Whitney shook her head. “No fucking way. Can we stop this?” She glanced at Allie, who was also shaking her head.
“No. I’m sorry, ladies, but your men must prove their worth to everyone. Because when they are done battling, they will come to you and truly claim you. The powers granted to you will be released then, and your men will be the true kings of their worlds.”
“And we’re supposed to stand there and allow these men to attack our mates?” Marci said, her knives now in her hands. “I’ll kill them myself!” she growled.
Link looked down at Darwin’s mom as she walked to his side. “You won’t be able to.”
Darwin’s dad stepped away from all of them, looking around. “A house will hold the prize of the victors. Each man will chose who he will be fighting for. He can only choose one female, and if he loses, he will bow out. But if he wins, her heart and soul will be his to conquer,” Link said, nodding to a path in the woods that Allie swore she hadn’t seen before.
“If I’m not mistaken, that path leads to the house. I’m surprised you three aren’t already there. But then again, with Whitney having a child they or whoever they are, might be giving your three time, before you are placed there.”
Allie had had enough and jumped out of Steel’s arms, which was a mistake, because once her feet hit the ground, her legs gave out. She would have fallen if Steel hadn’t moved to intercept her.
For a bear, he was fast and angry. “Woman, do that again, and I don’t care how many blisters I get, I’ll tan you damn hide.”
“This can’t be happening! We have to stop it,” she snapped, ignoring Steel’s anger.
“No one knows who they are, but we know they’ll come from the three worlds that collided that faithful night so long ago,” Link told them.
“And this woman, Allie’s mom, had all this information?” Frank asked.
“It wasn’t the woman who told us. It was one of the queen’s guards. Even the queen doesn’t like it, but the pact was made so the races wouldn’t fight like they did before. It’s one of the reasons for the Dark Moon. The fighting was horrific, and all three races were on the verge of extinction when this happened. No one know for sure how it happened, but it did. Maybe it was a blessing, who knows? It also might be where humans got Halloween, where goblins and monsters roam free for a night.”
“It isn’t right to have you fighting to win us. We’re not some damn things,” Allie snarled.
Link turned his red gaze on her and smiled. “I have to agree, but in some ways it makes sense. Think about it. These men, including my son, will be rulers of millions of people. Shouldn’t they have to prove themselves to their people?”
“But Frank has already done that, and so have Garth and his brothers. Not to mention, your son, Lance, and Steel hardly know me, and what kingdom or world would they be ruling anyway? I mean, Frank is no doubt the ruler of wolves and part of the vampire realm, and Garth and his brothers rule over the Gargoyles. Who would we be in charge of?” Allie shook her head. “This is crazy. I’m sorry, but I’m no damn queen.”
Marci and Whitney nodded. “Mom, did you have any idea?” Whitney asked Eve.
Eve shook her head. “No, I knew you were born on the Dark Moon, but I didn’t know you were born near here. Then there is the fact you are each a different age, which is strange. But right now, I suggest we all get some sleep, because it would appear we’re going to need it.”
Whitney looked up at Frank, then at her men. “I think Mom should take the children back to her place. It’s not going to be safe for them here, Frank,” she said, frowning. “It will be the first time I’ll be separated from them, but I believe it’s best.”
Frank lifted her up into his arms. “Your mother is right. It’s late—early in the morning, rather—and we all need sleep. We’ll discuss this in the morning. Cruse, grab that extra blanket. We’ll wrap Whitney in that while we hold her tonight.” He said as he moved into the house.
Cruse looked at Darwin and his family. “The other little house is set up for your family. We’ll see you in the morning, then we’ll work on this problem.”
Steel didn’t wait, spinning around to take Allie inside. “You know, we could have said good night,” she grumbled. He glared down at her but didn’t say anything. “Look, I’m sorry, Steel, but I hate not doing… Fuck!” she whimpered as a cold chill rolled over her skin.
“What?” Steel stopped before her door, looking down at her.
“He’s going to challenge you, all of you?” She shivered again as Lance and Darwin moved next to them.
“Who?” Lance said.
“Bryant. That’s what this whole thing has been about. I bet he thought he could gain control of my so-called gift if he possessed me.” She looked up at Steel, then at Lance. “He’s going to bring his friends, and they’ll challenge you.”
Darwin smiled, and it wasn’t a good smile. “Good, I can’t wait.” He cracked his neck, and his fangs were bared.
“I get Bryant,” Lance growled.
“Fine, but I want a bite of him,” Steel snarled and moved into the bedroom.
“You know he’ll wait ’til you’re weak to come at you. My guess is he’ll be the last one to challenge you,” she told them as Steele placed her on the bed.
“Why would you think that? He could be the first,” Steel said.
“No, she’s right. He’ll wait to the last minute because he won’t want to fight all the others,” Lance said, starting to undress.
“Stop!” Allie yelled. “You will not strip. I will not have you guys burning yourselves while we sleep. If you’re going to sleep with me, you will be clothed. This I will not give on.”
She covered herself up in the blanket, listening to the men grumble as Lance got onto the bed and pulled her over his body. “I can’t wait for this to be over.”
Darwin scooted in on the other side close to the wall, while Steel lay down at the edge of the bed. Allie was glad she had a super king. “You know, they might have done this electric crap, the burning, to really build up our rage so we can take it out on those coming. Because I tell you what, by the time the Dark Moon comes, I’ll be ready to rip anyone apart who steps between me and our woman,” Steel grumbled.
“I agree with the bear. Not being able to touch her and claim her has me so close to the edge,” Darwin mumbled and rolled onto his back, looking up at the ceiling. “I’m sorry about not telling you about my grandparents, Lance.”
“We’ll work on openness between us when things die down. But I know you didn’t mean for it come out like it did. I think after this Dark Moon night, we should all go someplace for a damn vacation.” Lance rubbed her back through the blanket.
“Forget that. I want my honeymoon, and I even have the place picked out,” Allie said and placed a kiss on Lance’s chest as all three of them turned to look at her.
“What?” she said. “My sisters and I have dreamed of getting married and going away for a honeymoon. Well, Marci and Whitney got that last year. I want at least the honeymoon in Scotland.”
Lance moaned, as did Darwin. “How did I not know you were going to say that?” Next to Lance, Steel lifted up and rested on his elbow, smiling at her.
“How about a Scottish wedding? We could have it on the old homestead that overlooks the ocean,” Lance asked.
“Really? And you’ll all wear kilts?” she asked.
“I’m not wearing a dress,” Darwin growled.
Allie smacked his belly before Steel could. “They are not skirts, and I think they are very, very attractive. But if you don’t want to wear a kilt for me…”
“Fine, only once!” Darwin glared over at Steel as Lance laughed.
“Well, if you and the other ladies get locked up in the house, you could plan your wedding. That might keep your mind busy.” Lance slapped her butt. “Now go to sleep. You’ve been through enough today.”
“Fine, but we won’t be planning a wedding. We’ll be too worried about you guys.
Plus, do you really believe my sisters and I would sit there and allow you to fight by yourselves? Nope, we’ll find a way out that house if it comes down to it.”
* * *
Lance paced, growling at the path that led to the house where Marci, Whitney, and his woman had been sent to yesterday. They had been allowed to see them once through the door, but after that the women had been transferred back to Frank’s house, where they would wait. Only a few hours were left now.
“How many men surround the house and outer property?” he asked Link.
“Too many. I don’t know if they come in groups or what. We haven’t been able to find this Bryant either, but we know he’s here. The only good thing is he can’t reach Allie or the other two while in they’re in the house.”
Alastor appeared near Frank. “Thought you would want to know that not only those that live here on earth are lining up, but even men from the other realms are here to try and claim your women.”
Steel snarled. “This could last for days.”
The air around them seemed to thin as six men moved toward them from the path. Their feet didn’t touch the ground as they walked. “Gentlemen, it’s time to begin your preparations for the challenges that come your way.”
Suddenly, they were in the middle of a field, and none of them had clothes on. The fact he had last held Allie was two days ago had Lance ready to pounce on anyone.
“Let it be known, the children of the woman Whitney will never be harmed. If anyone dares to think of killing them after he win, he is now out of this competition.” Howls and growls filled the air. If he wasn’t so worried, Lance would have sworn he was in some god-awful Halloween horror movie.
Frank moved toward the six challengers. “You know they’re married to us, but you allow this?” he snarled.
“These women were destined for this. To truly claim them, you must prove yourselves to the rest of your people. For each woman holds the key to our people’s lives. There will be no more wars like the one that almost started out two years ago when you first met Whitney. Believe us, that was nothing compared to what could happen so long ago. This earth we stand on would be destroyed in a matter of months, and millions would be killed. Your inconvenience or pride is nothing in compared to what must be done.” The man in yellow glanced up at the sky and stepped back. “Let the challenges begin. The first three groups will approach. No weapons or magic will be allowed, just brawn, and your animal may help you.”
Chapter Eight
For 24 hours, Allie and her sisters had tried to exit the house, but nothing worked. Allowing them only a brief glimpse of their mates before they were gone. Now, their little cage was hanging above the ring where their men would fight, but their men knew nothing of it.
“Damn, Whitney, Frank is huge,” Marci said, looking from Frank to her.
“Shut up, Marci, and I know. God, look at all of them.” Whitney shivered. “The thought of any others touching me freaks me out.”
“I know. My stomach is doing flip-flops too,” Marci said. “Shit, it looks like they’re starting.”
Allie sat on the floor and stared at the arena below them. She swore it was like watching a movie, but after this movie, whoever won would claim her whether she wanted them to or not. “Marci, Whitney, what if they don’t win? They’re supposed to claim us tonight. The thought of that just scares me, not excites me.” Allie brought her knees up and rested her head on them. “You two have been with your men, but this will be our first time if they win.”
Whitney and Marci sat down beside her, staring down as the fighting started. “You know I wish Mom was here. All of a sudden, this crap…well, it’s just not right.” Whitney mumbled.
“We were supposed to take the little ones trick-or-treating tomorrow. Why do I get the feeling we might not make it.” Whitney glanced at Allie.
Allie reached took her sisters’ hands. “They will make it through this, you watch. I mean, look at our men,” she said and sucked in her breath, watching Steel attack the first man who moved toward him.
“Well damn, look at those muscles. That’s my bear,” Allie whispered in awe. She turned to look at her other mates and was stunned to see Darwin had shifted into full demon mode. “Wow talk about big, eek.” She cringed as he snapped one man’s arm in half.
“Damn, I never knew Frank could do that. He’s quick, and look at that one running away!” Whitney said, laughing.
“Well fuck, I think I’m going to have to start working out. Look at Garth. Man, my men are hotter than hell.” Marci squirmed next to Allie and frowned. “Don’t you think it’s weird we’re sitting here getting excited and horny?”
Marci glanced at her, then at Whitney. “I have a suspicion our feelings for our men are going to be off the charts by the time they get done.”
Allie nodded, watching the way Lance, Steel, and Darwin fought together. Each was a part of her family. Her heart swelled, and all of the hurt and pain of the past year seemed to fade away while she kept track of the fights below.
For hours, she and her sisters watched. Allie had already stripped out of her sweater, socks, and shoes. “Is it getting hot in here?” she finally asked.
“Yes,” Whitney growled. “How many more are going to challenge them? Can’t they see they’re not going to win?”
Allie turned and looked down, sucking in her breath. “I have a feeling we’re at the end.” She pointed. “That’s Bryant and the two that took me from the party.” She shivered, the pain of what she had endured the past year, once more in the forefront.
Whitney and Marci reached over and touched her, as if knowing this hurt her. “Look, my men and Marci’s are surrounding them. Even those dorks that arranged all of this are watching and saying something,” Marci said.
Allie watched as the strangers pointed up. Every one of the men looked up at them. Lance had blood running down his cheek from a cut. One of Steel’s eyes looked swollen, and Darwin nose looked like it had been busted. Oh, she knew their bodies would be bruised and sore.
Even her sisters’ men were bloody and bruised, but they had beaten all the men who had come without killing any of them, from hat she and her sisters had seen.
“What the hell?” Allie looked around and groaned. She, Whitney, and Marci were now on the battlefield. The alien who had spoken to them earlier stepped forward.
“It is clear who should be with you three ladies. The other men have been sent home.” He pointed to Bryant and the two who had taken her. “For your suffering, we give these men to your. No one should have gone through what you have, young lady,” he said to Allie. All six men turned to their men. “Treat them well, and know that each Dark Moon the heat of the battle tonight will be on you. You will need your mates to ease this need, so…” He smiled. “If I were you, I’d not piss them off on that day.”
Allie turned her head to look at Lance, but he wasn’t there. He leaped on Bryant, his fists connecting with Bryant’s body again and again. Bryant tried to defend himself, but nothing kept Lance away.
Bryant dropped to the ground, and Lance lunged and went for the kill. Her man ripped Lance’s head off his body in a move that proved his strength and his capabilities.
Taking her eyes off Lance, Allie notice Steel and Darwin each standing over a bloody body that wasn’t moving anymore. Each of her men had killed for her. Heat and need clawed at her body. She needed them.
“Um, I think we’re on the verge of being taken over,” Marci whispered as each of them slowly stood and backed up a step.
“Yeah, you think?” Whitney said. “This is going to be rough.”
“Thank God you have a hot tub,” Allie said, turning to look at her men. “Let’s make this fun, wicked.” She winked her sisters, earning a smile from them.
Marci threw her head back and laughed. “That’s my Allie. Let’s do it.”
* * *
Lance looked up. The battle was over, but the need to claim what was theirs now pushed in him as he turned towar
d their woman, Allie. Her sister’s words rang in the night as all three woman stripped off their shirts.
“Come and get it, boys, if you can catch us,” Allie teased, and for the first time, Lance could see the light in her eyes as she slid her skirt down her legs, leaving her standing there in her red bra and panties before the three of them turned and ran.
He threw his head back, howling, and he wasn’t the only one. Steel and Darwin moved to his sides. “Let’s get our woman,” Lance snarled, hearing the growling from the other men, his soon-to-be brothers. “We have a claiming at hand.”
Lance glanced at Darwin, who nodded. Cold water dumped over their bodies, washing off the dirt and blood of the night, but not even cold water could dim the heat coming off his body.
His cock was hard and hurting, but Lance ignored it as he threw his head back, shoving his hair out of his face and moving forward.
Slowly, allowing Allie to think she was getting away from them, he and his partners followed their woman’s trail. Soon they came upon her bra, hanging in a tree.
Steel picked it up and sniffed. The grizzly roared, crunching the bra in his hand as they started to pick up the pace. Lance started to jog, then stopped sniffing the air. To his left, high on a tree branch Allie’s panties hung like a flag. This time, it was like waving a red flag in front of three bulls.
Darwin jumped up and snagged them off the tree. “I need her now!” he snarled.
“We all do,” Lance said, breaking through the woods into a clearing. Allie was lying in the middle of a pond on a floating device. Water droplets ran down her body. Even though she was thin and scarred, she was sight to see. Never had a woman captured and held him as she had.
“It got kind of hot waiting for you,” she said, lifting her head and nodding to their left to a bed of pillows with food next to it. Candles and jack-o’-lanterns lit the area.
Desire Under the Dark Moon Page 5