Luna Grey

by Emily Fox

  “Trevor is my Uncle, and the boys are his two son’s and his nephew from my Aunt, so my cousin,” Eric explained.

  Luna chewed slowly, as if contemplating what to say next and Eric felt his heart drop.

  “Why are they coming?” she murmured, knowing it would have something to do with her.

  She’d gone over so many scenarios in her head as to what they wanted with her, but ever since Eric had showed her some decency and kindness, she’d tried to avoid thinking about it.

  Eric frowned and his face dropped.

  “Please, I deserve to know Eric, I haven’t asked you but it’s killing me. Why am I here? What does your family want with me?” she pleaded desperately.

  “I know, you deserve to know,” he mumbled as he averted his eyes. “I want you to know I want nothing to do with it, but it’s an old family ‘tradition’,” he spat the last word as he bared his teeth in anger.

  He sighed as his gut twisted, and he let his shoulders droop. He had wanted to spare her the pain, but she deserved to know why she was here.

  He explained to her the tradition of their family, his body tensing in anger as he went over it.

  The ‘tradition’ in his family was that each year, a single pureblood werewolf woman would be bought from the black market and used for a special ‘hunt’. His father and his uncle would bring all their sons over eighteen, and inject them with a special serum. This serum forced the shift upon them and they would be unable to shift back for 72 hours. The woman would also be injected and then released onto their property.

  She’d be given a 3-hour head start before the ‘hunt’ began, where the two families would try to hunt her down and mate with her.

  Whichever family member caught her would have rights on her, and only his own family members could then mate with her as well. They’d mate with her as many times as possible until the serum’s effects ran out, then she’d be taken by whichever family had ‘caught’ her and be sent off to live with a select pureblood bodyguard and team, who would ensure the birth of the pureblood child she now carried. Once born, the woman would be freed and the child would live with a surrogate family and learn the ways of the purebloods.

  Despite being married, his father still partook in this tradition, while his mother turned the other cheek. He loathed how she could look the other way as his father ‘cheated’ on her. But she was married by a pre-arranged marriage and was fulfilling her duty in mothering a new generation of purebloods and honouring her family by passing on their bloodline.

  Luna’s eyes widened as he spoke, and his insides twisted and churned at the look of pain and fear on her face. He had wanted to protect her from this knowledge, but she had asked.

  “Were you going to do it as well?” she murmured, the distress and disgust evident in her eyes.

  “No,” he growled, ashamed that she even had to ask. He told her how he wouldn’t have taken part in the hunt. He’d pretend to, for his father’s sake, but the first chance he’d get he’d break away from the pack. He couldn’t bear the thought of the yelps and shrieks as his family had their way with an unknown woman.

  “So you’d just turn your back on your family’s ways?” she whispered, her eyes softening, but the fear and anger still remained.

  “Yes, I never understood it anyway. I would never hurt someone,” he hissed as he looked away. He couldn’t bare the thought of his family hurting her. “I won’t let it happen to you, I promise.”

  Luna looked at him, her face lined with worry and uncertainty.

  “The other women before me, what happens once they’re pregnant?” she queried, her brow furrowed.

  “They get sent off to a bodyguard and team run by the family. They’ll make sure the child is born healthy and well, and then reimburse the woman for her ‘labour’ before throwing her back out on the street. The child is sent off to a surrogate family to learn our ways. If female, they’ll be raised to serve their pre-arranged husband and carry on the bloodline, if male, they’ll be raised to understand this tradition and have a marriage arranged for them when they turn twenty-one,” he spat, disgusted and furious at his family.

  “Reimbursed?” Luna mumbled as she looked down.

  “Cash in hand or something, I’m not too sure really. I never wanted to know the details,” Eric sighed, frustrated.

  “Werewolves are messed up sometimes,” Luna gave a half-hearted chuckled.

  “Yeah, some purebloods anyway,” Eric agreed.

  “You’re not going to let that happen to me though, right?” she pulled her blanket around herself protectively.

  Eric’s heart tugged and his throat tightened at the uncertainty and helplessness in her face.

  “No, I’ll protect you,” he reached a hand through the bars, and she relaxed slightly as she held it.

  He wouldn’t let his family lay a finger on.

  He would save her.

  Eric grunted as he hefted the axe, bringing it down with enough force to slice the log in half. He’d done the scouting and passed the information onto his brother, who had half-heartedly thanked him for not giving him up.

  Now he’d finish up getting the firewood before returning to spend the remainder of the afternoon and night with Luna. He’d left her with a book on native flora and fauna; one of the few books in the cabin and promised to be back once he was done.

  She had lost some of the light in her eyes after he had told her about the tradition of his family, and it angered him.

  Luna sat in silence as she colored in the scene of frolicking wolves she’d drawn the day before.

  She’d been angry with Eric at first for allowing the tradition to continue, but she knew there was little he could do about it, and she’d softened and told him she didn’t hold it against him. He couldn’t go up against his family, and the tradition had been implemented long before he was born. He had never had anything to do with it.

  They’d gone over their plan again, and Eric promised repeatedly that he wouldn’t allow anything to happen to her. She was thankful for his reassurance, and wanted to put all her trust and faith in him, but she was still afraid. He was just one young man going up against his family, disobeying them. She was afraid of what they’d do to him if their plan failed.

  She tried not to think too much about it, instead focusing on memories of her brother smiling and laughing. She would find her way back to him.

  She had to.

  Chapter 5

  The day came when Eric’s father would return home. Craig called ahead to let him know he’d be home a few hours before their father, and Eric got to work tidying up the basement. He took the TV and blow up mattress back upstairs, not wanting his family to know about his association with Luna while they were gone.

  They’d spent the last two days talking and discussing their hopes and dreams for the future. They spoke of the places they wanted to one day see and visit. Eric was happy to see the light return to her eyes the day after their big talk. They played a board game through the bars of the cell and he made her delicious meals to keep her satisfied. She’d usher him out of the basement whenever she needed the toilet, and he’d offered to wash her clothes for her. Instead they’d agreed he’d provide her with some washing powder and his dressing gown. He’d gone upstairs as she washed her clothes and hung them on the bars of her cell before calling him back down.

  Eric had enjoyed seeing her in his dressing gown, daring a peek at the red underwear hanging on the cell bars.

  They’d continued their board game and he’d struggled to hide his body’s reaction when the gown had moved and revealed a plump breast. The single sight had sent his mind into overdrive as it brought up the dream he’d had. The rounded breast and perk nipple was more beautiful than his dream, and he longed to touch them and feel them. She’d blushed madly and covered herself up, apologising profusely and pretending not to notice his arousal.

  Eric sighed as he packed the blow up mattress away and returned his blankets to his bed. Luna would
hide her art book and pencils if anyone came down, but he hadn’t taken away the socks or blanket, not thinking his father would be too mad about those.

  He closed up the cupboard and did one last sweep as his sensitive ears picked up the muffled rumble of Craig’s pickup.

  He grabbed himself a coke from the fridge and sat down in the living room. He switched the TV on and flinched as the door swung open.

  “How were your last few days?” Eric asked and rolled his eyes as Craig grunted and strode past him with his duffle bag in arm.

  “Sounds fun,” Eric mumbled sarcastically as he flicked through the channels.

  “Dad will be home soon,” Craig stated as he tromped up the stairs.

  Eric shrugged to no one as he grumbled and switched the TV off. Why he thought they’d have any channels suddenly was beyond him. He just didn’t want Craig suspecting anything.

  “So how were your few days?” Craig called out as he made his way back down the stairs.

  “They were fine, I did the jobs dad asked and just did some exploring,” Eric turned as his brother appeared in the doorway. Craig rolled his eyes at him.

  “The girl?” Craig asked as he folded his arms and leant on the doorframe.

  “She’s alive,” Eric shrugged. “Starting to not smell too good though.”

  “Well, you can ask dad if we can escort her to the shower,” he chuckled and grinned.

  “So what’d you do for the last few days?” Eric questioned again.

  “Went to a couple of bars, hooked up with some chicks, the usual,” Craig shrugged and Eric rolled his eyes.

  And to believe he was a doctor.

  “Don’t worry, your secret’s safe with me,” Eric sighed as he took a gulp from his can.

  “So Trevor and the boys will be here in three days, you ready?” Craig raised an eyebrow.

  Eric nodded but noted the strange look in his brother’s eye. Did he suspect something? No, how could he? Eric hadn’t given any subtle signs or hints, he was sure of that. Was it something else then?

  The look vanished and Craig smirked.

  “Well, I’m going to have a shower and catch a nap, I’ve been up most nights lately,” he chuckled as he spun away.

  Eric watched after him cautiously. What had he seen his brother’s eyes?

  Suspicion? Guilt?

  He decided not to dwell on it and got up to grab something to eat. He wouldn’t be able to sit with Luna for the afternoon, but once his father got home, he’d put his plan into action.

  Eric stared up at the ceiling with his hands clasped behind his head as he lay on his bed. He clenched his jaw as he heard the purr of his father’s business car to mark his return. He dragged himself off the bed and headed downstairs where Craig was preparing dinner for everyone.

  Eric’s mouth watered at the beef mince patties on the stove as he plopped himself down at the kitchen table. He turned his head as the front door swung open and Brent waltzed in.

  “Bit chilly out there,” he stated as he sauntered across the room with his father in tow.

  “How have you two boys held up?” their father asked as he closed the door and placed his briefcase on the floor. He turned and loosened his tie as he strode over to join everyone in the kitchen.

  “Good, everything’s been fine,” Craig shrugged as he flipped the patties.

  “The bitch?” Brent grabbed a beer from the fridge and sat across from Eric with a smug grin.

  Eric refrained from snapping at him for his choice of words, and he tried to keep his emotions in check, knowing his werewolf family would sense any change.

  “Eric has taken care of her,” Craig stated as he watched the patties sizzle.

  “How is she looking?” their father asked as he joined them at the table.

  “Good, although I think she could use a shower,” Eric grimaced and Brent chuckled.

  Their father sighed and nodded as he mulled it over.

  “After dinner, take her down something to eat and Craig will accompany you. You can let her out and escort her to the shower,” he eventually decided.

  “Yeah, we don’t want the boys be turned off by some strong body odour,” Brent smirked and their father shook his head. Brent may be the favourite, but he sure was stupid sometimes.

  Eric masked his pleasure at the response as Craig placed a plate of patties on the table. The rolls and assorted fillings were already spread out before them, and the four got straight into making themselves some delicious burgers.

  “She doesn’t seem to smell that much,” Craig muttered s he stood watching Luna slowly eat her burger that Eric had brought her.

  “Trevor and the boys will notice though, you know how they can be,” Eric shrugged as he scanned the basement with a disinterested look.

  “Whatever,” Craig grumbled.

  When he was satisfied that Luna had finished eating, he strode over to the door of the cell. He held the key from their father and unlocked the solid door.

  “Dad wants you to have a shower, but if you try anything we’ll bring you back down here by force, got it?” Craig informed her and Luna nodded as she slipped off the bed.

  “Good, let’s go,” he grumbled as he led her upstairs with one firm hand on her wrist. Eric followed behind her, trying to keep himself calm.

  They passed through the kitchen, and Eric noted how Luna craned her neck to see his father and other brother in the living room. Brent winked at her and she recoiled as they continued up the staircase.

  “Bathroom’s there, we’ll wait out here, open the window and we’ll know. Don’t lock the door either,” Craig snapped as he swung the bathroom door open and switched the light on.

  Eric had already put a towel in there for her, and he crossed his arms and leant against the hallway wall as Luna went inside and closed the door.

  Craig grumbled as he crossed his arms and stood firm before the door.

  “Dinner was good tonight, mum always said she’d taught you the best when it came to cooking,” Eric struck up a conversation.

  “Thanks,” Craig eyed him carefully. Compliments were rare from the brothers.

  “So… what was it like?” Eric asked as he leant his head against the wall.

  “What was what like?” Craig sighed.

  “The girls you hooked up with,” Eric opened one eye to look questioningly at his brother.

  Craig smirked and shook his head. “None of your business.”

  “C’mon, you can tell me,” Eric grinned and Craig gave him a displeased look.

  “My life is none of your concern,” Craig grumbled and let out a frustrated sigh as he tapped his foot.

  The sound of the shower and the soft humming from Luna soothed Eric.

  “Look, we don’t need the both of us to watch her,” Craig growled.

  “You’re right,” Eric pushed off the wall but Craig threw out an arm to stop him.

  “You stay,” He gave him a smirk. “You’re her carer and the youngest.”

  “Exactly, I’ve been her carer for days, I should get a break,” Eric raised a disagreeing eyebrow.

  “Yeah right,” Craig sniggered as he turned and glided down the hallway.

  Eric watched his brother go with a secret smile. He’d needed to make it believable.

  The shower cut off and his heart sped up as he slowly turned the handle of the bathroom door.

  He waited a moment before pushing the door open carefully and silently, catching his breath just as Luna pulled the towel around herself. She gave him a sly smile but her face dropped to one of determination as she focused on the task at hand.

  Eric pointed to the window as he closed the door quietly and clicked the lock.

  His heart hammered as sweat adorned his brow. He took a shaky, anxious breath as Luna slowly slid the window open.

  He was going against his family, against his father. But the fear of what they’d do to the fair beauty before him was more than the fear that he held for his family when angered.

>   He would set her free.

  Luna turned to him with a relieved and thankful look as she threw her arms around him.

  “Run away with me,” she murmured in his ear.

  Eric held her petite frame close as he nuzzled her wet aromatic hair. She smelt amazing and clean, and he could feel the soft curves of her body through the flimsy towel.

  “Do you really want that? After what my family did,” he mumbled into her sweet hair.

  She ran her fingers through his hair and pulled back only to lock lips with him. He squeezed her slim figure, wanting to enjoy the kiss, but knowing now was not the time.

  He pulled back and sighed as he stroked her face.

  “You cared for me and rescued me, of course I want you to come with me, you are more than you’d have people think,” she ran a smooth finger down his cheek. “Live free from the laws of your kind with me.”

  Eric nodded and Luna smiled as she gave him another quick kiss.

  The thought of living free from the grasps of his father, to run away with this divine creature before him, it gave him a new strength and hope. He wanted freedom, and he wanted Luna. The sweet, delicate woman he’d come to know and care for. He’d protect her forever if she chose him, and he’d make sure she was always happy.

  Luna turned back to the window and Eric followed after her eagerly and with a new dream in mind.

  They were on the second floor, but being purebloods meant they could make the leap with ease.

  Luna gave Eric a joyous and cheeky grin as she tore her towel off and tossed it at him.

  Eric’s eyes widened at her naked body, but his delight and arousal was short lived as the hurried footsteps up the staircase reached his ears.

  “Now,” Eric hissed and Luna leapt out the window.

  Eric followed just as Craig shouted through the locked door as he clawed at the handle.

  Eric’s heart beat a hundred miles an hour as he fell to the ground and tore after Luna into the forest. The angry shouts behind them spurred them on and Eric dashed madly through the ensnaring bushes.