Dark Moon Falls: Volume 2

by Bella Roccaforte

  “Not names. They left before I came home, but they came back a few hours later and ransacked the house, looking for something.”

  “You saw their faces?”

  “One of them.”

  “Was the other one wearing a mask?”

  I shook my head, my gaze finding Milo’s, soft and caring. “I got a glimpse of one right before he shifted to a wolf.” A shiver ran down my spine as I remembered that face, those crazy eyes. Killing eyes. I looked at Elias. “He was the one who’d murdered my mother, while the other searched for something in another room, and I never saw his face.”

  I went to the closet and pulled out the manila envelope my mother had given me. It was sealed with Elias’ name scrawled across the front. “I believe they were looking for this. They killed my mother, but not before she’d had a chance to give me this and told me to find you. I had it hidden in my shirt when they came. She said my father told her if anything happened to him, that she should find you.” I handed it to him.

  “Do you know what’s in here?”

  “No.” I shook my head. “It’s sealed and addressed to you.”

  “I imagine you must be terrified.” Elias studied his name handwritten on the outside of the envelope. My father’s handwriting. The last thing I had that he had touched.

  I nodded as he opened the envelope and pulled out several pictures and a note also written by my father. Elias read it, swiped the palm of his hand over his mouth, then up and down his cheek. Then he studied the photos. “These are pictures of an estate in the jungle in Puerto Vallarta. Your father went there to secure a set for a movie production he’d been working on.”

  “Yes, that was his passion,” I supplied fondly. My father had been producing and sometimes directing movies since before I was born. All while keeping his vampirism a secret.

  “He was damn good too. Produced several blockbusters.” Elias smiled. “However,” He glanced up at the sheriff. “It looks like he stumbled upon an arms smuggling and human trafficking operation while he was there.” He handed the photos along with the note to the sheriff.

  The sheriff scratched his head while reading the note. “This should be turned over to the FBI.”

  Elias shook his head. “Not yet. There’s a reason why Marcus wanted Skye to come here. Other than he knew I would protect you.” His gaze flicked to mine. “So, you can rest assured on that. Does anyone besides Milo know you are living here?”

  “Only the landlord, but my mother gave him a fake name when she rented it.”

  “Good. Let’s keep it that way.” Then he turned his attention back to the sheriff. “But we keep this in Dark Moon Falls for now until we find out if the wolves who murdered Marcus are part of my pack. Because, if there are members of my pack involved, then I need to deal with them. Right now, Skye needs protection. I can have a couple of guys staked out around the cottage. They can keep an eye on things.”

  “I can stay here,” Milo said as our gazes met. “I mean, if you want me to.”

  “That would be helpful,” Elias added before I could respond. “By the way, it’s good to have you home, Milo, and I’m looking forward to talking to you. Having a lawyer in the pack is going to be a great addition. I’m sure we’ll be crossing paths more often than I’d like. I know you were planning on coming to the meeting tonight, but in light of all this, I think you better stay here. I think we’ll end up having the meeting right here in the backyard, so I want you and Skye to stay hidden inside in case any of my pack are involved. The more of us around here, the safer things will be for Skye.”

  Elias stood and faced me. “One thing that’s puzzling me, Skye. How did you escape the shifters when they came back and killed your mother?”

  15

  MILO

  Everyone turned to look at Skye. Including me. It was obvious that she didn’t share about her abilities easily, especially with strangers. I stood next to her and took her hand. “It’s okay. You can trust them.”

  She looked at the three of them standing there, waiting for an answer. “I teleported.”

  “So, you’re a vampire, like your father?” The sheriff frowned and took a step back as if that bothered him. “I thought maybe you’d been adopted because I didn’t know vampires of that kind could procreate.”

  “I’m not a vampire. I was conceived in vitro from my father’s sperm before he’d been turned. But I’d been sick as a baby and almost died. My father’s blood saved my life, but I also inherited a few things from him. That’s one of them.”

  “That’s something your father never mentioned.” Elias smiled. “He mostly talked of how proud of you he was. And how beautiful you are.”

  She lowered her gaze, her cheeks turning a light shade of pink, then went on to tell them about her leukemia and how her father’s blood cured her, and about her affliction to sunlight.

  “Fascinating.” Elias picked up his empty glass and took it to the kitchen, setting it on the counter by the sink. “So, that’s why the bomb in your car.”

  “What do you mean?” Skye asked.

  “My guess is they set the bomb because they knew you could flash if they tried to kill you. It makes total sense because you wouldn’t teleport if you didn’t know there was a bomb planted. It was smart of you to keep your identity limited to as few individuals as possible since you’ve been here. The fewer people who know where you live, the better.”

  She shivered beside me. I shuddered a bit myself at the thought.

  * * *

  Skye stood at one of the windows at the back of the house and pulled the blinds aside to peek out, and I joined her, as several wolves appeared in the dark yard. “There are wolves outside.”

  “Yes, for the meeting. There’s Elias, Jagger, and Cooper so far. It must be strange to see a bunch of wolves in your backyard.” I commented.

  Then they shifted to their human forms before our eyes.

  “Even stranger to see them shift,” she added and turned to me.

  “They arrive in their wolf forms then shift to their human forms for the meeting. Come away from the window before more come. You don’t want them to see you in here.”

  “How long do wolves live?”

  “It varies. Longer than humans. Some can live well into their hundreds.”

  “Vampires are supposed to live for eternity. That is until someone severs their head from their shoulders with a large machete.”

  I frowned. That was an ugly vision. I placed my hands on her shoulders. “I’m sorry he had to die.”

  She nodded. “Me too.”

  I took her hand and led her to the floor in front of the sofa and fireplace. It seemed that was our spot in this tiny one-room cottage. I grabbed a couple of pillows from the couch and stuck one under her and sat on the other.

  “He sounds like he was a great man. You’re lucky you had a father who was there for you.”

  “You’re right. I was. I miss him … and my mom. You know, you’ve never told me much about your childhood.”

  “Not much to tell. Typical these days. Single mom, two rambunctious boys to raise.”

  “Your father died also?”

  “No. The bastard’s still alive.”

  “Oh. Wow. Tell me how you really feel.”

  I chuckled. “Sorry. He left home when my younger brother and I were kids. My brother hadn’t been much older than four when he left. I was ten. I remember that day like it was yesterday.” I paused and glanced at her. Her father had been right. She was so beautiful, especially in this light, her sky-blue eyes so full of understanding as she listened to me. Talking to her was so comforting. I swore I could tell her anything.

  “The feeling of being abandoned by the one man who was supposed to protect me still digs a hole in my heart.” I tapped my finger to my temple. “And screws with my head sometimes. Though I’d wanted to deny it, I knew when he stood in the doorway that day with his duffle bag dangling from his hand that he wasn’t coming back. And he didn’t. Not until I turned
eighteen. That’s when he showed up and offered to pay for my college. I guess he wanted to make atonement for abandoning us. But by that time, the hatred I’d had for him for leaving had grown exorbitantly.”

  I huffed out a breath and picked up her hand and held it in mine, thrilled that she didn’t pull it away. “Our fathers were quite different, in more ways than one.” I paused again and thought about how I reacted when my father came back. “I refused the money at first, but my mother convinced me to take it. She said I earned everything he was willing to give me, and she also knew I wanted to be a lawyer.

  “At first, I felt guilty. Hypocritical, I guess, taking money from someone I despised. But when I considered my younger brother and how much he missed out on having a father around when he was little, and how much he deserved whatever my father had to offer now, I knew she was right.”

  “I’m sure your mother was right,” Skye murmured. “You did … do deserve his wealth and any affection he might want to offer. And maybe, with time, he might be able to make amends for leaving. It’s up to you, of course, but it never hurts to give someone a second chance. Even if that second chance fails, you’ll always be able to say you tried, and then you won’t have any regrets.” Then she surprised me by resting her head on my shoulder.

  “Giving someone a second chance is something I’ve only recently learned to do.” Her words gave me pause. She was right. Smart too.

  She stared at our hands intertwined together, and I lifted them to my mouth and pressed my lips against the back of hers. Then I smiled. “I’m glad you gave me a second chance.”

  “Me too.” Our gazes caught, and I wanted so much to kiss her sweet lips, but then she released my hand and got up and turned on some lights. Then she went to the window and lifted one of the shades.

  “That’s probably not the best idea, remember? Elias said to stay hidden.”

  She turned to me. “I’m inside all day long. I hate being shut-in at night too. You’re probably right, though.” Then she glanced outside again before lowering the shade. She jumped at the sound of knocking on the door.

  I put my finger to my lips, making a soft shushing sound and stood next to the door. “Who is it?”

  “Jagger.”

  I opened the door. Jagger stood in jeans and a brown leather jacket. He looked so much different in regular clothes than he did in his uniform. Friendlier and less threatening, I supposed. But I bet he was still packing. I knew he did most of the time.

  “We’re leaving now. Elias put a guy on each side of the yard, heading into the woods. I know service is sketchy out here, but they have walkie talkies and know to contact us if needed.”

  “Good to know. Thanks, Jagger.”

  “No problem. Stay safe.”

  I shut the door and turned to Skye. “Come on. We might as well make ourselves comfortable. I have a feeling it’s going to be a long night.”

  I lit the candles and turned out the lights.

  “Why did you do that?”

  “I think the less bright it is in here, the easier to stay hidden.”

  “Oh. That makes sense.”

  We sat on the sofa, and Skye twisted her fingers together. “This is crazy, Milo. I can’t just sit here and do nothing.”

  “We could turn the TV on low. I want to be able to hear if something happens outside.”

  “Good idea.” She picked up the remote and switched on the television, keeping the sound low like I suggested. The screen illuminated the room with an old movie from the 1940s.

  “Oh, my God. It’s The Wolfman.”

  I laughed. “I remember seeing this as a kid.” I was amused as the guy’s feet and legs suddenly became hairy. “I’m glad it doesn’t really happen that way.”

  “We don’t have to watch this.”

  “I don’t mind. I think it’s hilarious.”

  Skye placed the remote on the table in front of us. “I only have a regular antenna, so there’s not much of a selection out here.”

  “Are you hungry?” I was starving.

  “Yeah. I could eat something. But I don’t have much here to cook.”

  “No worries.” I grabbed my phone from my pocket. Thank Christ, I had two bars. I scrolled through my contacts and found Tucker’s name, but before I could tap my finger over his number to call him, there was a knock at the door.

  Skye looked at me. “You expecting anyone else?”

  “No. But stay behind me.” I went to the door and placed my hand at her hip to make sure she was going to stay put. “Who’s there?”

  “Milo? It’s me, Tucker.”

  I turned to her and smiled. “It’s my brother.” I opened the door to find Tucker standing there with two large bags of food with Delight’s Diner logo on each of them.

  I grabbed my brother by the shoulder and tugged him inside, shutting the door behind him. “You’re a lifesaver. How did you know where I was and that we needed food?”

  “Elias came by the house and told mom you were here helping keep watch. She told me to bring you some food. What’s going on, anyway?” He glanced at Skye and smiled. “Hi.”

  “Skye, this is my brother, Tucker.”

  “Nice to meet you.” She gave him one of her gorgeous smiles.

  “Here.” Tucker handed the bags to me. “There’s a couple of burgers in there along with fries, onion rings, a plate of spaghetti and a salad. Mom said to make sure I bring a salad.” He glanced at Skye. “It’s one of Delight’s famous salads with grilled chicken. Her special cilantro lime dressing is on the side, along with some oil and vinegar as an option. The dressing on the side was Delight’s idea. Oh, there’s a couple of orange sodas in there too.”

  “No beer?” I scoffed, but it was probably for the best since I needed to be sober and alert.

  “I tried. But sorry, Delight wouldn’t sell it to me. I’m only 20, remember?”

  “Yeah. I remember.”

  “Thanks. This is very kind.” Skye took the bags and headed to the kitchen. Tucker stuck his hands in his pockets and whispered close to my ear. “There are a couple of pack members hanging around outside, and you’re in here. What’s going on?”

  “We’re just keeping watch.”

  “What for?”

  “It’s pack business.” I knew I could trust Tucker with anything I told him, but I wasn’t sure Skye felt comfortable with him knowing her business.

  “Ah. Well, aren’t you the lucky SOB that gets to stay inside with the pretty lady.” He winked.

  “Yeah, yeah.” I shoved him toward the door, opened it, and he stepped out. “Thanks for the food. I’ll talk to you later.” Then I shut the door before he could say anything else. I loved my brother, but sometimes he was a little brother with too much curiosity.

  I turned to see Skye placing the food on the coffee table in front of the fireplace. She’d put all the food on plates and set the table with napkins and silverware. It was amazing how she somehow made a couple of burgers and spaghetti look like a gourmet dinner. “This looks so fancy.”

  “It’s just paper plates. I don’t have any real ones yet. But I thought it would be nicer to eat on them rather than right from the cartons the food came in.”

  “It all looks great to me.” I sat down on the floor in front of the small table and picked up one of the burgers and took a bite. I hadn’t eaten much since I first laid eyes on this dazzling woman, and I was famished. She snatched an onion ring from the pile and ate it, then cut one of the burgers in half before she forked up some of the salad. I leaned back against the sofa after polishing off a burger, half of the other one and the plate of spaghetti. I sighed and glanced at Skye, who’d finished the salad and part of the half burger. “I think I’ve made a pig of myself.”

  She laughed. “You must have been making up for lost meals. I’m sorry I hadn’t been much of a hostess while you’ve been here. I hadn’t planned on having company.” She stared at the fire. “Or having my car blown to smithereens.”

  “Right.”
I picked up my soda and finished it. “It’s been interesting. I’ll say that. But aside from that last part, I’m glad we’ve had an opportunity to get to know each other.”

  “Not your usual bar pick up?”

  I glanced at her. “I wouldn’t call this a pick up. This is more of an encounter. A happenstance. And under better circumstances, I would say it was a pretty lucky one if you asked me. Aside from the reason we’re here, I find you fascinating.”

  Her eyes widened. “Fascinating? No one’s ever told me I was fascinating.”

  I turned to face her. “I like you, Skye. You know that.”

  “I like you too.”

  “But you won’t let me kiss you.”

  “I …” Her gaze drifted to the mostly empty plate in front of her, and she pushed a lone cherry tomato around the plate with her fork.

  I took the fork from her and placed it on the napkin. Then I lifted both her hands in mine. She glanced at them then looked up into my eyes.

  “I’m not the big bad wolf here. You know that.”

  “I do know that.”

  “Then, will you trust me?”

  16

  SKYE

  I did like him. He was kind, seemed genuinely concerned about me, and, yes, very charming. More than charming. Let’s face it; the man did something to make my stomach flutter like a flock of butterflies whenever he was close to me.

  If I was being honest with myself, every instinct I had told me I could trust him. Even from the very beginning at the bar when he stepped up beside me and pretended to be my date so that creep would leave me alone. He didn’t have to find Elias for me and bring him here. He didn’t have to come back this afternoon with the sheriff and Elias. And he certainly didn’t have to volunteer to stay with me to make sure I was safe. This man was here now because he cared about what happened to me. He wanted to protect me, and I believed he would.

  “I trust you.” The words poured from my lips as if they’d been there all day and couldn’t wait to be uttered.