“Good, I would like the three of you to come back with us to the house. Whitney and Marci are going to want to be close to Allie for a little while to make sure she’s okay. With all that has happened to her, I’m afraid it might take some time before you can make your claims on her,” his king said.
“Thank you, and my mates and I have already discussed this. We knew she would need them. The thought of leaving her just doesn’t sit right with me. I’d like to keep close to her, and if she’ll allow Darwin at least to drink from her, he’ll be able to keep track of her.”
“You mean like a bloodsucker,” Garth asked.
“A little bit, but a once time feeding of blood is also a way for our kind to start the bonding. It will also help her when it comes to our children, help her prepare to carry,” Darwin explained and frowned. “Why is her power gone?”
“My stepfather bound my power,” Allie said, coming out of the bathroom. “After I broke his wrist when he kept grabbing at me.”
Chapter Three
Allie was clean, but the looks from her sisters had given her as she hurried through her shower and getting dressed. Allie realized they were worried and wanted to ask questions. She needed to get back out there. Allie wasn’t safe or didn’t feel safe without him, them, in the same room. She had tried to open up to her sisters but couldn’t, not yet.
Whitney and Marci came up behind her, each taking one of her hands. “No matter what, we are here for you. You might not be ready to share what happened to you with us, but we’re not going anywhere. You’re going home, Allie, to your true home,” Whitney said, standing next to her.
Allie leaned over, tears filling her eyes as she whispered, “I don’t know why, but I need to be near them right now. I’ve changed, I’m sorry.”
Whitney stepped in front of her and cupped her cheeks. “You are my sister. No matter what happened, you always will be. I know they’re your mates, and believe me, both of us understand the need to be close to them. There’s nothing wrong with that, Allie. It happened to me, and it happened to Marci. You are not damaged because of this. Whoever hurt you, they’ll pay, but know what you are feeling for your mates is normal.” Whitney smiled. “Kind of pisses me off I can’t tease you like you teased me when I was all goo-goo over my gentlemen.”
“You don’t know how much I missed you two. Each day they held me there, my hope dwindled, but in my mind I’d revisit our years together. You and Marci saved me even though you weren’t there, my friends. You saved my sanity, even though right now it’s barely there.” Allie wrapped her arms around Whitney. “I don’t even know where home is anymore,” she whispered.
“Home is a place in your heart, sweetie. It’s not a literal place.” Whitney stepped back and wiped the tears from her own cheeks. “At one time you two, mom, and dad were my home. But now my home is with them.” She patted Frank’s arms as he stepped up behind her, hugging her.
“As I have a feeling those three are going to be your home.” Whitney nodded to the three men to her left.
Allie glanced over at them. Lance stood in the middle with Darwin on his left and Steel on his right. She smiled and actually giggled, looking at Steel’s legs. Her gaze went to Lance’s and he smiled again.
“I told you, hairy,” he teased.
Steel shoved his elbow into Lance’s stomach. “Watch it,” he grumbled, but Allie could see the smile in his eyes. He held out his arms. “Can I hold you?”
She took a step toward him but glanced over at Marci, whom Garth was hugging. “Go to them, be safe. We’re all going back to Whitney’s for a few days, but now you need them.” Marci glanced up at Garth. “It’s okay to admit it, Allie. Even I have to admit I don’t think I could have gone through what I did without Garth and his brothers. We all need help sometime, and right now it’s your time. But know this: we’re not going to leave you ’til we’re satisfied we have you back. Not to mention the fact those assholes are still out there, and ’til they’re found, you’re not safe.”
Her words made everything in Allie freeze. Allie looked up at Lance, and the three men moved to her and wrapped their arms around her.
“They will not touch you,” Steel growled.
Safe. With their hands on her, Allie felt safe. She looked up into Darwin’s eyes. “There’s a way for you to know where I’m at?”
“You are that worried?” her demon man asked.
“Yes,” Allie said, turning around and leaning against Steel’s chest. “They kept me at their house. Others knew about me, but they did nothing to help. It was like they didn’t believe I was being kept there, even though there was a magical something on the house. I only got out was because my so-called half-sister was jealous of all the attention I was getting. She found a way to get me out of the house and here to Ohio.”
“Do you think she was brainwashed? Maybe they did the same thing to her,” Marci said.
“I don’t know. To tell you the truth, I couldn’t think past the fact that I need to get out of there. Was that creep her father?” Allie frowned. “Again, she didn’t tell me much, and neither did dear old Mom.”
“Was she really your mom? Could she have just been saying that? Where is your real father?” Whitney asked.
“I don’t know.” Allie held on to Steel’s arms, which were locked around her. “I started to shut down, Whitney. Who knows? Maybe this girl knew I was giving up and felt sorry for me. Whatever her reason was, I owe her my life. I don’t like the fact she might be in trouble for helping me. We need to find them.” Allie looked up at Darwin. “You know how to do this?”
He sighed. “My fathers are asking around. They hunt those that have stepped over the line. Do you know where their home was?”
Allie snorted. “I was shocked when the two men who I thought worked for Frank took me to their realm, so I was kind of lost when I got there, even though they didn’t strip me of my power until I stepped into the house. Their world is just as huge as earth, so there’s no way I can tell where they were. I know one of the men said to stay close because they were in a rough area.” She smiled, looking at Marci. “I was kind of thinking of us and the bikers when he said that. You know, how we first met most of them.”
Marci laughed. “I’ll never forget that day. God, we had so much fun. You know, we should go there. Darwin, do you know the area she’s talking about? I’d love to check it out.”
Behind Marci, Garth growled. “You do not need to go to such a place, and there will be no more bikers.”
“Oh baby, of course there will be no more bikers, but that doesn’t mean I won’t turn down some fun.” Marci patted Garth’s arm.
Whitney laughed. “You were always looking for a good fight. Let’s get out of this place. Mom and Dad want to see you.” She glanced at Lance. “Are you going to be able to go with us?”
Allie stiffened. “Easy there, wherever you go, we go,” Steel murmured.
Lance brushed his knuckles across her cheek. “I’ll never let you go, poppet, and if you need to be with your sisters, that’s where we will go. But I, too, will put my foot down when it comes to putting you in danger. There will be no bikers or looking for fights.”
Marci grumbled. “You don’t know how good she is. That bitch can slice your head off with three moves.”
Allie laughed. “God, I missed you two. Please, let’s go,” she said, not answering Lance’s questioning look. “Let’s just say I’ve worked with the best, but I’m a little rusty.”
“We need to find a way to unbind your powers,” Marci grumbled.
“I don’t want to give you too much hope, but there might be a way,” Darwin said.
“You think the blood link will break their hold on her?” Frank asked.
“It might. I know it will protect her. They won’t be able to take her without me knowing about it. A blood link between mates is a very powerful one for the female. It’s as if the fates knew they needed the extra protection since it’s hard for us to find our true ones,” Darwin said.
> “Are you sure I’m your mate?” Allie asked.
* * *
“Do it,” Frank ordered Darwin. “We’ll step outside to give you time with your mate, but I want her protected before we leave this room.”
Whitney placed her hand on Frank’s chest. “This is between the four of them, Frank. You can’t tell them to bond.”
“But she needs to be protected,” he grumbled.
Allie reached over and placed her hand on Frank’s arm. “Let us talk about it. Could you give us a few minutes?”
Frank cupped Allie’s chin. “You are family, and I’ll always make sure you are safe, okay?” Frank’s gaze met his, and Lance nodded, as if understanding the threat there.
“She will always come first, sir,” Lance said as Marci and her mates moved out to the hall, followed by the others.
“Good.” Frank dragged Whitney out of the room and closed the door, giving the four of them time.
Lance stood in front of Allie. “Are you sure you want this bonding to start now? We are your mates, Allie, there is no mistake. The animals inside us wouldn’t make that kind of mistake.” He covered her hand and Steel’s. “The four of us are a family.”
Allie’s gaze left his and moved to Darwin’s. “How are you feeling? Do you want this, or is everyone pushing you into this?” she asked.
Lance stepped aside, knowing what Darwin’s growl meant. Darwin moved close to Allie, and her breasts brushed against his chest. “You are mine, and ours, Allie. I’ve been fighting the beast inside me not to bind us. I know you’ve been hurt, and I don’t want to hurt you more.” Darwin reached up, his hands now that of the demon, red and long dagger looking nails, he was.
“Do it, Darwin. Make me yours; bring me home,” she whispered.
Darwin kissed her lips softly before turning her head and baring her neck. “You are ours, Allie, always,” he whispered.
Lance saw Darwin’s tongue come out and lick her skin before he sank his fangs into her neck and drank. She whimpered, her hands coming up and grabbing his arms.
A low growl came from Darwin when he sealed the hole and yanked his shirt off. “Come, my little angel, drink from me and finish our bond.” He sliced an area over his chest and pulled Allie close.
She licked his chest before sucking on the spot over his heart. Darwin turned his head toward Lance, his eyes beet red color. “She is safe and ours. No one will take her from us and live.”
Allie placed a kiss on his chest and stepped back. “How long do you…? Wow, is it warm in here?” She waved her hand in front of her face.
Darwin smiled. “The bonding has started. Try something simple, Allie.”
At once Allie stepped away from them and was holding two wicked-looking swords. “Yes,” she hissed, and her smile lit up her eyes. She jumped and wrapped her arms around Darwin’s shoulders and her legs around his waist. “Thank you so much!”
“Um, Allie, I think you need to put away the swords? We really don’t want to behead Darwin, now do we?” Lance laughed as the door behind them opened and Whitney and Marci peeked in.
“Yes! It worked!” Marci punched the air and Whitney laughed. “I have to agree, Allie, put your toys away before you hurt your mate.”
“Leave her alone, she’s fine.” Darwin smiled and placed a kiss on her lips. “I’m very happy it worked, little angel. I just hope you don’t regret it when you find out how demanding we all are.” He growled. “Because, Allie, you will not be using those things for a long time.”
The swords disappeared, and she placed a kiss on his check. “I hope not, but it feels good to have them back. I felt naked without them.”
Lance shook his head and moved to the door as Darwin carried her. “There will be no swords in our bed or even near your naked body.” He looked over at her. “And you are far from naked.”
Frank snorted as they made their way downstairs. Four of Lance’s men stood by the doors, and his beta was taking to one of his guards. “Randy, you will be in charge while we’re gone. If anyone comes snooping around or asking about Allie, call me immediately. We’ll return.”
Randy glanced at Allie, then at Lance. “Are you going to introduce her to the pack on the Dark Moon?” he said, earning a whimper from Allie.
“What?” Lance moved to her side as she huddled close to Darwin.
“Dark Moon. my stepfather is going to come looking for me then. He kept going on and on about it. I just thought it was because he’d have to bind my powers again, but there was something more important going on.”
“Randy, it’s obvious you know something about the Dark Moon. Share it with us,” Lance snarled at his second, knowing the king next to him wanted to reach out and shake his beta.
As if sensing the anger around him, Randy stepped back. “It’s just my mom knows all the old tales and there is a story about the Dark Moon. I don’t know it well, but she would. I told her you had found your mate, and she said it was good news and that under the Dark Moon would be a perfect time to introduce her to the pack. That special powers or something is sometimes granted to those who mate in that time.”
Lance glanced at Frank. “We need to know about this,” Lance said and looked at Darwin. He nodded and lowered Allie to the ground.
“I’ll meet you at Frank’s house after I find out what I can.” Darwin kissed Allie’s cheek. “Keep her close,” he said, right before disappearing, taking Randy with him.
“Let’s get going. I don’t like standing out here in the open, and right now I think Allie should be someplace she knows,” Frank said.
Lance held out his hand to Allie, and without hesitating she placed her small one into it. “Do you think maybe that is why they wanted me? The powers of the Dark Moon.” she sighed. “I should have paid more attention to things around me, but I was so miserable and wanting to give up…”
Lance lifted her hand and kissed the top of it. “You lasted a year, Allie. Not many would have survived as long as you have. I for one am very proud you are standing here with us.” He and Steel lead Allie toward the doors, where the limos waited for them.
A small tug on his hand had Lance looking back at Allie as she stood there shaking her head. “I can’t go out there. He could be waiting for me.”
Lance was furious at the sight of the fear in her gaze.
Steel lifted her into his arms. “Open the limo doors,” he growled. “I’ve got you, my sweet Allie. Nothing and no one will take you from my arms.” He hugged her tight against his chest as he stepped through the doors to the limos.
“In here with us. Whitney wants her close, and so do I,” Frank said, standing by the door to the limo, watching the area around them.
Lance nodded and crawled into the car as Steel rushed toward it. He heard Allie’s whimpers as Steel crawled in after him.
“We’re safe, Allie. I’ve got you,” Steel reassured her as he sat next to Lance.
Across from them, Whitney glanced up at Frank as tears ran down her cheeks. “I want them to pay,” she whispered to her husband.
“What the hell?” Steel growled as Allie disappeared from his arms.
“Damn it, Allie, don’t do this,” Whitney growled. “You need to be protected. Stupid, stubborn…”
“She left?” Lance asked and Whitney nodded.
“She’s at our house, in her room. Allie is sorry she scared you, but she couldn’t do the airport right now. They’ve really messed her up, Frank. Allie was always the strong, silent one, but now I just don’t know. I don’t think we’ll ever get her back like she was.”
“Do not worry, I got the information about the Dark Moon and I will be with Allie. We’ll see you when you arrive. You might want to alert Frank I will be going there,” Darwin said.
“Frank, Darwin is on his way to Allie. He’s found out about the stories but doesn’t want Allie to be alone.”
Frank nodded. “Of course. Cruse, call ahead and let them know Darwin and Allie will be in the house.”
“If
she wasn’t hurting so much, I’d tan her hide for this stunt,” Lance grumbled.
“You should know she has scars you haven’t seen, including a few new ones. I’m surprised she’s standing. Marci tried to tend to them, but she wouldn’t allow us. She wanted to be with the three of you.”
“Did you hear Whitney?” Lance asked.
“I’ll take care of our mate,” Darwin told him, easing some of the tension in him and Steel.
Chapter Four
Allie curled up under her favorite blanket, in her own bed, looking out over the woods. Even though she wasn’t in her own home, she was in her own bed with her things surrounding her. It helped a little, but Allie realized she missed being in her mates’ arms.
She curled up against her pillow, flinching when she rolled onto one of the recent sores on her side. “Well, so much for not having any scars,” Allie mumbled.
“We all have scars inside and out,” Darwin said from the doorway, scaring the living shit out of her. “Now you know how Steel and Lance feel when you disappeared,” he growled, stepping into the room and coming to her side. “Stand up, Allie. I want to see where you’re hurt. We don’t need your wounds to get infected.” He held out his hand to her, waiting.
“I’m sorry I scared them, but I couldn’t do the airport.” She shivered but threw the covers off and placed her hand in his. “Whitney told you, didn’t she? They really aren’t that bad,” she tried to tell him, but already he was reaching down and pulling her T-shirt off.
Allie covered her breasts with her arms as Darwin moved around her and stopped at her left side. “You have a nasty cut here, baby.” He knelt next to her and a bottle of ointment appeared in his hand. “My mom always put this junk on us when my brothers and I fought. I should warn you it might sting for a second, but this crap works wonders.”
His words only registered after the fact as she jumped a foot away from him, glaring at him. “What the hell,” she cried, looking down at the wound on her side near her breast. “Shit.” Allie moved toward the bathroom attached to her room, but Darwin stopped her.
Desire Under the Dark Moon Page 2
