Natural Born Enemies (Cedar River Series)

by Murray, Gemma K.

  Bowie told me Adam was going to their woods every night to run. When I asked him what was happening, he shrugged and said, “Luna, I honestly don’t know what’s going on in Adam’s head right now. He’s shut himself off from me as well.”

  I know it hurt Bowie more than he’d ever admit.

  It was two months after Adam moved in with me and our relationship hung in the balance, as far as I was concerned. It took me by surprise when he asked me to go to dinner with him at the Goldens.

  I prepared a lovely box of amaretto whip-filled dark chocolates to take to the Golden’s tonight. I, also, made up a small box of salted caramels for the sheriff and his beautiful bride.

  I had to finish up an order for the morning so we were a half an hour late. We hadn’t spoken at all on the drive out.

  Bowie met us at the door with a smile as broad as could be. “I won’t venture to guess why you would hold up dinner,” he teased.

  I looked at Adam who just smiled and walked inside. “Men!” was my thought as I went in search of Ana and Mrs. G.

  The smells coming from the kitchen were heavenly. Mrs. G was standing over a pot on the stove while Ana, seated at the table, was snacking away.

  “Luna, you’re here!” Ana exclaimed as she got up from the table. I smiled. Her belly was growing rounder and she seemed to glow.

  “Hello, Luna,” Mrs. G said as Ana hugged me tight.

  “Hello. I’m sorry we’re late.”

  “Not a problem, honey. I’m waiting for these potatoes to finish boiling so I can whip them up. Anastasia couldn’t wait.”

  Ana smiled, “Mama, I’m eating for two.”

  Mrs. G said, “Two, pshaw! I think you’re eating for four!”

  Ana’s eyes grew big in horror, “Don’t say things like that. One Golden baby at a time will be enough.”

  Mrs. G laughed as she turned back to the stove.

  Ana realized I was holding boxes, “Did you bring me candy? If you did, you are my angel. I meant to stop in while I was in town to satisfy this chocolate craving I, I mean, the baby’s been having. I got busy with other things and forgot all about it. ”

  Mrs. G snorted.

  “The little box is for you and Bowie. Just a small thank you for everything you’ve done.”

  Ana peeked inside, “Ooh, Luna, I’m going to weigh a ton before this baby is born.”

  “This box has amaretto cream filled chocolates in it. I wasn’t sure if you could have these or not.”

  Ana slipped the ribbon off the box and popped one in her mouth. “There’s no one here to say I can’t,” she said with a grin. “My gods, Luna, these just melt in your mouth and the flavor is incredible. You, Luna McIntyre, are a goddess.”

  “Anastasia Golden, you are going to ruin your appetite!” Mrs. G scolded.

  Ana simply smiled.

  “Can I help you with anything?” I asked Mrs. G.

  “Since Ana isn’t going to do it, Luna, you could set the table for me.”

  She showed me where she kept the dishes. We chatted as we got everything ready. Ana had been to the doctor. The baby was growing perfectly and everything looked good. I know that was a relief to everyone. Most shifters kept to their own kind. If there were others like Ana, I was unaware of it. It lifted my heart a little to hear things were okay with the baby. It gave me a little hope. Should Adam and I ever make it to the point where we were deciding on having baby, things may work out alright for us, too.

  “Ana, go call the men to dinner, please,” Mrs. G said.

  Ana yelled from her seat at the table, “Come and get it!”

  Mrs. G laughed and shook her head, “You are really living up to the cat reputation, you know that, Anastasia?”

  Ana stretched her arms over her head, “Your son wants me off my feet as much as possible. I’m simply giving him exactly what he wants.”

  “Yet he takes you out hunting when it’s convenient to his investigation. Sometimes, that boy of mine frustrates the hell out of me.”

  “I know, Mama. He’s careful with me, you know that. Besides, I had Adam with me.”

  Mrs. G shook her head, “It doesn’t matter. Bowie should know better.”

  The conversation came to a screeching halt as the guys filed into the kitchen. Mr. G greeted me with a hug. “How’s our little wolf?” he asked.

  “I’m doing well, Mr. G.”

  “Adam is treating you right?” he asked as he glanced over his shoulder at Adam.

  “He treats me like the queen that I am,” I replied with a giggle.

  Mr. G laughed and took his place at the head of the table.

  Everyone filed around the table and sat down. I am an only child and dinner was never as loud or raucous as dinner at the Goldens’ table. I was amazed at the fact they all sat down to dinner together every night. On occasion, one or two will be missing, but the ones who are present sit down to dinner at the kitchen table.

  The meal was melt-in-your-mouth pork chops and homemade sage stuffing with whipped potatoes, homemade dinner rolls, and Mrs. G’s homemade applesauce. I felt like such a little piggy, but it was all so good.

  The conversation was loud and filled with laughter. Memories of days past flooded around the big oak table. I learned more about Adam by listening to him and Bowie than I ever thought I could. I’d known him since he moved to town, but I wasn’t with him as often as Bowie had been. From what I could tell from the stories flying around the table, those two had been hell on wheels.

  Ana and I helped Mrs. G clean up while the men had coffee and discussed the cleanup, which would be happening soon if the weather held steady.

  “You can expect a lot of help, Adam,” Brady said. “I’ve been hearing most everyone will be out to your place. Everyone is eager to help.”

  I looked at Adam who sat shaking his head.

  “Rock stopped by our table one morning while we were at Samson’s. He’s going to bring over some tents and heaters so people aren’t freezing out there. It looks like some of his pack will be there.”

  “Your aunt called Lorelai this morning about the food. It sounds like there will enough food to feed an army. All the women are bringing plenty of good eats,” Mr. G added.

  “I’ve been trying to tell him that this isn’t charity. This just means he is loved,” I said.

  Mrs. G. threw her dishtowel at him, “Adam James Thomas, I should tan your hide for thinking that way! Cedar River takes care of our own. Who is it who takes wood out to the Kennedys? You know damn well they can’t get out to cut it themselves so you do it for them. What about Murray Fisher? You pick up his prescriptions when the weather gets bad and he can’t get into town. You were out here every chance you had, helping Bernie and the boys re-build this house. You fought for this country, Adam Thomas, and you have a very giving heart. It’s time you let the rest of us give something back to you.”

  Adam did look a little ashamed, “I don’t do those things to get something in return, though. I know Davis has a hard time with all those little ones. Old Man Fisher needs his meds. Hell, I spent so many years in this house, it feels like home to me. I had no choice when it came to fighting for this country. Whether I stayed or left, I’d be fighting for my life. I just figured I should do it for a cause.”

  I noticed Mrs. G wiped away her tears before she hugged Adam. “You may not be my son by blood, but you are a son of my heart.”

  Adam kissed her cheek. “I know,” was his reply.

  “What are the leads on the fire, boys?” Bernard asked Adam and Bowie.

  “Adam found some boot tracks that I missed. With all of the people tramping around that night, I couldn’t find any distinct prints. Luna was hiding, just in case, the person was still lurking around. Right next to her hiding place was where Adam found the set of prints.”

  Bernard looked at me, “Did you see who it was?”

  I shook my head, “I saw his boots. I saw nothing else.”

  “It’s probably a good thing though, honey. We
don’t need this person trying to hunt you down because you saw his face,” Mr. G said.

  The thought hadn’t occurred to me, but I was a little more grateful than I had been.

  “Adam thinks he knows who it is, but he’s very hesitant to name names.”

  Brady looked at Adam, “Is it someone we know, Adam?”

  “If my hunches are correct, then the answer is yes. I just don’t want this person to be ostracized if it isn’t them. I really want to check into this person’s alibi before pointing a finger at them. It could devastate a lot of people if the suspect turns out to not be the suspect.”

  Mr. G leaned back in his chair and crossed his hands over his stomach. “I can respect your decision, Adam. Have you shared your thoughts with Bowie?”

  Bowie and Adam both nodded.

  “I’ve also been out to talk to Brand. I’m going out to the site tomorrow to look around again. There has to be a clue there we’ve missed. Bowie knows who I suspect is behind it, but he understands why I can’t let the name be dropped quite yet,” Adam said as he leaned forward with his arms on the table.

  I didn’t miss the look that Bowie shot Adam. There was more to this situation than either of them was willing to share.

  When I looked at Ana, she simply shrugged her shoulders. She was in the dark as much as I was.

  Chapter Twenty-Two- Adam

  My heart sat like a rock in my chest as we drove back to Luna’s apartment. Even with further investigation, I knew what I was going to be forced to do. Lives would be shattered.

  Luna slid over beside me and took my hand in hers. “Are you okay?” she asked.

  I smiled half-heartedly, “I’m just really tired. It’s been a busy day today.”

  She studied me and I was very grateful for the cover of darkness to shield me from her gaze.

  I squeezed her hand gently in an attempt to reassure her.

  “Do you want me to go help you tomorrow?” she asked.

  I turned to face her, “No, I’m going to take Brand and Bowie with me. I’ll be fine, honey.”

  “Okay,” was her response though there was tone in her voice, saying she knew something was going on.

  Luna went to take a shower before we went to bed. That gave me time to begin my investigation. I sent a text message to Rowan Anders. My tech buddy was about to stand up to the biggest bully he could ever imagine. I sent my aunt an e-mail telling her that I’d be out for a visit next week. It was killing me to lie to Luna. She’d be pissed off if she knew I’d lied to her, but I really needed her to go on with business as usual. I hoped she would understand when the time came.

  My aunt responded immediately with a positive response. It was nice to know she and Uncle Roman welcomed me, especially if I brought the news I was expecting to take them.

  Hearing the water shut off, I turned off my phone and plugged it into charge. I crawled into Luna’s bed and rested my head against the headboard. Closing my eyes, I tried to quiet the thoughts running through my mind. I heard Luna enter the bedroom and smelled her Bitten by Chocolate perfume. My mouth watered at her scent.

  “You still awake?” she asked softly as she climbed into bed.

  “Of course,” I said with a wolfish smile.

  She smiled as she crawled into my arms. Her lips pressed against mine. “I love you, Adam.”

  I opened my eyes to look at her.

  “I don’t expect to hear it back. That’s not why I said it. It just feels like you are fighting a few demons and I don’t want you to feel as if you have to fight them alone. You have me and the Goldens who are willing to stand with you and for you.”

  Tears fell from her eyes. I kissed her soundly, my tongue dipping into her mouth. Her response was primal. It was almost as if she knew what was going to happen.

  Luna pulled off her tank top and bared her ample breasts to me. I took one in each hand and sucked first one plum colored nipple, then the other. She buried her hands in my hair, holding me to her breasts. Her hips ground against my erection. I thought I was going to lose my mind. Then, she slid down my body and slid my cock into her hot, wet mouth.

  I nearly came unglued right there. I whispered encouragements as she sucked me. Her tongue twirled in circles around the head and she swallowed hard, allowing my cock to slip deeper into her throat. I tightened my hands in her hair, urging her to continue. She growled deep in her throat and sent vibrations through me. Enough was enough.

  I pulled her until she was face to face with me again. Her lips were a luscious pink and swollen. I pulled her thong to the side and pushed into her entrance. She sank down, taking me as deep inside of her as she could. Her sigh told me everything I needed to know.

  She began to move with an agonizing slowness. I watched her eyes go from a deep yellow-orange to a light yellow. They were glazed as she watched me.

  I made sure she was looking at me when I said the words, “I love you, Luna McIntyre.” She picked up speed and I sucked at the sensitive spot she had right below her ear.

  “Oh gods, Adam! Adam!” she cried out.

  I felt her muscles clench around me, contracting with each movement she made. I grabbed her hips to still her as I emptied myself into her.

  Luna collapsed against my chest and lay there listening to my racing heart. I felt dampness on my chest and heard Luna sniff quietly.

  I stroked her hair, “Are you okay, babe?”

  My answer was another sniff.

  I lifted her head so I could see her face. Tears were rolling down her cheeks. “What’s wrong?”

  “I-I-I feel l-like your s-s-saying g-g-g-g-goodbye,” she cried.

  My heart shattered into a million pieces. I couldn’t tell her that was exactly what it was, but I didn’t want her to feel this way either.

  I stroked her hair and lied my ass off. “Baby, where do you get these ideas? Do you sincerely think I’m going somewhere?”

  She looked at me as if she were staring into the depths of my soul. “I watched you and Bowie tonight. You guys kept exchanging these looks all night. Even Ana was out of the loop and Bowie tells her everything. I don’t know what you’re up to, Adam, but there’s danger coming. I can feel it in my bones.”

  “There’s part of the arson investigation Bowie and I can’t share with anyone other than Brand. At least, not until we have all of the information we need.”

  She got out of bed and stood at the foot of it, watching me intently. “Are you sure that’s all it’s about? You’re just waiting until you have all of the information?”

  I crossed my fingers beneath the sheets and said, “Of course, baby. We just need to nail down a few details.”

  She tilted her head to the side and studied me for a short while. “I’ll be right back,” she said as she disappeared into the bathroom.

  I let out the breath I had been holding. If the fates ever allowed us to pursue a life together, she was going to be a tough one to keep things from.

  ***

  I pretended to be asleep when Luna crept from the bed at four o’clock the next morning. My nose twitched at the scent of brewing coffee. Then, the smell of chocolate croissants reached the bedroom. Okay, I mean, c’mon, there’s only so much a man can take.

  I washed up in the bathroom and got dressed. When I came out the love of my life stood there with a steaming cup of coffee, laced with a little cream. I bent my head to hers and kissed her good morning.

  “Mmmm,” she moaned.

  She brought a smile to my face and to my heart. “I love you, Luna Irene McIntyre.”

  She cringed playfully. I knew how much she hated her middle name. I kissed the tip of her nose.

  We went to the kitchen to eat some breakfast. She had the croissants cooling on the counter and they smelled heavenly. If this were the last breakfast I ever ate, I would be happy. I stood behind her as she drizzled icing over the tops of the chocolate croissants. I nuzzled her neck as she worked. She giggled as her lines of icing went off the baking sheet entirely.
/>   “Adam,” she half-moaned, half-begged.

  “What’s the matter, honey?” I asked as I nipped her earlobe.

  “I’ve gotta go to work today and, if you keep it up, I’m not going to make it downstairs.”

  I reached around her and snatched a croissant from the baking sheet in front of her. I deliberately rubbed the front of my jeans against her denim-covered backside. I had to smile when she rubbed right back.

  “I’ll let you go to work, I guess. Can I take a few of these to work with me?”

  She sighed heavily and smiled, “That’s why I made so many. You be sure to share these with Bowie and Lance though. You can’t eat all of these by yourself.”

  I leaned back against the counter and took a sip of coffee. “Is that a challenge?”

  She smiled broadly, “No, it isn’t a challenge. I just know that you’ll eat all of these and still stop into Samson’s for a jelly doughnut or two, plus be back around here for chocolate later. I thought the sheriff had a horrible sweet tooth, but I think yours is worse.”

  “I try, honey. It’s always been a competition between Bowie and me.”

  She shook her head, laughing. After plating up the croissants and wrapping them in foil, she said, “Stop by and see me before you leave, okay?”

  “I will,” I promised. I wanted to see her face one more time, just in case today ended in a different way than I was anticipating.

  I kissed her before she went downstairs to begin her candy making for the day.

  ***

  I could hear her in the kitchen below as I sipped my second cup of coffee and grabbed my fourth, no, fifth croissant.

  I walked through her apartment taking in her scent, her things, and the essence of Luna. I reached her bedroom and I noticed how in such a short amount of time, our scents mingled together and hung in the air.

  I dreaded this next move, but it was one which needed to be done. I had already spoken to Bowie and had the keys to his old house in town. I was moving out of Luna’s in an attempt to distance myself from her. I didn’t want her to be hurt if the next step was one I never returned from.