Текст книги "Turn of the Moon"
Автор книги: L. P. Dover
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Текущая страница: 13 (всего у книги 15 страниц)
Bailey
“Damn, I have to say the full moon really did a number on you two,” Sebastian teased. He shut his car door and joined Ryker and I on the front porch. We’d slept in the woods all night and had only been back long enough to have a shower and get dressed.
I got up and hugged him. “It’s an amazing feeling.”
Chuckling, he let me go and shook Ryker’s hand. “And it looks like you now have the power of a royal. I could sense it all the way down the street.”
Ryker put his arm around me. “It’s strange because I feel like myself, but only not. I can’t describe it.”
Sebastian nodded. “All I can say is, embrace it. You have an advantage over all the other wolves. Be careful how you use it. Jealousy can be an ugly thing.”
Ryker’s phone started to ring so he kissed me on the head and disappeared inside, leaving me alone with Sebastian.
“You didn’t have to stay until the full moon,” I told him.
“Yes, I did. I had to make sure you were safe until then.”
“And now you don’t have to make sure I’m safe?” I teased.
“Not like before. Ryker can protect you a whole hell of a lot better than I could at this point. You’re both stronger than me now that you have combined your magic.”
“So what happens now?”
He tapped my chin and smiled. “I’m going to go to California to help Micah and Faith move.”
Once we’d gotten home from Canada, Micah had left to stay with my sister until after the full moon. It killed me not to see her, but Micah thought it’d be best to make sure no one attacked. Now our pack was stronger with two royal alphas.
“I wasn’t talking about that,” I said.
He stared at me for a moment, furrowing his brows. “Are you asking about my duties to you as a protector?”
I nodded. “I just want to know you’ll still be here. You’re a part of my family.”
Chuckling, he put his arm around my shoulders and squeezed. “I’m not going anywhere, B. I like giving Whitemore a hard time, and the area has grown on me. Besides, you may not need me to protect you anymore, but you’re my family as well. I love you, kid.”
“Kid? You look the same age as me, wise ass.”
He pinched my cheek. “Yeah, but I’m almost a hundred years older than you.” I smacked his hand away and he rushed off toward his car, laughing. “Tell your brother I said hey when he gets into town. I don’t think I’ll be back in time to greet him.”
“Will do, old man. Be careful and make sure to bring my sister home safely.”
“I will. That’s a promise.” Getting into his car, he drove out of the driveway and I waved.
I couldn’t wait to see my sister. Soon, I would have my whole family reunited. Ryker was still on the phone, so I climbed back up on the porch and sat down in my rocking chair. It wouldn’t be long before the first snow graced us. I could smell it in the air.
“Fuckhead gone already?” he asked, sitting beside me.
I laughed. “Yes. The sooner he gets Faith, the sooner I can see her.”
“You could’ve had Micah just bring her himself.”
“True, but I wanted to make sure she was extra protected. I’m not taking any chances when it comes to her safety. She’s unmated and vulnerable.”
Holding my hand, he lifted it up to his lips and kissed it. “I understand, angel. I thought maybe we could have a welcoming party for her when she arrives. We could even have one when your brother comes too.”
Excitement bubbled in my veins. “That sounds like a great idea. We can invite the other packs. I’m determined to help our wolves find their mates.”
“Then it’s settled. I’ll get Tyla to help us. She loves planning parties.” We sat outside on the porch until the sun dipped behind the mountains, casting the sky in sultry pink and orange glows. “What do you want to do tonight?” he asked. I bit my lip and pictured us making love. His eyes flashed and he chuckled. “That’s a given, angel.”
“I can think of something else,” I murmured. It was something I’d wanted to do the night before. By the look in his eyes, he knew what I was going to ask. “Aren’t you at all curious to see our future?” I asked.
He sighed. “I am, but sometimes it’s better not knowing.”
“True, but I don’t think I can go forever without tasting your blood. It’s intoxicating.” Lifting the hem of my sundress, I climbed up onto his lap and straddled his body. I moved my hips against his and took his mouth in a kiss, nipping his bottom lip with my teeth. I moaned the second I tasted his blood. Growling low, he dug his fingers into my hips and pressed me down on his arousal.
“Fuck, woman, you’re going to drive me insane.”
“Yes, but you like it.”
“You have no idea.” Eyes flashing, he unzipped his pants and slammed me down on his cock. His mouth widened and then everything disappeared as he sank his teeth into my neck. My mind was like a whirlwind, drifting me from our world to somewhere else. Only this time, Ryker was able to witness the vision right beside me.
“Is this how it is for you when you experience it?” he asked.
I glanced around at our surroundings and there was a magical glow about the place, almost like a mist. “Sort of . . . it always has this magical feel to it, but I usually experience the vision firsthand. Now it feels like we’re watching it happen.” We were at our house, but there was no one around until a car pulled down the driveway. I looked at Ryker, lifting my brows. “Do you know them?”
He shook his head. The man and woman got out of the car with two small children and they raced to the front door. However, the door opened before they could knock. I gasped when I got a good look at the man and woman. “Holy hell!”
My skin was wrinkled and so was Ryker’s. We looked to be around eighty years old in human years. Ryker walked up and stood beside himself, gazing at him in awe. “This is surreal.”
The old Ryker scooped the little girl in his arms and she laughed. “Guess what I learned to do today, Great Granddaddy?”
“What?” he asked.
“I learned to swim! I can’t wait to tell everyone.”
The old Bailey kissed her on the cheek. “And everyone will be so proud of you. Why don’t you and your brother go inside and see what I have on the counter?”
“Is it chocolate chip cookies?” she squealed.
The old me winked at her and the kids rushed inside, giggling the entire time. More people showed up and we gazed in awe at what appeared to be our children, all grown up with families of their own. We had two sons and a daughter, all happy with their mates.
The vision started to fade and Ryker grabbed my hand. “Is it over?”
“Yes.” I wanted to see more, but I knew one day I would.
Gasping, I awoke in Ryker’s arms, still connected. He kissed me hard and held on tight. “We were old,” he murmured.
A tear slid down my cheek. “And we were happy.”
He wiped away my tear and smiled. “It looks like we’re going to be together for a long time.”
“I wouldn’t want it any other way. You’re mine, Ryker Whitemore.”
“Always.”
THE END
~Rise of the Moon~
(A Royal Shifters novel)
Read other books by L. P. Dover
COMING SOON
Keep reading for a sneak peek at
The Mystic Wolves by Belinda Boring,
The Space Between by Kristie Cook,
And
Dire (The Dire Wolves Chronicles) by Alyssa Rose Ivy
NEW YORK TIMES and USA Today Bestselling author, L.P. Dover, is a southern belle residing in North Carolina along with her husband and two beautiful girls. Before she even began her literary journey she worked in Periodontics enjoying the wonderment of dental surgeries.
Not only does she love to write, but she loves to play tennis, go on mountain hikes, white water rafting, and you can’t forget the passion for singing. Her two number one fans expect a concert each and every night before bedtime and those songs usually consist of Christmas carols.
Aside from being a wife and mother, L.P. Dover has written over twenty novels including her Forever Fae series, the Second Chances series, and her standalone novel, Love, Lies, and Deception. Her favorite genre to read is romantic suspense and she also loves writing it. However, if she had to choose a setting to live in it would have to be with her faeries in the Land of the Fae.
L.P. Dover is represented by Marisa Corvisiero of Corvisiero Literary Agency and Italia Gandolfo at Gandolfo Helin & Fountain Literary Management for dramatic rights.
The Mystic Wolves
by Belinda Boring
Chapter One
“Quit your posturing, Daniel, and hike the ball!”
I couldn’t help but laugh at the serious tone coming from Mason as he growled at his best friend. Looking around at the others on the makeshift field, I turned to Jasmine and rolled my eyes.
“What is it with men and football? Don’t they know it’s just a game?” I brushed a strand of hair away from my eyes as I looked over to see the play. Daniel finally sent the ball to the quarterback, and after that it was just a blur.
Mason quickly faked, running through his team as they opened up a path for him. He twisted out of the grasp of some of the opposing players, but Jonas was no match for him. I winced at the sound of bodies hitting at full force, and for the hundredth time that afternoon, wondered why I was watching.
The sun was hot, beating down on the Pack, as we enjoyed a peaceful Sunday afternoon together. Mason had called everyone in for a game and food—the men getting their macho groove on first, and then once their bloodthirstiness was appeased, they’d let the women play too.
“Don’t let them hear you say that, Darcy. Last time you did, you almost started a war, and that was just with my brother.” Jasmine glanced over at Mason with a soft smile. I reached over to give her a quick hug. By becoming the future mate of the Mystic Wolves Alpha, not only did I gain someone to love forever, but I was also blessed with a best friend, sister, and confidante. Or, depending on what mischief we got up to, a partner in crime and fellow conspirator. Our favorite targets—Mason and Daniel.
“He talked to me like I was stupid. How was I to know there was actual strategy to the game? As far as I knew, it was just a bunch of guys standing around, slapping butts, and taking a million breaks in between passing the ball around,” I scoffed.
“Well, you didn’t help your case by calling them wusses. I’m pretty sure you offended their sense of masculine pride. I swear Daniel practically beat his chest at you.” She covered her mouth to hide her giggle, her gaze darting over to the object of her crush. “I’ll admit he did look adorable doing it.”
“Yeah, me Daniel ... you woman who should be in kitchen cooking.” I thumped myself, doing my best to represent a caveman. “And he’s mild compared to Mr. Alpha-Super-Protective over there.” I pointed toward Mason, feeling a flush of desire at the way his t-shirt clung tightly to his torso.
“So what does that say about us? You’re desperately in love with my brother, and I can’t quite shake the way Daniel makes me giddy when he looks at me.”
“It makes us women who know what we want, even if it means we’re crazy about a bunch of dorks.” The sound of shouting brought our attention to the field, and I groaned loudly, the sight before us a complete mess.
It was a free for all—bodies piled by the sideline, and I couldn’t quite tell who was on the bottom. Whoever it was I felt for them because all that weight … it had to hurt.
Mason rose to his feet, and began digging through the rubble. Grabbing shirts randomly, he soon had everyone pulled off the poor fool at the base of the heap. Jonas was slow to stand, looking a little drunk as he swayed back and forth. With a few hearty back slaps from his team, he shook his head as if to clear something and broke out into a wide smile.
“Neanderthals, I swear one day they’re going to kill themselves.” I snorted loudly, not caring who heard. Of course Mason did, and he winked at me. I poked my tongue at him and his voice echoed in my mind.
Tease.
I blew him a kiss and looked on in horror as I saw Eric come barreling toward him. The impact of the hit sent Mason soaring through the air, much to the entertainment of the team.
“Darcy, whatever you’re doing, knock it off! We need Mason to focus, and he can’t do that if he’s making goofy eyes at you,” Daniel yelled out, and was joined with the agreement of the others. Shrugging my shoulders slightly, I offered a small apology and breathed a sigh of relief when I saw Mason standing. As if nothing had happened, he got back into formation, waiting for the ball.
A quick snap and pass to Daniel, I saw him leaping over a tackle, before running to the end for a touchdown. Cheers rose in the air, and I whistled loudly as I watched Daniel and Wade chest bump.
“Yay! You got another goal! I’m so proud of you guys!” I cupped my hands around my mouth, and hollered loudly. I was rewarded with a chorus of corrections.
“You do know it’s called a touchdown, right? This isn’t soccer,” Jasmine whispered.
“Of course, but it’s worth having them remind me when I forget. I seriously think Mason risks losing his eyeballs if they rolled any farther back into his head.”
“You’re so bad. I love it!” Jasmine knocked shoulders with me, and I reached over to grab hold of her hand.
“What else is there to do but torment the ones we love, huh? Oh, it’s your turn too by the way.” Looking around, I could see her thinking.
“Hmmm, what haven’t we used yet today?” She took in a deep breath, and then let out an almighty cry. “Come on, slackers. You call this a game? Shoot and score already!”
Mason raised his hand to his mouth, releasing a shrill whistle and signaled for a time out.
“You’re in for it now. Wonder how long it’ll take for him to start lecturing us?” I whispered quietly, watching the teams separate into their own huddles. Mason shared a few short commands before he started jogging over to where we were sitting.
“Hey babe, looking good out there. Is it almost time for us to join in? Jasmine and I have been practicing since the last time.” I flashed an innocent look, trying to hide the wicked grin I could feel under the surface. He gave me a look that melted my insides before pointing his finger at the both of us.
“What have I told you two about haggling from the sidelines?” he questioned sternly.
“Not to do it because it’s distracting,” I began.
“Because we sound silly yelling out nonsense,” Jasmine finished.
We answered him as though he was a teacher, repeating back his instructions in singsong voices. There was a brief pause before we broke into laughter, and it only became worse as he scowled.
“Come on, it’s funny. Admit it, you love every moment of it, and it’s the highlight of the game.” I reached to touch him, but the feel of his sweaty shirt made me pull back my hand. He caught the action, and a mischievous twinkle lit up his eyes.
“You know me so well, Darcy.” He closed the distance between us, and I realized what he was up to.
“Oh no you don’t, Mason O’Connor. You take that sweaty body of yours back over to your team mates and do some … I don’t know … male bonding or something.” With my arms outstretched to ward of his attempts to hold me, I wasn’t strong enough to keep him away.
Iron bands enclosed me, dragging me from my seat and into his embrace. I struggled slightly, trying to appear as though I was escaping, but I was exactly where I wanted to be—in the arms of the man I loved.
He leaned in. I couldn’t stop myself from reaching out and pulling his face to mine. His heady mixture of man, wolf, and sunshine was intoxicating—alluring. I forgot the world around me as I brushed my mouth against his.
He hadn’t shaved, soft stubble grazing against my skin, and it caused goose bumps to rise as it created friction. Parting my lips, I felt his tongue slip in and begin to tangle against mine. I went into sensory overload. Everything about this man aroused me, and I melted willingly into his tight embrace. I couldn’t get close enough.
The game was forgotten—all that existed was him and me. His hand reached into my hair, holding my head in place, and I groaned into his mouth as he deepened our kiss. If this was the kind of punishment I would receive for taunting him, I was determined to up the ante. I whimpered with disappointment when he slowly broke away, my flesh tingling everywhere he’d touched. He rendered me senseless, and I couldn’t help the goofy grin that covered my face.
Lifting my fingers to trace my lips once more, hunger burning deep, I stumbled backward and was brought out of my daze by Jasmine’s giggle.
“Was that really necessary, Brother?” she questioned, slapping him hard against his shoulder. “How are we supposed to come in and wow you all with our football skills, if you’ve addled her brain? Look at her, she can barely focus.”
“I think she looks sexy as hell.”
My heart began racing faster, Mason stepping forward to take me back into his arms. Like a magnet that can’t fight against its attraction, I moved toward him, only to meet with Jasmine’s arm.
“Leave her be. Go back and prepare to get your butts handed to you. I need to undo the damage.” She shooed him away with a flick of her wrist, and tugged on my arm.
“Has anyone told you how adorable you are when you attempt to trash talk?”
I began to chuckle at the stern look on Jasmine’s face.
“Well, at least she’s snapping out of it. Come on, Darcy. We’ve got work to do.”
Shrugging my shoulders in a sign of helpless submission, I allowed myself to be pulled toward the house. “Did you really need to interrupt?” I complained, the taste of the kiss still in my mouth. “You couldn’t have let me enjoy him just a little longer? He is my mate.”
She rolled her eyes, and snorted. “Future mate—and you both have plenty of time for all the lovey-dovey stuff. Right now, we have a game to win, so pull yourself together and help me.”
Opening the door to her bedroom, my thoughts finally settled back on the task at hand. “Okay, what do you have planned?”
Digging around in the small bag on her dresser, Jasmine held up an eyeliner pencil, a wide grin spread across her face. “Just a little fun.”
And she got down to business.
Dire
The Dire Wolves Chronicles
Alyssa Rose Ivy
Gage was the first guy I ever wanted. He was my first crush and my first fantasy, but he wasn’t my first in any other way because he never saw me as anything more than a friend– at least not until the night that changed everything.
It was all Gage’s fault. He insisted we drive through the storm and take the back roads. By the time the storm hit full force we had no chance. One night of snowbound sex changed our relationship forever. The problem was at the same time I caught another guy’s attention. This other guy happened to be the alpha of a pack of shifter wolves. I thought the wolves were the worst of my problems, but I was wrong. When things went from bad to worse I had to make a lifelong sacrifice to save Gage, but what price is too much to save the one you love?
Prologue
A single howl made me stop short. “The wolves!”
“Let’s hope they are farther away than they sound.” Gage tightened his hold on my hand and pulled me forward.
Three more howls filled the night. “They sound closer.”
We picked up the pace, and I chanced a glance behind me. That was a mistake. Several large grey wolves came into view. “Run!”
Gage didn’t need to be told twice. He broke into a run without letting go of my hand.
I ran as fast as possible over the frozen snow, but we didn’t get far before the wolves started circling around us. “Oh my god.” Could things get any worse?
“You have to make a run for it.” Gage’s voice quivered. “They’re going to kill us.”
“I’m not leaving you.” I tried to stay strong, and I kept my eyes locked on the wolves. There were five of them. All of them were massive, much larger than any wolf I’d seen before, but one of them was even bigger and had a large silver streak running down its back. That wolf seemed to be staring right at me.
“I’ll distract them. You run. I’ll catch up.”
I spotted an opening next to one of the smaller of the wolves and went for it. I didn’t make it far before one of the wolves stepped in front of me. I froze, paralyzed with fear, before my legs were knocked from under me. Suddenly, I was lying in the snow with a giant wolf hovering over me.
“We’re fucked.” Gage voiced exactly what I was thinking.
The silver streaked wolf stared down at me. It’s almost glowing eyes bored into mine. Was I really going to die as half-frozen food for a giant wild animal?
Then things got hazy and the air seemed to buzz. Moments later it wasn’t a wolf on top of me—it was a man. A completely naked man with a faint scar across his face.
“What the heck?” I tried to scurry back, but Hunter didn’t move. His very exposed parts nearly touched me. I didn’t want to notice his size, but I did. He was huge. He also didn’t look remotely concerned with the cold.
His lips brushed against my ear. “Were you going somewhere?”
