Blood Moon (19 page)

Lukas’ arm tightened around her, and she leaned into his side, her vision blurred by emotion, overwhelmed by the show of acceptance.

Lukas raised his hand. A few others stepped forward, Ella included.

Her Mate shook his head. “We can only take a small group. I think the volunteers we have are enough.”

Aria watched another wave of murmurs move through the crowd.

“You can’t seriously be considering leaving me behind. She needs a friend to even out the massive amounts of testosterone.” Ella crossed her arms, stuck her hip out and tapped one foot. “I have to go.”

“Do we take her, Aria?”

“Not this time.” 

Ella’s face fell. “What?”

Aria jumped down the steps and grabbed Ella’s shoulders. Her friend’s face was a study of shock and hurt. “Don’t take it that way. I would love for you to come, Ella, but you’re easy game for Haemon.”

“But why? Why is it any different for me than for them?”

“Because you’re a woman.” When Ella’s expression darkened, she hastened to add, “It has nothing to do with what you are capable of, and everything to do with your sex. I can’t go into detail right now, but trust me, it’s for the best. I don’t want anything to happen to you.” All she needed was to bring another female, then the Council could demand Ella take her place at Haemon’s side. Or worse.

“You’re going to make it up to me. And later, you
will
explain to me what you are talking about.”

Aria nodded. “I promise, as soon as I can, I will tell you why. But it will have to wait until we get back.”

Nodding slowly, Ella relaxed a little. “I’ll hold you to that.”

Lukas called everyone’s attention. “We’ll leave tomorrow morning early, so after this evening, any concerns need to be taken up with Aaron. If everything goes as well as we hope, we’ll be back in a week or so.”

The alternative made Aria cringe.

***

“Tell me the truth, both of you. Why have you been calling other Packs? And why didn’t you tell me?” Aria demanded, once they returned to the study. 

Lukas had the grace to look somewhat uncomfortable. Aaron held up his hands and backed up a step. Lukas was on his own.

“I didn’t want to alarm you any more than you already were.”

She crossed her arms and tapped one foot. “That’s the best you can come up with? Really, I thought you were a little more creative than that.”

“Sorry.” He winked. “I’ll do better next time.”

Knowing she wasn’t going to get any other answer from Lukas, she turned on Aaron, who tried to slip farther into the room and out of the line of fire. He failed.

Aria glared at the Beta. “And you didn’t tell me anything either. By now, you all know I am not a shrinking violet.”

When he didn’t seem inclined to explain, she took a seat on a chair, propped her legs on the table, and crossed her ankles. “We’ve got twelve hours, and then eight more in a car. Now spill.”

Both men exchanged a glance, and then Lukas dropped into his chair, rubbing the bridge of his nose. “You remember I told you after you died, I went a little mad?” Aria nodded and he continued. “Well, when I finally shifted back and decided to be human again, I was still angry. I wanted justice.”

“Unfortunately, when I went to the Council, they were already on Haemon’s side, and his influence and your father’s, was very clear. It made me mad all over, again.”

Aaron snorted. “That’s an understatement. Like saying a flood leaves your house a bit damp.”

“Anyway….” He scowled at Aaron. “I decided it was high time someone did something about the way we always obey the Council. When I started making phone calls, I realized I was not the only one who had issues with the Council. Nothing could be done at the time. People were willing to express their displeasure, but didn’t do anything to move against the Council. Your father had too much influence and power.”

Aria straightened in her seat. “And you called them now because…?”

“I needed to know if their opinions had changed now that things were different.”

“How are things so different, Lukas?” Each Pack usually stuck to their own, unless ordered by the Council.

“You’re alive, and together, we’ve got the power to make them listen. Haemon is treading dangerous ground. His attacks are going to make the Council take notice. They can’t side with him forever.”

“You’re hoping my appearance will win us some allies?” She waited for his agreement then rubbed one hand through her hair. “But it hasn’t and now you’re worried about our chances.”

“I’m worried about what will happen even if things do go our way. Haemon isn’t going to quietly accept any decision not in his favor. We have to be prepared for that.”

“And if that means open war?”

Their silence was her answer.

Chapter Eighteen

Aria woke several hours later to Lukas’ gentle shaking. Stretching, she stared out at the two-lane highway. Surrounded by trees, the leaves were only beginning to change. Even though it was October, everything was still green.

“We’re in Queen Anne County now. I need you to navigate.”

She riffled through the canvas bag tucked under her feet. The directions printed on the crinkled piece of paper guided them to the general vicinity of their destination. The house didn’t appear on any maps, but they both remembered the entrance to the house. Aria’s nightmares had imprinted the wrought iron lanterns and gate forever.

The roads grew darker and narrower as they continued, passing through the small town at the heart of the county. They passed a grocery store, a bank, a library, several artsy boutiques and a visitor’s center. With only a few side streets, there appeared to be a few other stores, including a bar, pizza parlor, and some antique stores. An ideal vacation spot, but it was unfortunate, they couldn’t take advantage of the small town atmosphere.

They veered onto a winding lane with deep ditches filled with water lining the road. The trees and bushes seemed to bend towards them in an embrace. Whether it was comforting or ominous, Aria couldn’t decide.

A low whistle sounded from the back seat as the trees and brush opened up to reveal a large colonial mansion, complete with circular drive and fountain.

A tall, thin man with a shock of white hair, flanked by two large Shifters, waited on the porch as their car pulled up. His designer Hawaiian shirt and khaki shorts reminded her of the beach, but they were far too expensive to actually be worn ocean-side. A polite, but distant smile did nothing to soften his craggy features. Recognition struck Aria as she undid her seatbelt. Jonas. Her day was not going to get better.

“You remember to stay close to me.”

Lukas’ fingers wrapped around her hand, squeezing tightly. She stared at him, nodding and mentally preparing herself. Her voice came out in a whisper, without conscious thought. “At least, Haemon isn’t here yet. It will give us a little more time.”

Lukas pressed a kiss to her palm. “Come on, let’s get the show on the road.”

They poured out of the car, and she stretched, glad to finally be out of the confined space. As they pulled their luggage from the trunk, the men subtly maneuvered themselves in a tight knot around her. She hadn’t really realized they’d done it until they had to part for her to greet their host. Jonas stayed in his position as they approached, and she got the distinct impression he found the entire event distasteful. She couldn’t say she didn’t feel the same.

The two bodyguards shifted slightly, readying themselves for an attack as she moved closer to Jonas. Did they all really think she and Lukas would be so stupid?

“Welcome to Berkley Hall. My name is Jonas Bontham, Head of the Council.”

Ignoring the others, he seized her hand in a vise-like grip, harder than manners deemed polite. His flesh was cool and dry, a stilted smile never reaching his eyes. She squeezed back, matching his strength.

“We know who you are. This”—she motioned to Lukas when Jonas released her—“is my True Mate, Lukas MacLeod.”

“We will hope that remains the case.”

She ignored his comment and moved on to introduce the others. After shaking Lukas’ hand, Jonas merely gave a curt nod to the others, too far beneath him to warrant a greeting. She supposed it would be too much to ask Jonas to be less of an overbearing ass. He led them into the house.

“These two men will be staying outside your suite and attending to your needs. Their names are Lorenzo and Pax.”

“You have a Pack Guard named Peace?” Thaddeus’ comment oozed sarcasm even with his genuine grin. The tall, dark-headed man in front of him sighed. He’d obviously heard it all before.

Jonas turned in the marble tiled foyer. “They are not Pack Guards. They are attendants.”

“Which is still a fancy name for a jailer,” Lukas commented, his voice reflecting mild amusement.

“You may call it what you wish, but it is for your own safety.” Jonas’ face transformed from boredom to something more sinister. “I might recommend, Aria, you stay in other quarters.”

Aria struggled to remain polite. The urge to scream like a mad woman and smack his sly smirk off was strong. Instead, she smiled sweetly and slid her arm into the crook of Lukas’ elbow. “You can make any recommendation you want. But we both know exactly what I think you can do with said suggestions.”

“Quite.” He spun back around, leading them upstairs. The house was a strange mix of colonial and modern furnishings and design.

“Haemon has notified me that he and his party will be arriving late. I expect them some time in the next hour. When they arrive, we will have dinner downstairs. Pax and Lorenzo will take you to the dining room.”

Jonas opened one door, taking in her jeans and T-shirt with disdain. His lip curled. “I would suggest wearing something a little more…flattering.”

“Mr. Bontham, we appreciate the accommodations and will be ready for dinner when you call. Thank you, but we don’t want to eat up any more of your valuable time.”

Lukas must have lost some tooth enamel grinding out the words. She kept a snicker to herself as they followed Jonas’ men upstairs.

They’d been placed in the east wing of the house, in a suite of four rooms surrounding a common living room area. Their “attendants” took position outside of the door and closed it behind them. Thaddeus, Sebastian and Lawrence walked through the other rooms, checking for microphones and the like. They came back, shaking their heads and looked at Lukas expectantly.

He froze briefly, and then shook his head. “Nothing. No spells.”

“Did I know you could do that?” Aria asked.

“Probably not.” He tossed a suitcase in the corner. “I’m just full of surprises.”

“You and your surprises....” Aria’s voice trailed off as she explored the room, noting the expensive, modern furnishings mixed with antiques, laid out like a glamorous magazine photo shoot. The precision of the set-up made her a little afraid to touch things.

“That didn’t go too badly.” Thaddeus dropped to the couch, turning on the TV. He jerked his head in the direction of the door and propped his feet on the table. “Don’t want to make it too easy for Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dumb to listen.”

“Was baiting him really necessary? What were you trying to accomplish?” Lukas asked, coming up behind her and wrapping his arms around her waist. His chin rested on her shoulder. “We’re lucky he didn’t demand you be taken to separate rooms. There’s no guarantee he won’t before the evening is over.”

She leaned into him, absorbing his strength. His scent wrapped around her, calming the kernel of anxiety building in her gut.

“I really dislike Jonas, and when I was here last, I spent my time cowering, as my father expected. I wanted to make sure Jonas understood that things were different.” In a lower voice, she added, “And I’m scared.”

He pressed a kiss to her hair. “I think you definitely got the message across.”

Sebastian draped himself over an armchair, and Lawrence dug through his bag until he found a pack of chips. Despite Lukas’ presence, tension pulled at her shoulders. It amazed her they could be so calm in the midst of the lion’s den.

Lukas pulled her into the nearest bedroom, decorated in pale hues of blue and white, reminding her of a beach cottage. She sank into the down mattress and ran her hands over the duvet cover. “Nice. At least we’ll sleep well. If we can sleep, of course.”

“You have to tone it down, Aria.”

“I don’t know what you mean.”

“Your fear is understandable, baby, but you can’t let him see it. Being obnoxious is just as much a dead giveaway as cowering.”

He had a point, even if she wanted to tell him it wasn’t true. She turned up her nose and tried to change the subject. “How much do you think he spent destroying the history of this place?”

“Aria, you have to promise me you won’t be so flippant to the Council when they have the Meet. If you are, it won’t help.”

Irritation joined her fear. “I am well aware of that, Lukas. I’m not a child. I grew up on Council politics, remember?”

He sat down next to her, wrapping his arms around her shoulders. His chin rubbed against her hair, the motion strangely soothing. “I know. And I can’t help it. What I’d really like to do is beat the shit out of them and take you back to the Pack like a caveman dragging you to my cave. Since that’s out of the question, I’ll have to be civilized, and it’s really getting under my skin.”

She patted his chest. “You’re perfectly civilized. Most of the time.”

Turning, she slid her hands over his biceps and around his neck. She pulled his head to hers, sucking his bottom lip into her mouth. From the way his hands tightened on her back, she guessed he enjoyed it. Their tongues tangled together, stroking and plundering each other’s mouths, until she moved away with a small groan.

“I’d better get change into something a little more fashionable.”

“Tease.”

She winked and sashayed across the room and out into the living room to get her suitcase. Lawrence munched on a handful of chips and winked at her. Confused, she glanced over her shoulder and realized that she and Lukas’ little tryst had been quite visible from the living room.