Beneath a Blood Lust Moon

by Jodi Vaugn

  “I saw how unhappy you were, having to deal with your abusive father. I understood you, Braxton. I know what it’s like wanting to leave, to escape, to run away to something better, something safe.” Wendy trembled, the gun wavering dangerously in the cold morning air.

  “I know that you stayed in Shreveport for your mom, to try to protect her from that fucking monster.” Wendy gritted her teeth. “I did you and society a favor.”

  Every muscle in his body tensed and his gut clenched tighter. “Wendy, what are you saying?”

  Wendy jerked her gaze back to him. “I killed your father.”

  Kate gasped. He reached back to take her hand, squeezing it.

  “I killed him for you, Braxton. I did it so you would be free to leave and we could start a life together.” Wendy shot him an impatient glare.

  “A life…together?” Braxton had always treated all the strippers with respect and never led any of them on. In fact, he’d made it a rule not to date anyone from work.

  Wendy’s eyes glazed over. “You were the only man who’d ever protected me. You even got fired for me. And you didn’t get mad at me when you lost your job.” Wendy frowned, looking lost in her thoughts. “It was then I knew what I should do. It was almost like divine revelation.”

  Or totally psychotic, Braxton thought to himself.

  “I went over to your parents’ house. Your father was alone, drinking and watching TV. I went in through the back door, which happened to be unlocked. There was a hammer lying on the kitchen counter, so I grabbed it. He walked in on me in the kitchen and that’s when I attacked.” She shrugged. “It was easy enough, he’d had a lot of beers and after the second whack to the head, he fell to the ground. Every time I hit him I was thinking of you, Braxton. Only of you.”

  “And because of you Braxton is accused of murder.” Kate poked her head around his chest.

  Wendy shook her head. “I wasn’t counting on that part. I thought his mother would get blamed since everyone in town knew she was abused. I figured if it went to trial, the jury wouldn’t send her to jail. Juries are very sympathetic to battered women.”

  “How did you find me?”

  Wendy shrugged. “I’ve been following you since you escaped the cops. I lost you after you passed through Eureka Springs. But I went on ahead to Branson to wait for you. I figured we would find each other again.”

  “Did you have anything to do with that construction worker?” Braxton shifted, easing a few inches closer. He needed to get closer. If he lunged now, she might shoot and hit Kate.

  Wendy’s gaze hardened. “After a few days of waiting in Missouri, I decided to backtrack, to see if you headed in a different direction. I came back here. I met a guy there who said he knew who you were and offered to take me to you. I didn’t realize he was lying until he lured me out to some construction site and tried to force me to give him a blow job. I tried to get away but he hit me. I grabbed the first thing I could grab, which happened to be a nail gun. No man will ever lay a fucking hand on me, ever again.”

  “So you killed two people.” Braxton shifted forward again.

  “I killed two worthless shits,” Wendy shot back. Her gaze landed on Kate and she leveled the gun. “You would have come to me, Braxton, if she hadn’t gotten in the way.”

  “Put the gun down and I’ll go with you now.” Braxton’s heart was hammering as he took a step toward Wendy. He’d never hurt a woman in his life, but if the drugged-out stripper took a shot at Kate, he was going to rip her to shreds.

  Wendy looked from Kate to him and cocked the gun with shaky hands. Trembling, Wendy leveled the gun at him and shook her head. “You’re lying. You’re just like the rest of them.” Her shoulders shook as tears ran down her face. Her outstretched arm shook as she kept it aimed toward them.

  It was light now and the ladies in the house would soon be waking up. If he didn’t do something quick, there would be more people put in danger.

  A limb snapped, breaking the quiet of the morning. Wendy jumped and turned, glancing toward the trees behind her.

  Braxton lunged and tackled Wendy to the ground. A gunshot rang out into the morning, sending an ominous chill down his back.

  Wendy cried out, struggling under him. Braxton shifted his weight to keep from snapping her fragile bones, but kept a steady grip on her hands. He looked over his shoulder. “Kate, are you okay?”

  It seemed like forever until he heard her sweet voice.

  “Yeah. But I think my rocker has bitten the dust.” She stepped to the side. The bullet had struck her white rocker, shooting off a leg. The chair slumped to one side.

  Braxton let out a breath and forced his heart to slow down. For a brief second, he thought the bullet had hit Kate.

  “Get off me!” Wendy hissed, her bloodshot eyes shooting daggers at him. “Get your hands off me!”

  “You’ve certainly changed your tune. First you’re offering to blow me, now you don’t want me to touch you.”

  Wendy screamed and tried to bite him. Braxton held her down.

  “What the hell is going on?” Myrtis stuck her head out the door. “Sounds like the damn O.K. Corral out here. And this is not conducive to a hangover.”

  “Holy shit. I knew I should have waited and come back with you!” Felicity pushed past Myrtis and stared at the scene on the front porch.

  “Then we both would have been shot. Braxton saved my life.”

  CHAPTER FOURTEEN

  The cops were called and arrived within minutes. Barrett, Jayden, Damon, and Ava pulled in right after. Braxton filled in the cops, as well as his friends, on what happened, including Wendy’s confession of killing both men.

  After being questioned by the police, Kate walked inside to check on her guests. She glanced at the clock on the microwave. She was an hour late getting breakfast ready.

  She pulled out a skillet from a bottom cabinet and put it on the stove. She’d just have to do something easy and quick this morning. Eggs and bacon would have to do.

  “What are you doing?” Myrtis stopped in her tracks as she came into the kitchen.

  “Breakfast.” Kate pulled out a carton of eggs from the refrigerator, but Myrtis snatched it out of her hand. “What?”

  “Don’t worry about breakfast. We already ate.”

  Kate frowned.

  “Barbara whipped up some pancakes. It’s one of her specialties.” Myrtis placed the eggs back in the refrigerator.

  “Oh, well, I can adjust your bill…”

  Myrtis cut her off. “You’ve got bigger problems to worry about than making a bunch of crazy women breakfast. Don’t go adjusting the price. You’ve had your hands full with us over the past few days. In fact we might owe you money for all the trouble we caused.”

  Kate chuckled.

  “So, is everything going to be okay?” Myrtis nodded out the window at the police car where Wendy sat.

  Kate nodded. “Yeah, I think so. Braxton’s been cleared of his father’s murder. Wendy will have to face murders in both Arkansas and Louisana.” Kate shook her head. “My problems of keeping the Bella Luna look very small in comparison.”

  “I don’t think you’ll have any problems keeping your home now. After this weekend, all the girls have agreed to come back in the spring and fall for a writing retreat. We know a lot of other writers that would be interested in coming here. You’ve got everything—beautiful home, charming town, and you’re a wonderful and attentive host.”

  “Thanks, Myrtis.”

  Myrtis winked and then motioned out the window. “I think your boyfriend is looking for you.”

  Braxton’s gaze searched the yard until he saw her standing at the kitchen window. He smiled and crooked his finger, motioning for her to come to him.

  Her stomach dipped deliciously.

  “I’ll go see what he wants.” Kate pushed away from the sink and grabbed her jacket. When she stepped onto the porch, the winter wind took her breath away. She sucked in another breath and searched for Br
axton. The lawn was littered with cop cars and Harleys. Since the cops arrived, people from town had shown up to find out what was going on. The cops had since parked a cop car sideways at the end of her driveway to prevent any more nosy neighbors from driving up.

  She met Braxton’s gaze across the lawn. Pulled by an imaginary gravitation, Kate walked toward him.

  She stood a foot away from him and stared, trying to memorize every detail. He would be leaving and she would only have her memories.

  “I saw Barrett talking to the cops.”

  Braxton nodded. “The cops said I need to head back to Shreveport so I can make a statement and be cleared of any charges. Barrett said he would make sure I got there.” Braxton laughed. “Apparently Barrett has some kind of in with the cops in Arkansas. He knew each one of them by name.”

  “Are they werewolves?” Kate leaned close and kept her voice down.

  “No. Barrett’s just very well connected.” Braxton grew serious. “Maybe he can help with your home.”

  “I already have,” Barrett said.

  They both turned to the Arkansas leader.

  “While you were talking to the police, I was talking with Kate.” Barrett propped his hands on his hips. “She filled me in on everything. Including how Bigsby tried to blackmail her.” Barrett gave Braxton a rare grin. “I told the cops and they are going to be heading over to Bigsby’s house and the bank president’s house today. They might even have some info on Tom Hudson and that money he stole from you, Kate.”

  “Thank you.” Kate felt the weight of worry lift off her shoulders. But it was bittersweet. She might have her home, but she wouldn’t have Braxton.

  “That’s great. Thank you, Barrett.” Braxton reached for her hand and squeezed.

  Barrett narrowed his gaze on Braxton. “You still need to come back with me to Little Rock to fill out some paperwork, absolving you from any involvement in the murder. And, as you were wrongfully accused, you are also free to make a claim against the Commander of Louisiana for sending those assholes after you.”

  Braxton chuckled. “I’m just glad it’s over.” He shook his head. “I don’t think I’ll be filing a claim. Although I would like for them to compensate me for my Harley.”

  “I’ve already talked to Louisiana about doing that. It should be here within a week. Hope you like the Harley Breakout.” Barrett’s smirk slid off his face as he looked at Kate and froze.

  “What?” Braxton looked between them.

  Barrett leveled his intense blue eyes on her. “Where did you get that?”

  Kate gulped and followed his gaze to her pendant. She picked up the gold crescent moon and shrugged.

  “My mom gave this to me when I was a little girl.”

  Barrett narrowed his gaze. “Tell me, do you have a mark like that moon? Something that you didn’t have at birth?”

  “What’s going on, Barrett?” Braxton pulled Kate close.

  Kate gasped. Slowly, she nodded. “Yes.”

  “And, it was after you were bitten.” Barrett cocked his head.

  “How did you know that? It happened years ago when I was a child.”

  Barrett rubbed his hand across his mouth and averted his eyes.

  Braxton stiffened. “I want to know what’s going on.”

  “Tell me something, Braxton. How do you feel about Kate?”

  “I don’t think it’s any of your business,” Braxton snarled.

  “As Commander of Arkansas, I think it is my business. I make it a point to know what’s going on with all my Weres.” Barrett arched his brow.

  “I’m not part of your Arkansas Weres.”

  “Ah. So you plan on going back to Louisiana.” Barrett nodded. “I see.”

  Kate’s heart ached. She knew this was coming. He didn’t have a reason to stay anymore. She was being stupid for even entertaining the thought that maybe he would. Kate pulled away.

  “I didn’t say that.” Braxton reached for her hand.

  “It is against the Were law for a werewolf and human to mate,” Barrett stated.

  “I know that.” Braxton glared.

  “Good.” Barrett nodded cheerfully. “Wouldn’t want you to go breaking any laws since you just got off the hook for murder.”

  Kate started for the house, but Braxton grabbed her arm. “Kate, wait.”

  Kate froze. She didn’t know how much longer she could hold back the tears.

  “So, how do you feel about Kate?” Barrett crossed his arms over his massive chest.

  “I love her.”

  Kate couldn’t breathe. She had literally forgotten how to breathe.

  She turned and faced Braxton. He was declaring his love for her.

  Kate sucked in a breath. “But, I guess in your world that’s not enough.”

  “Actually, it just might be,” Barrett offered.

  They both turned. “What do you mean?”

  “Kate, the mark you carry is a result of you being bitten by a wolf.”

  “I know.”

  “No, not an ordinary wolf. A werewolf.”

  “What? I’ve never heard of a werewolf biting a human.” Braxton frowned.

  “It’s because it is against the law. The werewolf that bit her probably was killed as a result.”

  Kate stared at Barrett. “So, what does this mean?”

  “It means that your mother knew a werewolf had bitten you. The pendant you wear is a sign of the wolf blood that runs through you.”

  “Are you saying I’m a werewolf?” Kate’s eyes grew big.

  Barrett laughed. “Not exactly. I doubt you will ever shift into full wolf form. But it does mean you have enough wolf blood in you for it to be legal for a Were to mate with you.”

  Kate’s knees buckled. Braxton grabbed her in time, pulling her into his arms.

  “You okay?”

  “I think so.” A laugh escaped her. “It’s just a little shocking is all.”

  Braxton cupped her cheek. “Kate, do you still want me?”

  Kate blinked. “Of course I still want you. I love you.”

  He brought his mouth down on hers before she could say another word. He kissed her thoroughly before pulling back.

  “Will you be my mate? Forever?”

  “Absolutely.” She frowned. “Does this mean I don’t get a wedding?”

  “You can have anything you want. A wedding, reception, honeymoon…”

  Barrett cleared his throat. They both turned.

  “Since I’m in the neighborhood and it is under my authority that Arkansas Weres mate, I could make it legal now.”

  She looked at Braxton and smiled. “Okay.”

  ***

  Barrett led them through the back of the house and into the forest. Patches of snow still clung to the ground, and from the smell in the air, Braxton knew there was more bad weather to come later that day.

  The Arkansas commander stopped at a large oak tree and faced them. Braxton held his breath while Barrett spoke, giving his blessing on their union. He watched Kate’s beautiful face. She stared back at him, her eyes full of unshed tears of happiness.

  All his life he’d never dared to believe he would be given such a gift as Kate. She was smart, funny, and beautiful as hell. And he silently vowed to do everything in his power to make her happy all the days of his life.

  “Since Kate is not full-blood werewolf, blood must be shared to bond you two together.” Barrett produced a knife from a holster inside his jacket. Braxton held out his hand and Barrett made a shallow cut. He did the same with Kate’s hand.

  Barrett then made a cut in his own palm and held it against Braxton’s palm and then Kate’s. He then pressed Braxton’s palm and Kate’s palm together.

  “You are no longer two bodies. Instead you are one body, one heart, one soul. From this day forth, you will be forever entwined. None should ever come between you.”

  Barrett nodded once and then walked away, leaving them the privacy of the forest.

  “You okay?” Braxto
n caressed her cheek.

  “I’m better than okay. I’m wonderful.” Kate kissed his wound. She gave him a worried look. “We haven’t even talked about where we would live. I mean your mom is in Louisiana…”

  “We will live here. At Bella Luna.” Braxton pressed his finger to her lips. “My life is with you. I never thought I’d be so blessed to have someone like you, Kate.”

  Kate smiled dreamily up at him. “I think I’m the blessed one. So what do we do now?”

  Braxton arched his brow. “I’ve got an idea or two.”

  “I can’t do that now. I’ve got a houseful of guests…”

  “And, we’ve got Damon, Ava, and Granny to tend to them.” Braxton picked her up in his arms. “Which means I’m planning on having my way with you, even if I have to lock the damn bedroom door.”

  “So, what are you waiting for?” Kate gave him a sassy smile.

  Braxton smiled as he carried his mate, the love of his life, back to their home.

  Acknowledgments

  Thank you to Amanda Sumner, my critique partner who first read Braxton’s story. Your feedback was priceless in making this character great. Thank you to Jaye Garland for your critical eye for detail and advice regarding my Arkansas Werewolves. A shout out to my girl, Tracey Steele, who fought for my Werewolves before they were unleashed up the world. Your friendship is so valuable to me.

  Thank you to Kim Killion for designing my Rise of the Arkansas Werewolves covers! You took an idea of how I wanted my covers and you brought them to life! Thank you Jennifer Jakes for the fantastic formatting, for answering all my lame questions and for always being accessible. You guys rock!

  Lastly and most importantly, thank you to the readers and the fans that have loved my Rise of the Arkansas series. You guys have made my dream come true and you are the reason I continue to write.

  Author Bio

  Jodi was born and raised in Mississippi. Her deep Southern roots and love of the paranormal led her to write Southern Paranormal novels. She currently lives in Northeast Arkansas with her handsome husband, brilliant son, a temperamental swan, and yellow lab that is fond of retrieving turtles when duck season is over.