Twelfth Moon

by Lori Villarreal

  Cadence looked up at him, her eyebrows raised. “An announcement?” As if she didn’t know, the sweetheart.

  His own silvery gaze glittered with devilry, but he only smiled.

  “It is my great pleasure to announce the engagement of Jonah and Cadence,” Charles said. “May their lives together be long and happy.”

  Everyone cheered, circling around to congratulate the couple. Her father raised his voice in order to be heard. “And I expect at least a dozen grandchildren!” That caused a burst of laughter, accompanied by a fresh round of cheers.

  From everyone except Jonah, that is.

  Cadence noticed the pallor of his face, and knew immediately what had caused it. “He was only joking, you know.”

  Jonah swallowed, blowing out a relieved breath, making her laugh. “As long as you don’t want a dozen children.” His tone turned suspicious – and a little frightened. “You don’t do you?”

  “Of course not. I’m thinking of only seven or eight.”

  At Jonah’s shocked expression, she laughed. “All right, maybe not that many.”

  He wrapped his arms around her and kissed her. “Let’s just start with one, shall we?” His expression turned hot and sultry. “I’m imagining all the fun we’ll have in the attempt.”

  “Jonah! Not here.”

  “Okay, then come with me.” Grabbing her hand, he towed her out into the hallway, leaving the others, who were excitedly discussing the upcoming nuptials. He backed her into the wall, hands on her waist, quickly closing the distance between them. The heat from his body seared her from head to toe. “Is this better?” He dipped his head, placing his mouth against the side of her neck, murmuring huskily, “I can’t seem to keep my hands off you, Hellcat.”

  Cadence was breathless. “Well, then don’t. But not in the hallway.”

  He leaned back, his hands resting intimately on her hips, his expression turning serious. “There’s something I need to do today, but tomorrow I’d like to take you to meet my parents and sister.”

  Cadence smiled. “I would like that. What is it you need to do?”

  “I’m going to the U.S. Marshal’s office to file a report. It’s important to me that your name is cleared.”

  “What are you going to say?”

  His lips flattened into a grim line. “I wasn’t sure at first, considering the one who killed Robert is some kind of spirit. It’s not like I can issue a wanted poster on him, which would only cause Ba'cho problems, since they look so much alike. If they knew the murderer was an Apache, it would get ugly. I decided to state that my brother’s killer died in a gunfight.”

  Cadence sucked in her breath. “But that’s a lie.”

  “The lie would be better than the truth. Who would believe it anyway?”

  “I suppose you’re right.”

  “What about the wedding? Ba'cho wishes to leave soon. I know you’ll want your sisters with you on our special day.”

  Our special day. Bless his heart. It almost brought tears to her eyes. “It will have to be in the next few days. Jaelene just told me they’re leaving at the end of the week.”

  “The sooner the better, as far as I’m concerned. I want to make you irrevocably mine.”

  She caressed his whisker-rough cheek. “The moment we mated on Twelfth Moon, I was yours for eternity.”

  “I know, but this will make it official.”

  “Your mother won’t be angry, will she?”

  He grinned. “My mother will be disappointed about the haste, but as soon as she learns the news that I’m finally getting married, she won’t complain too much.” His smile faded when he noticed her concern, felt her apprehension. “What is it?”

  “I don’t want you to tell your family what Robert did to me.”

  He paused to allow the significance of what she said to register. “Are you sure?”

  “I’d rather their memories of him be good ones.”

  “My God, Cadence,” Jonah whispered hoarsely. “You’re the most generous, loving person I know. This means a lot to me. My parents and sister were never able to see the darker side of him as I did.”

  “Will they like me, do you think, your parents and sister?”

  He wrapped her in his arms. “They’ll love you, just as I do – well, maybe not exactly the way I do.”

  She slapped at his arm playfully. “Jonah!”

  “Ow!”

  Cadence giggled. Giggled. She hadn’t done that since she was a little girl, before her mother had died. But right now, she was filled with so much happiness she was nearly giddy from it.

  “I have to see to Athos. I’ve left him for too long. I’ll have to thank Kara for taking care of him.”

  “She loves horses, or any animal for that matter. Strangely enough, considering what we are, they seem to love her as well.”

  Twenty Six

  THEY WERE IN a district Cadence had never been in before. The houses lining the street were huge opulent mansions separated by sprawling lawns that were so well manicured they didn’t look real.

  Jonah had sent for a carriage that arrived with a driver wearing actual livery of black and gold. Apparently, he hadn’t exaggerated about being a wealthy man.

  When they entered a long, winding drive that led up to a magnificent, four-story house, the front supported by six huge, gleaming white pillars, she couldn’t suppress a gasp of surprise.

  The front courtyard had a beautiful fountain in the center, the drive continuing around it in a circular pattern. The house’s many windows reflected the morning sun, making them sparkle like multi-faceted jewels. Large cypress trees and willows flanked each side of the house, with meticulously groomed shrubs, and well-maintained flower beds adorning the front on either side of the sprawling porch.

  She was in awe, never having seen such splendor. “Is this—” She swallowed. “Is this your parent’s house?”

  “No.”

  Jonah sat beside her, their thighs touching, sending shivers of awareness through her with every bump of the carriage. Would she always react to him this way? She certainly hoped so. Her brow crinkled in confusion. “Then why are we here? Do you know the people who live in this house?”

  He smiled at her. “Yes, as a matter of fact, I do.”

  “Are you going to tell me who they are?”

  “We are the people who live here – or will live here, as soon as you move your things in.”

  Jonah chuckled at the shock that must have obviously shown on her face. It took her a moment to find her voice. “This – this is our house?”

  “Yes, sweetheart. It’s called Willowmere. You like it don’t you?” He frowned. “If you don’t, we can find something else.”

  “No. I mean yes, it’s wonderful. I love it!” She threw her arms around him, hugging him tightly. “Oh, Jonah, I feel like a fairy princess!”

  “You are my princess,” Jonah said huskily, his arms holding her firmly to him. “And I want to spoil you rotten.”

  “And I want to be spoiled rotten. Really.” She grinned. “I don’t mind at all.”

  Jonah barked out a laugh. He ran his finger down the gentle slope of her nose. “I see I’ll have no trouble convincing you to accept my riches.”

  “None at all. That’s what you get for keeping it a secret from me.”

  “It kind of slipped my mind, all things considered.”

  She kissed him, her lips lingering over his before pulling away. “You’re forgiven.”

  He grew suddenly somber. “I wanted to bring you here first. I love you, Cadence, and I want you to know that I will always take care of you.”

  Tears filled Cadences eyes. She’d taken care of her family for so long, she’d forgotten what it was like to have someone take care of her. When her mother had died, Cadence had stepped into shoes she’d not quite grown into yet – a role that had been thrust upon her at a time when she’d still needed a nurturing influence. Of course, Mrs. Riley and Mrs. Clemens were there, but it wasn’t the same
as having a loving mother. “Oh, Jonah, I just love it, and I love you too.”

  Jonah shifted her to the seat beside him. “Let’s go have a look, shall we? There’s still time for you to meet my parents after I take you on a tour.”

  They stepped from the carriage and walked toward the huge porch. “You never told me how you became so wealthy. So much has happened since you dropped that shocking bit of news, I haven’t had the opportunity to ask you about it.”

  Jonah didn’t hesitate. “My father owns a shipping company, which, incidentally, assisted during the war. And then several years ago, we both invested in the railroad. Work on the new Pacific Railroad line is almost complete.”

  “I’ve heard of it,” she said excitedly. “They say the new railroad system will connect the east and west, making travel much safer.”

  Jonah smiled down at her as they ascended the porch steps. “Yes indeed. But it will also serve as a vital link for trade and commerce, opening up vast regions of the country for settlement.” Their heels clattered on the wooden surface of the porch as they neared the open front door. “It’s a very exciting time. And if you’re ever in the mood to travel, I have a custom-built luxury Pullman car at my disposal.”

  “Good Lord, Jonah! If you have so much money, what were you doing out in the middle of nowhere risking your life to pursue wanted criminals? Wait. Don’t answer that. It was because of Beth Ann. I remember you saying you wanted to get away.”

  “And like I said, I would never have met you, my little hellcat, if I hadn’t made that choice.” He took her hand in his, brushing his lips across her knuckles.

  They entered the foyer, where there was a line of servants waiting. Jonah had wanted Cadence to meet them all, and had included a note for them to prepare the house for their new mistress when he’d sent for the carriage.

  He watched as she greeted each of the servants, repeating their names back to them, asking questions about their duties, as well as inquiring about their families. She was warm and gracious, smiling and shaking their hands. She was well mannered and respectful, yet able to convey confidence as the lady of the house.

  One of the things he’d noticed about Cadence was that no matter the person’s station in life, she treated them in a nonjudgmental way, unless, of course, their actions warranted otherwise. But then in his case, Jonah reflected with a wry twisting of his lips, she’d allowed him into her heart, even though he’d treated her so badly in the beginning. He was a lucky man, indeed.

  “THIS IS YOUR parents’ house?” Cadence couldn’t suppress her incredulous outburst. This house was even grander than Jonah’s – correction – theirs was. It was all a little bit daunting. Her nerves twisted in a jumbled mass of worry over how his family would receive her. Not only were they going to be meeting her for the first time, but there was the news of their impending marriage – to take place in record time, no less.

  Jonah rubbed her arm. “Don’t worry, sweetheart. Everything will be all right, you’ll see. As I already told you, they’ll love you.” He kissed her, his lips lingering over hers. “I love you. That’s all that really matters.”

  He jumped down from the carriage, turning to assist her. She took his outstretched hand, and as it engulfed her smaller one, his warmth radiated into her. A commotion at the door drew their attention.

  “Jonah!”

  A pretty young woman trotted down the steps and sprinted toward them, skirts clutched in her hands, showing a large portion of white-clad ankles. Golden ringlets danced over her shoulders with youthful abandon, shimmering like angel dust in the sunshine as she threw herself at Jonah. She squealed with delight, her delicate arms clamping around his neck. He caught her in his arms with a robust laugh, twirling in a circle.

  “Hello, Sammy, it’s good to see you too.”

  When he finally released her, they stood side by side. Jonah’s arm draped over her shoulders, while hers banded around his waist. The girl looked at Cadence, then up at Jonah with a wide smile. “And who is this? You must introduce us, brother.”

  Cadence couldn’t help but smile back at this enchanting creature. She was a waif, the top of her head barely reaching Jonah’s shoulder, with the largest dark-brown eyes Cadence had ever seen. She exuded an aura of sweet innocence, sprinkled with a dash of impudent mischievousness.

  Jonah teasingly squeezed the girl. “Yes, I suppose I must.” He winked at Cadence. “May I introduce my sister, Samantha? Samantha, this is Cadence LaPorte, my fiancé.”

  Samantha produced another high-pitched squeal that nearly made Cadence’s highly sensitive ears bleed. Samantha jumped up and down, clapping her hands. “You’re getting married! Oh, that’s so wonderful!”

  Looking at Jonah, Cadence caught his grimace, but then he just shrugged his shoulders. “Come on, you two. Let’s go find mother and father. I’m sure they’re curious to know what all the commotion is about, but have too much decorum to scream like banshees.”

  Samantha gasped, turning toward him with a grin. “Jonah! We haven’t seen you in so long, and then you arrive with such marvelous news. I can hardly contain my excitement.”

  “So we’ve noticed.” His remark earned a playful swat from Samantha. He linked an arm with his sister’s, slipping his other through Cadence’s, and escorted them into the house.

  Cadence looked up at Jonah and smiled. She’d never seen this side of him, so relaxed and teasing. He was altogether charming – and incredibly handsome, even in her father’s ill-fitting clothes. A light breeze ruffled his hair, several dark strands catching in the seam of his lips, drawing her eye there. It also drew forth her memory of how soft and supple and delicious they were, and how much she’d like to taste them again.

  He turned his head toward her, his gaze locking with hers. It was as though he’d heard her thoughts – which was impossible, since they could only do that in panther form…right? His eyes shimmered like hot melted steel, practically liquefying her bones.

  He growled low. “You keep looking at me like that, Hellcat, and I’ll have to find us a secluded alcove.” Samantha was chattering away like a magpie, completely oblivious to his provocative statement.

  Cadence felt herself blush – not from embarrassment, but from the images his words had brought forth. She shuddered, trying to catch her breath. This was the Jonah she most recognized – so intensely focused and sensual. She had to snap her attention back to the purpose of this visit – to meet his parents.

  Thankfully, she had herself under control by the time they entered the spacious parlor, made bright and cheery by the room’s large, floor-to-ceiling windows. The man and woman seated on one of the sofas turned in unison to greet them. They had to be Jonah’s parents. She could see the family resemblance in their features and coloring.

  “Mother. Father. Look who’s here. Jonah and his fiancé.”

  Jonah growled. “Sammy.”

  Samantha laughed – a tinkling, happy sound. “They were going to find out eventually. Why not now?” She flounced over to an over-sized chair upholstered in pale-blue and cream, and plopped down, smiling at her parents expectantly.

  Where Samantha had inherited his mother’s golden hair color, Jonah’s came from his father, although the elder’s was sprinkled with gray. They had a similar build, and while Jonah’s nose was similar to his father’s, his mouth, with those sensuously full lips, was an exact replica of his mother’s.

  Wherever he’d gotten those beautiful silver eyes was anybody’s guess, however, since his mother’s were blue, and his father’s were brown. She felt a moment of incredible sadness when she remembered that Robert’s were pale-blue.

  Cadence stepped aside as Jonah moved to greet his parents. He bent down to hug his mother. “Hello, mother.” He straightened and shook his father’s hand. “Father.”

  “Son.”

  Jonah turned back to Cadence, grasped her hand, pulling her forward. “I’d like you to meet Cadence LaPorte, the woman I love and am going to marry.”


  His mother’s eyes widened, her face lighting up with a brilliant smile. “Why that’s wonderful, dear! A bit of a surprise, but of course, we’re happy for you.”

  “Cadence, this is my mother, Rosalind Kincaid.”

  Cadence took Mrs. Kincaid’s hand in her own. “It’s so good to meet you.”

  “My father, Thomas Kincaid.”

  Mr. Kincaid grasped Cadence’s hand, covering it with his other in a warm clasp. His gaze was open and friendly, accepting. “How do you do, my dear?”

  Cadence was most pleasantly surprised. Jonah’s parents were so…completely normal. And very nice. How could such a wild, dangerous, and formidable man have come from these two people? “I’m fine, thank you for asking. I’m just so glad to finally meet you both.”

  Jonah led her to a sofa across from where his parents sat, settling down next to her. Samantha remained on the sidelines with a pleased smile, quietly watching the proceedings.

  “And we’re glad to meet you, even though we knew nothing about you – or what Jonah’s been up to these last several months, for that matter.” Mrs. Kincaid gave her son a pointed stare.

  Jonah seemed unperturbed. “I’m sorry, mother. I was on the trail. You know it’s difficult to communicate in that case.”

  His mother picked up on that immediately. “Oh? Is that where you two met?” She looked from Jonah to Cadence expectantly.

  Jonah inwardly cringed. What to tell them? Damn. It hadn’t even occurred to him to come up with a plausible story. Of course he couldn’t tell them he’d tracked Cadence across half of Texas, intending to bring her back for a trial and subsequent hanging for the murder of his brother, their son.

  And he also couldn’t tell them that she was a shape-shifting panther, came from a family of shape-shifting panthers, and because he’d gotten a taste of her blood while saving her life from a snake bite, was now a shape-shifting panther himself. And he couldn’t tell them that as it turned out, Cadence didn’t kill Robert, who’d brutally raped her, but rather, a magically appearing Apache spirit had done the deed. He nearly groaned aloud.