New Moon

by Lisa Kessler

  “Risky.” My mind whirled for a countermove. “Isn’t tonight Senator Hanson’s fundraiser? You can easily avoid any chance of conflict or police intervention if I can show Adam Sloan a video.”

  “The benefit.” He reached for his calendar. “I’d forgotten all about it. Shall I select a female for you to escort?”

  When the fundraiser had popped in my head, I hadn’t anticipated he would want me to attend, too. Damn it. I rubbed my forehead. “I have a companion I can bring.”

  “Really?” He straightened up. “I didn’t realize you’d replaced Grace.”

  I had to keep reminding myself that reaching across the desk and attacking my father wouldn’t help Madeleine. “No, but I brought someone to guard Adam Sloan while I arranged to bring him in.”

  He looked puzzled for a moment before a sick smile widened across his mouth. “The female wolf from Sedona. I don’t give you enough credit with women. She looked angry when she left your hotel.”

  Hearing him talk about Isabelle turned my stomach, but there was no way I’d let him select one of the female jaguars for my date. They all saw it as an opportunity to become a part of the Severino family, and I was not looking for a bride or an heir.

  It had very little to do with the fact that the only woman I was interested in was Isabelle. Or that was what I told myself. “We’ll tranquilize the wolf, and she can attend with me tonight.”

  “Very well. We have a table reserved. I’ll see you at seven.” He waved his hand, excusing me as he took his seat behind his desk again.

  I sighed and held up my phone. “I’m not leaving yet.”

  He buzzed Natasha. She didn’t answer.

  “Where is she?” he muttered.

  I glanced at the door. “Resting.”

  He narrowed his eyes. “The girl is in the 3E wing of the lab. I’ll let them know you’re coming.”

  I stepped out, checking Natasha’s pulse as I passed through. She would have a headache, but otherwise she’d be fine. I went straight to the elevator and put my thumb against the pad. After the scan, the lower floors lit up on the digital keypad. I hit three and waited.

  The doors opened to the clinical fluorescent lights casting everything in an inhuman bluish tint. I walked past the desk. None of the lab personnel looked up. Apparently my father had followed through on alerting them to my arrival.

  When I got to the last room on the corridor, two jaguar-shifter assassins flanked the door. I recognized one of them. “Turner, I’m here to see the girl.”

  He checked his tablet and met my eyes. “You’re clear.”

  I glanced at their rifles. “You’re heavily armed for babysitting a three-year-old.”

  “Your father’s orders.” He straightened up.

  I shook my head and entered my code into the door. The lock beeped, and I turned the handle. Madeleine got up from the corner, wiping her eyes. I’d never been so close to her before. She was a carbon copy of her mother, with dark eyes that could see right into your soul.

  Crossing her arms, she jutted out her chin, every bit the Alpha’s offspring. “Who are you? Where’s my daddy?”

  I came closer, pulling out one of the rolling stools. “He’s not here.”

  “My grandpa says he loves me.” Her tough exterior wavered. “But he won’t let me go home. I want my daddy. He’s a good tracker. He’ll find me.”

  I didn’t tell her she was three stories underground. The best tracker in the world would never find her here. I held a finger to my lips to silence her and went to the computer on the counter. After a few keystrokes, the camera in the corner was deactivated. We would only have a few minutes before one of the techs noticed it was off-line.

  Satisfied our conversation wasn’t being recorded or watched, I went back to the stool and kept my voice low. “I’m Sebastian. I’m your uncle.”

  She took a step closer. “Nope. I don’t believe you.”

  No one would ever guess she wasn’t quite three years old yet. Shifter children matured much faster than humans. It slowed eventually—something in our DNA—but until the children were about five, it was best to keep them away from humans. Fewer questions.

  She frowned. “You’re not in my Pack.”

  “True.” I pointed to her chest. “But my blood is still in your veins.”

  She stared at her wrists and up at me, inhaling deeply. “You smell like a jaguar, like me and Mommy.”

  “Yes, I am.” I nodded. “And I’m going to see your daddy soon. Want to say hello to him?”

  Her head bobbed up and down emphatically.

  I grabbed my phone and rolled the stool over beside her. I hit the video button and glanced her way. “It’s going.”

  She looked up at my phone. Her lower lip quivered, breaking what was left of my heart. Apparently I still had one.

  “Daddy, I miss you. I’m sorry I didn’t stay with Malcolm. He said Grandpa was a stranger. I should’ve listened.”

  I offered her my other hand. “This isn’t your fault.”

  She placed her small hand in mine, and my heart pounded. She sniffled and looked at the camera. “Daddy, please tell Malcolm and Mommy I miss them, too. Don’t worry, though. Uncle ‘Bastian is going to bring me home.”

  I stopped the video. I’d become numb to the death and torture around me, but this little girl ripped me wide open, the pain rushing in.

  When I was a boy, Nero’s mission had been to offer jaguar shifters sanctuary and safety. In trade, they worked for my father. But that path had darkened over the years when we became killers for hire.

  And now we abducted children.

  I slid my phone into my pocket. “I’m sorry your grandfather brought you here, but I promise you, we’re going to get you home to your family.”

  Her big eyes were full of tears. “Cross your heart?”

  I nodded, tracing an X over my chest. “And hope to die.”

  She shook her head. “Don’t die. I only just found you.”

  Without warning she wrapped her small arms around my neck and squeezed. For a second, time stopped. Finally I embraced her in return and closed my eyes, breathing her in.

  “I’m glad we found each other,” I whispered.

  She pulled back and wiped her eyes. “Thank you for bringing my daddy.”

  I collected myself, straightening my shirt. “That’s our secret. You can’t tell your grandfather or anyone else.”

  “I won’t.” She dragged her fingers across her mouth, zipping it shut.

  “Good.” I glanced at the door. “I have to go, but I’ll be back tomorrow.”

  The twin bed in the corner had a stuffed lion sitting on the pillow. One of the standard welcome gifts for the incoming girls at Brightwood Academy. I went to the keyboard and reset the camera. When I turned around, she was at the little table coloring. She looked up at me, and though it took her a second of concentration, she managed to wink.

  I was drowning in emotions I didn’t understand or have any control over. Swallowing the lump in my throat, I forced a smile. “I’ll see you tomorrow, Madeleine.”

  “Okay. Can you tell the doctors I want ice cream?”

  “I’ll see what I can do.” I gave her a wink in return and headed for the lab station.

  One of the techs glanced up at me. “Sebastian, can I help you?”

  I pointed at Madeleine’s room. “Bring her some ice cream.”

  She smiled and nodded. “Will do.” She lowered her voice. “They should have her room ready at the cottage soon.”

  The cottage was my father’s fortress across the compound. I’d grown up there. “When is she moving?”

  She shrugged. “I’m not sure, but last I heard, your father ordered them to have her moved by the end of the week.”

  I nodded. “Good. Thanks.”

  I stopped at a dress shop on the way back to the hotel and picked up two black cocktail dresses for Isabelle with a couple pairs of shoes. Shopping wasn’t something I usually bothered with, but there
wasn’t time to have one of Nero’s buyers pull an outfit together for a woman they’d never seen before. I wasn’t sure of Isabelle’s dress or shoe sizes, but hopefully one would fit or be close enough we could make them work. The associate coaxed me into purchasing a set of sparkling rhinestone earrings with a matching necklace.

  At least it gave me something else to focus on. There was an emotional tempest brewing in my battered soul, and I didn’t have time to face it right now.

  No one was going to be eager about my plan to get Isabelle and Adam inside Nero, but I’d need to get them onboard fast before my father moved Madeleine. I rubbed the back of my neck where her warm arms had clung to me.

  I shook off the memory and collected the dresses and large bag of shoes and accessories. By the time I got to the alternate hotel and left the car with the valet, exhaustion clung to me like dead weight.

  There wasn’t time for sleep. Not yet.

  Inside the hotel market, I grabbed a canned espresso and headed up. As I walked down the hall, a door opened. Isabelle stepped out with an ice bucket in hand. Our eyes met, and I was surprised by the urge to drop everything and pull her into my arms.

  What the hell was this woman doing to me?

  She frowned. “What’s with all the bags? I thought you were going to Nero.”

  “I did.” I lifted the bag of shoes. “And we’re going out tonight.”

  She raised a brow. “Um. Seems like a bad time for a date.”

  I ground my teeth, walking toward her. “This isn’t a date, it’s a formality.”

  She stepped to the side, allowing me to pass, and then followed me into the room. I laid the dresses on the bed and dropped the bag on the floor. “We’re going to a fundraiser for Senator Hanson tonight. He’s an important connection for my father.”

  “We?” She placed a hand on her hip. “I’m not going.”

  I frowned. Why was she being difficult? “Did you have some other plans I don’t know about?”

  “I’m not your employee or your property.” Her eyes flashed with anger.

  I crossed my arms. “I don’t recall referring to you as either one. I can’t go to this function alone.”

  “So you just came in here and ordered me to tag along and be well behaved.” She shook her head. “Fuck you, Sebastian.”

  Isabelle disappeared into the bathroom and slammed the door.

  Damn it. I didn’t have time for this. Twisting the knob on the door connecting the rooms, I stepped in to find Vance chuckling.

  I raised a brow. “Did I miss the joke?”

  Adam struggled not to smile, tipping his head toward the other room. “You know, just because she’s your mate doesn’t mean you don’t have to try.”

  “Try what?” I did not need advice on women from a wolf. “While you were hiding here, I was navigating treacherous waters. My father insisted I go to a fundraiser dinner tonight. If I don’t bring Isabelle, I’ll be assigned a jaguar female. Plus, if I can convince my father Isabelle’s committed to Nero’s vision, it will make it easier to get both of you inside the compound tomorrow.”

  Adam glanced through the open door behind me to the bathroom. “Maybe you should mention all of that to her.”

  “And you might consider asking her to go with you.” Vance rubbed his brow. “Last time I checked, women like to have a choice in the matter.”

  “I’m an idiot. I can’t think straight right now.” I ran a hand down my face and sat on the edge of the bed. “I saw Madeleine.”

  All traces of smiles faded, and the Alpha leaned forward. “Isabelle said she’s safe.”

  I pulled out my phone and cued up the video before offering it to Adam. “See for yourself.”

  Her voice filled the silence. I stared at the floor, unable to watch the Alpha’s face. I’d never given children any thought before, but ever since she’d called me her uncle ‘Bastian, this situation had become personal, and very real.

  This innocent ray of light was trapped within my father’s deadly walls.

  Adam set my phone on the table, pinching the bridge of his nose. His voice came out gruff and strained. “I’ll do anything. Just help me get her home to Lana.”

  I stood, my stomach twisted in knots. “I will, but it won’t be easy, and you won’t like my plan.” I took the phone. “Let me see if I can convince Isabelle to join us.”

  Chapter Fourteen

  Isabelle

  I sat on the closed toilet, fuming. Hotel rooms don’t offer much room for dramatic exits, and since we were lying low, running into the streets seemed like a bad idea.

  He’d seriously just assumed he could order me around. This was what I got for confessing that my attraction was more than just wolf instincts. He figured “mate” meant I’d be his doormat. Yeah, that asshole had another think coming. It didn’t matter how gorgeous the shoes were, I wasn’t going anywhere with him.

  A gentle rap on the door caught my attention. Sebastian’s voice was low, but I had no trouble hearing. “Isabelle, I need to talk to you.”

  “Stick it, Sebastian. You’re not the only one with needs.” I glared at the door, imagining my werewolf senses also gave me laser heat vision.

  Suddenly metal squealed and gave way as he broke the lock and entered the tiny room with me, closing the door behind him. Before I could stand, he knelt at my feet and coaxed my hand into his. He stared up at me from under his dark lashes with danger in his eyes.

  “I’m running on very little sleep, I met a three-year-old angel who asked me to help her, and I won’t be able to save her without you.” He brought my hand to his lips, pressing a warm kiss to my knuckles, and the grip on my rage started to slip.

  I swallowed the lump in my throat. “Just because my wolf says you’re my mate, it doesn’t mean I’m your devoted servant.”

  He nodded slowly. “I know that.” He looked at our joined hands and back to my face. “I’m not used to needing anyone. It…unsettles me.”

  I tried not to smile. “That makes two of us.”

  He stood and ran a hand back through his dark hair. “I’m going to try all this again.”

  He turned and left the room, the knob wobbling behind him. I got up and checked myself in the mirror—at least I’d gotten a shower earlier, but I hadn’t bothered with any makeup and my hair was still drying.

  Oh yeah, I’m so ready for the cover of Vogue. I rolled my eyes.

  Whatever. I took a breath and opened the door. Sebastian turned around over by the bed, his purchases nowhere in sight. He offered his hand. “Isabelle, would you accompany me to a dinner party tonight?” I started to open my mouth, but he went on before I could answer. “There is no other woman in the world I want at my side.”

  My heart thumped like a damned bass drum. I raised a brow. “I would love to go, but I’m not dressed for a party.”

  His dark eyes sparkled as he released my hand and moved around to the other side of the bed. He knelt down and stood up with two gorgeous black dresses, one in each hand, and a devilish smile on his lips.

  “Maybe one of these would work?”

  “Those are beautiful, but…” I played along, staring at my beat-up tennis shoes. “They’d look silly with my shoes.” He popped up with a bag so fast that laughter bubbled from my lips. “You thought of everything.”

  He grinned, and there it was again, that little glimpse of the man he kept locked away from the rest of the world. I walked right past the bag of shoes and the dresses he held out and rose up on my toes to press my lips to his. He dropped the dresses, clutching me tight to his body. The kiss was passionate, hungry, and desperate. Our tongues tangled, his teeth grazing my lower lip as I ran my hands up his chest.

  Groaning, he took a step back, shaking his head. “We don’t have much time.”

  I nodded and picked up the dresses. One had a pencil skirt and a conservative neckline, while the other had a flowing skirt but the back was open to the waist. I chose the one with the plunging back and built-in bra. It had a
wide skirt. Better to run in if it became necessary.

  “This will work.” I laid the other one on the bed and headed for the bathroom, grabbing my bag on the way. “I’d be happy to go with you tonight, Sebastian. Thanks for asking.”

  I checked back over my shoulder, eating up his smile as I rounded the corner into the bathroom. Inside, I changed and brushed my hair up into a bun. I couldn’t stop staring into the mirror. This was the most formal dress I’d ever had on. During my prom, I’d been at home taking care of my sister. Our dad had been gone for a few weeks by then, and Mom wouldn’t call the police and report him missing. She’d said it would put us in danger.

  I hadn’t believed her back then, but now I understood.

  Since then, I’d worked in the trenches with less than savory characters and shadowed straying spouses. Not really any good opportunities for formal wear.

  I dusted my cheeks with blush, fixed my eyeliner, and put on some lipstick. Hardly a glamorous movie star, but I cleaned up okay. I stepped out of the bathroom just as Sebastian was adjusting his tie. For a second, we just stared at each other. I’d never seen him dressed to impress. His dark hair was slicked back, and damn, he filled out his tuxedo perfectly.

  James Bond had nothing on Sebastian Severino.

  He shook his head slowly. “Isabelle, you’re beautiful. No. You’re always beautiful, it’s just…”

  “Oh my God. You’re stammering.” I grinned. Seeing slick Sebastian unable to complete a sentence made me feel sexier than ever. I turned all the way around. “You think it’s okay?”

  “‘Okay’ doesn’t begin to scratch the surface.” He came over to me with a rectangular velvet box. He cracked it open to reveal a gorgeous rhinestone necklace with matching dangling earrings. He removed the necklace, unfastening the clasp. “May I?”

  I nodded and turned around, reminding myself to breathe. He clasped the necklace around my neck, and I faced him again. “How does it look?”

  “You’re stunning.”

  I let my gaze wander down to his toes and back up. “You’re not so bad yourself.”

  He smiled but didn’t offer any smarmy reply. He opened the shoe boxes. “I didn’t know what size, but hopefully one of these will work.”