He would make one hell of an alpha with that type of power and control. She didn’t know if she should be fearful or not.
As he left, the calm surrounding her all day vanished with him, and she’d realized he’d kept her sane. She’d thought she’d been gaining control over the moon’s touch but it’d been him all along. The possibility of his gift boggled her mind.
No one could ever know or they would either enslave or kill him outright.
“I see you’ve made another conquest.” Griffin watched Aaron’s departure with interest. When she would’ve spoken, he lifted his arrogant chin. “You’ve summoned me?”
“With the increase of moon heat comes the need to have sex. How does the council monitor the packs?”
Griffin snorted then gave a tired sigh. “You’re so innocent in the shifter world, they’ll gobble you up.” He rubbed the back of his neck. “If it’s just sex, you only need your alpha’s permission. If you’re not a breeder for your pack, you’re free and clear.”
“And alphas?” Heat built under her skin.
“Females are required to mate. You can choose your own lovers, your own mates even, but since you are an alpha, you’ll need permission from the council to take a Consort.”
“And if an alpha doesn’t give permission?”
“Then punishment is meted out. If the female isn’t from the same pack, they could also end up paying a hefty fine in retaliation.”
“Jackson mentioned I need to show proof of ownership for Taggert. What should I expect?”
Griffin smiled, openly amused for the first time. “You might want to consider petitioning for pack position first, then go back and fulfill your claim to Taggert. It will give you better leverage.”
She acknowledged his words, but wouldn’t be deterred. “And what can I expect?”
Those calculating eyes surveyed her, trying to read something. “Not to worry on that account. Since you are a rare alpha female, not to mention single, you will only be tested if you’re challenged.”
For some reason, his words didn’t reassure her. “You have no clue what tests I’ll have to pass.” She tightened her lips, reaching for the gun at her waist and unclipping it. Opening a desk drawer, she let it drop inside, glad to have the weight gone. The stun gun followed. Her hand hovered over the badge before she set it and the clips down as well. She slammed the drawer shut then locked it, all the while never taking her gaze from his.
“The test is unique in each situation, tailored to the petitioner.”
Raven hated the way he dodged the questions, brushing her concerns aside as if they didn’t matter. “Then if you don’t want to talk about the conclave, why don’t we discuss about what you’re doing in my house. We both know you are well able to take care of yourself without my protection.”
Silence filled the room.
“Why don’t we start with where you disappear each night?”
Chapter Thirteen
FOUR DAYS UNTIL THE FULL MOON: MIDNIGHT
Hours later, annoyance still flickered through Raven the way Griffin had so craftily wiggled out of providing her any answers. Those green and yellow eyes of his had dilated slightly at her inquiries, but dammed if he hadn’t managed to dodge her probes. She didn’t toss him out on his ass like she probably should. He was too dangerous on his own. She would rather keep an eye on him than be blindsided later.
There was an edge to the night that warned of danger. Even with Jackson and Taggert in tow, walking toward the club left her feeling exposed.
She was being watched.
Again.
She could ignore the innocent curiosity. It was the cowards hiding in the shadows that were beginning to annoy the crap out of her.
In preparation for the visit, she’d shut down her shields to a tiny trickle. Pressure built up in her chest, the need to scratch off her skin to relieve the ache intensified as she drew closer to the club. She scanned her surroundings, but without her full senses, she couldn’t even pry sounds out of the shadows.
Tension ratcheted up a couple of notches until the cool night air became stifling. She had demanded this visit. She must put aside her unease to make this work.
This was her last chance.
If she couldn’t cut being around the shifters tonight, she’d fail in front of the conclave and lose everything that’d become so very important.
Raven allowed Taggert to lead the way as they entered the club, his leather pants so formfitting every muscle could be ogled at will. The black silk shirt caressed his body, all but begging for her hands to explorer.
He tossed a smile over his shoulder, confident he’d find her gawking.
And the bastard was right.
“Here.” Jackson grabbed her arm, directing her to the table Durant had reserved for them. His touch drew her attention, and she glanced at his face.
Tension held him rigid, lines bracketed his mouth as he surveyed the crowd, but she had no doubt his annoyance was directed straight at her.
“Relax. Nothing’s going to happen.”
Jackson cast her a shuttered look, and it maddened her that she couldn’t read him. All the walls between them were back. After their last conversation, his withdrawal left her bereft. Then he relented and gestured to the crowd with a small nod. “What do you see?”
The first glance revealed nothing out of the ordinary. If not for the damn moon heat, she’d swear it was like any rowdy club across America.
Then she noticed subtle differences. The males were more aggressive with other males. The women fewer and more protected. The excitement and lust sharpened to an almost frantic degree.
Not only were there more people in the club, the amount of bouncers had doubled. The clothes were skimpy, what little clothes there were, anyway. Raven’s boots, long sleeve shirt and gloves felt downright matronly.
Anticipation infected the air. People brushed up against each other in complete abandon as they danced.
Other paranormals were there as well, but they appeared to be observing, plotting in preparation for the coming days. The atmosphere last week had been polar opposite. “Everything is harsher, the violence almost physical, as if brewing.”
Then there were the stares that tracked her every movement.
“It’s their beasts. They’re hunting for a mate. The younger the shifter, the harder it is to control their baser needs. The older the shifter, the more desperate they are to find their mate.” The words were bland as if they were nothing out of the ordinary.
“But that doesn’t explain why it’s so much worse tonight.”
Jackson sent her a sharp look, his eyes splintering to yellow. “Being in the same room as an alpha can take off the edge of the moon. When these young ones are left to their own devices, their animal rises. You are probably the only alpha here tonight.”
The rough quality of his voice had her breath catching at the back of her throat.
Jackson felt the connection between them, too.
Only he hid it better.
“With no clue how to help them.” But maybe she could help Jackson.
Wishing to ease him, she grabbed his arm and pulled him to sit next to her. Muscles jumped at the contact, and she swore that he growled. Unable to help herself, she petted his arm. An unfamiliar current hummed under her skin, trailing over him with every caress. His wolf rose beneath the surface, sniffing to pick up her scent.
The animalistic sound that rumbled from his chest halted her movement. She didn’t look up at him, half-afraid what she’d find. Taggert took that moment to sit opposite them. “The drinks are on the way.”
Then he slowly slid around the booth until he was pressed against her other side. The heat of their bodies seeped into hers, and the desperate need that wrapped around them slowly eased to a manageable hunger.
“Here you go.” Cassie had their drinks on the table before their seats were warm, a tight smile on her face. Taggert and she shared a look that had Raven opening her mouth to ask wh
at was wrong when Taggert spoke.
“Dance with me.” He threaded his fingers with hers and skillfully withdrew her hand from Jackson.
Only when she was on the dance floor did he take a deep breath, dragging her up against him. Her body came alive with the desire to touch him back, give herself over to the mood of the club, and she groaned in complaint. “Taggert—”
“Now isn’t the time to distract Jackson.”
She peeked over Taggert’s shoulder. Jackson’s hungry eyes devoured her, and she quickly jerked her gaze away. “I was trying to help. It worked with you and Durant.”
“Because we’re pack. Your touch impacts us differently than it does him.” Before she realized his intent, Taggert yanked the clip out of her hair. The strands tumbled around her shoulders, and his eyes darkened as he stared at the silvery tips that shimmered in the limited light.
Ignoring his shenanigans, Raven concentrated on her latest blunder. She could just kick herself. “I didn’t know. What did I do?”
The smile that lit Taggert’s face did little to soothe her. “I’d say you just made yourself a target for one very determined wolf. And you know how they love to stalk their prey.”
“Shit.”
Taggert laughed, seemingly undisturbed. He drew her closer, moving them to the beat of the music. His body flowed around hers, making her feel inept and very much worshiped by his. Each light brush of his body lured her closer.
“You don’t appear worried.”
Teeth flashed as he smiled. “You’ll make him pack.”
“You seem awful sure.”
“You claimed him when you first met him. You just didn’t get around to sealing the deal.” Taggert grabbed her hips, directing her with the music, pulling her snug against him. Their bodies moved in a rhythm that made her muscles turn to mush. “You like him too much to let him go.”
The dance floor grew crowded, the air around them warmer. He stood a good four inches or more above her. His lips hovered over hers, and she curbed the irrational need to taste him.
“Do it.”
She blinked, dazed by the heavy pounding of the music, the flashing lights, and the delicious tang of his lust as it swamped the air around him. “What?”
“Taste.” He cupped the back of her head, drawing her inexplicitly closer until his body covered hers.
She found his leg pressed between her thighs, the movement of his hips heating her blood to boiling. Her lips feathered against his throat, and she inhaled deeply, enjoying the smell of forest. She licked her lips, accidentally brushing against his neck. He shuddered. A low groan vibrated in his throat, and he tipped his head to give her better access.
The slave collar gleamed, a reminder that he wasn’t free. When she would’ve drawn back, he quickly distracted her.
His hips moved in time to the beat, and the need for more contact nearly drowned her under the onslaught. His hair was tied neatly at the back of his neck, the highlighted strands capturing the light.
Urging her to touch.
The angles of his face appeared harsh in his restraint. That he left her in control to do whatever she wanted only increased her need to ruffle him a little more and take what he so unabashedly offered.
That they were in public didn’t matter.
“Do it again.”
Raven lifted her chin at his plea, unaware she’d shuffled closer until her breasts rubbed against the muscular wall of his chest. His hands settle on her ass, seducing her, until they were both balanced on the delicious edge of what could be if she just stopped resisting.
She licked his neck again, enjoying the way his breath caught. Then she nibbled on his neck, her teeth nipping lightly at his tender skin. His pulse thundered under her lips, the power of his blood calling to her. His arms turned to bands around her, squeezing the air out of her.
Not that she minded.
She inched her hands down his back, enjoying the flex of his muscles under her palms, the way he shuffled her closer in invitation to take more.
Then he was ripped from her arms.
Jackson’s hand settled on her elbow, his grip bruising, though she didn’t think he was aware of it, and dragged her toward the table.
“What the hell do you think you’re doing?”
Raven had to clear her throat twice before she could speak. “Dancing?”
In truth, she hadn’t been thinking at all.
Jackson plunked her down in the seat then all but sat on her. “You are supposed to be here to find control.”
Taggert took a seat across from her, the heat in his eyes a promise. When he reached across the table to tangle his fingers with hers, Jackson growled and pulled her hands out of reach. Then refused to relinquish his hold as if Taggert would try to steal her from him. He leaned down until his lips brushed against her ear. “You are the alpha. Isn’t it time you start acting like it?”
The reprimand smarted, all the more so because it was true. When dancing, she lost all thought of time and place. Sanity slowly trickled back, and some of the unrelenting heat washed out of her. Embarrassment stung her cheeks at the public display of what should’ve been an intimate moment between her and Taggert.
“Jackson, you’re being an ass.” Taggert’s sexy smile had vanished. “She showed more restraint out there then most everyone else.”
A muscle ticked in Jackson’s jaw. “And you’re not helping matters.”
“Stop it.” Their bickering would be comical if their attitude didn’t annoy her so much.
Raven tugged her hand away from Jackson, but he refused to release her. A comical tug-of-war ensured before she conceded defeat. The way he brushed his thumb across her skin matched the intensity of Taggert’s seduction on the dance floor. “How am I supposed to act when no one tells me shit?”
She scanned the club, taken aback to find so many hungry eyes locked on her table. At least they were keeping their distance.
For now.
“How about not making a target of yourself.” Jackson grunted, and Raven suspected the Taggert had kicked him under the table.
“I can’t hide myself away like a scared little mouse. That will only make me a bigger target.” She shifted, trying to put some distance between them, only to have him follow. His hold tightened as if he felt her slipping away from him and couldn’t stop it.
“Ease up before you break something.” Jackson’s hold on her fingers vanished, a faint color staining his cheeks. In a perverse way, now that he released her hand, she missed his touch. Instead of moving away, she let herself relax against him slightly.
He tensed, not looking at her, but some of the tension drained from him as he scanned the crowd. Taggert nudged her foot with his, his knee coming to rest against hers, and shot her a content smile.
She shook her head at their actions and took a sip of her drink. As the night grew late, the atmosphere became more graphic, the mood darker and full of latent need. People vanished in the shadows or behind the curtains with their partners, and she turned away, feeling like a prude.
Others weren’t so shy, all but performing for an audience. Then she realized she probably wasn’t far off the mark. Their display was no worse than what she and Taggert had done on the dance floor.
With Taggert and Jackson both touching her, the frantic need surrounding the shifters didn’t penetrate their shield. She allowed herself to relax and enjoy their company.
It wouldn’t last, though.
She had to find a way to survive without their help.
As she finished her third drink, she stood. Both Taggert and Jackson rose as well. Humor tinged her words. “I’m just going to go to the restroom. I think I can find it by myself.”
She slipped into the bathroom, grateful for a few minutes alone. She finished quickly then went to the sink to splash water on her face. It did little to cure the rising temperature from the club. By herself for the first time in hours, she closed her eyes and luxuriated in the peace.
The ani
mals seemed content to be around others like themselves, with nary a peep from them. Even the electricity she carried was docile, which she couldn’t help but be more than a little suspicious. Either the creature kept it occupied or vice versa. Neither scenario was comforting. Delaying as long as she could, Raven headed toward the door.
The hallway was shadowed, the light above the door too dim to penetrate the gloom.
Something about the darkness kicked her senses into overdrive.
Something was waiting for her.
She sent a light pulse through the air, aiming it at the inky blackness. When her power hit a target, someone sucked in a harsh breath.
Shifter.
Male.
She couldn’t tell more without probing deeper and risking discovery.
Reaching into her pocket, she fingered the stun gun in her pocket and stepped out into the hall. Instead of fear, the need to hunt urged her forward. Her eyes adjusted, and she saw the shadow shift.
By the time she pulled her stun gun free, he knocked it out of her hand and was on her. She found herself pinned face first against the wall, a hot shifter pressed against her back.
“More bombings are coming.”
Raven ceased struggling. His hold didn’t hurt, but her animals didn’t care to be imprisoned. It was all she could do not to fight free. She needed answers more. “Where? When?”
“Your boy, Griffin, knows more than he’s saying. You should ask him.” His control wavered. Fear curdled the air around him for daring to approach, much less lay hands on her.
Wildness spilled over her body like a splash of cold water. He was a rogue. At the knowledge, things fell into place. “You followed me here to warn me. Let me help you.”
His breath fanned her neck, a slight hesitation, as if he hadn’t expected her offer. When leaned in closer, she braced to feel fangs pierce her shoulder. Instead, she felt a brief caress of his tongue, almost paying homage...or giving a pledge.
Then he was gone.
Raven whirled, but the hallway was empty. She inhaled, catching an elusive dark scent. Then it, too, vanished. She scooped up the stun gun and pushed out into the crowd, anxious to find any sign of him.
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