“Do you think it will come to that? Has Riley said something?”
“Not at all. I’m just preparing myself should the worse happen.” I attempted a weak smile.
“I hope it doesn’t, but I wanted you to hear from me that everyone loves you like a sister already. Don’t be quick to think we wouldn’t protect you too, because we will. You may not have met everyone yet, but it won’t take much convincing to win them over. You’re a gentle soul, Luna. This war will involve us all regardless, please don’t take on extra stress because the emphasis has been placed on you, because you are our saviour.”
“I don’t know what I’d do without you all. Kicking butt doesn’t seem like such a bad thing though,” I said, to enlighten the mood.
I’d had enough with the serious talks, it was time to be a bit more carefree. If doom and gloom was around the corner, I wanted to enjoy every minute before it arrived. I’d be the master of my own destiny whatever life threw at me.
“I can already tell you’re going to be a badass,” he said, smirking at me.
“I better buy a leather jacket, boots and motorbike ready,” I teased.
“Now that would be funny, and I bet you could pull off the look too!”
We laughed for a while at the image of me sat on the back of a Harley Davidson. Roxy, Faye and Lara bounded into the room looking mischievous. I looked at them curiously, but they didn’t elaborate.
“What’s so funny?” Roxy asked as she settled in Shane’s lap.
“We were discussing the idea of Luna as a motorbike chick,” he said. They joined in with the laughter, and soon we were all gasping for air.
“Anyway, I’d better get down to Riley. Lots of work to do and whatnot.” He kissed Roxy goodbye and walked out of the room. “Don’t forget what I said, Luna.” I nodded at Shane, appreciating his words.
“So, what did you do last night, Luna?” Lara asked, raising her eyebrows.
“Leave her alone, you bully,” said Faye, tapping Lara on the arm.
“Aren’t we running today?” I’d noticed that Lara hadn’t bugged me yet.
“Nope, today we’re taking a day off. Just today though,” she added, with a stern look. “We have other plans. Riley’s orders.”
What were they up to?
“Why do I have this feeling that I should be scared?” I said.
“Don’t be silly, Luna. Today we’re going to have a pamper day. We’re going to go into town, buy you an outfit for tonight, have our nails done and our hair too,” said Faye.
I stood with my mouth agape, Riley had told them we were going on a date?
“What’s with the face, Luna? You didn’t honestly think we didn’t see this coming did you?” asked Roxy.
I stuttered for what seemed like a lifetime, before I finally managed to stammer the word ‘huh’. My vocabulary was in full swing.
“I don’t know what you mean,” I said.
“Oh please, you two have been making moon eyes at each other since you moved in. Don’t deny it Luna, we’re Werewolves, we see everything,” said Faye.
“We’re going out?” I asked to defer the attention.
“We are. Go get ready and we’ll leave as soon as you’re done.”
Sky had spent years in attempting to raise my excitement about clothes shopping, but Riley had cracked it within a few short days. I felt guilty at the sudden thought of my friend. I’d barely spared a thought about her since I’d changed. Some friend I’d turned out to be.
The town was busy, bustling with people shoving their way in and out of the shops.
“Are we going anywhere in particular?”
“A few places, oh, and Luna, Riley was adamant that he pay for everything today.”
“What?” I asked, shocked.
“He told me to tell you to consider it a part of the date,” said Faye.
“But I have my money. I don’t need him to do this for me,” I said.
“He said you’d say that. He also told me I couldn’t take no for an answer.”
I sighed. It seemed I’d had no choice. I didn’t feel comfortable using Riley’s money because it wasn’t mine to spend.
“Don’t get me wrong I’m completely grateful, but it doesn’t seem right,” I said.
“Stop sweating the small stuff, Luna. Let’s go have some fun and find you a killer dress for tonight. It’s a day for relaxing. Think of it as your birthday, and this is your present. Besides, you don’t want to hurt Riley’s pride do you?” said Lara.
“No I don’t,” I agreed. It was true, I didn’t want to upset Riley by not graciously accepting his generous gift.
I followed the ladies to the first shop, and the moment I stepped through the door the scent of expensive fabric coddled me. As my eyes adjusted to the light in the room I was taken aback with the many beautiful, intricately hand-crafted designs on the dresses that hung about the place.
As I scanned the room my eyes fixed on the perfect dress. It was a long, black cocktail dress that was backless too. It had a thigh-high split on the right, and an intricate silver beading band along the front that led down to the back. The straps were covered in tiny silver beads which also joined at the back in a unique design that was sure to show off my skin. It was truly stunning.
I checked the price tag.
“Give it.” Faye held her hand out in a don’t-mess-with-me way.
“This is too expensive, I can’t have Riley pay for it. Let me…”
“No chance. He told me to bring you here.”
“This is beautiful, Luna,” said Lara eyeing up the fabric in my hands. “Let’s find the perfect shoes to match.”
I entered the shoe area which was equally as stunning. The owner of the store sure had class and elegance. Roxy sat on the plush seat in the centre of the area, caressing her stomach and arching her back.
“Shopping killing you already?” I joked.
“Not in the slightest. The critter decided to have a little kick-a-thon, so I needed to sit a minute.”
“Do you need to leave?” I was worried for her. A pregnant woman wasn’t something I was used to.
“If I do I’ll call Shane, but for now I’m good.” She smiled to reassure me, which made me feel bad for being such a pansy. “I think I’ve found the perfect shoes for you too.”
My ears perked up. “You have?”
“I was pulling them off the shelf when I had to sit. They’re on the floor over there,” she pointed ahead.
They were silver, glittery and strappy, and high too. They matched the beading on the dress completely. I was instantly sold on them.
With jewellery stashed in my wares I was marched into the salon. It was quite a busy little boutique, and I was excited to get started. That was until I heard the word waxing.
“You’ll be fine. It’s just a little sting, nothing to worry about,” said Roxy.
“I’m fine with my legs, underarms and eyebrows being done, but do I really have to do ‘down there’ too?” I asked, air quoting and grimacing.
“Yes, Luna. Trust me, you’ll feel better for it. Besides, all the women do it nowadays!” she said, adding a whisper to my ear. “Riley will love it too.”
I blushed the deepest red on a paint chart, and I stayed that way until the waxing had stopped. My dignity was long gone.
“Next up, nails.” I was glad the hard part was over.
I chose a traditional French manicure, and substituted white tips for silver to match my evening attire. I’d had no idea that pampering could feel so relaxing.
“Looking good, Luna. We’ll do hair next and then make-up. I’m thinking trim, style and straighten, and then silver smoky eyes?” said Faye.
“Sounds good.”
I’d been sat in the salon for so long that I felt like I’d magically transformed into a beauty queen. As we arrived home, I was ushered to my room ninja-style. Riley wasn’t allowed to see me. Apparently.
I picked up my new lingerie, a pair of black lace panties cou
rtesy of Riley. I couldn’t help but laugh at the thought of a man I hadn’t slept with buying me underwear.
As I exited my bathroom after slipping on my dress, Roxy came into the bedroom.
“My goodness Luna, look at you! You’re beautiful! Riley will certainly have a hard time keeping his eyes and hands off you tonight,” she said with a chuckle.
“Thank you Roxy, for everything. Today was great, just what I needed,” I said, feeling sappy.
“Thank Riley, it was all his idea. How are you feeling about tonight?”
“Excited and nervous,” I admitted.
“That’s normal. I just wanted to quickly remind you of what I said before. That with the right person sex comes naturally. I’m not suggesting you go full steam ahead tonight, but if the situation arises don’t be quick to lock it down. I promise you, Riley won’t hurt you like those idiotic school boys.”
“Riley is different. And when we kiss, it’s like I’m about to explode, like I can’t get enough of him!”
“I certainly know that feeling. Shane makes me crazy with lust!” We both giggled. “I think Luna, that you’ve already fallen in love with our Alpha. Don’t let anything stop you.”
She hugged me and walked out the door.
Was I in love with Riley already?
Chapter Twenty-Two
There was a knock on my bedroom door, and my stomach curled into another anxious knot.
“Just a minute,” I called from my bathroom as I double checked myself for one last time. “Hey,” I said as I opened the door.
Riley was looking mighty fine as he stood in the doorway in his smart black suit. I stared at him in awe, he was mouth-wateringly sexy.
“Luna, you look absolutely radiant.” His eyes swept across my body as he took me in. I tried clearing my throat to reply, but I’d lost all words.
“You’re so beautiful.” He wrapped his arms around me and pulled me closer to him. His hands ran down my spine as he leaned in to kiss me. The sweet taste of his lips moved against mine, a tender kiss that gradually built into something more. I tugged on his hair as the need for him grew inside me.
Our tongues collided together with a force that matched our urgency, and his grip tightened on my body.
“If we’re going to make it to dinner we have to stop,” he said, in between his many kisses. “You don’t know how much I want to sweep you away into my room right now.”
My heart skipped a little beat in excitement.
“Then let’s stay home,” I goaded.
“I promised you a date and I intend to do that.” He pulled away from me, and straightened up. “Ready?”
“More than you know,” I answered, and his eyes glowed in response.
“You’re killing me, Luna.”
“What?” I asked, shocked.
“I’m trying to do the right thing here by being a gentleman. But your teasing eyes, and beautiful body is making it hard on me.”
“Oh, really.” I swayed my hips as I walked past him and down the stairs “Sweetheart, you will definitely be the death of me,” he whispered seductively in my ear, and placed his hand possessively on my arse.
“Bloody hell, Luna! You brush up nicely,” Nick commented as we walked into the kitchen where he stood with Shane.
“I wish I could say the same for you,” I retorted.
“Stop bullying my lady.”
“Your lady? Bit possessive aren’t we.” Nick winked, taunting Riley. “I thought I’d take her out instead. Show her what a real man is.” He went to grab my arm, but Riley pulled me behind him. Protecting my body with his.
A low growl escaped from Riley’s chest.
“He was joking, Riley.” I tugged on his arm, but he wouldn’t listen. It was just like the night I’d moved in.
“You know I was kidding, Riley. Calm down, man.”
Shane threw me the car keys, and I took the hint. Riley stood rigid, his stance changing to attack.
“Go, Luna!” Shane shouted.
I grasped Riley’s arm and pulled with as much force as I could, and headed towards the garage. Surprisingly he didn’t resist.
“What’s going on, Riley?” I was angry. His playful mood was gone, and with it the beginning of a great date too.
“I don’t know. I keep snapping at the thought of another guy touching you. Nick wasn’t wrong, I feel very possessive of you.”
I should have been scared, but it made me feel desired. It wasn’t rational. I looked at the keys in my hand aware that they weren’t mine.
“I’ll take them.”
“Are you calm enough to drive?” I raised my eyebrow in question.
“Yes, besides we’re going in my car tonight.”
*
“Would you like the dessert menu, Sir?” the waitress asked, lingering a little too long for my liking.
“Luna?”
“Yes, please,” I answered, making sure she paid attention to me before walking off.
The restaurant Riley had chosen was incredibly luxurious. The customers that scattered about the relatively busy dining area held the very essence of wealth and money. It was the kind of place my parents would frequent.
Riley had reserved a booth, an area dedicated to VIP’s, where we were alone. I reached out my hand to hold his and stared deeply into his eyes.
“Thank you for today, and for tonight too.”
“Did you enjoy?” he asked.
“Shockingly I did, and you know you didn’t have to pay for anything,” I emphasised.
“I know, but I wanted to. And seeing this smile on your face is my reward.” He kissed my hand, and waves of pleasure spiralled between my legs.
“What did you do today?” I asked.
“Mostly, I thought about you.”
“Here you are, Sir,” interrupted the waitress, again, and the moment between us was lost. “I’ll be waiting,” she purred as she stalked off. I stared in disbelief.
“Riley, do you ever get this tingling sensation across your body?” I asked, concerned.
“When it comes to you, yes.”
“No, I mean when there’s danger, or if something isn’t right, like a gut instinct?”
“No, Luna. Why? What’s wrong?” His body went on high alert as he scanned the room.
“Do you remember the first night we met? As soon as you walked in the room it was like my body was attuned to you. My skin kept prickling, and it happened again when I saw you the next day.”
“OK…”
“And last night when you came after me. I knew it was you even then. But, tonight it’s been different, and I don’t think you’re the cause this time.”
“What do you mean?”
“Since we’ve sat down, every now and again my skin has tickled like someone’s staring at my back.”
He looked around the room, but I knew what he was seeing because I’d already done the same several times before.
“I believe you, but there’s no one there. I chose this closed off area for that reason. I’m sure it’s nothing to worry about,” he replied, checking again.
“I know, it’s just odd. I’d already established the feeling as my attraction to you, but now I’m not so sure. My senses have changed, and I’m still trying to work out whether they’re because of what we are, or if it’s just me, the freak.”
“That’s what you think of yourself after what I said yesterday?”
“How can I not?” Being a hybrid had singled me out enough without the added packages.
“Oh, baby, I can’t wait to prove to you how wrong you are. Is the feeling still there?”
“No, it’s gone again. Maybe it’s me being paranoid.” I shrugged, I couldn’t explain what I didn’t know so I stopped trying.
“Still want dessert?” he asked, staring at the menu.
“Not really, my stomach’s a little uncomfortable.” I laughed, my eyes had been bigger than my belly for a change.
“Are you alright?” Concern sketched across
his face.
“I’m fine, besides I have my big bad Alpha to protect me.” I winked at him.
“Damn, right,” he smiled.
He motioned for the bill and soon we were waiting for the valet. The wind whipped around my hair and strands cut across my face. Shielding me from the cold, Riley wrapped his arms around me, sharing his warmth.
Cautiously the valet pulled up to the curb and exited the DBS with the cheesiest grin on his face. “Have a nice evening Sir, Ma’am.”
Riley tipped the man and walked me to the door. “You know you’ve just made his night, right?”
“I think between the two of us we did. After you.” He motioned for me to get in.
The roads home were mostly dark, and full of twisting bends. At the speed we were going it was exhilarating, and watching Riley’s smile spread across his face melted my heart.
“You’re so handsome right now,” I teased, basking in his delight.
“Just now?” he inquired.
“No, all the time. But especially…” Something wasn’t right. I stared out the window, and turned in my seat to get a better look.
“Luna?”
“It’s happening again. I can feel it,” I warned, the tingles covering my body in a layer of goose bumps.
“What can you see?”
“Nothing. Gah! This is so infuriating!” I yelled.
Behind you.
I turned to look out the back again. Nothing.
“Riley, even my wolf is warning me. She thinks there’s something behind us.”
I sat back in my seat as he pushed the accelerator harder, unwilling to find out what was behind us.
“I can’t see anything,” he admitted. “But when it comes to you I’m not prepared to gamble anything. You are my priority.” He took his eyes off the road for a second to look at me. They were bright, as his wolf’s vision came to the forefront.
I tried to calm my racing heart, aware that I was working myself up for a reason I didn’t know.
“Shit!”
“What is it, Riley?”
“Headlights behind us. They came from nowhere and they’re getting closer. Hold on, Luna.”
I looked in the wing mirror, and sure enough the bright lights were there. My stomach was coiling again as Riley forced the Aston around each bend, drifting smoothly between the turns.
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