Beneath the Broken Moon: Part Two: Shifter/Vampire Romance (5 page)

Elliot hefted Brendan over his shoulder again. This time he appeared a little more careful, but Brendan went with it, even if I could hear soft growling coming from him. Elliot zipped to the door in a blur, and Derek followed. Dizziness overwhelmed my senses as wind blew my hair into my face. I could barely make out the alleyway we darted through.

Squeezing my eyes closed, I focused my thoughts on the play I’d seen with Brendan. They’d performed
Romeo and Juliet
. It had been breathtakingly beautiful, though entirely tragic. Taking a few breathes, I felt the nausea at the feeling of flying through the air slowly dissipate. While my kind was strong, I wasn’t used to this excessive speed, and the idea of puking on Derek was embarrassing.

Without much thought, I wrapped my arms around Derek’s neck, burying my face in his chest. He stiffened at my touch before relaxing into it. Maybe my feelings weren’t one-sided. He and Elliot had helped us with the
Cazador,
after all.

After a few moments, Derek slowed before coming to a stop. I withdrew my face from his chest and stared at the palatial house we’d arrived at, much larger than the one my parents owned. It also wasn’t a row house but a standalone.

Surprise widened my eyes, and I glanced at Brendan in amazement. No wonder he’d been able to take me out as he had to such a fancy restaurant and the play. His family was apparently very wealthy.

With that kind of money, one wouldn’t have to worry about purchasing simple things like a new pair of shoes or good food for the table. My father was stingy; although he always used the word ‘frugal,’ I saw through his act. I knew the difference between what he said and what was true.

Elliot walked up the stairs and knocked on the door. Derek followed, closing the distance between me and Brendan. I remembered too late about my arms circling Derek’s neck.

Brendan lifted his gaze to me. The muscles in his jaw tightened as he ground his teeth, but he didn’t say a word. That startled me more than him snarling or showing his anger.

I pulled away from Derek and averted my gaze from the men. Instead, I stared straight at the lit upper window of the house.

Noises sounded inside the house, and Derek gently lowered me to the ground. Brendan didn’t get the same treatment; he grunted as his ass smacked the concrete porch. He narrowed his gaze at Elliot and snarled.

The vampire hissed back at him, then nodded at Derek. “See you around, friend.”

“You as well. Stay safe.” Derek swept his gaze over me one last time; then a cool breeze caressed my cheek. I looked around, but they were gone, as if they’d never been there at all.

The front door opened, and a middle-aged woman with blonde hair and light blue eyes stared at us. She pressed a hand over her mouth.

“Who is it, Beatrice?” a concerned male voice asked behind her. A tall, ruddy man hovered behind the petite woman. His eyebrows drew together. “Son? What’s going on?”

Brendan cast a glance in my direction, brushing a hand through his blond hair. “Meet Carmela, my future mate. On the way back to her place, hunters attacked us. I didn’t think it’d be safe to drop her off at home, so I brought her here.” He struggled to a standing position and leaned heavily against the railing before reaching for me.

I accepted his hand, and he pulled me into the warmth of his arms.

Beatrice nudged her husband aside and waved us in. “Let’s get you two comfortable and call the good doctor.” She led the way, but she kept her gaze on us. “Do you want your father’s help, Brendan? Your leg doesn’t look good at all. The scent of blood is so strong, dear.”

Brendan hobbled inside, barely keeping himself upright. I tightened my grip on his waist, and he smiled at me, giving me a little more of his weight. We could do this together. “I’m fine, Mother.”

The den was down a long hallway, and I limped along, trying to help him even though my own balance wasn’t the greatest. The home was very nice, but unlike Derek’s, which looked more like a museum, Brendan’s was obviously somewhere lived-in—albeit in rich abundance. We collapsed on a plump leather couch together; he kept his arm around my shoulders, but was careful not to hurt me.

I couldn’t help feeling awkward, wondering what he was thinking of right now. Did he realize my moment of weakness with Derek for what it was? When his gaze met mine, I saw fear, and my heart leapt into my throat. What was he afraid of? Did he know? Had I given my feelings for Derek away? I didn’t want to hurt Brendan, especially since my life would be with him. Was he afraid I didn’t return his feelings?

I shoved my building emotions down and rested my head against his shoulder. Brendan’s father sat in a chair on the other side of him and placed his hands on his knees. He leaned forward, his slightly wrinkled face intense and his gaze probing. “Now, what happened exactly?”

In the corner of the room, Beatrice dialed the elegant old phone. I couldn’t help listening in to the conversation. “Greetings to you, Dr. Matthews. Our son Brendan and his soon-to-be mate, Carmela—yes, Carmela Santiago—need your assistance. They were injured tonight.” Dr. Matthews replied, but I couldn’t make out what he was saying. “Oh, really?” Brendan’s mom glanced over at me.

A chill slid down my spine, and I diverted my gaze back to Brendan and his father.

Brendan scratched the back of his neck. Tension tightened in his body, and I couldn’t imagine how he must be feeling right now. Although I suspected I’d be in much the same state when I reached my own home.

“We were eating dessert when the
Cazador
chased a vampire through the restaurant. We made it out and started walking back to her house. After they finished off the vampire, they came after us. We ran, but Carmela stepped in glass, and after I scooped her up, I wasn’t fast enough to escape their bullets. I considered fighting them, but Carmela was my priority. I wanted to make sure she got to safety. Once we were out of harm’s way, we tended each other’s wounds.”

He kept his word; he didn’t mention Derek and Elliot, even though he very easily could’ve told the truth. The way he spoke, his words sounded like truth. Maybe he had more practice at keeping secrets than I would’ve thought.

I wanted to scoot away from him, but the warmth of his skin and his steady heartbeat lulled me into a cozy state. Besides, it was better to present a united front than pull away after he’d lied.

“Wise choice, Brendan. I wish the two of you hadn’t been harmed, but you’ll be in good hands soon enough.” His father turned leveled his gaze at me, then he held out a hand. “I’m Neal. It’s been a while since I’ve seen you. I only wish we could’ve formally introduced ourselves under happier circumstances.”

Smiling, I accepted his hand with my good arm. If only I could remember where I’d met him before...it had to have been at the Pack meetings my father used to parade me around at, but I was drawing a blank.

“Carmela. It’s a pleasure to meet you too, sir.” I wished I didn’t look so unkempt. Meeting Brendan’s parents was a special event. I dipped my head, showing the appropriate submission.

“Carmela, that’s such a lovely name.” Brendan’s mother sat next to me. I nearly jumped off the couch. I’d been so focused that I’d lost track of Beatrice. She took my hand in both of hers. “Just relax for a while. You’re safe, sweetheart. Dr. Matthews will be here soon. He’s calling your parents as well. They called him earlier this evening and were worried about you. How sweet is that? I’m sure they’ll be over as well.”

My pulse raced. The smile I wore faded at the corners and wasn’t genuine anymore.

Brendan dipped his weighty gaze to meet mine, and I caught the unease in his eyes. He sensed my emotions and I wondered if he didn’t like that my father would be coming by. However, I liked it even less. Regardless of my feelings for Derek, being with Brendan was safe, especially after what I’d been through recently. I didn’t think he would treat me poorly like Father.

“Thank you, Mrs. Kelly. I appreciate your hospitality,” I said.

“Is there anything I can get you in the meantime? Tea? Coffee?”

“No thanks, Mom.” Brendan rubbed his tired eyes and rested his head against the back of the sofa.

“I’m fine. Thank you.” I gently removed my hand from hers, placing it in my lap. I leaned into Brendan’s shoulder again to rest for a moment, hoping my parents wouldn’t arrive too soon. I didn’t want to deal with Father. Not after how he’d acted.

Neal stood and followed Beatrice out of the room. “We’ll leave you two to relax before the doctor arrives for you.” He closed the sliding doors shut and left us alone in silence.

CHAPTER EIGHT

Brendan

Carmela’s soft body molded perfectly against mine. Her breathing was steady and deep while her limbs were heavy from sleep. I stared at the ceiling and remained still, unwilling to disturb her. The sight of her arms wrapped around the vampire’s neck had bothered me. He was the same one she’d asked me not to say anything about earlier in the evening. Plus, I’d never witnessed a vampire helping werewolves. The more I thought about it, the more I had to know what was going on with Carmela.

Should I be the one to broach the subject? I hated lying to my dad. He always had a way of finding out about these things. Frankly, I was surprised that he’d bought all of what I said in the first place. Maybe the pain I was feeling and Carmela’s presence had distracted him from the white lies.

Regardless, now wasn’t the right time. I’d want to have her somewhere private where I knew no one could overhear us, not with my parents likely sitting in the other room having coffee.

Carmela hid more than she told, that much was certain. If only I had a way to penetrate her walls and get her to open up to me. Her father was another topic I needed to know about. When I’d talked with him, he came across as pompous and condescending even to me, the son of the city’s Alpha. I’d seen the hateful looks he’d given her when he thought I wasn’t watching, too.

I released a deep breath to keep calm. Soon that man would be in my home, and while I wanted to tell my father about the possible abuse, I didn’t want to disturb her as she rested her head against me. Besides, she wasn’t even willing to ask for my help.

The more time that passed, the more blood dripped from the scraps of my jeans. Guess it would give Mom another reason to go shopping if she couldn’t get it off the rug and furniture.

A loud banging sounded on the front door. Carmela jerked her head up and glanced around the room before settling her gaze on me. I held her a little tighter and looked toward the closed door leading into the hallway. My mother answered the door, while I returned my attention to Carmela.

“You’re afraid,” I whispered quietly.

She drew in a breath to speak, but no words came from her lips. Finally, she nodded.

“Why didn’t you tell me earlier? I saw how you reacted around him. Let me help you. Please.” I slid my knuckles over her cheek, relishing her soft skin.

Seeing her like this made my thoughts about the vampire slide away. She was mine. We would work through whatever was going on.

“You wouldn’t be able to do anything. Not with him.” She glanced back at the door and frowned. “I’m sorry about all of this. I don’t want to mess up things between us.”

I gripped her chin and forced her to look at me. The front door thumped shut, and I leaned in until our lips almost touched. “Don’t pull away from me.” The thought of kissing her nearly distracted me from what I needed to say. “I don’t want you to suffer. You’re special to me.” I clenched my teeth as the sound of footsteps echoed on the hardwood floors in the hall.

“Thank you.” Her breath caressed my lips, and I couldn’t hold back. I kissed her. Her soft moan urged me on, but harsh words outside the den made me draw back.

Her father’s voice set me on edge, and I took a couple of deep breaths, trying to calm myself. But as easy as that seemed, I couldn’t. She didn’t pay them any attention; her honey-brown eyes stared up at me in wonder.

CHAPTER NINE

Carmela

While I’d heard everyone in the hall, the kiss from Brendan stole my focus. I didn’t want him to stop, but I knew we shouldn’t be doing that right now.

The den’s doors slammed open, and Father stepped into the room, staring between Brendan and me. His lips curled in a sneer. “This is how well you protect my daughter? You’re not fit to mate with her.” He jerked his gaze toward Mr. and Mrs. Kelly, shaking his head. “Your son hasn’t turned out well, unable to prevent an attack like this.”

Neal Kelly flared his nostrils. “Be careful. You know who you’re dealing with. Don’t think for one second that you can enter my home and criticize my son.” He pointed a finger at me. “She already has a broken arm. Whose fault is that? Yours. You can’t even keep track of your own daughter—never mind keeping her safe.”

My eyes widened. If I knew I wouldn’t fall over, I would’ve run away. Tears welled in my eyes. The argument between our fathers made me want to curl into a ball. Everyone glanced at me as if assessing my worth in this mess. Neal had seemed so decent moments ago; now it appeared he resented me. I hadn’t tried to get into trouble.

Brendan drew me closer to him. I loved that he wanted to help, but I couldn’t bear the closeness, not when my father doing his best to ruin my chance of being with him. I had to do something about this. He’d kept me mostly prisoner, hiding me away from the world unless it was convenient for him. I wouldn’t let him steal this from me. I pushed to my feet, fighting the pain in my foot.