Page 9 of Dancing Moonbeam

Jaytee laughed, and Raidh smiled at him, a warm and genuine smile that made his heart race.

“What was I supposed to think when I saw a beefy tattooed giant towering over you?” she asked. “His long beard is probably full of crumbs from snacking on guys like you.”

Okay, now she was just being insulting. Jaytee lowered his arm and gently placed her on her feet.

“Elvine!” Raidh scolded with a cute little snarl. “You hate it when people judge you, so why would you do it to someone else?”

“Toadstools,” she grumbled. “Sorry.”

“What are you two, exactly?” Jaytee was unable to hold back his curiosity any longer.

The answer didn’t bode well when Elvine and Raidh exchanged uneasy looks, both refusing to look at Jaytee.

“I think I hear an excuse calling me away.” Elvine took a step back then vanished, startling Jaytee just as much as her arrival had.

Raidh began walking toward the street.

“Let’s not start this running-away shit again,” Jaytee growled as he followed close behind.

When they reached the sidewalk, Jaytee was relieved to see it empty. No deputies, no onlookers, and no sign of Damon and Jax, who must’ve gone back inside Bluebird Café since their motorcycles were still parked out front.

Raidh twirled around suddenly, causing Jaytee to almost collide with his small frame. “What I am doesn’t matter,” he snapped.

“You don’t have to be defensive with me, sweetheart,” Jaytee replied calmly. Unable to resist, he reached for Raidh’s ear and traced the pointed tip. His mate flinched at first but relaxed as Jaytee continued, this time slower and gentler. He smiled when the ear wiggled in response to his touch.

“I wouldn’t suggest doing that in public,” his mate warned with a shudder.

A low growl rumbled in Jaytee’s chest as he pulled Raidh into his embrace, savoring the warmth of their bodies pressed together. “And what will happen if I do?” he whispered.

His mate still in his arms, Jaytee quickly covered the pointy ear when he saw a couple heading their way while walking their dog.

“Can I be honest with you?” Raidh asked.

“Always.” Jaytee had no choice but to let the guy go when Raidh stepped from the embrace.

“I’m in need of lodging for the night.” He held up his hands, palms out. “I know we’re mates”—that was the first time he’d verbally acknowledged their connection—“but I just need a bed, not an interrogation.”

Eyeing his mate closely, Jaytee reached into his pocket to retrieve his keys. What species did Raidh belong to that made him feel the need to hide the truth—even from his mate, the one person he should trust above all others.

Raidh’s lavender-gray eyes still held traces of fear, but Jaytee didn’t know if that was from the news that someone was trying to “fetch” his mate or fear of Jaytee discovering the truth about him.

More than likely both.

Chapter Three

Raidh watched as Jaytee straddled the sleek black motorcycle and, with a swift kick, brought it to life. The loud roar of the revving engine and muffled rumble of the exhaust drowned out all other sounds.

Then, with a mischievous grin, the wolf shifter beckoned Raidh to join him on the bike by patting the tiny space behind his massive frame.

Raidh’s eyes bulged in horror. Oh, heck no. Nuh-uh. Not happening.

“Not on your life.” He crossed his arms stubbornly. Was the wolf shifter insane? Raidh had never been on a motorcycle before, or any other form of transportation other than his wings and own two feet. He swallowed nervously. “I am not getting on that thing. I’ll just walk to your house.”

“It’s five miles from here.” Jaytee patted the seat again.

Raidh firmly shook his head. “I value my life too much and would prefer to keep all my limbs intact.”

“I promise it’s safe, honey.” He revved the engine once more, causing the rumble of the exhaust to grow louder. “I’ve been driving motorcycles since their invention. In almost a century and a half, I’ve only laid my bike down roughly eight times, none of them being my fault.”

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