Ice Moon

by Lisa Kessler

  Chapter Forty

  Jared

  I jerked awake, gasping as I opened my eyes. Adam sat at my bedside. I looked around my bedroom with no idea how I got here. “Is Charlie all right? Where’s Taryn?”

  Adam leaned forward in his chair. “Charlie’s got a couple broken bones and a healthy dose of whiplash, but Jason said he’s going to be fine.”

  I looked over at him. “Where are they? How long have I been out?”

  “They’re at Taryn’s place.” He glanced at his watch. “You’ve been out about ten hours.”

  “Does she still think I’m crazy?”

  Adam chuckled, shaking his head. “I don’t think so.”

  “Why isn’t she here?”

  “Because I told Jason to take them home. I need to talk to you alone.”

  I stared at the ceiling. “You waited for me to wake up so you could chew my ass out? Seriously?”

  “I waited because Jason couldn’t be in two places at once. Kilani is coming back in an hour to change the dressing on your leg.” His voice dropped to a dangerous growl. “You put the entire Pack in jeopardy by taking off on your own last night. We all would’ve frozen in that storm if it weren’t for your mate and her gift.”

  “I’m not going to apologize for saving Taryn and Charlie. Damian would’ve taken her if I hadn’t have gotten there when I did.”

  “My issue isn’t with saving them. It’s with you running as a wolf, half-cocked and alone. You realize you bit Damian?”

  “I had no choice. He had a gun pointed at me. It was kill or be killed.”

  “The problem is we don’t have proof he’s dead.”

  My eyes widened. “He couldn’t have survived that fire.”

  “Maybe not.” Adam shrugged. “From what Taryn described, it doesn’t sound like anyone could have lived through it, but Luke and Logan headed out there at daybreak to search for a charred body, and they came up empty.”

  “Maybe the fire was so hot he was incinerated or he caused an avalanche and what’s left of him is buried.”

  “We’re screwed either way. If he’s dead, Severino will want revenge for his son’s life, and if he’s alive, we risk some kind of hybrid jaguar wolf.” Adam sighed and sat back in his chair. “It’s going to be more important than ever for us to work together as a Pack. Last night is a perfect example of why.”

  He stared at the ceiling. “If Damian’s dead…” His gaze leveled onto my face. “Antonio Severino is not going to look the other way while the Pack murders his son.”

  “There’s going to be retaliation.”

  Adam nodded. “I expect so.” He closed his hand into a fist. “But we’ll be ready. Get some rest and think about what I said. Pack first.”

  “Taryn and Charlie are my Pack.”

  Adam stood up, the corners of his mouth twitching like he was trying not to smile. “Then they’re mine, too.”

  I chuckled. “Guess I better fill Taryn in on that.”

  Kilani came by and pulled back the covers on my bed. My toes and the tops of my feet were discolored, and a bandage was wrapped around my calf, covering the gunshot wound.

  “Is that frostbite?”

  She glanced down and nodded. “Yeah. Not too bad though. Walking isn’t going to be fun for a while.”

  She unwrapped my leg while I turned toward the clock. I didn’t want to see the damage Damian inflicted. “How’s Jason?”

  “He’s okay, thanks to Taryn.” She cleaned the wound. I ground my teeth to keep from screaming. “She saved all of you. Jason said she had them gather wood and even though it was wet from the snow, she got a fire started. It kept all of you from dying of hypothermia.”

  I looked over at her as she wrapped my calf. “I’m sorry I got Jason mixed up in this mess last night.”

  Kilani sighed and sat beside my bed. “I’m pretty sure Adam already lectured you on how reckless that was, but I’d add that I’m carrying your brother’s babies, and I want him to be around to meet them.” She pressed her lips together. “I’m new to this family thing, but I think it’s sort of like the Musketeers, right? One for all and all for one?”

  I reached out for her hand and gave it a squeeze. “I spent my whole life watching out for my baby brother and keeping him safe.” A smile crept up on me. “I’m glad to see I passed the torch to a worthy mate.”

  Kilani chuckled. “Don’t get all sweet on me. I’m trying to be mad at you.”

  “Sorry about that.”

  “You are not.” She got up and nudged my shoulder. “You Ayers boys get it from your father. Way too charming for your own good.” She stopped at the door. “Try to stay off your feet for a couple days. Jason’s planning to bring over some crutches too.”

  “Yes, ma’am.”

  “I’m heading back up to Taryn’s to help Jason with Charlie.” She pointed to my cell on the nightstand. “Call if you need anything.”

  I watched a little TV, but I couldn’t focus. The house was too quiet. Tank snored at the foot of the bed, but there were no sound effects from the other room while Charlie played his video games, and no Taryn.

  Last night’s unfortunate events haunted me. I never meant to hurt her. I wanted to hear Charlie laugh and see Taryn smile. But first I needed to tell her everything. No more hiding.

  An engine I didn’t recognize pulled into my driveway. I frowned and sat up. Glancing around my room, I realized if this was a visit from Nero, I was in no condition to defend myself. Tank lifted his head.

  A car door closed. Footsteps. And then a scent. My pulse raced. The deadbolt turned. I waited. Finally she came around the corner. Taryn.

  “Hey.” She didn’t come any closer.

  “Hey.” I cleared my throat. “Is Charlie okay?”

  “He will be. He’s awake and sore.”

  “Good.” I hated the awkwardness between us. “Want to come and sit?”

  “Not yet. I need to tell you something, and if you touch me, I won’t be able to get it out.”

  “Okay.” That didn’t sound good. But whatever she had to say, I probably deserved it.

  “I get what you are now. I believe.” She shook her head. “And I might even believe that Charlie is a werewolf too. It actually would explain a few things he can do. Maybe on some level I knew he was different, I just didn’t want to see it.” She lifted her gaze to my face. “I’m actually less upset about all that, and more hurt that you confided in everyone, even Charlie, but not with me.”

  “I wanted to.”

  She raised her hand to silence me. “I’m not finished.” Tears shone in her eyes. My chest constricted seeing her hurt, and knowing I caused it. “I shared everything with you. I bared my soul, my fears, my scars, I gave you every part of me. I trusted you. Completely. You knew I’d never told anyone my secrets, and yet you hid yours from me.”

  A tear rolled down her cheek, and I couldn’t take it. I turned, my legs dangling from the bed. Bracing myself I stood up, stars lighting on the edge of my vision. My feet throbbed, and my wounded leg wouldn’t bear any weight, but I hobbled over to my mate and pulled her into my arms. Her shoulders trembled with her silent sobs.

  “I’m so sorry.” I kissed her hair, closing my eyes. “I never meant to hurt you. You deserved the truth. I worried I’d upset you and you’d lose control of your power, but…” I shook my head. “I’m so fucking scared of losing you, I can hardly breathe.”

  I waited for her to reply. Nothing. I cleared my throat, hoping to steady my voice. “I was wrong, but for what it’s worth, I had this perfect plan to get you alone and tell you everything on Thanksgiving, and then I’d shift so I could show you my wolf.” It sounded stupid now. “In my head, it was going to be this magical night, and we’d have no more secrets.”

  She sniffled and almost smiled. “The twins had another plan.”

  I rolled my eyes. “I didn’t anticipate the twins.” I took her hand. “There’s one more thing I need to tell you, but if we don’t sit soon, I’m going
to fall down.”

  Together, we made it to the bed. I grabbed my pillows and pushed them against the headboard so I could sit up. She came around to the other side and sat beside me. I took her hand, grateful she didn’t pull away.

  “Adam tells me we probably would’ve died in the snow last night. You used your power, controlled it.”

  She squeezed my hand. “You saved us first.”

  “If I had told you everything sooner, you wouldn’t have needed saving.”

  She sighed. “I didn’t come here to finger point. I came to find out why you couldn’t trust me.”

  “It had nothing to do with trust. I told you about my claustrophobia. No one in the Pack knows but you. In fact, no one in the Pack knows I was in that car with Bailey. I couldn’t risk the paramedics treating me, so once my legs healed enough to get myself out, I had to leave her there.” I shook my head. “When I got to the road I called 911 and reported an accident. I’ve never gotten past that guilt.”

  “It wouldn’t have mattered.” She placed her hand over mine. “That’s why you always drive now isn’t it?”

  I nodded. “I can’t be in a car unless I’m driving.” I took a deep breath and looked into her ice blue eyes. “But that’s not what I needed to tell you.”

  She worried her lower lip with her teeth. “All right.”

  My pulse raced, but I forced my voice out. “Being a werewolf is more than just shifting once a month and having heightened senses. My wolf lives inside of me like part of my soul.”

  I cupped her cheek, praying I could make her understand. “Our wolf recognizes our one mate for life when we touch skin to skin. That night when you asked me to be your date to the Masquerade, I put my finger to your lips, and my wolf recognized you. It was crazy because I was already falling for you and Charlie, but you didn’t like to be touched, so I didn’t realize you were my mate until that moment.”

  She didn’t run away. But she also didn’t say anything. I cleared my throat. “The thing is, I think I loved you and your son before I ever realized you were mine, but once I knew, fear kicked in. You’re human. You have a choice to walk away and leave me behind. You still can. And for a guy who has found the one woman I’ll ever love, it’s terrifying.”

  I rubbed the bridge of my nose, fighting against the emotions burning my eyes. “I don’t want to lose you, Taryn. You’re the missing piece of my soul.”

  For a second she didn’t speak, just stared at me. “Is that everything?”

  I nodded slowly. “No more secrets.”

  A tear rolled down her cheek as she reached over to wipe away mine. “I love you, Jared. That’s why it hurt when you didn’t confide in me.” She smiled through her tears. “But I’m not going anywhere.”

  “Thank God.” I pulled her close, fusing my lips to hers.

  She moaned into the kiss, her hands moving over my chest, warming my skin. Every part of me was alive and hungry for her. I scooted down from the headboard with her, lying down on the bed. In my current condition, I should’ve been weak, but having Taryn in my arms, and knowing she knew me completely and still loved me… Shit, I had never wanted a woman so badly in my entire life.

  I pushed her shirt up, my hands eager to explore her skin. Breathless, she pulled back. “You…should rest.”

  I shook my head, eyes locked on hers. “I need you. Now.”

  She kissed me and then turned to look at my swollen feet and bandaged leg. “You’re in no condition—”

  I caught her chin, turning her toward me as I growled against her lips. “Get my shorts off.”

  Her mouth curved into a sexy smile as she moved her hand down to cup my raging erection. She raised a brow. “No injuries here?”

  “We won’t know until we try.”

  She slid her hand under my shorts, stroking me slow and firm. “I’m all for trying.”

  I moaned into the kiss, aching for her. “You might have to be on top.”

  “I like being on top.” She started pushing my gym shorts lower.

  “Good to know.” I lifted my hips, grateful she was busy with my shorts and missed seeing me wince.

  Once they were off, Taryn got up and stripped off her top and pants. Naked, she crawled up my body. I cupped her breasts, feasting on her taut nipples. Every moan from her lips had my blood pumping lower until I throbbed with need.

  She rose up, straddling me, but before she could settle onto me, I grabbed her hips and pulled her up. She gasped as I plunged my tongue into her warm body, groaning at the taste of her. Her body heat flared, but I barely noticed. I was lost in pleasuring her, in hearing her scream my name though my empty house.

  I gripped her ass, as her muscles tightened, growling. “Let go, Taryn.”

  She wriggled free of my grasp, scooting down my body and impaling herself on my rock hard erection. Every inch of me sank into her until I trembled, struggling not to come on impact.

  She leaned down, her lips almost touching mine. “We come together.”

  Ah fuck. So much for not coming on impact. I grabbed her thighs slamming our bodies together, urgent and eager, surrendering to the passion. Her body clenched around me and I lost it. When she cried out, I came so hard, I saw stars.

  Taryn collapsed onto my chest while we both struggled for breath. I wrapped my arms around her and kissed her shoulder. “I love you.”

  She lifted her head, her cheeks flushed with color. “I love you, too.”

  I savored her lips slowly, still pulsing with aftershocks inside of her. Suddenly, I broke the kiss. “Shit. I forgot a condom.”

  I watched her face for any sign of regret, but she didn’t move away, her gaze stayed locked on mine. “Charlie has always wanted to be a big brother.”

  A surprise wave of emotion slammed into me. I slid my fingers into her hair and pulled her in for another kiss. Without thinking, I rolled her over.

  I may have groaned a little.

  She smiled up at me. “Are you okay?”

  I stroked my finger down her cheek. “I have never been better.”

  Chapter Forty-One

  Taryn

  The Christmas tree lights flickered as I snuggled into Jared’s arms. Charlie was in the other room, trying out his new video game, while we nestled in the aftermath of Christmas morning. Wrapping paper, bows, gift bags, and boxes covered the floor.

  Tank lay in the corner with a big red bow stuck on his head. He busied himself gnawing on the rawhide bone Santa had brought.

  I peered up at Jared and smiled. “This is the best Christmas I’ve ever had.”

  “And it’s not over yet.”

  I raised a brow. “No?”

  He shook his head and kissed my forehead. “Charlie! It’s time!”

  Charlie paused his game and raced in. He was still wearing his Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles sweats, and grinning like a Cheshire cat.

  I looked between the two men in my life. “What’s going on?”

  “You’ll see!” Charlie giggled and sat beside me on the couch. “You should start the fireplace, Mom.”

  I’d finally told my son about my gift. After experiencing the hurt of secrets firsthand, I didn’t want Charlie to find out about mine from anyone else. He surprised me with his quick acceptance, and his understanding that it needed to stay within our family.

  I should’ve told him sooner.

  Focusing on the logs in the fireplace, I funneled heat, envisioned flames, and suddenly the wood ignited. Charlie cheered. On some level, I’m pretty sure he thought I was a superhero. I wasn’t complaining.

  Jared got up, and I wrapped my arm around Charlie and kissed his hair. “So what’s the big secret?”

  He rolled his eyes. “If I told you, it wouldn’t be a secret, Mom.”

  Jared reached his hand into the back of the Christmas tree and pulled out a tiny blue velvet box. “I thought about waiting until tonight when we meet up with the Pack for Christmas dinner, but after our Thanksgiving experience with the whole family, I figure
d it might be better with just us.”

  He got down on one knee in front of me and my vision blurred with tears.

  “Taryn, I love you so much more than I ever realized I could love another person. You and Charlie are my life. You’re my mate, and I hope you’ll also be my wife.”

  He opened the box to reveal a white gold band with a sparkling blue diamond in the center. I couldn’t speak.

  Charlie nudged me with his shoulder. “Jared searched everywhere for a blue diamond. He says it matches your eyes.”

  I wanted to memorize this moment, to freeze it in my mind and cherish it forever. Finally I managed to nod. “Yes. I’d love to be your wife.”

  He grinned and snatched me off the couch and into his arms. I laughed as he kissed me, and Charlie bounced on the sofa cushions chanting. “I got a Dad.”

  Jared slid the ring onto my finger and rested his forehead against mine. “Merry Christmas, Beautiful.”

  Charlie jumped from the couch, tackling us, and Jared wrapped us both in his strong arms. Right there, in the middle of the crunched up wrapping paper, in our pajamas, on Christmas morning, I got the only thing I had ever wanted.

  My family.

  The End

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  Acknowledgments

  Thanks so much for reading! Without you, I couldn’t write the Wolf Pack.

  It takes a village to send a book out into the world. Big thanks to Liz Pelletier for helping me polish it up, and thanks to Heidi and the rest of the Entangled Select crew for all their work. You rock!

  I also need to send out a big thank you to Rhianna Walker for getting the word out about the book and the entire Moon Series. And speaking of spreading the word, here’s a big shout out to my amazing Night Angel Legion! You guys are the best readers a writer could hope for!