The Ash Moon (The Ariane Trilogy Book 1)

by Michelle Dare

  Paige sits back down next to me. “Bray left. Are you going to tell me what happened with Orion? What did he say?”

  I show her our messages. She tells me how the girls on her post, who are all drooling over him, are saying how hot he is. I haven't read any of the recent comments. They'll just make me angry.

  Paige thinks Orion has a serious thing for me. When I told her he was picking me up after school tomorrow, she literally screamed. Right in my ear. It's still ringing.

  She laughed when I suggested he was a serial killer and told me I need to relax; not everyone out there has bad motives. She obviously hasn't absorbed books as I have. There's always a bad guy. At the same point, there's always a hero. The one who saves the day and rescues the damsel in distress. Now to wait and find out which one Orion is.

  5

  School on Monday consisted of me fielding questions from girls I've rarely spoken to about the mysterious Orion. They wanted to know how I got him to go out with me, and if he has any friends. Is it that hard to believe I can get a guy like him? Who am I kidding? I can't even believe it. He’s so far out of my league. We aren’t even in the same galaxy.

  There were also the guys who suddenly showed an interest in me. Ones who teased me in the past, now looked at me like I was fresh meat. I hate high school. So very much.

  I'm currently leaning against a tall oak tree, along the walkway to the main entrance of the school, waiting for Orion to appear. I shooed Paige and Bray away so I could leave when Orion gets here. At this point, I'll take my chances he's a serial killer instead of having to deal with this high school stuff.

  “Ari!” I turn and find none other than the captain of the football team walking toward me. A guy who had never said two words to me yet felt it appropriate to laugh along with the other jerks when they were teasing me. Lovely. This is just the icing on my horrible day.

  He jogs over to me. “I've been looking for you.”

  I quirk an eyebrow. “Really? Why?”

  “I wanted to see if you have any plans.”

  Pushing off from the tree, I step closer to him. “Let me get this straight. I've been going to this high school for four years. Not once have you talked to me. Now you decide to ask me out? Where's your team of groupies who usually follow you around? I'm sure one of them would be quick to jump in your car.”

  He smiles and even appears a little embarrassed. Did I step into another dimension and not realize it? “I'm sorry for not talking to you sooner. I've been busy with football and school work—”

  “And other girls.”

  “Yeah, but I'm not seeing anyone and would love to take you out.”

  “I'm going to level with you, Chad. The chances of me going anywhere with you are zilch. Besides, I'm waiting for someone to pick me up. Someone who noticed me immediately and didn't wait until a hotter guy paid attention to me.”

  “That's not why I asked you.”

  “Of course it is. You didn’t pay any attention to me until the most attractive man in the universe was interested in me and our picture was posted on social media. Sorry, but I'm in to genuine people.”

  As the last word leaves my lips, I hear someone rev an engine nearby. I peer around Chad to find the sleekest car I've ever seen. Black, two doors, and expensive.

  Then Orion steps out. Long legs clad in dark denim. A hunter green shirt with the sleeves bunched up at his elbows. And the look he's sporting screams murder.

  He strides over to us quickly, his arm immediately going around my waist to pull me close to his side. “And you are?” he growls at Chad. Like, it legit sounds like a dog growl.

  Chad straightens his spine to appear taller. It doesn't work. Orion is still bigger than him. I’m barely holding back a laugh at the display. “I'm Chad. I was talking to Ari, not that it's any concern of yours.” What the…?

  “If it concerns Ariane, then it concerns me,” Orion bites back.

  “Listen, I don't know who you are, or where you came from, but I've known her a lot longer than you have.”

  Orion releases me and takes a step forward. I move as well, putting myself between the two of them.

  “That's enough out of both of you,” I say, my gaze bouncing between them. “Chad, you and I aren't friends. Why you're challenging Orion is beyond me. I'm sure there is a harem of women somewhere waiting for you.” I put my hands on Orion's chest and gently push him back a little. He lets me. Although, I bet if he wanted to hold his ground, a big rig couldn’t move him. He continues to peer over me at Chad.

  “I'm ready,” I state, trying to get him to move. “We can go now.” I glance around and notice we're drawing a crowd. I'm going to kill Paige. She started this by posting that freaking picture. While I'm happy about seeing Orion, I don't need all this other craziness at school. Is it June yet?

  Orion relaxes. Chad must have wandered off. Peering down at me, Orion reaches for my hands and holds them to his chest. That zap of electricity is back the moment our skin touches. “I didn't give you a proper greeting. Hi, Ariane. Did you have a nice day?”

  “Can we just get in the car and away from here?”

  “As you wish.”

  He holds one of my hands, threading our fingers together. When we reach his car, he opens the door for me. I get in and the first thing I notice is the scent of leather and sandalwood. It wraps around me in the most soothing way. It’s then I remember Orion smelled of sandalwood the night we met. He closes my door, securing me in his fully tinted car, then walks around to get in the driver’s seat. The entire world slips away when we’re alone.

  “Buckle up, little mouse.” I do as he asks. There is no compromise when it comes to safety in a car. I've been in one while Bray drives. Seat belts are a must.

  The steering wheel has a jaguar on it and the soft, quilted leather seat cups my body.

  “What kind of car is this?” I ask as he pulls away from the school. “I mean, I know it's a Jag, but what is it? I've never seen anything like it.”

  “It's an F-Type SVR.”

  “Ah,” I reply, like I have a clue. I want to know so I can search it on the internet and find out how much it costs. My curiosity is getting the better of me. Pulling out my phone, I do a quick search. My eyes almost pop out of my head when I see the price. “You paid a hundred and twenty-two thousand dollars for this car! Are you insane?”

  “Give or take. It's just a car.” He shrugs and smiles.

  “Sure, because most nineteen year olds can afford a car like this. Do you make that much modeling for Lealla?”

  “No. I inherited most of my money after my parents’ deaths.” Now I feel like a jerk.

  “I'm sorry.”

  “Don't be. You didn't know. They died when I was very young.”

  I wait for him to say more; he doesn't. I decide to change the subject. “Where are we going?”

  “Did you read the rest of Aries' book?” We're back to evading questions and him asking me more. Two can play at this game.

  “Is there someplace specific you're taking me?”

  “Why aren't you answering my question?”

  “Why aren't you?”

  He chuckles. “Touché. Okay, I'll go first, but then you have to answer me.” He stops at a traffic light. “We're going to visit Aries.”

  “The model?”

  “Yes. He's also my uncle.”

  The light turns green. He hits the gas and takes the next right to get onto the highway. The Jag glides smoothly over the pavement. I could get used to riding in this car. I focus back on the conversation at hand.

  “Where does he live?” I ask.

  “You didn't answer me.” I don’t think I’ll ever get over how much I love his accent. I still can’t place it. It does something to me; warms me up in all the right places when he speaks.

  “I got halfway through the book and passed out. I did have school today, you know. I can't stay up all night reading.” He gives me a knowing look. “Okay, so I stay up most nights reading, bu
t I was actually tired last night.”

  “Aries and Cassandra live near Lealla's home.”

  “Hold on. His wife's name is Cassandra?”

  He turns to give me a brief, confused look. “Did you think it was something else? It's in the book.”

  “It's a book. A fictional book.”

  “Or so you believe.” Why does he have to be so frustrating?

  “Could you stop talking in riddles? If it's not fictional, then what is it? Last time I checked, paranormal romance wasn’t real.”

  “Do you remember the epilogue when a baby was brought to their home?”

  “Yes, but that baby wasn't mentioned again in any of the other books unless I forgot about it.” What's he getting at?

  “What was the baby's name, Ariane?”

  I think back, rattle my brain. I remember the baby but can't remember its name. I search the internet and sure enough, there's a page with details from the book. And the baby's name—Orion.

  “Were you named after the baby in the book?” One day, hopefully soon, I won’t be so confused.

  “They aren't just books. They’re our lives.”

  “I don't believe you. You're playing a part. The role you were hired to play as the model for Lealla. Does she make all of you constantly stay in character? She must pay you a lot to do that.” What is going on right now?

  “Feel free to ask my uncle when we get there.”

  I cross my arms and look out the windshield, trying to avoid the man next to me. Could he be serious, or am I trapped in some kind of warped game? I don't understand this at all.

  Minutes tick by, as does the landscape. Neither of us says more. At this point, I’m not sure what I’d say. I feel like I’ve barely got a grasp on reality. Or maybe it’s Orion who doesn’t.

  We turn off the highway and start driving through dense woods. I remember this part from when we went to Lealla's. It looks a little different in the light of day. The trees are still thick, but they don't seem to stretch as they once did. They are just ordinary trees.

  Orion comes to a stop and reaches for my hand. “Are you okay?” The familiar zip is back, racing up my arm.

  I ignore his question. “Do you feel that?”

  “Feel what?”

  It’s my turn to growl at him. “You're infuriating sometimes. You know that, right?”

  He laughs. “I like being around you. I never know what you're going to say.”

  “I know what’s going to come out of your mouth—more questions.” I look away from him, needing to focus on something else.

  Before us is a big log cabin: three stories, a wraparound deck on the second level, balconies off the third level’s rooms. In the center is a high peak with large, glass windows. The bottom level has rock facing. It's absolutely stunning. There is a firepit off to one side with wooden Adirondack chairs around it. Flowers are blooming along a grassy hill. It’s like the perfect mountain retreat.

  Orion shuts off the engine. “I'd like you to do something for me.” I nod, uncertainty taking bloom in my stomach. “Okay, two things. One, call me Rion.” He says it like the name Ryan, though I’m almost certain that’s not how he’d spell it. “Two, keep an open mind.”

  “I always have an open mind.”

  “You're going to need to broaden it for this. Forget everything you know of the outside world. Also, please remember that whatever you learn must never be repeated. You can’t tell a soul what you hear.”

  “Okay, now you're scaring me.” I’m back to thinking Orion might be a serial killer.

  “There's nothing to be scared of, little mouse. I would never bring you to a place where you'd be in danger.”

  “That's what serial killers say,” I mumble.

  He chuckles. “I'm not a serial killer.”

  “So you say.”

  “Come on. They're waiting for us.”

  I unbuckle my seat belt and open the door. My stomach is twisting and I'm starting to sweat. Nothing like anxiety to make this a special day.

  Orion…Rion comes up beside me and takes my hand. The zap is back. I’m starting to get used to this feeling when we touch. If only I knew what it was. I glance up at him and he smiles warmly.

  “Did you do that?”

  “Do what?”

  I try to shake him off out of frustration. Must he make everything so difficult? Can’t he tell me what this is that happens between us when we touch?

  “You have a lot to learn. I'm happy to be your teacher.”

  “You?” I scoff. “You're a year older than me.”

  “And all the wiser.” He smiles his gorgeous dimpled smile and tugs me toward a set of stairs that curve up to the second level of the cabin.

  Aries opens the door before we can knock. He ignores Rion and steps up to me. “Ariane, so happy you came. We've wanted to spend more time with you.” Really, why? Maybe I’m going to wake up soon and realize this has all been some sort of crazy dream.

  For now, I’ll be polite in case it isn’t. “Thank you for having me to your home.”

  “Of course. Come in. Cassie is in the kitchen making us a snack.”

  Inside, the house is as beautiful as the outside. A tall, stone fireplace is on one wall in an open living and kitchen area. It’s the total mountain oasis package. Warm, wooden floors, black suede couches, and a massive television give it a relaxed vibe. The kitchen has black cabinets and ivory marble countertops. I think I could live here.

  6

  Cassandra is cutting up vegetables when she notices us enter. She stops what she's doing to come over and greet me. Her smile is kind, instantly putting me at ease.

  “Ari, I'm so happy to meet you finally. I didn't get to do so at the party. I'm Cassie, Aries' wife. Please, make yourself comfortable.”

  Aries leans over and kisses her cheek. Where Aries has light blond hair and the same crystal eyes as Rion, Cassandra's hair is a rich chestnut. Her hazel eyes seem to be assessing me the same way. I duck my head, wanting to draw the attention away from me. She's stunning, after all, and I'm over here in a pair of sneakers, jeans with a hole in the knee, and an off the shoulder T-shirt. Rion said to dress comfortably. Why? I don't know. Maybe he didn't want me to think I had to dress up to come to his uncle's house. But he's not only his uncle. He's a freaking model.

  Rion walks with me over to the couch. We sit, him beside me—but not too close—yet near enough where we can keep our hands connected. Aries sits down opposite of us, his smile broad. “Tell me, Ariane, what did your friends think of you spending time with Rion today?”

  “Paige was excited.” I chuckle nervously. “I'm sure she'll be texting soon, asking what's going on.”

  “It's nice that you have a friend who cares about you.”

  “Yeah, all two of them.”

  “I'm sure you have more friends than that.”

  “Not really,” I say honestly. “I'm kind of a loner. I keep my head down, do my work, and look forward to leaving school every day.”

  “No one bothers you, do they?” Rion asks.

  “Define bother.”

  “Ari, you must tell me if someone is giving you trouble.”

  I wave him off. “It's fine. I can handle them. I have been for almost four years. I'll deal with it until graduation. Although,” I turn to face him, “now that Paige posted a picture of us together, I seem to be more popular.”

  “Is that why Chad was talking to you?” I don't miss the way he growls his name.

  “Yup. He's never talked to me before today. Seems being with you makes me appealing.”

  “I'll snap the neck of any male who comes near you.”

  “I think you can take it down a notch.” He barely knows me yet is so possessive. What is that?

  Cassandra steps in front of us with a plate of veggies and dip. “Here we go. Help yourself. Ari, what would like to drink?”

  “Water is fine, thank you.”

  Once she steps back into the kitchen, Aries speaks up. “How much h
as Rion told you?”

  “Told me about what?”

  “You've read all the books, correct?”

  “Oh, no. Not you, too?” He cocks his head at me. “Sorry, Rion told me to reread your book. Then, on the way here, told me it's about your life. I think he hit his head before getting to my school today.”

  “What he said about the book is true. It’s about my life with Cassie. How we met. What we went through. Almost everything in that book is factual.” Maybe I’m the one who hit my head and forgot about it.

  “Okay, say I believe that. Am I also to believe you can shift into a wolf?”

  “If you don’t believe the rest of the story, why would you believe I can shift?”

  I look at Rion. “What’s going on?”

  “I told you to keep an open mind.”

  “An open mind is one thing. What you're both talking about, it's not logical. I'm all for the romance and mystical things that happen in books, but it's fiction—not real.”

  Cassandra returns with drinks for all of us and sits down beside Aries. “Why don't you boys go out and play and let me talk to Ari. I don't think either of you know what you're doing.” She gives Aries a knowing look.

  “That's a good idea,” he states. “I have some wood that needs splitting. Rion can help me.” He kisses her on the cheek and stands.

  Rion releases my hand. “I'll be right outside if you need me.” I nod. What could I need him for? A sanity check? It wouldn’t come from him. That would come from a shrink.

  Cassandra gets up to come over and sit beside me. “Let me tell you a little story. Once upon a time, there was a woman who lived a lonely life. Her family moved across the country, and her friends had all gotten married and started having kids. She didn't think she'd ever find someone to love her. Then, one day, while she was at the home improvement store in the plumbing aisle, she saw a handsome man in a pair of grease-streaked jeans and a plain grey sweatshirt. She fell in love at first sight.”