Shades of Moonlight

by Stephanie Julian

  “Yeah. Tighter.”

  He didn’t have to explain, she knew what he wanted. She tightened her grip on him, feeling his pulse beat beneath the skin. Then she used her hands to make him even harder.

  She discovered again what made him groan, what made his hands tighten on her, what made his head drop forward and rest on the top of hers. And when she bent and touched the tip of her tongue to the crest of his cock, she knew how to own him.

  “Mara.”

  He grabbed her shoulders, but she wouldn’t let him stop her.

  This relationship wasn’t just about her. She had to let him know this was about him as well.

  He’d been taking care of her from the moment she’d gotten here. Hell, he’d been taking care of her since the day she’d been rescued from Florida.

  Now she wanted to take care of him. Pleasure him. Every way there was.

  Opening her mouth, she took him in, settled her lips around the head of his cock and tasted him.

  Above her, she heard him groan, felt his fingers dig into her shoulders.

  She really had no idea what she was doing but he seemed to like it. She understood the general concept and he was so hard and so warm that she felt no inhibitions as she sank lower on his shaft each time.

  Losing herself in the rhythm, she settled her hands on his hips and let her mouth do the work. Her lips slicked over his iron-hard erection down to the root. She took him in until she literally couldn’t then she worked her way back up.

  When she looked up at Race, his head had dropped forward, his eyes closed and his expression slack with desire. Blessed Goddess, the man was gorgeous.

  His eyes opened as she released him and, in the next second, he had her in his arms again and was walking her back toward the living room.

  His mouth covered hers for a drugging kiss, which she returned with every ounce of desire she had in her. They made it as far as the couch, where he sat, pants still around his thighs.

  Ripping at her jeans, he stripped them down her legs as she stood in front of him. While she toed off her sneakers, he put his hands on her hips and drew her closer.

  When his lips touched her stomach, she sucked in a breath. And held it when his lips blazed a trail from her bellybutton to the top of her mound.

  His tongue drew wicked lines of heat to her clit. He flicked the little bundle of nerves then used his teeth when she shuddered. She had to reach for his shoulders to hold steady because her knees were in danger of giving out.

  One of his hands moved to cup her ass. The other worked its way between her legs, found her entrance and filled her with his fingers, starting a slow, steady caress that made her want to melt.

  Instead she absorbed every sensation. The roughness of his fingers moving inside her, the way he squeezed her ass every time he thrust.

  She wrapped her hands around his nape, drawing him closer. He tilted back his head and she found herself trapped in that dark gaze.

  When she couldn’t hold it any longer, she leaned forward to kiss him. She cupped his jaw, loving the roughness of his whiskers. Then she set her hands on his shoulders and pushed him back. He didn’t go right away. He smiled, just a slight curve of his lips, before he leaned back.

  But he didn’t go alone. He grabbed her by the hips and settled her over him, one knee on either side of his thighs.

  With a little shimmy, she moved herself into position while he stripped her shirt over her head. As she began to sink down his shaft, he leaned forward to suck one nipple into his mouth.

  The dual sensations threw her into an immediate rush of pleasure. She dropped her head to press her lips against his head as he used his mouth to drive her higher.

  And filled her aching pussy.

  She moaned and started to move, unable to stay still. She needed friction, needed more. Harder.

  Race helped her, rocking her back and forth as she moved up and down. Her body sizzled at each point of contact, desire overwhelming her. Leaning back, her hands on his knees, she changed the angle of penetration, making him groan and shift beneath her.

  “Ah, fuck, Mara.”

  She thrilled to hear the growl in his voice, the way it caused her pussy to tighten around him. When he leaned back and thrust harder, she dropped her head back and rolled her pelvis.

  Goddess, she could do this forever. Wanted to hold on to this sharp edge of pleasure while she watched Race. Felt his barely leashed lust as he watched her.

  But she knew Race wouldn’t let her hang. Wrapping his arms around her waist, he pulled her closer, worked his way deeper inside her. Then he fucked her, hard and fast, and made her feel as if she couldn’t catch her breath. Or ever live without him.

  Her orgasm hit without warning, dragging her under. She wrapped her arms around his shoulders and hung on as he sank deep and followed her down.

  Chapter Eight

  “Race, Lark’s missing. We need you to come home.”

  Sitting up in bed with a start, Race took two seconds to process what his dad had said then turned to put his feet on the floor and switched the phone to his other ear.

  “How long’s he been gone?”

  His dad sighed and Race had a mental image of the man running a hand through his short brown hair then clenching it into a fist as he took a deep breath. “It’s only been a few hours but he was supposed to come for dinner and he never showed. He never called and he’s not answering his cell. There’s something wrong.”

  Yep, that wasn’t at all like his brother, Mr. Responsible. “It’s gonna take me about an hour to get there. And…I’m bringing someone with me.”

  “Just get here as soon as you can.”

  His dad hung up abruptly and Race knew he was totally freaked. His father never would’ve let Race get away with saying he was bringing someone with him without giving him the third degree as to who it was.

  Fear wanted to immobilize him but he was a soldier. He didn’t have the luxury of freezing. Or doing nothing. His family needed him.

  Mara was awake when he turned, staring at him with wide eyes. “What’s wrong?”

  “My brother’s missing. My parents need me to find him. Pack a bag for you and Arin. I want you to come with me. I don’t want to leave you behind.”

  For several seconds, she looked like a deer in the headlights. “What are your parents going to say about me?”

  “My mom’s gonna take one look at Arin and fall in love. Then she’s gonna take one look at you and want to feed you.”

  “But…don’t they know who I am?’

  He hated that hitch in her voice. “Yeah, they know.”

  And yeah, they’d been worried about his “association” with Mara. But he had no doubt when they met her, they’d do exactly what he’d just said and see exactly what he saw in her. A sweet woman with a huge heart and a tender soul. A woman he wanted to love and protect and whose son he wanted to make his own.

  He didn’t want to spring that on her now. He wasn’t sure she was ready to hear it. But the time was coming when he’d need to tell her because he’d be tired of waiting. When he’d want her to know exactly how he felt and what he wanted.

  Her. And Arin.

  She continued to stare at him and that insecurity had him reaching for her, wrapping his hand around her neck and pulling her in for a kiss. She didn’t fight him. She gave him what he wanted. And then she began to take what she wanted.

  Desire flowed like lava through his veins and he wanted to press her back into the bed and show her just how much he cared for her. He knew they didn’t have time.

  But he did have just enough time to show just how much he appreciated her.

  When his tongue demanded entrance, she let him in. She gave him what he wanted, asked for nothing in return. They had time to work on that. He wanted an equal partnership. Didn’t want her to ever feel she wasn’t on the same footing as he.

  With a tiny growl, she wrapped a hand around his neck and kissed him harder. Yes, this was the Mara she was mea
nt to be. And would be.

  What he wouldn’t give for a few more minutes, to let her kiss him, let her hands move over his body as if she were worshipping him. He certainly wanted to worship her.

  With a groan, he finally pulled away but not without a final hard kiss to seal what he was silently telling her.

  When she opened her eyes and looked into his, he made sure she held his gaze for several seconds before he nodded and stood.

  A little over an hour later, he and his father stood in the study of his parents’ Main Line house. His mother had already taken Mara and Arin to the kitchen and he and his dad were getting ready to go check out Lark’s apartment in the city when Race’s phone rang.

  The number was blocked. Race exchanged a look with his dad and hit the answer button.

  “I’m sure you’re wondering who this is but that would be giving away too much of the game too soon. Let’s just say I have something you want and you have something I want.”

  The man’s voice raised Race’s hackles. There was something about it, a darkness that came through loud and clear, even through the phone line. And a slight accent that Race would swear was Italian.

  “How do I know you have anything I want?”

  A second later, Race’s phone dinged to announce a message. The attached photo showed Lark with an extremely pissed-off expression, no visible bruising, and a copy of today’s Philadelphia Inquirer. Must have been fresh off the press.

  “He’s unharmed and will stay that way. I have no desire to start a war. That said, I want the girl and the child. Meet me at the address I’ll text you in half an hour and you’ll get your brother back.”

  “And if I don’t want to make the trade?”

  “Then I’m sure I can find a use for your brother. One I’m sure he’ll grow accustomed to. In time.”

  Race bit back a curse. He understood the implication just fine. And so did his dad, if the look on his face was any indication. At one time, the Mal had made slaves of the lucani. At least, those they could catch.

  How they’d caught Lark, he didn’t know. But he would get his brother back and he wouldn’t sacrifice Mara and Arin to do it.

  Another ding and he received the address. “There’s no way I can get there in time. Not with the baby.”

  “I’ll give you an extra five minutes then. See you soon.”

  Race lowered the phone as his father closed his eyes, his face, so like Lark’s, tight with fear. “Vaffanculo, Race. Your brother—”

  “Will be fine.” He refused to believe otherwise. But Race couldn’t do this on his own. He was already dialing another number. “Tell Mom to take Mara and Arin—”

  “I’m going with you.”

  Mara stood in the doorway, fear and determination warring in her expression.

  He opened his mouth to flat-out deny her but the phone call connected.

  “What’s up?”

  “Quinn, are you in Philly?”

  “Yeah, just for the—”

  “I need backup. The Mal took Lark and they want to trade him for someone I’m not giving up.”

  “Ah, your girl.” Quinn Kennett didn’t seem surprised. Then again, nothing much surprised Quinn. He was one of Cole’s highest-ranking legion officers for a reason, despite the fact that he was still under thirty. The guy was pretty damn unflappable. “You’re in luck. I’ve got a couple friends staying with me tonight. We’ll be more than happy to watch your back and kick a little Mal ass. Where’s the meet?”

  After he gave Quinn the address, Race hung up and turned to Mara.

  “You’re staying here.”

  She shook her head. “I’m going with you. If you show up without me, they’re going to know it’s a ploy. I’ll leave Arin with your mom but you need me. And I’m not letting you go without me. Together, you said.” Her expression was steady. “I’m going to hold you to that.”

  Race wanted to argue but he knew she was right. About everything.

  “I don’t want anything to happen to you.”

  Her lips kicked up in a sweet smile. “I know you won’t let anything happen to me. But you have to take me, Race.”

  As his father looked on, Race crossed the room and draped his arms around her. Her eyes widened even farther and her gaze slipped for a brief second to his dad. “I’ll never let anyone hurt you again. And I will always be right here with you.”

  “Standing in front of me?”

  “Or behind you or beside you.” He leaned in and whispered so only she could hear him. “Or under or over you.”

  The blush on her cheeks made him want to beat his chest but her smile rubbed against the rough edges of his fear for his brother. And for her.

  He really didn’t want to take her along but he knew she was right. In this short amount of time, they couldn’t fake her presence.

  “Kiss Arin goodbye then we have to leave.”

  “I already did. He seems to like your mom.”

  “Everyone likes my mom.”

  “Son, I think I should accompany you.”

  Race turned to his dad, unable to contain his shock. His dad had never been a fighter and there was definitely going to be a fight. “I’ve got backup.”

  “You know I did my time in the legion. I was a fairly decent strategist and I still remember how to use my claws.”

  “Dad, I didn’t mean—”

  His dad held up a hand to stop him. “I know you didn’t mean to dismiss me but you’re not the only one who can fight in this family. I just chose a different path.”

  “Then stay here and guard Mom and Arin. If the Mal think two steps ahead of us, they’ll send someone here. Someone needs to make sure they don’t get to the baby. He’s…important, Dad.”

  His dad’s laugh was strained but amused. “I think we understand that, son.”

  Yeah, but did his dad understand just how important? And not just to Race. Probably not. But the look his dad gave Mara was beyond worth. It was an accepting smile. A welcoming smile.

  “You’d better get going then. I won’t let anyone near Arin or your mom. Bring your brother back.”

  “I will, Dad.”

  His dad turned to Mara and reached down to pat her cheek. Surprisingly she didn’t flinch. She even had a smile for him. “You make sure you’re careful, sweetheart. I have a feeling my son would be lost if anything happened to you.”

  * * * * *

  “They want to meet here? At a park? Where anyone can see?”

  Mara’s incredulous tone cut through the silence that had held throughout their drive to the address the Mal had indicated. He’d figured she was worried but now he heard anger in her voice.

  They were a few minutes early and he didn’t see Quinn or any unusually large gray dogs among the people milling around the park.

  “Promise me you’ll stay in the car.” Race had to make her understand how important that was to him. “No matter what, okay? I don’t want you anywhere near these people. We’ll get Lark and we’ll get the hell out of here and you will not expose yourself to any danger. Understand?”

  Mara smiled at him and put her hands on his cheeks, drawing him close for a quick kiss that eased a little of the anxiety inside him.

  “I’ll try.”

  “No, you will do it.”

  “I’ll—”

  Mara’s eyes widened as she looked over his shoulder and Race turned to find a man standing by the door. Not that old, maybe a little younger than Race. And definitely not as big. Race could take him with one hand behind his back.

  Except for the fact that he reeked of magic.

  The guy wore a pleasant smile that Race had no doubt was false. If he didn’t stop directing it at Mara, Race was going to rip it off his face.

  “Thank you for coming.” The man didn’t raise his voice but Race and Mara heard him plainly through the window. “Why don’t you step out and we can talk?”

  “Stay in the car, Mara.”

  He didn’t turn to see if she responded in an
y way. He could scent her fear and anger and he wanted to rip out this guy’s throat. Time enough for that later. First he needed to get his brother. He could smell Lark but didn’t see him. And he really didn’t like that.

  This guy was fucking with him.

  Race opened the door and stepped out, keeping his arms at his sides. “Where’s my brother?”

  “He’s here. And I see you’ve kept your end of the bargain.” Looking in the back window, the man must have been satisfied to see the car seat. Hopefully he didn’t realize it was empty but Race knew it wouldn’t fool the guy for long. He was surprised it had so far.

  “Nice to see you again, Mara.”

  “You don’t speak to her.” Race didn’t bother to hide the growl in his voice. “Let me see my brother.”

  The guy looked amused and it was all Race could do not to shift and tear his throat out. But he had no backup. Where the fuck was Quinn?

  “Look across the parking lot.”

  A van sat on the opposite side of the lot. The side door opened and Race saw his brother in the back. He didn’t look injured but then he didn’t exactly look completely awake either.

  “Don’t worry. He’s perfectly fine. Just dosed with a little Bullet. Wouldn’t want him to turn and expose all these lovely people to the Etruscan dirty little secret.”

  The bastard had given his brother the drug used by the lucani to stop their change. He was going to enjoy ripping out the guy’s throat.

  “Now, where’s my son?”

  Race felt as if he’d been kicked in the gut. Son of a bitch. No wonder Mara had gone sheet-white.

  After a split-second struggle to submerge the shock and fight off the urge to kill the guy, Race took a deep breath. “The brat’s in the back. You send Lark over and I’ll get the kid.”

  “And don’t forget Mara. She produced something extraordinary the first time around. Can’t wait for the second.”

  Holding on to his rage by the barest of threads, Race deliberately turned his back on the guy. In the reflection of the window, he saw two men help Lark out of the van. His brother stumbled and between one blink and the next, both men had vanished.