Under the Moonlight

by Codi Gary

  Xander released him abruptly and stepped back. He caught the horrified expression on Greer’s face and he cursed himself. He’d let his emotions get the best of him, which only proved how dangerous she was to his peace of mind. Only hours after meeting her, he was ready to throttle any man who hurt her.

  This was not good may have been an understatement.

  Sam cradled his injured hand to his chest. “I’ll sue your ass!”

  Xander scoffed. “You can try, but I’ve got nothing you’d want.”

  Sam climbed to his feet slowly, smirking. “If you’re trying to get in her pants, you’re wasting your time. Her legs lock at the knees,” Sam said, crudely.

  Before he could launch himself at the bastard, Greer cracked him across the face with her palm. “Shame on you. And shame on me for ever thinking you were worth a moment of my time.”

  Sam reached up and rubbed his cheek, glaring.

  “Its time for you to walk away,” Xander said.

  He could tell Sam had more to say, but one glance at the other man’s injured hand sent Sam scurrying away. Once it was just the two of them, Xander opened his passenger door for Greer.

  “What was that?” she asked quietly.

  Xander had sensed by her reaction that she was upset with him, but there was no way he could have stood by and let that piece of shit manhandle her.

  “I was protecting your honor?” His attempt at a joke fell flat and he sighed, “I’m sorry. I know I don’t know you well, and that I should have just let you handle your own business, but he had no right to touch you like that.”

  “I agree, but you could have really hurt him.”

  “So could you.”

  The corner of her mouth kicked up the tiniest bit. “Not really. I’m weak.”

  “I don’t agree. I think you’re tough as nails. As for me, I was in complete control,” he lied.

  “It looked to me as though you were ready to lose your shit on Sam if he made a wrong move.”

  Xander shook his head. Humans. They never understood the strength shifters had. Not that Greer had any idea what he was, and it was obvious that this whole misadventure had been a bad idea. He should have maintained his focus. He should have taken her to the hospital and let her friend pick her up. Getting involved with her was dangerous and stupid, to say the least.

  When he’d been standing inside waiting for the food, he’d overheard a couple of elderly gentlemen talking about shifters and why all of them should be rounded up and taken care of. It all laid credit to the fact that Idaho was not werewolf friendly and he’d do his best to conclude his mission and move on. Maybe back to Denver. Let Clyde’s wife find him a mate.

  “I wouldn’t have hurt him unless he gave me a reason to.”

  Greer tilted her head, studying him intently. “Are you a convict?”

  “What?”

  “Have you ever been in prison?”

  He sputtered. “No. Have you?”

  “No, I just…you sounded so cold and hard just then, I thought maybe…”

  She trailed off and Xander ran a hand through his hair impatiently. “Look, I’m not dangerous and I would never hurt you. If you want to go inside and call your friend to pick you up, I won’t stop you. But I’m still willing to see you home safely. It’s up to you.”

  For a moment, he really did think she was going to take her meal and pie and walk back inside. Instead, she hauled herself up into the seat without a word.

  Just as he was about to close the door, she reached out and put her hand on his arm.

  “I do appreciate you stepping in with Sam. Your chivalry has been unexpected.”

  Xander let out the breath he’d been holding when he thought she was going to run from him and smiled.

  “I would never let anyone hurt you. You have my word on that.”

  7

  “Hold up! The guy almost breaks Sam’s fingers which, I whole heartedly support, and tells you he won’t hurt you, and you’re just like, ‘cool’?”

  Greer laughed at Jill Myers’s dramatic interpretation of her day’s events. Her friend sat cross legged on her couch, so she was turned to face Greer. Her light brown hair was tossed up into a messy bun, her aquamarine eyes outlined with thick, black lashes. Greer often joked that Jill looked like an anime character with her big eyes.

  “No, I mean…I was freaked, but there is just something about Xander…I trust him.”

  “Yeah, I saw him. I can see why you would want to. Guy is a grade A hottie with a slice of delicious, but still, you don’t know anything about him. He could be a charming sociopath.”

  Greer knew Jill was right, but she had this strange pull toward Xander and it wasn’t just that he was hot. She couldn’t explain it except it was almost a physiological response; in her heart, she trusted him. As dopey and romantic as that sounded, there it was.

  “I don’t think it’s like that. If he was really a creep, he could have done me in while I was unconscious in the woods.”

  “Maybe he thinks you have money and he’s one of those Black Widower types.”

  Greer rolled her eyes. “You need to stop watching all of those Lifetime movies.”

  “Oh, speaking of compelling TV, there is a new show on HBO about the paranormal. They are going around interviewing shifters, vampires, and other creatures for a documentary. Maybe the wolf you saw was actually a shifter and that’s why he didn’t attack. You did say he had strange eyes.”

  Greer thought about the wolf in the woods and shivered. She had been to Vegas once with a few girlfriends and they wanted to check out this vampire club. Greer had passed on the idea and instead went back to the room with In ‘N Out and pay-per-view. She wasn’t phobic about paranormal creatures, but that didn’t mean she wanted to mingle with them. The fact that they even existed blew her mind, but she wasn’t curious enough to want to meet one.

  “I’m sure it was a wolf of the regular variety. Maybe he was one of those hybrids with a husky for a mom. That would account for the eyes. I’m pretty sure he was a pet, and that’s why he didn’t turn me into Kibbles and Bits.”

  Jill grabbed the bag of Smokehouse Almonds on the coffee table and pulled out a handful. “What the heck was your hero doing back there anyway?”

  “Hiking? It’s not far from his house.”

  “Hmmm, he looked like he would be good at…hiking.”

  Jill’s suggestive tone and eyebrow wiggle left Greer groaning. “You’re gross.”

  “Whatever, I’m hilarious. Are you going to see him again?”

  Greer picked up her glass of water and took a sip. She’d wanted to get Xander’s number, if only so she could take him out to dinner as a thank you. But he’d seemed almost eager to get away from her and she hadn’t wanted him to get the wrong impression, like she was looking for a post break-up hook up. “We didn’t exchange numbers or anything, so I doubt it. I probably scared him off with all of my drama.”

  “Please, you don’t have drama. You had Sam and now that he’s dunzo, you’re good to go.”

  Just thinking about Sam left a bad taste in her mouth. She’d thought he was such a great guy and had been afraid of hurting him. How could she have been so blind?

  “I still can’t believe it. How did I not know he was cheating? How naïve could I be?”

  “You always see the good in people. Which is awesome for a flawed individual like me, and Sam the Ass, but you end up getting the short end of the stick.”

  Greer nudged Jill’s knee with her toe. “Come on, you know you’re the best thing that ever happened to me. I love you.”

  “Ugh, you’re grossing me out!” Jill grabbed one of Greer’s throw pillows and threw it at her.

  “Hey, watch it! I am injured, and I happen to like all of my knick knacks not broken.”

  Jill tossed whatever almonds were left in her hand into her mouth and scooted closer. Before Greer knew what she was about to do, Jill was hugging her gently.

  “I love you and I’m glad y
ou’re okay,” Jill mumbled around her mouthful.

  “Thank you, my disgusting friend,” Greer said, squeezing her back.

  When Jill pulled away, Greer caught her sly grin. “Hey, maybe if you’re feeling up to it this weekend we can go out. Maybe hit the dollar longneck night at Howlers.”

  “Howlers Bar and Grill is a meat market.”

  “You say that like it’s a bad thing.”

  Greer laughed. “It is a bad thing!”

  “No, you see, we show up looking smoking hot and men pull out their wallets and buy us beers! That is what is awesome about it.”

  “Okay, you are making my head ache again. You’re supposed to be making me feel better.”

  Jill sighed as she stood up. “Alright, whiner. Your choice…” she picked up two DVD’s from the entertainment center and flipped them around so Greer could see them. “Swayze or Bacon?”

  Normally, she’d go with Swayze, but Kevin Bacon’s blue eyes was really appealing right now.

  “Let’s hear it for the boy.”

  8

  On Friday morning, Xander opened his front door and before he stepped out, he noticed the newspaper on the step. He picked it up and sniffed it, growling low when the familiar scent of Pax’s musk drifted up his nasal passages. The son of a bitch had left this for him, but why?

  Xander flipped the paper over and stared at the red pen circling the front-page article.

  Local Girl Found with her Throat Ripped Out.

  Moonlight Ridge Police Chief Carson Mitchel announced that the body of twenty-six-year old Kelsey Mackintosh had been discovered late Thursday night in the woods behind her home. Preliminary reports suggest that Kelsey was attacked by a Mountain Lion while trying to save her horse from the cat. Police are warning the public not to travel alone and be aware of their surrounding while hiking and camping until the animal is found.

  Below the article in red ink, Pax had written, She sure was tasty. Not as good as your mom, though.

  Xander crumpled the paper in his hand, white hot rage coursing through his veins. The bastard was taunting him, and he was going to be very sorry when Xander caught him. If he thought the rest of his crew had suffered, he was in for a surprise. Xander had saved the best for last.

  Xander tossed the paper in the trash can on the way to his truck. He needed to find them before more bodies piled up.

  The only issue was if Xander showed their picture to people and then he disposed of them, the authorities would be all over his ass. He had to find them on his own, which meant tracking them.

  But walking around like a human sniffing the air might look a little strange.

  He got inside and started the truck, turning on the heater to defrost the windows. The cold really didn’t bother him as shifters ran hot, but he had to wear a jacket to at least keep up the appearance he was human.

  When his windshield was clear, he pulled out of the drive and headed into Moonlight Ridge. Pax and Dakota had to be staying somewhere in town and had last been seen riding on a black Harley. He imagined they’d swapped the license plate if they still had it, since they seemed to be staying one step ahead of him.

  As he passed by Greer’s street, his hand tightened on the steering wheel. It had been so tempting to ask for her number the other day, but he’d come so close to losing control when her ex had grabbed her, he was afraid. He needed to concentrate on Pax and Dakota and then, when it was all over, and his demons were put to rest, maybe…

  He shook his head. It was stupid to think about the future when he wasn’t even sure he would last through tomorrow.

  Since losing his family, he’d dreamed of finding a mate, having some kids and starting to live again. But that would entail settling down and he’d been on the move for so long, he didn’t even know if he could stay in one place. If he could be normal again after snuffing out so many lives. They were all vicious killers, but still.

  Xander rolled down the windows, taking in the sights and smells as he drove down the two-lane mountain road that led into the heart of Moonlight Ridge. He caught a whiff of cookies baking in an oven. Of wet pine trees and rich soil.

  And a dead body just as he hit the bottom of the mountain.

  It couldn’t be Kelsey. They would have taken her to the morgue by now, or there would have been more cops around. This had to be new…and fresh.

  Xander slowed his truck and pulled off onto a side road. Once he parked, he hopped out and followed the scent through the trees. He kept downwind as he approached, and when he slipped between two pines, he found the remains of a man with dark hair and a stocky build.

  It was Greer’s ex-boyfriend. His lifeless gaze stared up at the sky, pale with death. The front of his shirt and jacket were stained red and Xander stared at the way his ribs had been broken like crab legs, opening him up for his killer. He squatted next to the body and breathed in…

  There was no trace of Pax. Only wolf.

  Dakota.

  This couldn’t be a random kill. Greer’s friend from the diner and now this? Had they been following him? If so, what was their end game?

  Icy fear gripped his hair, cutting off his breath.

  He had to make sure Greer was okay.

  Running back to his truck, he realized too late that he wasn’t alone. He’d let his guard down and turned just as Dakota launched herself from the left. Her black fur caught the sun, gleaming red as she flew at him, her mouth opened in a snarl.

  He barely managed to roll out of the way. Coming up on the balls of his feet, he crouched, staring into her gleaming yellow eyes.

  “Hello, bitch. Been lookin’ for you.”

  The muscles in her body contorted as she shifted. Xander fingered the hunting knife strapped to his belt. It would be so easy to kill her when she was most vulnerable, the way she’d slaughtered his family, but he wasn’t like them. He wanted her to pay and that meant taking her out fairly. Besting her.

  When she was finally human again, she stood straight, cracking her neck with her eyes closed. Her long auburn hair flowed down over her shoulders, brushing the curves of her hips.

  He almost appreciated the view—if he hadn’t wanted her dead. She finally opened her eyes with a feral smile, the hazel orbs shining with malice.

  “I almost had you, dog. What’s the matter? Didn’t like my present?”

  Xander flipped open the clasp of his knife and gripped the handle. “I don’t know what your game is, but you’re out of time. I’d be willing to grant you an honorable death if you’d step up and stop hiding behind your boss.”

  Dakota laughed, tossing back her head. “Oh, please. You’re offering me mercy? The only thing you’re going to give me is a blank stare when I rip out your throat.”

  “You think you’re going to win this? I’ve already taken out five of your crew. Do you really think Pax is going to have your back?”

  A shadow crossed her face, erasing her smile. “Pax loves me.”

  “If that’s the truth, then why hasn’t he made you his mate?”

  Dakota gnashed her teeth. “Fuck you.”

  “You don’t mean anything to him. He’s going to use you like he does everyone else and then when you’re no longer useful, he’ll dispose of you.”

  “Your concern is touching.”

  He scoffed. “I just want you to know before I slit your throat that you gave up your life for a worthless piece of shit.”

  He could tell that his words struck a nerve as her face crumpled. Even sociopaths fell in love it seemed.

  She finally found her composure. “I just stopped to say hello. There’s big things coming your way. You’ve been waging war for years. Let’s see how you feel being hunted.”

  Before he could stop her, she was racing back through the trees.

  One thing was for sure. Despite his best efforts, he’d brought Greer into this. Now he had to do everything he could to protect her.

  9

  The blaring speakers on the wall of Howlers was giving Greer a m
igraine. She wasn’t drinking tonight, and had only come out because she didn’t want Jill to get into trouble. Drinking with somebody watching your back was one thing, but hitting a bar alone was stupid.

  But the way the local band’s lead guitarist was relishing his solo was seriously giving her ideas about bailing.

  “Are you having fun?” Jill asked, practically screaming over the music.

  “Oh sure.”

  “Why don’t I believe you?” she slurred. Jill had already downed six long necks, all courtesy of a couple of local boys who thought Jill was wild enough to take them both on.

  By the way Jill’s eye had already begun to stray, Greer had a feeling they were going to be incredibly disappointed.

  “Holy sex on a stick, who is that?”

  Greer followed her gaze to a tall, dark skinned man with high, gorgeous cheekbones and short black hair.

  “Never seen him before.”

  “Well, I’m about to wheel out the welcome wagon.” Jill chugged the rest of her beer and set the glass bottle down on the bar with a clink. “Wish me luck.”

  “Hey, don’t you leave this bar until I get a picture of his photo ID and his blood type!”

  “Yes, mom,” Jill sang as she sailed through the crowd.

  Greer shook her head, keeping one eye on Jill as she introduced herself to the tall, handsome stranger. With the other, Greer scanned the crowd. She recognized most of the people in the room from high school and local businesses she’d been going to since she was a child.

  And then a familiar brown head came through the door and Greer caught her breath.

  Xander stood a head taller than most of the men in the room. His hair just brushed the collar of his leather jacket and his blue eyes were bright even under the fluorescent lights.

  When he caught her gaze, her stomach fluttered, stopped, then belly-flopped. Especially when he made a beeline for her, his full lips tilting up.

  “Hi,” she murmured as he stopped in front of her.