House of Wolves (Silver Moon Series Book 1)

by L. S. Slayford

  I need to tell him, she resolved. It didn’t seem fair to cheat and keep him in the dark. But what do you call what you did – a one-lick stand?

  The trembling in her fingers died and exhaustion washed over her. She’d check on Michael, take a bath, and head to bed. She’d face the music tomorrow.

  A crash reverberated through the house.

  Then a second.

  “Are you expecting anyone?” Chase asked, his face lined in confusion. He glanced down the hallway towards the front of the house. Luna shook her head when something pounded the door for the third time. “Whoever it is has impeccable timing.”

  Luna smoothed down the last inches of her top, ensuring everything was covered as Chase strode down the hallway, his shoulders tight with tension. Luna only took a few steps when he pulled the door open.

  A dark blur flew past his head lightning fast.

  “What the hell ...” he managed to get out as a high-pitched screech echoed through the hallway.

  Luna’s heart shot up to her throat. She barely had the chance to make out dark feathers and a golden beak before she dropped to the floor, the ache in her knee pulsing at the sudden motion. Lifting her gaze, her eyes widened. The bird swooped past her and darted back towards Chase, the flash of menace in its beady eyes.

  Chase ducked, scowling as feathers brushed his face. He swiped at it, missing it by mere inches. The bird lunged once more and then flew out the door.

  Luna shared a panicked glance with Chase. Her feet pushed her towards the door to Chase’s side. His fingers reached for her arm, the confusion on his face a mirror of her own. A lone squawk outside poured apprehension through Luna’s veins and suddenly the hallway thickened with shadow-lined feathers.

  Dozens of birds poured through the open doorway. A dark storm of sharp beaks and talons surged into the hallway, the wind beneath their wings violently loud within her ears.

  Chase pulled Luna towards him, forcing her head against his chest to protect her against the hurricane of birds. Terrifying glimpses of feathers filled her vision as she rose her head to see what was going on. “Chase!” she cried, barely able to hear her voice over the din of the birds’ screeches.

  Chase waved an arm to try and shoo them away, the other wrapped around her back. “Get to the living room,” he shouted, taking a step back from the front door and using his arm to protect his face.

  But the birds refused to let them pass.

  They dived and swooped, their talons extended. A hot line of pain raced down Luna’s arm, and the scent of copper filled her nose. Blood dripped over her skin and trickled onto the wooden flooring.

  She couldn’t tell how many birds encircled their heads like manic vultures; two dozen at least, perhaps more. Wafts of air zipped past her face, the birds flying dangerously closer. Chase pushed her head back into the hard muscle of his chest.

  “Shit, we can’t get there,” Chase said, stopping. Peeking out, Luna’s heart sunk. The birds swooped and dived in front of the living room door, their beady eyes scrutinising them. Several of them sat on the bannister, a menacing line just waiting.

  “What do we do?” she whispered, her voice streaked with fear.

  Chase stood still, his body tense and his grip iron on her arm. “We may need to make a run for it.”

  “What about Michael?”

  “He’s sleeping and his door is shut. They can’t get in.” His voice dropped to a whisper. “We’ll head to his place. The door’s never locked. Get ready to run when I say. On two.”

  Luna inhaled deeply, trying to calm the racing beat of her heart and failing. She gazed at the creatures, their eyes fixed back on her. It was as if they were waiting for her to do something, anything. Goosebumps skated across her skin.

  The house fell into eerie silence whilst the birds studied them, their black eyes frightening and sharp.

  Adrenaline surged through Luna’s veins. Chase squeezed her arm, preparing her for their move. Would the birds follow and peck out their eyes?

  I’ve seen this movie and I didn’t like it. Luna inhaled, sucking in as much oxygen as her lungs could take.

  Another squeeze.

  “Two.”

  A gasp escaped her mouth as Chase turned and ran through the door, his grip almost painfully tight on her arm. One second, they were in the hallway, the next they were outside. Small stings of pain danced on her bare feet. Chase dragged her along at supernatural speed – everything remained a blur as they tried to outrun them.

  But Luna couldn’t help thinking it wouldn’t be enough.

  The dark creatures screeched from behind, sending icy shivers down Luna’s spine. She glanced over her shoulder. Through wisps of golden hair partially blocking her vision, she watched the birds tearing through the air, a dark blizzard of feathers and claws ready to tear them apart. Fear flooded her veins.

  They continued to race onwards, the former-guesthouse-turned-Michael’s-bachelor-pad looming closer and closer. As soon as they reached it, Chase pushed the door open and shoved her inside, slamming it shut.

  With him remaining outside.

  The swarm of birds swooped down upon him, their talons glinting viciously in the light stemming from the main house. Despite the fear that raced throughout her mind, common sense urged her not to open the door. Luna rushed to the window to watch Chase roll to his feet as the birds flew upwards in a terrifying wave. Something crashed at the wall, sending dread flooding down her veins.

  “Chase!” she cried, clutching the windowsill, her knuckles white.

  “Stay in there,” he shouted, dodging the swarm as it swooped past him in a violent screech. “Keep the doors and windows shut.”

  Fear coursed through her body like cheap wine, but Luna ran back to the door and bolted it shut. Thankfully, Michael had closed his windows already.

  The birds couldn’t get in.

  Hopefully.

  Luna darted back to the window, her heartbeat pounding in her ears. A battlefield of warring emotions emerged in her head. Maybe she should ignore him and go out there and drag him inside with her? What could he do against a flock of birds?

  What could she do for that matter?

  Yet her feet remained glued to where she stood.

  Outside, the birds circled above Chase’s head and formed a dark menacing halo. He remained still, allowing them to venture closer. The golden flecks within his eyes glimmered in the limited light. With lightning quick movements, his arm flew out and grabbed a bird by its legs. Half a second later, it fell to the ground, its neck twisted, its eyes dull. Echoes of anger flooded the air, the storm of black birds screeching in rage at their fallen brethren.

  They descended upon Chase, a whirlwind of dark rage.

  Luna could only watch with terror and hope swirling within her chest as Chase ducked and dived, his arms a blur of supernatural speed that reached out and struck the plague which surrounded him. A bird fell to the ground with a thud, a shower of crimson drenching the floor as its mangled body lay in two parts. Another followed. Then another. And another.

  The whirlwind petered out until only two birds remained. Chase leapt several feet into the air, grabbing one of the birds by its claws. With a terrifying screech, it lunged at his face. Pain lined the contours of his features as a stream of scarlet bloomed over Chase’s face, but his grip on the bird’s feet never wavered. Now on the ground, Chase twisted his body and threw it to his left as the last creature sped towards him, hitting it straight on. The force of the impact sent both crashing to the ground, dead.

  Chase stood upright, his eyes closed. His chest rose and fell with heavy breaths. Scratches lined his arms, his t-shirt and jeans ripped in several places revealing tanned skin. Blood pooled at the corner of his mouth. Spitting to one side, he opened his eyes and lifted his head towards the window to meet Luna’s terrified gaze.

  Gold painted the warmth of his chocolate brown eyes. His wolf eyes, the first time he’d truly revealed what he was to her.

  Relief
flushed through every cell of her body. She raced to the door, her fingers fumbling to push back the deadbolt, and flew straight into his arms, ignoring the stones biting into her bare feet.

  “You OK?” he asked, his voice a low growl.

  Luna nodded, taking comfort from the warmth of his embrace. “Oui, I’m fine. Knee hurts a little though.” She glanced upwards, brushing a lock of hair away from her face. “Why would birds attack us?” A thought sprung to mind. “Do you think Lyulf sent them?”

  His lip curled in anger and the gold flashed in his eyes. “After what you told me, it wouldn’t surprise me. I haven’t run into any fae before, so I don’t know anything about them or what they can do.” His grip loosened and he reached for her hand. “Let’s get you back inside.”

  Nodding, Luna allowed him to guide her back to the house, away from the pile of dead birds. Just as they reached the porch, Chase stopped and sniffed the air. A second later, the sound of tires over gravel rang through the air.

  Luna’s heart thumped against her chest as realisation dawned.

  Someone was heading their way.

  Twelve

  Werewolves, fae, demonic birds ... what next? A dancing unicorn on stilts? Nope, not fearsome enough. How about a troll or two?

  Apprehension swam through Luna’s veins, her exhausted body ready to make a dash for it. Chase’s hand stayed firm on her arm, his eyes narrowed to slits.

  Two shadowy figures emerged through the trees.

  Luna sucked in a breath and mentally prepared herself for anything.

  A second later, Chase’s features relaxed and he released his grip.

  A man and a woman made their way down the driveway, their steps hurried as soon as they saw them. As they ventured closer, Luna noticed they were both around the same age as her parents, somewhere in their early to mid-fifties with salt and pepper hair close to their temples. The man wore beige khakis and a brown short-sleeved shirt, making Luna wonder if he was on his way to a golf course. The woman wore her dark hair short, her face kind, almost motherly, but thick lines of worry were visible for all to see. A long black skirt and a white shirt made her appear as if she’d come straight from work. Maybe a teacher or secretary, Luna thought.

  Whoever they were, they moved quickly. Chase didn’t seem concerned with the new arrivals.

  Luna’s body relaxed slightly, but not by much.

  “Chase,” the man called, his tone calm, but Luna sensed an undercurrent of urgency beneath it.

  “Brad, Sally,” Chase nodded, taking a step forward.

  Luna’s mouth dropped opened, instantly recognising the names from earlier.

  “Where’s Michael? We need to talk to him,” Brad demanded, his stance tense.

  “My brother is asleep,” Luna told him, hesitancy lacing her tone. Hopefully none of the birds had pecked their way through his bedroom door. “What do you need to speak to him about?”

  Brad and Sally glanced at her, their eyes blinking as if seeing her for the first time. Brad’s face softened. “Luna?” he asked, his gaze sweeping up and down her body as if he didn’t quite believe it. “I should’ve known. You look just like your mother.”

  “Please accept our condolences for your loss, Luna. We didn’t expect to see you here,” Sally said, her voice thin and tight.

  Brad nodded but turned back to Chase. “But we do need to speak to Michael. It’s important.”

  Chase shook his head. “He’s in a healing sleep right now, Brad.”

  The sound of Brad sucking in air reverberated around them. “What the hell do you mean?” His brown eyes flicked between Chase and Luna and although he tried to mask his concern, she could see it. Nobody can beat Pierre trying to hide his thoughts, she told herself. Especially when in court.

  Chase waved off his concerns and sighed. “If its pack business, you might as well say so. Don’t worry about Luna, she knows what we all are now. Michael changed in front of her today when he was attacked. No sense in hiding it now.”

  Sally’s gasp sounded loud in the dying afternoon light. “He changed in front of her?”

  They must be werewolves, too, Luna thought as Chase nodded.

  “Goddamnit, Chase,” Brad exclaimed, his face turning an angry shade of red. “We’re not meant to change in front of humans. Michael knows that better than anyone.”

  Yep, werewolves alright. Where’s my gold star for getting it right? On second thoughts, make it tea instead.

  Shrugging his shoulders, Chase placed a hand on Luna’s lower back and pushed gently, urging her up the stairs. “The air has wings, Brad. Let’s get inside, grab a drink, and Luna and I will catch you up on what’s been going on. It’s been one hell of a day.”

  The four headed into the house. Chase locked the door behind them. Dark feathers glistened like obsidian as the light touched them. Thankfully, neither Brad nor Sally remarked on them as everyone made their way into the living room, but Luna caught a raised eyebrow or two.

  Luna hurried to the windows and ensured they remained shut tight. She didn’t fancy round two any time soon.

  Chase stood in the doorway. “I’m just going to check on Michael,” he told her, his voice tight.

  Nodding, Luna turned to their guests. “I’m going to make drinks. Would you like one?” she asked, hearing the weariness in her voice.

  “Coffee, black for us both,” Brad replied.

  The bottle of vodka still stood on the kitchen table, but she shook her head and switched the kettle on. She needed tea, the good stuff.

  Although the boarding school she’d attended until she was eighteen had taken in students from all over the world, most of her closest friends were British. Legally, she may have been American, but her mannerisms had taken on a distinctively British edge. Celebrating a special event? Tea. Found out you were pregnant? Tea. Got the promotion you were after for five years? Tea!

  Discovering your brother and father were werewolves, attacked by something out of an ancient history textbook quickly followed by demonic birds, and cheating on your boyfriend with a gorgeous werewolf who just happened to be your brother’s best friend?

  There wasn’t enough tea in the world for that.

  But I can start with Earl Grey at least.

  Once all the beverages were made and piled onto a faded old tray that looked at least forty years old, Luna made her way back to the living room. Chase and Brad stood beside the fireplace, both their faces tight, the tension riding their shoulders. Sally perched on the edge of the couch, smoothing down an invisible wrinkle in her skirt.

  Luna handed out the drinks and sat next to Sally. She cradled the hot mug in her hands as if it could warm the deepest part of her.

  It didn’t work.

  “So,” Chase began, turning his head in the older man’s direction. “What are you doing here? The meeting isn’t until tomorrow.”

  Sipping his coffee, Brad grimaced. “Mary’s missing. No one’s seen or heard from her. We’re getting worried.”

  “Who’s Mary?” Luna asked, her brows knitting together.

  “One of our wolves,” Chase explained, bringing his cup to his lips. “There are fourteen of us now George, your father, has passed. He was the alpha, the leader of the Silver Moon pack. Most states will have one, dozens more across Europe. Most of the cities are controlled by vampires or witches, but that’s a conversation for another time. Michael is has taken his father’s role now. I’m his beta, his second-in-command. The muscle of the pack. Brad is one of us, like Mary was. There’s only four females in the pack.”

  Luna frowned and her glance fell onto Sally.

  Chase shook his head. “Sally isn’t a werewolf. She’s human, like you and your mom.”

  “Is Mary the wolf that was hurt today?”

  Chase nodded, his face painted in bleakness.

  “What?” Brad demanded, setting his cup down on the mantlepiece so hard coffee spilled down its side.

  Chase sighed as he turned back to him, the weight of his wo
rds heavy and full of grief. “Michael rang me yesterday. He and Luna discovered the severed leg of a wolf on the porch, not long put there. When I got there, I checked it out. The blood was still fresh, the leg pulled off by hand.” His eyes darkened with rage. “While she was still alive.”

  Sally’s gasp echoed the horror in everyone’s mind. “It was Mary? Are you certain?” Her voice dropped to a whisper, her hands trembling.

  “Yeah, I’m sure,” Chase told them, rubbing a hand over the back of his neck. “I couldn’t find her in the woods, so I went to her house. When I got there, her car was still in the garage, the back door wide open. The kitchen was a mess; it looked like a goddamn tornado hit it. She was in the hallway, her right leg torn off. Dead, and covered with an unusual smell. I couldn’t scent her with it on her.”

  A hiss escaped Brad’s mouth. “Who the hell would do that to her? Another pack?”

  Luna sighed and guessed who had killed her brother’s pack member. “Non. I think it was Lyulf.”

  Brown eyes blazing with rage turned on her. “Who the fuck is Lyulf?”

  Taking a deep breath, Luna informed them what had happened, from the truck smashing into an unknown force right to calling Chase after her brother changed. As the words tumbled out of her mouth, the entire thing seemed surreal, as if explaining a bad dream after waking from a long sleep.

  After she finished talking, silence flooded the room, deafening in its intensity. A moment later, a creak of the floorboards rang out through the tense stillness. Brad and Chase turned their heads towards the door and a mop of sandy blonde hair appeared.

  One moment Luna was staring at her brother and the next her face buried itself in his neck. Relief spun through her, heady and intoxicating. Glancing up, the wince on his face informed her that he wasn’t quite one hundred percent healed yet. “Sorry,” she whispered, a relieved smile on her face. “I’m just happy you’re alive.”

  “Right back at you,” he croaked, the smile in his voice reaching his eyes. The open wounds on his face had miraculously healed although they’d been replaced by an intricate pattern of purple and sickly green bruises. His face turned serious. “Although I’m shocked you hit a fae, sis. You’ve never been the type to hit anyone, even when they deserved it.”