Blue Moon

by Angela Colsin

  Then he remembered something. “By the way, I forgot to mention she has a nasty place on her back that’s gotten infected. You might need to help her change the bandage.”

  Sara wrinkled her nose. “Something she got from fighting?”

  “Looks like it, like she had a chunk of fur ripped out of her back.”

  “Ouch,” Sara cringed, then promised, “Don't worry, I’ll get her nice and fixed up. You won’t even recognize her when you get back.”

  “I can imagine,” Cade returned flatly, figuring Ashley was going to be her next big project. He wondered if he'd even recognize Ashley when he saw her again, and at the same time, found himself curious to see what Sara might do.

  That interest was beginning to get irritating. Sadly, he didn't think it was just a passing interest either.

  Chapter 11

  Cade pulled into Hodgins' Auto Repair, hoping Caleb was actually there.

  The garage was located on the corner of a highway turn off, surrounded by a chain link fence and a gravel lot. Trees stood on the back and right sides with the highway and an adjacent road lining the others.

  The building was a single story with five doors for the garage, and another at the left end which led into a waiting area for the customers and the management offices. When he pulled in, Cade saw Conner heading inside from the vending machines next to the entrance. Wrong twin.

  Caleb and Conner took over the garage two years ago. Before that, it belonged to their uncle Travis, who ran it for thirty years while living in a house that was hidden beyond the thick trees lining the garage's back lot.

  When Travis left, he let the twins take over and live in his home. But Conner moved out after he found his mate and got married. Now he lived several blocks away in an apartment with his wife, a daycare teacher named Joslyn Santiago, while still working with Caleb at the garage.

  Cade hadn’t seen his sister-in-law in about two months now, but Conner relayed that everything was going extremely well on her end. Conner bonded with and marked Joslyn two and a half years ago before they were married, which was common in the lupine world when the only need for marriage was to make a relationship official in a human society.

  Not to mention, the reception party was always a plus.

  But marking, unlike marriage, was lifelong—there was no divorce from it. So Joslyn was definitely a part of the Hodgins' family for good. Cade couldn’t help but think Conner was lucky, and Caleb agreed with him completely.

  He parked not too far away from the building, then climbed out of his truck and headed to the lobby. No one was inside waiting, and things were quiet, except some of the mechanics in the garage using their tools and chatting amongst themselves.

  Cade looked through the glass on the door inside of the waiting area, but he didn't see Caleb in the garage either. So he stepped behind the front desk, tapping his knuckles against the office door.

  “Conner, you busy?”

  “Cade?” came a surprised response. A moment later, Conner opened the door with curiosity on his face. “What are you doing here?”

  “Looking for Caleb,” he replied dryly. “He didn't pay his phone bill again, so I couldn't call him about last night.”

  Conner stepped out of the office, asking as he shut the door, “That the only reason you came?”

  Though unsure what to make of the question, he decided to simply say, “For now, with everything going on.”

  His brother didn't respond verbally, so it wasn't obvious if Conner was irritated, or if he was just curious. But he informed Cade, “Caleb's not here at the moment. He's out getting some lunch.”

  “Damn it,” Cade muttered. “Did he tell you anything?”

  “He said he caught a scent at Springs Oaks, but it was faint. Whoever was there split a little while before he arrived. He tracked it from the bus station, but it left the territory, so he couldn't follow it alone.”

  Arkin City didn't neighbor any places that had a pack's territory, so if Caleb left town, the odds would be neutral. Venturing out alone when you knew there were other lupines around was definitely a bad idea—not to mention other supernatural races that could pick a lupine off without the strength of his or her pack to back them up.

  So if Caleb went out and was attacked or even killed by the lupines chasing Ashley, Cade wouldn’t have been able to retaliate easily.

  “All right, but I’m still keeping us on alert just in case,” Cade started. “I don’t want those jackasses showing up without being prepared for 'em.”

  Conner agreed with that, a thoughtful expression on his face when he asked, “What about that newborn, uh, Ashley? Where’s she at now?”

  “Sara's took her out to fix her up and probably buy her some things. You know how she gets.”

  Conner grinned knowingly. “Yeah, well, if this girl’s been through hell like I keep hearing, she’ll probably enjoy it.” He then lifted an inquisitive brow and asked, “What’s she look like?”

  The question seemed strange, especially coming from Conner who was already marked.

  “Why do you ask?”

  “Just answer,” Conner retorted. “What's she like? Good person? Get your instinct going at all?”

  Now Cade understood what this was about. “Why are you playing matchmaker all of a sudden?”

  “Tired of watching you let yourself go to waste,” he muttered bluntly.

  “What do you mean by that?”

  Conner grumbled as if it should've been all too obvious what he was talking about, but explained it anyway.

  “I worry about you. You need to find someone you can be happy with, and if you keep isolating yourself, you're gonna end up alone.”

  Cade didn't want to hear that, shaking his head. “I'm fine, Conner. You don't need to worry about me.”

  “Cade, don't talk to me like I'm still ten years old. You're not fine, and we all know you're blaming yourself. It's putting dad to shame.”

  That hit a soft spot. The conversation was getting sour, and Cade nearly growled the words, “You weren’t there, Conner. I could've done something.”

  Normally, Conner was the most easy going of the three Hodgins boys with a cool, even temper. But Cade witnessed him getting pissed on quite a few occasions, and he always felt bad for whoever his little brother blew up at because Conner only did so when it was needed. That made his words cut like a knife.

  And his reaction to Cade's statement was instantaneous.

  He stepped away from the door and, despite Cade’s height advantage, stood up to his brother without flinching. It was one of those rare outbursts, and Cade suddenly wondered if he should feel sorry for himself.

  “No, I wasn’t there, Cade! But I'm not blaming myself for it, am I? Because it's not our fault. Why the hell do you think I get so pissed watching you refuse to do things like you used to? Because you deserve to be happy, that’s why! When’s the last time you stopped by here just to work on a car, or went fishing with us? Can’t remember can you?”

  After making that point, Conner stood back and swiped his hand over his face, taking in a deep breath before he went on. “I know it was hard on you, watchin' dad die, thinkin’ you could've been there in time to save him. But at least you got to spend a few minutes with him. At least you got to say goodbye!”

  Conner had never said much of anything to anyone when it came to their father's death, and Cade was so stunned to see his youngest brother getting this upset that he didn’t respond.

  He couldn’t—he had no idea what to say. Conner was right. There's nothing to say.

  Conner's expression was hard, but despite himself, his amber eyes were shimmering with emotion. After a moment of fighting it off, he continued on a much more level tone of voice.

  “You know what I got, Cade? I got a casket with my father in it, that’s what. Then? I lost my big brother, too. You’re being selfish, thinking about yourself and acting like dad didn’t raise you right, and it’s a fuckin’ disgrace!”

  With thos
e words, Conner turned around and headed into the office, slamming the door shut so hard that three of the vintage license plates fell from where they hung on the wall around it.

  Cade was silent for a long moment, then finally released his breath. Fuck.

  That outburst was completely warranted. Cade had isolated himself from everyone else and hadn't been keeping up with anyone very well. But before he had the time to think about it, he heard a familiar voice muttering, “I guess I get to pick the plates up.”

  Cade looked at the door to see Caleb walking in, a white bag of food in his hand that he set on the front desk before he went to collect the fallen items.

  He looked just like Conner in every way, except that where Conner kept his hair in a longer ponytail, Caleb's was shorter, wild at his crown in black waves that he sometimes kept tied under a bandana, like now.

  He also had some tattoos that distinguished them, but Cade would know the difference blindfolded.

  “How long have you been there?” Cade asked him.

  “Uh,” Caleb thought aloud. “Long enough to hear that you're a selfish disgrace. I'm guessing he's pissed because you haven't been by very often.”

  “That's about it,” Cade muttered, leaning down to pick up one of the plates before he stood and handed it to Caleb who set them all on the front desk.

  “I agree with Conner about you not coming around, you know? But I knew you had your reasons.”

  “They're just excuses, Caleb. He's right, I've been a selfish jackass.”

  “But you kept goin',” Caleb pointed out, turning to face him. “You did everything dad asked you to.”

  “Some things,” Cade agreed, walking around the front of the desk and toward the door as he added, “Others I slacked off on.”

  “Like what?”

  Cade stopped and thought about that question, about how he was afraid that being happy meant he’d forsaken his father’s memory, even if one of Henry's last wishes was to be content.

  He still wanted to punish himself though, and Conner was pointing it all out as if to say enough's enough already.

  Looking at Caleb, he shook his head. “Nothin’. I’ll figure it out on my own. Tell Conner, when he’s in a better mood, that I’ll call him later. I need to get back before Sara gets Ashley home. Oh, and pay your damned phone bill.”

  Caleb's expression suddenly went blank, then became agitated as if he thought he had paid the bill, muttering, “Damn it.”

  Cade snorted over his brother's forgetfulness and pushed the door open when Caleb got his attention again by saying, “One question, Cade.”

  “Yeah?”

  Looking over, he saw Caleb grinning. “Is that Ashley girl hot at all?”

  Cade gave him a bland look before rolling his eyes. Not wanting Ashley to fall prey to his brother’s probable future advances, he replied, “Keep it in your pants for once, Caleb. I’m pretty sure it’d do you some good.”

  On the way back to his truck, he hoped his advice was heeded. Caleb wasn't completely forward, unlike a younger pup Cade knew named Joseph Stokes who was sometimes called the Pimp of the Pack for his shamelessness. But Caleb could be a hound dog, and Cade didn't want him to bother Ashley—particularly when his own instincts were making him curious about her.

  On the road, his mind went back to his family, and his life over the past year. He'd led the pack and did everything expected of him, but he wasn't happy. He did need to do more with his family, and stop keeping himself isolated because he thought he didn't deserve their company.

  For now, he'd have to let Conner calm down, then call later and try to patch things up. Hopefully, it would blow over fast.

  Chapter 12

  Ashley learned a lot from Sara that day.

  She helped to change Ashley's bandage before they left the house, commenting that the wound probably wouldn't even scar. Apparently, one of the perks of being a lupine was faster healing than humans—as long as the wound was taken care of anyway.

  Ashley took advantage of the opportunity to ask about Cade as well, questioning whether or not he was always so stern. Sara replied that where it concerned the pack, he had to be, and then admitted that she believed one of his reasons for taking Ashley in was his own desire for company because of the time of year it was.

  Henry's memorial was next week in fact, and realizing this made Ashley feel guilty about showing up when she did. But if her presence somehow helped him to cope by providing a distraction, or a little company, then maybe it wasn't so bad.

  They left the house not long later, and Ashley got to see the downtown area of Arkin City where many of the shops were held in street side boutiques. First, they stopped at a grocery store for toiletries and essentials, then Sara took her to a salon owned by Leo's wife, Rene, who was just as kind as her husband.

  She gave Ashley a trim for free, and then offered a number of makeup samples after letting one of the stylists cover up her blemishes. When Ashley looked in the mirror, she felt a lot less self conscious.

  In fact, every woman working in the salon was a lupine, and they all wanted to get their hands on the ones who'd abused her.

  Ashley could tell they weren't kidding.

  She admired how strong they were and how well they got along. They also asked questions to get to know her, including whether or not she wanted to stay in Arkin City with their pack.

  Compared to her living conditions back home where she didn't have many friends around to chat with, she found it extremely enjoyable. It's almost like I've made it back to a family I didn't know I had.

  In addition, Ashley learned some things about lupines that she hadn't known before, such as the fact that they were governed by an Order called Hunter's Moon. Human justice didn't work in the lupine world after all, so they needed different laws with suiting punishments.

  Ashley never would've guessed something like that existed however, and when she mentioned her disbelief, the ladies told her that there were all kinds of Orders governing the various races that made up the supernatural world.

  But Ashley didn't ask too much because it was a lot to settle in her mind. She had plenty of time to pick up the details after all.

  After the salon, they headed next door to a clothing boutique called Runway that carried a variety of styles, but much of it had a punk feel. While she browsed, Ashley was introduced to Nicole Mason, the blonde lupine who’d been born a human and just found out about her pregnancy.

  Ashley was interested in speaking with her, but Nicole was working, not to mention still reeling from her recent discovery. So Ashley declined to bother her with anything and merely congratulated her and offered well wishes as a new mama.

  Nicole smiled brightly, hugging her in thanks.

  They continued shopping afterward, and Ashley saw several things she liked. Sara made a deal with the woman running the register for some black sneakers for Ashley to work in—not to mention some much needed undergarments—promising a night of drinks on the house at Blue Moon in exchange for them.

  While this went on, Ashley found herself listening to the gossip between some of the she-wolves who worked there, and a good bit of it centered on the Alpha—particularly the fact that Cade was unattached.

  Apparently, his single status was a hot topic in the female community, and Ashley was surprised when she felt a streak of jealousy surging through her. She had no reason to be jealous. Hell, she'd only just met him last night.

  Sure, she'd been feeling a little drawn to him, but that was merely curiosity. Besides, even if all systems were checked and ready to go, Ashley didn't think she'd ever have a chance with Cade.

  He was simply out of her league. So good luck to anyone who can climb that mountain.

  She just hoped that staying with him wouldn't cause an issue with women who may have thought her temporary residency at his place was more than it actually was.

  On the way home, Ashley wondered just how relieving it could be to know you had underwear in your possession again
. The things people take for granted.

  She smirked over the thought, then let her mind wander back to the waitressing job she'd been offered. As far as Sara was concerned, all she needed was for Ashley to fill out the paperwork and the job was hers.

  “Would you like to start tonight?” Sara asked. “You seem up to it, and it's a slow Wednesday, good for getting integrated.”

  “I’d like to, but Cade wants me to get settled in first.”

  Sara pursed her lips. “True, don’t wanna push yourself too much. But I’ve got a date this evening after I grab some invoices at Blue Moon, and Cade works. It’s not a good idea to keep you alone for too long, so I don't know who he could leave you with.”

  After some more thought, Sara suggested, “Maybe my brother Conner could come over with his mate and stay for a while.”

  “That could work if it's no bother, but I am looking forward to working again. I’m half nervous, half excited about it,” Ashley smiled. “I think I could handle going in tonight honestly. It would give me something to do and I need the distraction.”

  Sara turned down the road that Cade lived on as she replied, “You’ll get there soon enough. Besides, once you meet Joseph Stokes, you’ll more than likely regret your decision.”

  She was grinning playfully, making Ashley curious. “Who's that?”

  “Joe's a younger member of the pack, and well known for being a hound dog. Trust me, he'll be flirting with you left and right.”

  “Oh boy,” Ashley retorted, deciding to keep it in mind when she'd never felt specifically good with handling male interest.

  As they pulled up to the house, Sara's phone started ringing. Cade was on the other end, saying that he'd gotten sidetracked and would be there momentarily. So Sara unlocked the front door for Ashley to let her inside.

  “Have fun on your date!” Ashley called as Sara was leaving.

  “Thanks! He's a construction worker, so I'm hoping he's not too behaved,” she laughed. “See you later!”

  Ashley grinned, watching her head to her car before shutting the front door and locking it. Finally alone, she looked around the living room, a slow smile creeping across her lips. Starting to feel like I can actually handle this.