Claimed by the Moon

by L. P. Dover

  Once in my car, I drive back to my house, and when I get out of the car, I look out at my land. In the morning, when the sun comes up, there’ll be a vast field surrounded by the forest with some of the Teton’s tallest peaks in the distance, covered in snow. Most of the others in the pack live near each other, but I wanted to be away from everyone. That’s why I bought over three thousand acres and had a house built from my own design. I didn’t know it at the time, but my closest neighbor through the forest is Amelie. Taking off my clothes, I toss them on the front porch and shift into my wolf.

  He knows where he wants to be, and that’s precisely where I’m going.

  8

  Zayne

  One Week Later

  I didn’t realize how much my solitude over the years had utterly skewed my vision of the world. When I was young, the world wasn’t as complicated. I was a fisherman, just like my father and grandfather. We could withstand the brutally cold temperatures and bring in many more fish compared to our rival villages. As a result, the pack thrived, and there was peace. Love was easier then too. Kara and I did whatever we wanted, but I wasn’t ready to take her as my mate. We were young, and I loved her, but I knew she wasn’t mine. So then, when her family turned on the pack, I let her go without hesitation. The same goes for Knox. He was my best friend, and it took me a long time to trust anyone after that betrayal.

  For years, I trusted only family, at least until I met a red-haired beauty in the forest. Alina was my first true love. She could make me laugh. It feels like an eternity since I’ve allowed myself that freedom. I caught myself smiling when Amelie talked to me that night at Colin and Kami’s, but I was afraid if I gave in to my emotions, she’d be taken away from me. I don’t want to lose her the way I lost Alina. That’s why I’m so fucking terrified to give in. If I don’t make my move, Amelie will never see me for what I am. Her mate. There’s nothing I wouldn’t do for her. I was in love with Alina when we were together, but nothing compares to the way I’m connected to Amelie.

  The green stone is in my pocket, taunting me. I clench my hands into tight fists to keep from touching it. Amelie will be walking out the door of her cabin to go for her Friday night run any minute. Many months ago, when she first came to live with the pack and before I knew she was my mate, I came upon her at the lake, only she didn’t know I was there. She was still in human form, and I wasn’t. Every Friday after that, when I’d go on my run, she’d always be at the lake. She hasn’t missed a Friday yet. It’s been a week since the dinner at Colin and Kami’s, and it’s been agony; it was the last time I’ve spoken to her. The Channons are still across the country, which unsettles me. There’s an overwhelming sense of dread I can’t shake. The thought of them coming to Wyoming fills me with so much rage I want to hunt them down myself and finish it like it should’ve been over two hundred years ago.

  The door to the cabin opens, and Amelie steps out with her caramel-colored hair in a ponytail and dressed in a tank top and yoga pants. It’s fifteen degrees outside, but the cold doesn’t bother us. The smell of snow approaches, and I can tell it’s going to come down hard within the hour. Looking up at the sky, it’s dark, and the clouds are thick.

  Amelie plugs in the Christmas lights on her porch and looks up at them when she gets into the yard. I’ve never seen someone so fascinated with the holidays. But she’d be appalled if she could see my house at Christmas time. I’ve never cared about decorating or celebrating, at least not in the last thirty years after losing Alina. Something tells me I might have to change that. If this is going to work between us, I’ll have no choice but to see things differently. The only problem is that I have no idea how to do that.

  Amelie runs through the woods in human form, and I follow behind her, making sure to keep my presence hidden. I’m not ready for her to know I’m there yet. The lake is a few miles into the woods, and her movements are smooth and concise as she swerves in and out of the trees. The only other people I’ve seen move like that are my brothers. She had to have learned it from Micah. I’ve envied him for being so close to her. It’s even made me a little jealous, but I know he’s never tried anything with her. When he comes back to town, things might be a little different. I’m hoping Amelie will let me train her instead of him.

  The lake comes into view, and I slow my pace. Amelie stops by the water and blows out a breath, watching the steam billow into the wind. She raises her arms in the air and stretches, exposing her bare stomach as her shirt lifts up. The need in me rises, and I close my eyes. All I can think about is taking her in my arms and making her mine.

  “Fuck,” I hiss under my breath. My cock hardens at the thought of her naked and spread out beneath me. Stepping behind the tree, I lean against it to regain my composure. I’m always in control, but around Amelie, I’ve lost all sense of it. Taking a deep breath, I let it out slow until everything goes back to normal. When it does, I unleash my power so Amelie can sense me.

  I step out from behind the tree, and Amelie jerks around, gasping when she sees me. Holding up my hands, I step away from the trees. “I didn’t mean to scare you.”

  She grabs her chest. “It’s okay. I’m not used to anyone being out here.” She steps away from the lake. “I’ll go.”

  “No,” I say, holding out my hands. “Stay.”

  Her brows furrow. “I know you prefer solitude, Zayne. I can come back another time.”

  Shaking my head, I slowly walk toward her. “Please. Stay. I do like to be alone at times, but Laila wants me to get out more. She says I need to start contributing to the pack.”

  Amelie giggles. “I agree. It’s not fun being alone all the time.”

  I glance around at the lake. “You came out here alone. You seem to enjoy the peace.”

  She smirks. “I do, but I only do this one night a week. Ever since Faith, Laila, and Kami found their mates, it’s a lot quieter at home.” Faith and Laila used to live with her before they found their mates. Even Kami stayed with her for a while until she bonded with Colin. Her gaze lands on the massive boulder at the edge of the water, so she walks over and sits on top of it. “Being alone has its advantages, but I miss having someone to talk to. Most of the time, I’ll crack open a book, and it makes me forget.”

  Standing beside the rock, I peer up at her, breathing in the apples and strawberry scent of her skin. “I haven’t read a book in a while. I might need to give it a try.”

  Amelie smiles down at me. “I could give you some recommendations, but I don’t think you’ll be interested in what I read.”

  Every night, she sits by the window or on the couch with a book, and at first, I thought they’d be romance novels, but she surprised me. I never pictured her as a Game of Thrones reader, but she is. I haven’t read the books, but I’ve seen the show.

  “Try me,” I say. “I might like to read them.”

  Her eyes twinkle mischievously. “You sure about that? What if I like sappy romance novels?”

  I shake my head. “Hard pass. Now, if you have something on the fantasy side, I might be interested.”

  “Seriously?” she replies, staring curiously at me. “You like fantasy?”

  She waits on my answer, but I can’t lie to her. “Okay, so I don’t particularly care about reading, but I do like watching fantasy TV shows when I have the time. I enjoyed Game of Thrones when Colin made me watch it.”

  Her mouth gapes, and she laughs; it’s such a beautiful sound. “I’m impressed.”

  Hopefully, that’s a good thing. I want Amelie to see we have a lot more in common than she thinks. There was a time when I could be myself and enjoy life, but it’s been so long. I need to remember who I used to be.

  “Christmas is coming up. Will you be avoiding everyone like you did at Thanksgiving?” she asks, catching me off guard. I open my mouth to speak, but nothing comes out. She waves me off and laughs. “I’m just kidding. Hopefully, you don’t. It’ll be Sera’s first Christmas. I know she’s too little to open presents, but it’ll be
a special time. I’d hate for you to miss it.”

  “I won’t,” I promise. Then, with a heavy sigh, I turn my attention to the lake. “It’s been a long time since I’ve enjoyed anything. But now that I have my family again, I’m slowly getting there.”

  “Is that because of Alina?”

  Keeping my focus on the water, I nod. “I blamed myself for her death.”

  Her tone turns sad. “I know. Laila told me all about her. She must’ve been a beautiful woman, especially with how gorgeous Laila is. She does have your eye color though.”

  “Yes, she does.”

  Silence fills the air, and Amelie slowly slides off the rock to join me by the water. The closer she gets, the more my wolf wants to break free and claim her. Clenching my teeth, I close my eyes and concentrate on pushing those feelings away.

  “Do you have to go out of town for work anytime soon?”

  Shaking my head, I look over at her. “I’m taking off in a few weeks.”

  Her grin widens. “I’m jealous. I don’t get a day off until Christmas break. Then, I have three weeks off. I’m looking forward to it.” I’m shocked at how easy it is to talk to her. It doesn’t seem to take any effort on her part. Amelie glances up at the sky, and a snowflake lands on her cheek; it melts almost instantly. “The Weather Channel says we’re going to get a lot of snow tonight,” she says, meeting my gaze. “I should probably head home. I have a crockpot full of chicken and dumplings and a Game of Thrones book to read again.”

  “Again?” I ask, loving the way she smiles.

  “Yep. I’m addicted. This is my third time reading them.” She glances around at the lake and then back to me. “I always come out here on Fridays to take a run before dinner. If you want, you can always join me. It’s better than being out here alone.”

  I shrug. “I’ll think about it.”

  “Good. Maybe I’ll see you then.” She smiles and walks past me toward the woods, but I keep my head turned toward the water. Little does she know I’ll be right behind her to make sure she gets back safely. Her footsteps stop, and I can hear her turn around. “Zayne?”

  I glance at her over my shoulder. “Yes?”

  The snow starts to come down harder, sticking to her hair and clothes. Her eyes are genuine and kind, and I couldn’t have asked for a better mate. If only she could see me differently.

  Amelie fiddles with her fingers and then nods toward the forest. “I really do have a huge pot of chicken and dumplings at home. You don’t have to stay for dinner, but I’d love for you to come by and take some home. They’ll go to waste if you don’t.”

  I don’t know what’s happening, but I can feel a change. She stares at me with a hopeful look in her eyes, and I stare back. I can’t say no to her. “I’d like that,” I reply. “I’ll be right there.”

  Her smile brightens. “Great. I’ll see you in a few.” She turns and takes off into the forest until she disappears. I can still hear her even as she gets further away.

  Reaching into my pocket, I pull out the green stone, and it warms against my skin. Amelie’s face appears in my mind, and her smile is the same as just a few minutes ago. All I want is for her to feel something for me. Just being close to her makes my body burn. Maybe tonight, something will change between us.

  It’s all I can hope for.

  9

  Amelie

  The whole way back to the house, I replay the last few minutes of my conversation with Zayne over and over in my head. What was I thinking? Inviting him to dinner came out of nowhere. Don’t get me wrong, I’ll enjoy the company, especially after realizing we have more things in common. Laila hasn’t told me much about his personal life, and I regret never asking her. I should’ve tried to get to know him sooner. I could feel him open up to me more tonight, and it’s a good feeling. He may think he’s happy being a loner, but I know better.

  By the time I get to the house, the snow has already left a white blanket across the ground. The Christmas lights are plugged in on the front porch, but I haven’t done any of the decorations inside. I turn the tree on, along with all of the little Christmas knickknacks I bought at the holiday store in town. It’s open all year long, and I frequently find myself in there, even in the summer.

  I walk over to the crockpot and breathe in the delicious aroma of my chicken and dumplings. I’m almost positive Zayne won’t stay, so I rummage through the Tupperware cabinet and pull out a plastic bowl and lid. Before I can open the top of the crockpot, Zayne’s presence grows stronger; he’s close. The royals can keep their energy hidden, but when they let it free, it can almost knock you to your knees. With Zayne, his power is a force to be reckoned with. I honestly don’t think he realizes how potent it is to a normal wolf like me.

  The closer he gets, the faster my heart pounds. My skin heats up, and I reach for the Tupperware lid so I can fan myself. As much as I want to deny it, Zayne makes me nervous but in a good way. So many things fascinate me about him. One being his age. Over the years, I’ve been around others who are centuries old, just like him. It’s exciting hearing stories about what the world used to be like. By looking at Zayne’s thirty-year-old appearance, no one would know he’s over two hundred years old except for the way he carries himself. He has all the attributes of a gentleman. He’s courteous, honorable, loyal to his friends and family, and respectful. What I genuinely like about him is how noble and gallant he is. Visions of him as a knight in shining armor flash through my mind, and it makes me laugh. He wasn’t alive during those times, but I could picture him fighting for a woman’s honor.

  The only problem I have with being a wolf is our aging; it complicates things in the human world. One day, I’ll have to quit working at the school, especially as the years pass. I can’t be around my colleagues and be sixty years old looking as if I’m twenty-five. That’s why most wolves have their own businesses so they can control who they work with. My mother was an artist; she used to sell her paintings to people when we lived in North Carolina. My father was a woodworker and made furniture. It didn’t make our family a lot of money, but it was enough to keep us happy and fed. I was proud of them.

  Zayne gets closer, and I hurry to the door to open it for him. He appears through the trees, and I lean against the doorframe as he takes in the Christmas lights on my front porch. Before, I’d never seen him in anything other than dress slacks and a button-down shirt. Tonight, however, he has on a pair of black running pants and a short-sleeve gray T-shirt. He’d trimmed his beard back, but he still has a rugged five o’clock shadow, giving him that sexy, dangerous appearance that all women love, especially the ones in the surrounding packs. They all go crazy for Micah, and they did the same for Sebastian until he bonded with Tyla. Of course, Zayne would be swarmed with women as well if he ever showed up to any of the get-togethers.

  “I would have bought more lights,” I shout, flourishing my hand around the porch, “but I didn’t need to spend any more money on them. I had bills I needed to pay.”

  Zayne comes from money, but I’m sure his family earned it over time. He’s not an arrogant ass like a lot of people are when they’re rich. Zayne walks up the porch stairs and looks around at all the lights again. “You’re very festive; I like it. I used to get Christmas trees when Colin was younger, but that only lasted a couple of years. It was hard to find things to celebrate.”

  I step out of the way so he can come inside. “Well, now things have changed. You and I both have a lot to be thankful for.”

  He walks past me into the house. “Yes, we do.”

  His scent wafts past my nose, and I quietly breathe him in, loving the way he smells of the forest. Cedar and sandalwood are what come to mind. I shut the door behind him and head straight for the kitchen while he peers around the living room.

  “All I have to do is fill up your bowl, and you’ll be ready to go,” I call out, keeping my back to him. Then, holding the bowl in my hand, I lift the top off the crockpot with the other and reach for the soup spoon I had w
aiting off to the side.

  Zayne comes into the kitchen, and I hold my breath the closer he gets. “Do you mind if I just stay for dinner?” he asks.

  The breath hitches in my lungs, and I freeze for a second—Zayne’s full of surprises tonight. Finally, I set the Tupperware bowl down and turn to face him. “You’re more than welcome to stay. I figured you’d be tired of talking by now. I think this is the most I’ve heard you speak since I’ve been with the pack.”

  Crossing his arms over his chest, he leans against the counter and gives me a small smile. “I’m not a man of many words.”

  I laugh. “Hang around me a little more, and you will be. I have a talent for talking. If you ask Laila, she might say I have a problem with being protective too. She and the others used to call me their mother hen.” He’s right by the cabinet where my soup bowls are, so I walk over and open it. He stays right where he is, his body so close to mine as I pull out our bowls. Our eyes meet, and my heart races again. “I always had the need to take care of them. Give them advice and listen if they had problems. And believe me, they did when they found out they had mates. There was a lot of drama, especially with Colin and Kami.”

  Zayne snorts. “I know how you feel. I heard it all from Colin.”

  The intensity in his crystal blue eyes makes me tremble, so I step away and concentrate on scooping our chicken and dumplings into our bowls without making a mess. Luckily, I fill them up without spilling food all over myself. I set the two bowls down on the kitchen table along with two spoons and a handful of napkins.

  I wait for him to sit at the table, but he doesn’t. “Do you want something to drink?” I ask.

  Zayne glances over at the refrigerator. “If you show me where the glasses are, I’ll get some water.”

  A smile spreads across my face. “You’re my guest, Zayne. I got it.”