Claimed by the Moon

by L. P. Dover

  Zayne takes my hand, and I look at him. His touch felt amazing before, but now when he does, it feels like electricity coursing through me. When I turn to Laila, her eyes avert to our clasped hands, and a look of worry passes across her face. “You can feel the bond now, can’t you?”

  It should be a happy time, but my gut clenches. “I do.”

  Zayne squeezes my hand. “I told her what Knox said. We need to go with plan B.”

  Both of them stare at each other, and Laila nods. “That works.”

  “When am I going to know what plan B is?” I ask.

  Zayne stands in front of me and takes my other hand. “The less you know, the better. I promise you’ll know soon.” He kisses me, and I close my eyes, relishing the way his lips taste. “If you need me, I won’t be far away.”

  “I know,” I whisper.

  He steps back and disappears into the darkness of the forest. Laila stays and nods toward the house. “If I were you, I’d take a quick shower and get back on the couch. I’ll wake him up as soon as you’re in place.”

  I hug her hard. “Thank you, Laila. And thank you for giving Zayne and me this time. The last thing I want to do is take you away from your family.”

  She waves me off. “You are my family, Amelie. Now, more so than ever. My dad needed someone like you.”

  Glancing over my shoulder, I peer off into the dark forest, knowing he’s out there. “I needed him too.”

  “All right,” she says, her voice rushed. “Go take a quick shower. You don’t have much time.”

  Hurrying inside, I rip off my clothes as soon as I get into my bedroom. I rush into the bathroom and throw my hair into a messy bun; there’s no time to wash it. The water is cold, but it doesn’t bother me as I step in. My skin feels like fire after mine and Zayne’s moonlit tryst in the woods. I wash off quickly and put on a new pair of jeans and a T-shirt before throwing my other clothes into the washer when I run past the laundry room.

  Knox is still asleep on the couch, and when I look at him, so many emotions run through me. I can remember all of the fantastic times we’ve had and how gentle a lover he was. Knowing he has a vindictive, ruthless side to him terrifies me. I’ve seen the kinds of things wolves do when they thrive on those emotions. I don’t want to believe he’d hunt and kill an innocent woman for revenge. I could see it with Kara, but not Knox.

  When I peer out the window, Laila lifts her brows, and I nod. I sit down next to Knox, and it just so happens that the movie I clicked on is about to end. Closing my eyes, I slow my breathing, and time seems to stand still. I can feel myself drift off, almost as if Laila’s magic takes hold of me. It’s calming and soothing like everything will be okay.

  “Amelie,” a voice calls out. It echoes in the back of my mind. “Amelie, wake up.”

  It’s Knox. I can feel his hands gently shaking my shoulders, but for some reason, I can’t open my eyes. He chuckles and shakes me more, and then it’s as if a switch gets flipped in my head; I can open my eyes. Jerking awake, I peer around the living room, and my focus lands on Knox.

  “Oh wow, I must’ve passed out. I’m sorry.” The movie credits scroll up the TV screen, meaning I wasn’t under Laila’s magic for long. In all honesty, she did me a favor. “It looks like I missed the whole movie,” I say, stretching my arms above my head.

  Knox laughs. “You and me both.” Then he moves closer, his fingers tracing the back of my neck. “I can think of other things we can do besides watch TV.”

  Heart racing, I close my eyes and place a hand over his, gently pulling him away. “We can’t just pick up where we left off, Knox. That was a long time ago. We’re not the same people we used to be. I know I’m not.”

  He shrugs. “True, but I still care about you as much as I did then. There has to be some part of you that still loves me.”

  Before I can answer, a car pulls into the driveway, and I can feel Kara’s presence. It’s as if she projects it as hard as she can so everyone will know how powerful she is. I’m almost sure it’s a dig at me, so I’ll know I’m inferior to her. Knox already told me she believes royals should stick with royals.

  Kara strolls in the door and smiles at me, but there’s nothing genuine about it. “I see I missed a boring night here.”

  To be polite, I smile and stand. “Sometimes, it’s nice to sit around.” Then I look over at Knox. “It’s getting late. I’ll see you in the morning.”

  Disappointment passes across his face, and he nods, clearly not wanting me to leave. “Goodnight, Amelie.”

  I take to the stairs, and Kara follows right on my heels. Clenching my teeth, I try not to let her sense my annoyance, but I’m almost certain she can. I walk into my room, and she comes in behind me as if she owns the place.

  “Can I help you?” I ask her.

  Her eyes twinkle with mischief. “Nope. I just want to talk.”

  She strolls around my room and stops at my dresser to look at my framed photos. Several are of my parents, and the others are Tyla and me, Faith, Laila, and Kami. She picks up a picture of just me and Laila and glances at me over her shoulder.

  “How do you like living with the new Royal Pack?”

  Gaze narrowed, I study her, but I can’t tell where she wants the conversation to lead. “They’re my family,” is all I say.

  She sets the photo down and leans against the dresser with her arms crossed under her breasts. “You’re a beautiful wolf. Are there any potential mates here for you?”

  I shake my head. “I killed my last mate. I’m not ready for another one.”

  Her evil grin widens. “Yeah, my brother told me about that. Good for you. I heard the Sierra Pack alpha was a dick.”

  “He was evil,” I say.

  I highly doubt she knows the entire story, or maybe she doesn’t give a damn by the way she shrugs it off. Kara turns back to my photos, and her eyes hone in on Laila. “It still fascinates me how Zayne impregnated a faerie. What are the odds of that?”

  She looks to me as if I have the answers. “It’s unheard of. But, obviously, the Great Luna wanted it to happen.”

  Kara grins. “You and Laila are good friends, correct?”

  I don’t like where this is going. “Yes,” I reply cautiously.

  She bats her eyelashes innocently, but I know better. “I was hoping,” she says, making her voice sound sweet, “that maybe you could introduce me to her.”

  I would never want to put Laila in danger, but Kara has to know how powerful Laila is. Laila could kill her in a split second simply with the fae magic she has. Out of all the wolves in the pack, Laila is the most powerful. Kara would be stupid to try anything nefarious with her.

  “If Laila wants to meet you, I’ll be happy to. But if she doesn’t, there’s nothing I can do about that,” I say.

  Kara tilts her head back and laughs, but there’s no humor to it whatsoever. When her eyes meet mine, they glow with menace. “I’d really like it if you could make it happen.”

  Keeping my head held high, I refuse to let her intimidate me, even though I know she’s stronger than me. She waits for an answer, so I narrow my eyes at her. “I know you’re furious with Zayne right now, but I suggest you watch it with Laila. I’ve seen what her magic can do, and I definitely wouldn’t want to be on the receiving end of that.”

  Kara waves me off and snorts. “Oh, I just want to chat with her. That’s all.” She strolls to my door and walks out into the hall. “Thanks, Amelie. I look forward to making new friends.”

  I’m not an idiot. Making friends doesn’t seem to be what’s on her mind. I just wish I knew what her plan is. Whatever it is, it isn’t good.

  27

  Zayne

  The snow cleared out, and in the distance, the sun starts to peek in through the trees. My eyes are heavy, and my chest feels like a ton of weight is pressing against it. The longer Knox and Kara stay in town, the easier it is for them to infiltrate the pack. I’m not worried about those close to me, but some of the other members
I don’t know could be a problem.

  Kara and Knox have had plenty of chances to come after me, and I’ve waited for them to take them. It’s inevitable … I have to kill them. Hidden in darkness, Laila and I listened in on Kara and Amelie’s conversation last night. I don’t like how adamant Kara was about wanting to meet my daughter.

  “Good morning, brother.”

  Even though Sebastian’s presence was concealed, I knew he was there. “I wish I could say the same,” I reply, glancing at him over my shoulder.

  Sebastian focuses on Amelie’s cabin in the distance and leans against the tree to my right. “How are things? We haven’t spoken much since Kara and Knox came into town.”

  My thoughts drift to last night. The bond with Amelie is stronger now, making my wolf even more impatient. I’m ready for the full moon to come.

  Sebastian meets my gaze, and I sigh. “Amelie feels the connection now. The signs appeared last night.”

  His eyes widen, and he smiles. “It’s about damn time.” When I don’t smile in return, his happiness dissipates. “But unfortunately, it makes things more complicated.”

  I nod. “Much more. I tried getting Amelie to stay somewhere else, but she won’t. She doesn’t think Knox will hurt her.”

  Sebastian’s brows furrow. “What do you think?”

  After everything Knox said to me, I know he loves her, but it doesn’t mean he wouldn’t hurt her once he finds out she’s my mate. “I don’t think he’d physically hurt her, but I know he’s capable of taking her away. Kara, on the other hand, is a different story. I’ve seen the way she looks at Amelie when Amelie’s not looking. Kara’s jealous of her.”

  “Out of you, Micah, and me, I never thought you would be the one to get involved with a psycho bitch.”

  She wasn’t always like that, but power and greed can change anyone. “She wants to meet Laila,” I add.

  Sebastian snorts. “That’s a stupid move. Out of all the royals here, Laila’s the most powerful.” He’s right; she is. Her fae magic mixed with the power of a royal shifter makes her a force to be reckoned with. Laila was with me and heard the entire conversation Kara had with Amelie. Laila wants to meet Kara in hopes of putting some fear into her, but Kara doesn’t scare so easily. Ever since we were little kids, she always ran headfirst into danger.

  I turn my attention back to Amelie’s cabin, but no one’s awake. Amelie is asleep in her room, her breaths slow and steady. I keep waiting for Knox to try and slip into her room, but luckily, he’s stayed away. All I need is a reason to attack, and his life will be over.

  “Why didn’t you ever tell Micah and me about Knox and his family before?” Sebastian asks.

  With a heavy sigh, I lean my back against the tall pine. “The pack wanted to forget. The Channons betrayal hit our family and the Storms pretty hard. No one wanted to speak of it again, and no one did until me.”

  Sebastian walks over and places a hand on my shoulder. “I’m sorry for everything, Z. Nothing’s going to happen to Amelie. Once all of this is over, you’ll have your true mate. Then, when Micah comes back, he’ll find his.” He squeezes my shoulder. “We can finally be a family again.”

  Looking over at my younger brother, we’ve had our differences, but I love him. “I’d like that. Hopefully, we get the chance.” There was a time when I knew what being part of a family felt like. For the past three decades, I have let my guilt and regret consume me. I preferred solitude and silence. Amelie makes me want to live again.

  Sebastian removes his hand and smiles. “We will. Now take a break. It’s my turn to watch over Amelie.”

  “Thank you. I’ll be back shortly.”

  His eyes grow concerned. “Don’t rush back. You need your rest. You can’t keep Amelie safe if you’re exhausted.”

  The rage inside of me has been my fuel. One day, I will crash, but it won’t be anytime soon. Once I’m far enough away from Amelie’s, I pull out my phone and call Colin.

  “Hey,” he answers, sounding as if he’s in his car. “You never called me back. I was worried something happened when Knox showed up at your house. Kami ended up talking to Laila, and that’s how we found out you were okay.”

  “A lot has happened since then,” I explain. “I’ll tell you everything. But right now, where are you?”

  “Just grabbed a quick breakfast with Kami before she has to be at the FBI training camp.”

  “I need you to meet me at Laila and Cedric’s if you can. It won’t take long.”

  I can hear his car accelerate. “Be right there.”

  Colin’s car is already in Laila and Cedric’s driveway when I arrive. Cedric is outside on the porch, dressed in his park ranger uniform with his truck keys in hand. The second he sees me, he opens the door and tells everyone I’m here. Colin and Kami hurry out with Laila following behind them with little Sera bundled up in her arms.

  Judging by the wide grins on Colin and Kami’s faces, I have no doubt Laila told them what happened last night. She stares at me sheepishly and shrugs. “I’m sorry. I couldn’t keep the amazing news to myself.”

  Colin comes toward me with his arms wide open. “Welcome to the dark side, old man.” He hugs me and then steps back, draping his arm over Kami’s shoulders. “There’s no turning back now.”

  Kami elbows him in the ribs. “Why do you make it sound like it’s the worst thing imaginable? If I recall correctly, you were the one who was desperate to get me to mate with you.”

  That is true. Colin chuckles and kisses her playfully on the cheek. “Yeah, you’re right, but I like getting you fired up.”

  Their bantering usually lightens the mood, but it’s not going to work this time. Laila can sense this, and her smile fades. “I didn’t tell them everything about yesterday. Only the part about Amelie and the mating signs.”

  Colin’s gaze narrows when he looks at me. “What’s going on? What happened between you and Knox?”

  Taking a deep breath, I try to keep the rage inside of me at bay. It’s hard to do that when talking about Knox. “Knox made it abundantly clear that going after my mate is his ultimate goal. Amelie knows and swears he won’t hurt her, but we all know how vengeance can outweigh all thought or reason. Knox will do whatever he can to make me suffer. I already see it with Kara. She asked Amelie last night to introduce her to Laila. I don’t know what she’s hoping to gain by that.”

  Cedric’s eyes blaze when he turns to Laila. “You’re not going to meet her, are you?”

  Laila sighs and looks over at me. “Amelie texted me late last night, and I told her I was outside listening that whole time. So, if Kara wants to meet, I’m all for it. She can’t hurt me. But I’m happy to put her down if she threatens my family.”

  “I’m glad you said that,” I say, grabbing everyone’s attention. They all turn to me, and I blow out a sigh. “I think it’s best for Amelie and me to leave for a while. At least until we can complete the bond. The only way to get out of town is to take Knox and Kara out of the way.”

  Colin crosses his arms over his chest. “Are you saying take them out permanently?”

  As much as I think that’s the best option, Amelie will never agree to it. She’ll never forgive me if I kill Knox in cold blood. “Sadly, no. I think it’s best if we use magic. Because for reasons I will never understand, Amelie cares about Knox.”

  Laila nods. “And she does. She’s not going to want him killed.” She walks down to me and holds Sera close to her chest. “I’m ready whenever you are. Just tell me when.”

  Gently, I place a hand over Sera’s head. She yawns and opens her bright blue eyes for a second before closing them again. “I need a couple of days to get things in order,” I say, keeping my voice low.

  “How about this Friday?” Cedric recommends. We all look over at him, and he smiles. “The pack is having a New Year’s Eve bonfire. We can invite the Channons and then put them under afterward. I know others want to meet them.”

  “That’s right,” Colin interrupts.
“My sister and Tate are coming into town with some of the Great Plains pack.”

  Kami nods in agreement. “And Chase will be here with some of his Timberwolf pack. He knows who Knox and Kara are because of the vineyards. It turns out Chase and Kara have butted heads on more than one occasion.”

  Laila focuses on me. “It’s your choice. If you want me to spell them before Friday, I can.”

  I shake my head. “Friday’s fine. It’ll give me the time I need. Until then, say nothing to Amelie. I want to be the one to do it.” The only problem now is not knowing if she’ll go along with the plan. I have to believe she will. If she doesn’t, there’s only one other option, and it’s the one thing she doesn’t want me to do.

  28

  Amelie

  Tyla: Just checking on you. You doing okay?

  Her text brings a smile to my face. In all honesty, I’m not doing well, but I don’t want to tell her that. I text her back.

  Me: I’m fine! Make sure to hug Brooke for me. I’ll come by and see you all tomorrow.

  Tyla: Sounds great! I’ll cook dinner.

  Me: Perfect. See ya then.

  Setting my phone down on the coffee table, I grab my book and sit by the window. It’d be great if Zayne could go to Tyla and Sebastian’s, but we have to play it safe. Yesterday I didn’t get to see him at all, but I knew he was close by. As I look out the window, I keep wishing we’d already exchanged blood so I could talk to him and hear his thoughts. Then, I’d know exactly what’s going on.

  Taking a deep breath, I try to focus on my book, but I’ve read the same line over twenty times now. Unfortunately, my favorite Game of Thrones book can’t seem to get me out of the mindset I’m in. Everything feels as if it’s getting ready to fall apart, and there’s nothing I can do to stop it. On the bright side, both Kara and Knox spent the entire day away, and I welcomed the silence. According to Kami’s FBI tracking satellite, they went by Zayne’s house several times, which makes me uneasy. She made it a point to text me every time they drove by his place. Even if I weren’t Zayne’s mate, he wouldn’t be stupid enough to allow his mate to be anywhere near his house with two royals hunting her.