Temptation of the Wolf: A Silver Moon Novel (Book 1)

by L. S. Slayford

  The warm brownness of Chase’s eyes had transformed into amber. Wolf eyes, she thought. It should have scared her, sent her running away in panic, but the heat that radiated from them made her want to throw herself into that fire.

  Those beautiful amber eyes were the last thing she saw before she felt his lips in her most intimate place.

  If she thought she would be undone by the way he had worked on her breasts then Luna was helpless now. Words were useless, even if she had the breath to speak them. Waves of pleasure built within, moans from both filled the air. Luna writhed underneath the skill of Chase’s tongue as he dug his fingers into her hips, holding her in place.

  The waves built up, closer and closer. With a last flick, Chase caused the waves to crash, sending Luna lost to ultimate pleasure. Cries tore from her mouth, the sound primitive and wild.

  “Fuck”, came Chase’s voice, husky and deep. “I’ve never known a taste like this. You taste so damn sweet, like honey drenched strawberries. I may be the werewolf but you taste like magic”.

  His words were magic to Luna’s ears. No one had ever spoken to her like that, not even Pierre the first time they made love.

  Pierre.

  Oh shit. Realization dawned, guilt slamming into her like a fist. Pierre. What have I done?

  Meeting her eyes, Chase’s face furrowed in confusion. “What’s the matter?” he asked.

  The words wouldn’t formulate in her mouth at first, the silence thick and heavy. Finally catching her breath, she answered, hating the words. “I can’t. Pierre. I have a boyfriend. It’s not right”. With each word, Luna’s guilt intensified, the hate she felt for herself for giving into the temptation growing stronger.

  Chase continued to look at her, his mouth drawn into a thin line. The silence between them stretched into moments before either spoke. The heat was still there, simmering away under the skin, but Luna knew she couldn’t go any further.

  But she wanted to. She desperately wanted to.

  Slowly, Chase nodded, the amber in his eyes dissipating back to their normal chocolate brown. “I understand. I don’t like it, but I understand”. The words were heavily tinged with regret yet Luna could hear the understanding in them.

  “I want to”, she admitted, her words laced with the remains of her passion. “But it wouldn’t be right to Pierre. I shouldn’t have let you do this but you … I … I lost control. I’m sorry. Never in my life have I cheated-”.

  Chase put a solitary finger against her lips. “It’s OK, princess, I understand. It was just a moment of temptation. You didn’t do anything too bad. You stopped yourself before you gave yourself over to me”. His lips drew closer to hers. For a brief second Luna thought he would kiss her again and felt the rush of disappointment when he didn’t. “Though I damn well want you to”.

  Abruptly, Chase got up from the couch, turning away from her. Picking up the discarded vodka bottle, he took a long swallow. “Years ago I promised myself I’d never get involved with humans. Never bedded a human woman in all that time. You’re the first human and yet you damn well nearly undone all my control”. Another swallow. “Whoever Pierre is, he’d better appreciate you”.

  Luna scrambled to pull on her underwear and her jeans. “He’s nice. He’s a lawyer”, she said slowly, unsure of why she said the last part. “He doesn’t deserve this”. That was true. Another wave of guilt tinged with sorrow flowed over there. As the lace of her bra encased her breasts once more, Luna shivered, but this time it wasn’t with lust.

  It was remorse.

  Over the years Luna had watched a number of friends who had given into temptation of their own, despite being married or in committed relationships. The pain that usually followed was evident. Some of her friends had spilt from their partners, some had worked on their relationships, but none had survived for long. Once the trust was gone, it was gone. There was no going back to what had been, even if she could keep tonight a secret.

  She would have to tell Pierre what she had done. It wasn’t fair to cheat on him and then keep it secret.

  Wrapping the ripped shirt around her, the buttons scattered across the floor, Luna shakily got to her feet. She intended to head upstairs, check on her brother and then go to bed. However, a rap at the door halted her plans.

  “Are you expecting anyone?” asked Chase, his face lined in confusion. Shaking her head, another rap came at the door. Then again and again. “Whoever it is has got impeccable timing”, he muttered. “You might want to let me answer it, princess. You’re not exactly dressed for company”.

  Luna looked down at herself. The torn blue material allowed the white lace of her bra to peek through. He was right, it wouldn’t do to have anyone see her in this state. Instead, she stood a little further back in the doorway, giving her the opportunity to see who was at the door but could hide quickly without being seen.

  Chase strode to the door. As he was pulling the knob open something flew past his head lightning fast. “What the …” he managed to get out before they could finally make out black feathers. It was a damn bird. Squawking echoed around the room. The creature turned around and darted towards Chase, its beady eyes dark and menacing.

  Chase ducked his head, scowling as the feathers brushed his face. He swiped at the bird, missing it by mere inches. The black bird flew back out of the open door. Luna prayed that that was the only one but her prayers went unanswered.

  They came at them, hard and fast. A flock of dark birds swooping through the front door, a dark storm that surrounded them. If anyone else was in the vicinity all they would hear would be the sounds of a violent storm, the wind beneath the birds’ wings crashing and loud.

  Luna caught terrifying glimpses of feathers coming closer and closer to her face as she tried to shield herself from the claws and sharp beaks. “Chase!” she cried, barely able to hear the sound over the din of the birds squawks and screeches.

  Chase made his way to Luna, attempting to shoo the creatures away from his face. Once he was beside her, he pulled her close, her face buried in the hard muscle of his chest. All she could hear was the sound of his heartbeat drowning out the noise.

  “C’mon, let’s get out of here!” shouted Chase, edging them out of the room and towards the stairs.

  The birds refused to let them.

  They dived and swooped around the room. It was hard to tell how many there were, but Luna reckoned there were at least a dozen of the creatures. Wafts of air zipped past her face as she tried to look where she was going, the birds flying closer. Dangerously close.

  Inching closer to the door, Chase suddenly stopped in his tracks. Peeking out from the comfort of his chest, Luna could see three of the birds dive in front of the door only to turn back around and swoop once more. They were trying to cordon off the door.

  The birds didn’t want to let them go.

  “What do we do, Chase?” she whispered, fear tinging her voice.

  Chase stood still, his iron grip on her arm relentless. “I’m not sure. We may need to make a run for it. I don’t want them near your brother though. Might have to head outside. Get ready to run when I say”.

  Luna took a deep breath, trying to calm the racing beat of her heart. Looking around the room, she gazed at the creatures. Only the three trying to block the exit were in flight, the others had perched on top of the furniture in the room. Eerily quiet now, they scrutinized Luna and Chase, their black eyes frightening and sharp.

  A rush of adrenaline surged through her veins, preparing her for the run they knew they had to make. A squeeze on her arm told her that Chase was making sure she was ready. When the second squeeze came she inhaled as much air as her lungs could hold. With the third squeeze, they ran.

  Chase ploughed through the birds, knocking them in all directions. Luna felt the air whooshed past her as Chase pulled her, using his supernatural speed to make them faster than the birds. She felt her free arm knock into the wood of the doorframe as they sped out of the house and down the porch, but i
t was the screeching behind them that put the fear into her.

  They were heading towards the guest property she realised when Chase shouted to her. “Get into the building. I’ll take care of these fucking birds!”

  Releasing her arm, she found herself still propelled towards the guest property that her brother used as his. Making contact with the door itself, she let out a cry of pain. “Wait, let me help”, she called.

  “Get in the damn building and stay there!” Chase shouted back. “Shut the door and the windows and don’t fucking open it!”

  Fear racing through her body, Luna ran inside and bolted the door shut. Rushing to the windows, she scrambled to ensure they were closed and locked. Thankfully they were. No birds could get in.

  From the window Luna had the perfect viewpoint to watch Chase. Instead of running, he stopped in the middle of the grounds, legs slightly apart, his chin almost touching his chest. The birds had flown out of the house and were now circling above his head, a dark menacing halo of terror.

  Chase remained still for a moment, allowing the birds to venture closer. With lightning quick movements, he flew out one of his hands and grabbed a bird. A second later, it fell to the floor, neck twisted. Echoes of anger flooded the air, the bird’s flock screeching in anger at their fallen brethren. They descended upon Chase now, a whirlwind of black anger.

  It was hard to make out Chase’s arms with his lightning quick reflexes but a blur of arms told Luna that he was using his werewolf speed to catch the birds. Half a dozen lay on the ground before him within a short time. Grabbing one by its legs, Chase flung the creature in the air, the smack of its body hitting another bird reaching Luna’s ears. The force of the impact sent both birds crashing to the ground, dead.

  Within minutes the last bird had fallen, but not before it got a good peck to his cheek. Scratches lined his arms, the material from his clothes ripped. Blood pooled at the corner of Chase’s mouth. Spitting it out, he turned and looked directly in Luna’s direction.

  The warmth of his chocolate eyes had bled into amber. Wolf eyes, Luna thought as he strode towards the building. Luna rushed to open the door and flew straight into his arms. Chase held onto her, sniffing her to ensure she had no injuries.

  “Are you OK?” he asked, his voice a low growl.

  Luna nodded. “I’m fine, just a little shaken up but my knee hurts. Why would birds attack us? Not unless -” A thought came to her. “Not unless you think it was Lyulf? Could he have sent them?”

  Chase curled his lip in anger. “After what you told me happened earlier, it wouldn’t surprise me. I haven’t run into any Fae before. Shifters yes, vampires yes, but the Fae? No”. His grip on her relaxed slightly. “C’mon, let’s get you inside and see what the damage is.”

  Nodding, Luna and Chase mad their way over to the porch, Chase’s hand warm on the back of her shirt. Just as they were halfway up the porch, the sounds of a car engine rang through the woods.

  Someone was coming towards them.

  Twelve

  Werewolves, Fae and terrorising birds; what else could possibly turn up now? Was the only thing that came to mind as Luna watched a silver car slowly make its way down the path and stop before the house. Chase’s hand stayed firm on her back, his eyes still narrowed to slits.

  A man and woman got out of the car. They looked around the same age as her parents, Luna saw. The man appeared in his early fifties, salt and pepper hair cut close to his head. Wearing beige khakis and a brown shirt, he looked as though he was on his way to the golf course. The woman with him was slim, with red hair that shone vividly despite the relative darkness. Her face looked kind, almost motherly, but thick lines of worry were visible for all to see. A long black skirt and white shirt indicated that she worked in some sort of professional setting. Maybe a teacher, she thought.

  Whoever they were, they were moving quickly towards them.

  “Chase”, the man called, his tone obviously trying to remain calm.

  “Brad. Sally”, he acknowledged.

  So these were Brad and Sally Nieves, the couple her parents had been having dinner with the night they had died.

  “Where’s Michael? We have to speak to him”, he demanded.

  “My brother is asleep”, Luna said hesitantly. “What do you need to speak to him about?”

  Brad looked her over as though seeing her for the first time. “Luna?” he asked. “I should have known, you look just like your mother”.

  “Please accept our condolences for you loss, Luna”. Sally Nieves said, her voice thin and tight. “But we really need to talk to your brother”.

  Chase shook his head. “What’s the trouble, Brad? If it’s anything to do with pack business you might as well tell us now. Don’t worry about Luna, she knows what we all are. Michael damn well Changed in front of her today”.

  The sound of Brad’s sucking in air and Sally’s gasp sounded loud in the night air. “He Changed in front of her?” he exclaimed, the shock evident in his tone. “Goddamn it, Chase, we’re not meant to Change while humans are around us”.

  Shrugging his shoulders, Chase pushed on Luna’s back, urging her into the house. “The night air has wings, Brad. Let’s get inside the house, grab a drink and Luna will tell you what’s been going on. It’s been a hell of a day”.

  Brad and his wife followed them into the house. Great, now there were three or four werewolves in the house, she thought. Not wanting another repeat of what happened earlier, Luna had Chase lock the doors and windows while she poured drinks. Growing up at her boarding school, many of her school friends were British, sent over to Paris especially to learn the French language. As a result, Luna developed a love of British tea in addition to copying many British mannerisms. Even her accent was a unique combination of French and British. When her family had visited her in Paris when she was in her early teens, she had attempted to speak the way her family did, with that particular east coast American accent. However, by the time she had finished her education she had given in and stopped trying. She may be American, but she saw herself more European than anything. For the British, tea was drunk after every occasion.

  Finding out your brother was a werewolf, being attacked by a flock of deranged birds, fighting off an ancient Fae and cheating on your boyfriend with a gorgeous werewolf who happened to be your brother’s best friend certainly called for a cup of tea.

  Once she had made the teas and coffees, Luna was heading back to the living room when she remembered her torn clothing. Not wanting to spend time with company whilst having her breasts on display, she looked around for something to put on. Thankfully, Michael was a sloppy housekeeper and she quickly located one of his sweaters. Pulling the grey material over her head, she grabbed the tray and proceeded to the other room where everyone was waiting for her. The energy in the room was tangible, a layer resting upon her skin as though it were a thin sweater.

  The two men stood by the fireplace, Sally perched on the edge of the couch, brushing off a black feather from the arm. The damage in the room caused by the birds was minimal. Only a few of her mother’s trinkets had suffered, along with some scratches to the heavy wooden furniture. Dark feathers lay scattered around, an eerie reminder of the terrifying event. Chase turned his head, watching her as she moved about the room. Once the drinks had been handed out, Luna sat next to Sally, cradling the hot mug as though it could warm the deepest part of her. It wasn’t working. Not really.

  “So”, Chase began, “What are you doing here, Brad?”

  Sipping his coffee, Brad grimaced. “Mary’s missing”.

  “Who’s Mary?” Luna asked.

  “One of our wolves. There are fourteen werewolves in our pack now your father’s gone”, Chase explained. “Your father was the Alpha, the leader of the Virginian pack. There’s a pack in most states and dozens more back in Europe. Your brother will now be the alpha. I’m the Beta, his second. I’m the guardian, the muscle of the pack. Brad is one of ours, so is Mary. She’s one of four femal
es”. Seeing Luna’s eyes avert to the woman sitting beside her, Chase shook his head and continued. “No, Sally isn’t one of us. She’s like you and your mother, human. When Mary Changes she becomes a grey wolf”.

  Luna’s brow furrowed. “Like the grey paw found on our porch?” Chase nodded grimly.

  “What?” Brad demanded.

  Turning back to the older man, Chase sighed, the weight of what he was about to say obviously heavy. “Earlier today, Michael rang me. He and Luna found the bloody paw of one of our wolves left on the porch for them to find. When I got there I checked it out. The blood was still fresh, the paw obviously ripped off. No marks from any knives or swords. The paw had been torn off. While she was alive”.

  Sally gasped in horror, her hand covering her mouth. “It was Mary? Are you certain?” she whispered.

  “Oh yes, I’m sure”, he spat. “When I left here earlier I headed out to Mary’s house. The door was open, her car was still in the garage and there was blood dripping throughout the house. Her body was in the kitchen, the place was a wreck. It looked like a tornado hit it. I found her in her human form on the floor. She was dead. Blood loss most probably. Her right arm was pulled right out the socket”.

  A hiss escaped from Brad’s mouth. “Who the fuck would do that to her? Was it one of the other packs? Didn’t think we were at loggerheads with any of the others?”

  Luna sighed, despair crystal clear in her tone. “I don’t think it was another pack, Mr Nieves. I think it was Lyulf”.

  “Who the hell is Lyulf?”

  Taking a deep breath, Luna gave her own explanation of the day’s events. “Michael and I had a meeting at the sheriff’s office. We were heading back to the house when we saw a tall man with long silver hair in robes standing in the middle of the road. Michael hit the brakes to stop from hitting him but the car just crashed, right into thin air. The truck was totalled. When he got out of the car, Michael shouted at him. He demanded that Michael return something that belonged to him. There was a fight and Michael transformed into a wolf right in front of me! Michael attacked him but the stranger was stronger and Michael was thrown away, like he was nothing. Then he turned to me and hit me. I grabbed the car iron and struck him with it. Where it came into contact with his skin it started to burn. When I asked him what he was he said his name was Lyulf and that he was Fae. We have until tomorrow to return this artefact or else he’s going to kill everyone”.