Page 115 of Beneath the Blue Moon
“Hey, boy.”
His ears perk up, and he looks around before circling mecarefully.He looks around once again then lies down tentatively, placing hishead in my lap.
“It’s just you and me, boy.And look.”I point to my face.“Foronce, I’m not crying.”
Panting, he gazes up at me, his tongue hanging out of hismouth.
“I mean, I could be, but I’m not.I have this situation… butI’ve decided to look at it in a good light… a blessing.”He cocks his head tothe side as if waiting for me to continue.“You’re a good listener, you knowthat?”
He whimpers as I run my fingers through his fur and leanclose.I wonder if he was someone’s pet before.He’s so tame and…smart.
“Wanna know a secret?You can’t tellanyone, okay?”Hisears perk up once more, and he wags his tail.“Got your attention, did I?Well,I’m….”
He jerks his head toward the bushes, but when I look up, Isee nothing.Jumping to his feet, he whimpers, looking at me then back to thebushes.Something’s happening, and I don’t know what, but it seems like heneeds to go.
“Go on.I’ll tell you another time.”
When he runs off into the trees, I pick up my blanket andhead inside.I can’t be sitting outside all night anymore.Idohave ababy to think about.
***Ethan***
Another night of hunting and still no Stone.This is reallystarting to get to me.He hides behind the scenes, using his newly turnedwolves to do his bidding.I just need a long, hot shower and to curl up next toCasey.Oh… that’s right.I can’t do that.I guess I’ll have to settle for theshower.I wonder what she was going to tell me.Whatever it is, she seemedhappy.Could it be?Maybe she’s changed her mind.Maybe she’s coming back tome!Or… what if she’s found someone else?Fuck!No, that can’t be.She’s mine,goddammit!I need to punch something.Now.
As I pull up to my house, I sense someone inside and notice theblack Jaguar in my driveway.I let out a loud groan.What the hell is Shaedoing here?I don’t want to deal with her tonight.In fact, I’d rather not dealwith her at all.Heading inside, I find her on my couch sipping wine.
“Ethan!”she shrieks.“You’re covered in blood!”
“Yes.And if you’ll excuse me, I need a shower.”
I take the stairs two at a time, not even waiting for areply.Stripping down, I step under the hot stream, wondering how my life gotso fucked up.It should have been easy—find a mate, settle down, have a coupleof kids, live happily ever after.I’ve found my mate; it’s the rest that seemsto be the problem.If I could just get Stone out of the picture, The Councilwould back off about this mate business and I could have all the time in theworld to work on getting her back.Instead, I have to put up with this farce.Which reminds me, Shae’s downstairs.I need to get rid of her.
Wrapping a towel around my waist, I walk into my bedroom tofind her in my bed, obviously naked beneath the sheets.
“What are you doing?”I ask.
“Waiting for you, lover.”
“Lover?We spent one night together, Shae.”
“One incredible night… and I look forward to many more whenI become your mate.”
She sits up, allowing the sheet to slip, exposing herbreasts.I turn away from her, finding a T-shirt and pulling it over my head.
“You’re only one of many I’m considering.”
“I thought it was a done deal.Your mother—”
“My mother doesn’t speak for me.”
She slinks from the bed and walks over to me, naked as theday she was born.I’m not even tempted to look her over, let alone touch her.She places her palms on my chest, gazing up at me with seductive eyes.
“I’m sure I can tip the odds in my favor.Come to bed.”
“Go home, Shae.”
Hands on her hips, she gives me an accusatory glare.“You’realways sending me home like I’m a child.What is it?Am I not pretty enough foryou?Or am I okay to fuck for a night but not good enough to be your mate?”
“Don’t even play that with me.The only reason you want tobe my mate is for the title.”
