“That's some grin on your face. What are you thinking, Dr. Blackston?” Her softly whisper interrupted his thoughts.
He leaned down and kissed her tenderly. “Thinking about last night and again this morning.”
She rolled over and stretched, reaching far above her head, causing the sheet to slide down her front, exposing her breasts and the red and white mating mark to his eyes. He watched her appreciatively then leaned down kissing the place just over her left breast, his hand slipping under the sheet to splay on her flat stomach.
She sighed happily, clutching his hand in hers. “I know what's on your mind, but you're going to have to wait. It's almost noon and Poppa called this morning wanting to see us at one.”
He growled and pulled her naked form against his. “Jeff will have to wait,” he breathed into her ear.
She squealed and pretended to fight against him, but he wasn't fooled. With a kiss, she stilled and with a touch, she was captured. Pressing herself against him, she kissed him passionately, twining her fingers in his auburn hair. When the kiss broke, she closed her eyes, tipping her head back and exposing her neck to him. He growled softly, nipping at her chin before following the line of her neck to that place where her pulse thumped in time to his. His bite mark, already healed to pale white scars beckoned to him and he closed his mouth over it. Fangs slid from his gums as he again sunk them into her tender flesh.
Carson felt his bite and gasped. Steeling her resolve, she gently pushed him. “Chase, we really need to go,” she sighed softly.
Reluctantly let her shoulder go. Snarling softly he breathed into her ear, “do you really want to leave?”
“No. I don't want to leave but we have to. He said it was important and that it involved my capacity as dreamer for the pack. It's my duty and I have to go.” She searched his eyes and saw the desire burning for her. She shivered. “Please?”
He closed his eyes and fought to get himself under control. “If you say we have to then I guess we do.” He said evenly.
She nodded sadly. “Poppa said it was important. Otherwise, I would just ignore it. We have to go.”
He nodded and rolled over on his back, throwing his arm over his eyes and took several cleansing breaths, fighting the need to take her. Quickly she slipped out of the bed, stepped carefully around the tangled covers and looked back at him.
The look he gave her almost sent her back to the bed with him. She stared at him then pulled her bottom lip into her teeth and chewed gently. He stood up with a growl and pulled it out, rubbing it with his thumb. “If you don't stop doing that, I don't care what my alpha says, we aren't going anywhere for at least a day or two.”
She shivered and tore her gaze from the golden brown eyes that burned into her soul. Without another word, she slipped into the bathroom and closed the door. A moment later he heard the shower start.
He thought about her standing naked as the warm water sluiced over her delicious curves. His crotch tightened and he heard his animal whine. I want our mate. Forget about the alpha. I want our mate now. Raking his fingers through his hair, he growled softly. “You and me both buddy.”
.-~*~-.
“This better be good, Jeff. You do know we are on our honeymoon?” Chase strolled into Jeff's office and fell onto the sofa, pulling Carson into his lap. He glanced at the clock and noticed it was still ten minutes till one. “See I told you we would be on time.” He squeezed her tenderly.
Jeff huffed and arched an eyebrow. “Yeah, I know you're on your honeymoon. This is important. The Council has called a meeting and insisted you both be here. Be thankful I was able to stall till now. They wanted to meet at eight this morning.”
Chase snorted.
“Thanks, Poppa,” Carson settled in her mate's lap. “So what's the big meeting about?”
He shook his head. “I'm not sure. Probably they want to just clear everything up before leaving.”
A gentle rap at the door was followed by it opening and admitting the remaining four members of the Council. Carson slid off Chase's lap and sat beside him with her hand wrapped protectively in his. There were a few murmured greetings and polite inquiries regarding health. Once everyone found a seat and got comfortable, Councilor Carl stood up.
“I know you are all wondering why we've called you here today.” He started. His voice was calm and even, so unlike his normal manner. Carson glanced at her mate. He shrugged his shoulders slightly and they both looked back at the Elder.
Taking a deep breath, he let it out slowly. “First off, we find ourselves in much the same situation that brought us here last summer. Your pack, once again, has no beta. We, the council, talked about this at length last night and have decided that we are going to appoint Chase as your new beta.”
Carson's mouth flopped open. Beside her he sat in shocked silence. “I'm what?” he finally asked.
Gretchen snickered softly. “You're the new beta, Chase. You have proven beyond a shadow of a doubt that you have the strength, will and intelligence to handle the position.”
He shook his head disbelievingly. “I can't. I'm a healer and I have too many responsibilities. People depend on me. Thank you but I decline.”
Carl's eyes had hardened. “You will not decline, Blackston. As for responsibilities and people depending on you, they will continue to do so in your new position. The council has spoken.” He slapped his hand on the desk.
He growled and shook his head. “Molly can't handle the healing here alone...”
“She's not going to. We are going to move your father, Terry, here to help.” Gretchen said quietly. “Your sister, Emma, is fully capable to take care of Roanoke pack.”
He sat back and couldn't help but smile. Emma would be thrilled at this opportunity to take care of their pack and he could think of few he would rather see assume his position at Sapphire Lake than his own father. “Very well. But only until a more suitable candidate turns up.”
The council stood as one. “If you'll excuse us, we need to be getting back to our compound. We need to start to work on finding someone to fill Maggie's place.” Carl said.
“I know the perfect person,” Chase grinned at them.
“Who?” Gretchen asked.
“It's simple,” Chase replied. “Molly.”
EPILOGUE
The first birds of spring sang softly outside the Healer's hall as Chase worked on getting the last of the pack records into the computer. Grumbling softly, he tossed another stack of files onto the growling pile marked completed and cupped his face in his hands.
“That bad?”
He looked up and smiled as his mate stood framed in the doorway. “I'm a healer not an I.T. Guru.” Standing up he moved to the door and kissed her tenderly, resting one hand on the gentle swell of her belly. “How are you feeling?”
“Better. I think maybe I'll survive this whole pregnancy thing after all.”
He laughed. “Love, you are only in your first trimester. Believe me it'll get worse before it gets better.”
She groaned. “Just remember our deal. I take care of the first 9 months, you take the next.”
He laughs and hugged her close. “Deal.”
Turning, he moved out of the way and pointed to the chair. “Sit.”
“Gladly.” She sighed grateful and dropped into the chair. “If I'm this miserable now, I'm going to be a nightmare when its time.”
“I'll still love you, Baby” he grinned.
“Oh, I forgot to tell you. I heard from Molly. She's finally settling in with the Council and as she says, 'Getting them whipped in shape'.” She chuckled. “Poor Councilor Abernathy. I don’t' think he knew what he was getting when they accepted her as a new member.”
He leaned back. “Did you tell her about the records we found?”
She nodded and then sighed. “Poor Leo. He had no idea that discovering Maggie Watson was actually Micah's mother, Margaret Simpson, would result in his death. He deserved better than that.”
“He di
d,” he agreed and smiled at her.
“Well I can't sit around all day. I have a million things to do, including a trip into Roanoke with Mother to meet Emma for tea and baby shopping.” She stood up and patted the tiny bump of her belly. “Never can get too much shopping”
He groaned. “The new nursery we're building on the cabin is going to be too small before we even get it done. You do know that it’s not necessary to buy out every store for 100 miles around, don't you?”
“Of course I know. But I prefer to be prepared.” She took a step towards the door then stopped. “Oh, I forgot to tell you. Your father is over checking on Devon's son.”
Chase groaned. “Don't tell me he's been fighting again.”
She laughed and nodded. “Yep. Only this time he picked on the wrong one. Patrick's boy gave him several good knocks including a rather nasty slash on his thigh. I hear it'll make a pretty impressive scar. He's been trying to get Gemma's attention for months now. That may very well do it.”
He shook his head. “Well, boys will be boys I suppose.”
“And wolves will be wolves,” she retorted. “Are you going to be late tonight?”
He looked at the desk with its slowly dwindling pile of papers. “Don't worry. I'll be ready to pamper your poor tired shopped out feet by the time you get home. I think another few hours or so and I'll call it a night.”
She narrowed her eyes. “You know this isn't your responsibility now. Terry is our pack healer since the council elevated you to beta. He should be the one doing all that. You have other responsibilities.”
“I know, Love. I just want to finish getting these records entered. I hate leaving anything half done.”
“Well okay,” she tossed her hair over her shoulder, then tied it into a knot at the nape of her neck. “Please don't forget the time. My feet are already anticipating a nice massage, and I would like to go for a swim before bed.”
He crossed the room and swept her up in his arms. The gentle golden glow of his eyes fastened on and then plunged into the endless depths of hers. His wolf was growling softly, a low rumble in his chest. Leaning in he murmured. “I'm already swimming.”
The End
Dear Reader,
Thank you for reading Shattered Dreams, book one of Luna's Children. I hope you enjoyed Chase and Carson's story.
For more information regarding the series, Luna's Children, please go to www.melissakayclarke.com or check out my Facebook page, www.facebook.com/Melissakayclarke
~ Melissa
Following is an excerpt from Broken Melody, book two of Luna's Children.
Broken Melody
Coming January 2014
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It was a beautiful day, the kind of day that was made for being outdoors in the sunshine. Bright blue skies were dotted with white puffs of clouds and the wonderful heat of the sun beamed down in silent blessing. A gentle wind slid down the hills and through the trees into the little valley were its inhabitants found any reason they could to enjoy the early break from the deep South summer. The trees had burst forth with vibrant green leaves while underneath, a multitude of flower blossoms danced and swayed.
In the middle of the meadow, a young girl, no more than eight years old, crouched, giggling softly as her best friend, Tammy, called out numbers. She flattened herself on the grass when she heard the girl call out, “Ready or not, here I come!” Several moments passed, Tammy thrashed noisily around in the tall grass until finally spied her prey. She squealed, “I see you!” and ran in for the tag.
The girl jumped up and bolted as fast as her little pudgy legs could go. Reaching her hands out to touch the trunk designated as home base, she almost made it when she tripped and fell headlong into the tree. There was a thump, followed by a burst of stars in her eyesight as her forehead made connection with the immovable object. Carried by the momentum, she rolled into the tree and then slid off to the side. She laid there a moment, blinking her eyes to clear the bursts of lights dancing in her vision. Raising her hand up, she pressed it against her head and pulled it away bright red with blood. Looking down, more blood splattered across her shirt as well.
“Mumma is gonna get me,” she whimpered.
“Stupid freak! Didn't even know I was there because you can't see! You're just a human freak! A real wolf would have known and could see! You're just a Cur! Freak! Stupid!”
She felt the tears burn, threatening to run down her cheeks. Through the blur, she could make out Jeremy, Lucas and Henry laughing and pointing at her. Their cries of “Freak,” “Human,” and the most vile of all names, “Cur,” echoed in her ears. Slowly she stood up and faced them, her hands clenched into fists at her side. She glared at them. These three had been bullying her for years, ever since the pack healer had figured out she was missing her inner wolf, the spirit that every werewolf had inside. Her mumma always told her to ignore them, to not let them bother her, but they did.
Standing there, facing them as they continued to jeer at her, her anger burned hotter and hotter until her eyes began to glow, shifting from deep sapphire to sky blue. Her hair blew back as if touched by the wind; her cheeks stained a bright pink. Drawing a deep breath, she opened her lips and screamed as hard as she could at them.
“GO AWAY!!!!”
The world stopped and held its breath as she poured all the pain, hurt and frustration into her cry. Once she had run out of wind, she staggered forward, her strength completely depleted and dropped to hands and knees. Raising her head, she saw Tammy staring at her, wide-eyed, face pale white.
They were alone.
“You made them disappear,” Tammy whispered. “They're gone.”
Turning, Tammy ran back towards the village, screaming at the top of her lungs. “She made them disappear! She made them go away! Zandria made them go away!”
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Gasping for breath, Zandria sat bolt upright in bed, one hand fumbling for the light switch beside her. Sweat plastered her hair to her face and her heart thundered in her chest. The light tank and shorts she wore to bed were twisted around her torso as evidence of the tossing she had done. Her covers lay in a heap on the floor. Several moments passed before she was able to get her breathing under control and her pulse to steady. The nightmare, one of many that continuously haunted her, had felt as real as the day it had actually happened.
She jumped when she heard pounding on her front door. Slipping out of bed, she slid her feet into her slippers and glancing at the oversized clock, squinting until she could make out the numbers. Only one person would be beating her door down at two a.m. Wiping her face with a tissue, she took a breath then opened the door.
“Zan? Are you alright? I felt you panicking,” Cayson's emerald green eyes fastened on her worriedly. She turned away quickly.
Damn that gift of his that allowed him to pick up on emotions. Just when she thought she had a good handle on hiding hers from him, she learned just how wrong she was. It was getting harder to shield herself from him and the effort was taking a toll on her. She knew without looking that there were dark circles under her eyes and the faint white scars that crossed her face would be standing out. Wearily, she nodded. “Just a nightmare,” she murmured. “You didn't have to come all the way over here.
He chuckled and the sound sent little tingles through her body and her toes curled appreciatively. Reaching down, he picked her up like she weighed nothing, stepped inside and closed the door with his foot.
“Put me down, please.” She pushed against the thick expanse of his muscled chest. It was like trying to move a building. “Cayson, please?”
He grinned at her in that lopsided way that made her heart skip a beat, pressed a kiss to her forehead and gently set her down on her feet again.
She took a step back and knuckled her fists on her hips. “I don't recall inviting you into my house.”
One eyebrow shot up and he looked down at her. “I didn'
t think I would have to wait for my mate to invite me in.”
“I'm not your ma...,” she began.
He stopped her with a growled, “not yet.”
Zandria threw her hands up. “How many times are we going to go through this? I've told you over and over, I'm not interested. You are so stubborn!”
He snorted. “I'm the stubborn one?” He pointed to a small round mark over her left breast, approximately two inches in diameter made of red and white swirls and lines resembling a fingerprint. “That says differently. That one and this one,” he touched his own mark, a mirror image to hers, “says we are mates. Our hearts say it and so do our souls. The only one refuting it is you.”
“You don't understand,” she huffed and flopped on the sofa, pulling her legs up to sit Indian style. Picking up one of the small brown pillows, she hugged it to herself with both arms.
Cayson folded his six foot five inch body up and sat beside her. Even though she was plump, having curves where most wolves were all lean muscle, he dwarfed her, making her feel almost petite. Reaching a hand out he cupped her face. His touch sent electricity racing through her nerves to center in her chest. “Then make me understand, Honey, because I really don't. I know you can feel that, feel us. Why do you fight it so hard?”
His words were soft and beseeching, his beautiful face wrinkled in concern and just a touch of hurt. Zandria's eyesight was failing and the room dim, but she knew every inch of that face and though she would like to ignore it, his pain tore at her heart. Shoring up her defenses, she pulled her face out of his hand. “I'm not fighting anything. You think you want me and that I'm the right mate for you, but I'm not. I'm not even a real wolf.”
Shattered Dreams (Luna's Children) Page 19