but the keys wouldn’t move. “Shit!”
Law came running into the barn. “Thank God. I felt you but thought it was my imagination. I woke up feeling Bianca’s fear. We need to go. I think she’s in danger.”
Nik blinked up at his friend in surprise. “So is Joy.”
Law pulled the keys up out of the crack and unlocked the door. The snick of the lock was music to Nik’s ears as he pushed the door open and stepped out a free man. Law shed his clothing. Lines of worry were tight around Law’s face. “I’m glad you’re back,” Law said.
They rushed out into the cold rainfall. Nik needed his wolf. A quick flash of dread made him pause, but Joy’s stark terror hit him. I’m willing to risk my humanity for her. He hoped the wolf needed his mate too as his body reoccupied its most primal form.
****
Joy watched her sister-in-law run through the rain. She put her hand on the door handle, ready to follow.
“Wait,” ordered Randal.
“Why should I listen to the man risking my friend’s life?”
His hazel eyes darkened. “Do you trust Bianca?”
Joy nodded. “Yes.”
“Then let her do this. Take my word for it—in the long run, this will be easier for everyone.”
Joy glared. “I don’t like the sound of that. What’s going on here?”
Bianca screamed. Joy opened the door without a word to Randal and ran through the downpour. There was no light in the barn, but even with the rain, Joy smelled the threat as she approached. A wolf. Born. Joy transformed as she ran. Oh Law, I’m sorry.
Her wolf was fast. She bound into the dilapi
dated barn, growling, and arrived just in time to put herself between Bianca and the wolf. The male didn’t seem to have a message for her brother. He just wanted to attack Bianca. Each time he moved, she countered him, and he snarled with frustration as she blocked him from the left. Bianca stood in the corner. She had a piece of broken wood and swung each time the male lunged. She was a small wolf, too small to win if it came down to life and death battle.
The male lurched with unexpected accuracy and Joy didn’t have the chance to stop him as he got between her and Bianca. The wolf snapped, Bianca backed up until she bumped into the wall. “Joy!” Bianca screamed when the wolf snapped, Bianca pulled her arm back, shrieking. She moved just in time. Lightning illuminated the space for a second.
Joy slipped in a puddle from the leaking roof but managed to pounce on the rogue wolf’s back. He snarled and yipped as she bit the back of his neck. He jerked and threw her off. Joy yelped as she hit the floor. Pain radiated through her body. Thunder rolled outside. Bianca swung her makeshift club as the snarling rogue tried to bite her again. He yelped and whined as her weapon hit his skull with a thud. Dizzy, Joy stood. Her wolf was small but strong. Seizing the opportunity, she lunged, taking a chunk out of his shoulder. The rogue recovered and in the tussle, Joy found herself under him, looking up into his malicious yellow eyes. I’m going to die.
The weight of the rogue vanished. Joy’s whole body hurt, even in her wolf, as she tried to stand. Panic sent her gaze to the last place she’d seen Bianca and relief flooded her when she saw Law’s wolf guarding the human. His appearance stole some of the adrenaline that had kept Joy going. A dark blur moved into her line of sight. Nik.
She sensed something different about his wolf. The man was there too. Her heart jolted with a painful skip brought on by equal measures of love and fear. I’m his. I should never have rejected him.
Moonlight's Gift (Moonlight Series Book 2) Page 12
