Lana swept into the kitchen, looking sexy as hell in a new pair of jeans and a summery printed top in various shades of blue. Smiling when she saw him, she raced toward him, looped her arms around his neck and, going on tiptoes, kissed him cheerfully. “Mm. Something smells awfully good,” she said, grinning. “It’s either you or the food.”
“Both?”
“I think I can agree with that. I take it Ynez cooked something yummy for us? I’m starved.”
Moon laughed. For such a small woman, she had an enormous appetite, but he stopped her before she could look in the oven. “Unh uh. Hold your horses, beautiful. As much as I want to feed you before you start chewing the walls, you’re going to have to wait. I’m serving you tonight.”
“Oh ho. You are, huh? Now that’s what I like to hear. Prowess in the bedroom, major badass fighting skills, and he serves up dinner too. I sure now how to pick ’em.”
“That you do. Now come with me.”
He led her into the dining room and watched her eyes go big. Once he’d pulled out a chair for her, he leaned over and pressed a kiss to her lips. “Don’t move a muscle. I’ll be right back.”
His biggest fear at this point was that she’d get nosy and find the ring box so he hurried back to the kitchen and pulled out the two plates that warmed in the oven. It took him several trips but before long, Moon sat watching her dive into her meal of steak and grilled fish. Bowls of some kind of fancy rice and several types of steamed veggies were arranged on the tablecloth. A fat slice of triple-layer chocolate cake sat on the sideboard nearby.
Lana looked around, apparently speechless, but that didn’t last long. “Wow, you went to a lot of trouble.”
“Ynez did.”
“You need to give the woman a raise but I know you went to some effort too. After all, this was your idea, wasn’t it?” She propped her elbows on the table and tapped her fingers together as she studied him, a naughty little smile playing around her lips. “And what do you get?”
“I’ll let you know.” Moon grinned, sawed off a bite of steak, and popped it in his mouth.
“I’m sure you will.”
“So tell me about your visit in town today.”
Conversation proceeded at a leisurely pace and Moon wondered if things would always be like this, free and easy and fun. Despite her lack of higher education, she was well-read and could converse on any topic. Hell, she was a lot smarter than him on most topics. Bottom line was that he was proud of her and what she’d achieved, despite tremendous odds. He couldn’t imagine finding a more worthy mate. The gods had designed her just for him but he suspected that even without the mystical connection, he would want her forever.
Candlelight danced over her pretty face and her blue eyes shone softly. By the end of the meal, just a china plate sat between them. Lana picked up a chocolate crumb with the tip of her finger, stuck it in her mouth and sighed. “Gods! Feed me stuff like this every day and see what happens. I feel the size of my butt expanding as we speak.”
“And such a nice butt it is too.”
She laughed as he knew she would.
When he’d taken his seat earlier, he’d managed to sneak the napkin-covered box to the side of his plate and now he uncovered it and watched her eyes go wide as he held the box in the palm of his hand. Moon stood, enjoying this moment of stunned silence and, walking around the table, reached for her hand. Once she stood in front of him, he opened the box.
Lana gasped, her gaze moving from the ring to him then back again. “Mad!”
“Do you like it?”
“How could I not? It’s stunning. I’ve never seen anything more beautiful.”
Mad removed the ring from the box and looked at her. “I have. You. You’re the most beautiful woman I’ve ever known.” Her eyes filled instantly and when he slipped the ring into place, her fingers trembled. “This is a very human tradition. I know it’s not something you’re used to coming from a pack that lives only among other wolves but it’s pretty important to blend in here in Sweetridge, so I’m asking you to marry me. This diamond was taken from Mom’s engagement ring. She married Dad at a church here and I’m hoping you’ll agree to follow in that tradition.”
“And they were happy, weren’t they?”
“Yeah. Very happy.”
She smiled at him and he swore she looked like a blast of sunshine. “It’s a good omen for us, I think. Yes, Madden. I’ll marry you in the human way, but what about—?”
“Our consummation?”
“Yes.” Color rose high on her cheekbones.
“Believe me, I haven’t forgotten.” He set the box on the table and pulled her against him. “We needed to give pack members time to grieve for those who were lost. It wasn’t appropriate to discuss a celebration so soon but I believe we can move forward with our consummation plans now. Gods know, we need a reason to celebrate after all this death. How does next week sound? Then we’ll work on putting on a proper human wedding for the entire town to see. What do you say, darlin’?”
She gazed at him for a span of seconds, her eyes shining with emotion. “I say yes, Mad, yes to everything.” Lana leaned against him. Her breath moved over him, penetrating the cotton of his shirt. He tightened his hold and rested his chin against the top of her head. “I wish—”
“What, sweetheart?”
“I just wish my mom was here.”
“I’m in the same boat. I thought about my mom today when I picked up the ring at the jewelers. She would have loved you. Now that we’ve made this decision, I’d better give my sisters a call. They’d be pissed as hell if I left them out.”
Lana leaned back. “Can I talk to you about something that has been on my mind for a few days?”
“Sure. Come on.” He led her into the living room and pulled her down beside him on the sofa. “What has you worried?”
“My pack.” Confused, he frowned and shook his head but she lifted a hand. “My pack in Colorado. There aren’t many of them left and they’ve spent their lives living under my father’s thumb. He was not a patient and fair Alpha. The strongest wolves of the pack are gone now, leaving the rest of them with nothing really. I’m the last of the ruling line, Madden.”
“What are you suggesting?”
“I want to go back, just for a little while.” She shrugged. “I left with nothing. I have no pictures or other keepsakes that belonged to Mom. Now the house is just empty and I’ve worried too, about what remains of the Snow Wolf pack. I don’t know if they’re even aware of what has happened to my father, Anton and the others. I doubt they’d spare an ounce of pity but they have to be told and I feel it’s up to me to do it. Do you understand, Mad?”
He understood a lot about the weight of responsibility and was proud the woman who would be his lupa wanted to do the right thing regarding others. Mad tucked her against him, his decision made. “How long will it take you to pack?”
* * * * *
It felt strange walking into the mountain home she’d once shared with her mother and father. The rugged, beautiful Rockies had been a part of her life for so long that it was odd to feel such a stranger to this land. Life was constantly changing and now she felt alien in the spaces she’d once known like the back of her hand. Early this morning, she and Madden had boarded a plane bound for Denver then, after renting a vehicle, had driven to the mountain home of the Snow Wolf pack.
The rough mountain cabin was really so much more that what the term would suggest. The structure was comprised of over nine thousand square feet of massive logs and glass—a melding of rustic and contemporary architecture. From all outward appearances she’d been raised as a princess yet the sad fact remained, Lana had always felt like a prisoner here. Little love had been present in this stunning house. Maybe someday this place could be a real home for someone. She hoped so.
Walking into the massive great room with its Native American and Western artwork and expensive furnishings, she wished things had been different. Behind her, Madden let
out a low whistle. “This is a hell of a place,” he said. He walked past her to run a hand over the rough-edged granite mantle that dominated the huge fireplace. “It’s perfect in every way. The workmanship here is amazing.”
While he walked around admiring the house where she’d grown to womanhood, Lana headed toward a long wall of glass that overlooked the pristine beauty of the mountains beyond, then finally opened a door to the redwood deck and stepped onto it. A blast of fresh air greeted her. Sending her gaze around the area where she’d run and hunted after her first shift, she caught a flash of red and heard the steady thunk, thunk of wood being chopped. An elderly man rose to his full height and went still when he saw her. His hand went up as he waved. She would know Sheldon White anywhere.
Lifting her arm, so happy to see a familiar face, she returned his wave. Cupping her hands over her mouth she yelled out, “Sheldon! I’m home!”
Sheldon and his mate May had been caretakers for Tomin Vronski from the time Lana been a baby. Emotion shook her. They’d no doubt worried about her when she had taken off in the middle of the night and had probably fretted over what would happen when her dad found her too. Vronski’s harshness was not foreign to the Snow Wolves. After propping his axe against a tree stump, Sheldon ate up the distance getting to her and finally climbed the wide steps leading from the ground to the deck.
“Miss Lana! I’m so glad you’re safe!” His big, burly arms went around her to hug her tight. He pulled back, his hands on her arms. “Let me look at you. When your father left to hunt for you, May and I were really worried.”
“I’m okay but I have news for the pack. Can you get everyone here tonight?”
“Sure thing. It will only take a few calls. Most of the pack took off with your father and we haven’t heard from a single one of them since they left.” He eyed her curiously and Lana knew he had a million questions but then he went stiff and looked beyond her. The scent of Madden reached her and she knew he’d come outside.
She stepped back and turned, holding out her hand, which Madden instantly took. He moved up beside her and nodded at the old man. Sheldon was no fool. He recognized an Alpha when he saw one. He dipped his head in a short bow.
“I’m Madden Moon, Alpha of the Texas Rogues.”
Lana hurried to finish the introductions. “Sheldon has been caretaker here since before I was born. He and his mate have always been a huge part of my life. They’ve been like grandparents, really.”
“Then I’m doubly pleased to meet you.”
Lana moved closer to Mad and his arm went around her. “Madden is my mate. I will be lupa of the Texas Rogues a week from now.”
Sheldon stared for a moment. “But—”
“Sheldon, my father and Anton are dead. So are the rest of the Snow Wolves who followed Dad to Texas.”
After a moment, he shook his head. “Our pack is gone. Too many. There is nothing left but old folks and young women and boys. But that Anton.” His face went hard and he spit over the deck railing. “I’m not surprised he came to a bad end.”
“Can you call the others? Have them meet Moon and me here at eight?”
“I will. You can count on me, Miss Lana.” He turned to leave then looked back. “It’s so good to see you safe, ma’am.”
“Thank you, Sheldon.”
* * * * *
At the designated time, Lana watched what was left of the Snow Wolf pack file into the house. He father would have held pack meetings at the local community center, having thought his home was too special to be invaded by mere pack members. Yeah, it might be bad luck to speak ill of the dead but wrong was wrong and she wasn’t delusional. Sheldon’s wife May had arrived early, bearing foil tins filled with barbecue sandwiches and other snacks she set out on a large table at the far end of the room. The scent of freshly brewed coffee filled the air.
Lana greeted everyone, careful to introduce Mad to them all. She didn’t elaborate about his presence but figured it was probably obvious that the two of them were somehow deeply involved. Madden was polite to each pack member he met and if he harbored any bad feelings about what their lycan brothers had done to members of the Rogues, he didn’t show it.
Lana had come to know Madden and believed he wasn’t the kind of man to blame some for the actions of others. Several teens clustered together outside on the deck while their parents looked around warily. Though she didn’t know for sure, it wasn’t hard to imagine that news of their Alpha’s death had reached them. Now they no doubt wondered where they went from here.
Once everyone was assembled and the kids had been called in from outside, Lana stood to address them all. Mad remained seated in a big, upholstered chair. She glanced at him but he shook his head. These were her people and she would address them as the last of the Vronski line.
“I’m so happy you all came tonight. I’m afraid I have sad news and I figure it’s just best to rip the bandage off about this. Most of you know that I ran away and my father and most of the younger Snow Wolves traveled with him to bring me back home.” She swallowed hard as every eye trained on her. She’d known these people all of her life but she wasn’t much of a public speaker. Nerves set up residence in her belly. Glancing behind her, she looked at Mad who simply nodded as if to encourage her. “Hell, I’m no good at this.”
“Yes, you are,” Sheldon said from his position with the others. “You are the last of the Vronski line and I reckon you are as close to a leader as we have now. Go on, girl. Say what needs saying.”
Lana swallowed and then just spoke from her heart. “Dad is dead along with Anton and all the others who followed my father to Texas. They hurt me and a friend and killed many others of the Texas Rogues.” Silence fell but she continued. “As the last of my line, I owe it to you all to tell you that I’ve met my mate.” She turned to Madden, who finally stood and nodded to the group. After introducing him, she turned back to the subject at hand. “You have no leader now. I’m not a psychic who can predict the future so I’m worried about you all.”
“Yes, we do have a leader,” another male Snow Wolf said. “You are family. You’re a Vronski. You can lead us now. Hell, I know you’re female but that doesn’t really matter to us. When you ran off, escaping your father and his plans for you, we all secretly cheered. We care about you, Lana. We respect you too.”
Unbelievably touched, she shook her head. “I don’t know what to say. I love you all but I can’t stay here. I’ve made a home in Texas with a natural mate. I never thought that would happen for me but now that it has I know I can’t stay here.”
Madden cleared his throat and every eye turned to him. “As I stranger here, I hate to speak out of turn but maybe I can help. You need Lana but Lana needs me and the life we’ve planned together. Unfortunately, that home we plan to build is in Texas.” A murmur swept the group. “I haven’t discussed this with Lana but I believe she would think it was pretty fine to have family around as she begins her new life. And you are family. I’d like to extend an invitation to join us in the town of Sweetridge, Texas. It’s not a fancy place but it’s friendly. We mix with humans there but have handled that pesky detail for several hundred years now with few problems. If you are willing to take a chance, then I figure I am too. What do you say?”
Chapter Thirteen
Savannah splashed a heavy dose of bubbles beneath the water running into the tub. Over the course of the past few weeks, Lana was happy to note, her friend had healed nicely and now only faint traces of darkness remained under her eyes. Sniffing at the bottle, Savannah smiled and then poured more bubbles in for good measure.
“You really don’t have to do this. I’m perfectly capable of bathing myself,” Lana said.
Her friend turned and shook her head. “Oh no, you don’t. We all know you’re already a wolf but there’s no way you’re getting out of this. It’s tradition for us to help the bride get ready for her consummation and you aren’t gonna rob me of doing this. Got it? I mean, this is the next best thing to being
a human maid of honor and I’m not about to miss out.”
“She is right, Miss Lana,” Ynez said as she bent to light the clusters of squat ivory candles placed strategically at the corners of the huge tub. “Now off with the robe, querida. We must get you all beautiful for Señor Moon.”
“Ah, she’s already beautiful,” Savannah said matter-of-factly as she finally turned off the water and stood. “Come on, come on. Off with the robe.”
Lana had never experienced this kind of pampering in her life and she wasn’t used to it, but in the name of tradition, she was prepared to go along. Though she played a good game, acting as if this wasn’t necessary, deep in her heart this meant the world to her. Among packs like the Rogues and Wolf Creek, women were pampered and treated like queens before their consummation night. There was just something soothing about ritual and she simply never expected to have these women here with her now.
Lana didn’t want them to know just how nervous she was about tonight. Yes, she’d had sex, and plenty of it, with Mad already, but it would be nothing like what tonight would bring. During their consummation, Mad would release every bit of his lycan energy into her body. A human woman would never be able to handle it, she knew, but still she didn’t know what to expect and that could be a scary thing. She might as well be a virgin for all the butterflies setting up residence in her belly.
Sighing, she untied her robe and handed it off to Ynez, who draped it on a hook behind the bathroom door. Then Savannah took her hand and helped her climb into the big tub. “I can do this,” Lana said.
“Hush. Let me do this for you.”
“Okay, I’m hushing.”
She sank into the warm water and the mountain of fragrant bubbles and actually moaned. The heat instantly penetrated tense muscles and, letting it work its magic, she closed her eyes and leaned her head back. The women silently exited the room, leaving her alone and she let her mind drift. Lassitude washed over her but she was too keyed up to lie here like a sack of potatoes for long. Finally she sat up and began to wash, inhaling the soft scent of the candles as she scooped mounds of bubbles over her arms and chest.
MadMoon Page 13