Taming the Moon

by Sherrill Quinn

  “That’s right, poppet.” Eddy’s voice was indulgent. Full of affection. But Olivia knew that affection could turn deadly in a heartbeat. She could almost see his hand stroking over Zoe’s shiny dark hair as he murmured, “Very important business your mommy has, and she mustn’t fail.”

  “Oh, my mommy won’t fail. She’s smart.”

  Olivia laughed at that. From the mouths of babes…She only hoped she was as smart as her daughter believed her to be. “Sweetheart, I promise I’ll be home just as soon as I can, all right?”

  “Okay, Mommy.” Her voice was still muffled.

  Olivia shook her head. Her daughter was notorious for covering up the receiver area when she used a cell phone. “Zoe, honey, take your hand off the bottom of the phone.”

  She heard Eddy say, “Tell your mother good-bye, poppet, and give me back the phone.”

  Ever obedient, Zoe said, her voice no longer muffled, “I have to go now, Mommy. I love you.”

  “I love you, too, baby. Zoe—”

  “Go on back to your room and play with your dolls, Zoe,” Eddy told the little girl. Olivia realized he’d taken the phone from her daughter and was waiting for Zoe to leave the room before they went on with their conversation. “Today, Livvie,” he said as he came back on the line. “I want confirmation today that Sullivan is dead. And more than just your word that the deed is done.”

  She frowned. She had to ask, but dreaded his answer. “What kind of confirmation?”

  “Hmm. Well, there aren’t all that many things that would be certain proof, are there?” He laughed. “Once I’m in town I’ll call you with my location. You can bring me his head. In a sack.” He hung up without waiting for her response.

  Olivia held the phone to her ear for a few seconds after he disconnected the call. She wasn’t sure why, but somehow she’d had the feeling that he’d tell her to hold off on fulfilling her assignment until he got to town.

  Figured she wouldn’t be so lucky.

  But at least she knew that, for now, Zoe was all right.

  She drew the phone away from her ear and slowly closed it. She looked at Sully. “He still wants me to kill you.”

  “I heard.”

  “And bring him your head in a sack.”

  “I heard that, too.” Sully grimaced, then leaned forward and took her hands in his. “So instead of bringing him my head, you’ll take me, Declan, and Ryder to him. And we’ll put his head in a sack.”

  She was werewolf enough to appreciate that visual. And mother enough to be willing to do what it took to make sure Eddy never bothered her daughter again. If that meant separating his head from his body, she was up for the job.

  A far cry from the small town Southern girl who taught physical education. You’ve come a long way, baby.

  “Well, now that that’s settled…” Declan pushed away from the table. He stood and stretched, his dark green T-shirt riding up at the waist to show tanned, hair-roughened skin. “Pelicia and I are goin’ to run out and pick up some steaks for dinner. You two want to tag along?”

  “No, thanks.” Olivia stood and pushed her phone into the front pocket of her jeans. “I think I’m going to take a long walk. It helps me relax.”

  “As a human or as a wolf?” Pelicia stood and walked over to the kitchen counter. She opened her purse and pulled out a pair of sunglasses, which she perched on top of her head, then clicked her purse closed.

  “As a human.” Olivia made a face at the other woman, who just laughed and gave her a wink.

  “Well, you never know around you lot.” She winked at Olivia again. “Would you like to borrow a pair of shorts? It will be more comfortable.” She eyed Olivia up and down. “We seem to be about the same size.”

  Olivia’s eyes widened in surprise. Pelicia really was a sweet, kindhearted person. “If you don’t mind.”

  “Of course not, or I wouldn’t have offered. I’ll be right back.” She headed toward the bedroom.

  Declan grinned. “I think I’ll help her.” He went after her.

  Sully asked, “Do you mind some company on your walk?”

  For the next few hours there wasn’t anything she could do for Zoe, and worrying would only sap energy she didn’t have to spare. Plus, she was determined to enjoy her remaining time with Sully. But she couldn’t resist teasing him. “Not as long as you can keep up.”

  “Keep up?” His dark brows drew down in a frown. “I thought you were going for a walk.”

  “I am.” She grinned. “But it’s not going to be a measly little stroll along the Thames.”

  He raised his eyebrows. “I believe I’m up for the challenge. What does the winner get?”

  “It’s not a race, you goof.” She leaned toward him. “But if you do manage to keep up with me, I’ll make you very glad you did.” She shivered at the carnal thoughts racing through her mind, some of which involved the use of whipped cream and chocolate. It would be messy but oh, so worth it.

  “Lead the way.” Sully held out one arm with a flourish. “I’m curious, though. What happens if I don’t manage to keep up?”

  “Well, I suppose if you can’t keep up I may just have to punish you.”

  Which might also involve the use of whipped cream and chocolate.

  She looked him up and down. He was dressed in blue jeans and a button-down shirt. Even though the sleeves were rolled up, it wasn’t an outfit made for a brisk walk. “You might want to change, too.”

  “All right.” He turned and started toward the front door. “Be right back.”

  She watched him go, admiring his lean physique.

  Pelicia walked back into the room, her face flushed and lips swollen, eyes sparkling. “Where’s Sully?”

  “He went to change.” Olivia pressed her lips together briefly to keep from commenting on Pelicia’s somewhat disheveled appearance. She longed to tease the other woman, but not knowing her well enough, she didn’t want to take the chance that it would embarrass her. “He’s going with me.”

  “Good. Dec has his mobile phone, so if you need us, just call.” Pelicia paused, her pretty face sobering. “We’ll get your daughter, Liv. Try not to worry.”

  Olivia nodded. “I am trying, believe me. It’s hard,” she admitted softly.

  “I can’t begin to imagine what you feel.” Pelicia pulled her into a hug. “But you’re with friends now, you know that, right?”

  As she drew away, Olivia forced a smile. “I do. Thanks.”

  They were friends now, but for how long?

  Chapter 13

  For about the first mile, once they’d moved onto the main road with its wide bike/pedestrian lane, Sully deliberately stayed behind Olivia as she gradually increased her speed. Soon she was walking as close to a run as she could get without actually running. Her arms were bent and pumped furiously at her sides.

  But it was her derrière that had his gaze riveted—the firm cheeks swaying from side to side with her gait. He wished the shorts she had on were more formfitting.

  Something made of a clinging knit would have been so much better—at least from his unbiased point of view.

  “Stop staring at my ass,” she threw over her shoulder.

  He jerked his gaze to her face and shrugged. “Can’t blame a man for admiring the view, love.” Lengthening his strides, he easily caught up to her, and then went on past. “Come on, slowpoke.”

  “Barmy smastard,” she said without heat.

  He grinned. Flip those letters around, and she’d just called him a smarmy bastard. He felt the heat of her gaze on him and for good measure said, “Stop staring at my ass.”

  She laughed, a light tickle against his eardrums.

  He’d bet she’d been a carefree woman prior to Miles Edward Hampston the Third coming into her life.

  “Just admiring the view, my lovely man.” She laughed again. The sound made him feel lighter, as if it lifted the burden his own descent into lycanthropy had caused.

  They walked in silence then, their quick
ened breathing the only sounds they made. A few cars went by periodically, but gave them plenty of room. He supposed drivers around the area were used to people taking advantage of the sunshine.

  He looked around, taking in the awe-inspiring majesty of the mountains and surrounding desert terrain. In just a few short days Tucson had gone from being completely alien to looking like something he could call home. Before he realized it, Olivia had caught up to him and pulled slightly ahead.

  Still walking.

  He broke into a jog to overtake her.

  “Hey!” She smacked him on the shoulder blade as he passed her. “That’s cheating. This is a power walk, bub. W-a-l-k. Not r-u-n.” She made a razzing sound with her lips. “Don’t they teach you the basics over in Britain?”

  “They teach us just fine.”

  “Huh. Coulda fooled me.”

  He glanced over his shoulder and saw her pause.

  “Hey! Here’s another path. Wonder where it goes?” She started off down the rabbit trail, ducking under the branches of a couple trees, almost disappearing from sight.

  He was about to head after her when a car passed a little too close for comfort, coming far over the solid white line that separated the driving lane from the pedestrian lane. “What the fuck?”

  Olivia called out, “What is it?”

  “That bloody car nearly hit me.” He glanced over his shoulder. The vehicle was nowhere in sight. “He must have pulled onto another street.”

  “Well, I’m sure sometimes people get distracted looking at the mountains.” He could only see her head as she turned and started back toward him. She paused and looked over her shoulder, motioning with one hand. “I mean, look at them. Who wouldn’t?”

  “I agree.” Sully glanced at the mountains and gave a quick grin. “I just don’t happen to appreciate nearly being the recipient of their distraction.”

  She laughed. “No, I guess not.” She stopped with a curse.

  “What is it?”

  “I just ran into a damn cactus.” She bent, going out of sight. “Let me just get these stickers out of my leg.”

  A vehicle gunned its engine. Sully looked around to see that same late-model sedan on the wrong side of the road barreling straight toward him.

  He started to jump out of the way but moved too late. The car slammed into him, catching him in the thighs and knees and catapulting him through the air. He barely had time to register the pain in his legs before he slammed onto hard, unforgiving ground and skidded several yards. The air forced from his lungs, he lay there gasping for breath.

  Vaguely he heard Olivia scream his name and realized his body was already going into shock. Regardless that his broken bones would heal, being hit by a car, he discovered, hurt like hell.

  “I’m all right,” he said, or at least tried to. But he couldn’t get the words through his pain-tightened throat. He heard the screech of tires and Olivia’s yell.

  “Get up! He’s coming back.” She knelt beside him, putting her hands in his armpits and trying to drag him away from the road. “Rory, come on!”

  He couldn’t even process that she’d used his first name, or acknowledge the fact that he liked hearing it in that husky voice. He could only groan. “God, stop. Olivia, stop.” The pain was excruciating. “Just…stop.” He craned his neck around and saw the car was almost upon them. With a groan, he shoved Olivia away seconds before the car ran over him. It ran over grass and scrub bushes at the edge of the road before maneuvering back onto the tarmac and speeding away.

  “Oh, God. Sully!”

  He felt Olivia’s fingers stroke down his cheek. A rich copper scent filled the air, and he knew it was from him. From his blood.

  He could taste it in his mouth—rich, dark, and hot. He coughed and more blood came up his throat and filled his mouth. He realized at least one of his lungs was punctured by broken ribs.

  “Stay with me, Sully. Don’t you dare quit on me.”

  “Werewolf metabolism,” he managed to croak.

  She scowled, though he saw worry shadowing her eyes. “It doesn’t mean you can’t die from blood loss, you idiot.” She bit her bottom lip. “You need to shift. Now.”

  He gave her a matching frown. “It hurts enough…to change to…a wolf under normal circumstances.” Breath hitching, air wheezing through the puncture in his lungs, he moved against the hard ground and winced. “No way…I’m doing it…now.”

  “The process of shifting will help you heal.” She took a breath. “But you can’t do it here on the roadside where everyone can see you.” She glanced around. “There are a couple of trees down that little path I was just on. I think that should be enough cover.” She looked back down at him. “It’s only about a hundred yards or so.”

  He swallowed. She was right, of course. If he was going to shift, he couldn’t do it there. He was amazed that no other cars had come along and stopped to help. Even as he thought that, his keen ears picked up the sound of a vehicle. “Do it, quickly.”

  She nodded and grasped him under the arms again. With a minimum of fuss and a multitude of whispered apologies, she dragged him over to where she’d pointed, then hunkered down beside him.

  In spite of the pain, Sully noticed she was barely out of breath. She was strong for a woman. He corrected himself. She wasn’t just a woman, she was a werewolf. So of course she was stronger than a normal human woman.

  He clamped his jaws together, ragged moans muffled behind his teeth. He’d never felt that kind of pain in his life. Not even the first time he’d shifted, and that had been painful to the extreme.

  Olivia looked toward the road. “Okay, they didn’t see us. At least if they did, they’re not stopping.” She stared down at him. “I can haul your carcass back to Declan’s, but in the condition you’re in right now that will only aggravate your injuries.” She held his gaze. “You need to shift.”

  He recognized the truth in her words, but couldn’t ignore his misgivings. “It’s not exactly as if I enjoy—”

  “And you think I do?” She slashed one hand through the air. “I hate Eddy for what he did to me. He turned me into something less than human. More than human.” She shook her head. “Sometimes I don’t even recognize myself, I’ve changed so much in the last three years.” Leaning over him, she placed her hands lightly on his shoulders.

  It was about the only part of him that didn’t hurt.

  “I’m sorry. This isn’t about me.” She held his gaze, hers searching and serious. “You can do this, Sully. You have to.”

  “You called me Rory before.” He closed his eyes.

  “Shut up.” She started pulling at his clothing.

  He opened his eyes. “I’m not in the mood right now, love.”

  Her scowl deepened. Beneath the irritation lay fright and worry. “You’ll need to put these on again. I’d rather they not be all ripped up from your shift. Hold on. This is gonna hurt.”

  She pushed his shirt carefully up his torso and drew in a quick breath. “Oh, God.”

  “It’s bad. I know. It hurts to breathe.”

  “From the looks of things, you have several broken ribs.” She exhaled. “Okay, here we go.”

  She worked his shirt up over his shoulders and head, and drew it down his arms. It was agony. Then she unfastened his shorts and pulled them over his hips along with his underwear. When she pushed them down his legs, he couldn’t help the moan as she jarred him.

  “I’m sorry.” Olivia untied his shoes and pulled them off, then his socks. She sat back on her heels. “All right. That’s it. You can shift now.”

  Sully took a few deep breaths, trying to contain the fresh pain the removal of his clothing had caused. He focused his attention inward, finding his inner wolf with very little effort. It always simmered just below the surface anyway, as if it knew how much he didn’t want it. It was like a dog—or pesky little kid—that sensed the one person in the room that didn’t like it and so gravitated toward that individual.

  “Come
on,” he heard Olivia mutter. “You can do this. You have to do this.”

  As bones and muscles began to shift, broken bones scraping against each other as they went into their new form, he couldn’t hold back a yell of agony.

  Deep breaths were impossible as the pain seemed to constrict his lungs. The few seconds it took to transform into his wolf were the longest moments he’d ever had to endure.

  When it was over, he lay on his side, panting softly through the lingering pain. Olivia stroked her hands lightly over his fur, not touching his legs or rib cage. When she brought one hand up and touched his muzzle, he gave her fingers a soft lick.

  “Okay, sweetheart, I know you’re hurting,” she crooned, still rubbing her fingers along his muzzle. “But you need to shift back again. And then,” she muttered, “we need to figure out how to get you back to Declan’s without anyone seeing you.” Then she flipped a finger against her forehead. “Duh. I have my phone.” With an embarrassed chuckle, she pulled her cell phone out of her front pocket. Then she looked back down at him. “Change back, Sully.”

  He whined. He couldn’t help it. He was in pain and didn’t look forward to the agony another shift would cause.

  “Don’t be such a baby.” Olivia tapped one finger between his eyes. “You have to do it, so just…do it and get it over with.”

  He lifted one lip in a snarl to let her know he didn’t appreciate her sniping at him, and her total lack of sympathy was unappreciated as well.

  Never mind that he knew her hard words were all an act. He could see the emotional pain in her eyes.

  Turning his attention inward, he forced the wolf back. Three shuddering heartbeats later he lay once more in his human form.

  One thing he’d learned from the experience—being in so much pain made having the usual hard-on after a shift impossible.

  “What’s Declan’s number?” Olivia’s voice was as soft as the fingers she sifted through his hair, brushing strands away from his sweaty face.

  “Don’t…know.” Sully struggled to sit up but collapsed back onto the sand. “Phone’s…on…my belt. Number’s…programmed.”

  She reached over him and grabbed his bloodstained shorts. After she slipped his phone from its holder, she quickly figured out how to get into the directory and called Declan. She explained in abrupt, worried tones what had happened, then disconnected the call. “He said they’ll be here in just a few minutes.”