Electric Moon

by Stacey Brutger

  Jase clutched his ribs then immediately dropped his arm. “It’s nothing.”

  “Let me help.”

  He lifted his chin, pride keeping him quiet. “Then let me earn my keep. Give me something to do.”

  She understood the need to feel useful. If she assigned him a job, they could keep watch, find out who’s beating on him and take care of it. “Go to London. He’ll teach you how to fight. You’ll be paired and added to the rosters to do nightly rounds of the grounds.”

  Jase straightened, not expecting to be selected for something so important as their safety. “Thank you.”

  Raven snorted. “You haven’t met London yet.”

  Taggert hurried down the hallway in their direction, the slightly harried expression relaxing when he saw her. “Sorry I’m late.”

  “Not at all. You were busy.” Like a sliver burrowing under her skin, it bothered her that he’d made a place for himself in her life when he had no intention of staying.

  Raven gestured toward his room. “Do you mind if we talk?”

  His face smoothed out until all emotions vanished. “Of course.”

  He entered first, his presence a stark contrast to the abandoned room.

  “Do you want to be here?”

  His head snapped up, tracking her as she stopped by the window. “Yes.”

  “I don’t understand. When Durant decided to move into the house, he remodeled two rooms without a by your leave. Yet, you haven’t done anything to claim yours.”

  “I’m waiting until after the full moon.” His hair was pulled back and tied at the base of his skull. The sunlight filtered through the window, highlighting the natural streaks that tempted her to run her fingers through the strands. All the passiveness melted in his eyes, the sharp hope there painful to witness. And she realized he was allowing her to see it.

  It took her a few seconds to understand what he was saying without words. He wanted back into her room. Heat filled her face. “Oh.”

  Pack slept together, usually in twos or threes, touch an important element to their culture. It bound them together. It could be used as a sign of favor or a punishment.

  It was nothing special.

  But it didn’t feel that way to her.

  Sensing her unease, he gave a sudden smile. “Why don’t we head downstairs?”

  Glad for the reprieve, Raven accepted his overture. They walked into the hall together, the silence awkward. She hadn’t gone two steps when Taggert slipped his hand into hers. Surprised by the move, she nearly tripped over her own feet.

  “I read up on what humans do on dates.”

  Raven gave a half smile, a queer little turn in her stomach leaving her feeling half a step out of sync. “Holding hands.”

  “Did I do it wrong?”

  His question caught her off guard, made her realize how little life he had outside of being a slave. “Not wrong. Just unexpected. What do shifters do on dates?”

  “Hunt. Run. Have sex.” Taggert shrugged. “Humans go on dates to search for their mate. Most shifters have their mates chosen for them. Since you wanted to get to know us more...”

  “Right.” They resumed walking, his shoulder’s brushing hers. “So where are we heading?”

  Taggert tugged on her hand, pulling her toward the kitchen. “Food first. You’ve lost weight. You need to eat more or your power will start cannibalizing those closest to you. Shifters are similar in a way.”

  She learned about her power the hard way, but the shifter thing was new. “So if I don’t eat enough—”

  “Our animal grows more aggressive, the need to hunt more insistent.” They entered the kitchen, and Taggert hauled her toward the fridge.

  He removed a large amount of food, either handing it to her or placing it on the cupboard. “What are we making?”

  “A quick breakfast.”

  Raven rubbed her mouth to smother a smile. “Quick?”

  There was a slight hitch in his movements before he caught onto her teasing. “Wash these.”

  She automatically grabbed the vegetables. Peppers she didn’t remember being in there yesterday. “You purchased these for today.”

  He didn’t even bother to turn around as he cracked eggs. “Wash.”

  The preparations went faster than expected, Taggert’s efficiency sexy to watch. “Who taught you how to cook?”

  “My father.”

  The water drained down the sink as she stood staring at him.

  He pointed the whisk at her. “Wash.”

  When she did as told, he pulled out a few pans and tossed in some butter and spices. “Did you think I was born without one?”

  The amusement made her wince. “Of course not. But you’re a rogue. I thought that...” She didn’t know what she’d thought.

  “He wanted better for me. Made me promise that when he died that I would try to gain pack status.”

  That meant five years ago Taggert was left on his own as a teenager, pledging himself as a slave to just survive. She turned off the water, and he handed her a knife.

  “Thin slices.”

  She didn’t take it, studying him instead, marveling at the courage it took for him to just survive.

  “The sharp, pointy end goes down.”

  Rolling her eyes, Raven did as told and prepped the peppers and onions. “What was your childhood like?”

  “Good.” He expertly lifted a pan and tossed the contents. “He wasn’t able to shift either, so we lived as humans.”

  But that didn’t make sense. Why would they turn their back on the life they’d built just to be marked rogues? “What happened?”

  “Humans found out. I was in school. There was an incident.” He heated more butter in another pan. “I was small for my age. I was defending myself, but it didn’t matter. I broke a kid’s arm. It was reported and those type of claims are investigated. When the pack found out that we were living in their territory, they gave us an ultimatum. Leave or die.”

  Taggert poured the eggs into the skillet. A small sizzle filled the room. “We packed up what we could in a few hours, but it was never the same. Dad had never recovered. This town was our last stop. He had some good memories here. A few months later, he died.”

  She was glad that his father had fought to give him a normal childhood. “And you applied for pack status by becoming a slave.”

  “I knew I would never be anyone. I’m not strong enough to challenge and win, so my Dad trained me early on what someone like me could expect.” He nodded like it was no big deal. “Veggies.”

  She silently handed over the cutting board with all the rows lined up in a sloppy pile. He deftly dropped them into the pan and closed the omelets. Then glanced at her from the corner of his eyes to gage the danger level before speaking, still not used to addressing anyone directly.

  “Ask.”

  “You could have left me.” At her blank look, he continued. “At the slave auction, you could have left me at any time. You didn’t. You understood.”

  When he didn’t continue, Raven busied herself by washing the knife she’d used, hating the small tremor in her fingers.

  “Who hurt you so badly you’d foolishly risk yourself for a nobody?”

  “Stop.” She dropped the knife and shut off the water. “You are somebody to me.”

  Taggert didn’t flinch, didn’t move away from her anger as had had in the past. He didn’t fear her wrath. She wasn’t sure she was grateful or not. “You’re aware of where I grew up. The labs are not a place for a child, let alone a girl.

  “The smallest act of kindness is worse than the experiments and needles. It gives you hope. After a while, hope dies and you know not to expect anything.”

  He began to set silverware on the table. The sharp spices and rich buttery smell had her mouthwatering. “At the club, you still had hope.”

  Taggert carefully crafted the food on the plates then served them. “Only until I saw you standing there as if waiting for me. I smelled it on you and...ho
ped.” He pulled out a chair for her. “Sit and eat before things get cold. Afterward, I’ll show you how to scent smells.”

  “Your gift.” Raven watched as he ducked his head, but a small smile played on his lips, pleased by the attention.

  * * *

  “We’re being followed.”

  “I know.” Raven didn’t bother to turn. The two teen rogues weren’t very good at being covert. “Did you want me to send them back?”

  Raven could tell he was torn, his knuckles whiting on the basket he carried. This was supposed to be their date, but he ultimately shook his head. “Let them stay. It’s something they need to learn as well.”

  Raven trailed him as he led her across the back lawn. “So when did you guys decide to use the dates to train me?”

  Taggert gave her a half look, gauging her response. “Not really training. The conclave is tomorrow.” His voice was stiff. “There are things you need to learn sooner rather than later.”

  She suspected it had been his idea. He was a master at working behind the scenes to get what he wanted. She couldn’t be mad at him for all the trouble he went through to keep her safe. Raven slipped her hand into the crook of his elbow. “Thank you.”

  If she hadn’t been close, she might not have noticed the slight blush to Taggert’s cheeks. It charmed her that he reacted so readily to her weak attempts at flirtation. Being near him kept her desire at a slow simmer, and she savored his closeness.

  He cleared his throat nervously. “Here’s fine.”

  Raven detangled her hand, and he spread the blanket. While he was busy, she faced the tree line. Though hidden, she spotted the kids in seconds. “You might as well come here. You won’t be able to see very well from there.”

  Nothing happened at first. When she crossed her arms and waited, two people emerged from the woods. The younger one had his eyes downcast, while the elder led the way with his chin high.

  “I made him come along.”

  They expected her to punish them. “You are not a prisoner in the house. Since you’re already here, sit and join us. Taggert is going to give me a demonstration of what his wolf can do.”

  “Him?” Kyle snorted and received an elbow in the gut from his brother for his trouble.

  Raven stepped right into his face, not willing to let him get away with disparaging Taggert. “This is your one warning. You will want to step carefully.”

  Taggert stood calmly on the other side of the blanket, unconcerned at the drama. “Let me show you. Sit and face the tree line.”

  Raven did as told, taking the furthest seat so the boys could remain together.

  “Close your eyes.” Raven hesitated, uncomfortable not being able to see a threat approaching. The boys seemed just as leery, looking at her to gauge what she would do. Trusting Taggert, she did as told.

  “When you take away one of the senses, the others are heightened. You’ll be overwhelmed if you try to sort all the smells. Let your beast do that.

  “I’m going to open each container one at a time. You will tell me what’s inside. The catch is that you can’t use taste, touch or sight. I want you to concentrate on finding this one scent.”

  The almost twins quivered with curiosity, their bodies twitching at the possibility of using their wolves. Raven heard the lid pull free.

  “What is it?”

  Whatever he expected, he was doomed to be disappointed. She had no clue. The other side of the blanket remained just as silent. “Tell me what to do.”

  “You need to raise your beast. Let the animal do the work.”

  Raven called for her wolf and waited.

  Nothing.

  Damn contrary animal.

  She cleared her throat. “How?”

  She sensed movement and opened her eyes. Taggert knelt in front of them, a frown between his brows. “You should sit between Kyle and Brant. They haven’t crested yet. You’ll be able to help them.”

  She squinted up at him, alarmed by his words. She had a piss-poor track record for touching others without consequences. “Are you sure that’s wise?”

  Kyle snorted and cast her a dismissive glance. Brant took the opportunity to knee him. Kyle grunted and dropped his eyes along with the attitude.

  “They haven’t been through their first turn yet.” He reached down a hand to help her rise. “They haven’t been around a true alpha. Not someone like you. You can show them what they can expect.”

  With a bit of trepidation, she accepted his hand. Once everyone was resettled, she nodded for Taggert to continue.

  “Remember how you healed me when we first arrived?”

  Raven thought back, vaguely recalling that she’d manipulated his aura, forcing the energy around him to heal his body. “Yes.”

  “You can pull up their wolves that way.”

  “And my wolf?”

  Taggert didn’t answer for a while. “Your wolf is different than any others I’ve known. I’ve only seen her when danger threatens or when you’re around other wolves.”

  He was so very observant that it frightened her. She couldn’t help be curious at what other things he’d picked up from her and knew it was better not to know. She wouldn’t like the answer. “Then let’s do this.”

  She lifted both of her hands. Brant flinched while Kyle just looked grim. She didn’t reach for either of them. They had to make their own decisions.

  Slowly, they came forward and accepted her hand.

  There was nothing at first.

  She allowed a snap of energy to grow and let it soak into the boys. They fidgeted, their energy spiked, and then their wolves were there, tripping over themselves as they rose.

  Taggert opened the first container. The smell was barely there. She cocked her head as she heard movement. “It’s liquid.”

  “Holy shit.” Kyle whispered the words, but everyone heard the awe.

  Brant spoke next. “Raw egg.”

  Raven opened her eyes to see Taggert grin in triumph. “Correct.”

  Kyle scowled. “Do another.”

  Excitement and fear threaded through both kids, their breathing growing rough. Both boys had their eyes open wide, their pupils normal except for a few slivers of yellow encircling them, their wolf not strong enough to bring on the change.

  Even as the second container opened, their scents grew sharper.

  Overwhelming.

  The stink of the enemy clung to them, same as the two men who’d attacked her. Heat washed through her, and her wolf snarled to the surface, begging to be let free. She craved vengeance, wanted to dominate the other two so they wouldn’t forget she was alpha.

  Raven’s hands shook with restraint, her fingers curling into claws, and she quickly broke her hold on them before she did something irrevocable...like hurt them.

  Both kids dropped like rocks to the blanket.

  “Shit.” Raven reached out with trembling fingers to check if they were still alive when Taggert grabbed her hand.

  “Don’t. They’re just exhausted. It takes a lot out of a pup after their first brush with their wolf.”

  Oxygen rushed into her lungs at his words. Both had their eyes closed, so terribly still that she feared she’d killed them. Only when their chests rose and fell in deep sleep did she finally nod.

  To prove his point, Taggert shook Kyle. The kid’s eyes flickered as he battled to remain awake.

  “Go back to the house and rest.”

  Kyle obeyed without question, struggling to stand, half dragging his brother to his feet. What shocked her more was the nod of respect he sent her as he passed. She watched them, Kyle nearly carrying his brother, until they disappeared into the house.

  “So I can raise their wolf, but the desire to tear into them...” She still shuddered at the need to follow and rent them apart.

  “They’re rogues living in your house. You’re feeling territorial.”

  “But I asked them here. Why would I want to kill them?”

  Taggert snorted. “You wouldn’t
have killed them. You would’ve shown them who was alpha, and they would’ve respected you for it.”

  Disturbed by his explanation, she bent to help collect the items to their little experiment. Taggert waved her away.

  She thought about the last few days, trying to riddle out what bothered her the most about someone targeting her and came up with no satisfying answers. “Why am I being singled out by the rogues?”

  Taggert took so long to answer that it chilled her to realize he had to sort out so many possibilities.

  “You made yourself known at the club when you defended me, you’re also working with the police. You brought down a ring of humans hunting shifters. It might not have made the human news, but it spread like wildfire through the shifter community. Not to mention rogues are living on your land.”

  “But nothing that deserves their retaliation.”

  Taggert paused in folding the blanket. “They could be testing you.”

  “By trying to kill me?” She brushed away his reply. “I mean, I understand that rogues hire themselves out. I understand territory and fear. I can even understand the self-preservation of Vivian’s attack, but my death won’t really gain them anything. Someone else will just take my place. It makes no sense.”

  “At the core, shifters are animals. They react and trust instincts.”

  “So they see me as a threat?” She hated politics. They twisted things about in a way that she had no hope of navigating.

  “You’re an alpha. They might have enhanced your abilities in the labs, but you’re a natural born alpha. You instill a terrible hope and a devastating fear in all rogues. Their beasts will want to please you. You can control them and for that, some rogues will hate you on sight.”

  Her cellphone rang, startling Raven. The phone so rarely worked, she’d forgotten she worn it. She fumbled to answer it.

  “Hello?” No one replied. She listened, using her other senses, and heard labored breathing. Not like a prank call, but more like the person couldn’t gather enough air into their lungs. “Speak to me. Give me something to help find you.”

  “Injured.” Jamie’s voice cut in and out, distorted by the background noise.

  Raven gripped the phone, hurrying toward the house. He wouldn’t be calling unless there was trouble. “Where are you?”