Fated Under the Moon Read online

  "So, you have to love this heatwave, then?"

  "Not even a little," he grinned. "Though, I must say the best part about it is watching you sweat."

  I momentarily thought about his body covered in sweat, tiny droplets running along his hard-tanned skin. I shook my head. "Focus. That was very distracting."

  He grinned. "I've been the leader of this pack for close to seventy-five years."

  "Jesus, you're a geriatric."

  "I'm young for a wolf. My dad is far older than me."

  My eyes may have bulged out of my head when I remembered how old he told me he was. "You sure don't look that old. Are you immortal or something?"

  "No, but we do have a much longer lifespan than humans."

  "So, why would you want to mate with me? I'll get old and die."

  A deep rumble emanated from Ryker.

  "Circle of life and all of that," I said like it was obvious.

  "You can't mention that possibility. As in ever, Ariel. It makes my wolf enraged. And like I said before, I don't think you're human, so..."

  "What do you think I am?"

  "There is a heavy magic scent that comes from you."

  I smelled my armpits. I could use a little deodorant, but nothing seemed out of the ordinary.

  "Wolves have an impeccable sense of smell. You've heard about dogs being trained to smell cancer cells, right?"

  "Oh, I did actually watch a documentary about this. It was fascinating."

  "A wolf's sense of smell is ten times stronger than any dogs', and werewolves are even stronger than that."

  "Wow."

  "Our sight is impeccable, and our speed in wolf form can top sixty miles per hour. Most of us, in human form, are exceptionally strong, but nothing that would seem unnatural. Some of us have additional skills like Mindy. She has a natural affinity for stones and herbs. She understands the balance quite naturally."

  "And you, do you have any unique abilities?"

  He licked his lips, and I squeezed my thighs, remembering some of his unique abilities. He grinned, knowing the effect he had on me. "I'm a master strategist. I have a unique ability to scent deceit. It's a trait that helped make me one of the youngest Alphas our pack has ever seen."

  I felt a sense of pride wash over me, which was odd because besides having sex with Ryker, I didn't know him well enough to be proud of him.

  "This pleases you." He watched me from his side of the bed.

  "How can you tell?"

  "There's a slight shift in your pheromones when your feelings change dramatically."

  "Far out." I nodded my head. This was fascinating.

  He shifted slightly, and my eyes went to his chest and the dusting of hair across it. My eyes trailed down to his fabulous six-pack.

  "And that—when you look at me like that—I can smell your lust. I can scent what you like. When I'm touching you, and something excites you, your scent tells me, along with your body. It's why I'll be able to please you in ways you've never experienced."

  I gulped. Ryker talking about pleasing me made my nipples harden, and I really didn't need that.

  "I think as much as I physically react to you, we need to cool it with talking about anything pleasurable."

  He emitted a low pleasurable hum.

  "Trust me, I wouldn't mind staying in bed with you, but a lot is going on here. Tell me about the Valderes. Lillian and Bronson both seem familiar, but I can't put my finger on it. I thought about it for a second when I met Lillian, and now when I saw Bronson again. I got this peculiar feeling that there was something familiar about him, too."

  "I could smell your apprehension when he spoke."

  "That trick could really come in handy."

  His eyes gentled in a way I wasn't prepared for. "You can't work for them. Don't get mad. Let me explain."

  I took a deep breath. I really didn't like when people thought they could tell me one way or another what I could or couldn't do. I nodded my head at him to go on.

  "They're bloodsuckers."

  I jolted backward, which made me nearly fall off the bed. Amusement danced in Ryker's eyes.

  This shouldn't have shocked me. Ryker told me there were other magical elements. He thought I was something completely unknown, yet the fact that I was just in the company of vampires scared the hell out of me. I was working for them. Images of Lillian drinking from her plastic take-out cup and red on her lips flashed through my mind. She drank blood from a cup, right in front of me!

  I held up my hands. "Whoa. Explain. They're vampires?"

  "That's one word for them. Technically, they're Nosferatu. You can call them vamps, though. I prefer bloodsuckers. The land here is special, as is the land where other packs live. There is something here that helps us mask ourselves to the public. It also helps us heal and come into our own in a way that we wouldn't be able to if we were raised elsewhere. There have been rogue wolves that have survived outside of pack lands, but their lives are generally faced with more challenges. In the same way that the lands help us, it's also why the Valderes choose to live here. They are not in town. They are not allowed to kill our townspeople. If they do, it will break the treaty we have. I am not allowed on their property. They're not allowed on mine. This includes the farm and the lake. The lake is sacred."

  "So, if they're not allowed to kill the people here, how do they eat? Did they convince me to come work for them because I'm dinner?"

  His nose flared at the suggestion. "I checked you for bites when you came from there the other day. I couldn't find any puncture wounds. I wouldn't put it past them. When they feed, they usually do it sensually, though. They don't kill often, but there can be blood lust if they haven't fed for long periods of time. It's repulsive. If I find out they've killed one of our townspeople, our truce is up, and we're at war. It's been at least a century since we've been at war, but we'll fight if we have to."

  "Oh. Come to think of it, Lillian did mention it is special here, and she asked me if I felt anything when I got here."

  "What did you say?"

  "I told her no, but I actually did feel something. I'm just not sure what."

  "That's interesting, but not surprising. My guess is your magic is responding to this place the same way wolves and vampires do."

  "Do you think that's why I'm suddenly passing out?"

  "I'm unsure, but it would make sense. As for why the Valderes brought you here? I find it hard to believe that there wasn't an ulterior motive for them hiring you. I don't know what that is, but I surmise that it has something to do with what you are. They will use you. I don't know how or why, but there is no reason that they would find you in Seattle and bring you here just as a pretty snack. They have to know that there is something different about you. Why else would she ask you if you felt anything?"

  "I think you're right. I think they must know. Vampires... that still seems so unreal. I can't believe I was working there for them." I sighed. The surrealness overwhelmed me. "Maybe I should just leave, and my life will go back to normal."

  "You cannot fucking leave!" Ryker roared, and I somehow felt his fury, startling me. It was a physical feeling, not emotional, almost like a wave crashed into me.

  My eyes squinted. "When you try to tell me what I can and can't do, it pisses me off." I stood from the bed, crossed my arms over my chest, and gave Ryker my best ticked-off glare.

  "I've waited centuries for you," he said in a low, eerily calm voice. "Centuries of thinking I would never have a mate because I wouldn't settle. I knew there would be a fated mate for me, and so I waited. I hope you understand that it angers me when the one person who is meant for me so easily dismisses us and decides that she should leave without thought. It doesn't appear that my feelings are reciprocated, and after waiting so long, I'm disappointed and angry. It's not your fault. You're not a wolf. I can't expect you to behave like one. However, you should know that the thought of being without you after waiting so long for you and only having you for a short amount of time unnerves me. For the first time in my entire life, I have a sense of completeness, and you impetuously deciding that leaving would be best guts me."

  Remorse coursed through me. "I'm sorry. You're right. I don't think it is the same for me. I mean, I want you, and there is the overwhelming desire to have sex, but I don't feel like I'm in love with you or anything. I'm sorry if that comes off harsh. This is all new to me. Maybe we could be there, I don't know. All I know is that in the last two days, I've found out werewolves are real, and now you're telling me my employer's a vampire, so can you blame me for wanting to get out of here?"

  I felt bad. Truly. But what did he expect from me? I hadn't even gotten into my dreams yet and to Father Archibald and the Rosi. He made me feel like I was hurting him on purpose. All of this was new to me, and all of it was unbelievable.

  He stood from the bed in all his naked glory, walked close to me, and spoke with a harshness I'd yet to hear from him. "I'm just a good fuck. Noted." Then he left my room, and a moment later, I heard the door to the apartment slam.

  Chapter Seventeen

  There was a knock at my door. I was sitting, turning over everything. Was I too harsh with Ryker? What the heck were the Rosi? Vampires were real? My dad, why did he keep from me? It was more than one woman should have to process. I had a fated mate! What the heck was up with that?

  Shrugging out of my thoughts and carefully walking over the splintered wood, I opened the door. Micah stood there, wearing black running shorts, a grey tank, and running shoes.

  "You sure did a number on him." He strode past me into the living room, and I knew I should be wary, he was a freaking werewolf, but I couldn't. I felt at ease with Micah.

  "Is it safe for you to be here? I mean, what if he comes down and eats you for get
ting near me?"

  "Safe, I'm not so sure about that. But, as long as you promise to keep your clothes on, Ryk promises to behave."

  As he spoke, I wondered how well Ryker could hear. Was he sitting in his room listening to everything we talked about, and the moment he heard something he didn't like, he'd be here?

  I shook my head, "Promise to stay fully dressed. So, did you pick the short straw or something?"

  He looked away guiltily.

  "You did. You totally drew straws to see who would have to come and talk to me. Not cool."

  "To be fair, you were pretty brutal with him. He might be a massive guy to you, but he also has a huge heart, and we all heard how you stomped all over it. None of us were really amped up to come in here."

  "Now, hold on. That's not how it was. I don't even know him. Sure, our bodies crave each other, but that doesn't mean we will be head over heels in love with each other. Who knows, maybe we will be someday, but I'm not the kind of person who believes in love at first sight or anything. All I was saying was that it was a bit much, all of it, and a bit too soon."

  He looked at me skeptically. "That's not all you said. You talked about leaving."

  I sighed, "What would you do if you were me? You can't honestly tell me that you would be fine with learning all that I've learned."

  He paced the apartment, then spotted the broken split door. "Ryker did that?"

  "The big bad wolf himself."

  "Christ, no wonder you're ready to bolt. He probably scared you half to death."

  "Honestly, I'm not frightened of his wolf."

  "Why? If I was some damsel in distress and a big bad wolf broke through my bedroom door, I'd be frightened."

  "Damsel in distress?"

  "What? You used the little red riding hood analogy. I thought we were talking in princess speak."

  I shook my head. "Little red riding hood is a fairy tale, not a princess."

  He cocked his brow at me, perhaps thinking I was a little goofy. Maybe he was right. Maybe this was all I could handle. I sighed, then sat down on the couch and clutched the pillow to my chest. "It wasn't what frightened me. A lot is going on. I want to tell you, but I don't think I should talk to you before talking to Ryker about it. I have a question for you, though."

  "I got an answer for you."

  "Is he going to freak out if we leave? Can we go to the library?"

  "Book nerd, huh? I didn't take you for the type."

  I scowled, "What type is that? The educated, I-can-read type? The awesome type? The..."

  "All right, I get it. Book nerds are cool."

  "Hell yeah, we are."

  "Ryker gets that he has to give you space and do things differently with you than he would a wolf. His need to win you will supersede his possessive tendencies. Beware, I think all you did was prompt him to win your heart."

  I wasn't sure about whether I wanted Ryker to pursue me, but that needed to be the least of my worries right now.

  "THE LIBRARY'S CLOSING soon."

  I looked around, amazed at how empty it was. I'd been researching all day and had a stack of books that I had already checked out. Micah was beyond bored, and I felt only slightly bad for him. He was on babysitting duty. But I didn't think much could really happen to me in a library.

  Grey brought Micah lunch. He offered me food, too, but I was too immersed in research about the Rosi. It had been around before most religions and went by various names over time. Still, mostly they were just peaceful truth seekers. I also found Father Archibald's email address and emailed him asking him to contact me. I explained where I was and that my cell service stunk here.

  The librarian walked past us, glaring. "They actually closed ten minutes ago," Micah whispered.

  "Shoot. Okay. I can always come back, right?"

  "Yeah. We can. What's this? I've heard of the Rosi. I've seen some documentaries on them. Hey, this looks like your ring."

  I nodded my head and logged off. "How did you watch a documentary?"

  "I do leave here sometimes, and besides, some people have these things you may have heard of called satellites."

  I wanted to ask him more. It had seemed like the Rosi were secret, but thinking back, maybe it was only my line that was. After all, there was information in this small library about them. My stomach rumbled, taking me out of my thoughts.

  "You should've had lunch," Micah said.

  "Whatever, you guys and your spidey senses."

  "Please, anyone would've heard that thing."

  I shook my head at him, and we walked down the street. It was only a block or so from the apartment, and I suddenly missed Ryker. It was odd because I didn't think I could miss him, but I had a longing for him that I couldn't explain.

  "Do you think Ryker will be around?"

  "Should be. He's got to be at the bar later."

  "He sure has a lot of responsibilities."

  "You have no idea."

  Once we made it to the apartment, I immediately noticed Ryker's bike was not in his parking spot, and I couldn't help but feel a tad disappointed. Man, no wonder he was upset, even I couldn't keep up with the whiplash of my emotions.

  Once inside, I was surprised to see a new door, and any evidence of the broken door was gone. It was as if it hadn't happened.

  Micah left. I could tell he was relieved to be off duty, and I was alone with all my books and research. I hoped Father Archibald contacted me. The other thing I did today, which I was sure would please Ryker, was I emailed the Valderes and told them that I regretted to inform them that I would not be able to continue with my employment, effective immediately. I apologized for the short notice. That was it, direct and to the point.

  Now, I'd have to figure out a job because although my dad left me money, it wasn't enough to sustain me long term. It was a nest egg, something to fall back on if times got tough. I would give myself a small amount of time to figure out what this mate thing was about, but then I'd have to find a job. I figured I owed it to myself to see where things went with Ryker. What if he was the absolute best person for me in the world, and I was too stubborn with my prejudices about all things supernatural that I didn't give him a real shot? Could I live with that?

  I also had to admit, I was scared. All of this had been one extreme to the next.

  I haven't been exactly lucky in the man department. Now that I found myself completely attracted to one, he was a werewolf. Plus, when we slept together, I passed out and saw a glowing blue light. It was trippy and scary. Today, I concluded that I needed to tell Ryker about everything the letter said and what I'd seen in the dreams.

  There was a knock on my door, and I hollered, "It's open."

  "Um, hey. I have a delivery." A young guy said at the door.

  "Oh, sorry. I just assumed... Nevermind. What kind of delivery? I didn't order anything."

  "Ryk asked me to bring you takeout."

  It was then I noticed a small Wolf's Den logo on his shirt.

  "Oh, thanks, let me get my purse to pay you."

  He shook his head, shoved the Styrofoam carton at me, and left. "Thank you," I called after his retreating back. I couldn't believe that Ryker had let anyone come near me. Maybe he could give me space and respect my boundaries. I didn't understand this instinct-thing completely yet and how his needs worked, but I appreciated his need to win me, which meant people could be near me.

  I opened the container and found a burger and fries. That was incredibly thoughtful and sweet of Ryker to think of me and want to feed me. The burger was delicious, and I wondered if he cooked it himself or if he had a team of cooks. Then, I wondered what his bar was like. It was getting late, and although I was tired, I was also curious, and admittedly, I wanted to see Ryker. I owed him an apology. I was just a jumbled-up mess, and I took my frustrations out on him. I couldn't imagine waiting centuries for someone and it not being everything you hoped for.

  I fixed my hair and makeup, and I felt done up for the first time since I'd been here. Perusing myself in the mirror one final time, I wondered what the hell I was doing. Talk about mixed messages. I straightened my hair, which, in itself, was a small feat considering the humidity. It had taken me several outfits before I finally decided on what worked. I chose a short white jean skirt that was probably long on someone not as tall as me, a black dressy tank with tiny white flowers embroidered at the neckline, and black sandals that I loved because they were both comfortable and cute. I rarely wore heels because of my height. It occurred to me that Ryker was tall enough that I could easily get away with heels. I found a black handbag to store my dagger and medallion in, then slipped on my Rosi ring with some silver and gold bangles and a long dangly necklace. I was a firm believer that jewelry made an outfit. I'd have to get used to accessorizing my Rosi ring.