Blood Moon Box Set

by Natalie Aejaz

  The two things that mattered the most—the shop and Shaun—were gone.

  I’m a fucking idiot, I really am. Why the hell did she still hanker after the shifter, when he’d thought of her as nothing more than good sex? Well, now he was free to fuck anyone in that club. That hurt.

  She would do what it took, but she would get him out of her damn mind. He was probably in that place every night, picking up a new woman. Guys like him didn’t go for relationships; he’d said so enough times himself. And she couldn’t settle for anything less…not anymore. And what about the fact that he was about to destroy her shop?

  But why the hell wouldn’t he leave her alone?

  She’d blocked his calls and avoided unknown numbers, but that didn’t stop him from trying to get through to her or leaving messages. Had the sex been that great for him? But even if it was, that was something he wanted at his own convenience, for as long as it suited him. He would have fucked her in that damn suite at Eclipse until he got bored…and then that door would have opened for someone else. If she had stayed, he would have only broken her heart.

  My heart’s already broken.

  No, she’d been through some shit, but once she was out of here, she’d get her life together again.

  Her mobile showed that he had sent her a message—she still could not bring herself to turn off the notifications that informed her whenever he tried to contact her. The temptation to check the message gnawed at her. How would he have reacted to the news that she was gone? Would he be relieved? Or pissed that she’d left without telling him?

  Damn it; she would not give in to the temptation. There were plenty of other things to do—like packing. She kept at the boxes for the next two hours until the bulk of her belongings were sorted. The remaining bits and pieces—those random remnants that could drive the sanest of individuals up the wall—felt too much to deal with. She would get stuck into them tomorrow, once she’d rested.

  She threw herself across the sofa, exhausted. It was natural to be anxious about shifting to a new place, but once she had, she could shove everything—the shop and Shaun—behind her for good.

  She only hoped that this would be the last fresh start she had to make.

  Her stomach rumbled, reminding her she should get something to eat, but damn it, that bloody temptation was still there, poking her until she went back to the mobile. She picked it up and pressed the keys to bring up his message. Even the device doubted her ability to make a decision and asked if she was sure. She hesitated. What the hell was she worried about? He couldn’t hurt her any more than he already had. So she opened the message.

  Angie. I am sorry about everything. You didn’t deserve to be treated like this. If you give me a chance, it won’t be like before. I want a relationship with you, a proper one. Please get in touch. I’m worried about you. Miss you lots. Shaun x

  Was her mind playing tricks and transforming the words so she understood them to mean what she desired? She read the message again. And again. Until there was no doubt. Shaun wanted to be with her? He was after a relationship? That was one heck of a U-turn. A smidgen of hope lit inside her and although she tried to suppress it, a voice in her head whispered that they might make this work…no way! If there was one thing in life you couldn’t trust, it was such a change of heart. How the hell did he go from claiming he was only interested in casual sex to offering a relationship? He was reacting to the news of her leaving…but that day in his office, hadn’t it felt as if he cared about her? And so what? It didn’t change anything else, did it? He was still the guy getting together with the mob to destroy her dream. And how long would his latest interest in her last, anyway? Until he got bored? No, he’d hurt her enough.

  She composed a message to send to him. I’m not coming back. Goodbye, Shaun.

  CHAPTER TWELVE

  * * *

  WHEN ANGIE RESPONDED TO HIS message, Shaun was in his apartment. Unable to sleep, he lay awake on his king-size bed, staring up at the designer LED lighting embedded in the bedroom ceiling. When the phone beeped, he jumped on it.

  She wasn’t coming back?

  He called her, only to be met with the damn tone that indicated she was out of reach. He wouldn’t see her again? The thought thumped away inside his mind until he saw red. The rage…

  His vision blurred and ears pounded; his beast overcame him, subduing the man as it lashed out. It was the kind of possession that he rarely experienced, and his first instinct was to fight back. An ache twisted his chest as he resisted the takeover, and the pressure throbbed through his head, louder and harder, until it felt as if it might burst his eardrums.

  But his wolf wouldn’t back down, not today, so he let it take over.

  He crouched to the floor, helpless as fur spurted from his body. Pain tingled along every part of his skin as he transformed. His fangs elongated, faster and longer than usual, and as he clawed at the carpet, his nails extended into talons. And then he howled, letting forth the anger and ache that had gathered in his soul, before he jumped onto the bed. The destruction happened as if he was outside his body, watching a movie at a nasty resolution. He was unable to stop the lamp from being smashed against the wall and could only observe as the thick red curtains were pulled down…and a painting thrown to the carpet and stamped on, destroyed.

  On it went until he fell on the bed, exhausted by the frenzy. As the painful pressure in his head receded and his human skin became visible under the fur, he took reprieve, his mind blanking into darkness. He had no idea of how long it was before he opened his eyes again. Shredded silk bed sheets and claw marks marred the crème walls. The lush red carpet hadn’t been spared and that expensive wide-screen was now only good for recycling. It would be a hell of a clean-up job, but he didn’t give a damn about that.

  He’d lost Angie because of his stupidity.

  Regret reached inside him, crushing his breath until his wolf whimpered for relief. Again.

  He stood and left the devastated room, his steps labored. It was early, and the sunlight that streamed through the window only highlighted his misery. Where was she? Was she even safe?

  He went into his spacious kitchen to make a coffee and then sat at the dining table, glancing at the designer units and expensive gadgets. He’d never allowed Angie to step foot inside this apartment, always wanting to keep her out. And now, without her, this shit was meaningless.

  He hadn’t eaten in the club last night but ignored the pangs of hunger, unable to face the thought of forcing anything down his throat as he entered the living room. He switched on the wide-screen in there and then sat on the sofa, flicking through channels, hoping that something would be entertaining or crap enough to drag his thoughts from her. By the time it was 8, he’d reached a decision. He hadn’t treated her right when he had the chance, but it wasn’t too late to make amends.

  He showered, the cool water calming him and putting him in a better frame of mind, and then called his lawyer, Siam.

  “I need to see you,” he told him. “It’s urgent.”

  “I’ll ask my secretary to book you in—”

  “I need to see you now.”

  “What’s it regarding?”

  “Bygone. The antique shop.”

  FOR THE FIRST TIME SINCE finding out that Angie was the one involved in a legal dispute over the shop, Shaun was clear about what he needed to do. He headed to his lawyer’s office before he went to work. As usual, the silver-haired Siam sat at his wood desk, engrossed in documents.

  “Thank you for seeing me at such short notice,” said Shaun as he took a seat. Yes, he was one of the lawyer’s main clients, but it didn’t hurt to be polite. “I’ll get straight to the point. I want to scrap the loan arrangement and transfer ownership of the antique shop to Angie Parker. Without any caveats.” The lawyer opened his mouth but shut it again without saying anything. “How long before the documents are ready?” Siam stared at him, blinking. He was aware of the arrangement with James. “Well then, say something,�
� said Shaun, curbing his irritation.

  The lawyer glanced at the papers before him, as if for inspiration. “You want to transfer the property to Angie Parker?”

  “Yes.” There was an edge to his voice. “As I’ve told you.”

  “I don’t get it. James and Drake fought that woman’s solicitor tooth and nail to keep hold of this shop, and now you plan to hand it over to her?” He shook his head, leaning back in his chair. “What’s going on?”

  “I’m not interested in the property anymore.”

  “What’s James’ view?”

  “He has no legal share, remember? I purchased the loan from him.”

  “A brave, if foolhardy stance.” Siam shifted in his chair, as if he couldn’t get comfortable. “If you want to get rid of the shop, why aren’t you putting it up for sale instead? It’s not your style to give away assets. Nobody expects that of you.”

  “I’m done with expectations.” When he handed this property over to Angie, there’d be trouble with Drake and James, and even Blade and his other friends might be pissed. As if that wasn’t enough, other unsavory members of their business world would think he’d turned soft and try to exploit this newly developed weakness—but worrying about all that was pointless when all he cared about right now was Angie.

  “Shaun? You know that once you’ve done this, that’s it?”

  “I’ve dealt in real estate for years.” He withheld the cuss words that came to his lips, but as his head pounded, he felt his eyes flash. And his bloody nails were extending. “I know how it works, Siam.”

  Sweat gathered above the lawyer’s upper lip, his eyes fixed to Shaun’s. Well, at least the amber of his shifter gaze was enough to end the conversation. “If you’re sure, I’ll organize the documents, and we’ll get this moving.”

  “Cheers. I appreciate it.” Shaun left the office and then made his way to the adjoining car park where he’d parked his Porsche. He sat inside the vehicle and slammed the door shut before leaning back in the seat to take a deep breath.

  If he’d had the guts to do this earlier, Angie might have still been here.

  Shaun was answering emails in his office when he received a call from Blade. He had dropped the demon a voicemail when he couldn’t get hold of him, to let him know about his decision. He didn’t want him hearing about it from someone like Will, the broker.

  “Before you drag me over the coals for this, Blade, I’ve made up my mind. And I’m sorry if it lands anyone in shit.”

  “Have you told Drake?”

  “He’s coming by the office to see me.” In fact, the mobster would arrive at any minute.

  “Do you need me there?”

  Blade’s offer both touched and surprised him. “I appreciate it, but I’ve got to fight this battle alone. It’s my mess, and I’ll clear it up.”

  “It’s why I respect you, despite your recent tendencies to fuck up.”

  Shaun chuckled. “I better get going, but thanks for your support.”

  “I won’t claim to understand why you’re doing this, but you need to know one thing. I’ll always have your back.”

  “Thanks, Blade. That’s good to know.”

  He felt more confident when he got off the phone—at least he hadn’t managed to fuck up his friendships. When the knock at the door came, he was ready to face Drake. The big man walked in, ice-blue eyes narrowed as if he was looking for a fight. He’d dressed in a tailored gray suit with a black shirt, his face grim and muscled frame heaving as he took a seat without asking. For a few moments, he sat silent, allowing the tension to simmer. When he spoke, his voice was low and hard. “So we’re back to square one, Shaun?”

  “Sorry, but I’m giving the property to Angie.”

  “Big. Fucking. Mistake.” The mobster’s jaw clenched. “If you do this, I won’t forget it and neither will James.”

  “I’m sure you won’t, but I’ve made my decision. I’m doing this.”

  “Go back on your word, and I’ll ensure that no fucker in this business deals with you.”

  Shaun did not hesitate. “I can live with that.” He had enough sound property investments to expand his firm through the legit route. Having men like Drake and James on his side had meant perks and big money, but all that was losing its appeal.

  The other man ground his teeth, seriously pissed off this time. “Your final decision?”

  “Yes. But it’s nothing personal, just business—”

  “Except that it wasn’t just business, was it? You’re fucking us over for a good lay.”

  Shaun clenched his fingers into fists, his claws pressing into his palms. When his eyes flashed, it had no impact on Drake. “Whatever the reason, it’s done. I understand if you want nothing to do with me or my firm again.”

  “You’ve got no idea of the opportunity you’ve turned down. If you’d stuck by us, you would have gone a long way.” Drake stood. “Good luck managing your business legally. And good bye, Shaun.”

  He didn’t even wait for a response as he stormed out of the room and slammed the door behind him.

  Shaun leaned forward, his head in his hands as a strange sensation came over him.

  Peace…he’d finally made the right decision.

  ONLY ONE DAY LEFT TO leave. Angie had booked the flight for tomorrow and arranged a cargo service for her belongings, including the stuff she wasn’t even sure she wanted. But she was taking as much as she could, needing to have lots of familiar items with her. She’d put feelers out about jobs and already had some interest. It wouldn’t be the same as running her own business, but she’d have to adapt to her new future.

  When her phone rang, and her lawyer’s name flashed, she frowned. Why was he calling? There was nothing more to discuss about the shop, was there? It was gone. She answered, her voice wary. “Hey, Juan. What’s up?”

  “Could you come by the office, Angie? It’s about Bygone.”

  The last thing she wanted was to bring all that up again. “Look, I’m done with that place. I can’t go there anymore—”

  “I’ve heard from Mr. Taylor’s lawyer today.” And Shaun’s lawyer was contacting hers…because? The shifter had what he wanted. “Mr. Taylor wishes to get rid of the loan agreement. It means the shop will belong to you.”

  Yeh, right. “It’s a trick, Juan.” Shaun’s last-ditch attempt to get her back in bed, more like it.

  “It’s not, Angie. I wondered what the lawyer was up to myself, but I’ve received the documents, and they’re above board. He’s withdrawing his legal claim over the property. All I need is a few signatures from you and then we’ll get things going.”

  “Are you sure?” She didn’t intend to raise her hopes only to have them dashed again.

  “Yes. You’re getting the property back.” But what made Shaun change his mind? “Angie? You still want the shop, don’t you?”

  “Yes…” It was as if a burden lifted from her, and she was able to breathe again. This changed everything. She didn’t have to move to Boston and start from scratch. She could return to making plans for the business…her dream was on track again. “Let’s fix a time for me to come in, Juan.”

  After she’d set up an appointment with the lawyer, she collapsed on her sofa, grinning like an idiot as she stared at the boxes surrounding her. She’d refused Shaz’s offer to help pack, but she sure looked forward to inviting her over for an unpacking party…

  But what about Shaun?

  She picked up her phone again and checked his message.

  Angie. I am sorry about everything. You didn’t deserve to be treated like this. If you give me a chance, it won’t be like before. I want a relationship with you, a proper one. Please get in touch. I’m worried about you. Miss you lots. Shaun x

  And this time, instead of getting pissed as she read the words, her smile widened.

  Because now she believed him.

  TONIGHT WOULD KILL HIM. IT was the full moon, and Shaun had been on edge since the sun set. His wolf howled, not just for a
female but for the one he couldn’t have—the one who was gone. There was no pointing hanging around in the office, because he couldn’t focus on work. He hadn’t been able to since she left. But the nights were the worst. Every time he closed his eyes, trying to get the rest he desperately needed, brown eyes danced before him, teasing and torturing his beast…

  As he logged off his laptop, intending to go home and drink enough whiskey to fall into a stupor, the demon called.

  “You promised to visit,” said Blade, starting the conversation exactly how Shaun had predicted he would. “Days ago.”

  “Been busy with work.”

  “You don’t need to lie to me.” Shaun didn’t respond. “But you can if you want to. Why not come over tonight, and we’ll have a drink while you pretend all is super fine in your life?”

  “Not a good idea, mate.” That club, where he first met Angie, was a place he needed to keep away from.

  “Come on, you’ve been promising for ages.”

  It wasn’t like the demon to push—did he need company tonight? Considering the times he’d covered Shaun’s back, this wasn’t a big ask. “Only one drink. I’ll come over now. Which zone?”

  “Oasis. Middle landing.”

  “I’ll be there soon.”

  But it was the last place he wanted to be as he drove. When he stepped out of the Porsche at the main entrance and then walked past the queue, his eyes flitted among the bodies, half-expecting to see Angie. She wasn’t there, of course. This was where he’d first seen her, when she stepped out and bumped into him. If he’d know the impact she would have on his life, he would have ran in the opposite direction of the club that night.

  “Can’t you push the queue along any faster?” a designer-clad woman in the noisy crowd shouted at nobody in particular. A glance at her neck revealed bite marks. “By the time I get in there, all the blood-suckers will have been taken.”

  At the entrance, Shaun drew a deep breath. Getting drunk at home, alone, still seemed a grand idea. He could make an excuse to the demon later, couldn’t he? Fuck it, he had to return to the club some time. He entered, and it was just as he’d feared. Memories of Angie everywhere. How he’d swiped the phone without checking the image…when she’d come to the hotel room…the way she’d kissed and touched him…Fuck. That thinking would not make him feel any more sane.