Dark Moon Falls: Volume 2

by Bella Roccaforte

  Deacon watched Purity, worried the other woman’s sympathy would put Purity off. Instead, however, Purity smiled at Madison. “Thank you,” Purity said. “I’m fine for now.” She glanced over at Deacon, her smile brightening. “Deacon has made sure of that.”

  “Always the hero,” Logan said, chuckling as he lifted his cup to his lips.

  This time, anyway. Deacon shuffled in his seat, giving the others a weak smile. “Right place at the right time, that’s all.”

  Logan glanced over at him. “Have you reached out to your father yet? I’m sure he knows you’re in town by now.”

  Madison continued to talk to Purity, ignoring the men. “Do you have any plans now that you’ve had to leave Summermire? Are you returning? Pressing charges? You really should, you know? People like him need to be held accountable.”

  Purity shook her head. “I haven’t a clue, really. I can’t go back.”

  “But you can press charges,” Madison stressed. “You really should. He needs to know he can’t get away with hitting women or bullying people.”

  “No, I haven’t spoken to him, yet,” Deacon said as he glanced over at Purity. He wasn’t sure now what he would tell his father, especially with Purity here. He knew he would have to talk to his family sooner or later. He had avoided it for ten years, running away from a pain that followed him even overseas. “I will. Eventually.”

  “I just want to put it behind me,” Purity said. “Damien’s not someone you betray easily or walk away from if he wants you to stay. I just need to stay away from him now that I’ve managed to break free of his goons.”

  “Do you think it’ll be that easy?” Logan asked, turning his attention to the ladies’ conversation. “You just said if he wants you to stay, you can’t get away from him. Do you think he’ll just let you disappear?”

  Purity shrugged. “I’m not sure, but I hope so. Outside of the humiliation of losing one of his toys, he has no real reason to want me to return. He’ll find another way to make money off poor women’s backs, I’m sure.”

  Deacon stared at her, hoping she was right, but not confident that it was so. For men like Damien Croft, the humiliation of losing, of being beaten, was bad enough to cause him to hunt her down, just so he could exact his payback on her. Heaven help the man if he dared try, however.

  Deacon glanced over at Logan. “I hoped to go to her place and grab some of her things today. Any chance I can get you, maybe Morgan as well, to go with me.” He shrugged. “If Damien is watching her place, a show of force might be good.”

  “I think that’s a great idea,” Madison said before Logan could answer for himself. “Purity can hang out with me then. Maybe do some shopping or just chill at the cabin.” She glanced out the window. “Although, it is a gorgeous day for a walk in the woods if you’re interested.”

  Purity nodded as she tucked a strand of her blond hair behind her ear. “A walk in the woods sounds awesome.” She shrugged as she added, “I’m not much of a shopper.”

  “I wish Madison wasn’t,” Logan said with a soft chuckle and a shake of his head.

  His mate swatted his arm, giggling. “Stop that. If I didn’t drag your ass out of that cabin once in a while, you’d keep us sitting around naked all the time.”

  Logan’s eyes went wide. “You say that like it’s a bad thing.”

  “We both need to get out more, get some sun, meet people,” Madison said, waggling a finger at him. “You’ve been a recluse too long.”

  Deacon listened to the two of them go at it for a bit, thinking it was good to see his friend finally out of his sullen mood. While Deacon was in the Army, Logan and his brother, Dusker, were on a mission with the Pack Hunters that wound up costing Dusker his life. Logan spent the next several months avoiding people and staying holed up in a cabin with his German Shepherd, Dax. Outside of a witch, Dara, and the other Hunters checking in on him once in a while, Logan remained isolated until he returned home from The Wolf Inn one night and found Madison almost dead on his front porch. He saved her life, and she saved his soul, something Deacon worried his friend had lost forever. Listening to the couple bickering now meant Logan was back to himself, and Deacon couldn’t be happier for his friend. Deacon only hoped he would find that person for himself one day.

  Glancing over at Purity, Deacon wondered if perhaps he already had. His wolf seemed to think so.

  Chapter Eight

  Purity never had a close group of friends in Summermire, not even among the other strippers as most of them wanted to dance at Cheaters, eager to strut their asses for a handful of singles, while the choice had been ripped from Purity’s hand. Watching Deacon with the others warmed her heart, knowing people still had friendships in the world. She just needed to find it for herself.

  Once they finished their coffees, the men left in Deacon’s car to pick up Morgan, while Madison took Purity back to the cabin the woman shared with Logan. Purity was happy not to be cooped up in Deacon’s motel room at least. Besides, the sunshine would do her good, and she loved the outdoors, even though she rarely made it out to enjoy them.

  Madison talked as they drove, warning Purity about Dax, their German Shepherd, and how the wildlife kept the area active with snapping branches and twigs. Purity thought the other woman seemed nice enough, friendly, welcoming; after all, she did invite a perfect stranger into her home, one with a troubled past and not the most prestigious of jobs. Logan had even sacrificed his day to help Deacon get some of her belongings from her apartment. Even Morgan, last night, seemed to go out of his way to help her, offering advice and making sure she was safe as much as he looked out for Deacon.

  Deacon.

  Purity sighed as she stared out the passenger window at the passing trees. The man had done more than just keep her from getting her ass handed to her by Damien; he brought her back to his motel, gave her a place to hide and sleep, and is, right now, heading to her place to get her things where he could very well come face-to-face with Damien again. What was she to make of her muscle-bound savior with the brooding brows? She smiled as she pictured his dark green eyes when he glanced at her, his hand out, asking if she was ready to leave last night. The world possessed superheroes, and Deacon McKay was hers. Her honey dripped every time she thought of him, saw his smile and the twinkle in his eyes. There was no way she could repay him for what he did for her, but she wanted to try.

  “We’re here,” Madison said as she turned the car off and opened her door.

  As she slid out of the vehicle, Purity looked around at the cabin surrounded by giant trees, pines, oaks, shrubs interspersed here and there. The mountain rose behind the cabin, leading up and away into the late-morning, and she could hear squirrels scurrying in the branches above her as a bird stared down at them from its perch on a thick branch. The day was cool, a slight breeze rustling the smaller branches. Purity closed her eyes and inhaled deeply of the surrounding forest, taking in the damp smell of the trees from last night’s rain, the fragrant aroma of the nearby flowers mixed with the scent of the moss hanging from the majestic trees. She envied Madison for having this surround her every day, waking up to it, going to sleep cradled in the forest’s peaceful arms.

  “I agree,” Madison said to Purity’s unvoiced assessment. “This place is gorgeous.” She stood with her hands on her hips as she gazed up into the forest canopy above her. “Logan wasn’t the only plus to landing on his porch.” She turned back to Purity, grinning. “Don’t tell him I said that, though.”

  Purity giggled as she walked around the car to join the other woman. “Your secret is safe with me. Trust me, I’d love to wake up to this every day as well.”

  “Want to go for walk or would you rather head inside for a glass of tea or lemonade? I have some wine, too, if you’d rather have that, instead.” Madison glanced over at Purity, allowing her to decide.

  Purity took in the surrounding woods. “A walk sounds great. I could use some fresh air.”

  “A walk it is then,” Madison said
. “Give me a moment to let Dax out. I’m sure he could stretch his legs some. Besides, Logan prefers Dax accompanies me when I go for walks. There are still plenty of rogues in the area, ready to cause damage or other mischief. No sense taking chances.”

  Purity agreed with the woman as she watched Madison step up to the front porch. As soon as she cracked the door open, a dark nose poked out, and the German Shepherd shoved his way outside, barking as he bounded down the steps, jumping up and down, wagging his tail as he raced over to Purity. Leaning down a little, she braced as she held out her hand for the dog to sniff, smiling at his exuberance. “He’s a friendly pup,” she said, laughing as the dog licked her hand. She scratched behind his ears for a bit before he turned and bounced off into the woods. She stood back up, her mood lighter just from having seen the dog. “God, I love animals. They’re so much friendlier than people.” She turned to Madison, worried her words insulted the woman. “Most people, I mean,” she added with a weak smile.

  Madison laughed as she started down one of the trails leading away from the cabin. “Trust me; I know exactly what you mean. And, for the record, I agree with you.”

  The sun peeked through the treetops, the ground still covered in splotches of shadow as they walked along the leaf-strewn ground. The crisp air filled Purity’s lungs, filling her with a calmness she hadn’t felt in months as the breeze caressed her cheeks. Dark Moon Falls was a quieter town than Summermire, much quieter, and she definitely basked in the difference.

  “So,” Madison started, her arms down at her sides. “You seem a bit smitten with Deacon. Have you two known each other long?”

  “Smitten?” Purity repeated, feeling her brows pinch over her nose. She thought she kept her, um, attraction hidden. Deacon was soft on the eyes and had kept her passion wet since she met him inside Cheaters. “I, uh, um, no, no, I haven’t known him long at all. One night, to be exact.” She shrugged, clasping her hands behind her. “Smitten, though? I, uh, wouldn’t say that so much as, you know, attracted perhaps?”

  Madison laughed. “That was a lot of words to deny something. You sure there isn’t a little something more there than attraction? I wouldn’t blame you. Deacon is definitely someone to get all hot and bothered over.” She glanced over at Purity, grinning. “Don’t tell Logan I said that, either.”

  Purity laughed along with the other woman. “No worries,” she assured Madison, Purity’s mind already picturing Deacon as he was last night when he defended her: strong, powerful, and drop dead gorgeous. “Truth is, well, I’m worried I’m putting too much into it; that these emotions—this attraction—is because of the adrenaline of the situation.” And then, the truth of the matter came out, the fear that always kept her back from getting close to anyone. “Besides, I’m a stripper. Not exactly the girl to bring home to mother, you know?” She shook her head. “I’m sure he wouldn’t want me on his arm; at least, not for more than a lap dance or two.”

  “He seems to be going through a lot right now if all he’s hoping for are a few free lap dances,” Madison said as she watched Dax prance off, sniffing around bushes and fallen logs. “I don’t know Deacon, I’ll admit; I’ve met him about the same time as you did. I do know how horny men can get, trust me, but I also know that look in a wolf’s eyes when his animal has scented the one for them. Deacon might not realize it, yet, but his wolf has, I’m pretty sure.”

  Purity’s nerves tightened at the thought of mating with one of the Dark Moon Falls Pack. Even in Summermire, she heard about the pull of the inner wolf, leading men to their mates, choosing the one the human part of the wolf will spend the rest of their life with. “I’m sure you’re seeing things,” she said, crossing her arms over her chest as she stared down at her feet as she walked. “There’s no way his wolf would have chosen me.”

  “Because you’re a stripper? You really need to get over that, sweetie. After all, Deacon found you at that club, remember? And he took you away after he defeated Damien. I’m pretty sure he sees you as more than a stripper.” Madison chuckled. “Of course, I’m sure it might come in handy for some of those colder nights out here, if you know what I mean.”

  Purity giggled, the tension leaving her shoulders a little as she pictured herself giving Deacon a dance in his motel room. “It would at that. I never did dance for him at the club.”

  “Really? How come?”

  “Never got the chance,” Purity said, regret filling her voice. “Damien saw me standing there not making him money and forced me to go dance for some creep in the private booths. I never managed to get back to Deacon before he left.” She remembered how disappointed she felt when she noticed the two men had left last night, Deacon especially.

  Some branches crunched behind them, snapping their attention around as they spun. Dax barked, spinning around and racing toward the newcomer as Purity’s heart thumped hard in her chest, fearing the worst. What if Damien had found her?

  Chapter Nine

  Deacon opened the door to Purity’s apartment with the key she gave him before they parted ways at Hot Joy Café, staring at the destruction strewn all over the place. Tables were overturned, lamps broken and scattered across the carpet, and pictures smashed at the bottom of the walls. The inside smelt like jasmine and lilacs with a touch of what he thought was cinnamon underneath the mess, a sharp contrast to the chaos in front of him. A small lamp setting on its side was still lit, casting a small glow over the otherwise dark apartment, the curtains drawn tight, barring any daylight from coming inside. It surprised Deacon they weren’t ripped from their rods as well, but then again whoever did this probably didn’t want anyone peeking in and seeing the damage before Purity returned. Why Purity kept her place dark, Deacon wasn’t sure; maybe hiding from the outside world. It’s not like it had treated her well over the past few months, especially last night from the looks of things.

  “Seems like someone paid Purity a visit last night,” Logan said with a deep breath, hands on his hips as he stared around the apartment. “Good thing you took her to your place. I’d hate to think what would have happened if she was here when they arrived.”

  Another sound came from behind them. “I didn’t see anyone who seemed to be casing the joint,” Morgan said as he entered the apartment behind Logan. “Holy shit! They trashed this place.” He shook his head. “Like I said, I don’t see anyone, but that doesn’t mean they’re not out there. I’d make it quick if I were you. If Damien will beat the shit out of a woman—and do all of this—I don’t think these guys are the type to fight fair.”

  “Agreed,” Logan said as he moved further into the room. “What all are we picking up?”

  Deacon ran a hand through his dark hair. “I guess that depends on what whoever did this left behind.” He turned to the others, feeling his lips press into a grim line. “Let’s see if we can find a suitcase or two, and we’ll pick out some clothes for her. Some shoes. I’ll get her bathroom stuff, makeup and toothbrush.”

  “Don’t forget the blow dryers and whatever else you see in there,” Logan said, chuckling. “Trust me; having lived with Madison for a while, I know how often they use those things, and how they can’t do without them.” He shook his head. “All that work, and she looks gorgeous without it.”

  Deacon gave a soft laugh as he searched closets for something to put everything in to take back to Purity. Logan was right; Purity looked damn good without all the extra effort. Before bed, Deacon saw her without her makeup and much preferred that version. The way his wolf howled within, he knew there was something more than just a simple attraction happening. What he didn’t know was what to do about it?

  While he was inside, Deacon walked around, glancing at the pictures on the walls, the broken knickknacks of fairies sitting under giant mushrooms scattered on the floor mixed with ceramic cats toying with balls of yarn. There was even a floating teacup with books pouring out of the cup and down onto the saucer that somehow survived the chaos, tipped over on its side on the floor. Whoever broke in had left
little untouched. Deacon shook his head, smiling even in the midst of the chaos around him. Purity definitely possessed an eclectic taste in her decorating.

  “This place is a frickin’ mess,” Morgan said, reaching down and setting an end table upright as he moved toward the back bedroom and bathroom. “What the hell was the point?”

  “Fear,” Logan said with a shake of his head. “I saw it during my time with the Hunters. It’s merely an intimidation tactic to throw Purity off and keep her paranoid.” He turned, looking at Deacon, his face a grim mask. “They’re also making a point.”

  Deacon nodded. “That they haven’t forgotten her.” He took a deep breath as he ran a hand through his dark hair. Damien still wanted his money.

  Deacon moved toward the bedroom, but one picture on the floor snagged his attention. Pausing, he reached down and picked up the broken frame, tipping it over to allow the broken glass to fall to the floor before turning it back over. The photograph was of Purity and another woman who had to be her sister, only with darker hair. They both possessed the same eyes, thin brows, and the small nose with the slight curve at the tip. Outside of their hair color, there was no denying they were related. Deacon slid the picture out of the broken frame and into his back pocket, believing Purity would want it.

  After rummaging through Purity’s apartment, they found a couple of suitcases and a laundry basket, and emptied her dresser and closet into them, picking up the clothes that were scattered across her bedroom floor. Taking a smaller bag he found under her bathroom vanity, Deacon packed her toiletries: toothbrush, shampoo, body wash, all the things a woman needed that men couldn’t even comprehend or appreciate.

  Once they finished, everything stacked in the living room, the three men stood there, hands on their hips as they stared around at the place.