Moonlight's Peril (Moonlight Series Book 1) (17 page)

“Language.”

“Really?” Law shook his head and his mouth twisted as he glared at his mother. “That bastard has been at war with Tobias for a long time. It’s possible he’ll aim his need for more territory at us. I’m the closest alpha in his territory. We don’t have the resources to fight him, but he respects the old ways. He’ll want Tobias’ land, but I hope he’ll leave us alone.” Law turned. Nik wasn’t paying attention to him. “I witness your claim on my sister, but you remember that we don’t have any idea how much she’s endured. Don’t even think about touching her. She needs to heal. She’s going to be pissed when she finds out. No one even needs to tell her about this until we have to. Agreed?”

Nik’s eyes glowed as he stared at Joy. “You want me to keep this from her? For how long?”

“For however much time it takes her to be ready?”

“Who decides when she’s ready?” Nik’s voice dropped to a growl.

“Me.” Law’s tone matched Nik’s. “I’m your alpha and her brother.”

“Boys!” Janna stepped between them.

“Fuck you, Foster.” Nik turned and slammed the door as he left.

Twenty-Six

Law went outside without talking to anyone. He ran his fingers through his hair.
How am I going to look Olivia in the eyes?
He headed for the tiny cabin Olivia and Paul shared. She was six months pregnant. He raised his fist to knock, but the howling sob he heard inside made him pause.
How the hell will I help make this right?
Law knocked.

When the door opened Olivia’s mother, Susan, gave him a sad smile. “Come in, Law.”

Olivia sat on the floor holding Paul’s hand. His body lay on the couch. Her grief was palpable as her head snapped up as she caught Law’s scent and growled.

“Honey no,” Susan chided. “This isn’t Law’s fault. Paul died a hero. Ethan said so.”

Olivia’s big gray eyes watered as she glanced between Law and her mother. “He’s not dead, he’s going to heal, just give him time.”

Susan glanced at Law, and he saw the panic in the older woman’s eyes.

“Olivia, I’m so damn sorry. Paul was a great wolf. I bumped heads with him, but I always respected him. He stood up for what he believed and to protect you. I just want you to know you aren’t alone. The pack will make sure you and your baby have everything you need.
I
will make sure. No one will forget him, or what he did to protect his family, I promise. Tobias is dead. Paul died to keep you safe.”

Olivia’s eyes went wild, and she threw herself on her husband’s body. “Don’t take him! Don’t burn him with the others.”

Susan hurried over and put her arm around her daughter. She looked at Law and concern filled her sad gaze. Law understood for the first time what having a mate meant.
I wish I could make this right for her.
He resisted the urge to punch the wall. His heart constricted as the magnitude of what this woman lost settled in his soul.
What would I do if Bianca’s body was on the couch? I haven’t even had her in my life that long and the idea of losing her is unbearable.

“I wish I could bring him back. You let me know if I can help,” Law said to Olivia. He turned to Susan. “I’m here for you too.”

Susan sagged in relief and nodded. Olivia howled a long wail of wolf/woman grief.

“I’ll see myself out and check in with you in the morning.”

Susan’s cheek pressed against the top of her daughter’s head, but she managed a nod.

Law’s gut twisted as he noticed the wedding picture on the wall. The next picture was the ultrasound of the baby. That pup deserved his or her father.

Law left. He ached physically and spiritually with each step, and he needed Bianca.
For a human, she held herself together well
. Pride twisted him up.
Everything in my life feels so fucking messed up, everything except claiming Bianca.

He used the backdoor of the common house. The smell of coffee took him in the direction of the kitchen.
I need to get a read on the townies.
He stopped short as he rounded the corner. Bianca sat on the floor next to the guestroom. Her eyes were rimmed red as she wiped her nose with a tissue. The primal, protective instinct in his brain roared to life.

"What's happened? Did Nik—."

"Nothing happened," Bianca interrupted.

"Then why were you crying?"

"My daughter, she hates me. I can't blame her for how she feels. I hate me too. She needed me, and I let her down."

Law growled softly deep in the back of his throat. "Your girl doesn't hate you. What she's gone through has made what she is now difficult for her. I've heard human teens are hard to deal with, but were teens are—." He chuckled. "A whole different species. You need to give her time. She's adjusting. I'm here for you, for both of you."

Fresh tears brightened Bianca's eyes. "Thanks.” She stood and peered up into his face as if she were trying to understand something. "I think I've gotten used to you. I’m getting too comfortable knowing you’re looking out for me.”

He grinned. "That's what every male wants to hear his mate say."

She paled. "I can't expect you to honor that protection stuff now that I have my daughter back. I'm sure the mayor was messing with us. If not, we can get the piece of paper annulled. I'm taking her home tonight."

The quick stab of physical pain in his chest took him by surprise. Law stared at her. "You're going back to town?"

"Chessa will need to get back into school. I need to get working so I can pay you back the money you helped me with."

"No."

"No?"

Law shook his head. "That wasn't a loan. You don't owe me anything."

"I owe you so much. How can I repay both you and your sister? How is Joy?"

"Still not awake, but she’s alive and free. Let's find some coffee."

He resisted the urge to put his arm around her. She was his, but her human culture made it impossible for her to understand how real his commitment was.
 

Nik looked up when they entered, glared, and stood. He left his empty plate but took the mug of coffee as he stomped out the door.

"Hey Law, great to see you survived," said a chubby, short man with a crew cut and thin beard. He looked out of place surrounded by super-buff tall men.

"Terrific to see you, Ben.” Law reached out and clasped the man’s hand. “I'm happy to be alive too. How’s your father? When your mom died, I thought he'd come back and stay with us for a while."

"You know how it is. He ignored the rules and married human.” Ben turned to Bianca and winked. “No wonder Dad likes you, Law. You’re a rebel just like he is. He’s lived in town for so long I don't think he'd be ready for country life again at his age."

****

Bianca tried not to fixate on the words “he married human”.

"Um, if you don't mind me asking how old were you when you were bitten?"

Ben spit his coffee out, and his eyes widened as he gaped incredulously at Bianca.

"What?" Ben asked.

Law shifted in his chair. The rosy hue in his cheeks made Bianca regret her question. "Ben’s mom has werewolf blood in the family line, like Chessa, Ben’s dad was part of this pack when my dad was alpha, and he’s full wolf. The A baby born with more than half werewolf DNA will be a wolf, just more human, like a bitten, but they will shift." He paused, searching her expression. “Fifty percent or less and the baby is born human, like you. Anyone with any amount of wolf DNA will survive a bite and turn. Two bittens have a human child. That baby could be bitten and turn. There are exceptions, of course, nature is fickle.” Law gave Ben an apologetic glance. “She's in the learning stage of her initiation to the dark side.”

Ben chuckled. "We do have the best cookies here on the dark side. Don’t worry, I’m not totally offended, just mostly.” He gave a loud, honest belly laugh. “I'm not a full wolf, but I was born this way. A real man doesn't force his mate to change. My mother could have turned, but choose not to. My folks were married thirty-nine years. I'm so sorry to hear about your daughter. I'll have my girlfriend, Peyton, talk to you. She's a bitten."

"Really? How old was she?"

"I'll let her tell you the story, but yeah she'll know what your daughter is going through a hell of a lot better than I do. Law's a good man, but do him a favor and think pack. Don't make him think human," Ben said, winking.

Think human? Think pack?
She sighed.
 

Ben turned away from her and looked at Law. "How is the soil out here? I'm considering buying Jackson's lower field and building a little hobby farm. Peyton and I could use some space to run."

Bianca stood. Ben's attention was on Law, and she could tell the man was ready to change the subject. She went over to the sink. Maggie was washing dishes.

"Can I help?" Bianca asked.

The other woman appeared surprised but nodded.

"Sure. I'm glad my man made it back, and yours."

My man.
Talking about Law in that context was strange.

"I'm glad it wasn't worse than it was. With T—Tobias gone what will happen?" Bianca had trouble saying the name. The dead man might be her father, and now she’d never know. She hated him, but knowing would be better.
 

Maggie's lips pressed tight. Her brows drew together. There was a long pause.
 

"Where are the dish towels?" Bianca asked.

“Over there.” Maggie pointed a wet finger at the bottom drawer next to the double ovens. Bianca grabbed one and returned. She started wiping the plates and stacking them on the counter.

“Law is a good man. Don’t break his heart,” Maggie said after several minutes of silent work.

Bianca couldn’t speak until she cleared her throat. “I know he is.”

“Seriously, don’t screw with his head. I’ve seen good shifters turned inside out by humans.”

“Why do you thing I’ll hurt him?”

Maggie gave a humorless snort of amusement. She rolled her eyes. “Humans.”

Bianca fought her annoyance. “I’m going back to town soon. I’m not going to hold him to any commitments.”

Maggie growled Bianca stepped back. “You don’t get it, do you? Our ways are deeper. He’s too good for a human.”

Bianca gasp, her mouth fell open. She bit back the sassy reply on the tip of her tongue.

“My son is just a male—a male who picked his mate. Just because he didn’t mate a wolf doesn’t mean he made the wrong choice,” Janna said as she came to stand behind Maggie. “I understand your loyalty to Eve, but she was never the right girl for him. We all know that.”

Maggie growled at Bianca as she walked away.

“Ignore her,” Janna said. “You’re the right girl for my son, and they’ll just have to get over the prejudice.”

Bianca noticed bags under Janna’s eyes and blood caked around her fingernails. “Sit down, and let me pour you a cup of coffee.”

“I need a shower, but caffeine sounds amazing. Thank you.”

Bianca hurried to grab a coffee carafe and a fresh mug. As Janna sat, Bianca poured a cup. Law’s mother smiled up, but the expression lacked cheerfulness. Utter exhaustion shimmered in the woman’s eyes. Bianca glanced over and caught Law’s gaze for a moment lines of worry crinkled around his eyes. He nodded as if he appreciated her helping his mother. She grabbed another mug off the counter and came over to him. Surprise flared on his face.

“Thanks.” Steam rose from his mug as she poured. She refreshed Ben’s cup.

“Your woman might be human, but she’s okay since she understands the importance of coffee.” Ben grinned.

Heat crept up Bianca’s neck to blaze in her cheeks.

Law chuckled and stood up. “I’m bushed. You are welcome to stay here as our guest, and get some rest before heading back to town. Remember what we talked about,” Law lowered his voice and leaned forward. “Please let Kane know Nik gave Joy his protection.”

Bianca almost spilled the coffee she poured for herself. She bit her lip to stifle her gasp.

“I'll tell him. Thanks, for the offer, but Peyton will be ready to kill me. The others have all headed back. I’d better go before she goes shopping for a dress to wear to my funeral,” Ben said.

“You didn’t call her?” Law asked.

“Texted.”

“Oh, she’ll need a funeral dress that’ll work for her trial too,” Bianca said. “Any woman would murder you.”

Ben chuckled. “It was bound to happen sometime. Hell, you two will understand after you’ve been mated a little longer. Peyton might not be willing to call our commitment mating, but it is. She’s had my protection from almost the first moment I saw her.”

Law’s smoldering intense gaze brought the fire back into her flush. “I know a thing or two about stubborn women,” Law replied. “Speaking of, I’m taking mine home.” He stood, taking Bianca’s hand.

Mesmerized, Bianca allowed him to lead her out of the kitchen without a word. She was aware of everyone’s eyes on them, but she didn’t care. The cold air hit her face, and she shivered. The weather was changing fast. The smell of fall filled her senses.

“We aren’t telling Joy Nik gave her his protection. That was to keep Kane from demanding she die.”

“She’s going to find out eventually.”

“But not soon.”

“You don’t understand women very well, do you?”

Law grinned and pulled her close before he picked her up off her feet. She cried out with surprise.

“I understand enough to know you need me as much as I need you right now. I won’t drop you. I take care of what’s mine.”

****

Rune stood as Reylin came into the room. Tristin pushed himself up on the bed. His brutalized chest was red and puckered from claw marks under Janna’s special salve. She could see him healing, but he needed to run.

“Janna sent me up here with some breakfast for you both. Why haven’t you gone running, Tristin?” Reylin asked.

“Too many of Tobias’ rabid dogs have escaped. If they regroup and retaliate, I need to be here to help.”

“You try talking some sense into him, I give up,” Rune muttered.