“You think he was working for someone else?” Nick asked.
“That would explain the money in his bank accounts,” Riley stated.
The tangled web that revolved around Blake was confusing and complicated, and as soon as one mystery was solved, another was added.
“Do you think, perhaps, that the ‘gift’ from the e-mail was meant to be Lara’s body?” I finally asked.
“Probably.” Riley growled. “You know, one death doesn’t seem satisfactory enough for Blake. He deserves a thousand more.”
“Definitely,” Nick agreed.
They were getting restless again, and I couldn’t blame them. I walked around the room to clear my mind, but the blank white walls offered nothing to focus on. It was extremely bland.
Roxy burst through the doors with Shane beside her. Tears masked her face, and Shane’s too. “Is she going to be okay?” Roxy asked between sobs.
“Yeah, she’s healing,” said Riley.
“Oh, thank god.” She hugged Riley before finding me. We were sat huddled in the corner when Faye came in again.
“She’s awake.”
Lara laid on the white hospital bed; her usual spritely-self seemed lost as the pale pallor of her skin dominated her typical tan. She’d almost died, and I was utterly grateful for the highly-evolved genetics Werewolves carried. She wouldn’t have been alive if she was only a human.
“Hey,” she called as we gathered around her bed. “Is it my birthday?” she croaked.
“Good to see you haven’t lost your sense of humour,” said Nick.
“Why? Because I had metal piercing through my body and a delirious Werewolf trying to kill me? Why would that change anything?” Laughter filled the room at Lara’s sarcasm.
She held my hand. “Thank you, Luna.” I blushed under her stare. “How did you know to find me?”
“Gut instinct.” I shrugged.
“You knew to come find me based on a gut instinct? Are you mad?” she grinned.
“Only a little.” I winked. Riley pulled me close and wrapped his arm around me in a comforting gesture.
“Just another of her extraordinary talents.” He smiled proudly at me. “What happened today, Lara?”
She took a deep breath. “I was out running as usual, alone because Luna skipped out on me to be with you.”
“That’s not fair! I didn’t see you banging on the door for her this morning!” Riley stated. I felt awful.
“Lara, I’m so…”
“Don’t worry,” she interrupted. “I was passing through the woods when I got distracted by a growling sound. When I checked to see who it was, there wasn’t anything there so I carried on running,” she paused. “Just as I was running out of the trees I heard it again, only this time I saw him chasing after me. And that’s when my foot caught on a vine and I tripped and landed in the trap. It’s like he chose the perfect moment. Honestly, even the movies couldn’t have done it smoother than that!” Lara groaned.
“Did he say anything to you?” Shane asked.
“Some. He was pretty cocky that I was going to die. He mostly whined about sabotaging the pack though.”
“Did he say why?” Riley asked.
“No, it was just before Luna turned up. The details are pretty fuzzy at the moment,” she grimaced apologetically.
“Don’t stress yourself, Lara.” Roxy warned. She patted the bed around Lara like she was trying to make it comfier, including her pillow.
“Did you have any luck with the IP address, Shane?” Riley asked.
“I just checked it, which was why we were a little delayed getting here. It led to a general internet café, but the location may be of use.”
“Yeah?” said Riley, interest evident in his face.
“Yeah, and unless Blake can teleport it wasn’t him.”
“Really? Some good news at last. Where did it come from?”
“London,” said Shane.
“You’ve got to be kidding me!” Riley roared.
I thought it through as something niggled at my subconscious. There was a connection somewhere, but I couldn’t work it out.
“You think Jackson has something to do with this?” Roxy asked, worried.
“Who’s Jackson?” I asked.
“My old Alpha.”
Chapter Twenty-Eight
Riley had been locked away in his study all day with Nick and Shane. Jackson’s supposed involvement in the takeover of the pack didn’t bode well.
I cleaned with Roxy until the stench of bleach reminded me of Lara in the hospital. By then I’d realised we’d gone overboard. Her stomach was growing, and I couldn’t help but feel on edge around her. She was like a walking timer without a definitive countdown.
I was actually on edge about most things; Riley, Lara, the pack’s problems, what I was becoming, and the stupid prophecy. It was beginning to wear me out because it was too much to handle.
Within a few short weeks I’d gone from being the girl that was going to travel the world, to the Werewolf that had to save it. I’d often felt too mature for my age, but now I felt too young.
I had errands to run with Roxy, but I wanted to check in with Riley first. I needed to see him before I left because it felt all too real that our days together were numbered. I knocked and walked in without waiting. It seemed pointless to waste a moment of time with him over a closed door. I thought, at least, that we’d surpassed that anyway.
The air in the study felt antagonistic, and I wondered what I’d walked in on. Nick was gone, and Riley was one step away from frothing at the mouth with anger. Shane looked defeated, like he’d accepted whatever was going on between them.
“Where’s Nick?” I asked.
“Gathering the pack.” Riley’s answer was clipped.
As I opened my mouth to ask another question Shane walked out of the door, closing it behind him. “What did I say?” I asked, confused.
“It’s not you, Luna.” Riley sighed as he stood. “Things aren’t looking good.”
“Oh. What can I do?” I asked.
“Kiss me.”
I didn’t need to be told twice, and instantly pressed my lips against his. My body melded into his and soon he had me pressed up against the wall. My heart beat a little louder as Riley motioned for my arms to wrap around his neck.
His hot tongue danced with mine in a fusion of passion and anger. My body sang to the rhythm that pounded in my chest. He trailed his hands down my back, and gripped onto my arse to pull me closer. I arched into him, and felt how ready his manhood was. It enticed my libido as my own sexual desires heightened.
I roamed my hands along his muscles as I pulled his t-shirt over his head. His torso was rock solid, the epitome of a protector.
Mine.
My wolf was feeling possessive. “Oh…” I moaned. Riley kissed my neck, and the sensations travelled to the one place I needed him most. I unzipped the jeans he wore and pulled them off hastily, including his boxers.
His cock sprang free and I licked my lips with the excitement I felt at tasting him. His glorious form howled for my attention.
I got down on my knees, and stroked the silky skin of his cock with my hand. He was really big. “Luna, you don’t have to do…”
“I want to.” I looked up at him, and gave him the best seductive face I could muster.
“Keep looking at me like that, and I’ll fuck you on the desk.”
“Is that a promise?” I purred.
I licked away the bead of moisture on the tip of his shaft, and his salty taste enveloped my mouth. It stimulated the animalistic hunger I had for Riley. I sheathed his cock with my lips and took him in as far as I could.
“Oh, baby,” Riley moaned, and it was enough to keep me going.
My head bobbed with the motion while I massaged the base with my hand. My nipples hardened against my bra, desperate to be freed from the constrictive clothing.
“Was I doing it wrong?” I asked as he pulled me to my feet.
&
nbsp; “Not even close, but I don’t want to come yet.” He pulled away my clothes and carried me towards the desk.
I was tangled up in his body, and the heat radiated between us like a log fire. His mouth closed around my nipple as he nipped and sucked it hard.
“Oh, yes,” I moaned again as he slid his skilful fingers inside me. As he moved back and forth, pleasure curled around me. “I’m close,” I called.
“Not yet, sweetheart.” He replaced his fingers with his shaft. He thrust in me, and my body accommodated to his size. “Does that feel good?”
I nodded, and he slammed his way into me again before building up the rhythm. I tilted my head back as a surge of pleasure rippled through my body.
“Faster,” I demanded, and dug my nails into his arm.
He pounded me harder, and our breathing grew heavier as we kissed, our bodies becoming one. I was on the brink when Riley licked his fingers and rubbed my clit. I was overloaded with pleasure, and my orgasm ripped from my body.
“Holy shit!” I called, as my body convulsed, and his cock pulsed inside me, filling me.
“Luna!” He roared, and kissed me gently as aftershocks consumed me. We stayed locked within each other’s arms for a while before moving. He sat in his desk chair and I nestled in his lap.
“You were pretty mad when I walked in earlier.” I stated as I ran my hand across his chest.
“And as usual you’ve calmed the storm raging inside of me.”
“I’m glad you have some use for me,” I smirked.
“You are very special to me, sweetheart.” I stared into his emerald eyes, they were like beacons as they called out to me. He sighed deeply and I watched the rise and fall of his chest.
“Did you get through to Birmingham earlier?”
He sighed again. “It’s just as we thought. Jackson’s pack has increased in the past few months.”
“Is he really that greedy for money that he’s willing to turn humans now?”
“Too much greed can turn a person hostile. Imagine what it does to someone with the equivalent of two minds. Temptation lies within us all, you just have to learn when to resist. And Jackson has indulged himself for too long.”
“What happens now?” I asked, and laid my head on his shoulder.
“The Birmingham pack agreed with me to take matters into our own hands. We’re going to war with them.”
I gasped. “When?”
“Tomorrow.” He tightened his grip on me.
“What are we waiting for? Let’s go get ready!” I jumped out of his lap, and gathered my clothing off of the floor.
Riley stood. “You’re not coming, Luna.”
“What?” I was sure I’d misheard him.
“It’s too dangerous. I’m taking the best fighters I have, and the rest are staying here. Safe.”
“No.”
“No?”
“No. I’m not staying here. If you think for one second I’m waiting to hear whether your alive or not, you can think again. I’m going.” I was adamant.
“No, Luna! It’s too much of a risk!” he shouted as our tempers flared.
“I’m the best chance you have! If you run, I’ll catch up.” I placed my hands on my hips. “Have you forgotten the prophecy already?”
“Of course not, but we haven’t even worked on your combat skills yet. If you think I’m dragging you into a battlefield, then you underestimate how protective I am of you!” He placed his arms on my shoulders, holding me still. “Listen, Luna. I love you, I’m not prepared to lose you.”
“I love you too, and that’s why I have to go! I have powers Riley, granted they’re a little unpredictable, but they’ve helped us out so far! Lara wouldn’t even be here if it wasn’t for me!” It was a low blow, but I needed Riley to see I was an asset, and not a liability.
“Fine! I concede. Just know that if you die, I will too.” He hugged me close, and smelled my hair. “I love you.”
My heart fluttered and swelled, and I barely contained my excitement. Riley loved me, and he was everything a girl could want. “I love you too.” I was amazed at the ease with which the words slipped from my mouth.
He smiled his big wolfish grin, and I weakened at the knees. He was completely gorgeous, and he loved me. I wanted to sing with the joy I felt.
“We’d best get dressed. I have to let the pack know what’s happening.” Riley’s ability to switch gears so soon was a little upsetting, even though I could understand his urgency. His timing sucked.
“Do I have to go? It’s just I came in here earlier to let you know Roxy and I are going into town.”
“You can go shopping, but don’t be long. I can’t bear to have you leave my side now.” I kissed him, and rushed to get my clothes on, eager to return already.
“Does Lara need anything?” he asked as we walked towards the door hand in hand.
“Already checked. I’m a woman Riley, I got this.” I winked.
“That you are.” He tickled me as I walked into the hallway, and I bumped into Nick.
“Whoa,” he held me steady. “I don’t even want to know what you were doing in there.”
“Don’t ask then,” Riley smirked at Nick and I struggled to contain my giggle. “Luna’s coming with us tomorrow. I’ll need you to put her through a crash course later.”
“Sure, sounds like fun. Finally get to see what you’re made of!” he laughed.
“Hey!” I shoved him. “Be nice to me, you never know when I’ll have to save your arse.” I raised my eyebrows.
“Right. Just don’t forget your guns and be ready by nine.”
“Guns?” I’d been under the impression Werewolves didn’t use weapons.
“Muscles, Luna. Nick thinks he’s being cool.” Riley rolled his eyes theatrically, and I burst into laughter. He was such a dork.
“Whatever. Just don’t be late! Pack’s ready, Riley.”
“Time to get the show on the road.”
I watched the man of my life walk away to deal with the responsibilities his Alpha title incurred, and then went to find Roxy.
*
I eased my Evoque onto the road and headed towards town. The roads were quiet as the early evening settled around us.
“Is it me or do things seem to be getting crazier?” I asked.
“Drama is building up around here, and I don’t like it. I’m super worried about everything. How can I bring a child into this world now?” Roxy began to cry as she rubbed at her stomach.
I reached out to hold her hand. “I promise you that it’s going to be alright. I will do everything I can to save us from whatever’s coming our way. Do you honestly think Shane wouldn’t make sure you were absolutely safe?”
“That’s why I’m scared, Luna.” She dabbed at her face with her free hand. “He would die to protect me and the baby. I couldn’t live if he died, our bond is too strong. It would be crucifying to feel the loss of his mind in mine.”
I turned into the supermarket car park and pulled up the handbrake before switching off the engine. I released my seat belt and leaned over to hug Roxy. “You’re both going to be great parents, there’s no doubt about that. You already care for everyone, but you need to stop worrying about us and focus on yourself.”
I patted her back before continuing. “Shane isn’t on his own out there, he has Riley and Nick at his side, just like you have Faye, Lara and me. We’re all here for you. I know my presence has led to doom and gloom, but I will rectify that. We’ve all been gearing up for the worst, because it’s better to be prepared. But, who knows what’ll happen tomorrow or even in the future. So forget about it all, forget the worry and the stress, and just concentrate on living each day as it comes.” I released her, and dried away the tears on her face. “I’ll make sure your baby has a life worth living for,” I finished.
“Thank you, Luna, but you’re wrong about one thing at least.” She reached for her bag.
“What’s that?”
“You didn’t bring the do
om and gloom into our lives. You brought sunshine and happiness.”
*
The shop had seemed pretty desolate considering the time, but Roxy and I were grateful all the same. We loaded up the trolley faster than I’d thought possible and soon we were piling it up on the conveyor belt.
“Are you planning a massive binge?” I asked as I pulled out bags of crisps and chocolate.
“I hadn’t realised how much I put in!” she laughed. “I’ll blame it on the baby.”
I paid the unhappy cashier, and stashed our wares into the boot of my car. “You’re going too aren’t you Luna?”
I sighed. “Yes. There’s a part of me that knows if I don’t go, something awful will happen. I can’t explain it much more than that.”
“I understand. If I wasn’t pregnant, I’d be pestering Shane until he gave in too,” she smiled, and opened the passenger door.
Turning the key in the ignition, I manoeuvred into the traffic that was waiting for the lights to change at the roundabout.
Suddenly I crouched over in pain, and gripped the steering wheel as I tried to breathe through the cramps that overcame me. “Shit,” I shouted, as the pain intensified.
“Luna? What’s wrong?” Roxy panicked.
“Something’s seriously wrong.” I looked in the rear view mirror and noticed my pupils had dilated as my vision strengthened. My wolf was near. Danger was close.
I screamed out again as my insides clenched and twisted. “We gotta get back to Nature’s Destiny. Hold on tight, Roxy.”
“Is this the same feeling you had when Lara was in trouble?” she asked.
“No, it’s worse. Much worse. Something terrible is happening.”
Chapter Twenty-Nine
“I can’t get through to anyone!” Roxy shouted as she fiddled with the car’s touch screen while she tried to call home.
“If they’re too busy to pick up the phone, then something isn’t right. I’m trying not to panic Roxy, but my instincts are yelling at me.”
I forced the Evoque around the bends, braking only when it was absolutely necessary. It wasn’t anything like the smooth drifting Riley had done.
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