Bound by the Moon

by L. P. Dover

  “His name’s Chris,” I say, smiling at the thought. “I love him, but our conversations weren’t as fun as ours.”

  Colin glances at me over his shoulder and grins. “So, you missed me?”

  “I wouldn’t go that far.” Then my eyes narrow at him. “Okay, so maybe a little. You’re the only one who can keep up with my insults.” Colin chuckles, and I realize I like hearing it. “I knew you were there that first day in the woods. I could feel you.”

  His grin fades. “I was afraid of that,” he replies, averting his gaze back to the lake. “It’s a good thing you didn’t shut me out that day. I heard you say something about the cameras in the woods. I knew to keep my distance.”

  It’s strange knowing he can hear my thoughts if I let him. There’s so much I don’t want him to know yet. “When were you going to tell me?”

  He shrugs. “When have I had the chance until now?”

  He has a point.

  “True.” Reaching into his pocket, he pulls something out and sets it on the wooden rail. I recognize the smooth, black stone. I walk over and stand next to him, taking the rock into my hand. It’s warm as I roll it around my fingers. “That’s how you stayed hidden from me.” Being beside him gives me a sense of peace, but it also makes me yearn for more.

  A heavy sigh escapes his lips, and I can’t bring myself to look into his eyes just yet; I know I’ll fall hard if I do. “The thought of being away from you killed me, Kami. Those eight weeks were pure fucking agony. Using the stone was the only way to keep you from feeling me. Then, when I went to Amelie’s the other day and found out you’d already left, I thought I’d lose my damn mind. And even more so when I saw you in the alley with that cocksucker. I knew Sawyer was there, but all I wanted to do was rip that bastard apart when he started coming after you.”

  Mouth gaping, my heart pounds in my chest. “You were there?”

  “I was. Just like I was there when you killed the others.” I can see the concern on his face and hear it in his voice. “You don’t have to tell me anything, but I’d like to know what you’re doing.”

  It’s my chance to tell him the truth, to test him. If he can’t accept what I do, then it’ll never work, mates or not. “I’m an assassin, Colin. I work for a secret group of the government called the Circle of Justice. I’m all for saving lives, but those men deserved to die after what they’ve done. That’s what Sawyer and I do. We kill those who escaped the justice system.”

  “What did those men do?” he asks.

  In their files, it showed pictures of their victims. I can see their smiling faces like a carousel going round and round in my head. Hopefully, they can smile now. “Let’s just say I would’ve preferred taking them into the woods and watching them bleed to death after I cut off their dicks.”

  Understanding flashes across his face. “I see. That’s why that guy was coming after you.”

  I nod. “He drugged a woman’s drink at the bar, and I saved her. Then, he turned around and spiked mine. I didn’t expect to be the victim that night.”

  Colin’s eyes flash with rage, and he grips onto the railing, his emotions hitting me like a ton of bricks. His feelings are raw and powerful, almost out of control, but he holds it back. “It’s been so hard fighting the urge to protect you. There were days I didn’t think I could hold back anymore, but then I knew I’d drive you away.” The wall I built inside of me comes crashing down, and there’s not stopping it. Sucking in a breath, I grab my chest, and Colin turns to me, his eyes glowing. “Looks like I’m not the only one trying to keep it together. I thought it was only me.”

  Shaking my head, I avert my gaze. “No. I wasn’t ready to deal with it. I still don’t know if I am. I’m sure Faith told you how I feel about finding our mates.”

  “She did. We can take things slow if that makes you happy.”

  Rubbing the spot over my heart, I open my eyes and look at him. “And you’re okay with that?”

  He nods, his expression genuine. “I’ll do what it takes. You’re my mate, Kami. I’ll wait as long as I have to.”

  “You seriously mean it?”

  His gaze lands on my hands, and I can tell he wants to touch me. “I do,” he says, grinning as he lifts his gaze back to mine. “I want you to know me, Kami. The real me. Take my blood if you want to. That way, you’ll never have to doubt me. I don’t think I’m asking for too much.”

  I can live with that. Am I ready to open up Colin’s side of the connection? Honestly, I don’t know. If he lets me in his mind, he’ll know something’s wrong if I don’t want him in mine. “Okay. We can talk about it all tomorrow.”

  He smirks. “More like in a few hours. It’s already tomorrow.”

  “All right, smartass,” I say, holding out the black carmine stone in my palm. “Don’t forget this.”

  Shaking his head, he lifts his hands to mine, curling my fingers over the stone. The electric jolt that mates feel when they touch shoots up my arm and all through my body. I’ve felt it in our dreams, but it’s been nothing like this. Colin’s heart rate jumps, and he closes his eyes. “You keep it for now,” he says, his voice low as if he’s trying to concentrate. “I don’t need it anymore.” The feel of his skin makes me want more, and by the glow of his eyes when he opens them, he can sense it. It doesn’t matter if I block my thoughts from him; there’s no way I can entirely hide my emotions.

  Clearing my throat, I slide my hands away and nod at the cottage. “There’s an extra bedroom. You’re more than welcome to take it. Then, after we’ve gotten some rest, we’ll talk more. I know there’s a lot we haven’t said.”

  He brings a hand up to my face but lets it fall. “You have no idea.”

  I take a step back and then another. “Goodnight, Colin.”

  A small smile spreads across his lips. “Sweet dreams, Kamille.”

  For the first time, I like hearing him say my name. The dream part catches my attention. It’s been a while since I’ve allowed myself to think of them. I haven’t had one in two months. Turning on my heel, I head inside the cottage and on the kitchen counter is my herbal tea. Tia makes it for me every night. I walk over and lift the cup to my lips, but I don’t drink it; something holds me back. Instead, I set the mug in the sink and walk away.

  I’m curious to see what happens.

  16

  Colin

  I could’ve stayed outside all night talking to Kami, but she’s exhausted. I could see it on her face. Hell, I know I looked the same way. The wind blows across the lake, and I look up at the sky at the tiny sliver of the moon. In ten days, it’ll be full, but I don’t think Kami will be ready to be my mate by then. She has her own life and career to figure out, and I don’t want to come between that; I want to be a part of it. Do I like that she’s an assassin for the FBI? Fuck no. It terrifies the hell out of me, but I have a plan. I’m not going to share it with her until she’s ready.

  Taking a deep breath, I close my eyes and concentrate on Kami. I can hear her inside, her breathing deep and calm as if she’s asleep.

  “I think tonight went well.”

  I glance over my shoulder at Tia. “She can hear you.”

  Tia grins mischievously. “No, she can’t. Neither can Sawyer.” She holds up her hand and smiles at it. “It’s been a while since I’ve used my magic. They won’t know.”

  She walks over to me and leans her elbows on the railing. “I’m glad you’re here. Kami needs you even if she doesn’t want to admit it.”

  The night went a lot better than anticipated. Kami feels the way I do which gives me hope. I could sense her wolf inside of her, desperate to come to me. It’s a good sign and one I plan on holding on to.

  I bump her with my shoulder. “Thanks for helping me find her.”

  She winks at me. “You would’ve eventually.” And I would have, only I don’t know how long it would’ve taken. Tia called me the second they landed in Ohio and told me where to find them. I hopped on the plane and stayed in the shadows unti
l I felt the time was right. Tia blows out a sigh. “I could see the toll being away from you was impacting Kami. I was scared for her. She did well keeping everything under control, but it wasn’t going to last. Plus, I was worried about you. You need her just as much as she needs you.”

  “You’re right. Being around Kami tonight proved it. I know she wants me, even if she is blocking me from her mind.”

  Her lips pull back. “She didn’t drink her tea tonight. That means she’s ready to dream again. I’m curious to see if you make an appearance.”

  “Do you think she’ll come around to being my mate?” I ask her. “I know she wanted to be the one to choose.”

  She nods. “There’s always been something there between you two, whether she wants to admit it or not. You two have wasted so much time already. I know things will work out. We just have to get Kami’s head out of her ass.” We both laugh, and she rests a hand on my shoulder. “I’m rooting for you, Storm. It’s time for you both to find your happiness.”

  “Just like you,” I counter.

  Her eyes twinkle in the moonlight. “I love Sawyer. I have Kami to thank for introducing us. Now it’s my time to help her.” She smacks my arm. “But if you tell her I helped you, I’ll put a spell on you. I don’t know with what yet, but it’ll be something bad.” She pushes me toward the door. “Now, get in bed and go to sleep. Kami can’t dream about you until you’re asleep too.”

  She follows me inside and points to the bedroom beside Kami’s. I walk in and take off my shirt before lying on the bed. It’s not easy to fall asleep when you know you have to, but after everything that happened tonight, I find myself drifting fast.

  One minute I’m in the cottage, and the next, I’m back in a familiar dream. We’re at Hidden Falls again, my favorite place. With her back to me, Kami’s in the pool of water on the outer edge of the waterfalls.

  “Why do you dream of this place?” I call out.

  Kami jerks around, and her eyes search mine. “I don’t know. It’s just been in my head. I don’t even know if it’s real.”

  I walk through the grass to the edge of the water. “Oh, it is. In the last dream we had together, you said if this place was real, you hope to find it one day.” I gaze up at the roaring waterfall. “It’s called Hidden Falls. When I need to get away from everything, I come here. The trail isn’t far from my home in Wyoming.”

  Her brows furrow at me as if she doesn’t know what to think when I look at her. “How is all of this possible? We’re both asleep. Our physical bodies are in separate rooms right now.”

  I step into the water, and I can hear the intake of her breath. “I don’t know, but here we are. I’m really here, Kami. I’ve missed our dreams. I was able to be myself with you even if you couldn’t see or hear me.”

  I move closer, and her eyes widen. “Did you know this was real the whole time?”

  “No,” I murmur. “I’ve been dreaming about you for months until it stopped after our last one. That morning I could hear your thoughts. That’s when I knew it had really happened.” Releasing a heavy sigh, I peer around at our surroundings and focus on the grassy spot where I made love to her last. “We were over there when it happened,” I say, focusing on her silvery-gray eyes. “You were in a pink bikini and laying on the grass when I appeared.” Her chest rises and falls with her rapid breaths as I move closer. “I laid down with you and kissed your hand. You shivered, and it made me smile. I know you couldn’t hear me, but I said to you that you would’ve punched the shit out of me if I’d done it in real life.”

  Kami smiles, and it’s the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen. “Probably.”

  I close the distance between us, but I don’t touch her. “You cupped my cheeks and brushed your thumbs over my lips, asking me to make love to you.”

  Her lips part, and she turns away. “Oh, my God. If it’s really and physically been you in my dreams, then that means we’ve taken things to a whole new level.” I’ve kissed every square inch of her body, and neither one of us knew it was real. She sucks in a breath, and there are tears in her eyes when she faces me. “This whole time after finding out you were my mate, I’ve wished you could be the Colin that was in my dreams.”

  I reach for her hand, and she lets me take it, the electric current jolting through my body; it’s an addictive feeling. I pull her close and cup her cheek with my other hand. “I’m the same. I meant it when I said you could take my blood anytime. Until you’re ready, I’ll just have to prove it to you.” A thought comes to my mind. “Speaking of which, I have a confession to make. Remember when we were at your graduation party, and I told you I had no clue you wanted to join the FBI?”

  She stares at me curiously. “Yeah.”

  She thought I was self-centered and only cared about myself.

  “I lied,” I confess. “I’ve always made a point to ask about you when talking to your brother, even before I started having feelings for you. I didn’t want you to know. Honestly, I didn’t think it would change the way you saw me.”

  Closing her eyes, she blows out a sigh. “We’ve made so many horrible assumptions.” When she opens her eyes, she smiles. “I wish I would’ve known. But then, I might’ve seen you as a stalker if you kept asking about me.”

  I laugh. “Yeah, maybe. That wouldn’t have helped me at all.”

  “No,” she says.

  We stare at each other for a few minutes, and there’s so much I want to say. “I remember when we had our first kiss. We were on the beach, staring up at the stars.”

  She looks up at the clear blue sky and smiles. “Yes, we were.”

  “And it felt so amazing to have you in my arms. I hated myself for enjoying all the time with you when I knew you hated me. Then again, I thought it was just dreams. I’m sorry for taking advantage of the situation.”

  I bring my hand to her face, and she leans into my touch. “You weren’t the only one. I took advantage of you too.” Her eyes bore into mine. “I didn’t know you could be this way. So gentle and attentive.”

  “It’s not a side I like people to see, Kami. That’s why I show it only to you. I like being the arrogant ass to everyone else.”

  When she smiles, it’s as if I can feel her letting me in. “What do we do now? We can’t live in this dream world. Our lives are way more complicated on the outside.”

  I shake my head. “No, they’re not.”

  She takes my hand and gently moves it away from her face. “Are you trying to say you’ll let me do my job and not interfere? You said it yourself, it was hard for you to fight the urge to protect me. I’m going to be around dangerous men every time I hunt a target.”

  I snort. “I’ve come to realize the only danger around you is yourself.” Now, if she was fighting against a shifter, it’s a different story. With humans, I’m not worried.

  Kami lets out a soft chuckle. “Thanks.” But then her expression turns serious. “Even if you can deal with my job, what about yours? How are we going to be together when our careers keep us apart? We both have to travel.”

  I’ve thought about this already, and there’s only one solution. My father changed his life for my mother, and I’ll do the same for Kami. “We’ll do it together,” I say, reaching for her hands. “Zayne told me a story about my parents, and it reminds me so much of us. My father was already a doctor, and my mother was still in college when their mating signs appeared. She had come home to visit, and that’s when it happened. She didn’t want to give up her schooling, so she left and said it wasn’t the right time. Both of them were miserable.”

  Kami’s mouth gapes. “What happened?”

  I bring her hands up to my lips and kiss them both. “My father chose to go to her. He gave up his job at the hospital and moved across Canada to be with her. That’s what I’d do for you. Wherever you go, I can go too and vice versa if you want. If you have targets in Florida, I can schedule meetings with my clients down there at the same time. So, you see, we don’t have to be apart.”


  “You would do that for me?”

  Taking a chance, I move in close, my eyes never leaving hers. “I would do anything for you.” Our lips connect, and I clutch her tight, hoping it’ll keep her from disappearing out of the dream. I don’t want to push her into anything, but dammit to hell, I need to feel her against me, to know she’s mine and that she wants to be mine.

  Slowly, she breaks the kiss and rests her forehead on mine. “I’m sorry I ran away from you. It wasn’t easy.” No, it wasn’t. It’s still hard controlling my need for her, but it’s not as bad now that I’m around her.

  “We’ll take things one day at a time,” I say, peering into her eyes. “When we wake up, we’ll do whatever you want. Just please don’t ask me to let you go. I can’t do it again.”

  “You won’t have to.”

  It feels good to smile. I pull Kami out of the water and onto the grass. “I’m sure we have a few hours left here while we sleep in the real world. What do you want to do? I’d like to hear about the other magical dreams you’ve had. Faith told me you could predict future mates.”

  I pull her down to the grass, and she sits beside me. “I can. Are you sure it won’t bore you?”

  I shake my head. “Not at all.”

  She beams, and I listen to everything she has to say. I’ve waited so long to have her to myself, and now I finally do. I don’t want her to have any shred of doubt that I’m dedicated to making this work.

  17

  Kami

  The sun shines in through the window, making the bedroom exceptionally bright when I open my eyes, but it feels like I’ve had the best sleep I’d ever had in my life. Grinning up at the ceiling, I can remember every single detail about my dream.

  Jumping out of bed, I take off my pajama shirt and flannel pants and slip on a T-shirt and yoga pants. When I look over at the clock, it reads ten in the morning. I haven’t slept this long in years. I hurry into the bathroom so I can wash my face and run a brush through my hair. My heart races because I’m nervous to see Colin after the dream we had. I can’t fight against him anymore; I don’t have the strength. If I’m being honest with myself, I don’t want to. I’ve missed his touch and what I really want is to feel him outside of the dream.