Ice Moon (12 page)

Chapter Eighteen

Jared

M
y arms and legs ached. Gareth had warned me about the pull of the wolf’s instinct to claim his mate, but I had no real concept of the depth or strength. The Pack shifted twenty miles from Taryn’s place, and it still hadn’t been far enough. I’d never covered so much ground in one night as a wolf. Gareth and Adam raced to keep up with me, but I’d been faster.

The second my wolf caught her scent on the wind, it was over.

I still had a scratch on my cheek from Adam’s wolf bite on my snout. He tried to remind me of his dominance as Alpha, but even that didn’t snap me out of it. The urge to claim my mate and protect her had been too strong.

Luckily, my Wolverine sideburns covered the cut pretty well.

The wound was the least of my worries. Charlie had come out on the deck last night. He wasn’t old enough to shift, but he’d already recognized the wolf in our scents. My scent as a wolf would still be mine. He was a smart kid. He’d put two and two together.

If he told his mom… I didn’t want to think about it.

I finished the railing and stared below at the spot where I’d been as a wolf a few hours ago. Adam had teased me that my mate had a helluva pitching arm. Her pinecone had connected with his forehead from eight feet up.

But nothing could distract me from the fact if she hadn’t been too high up for me to reach, I would’ve bitten her before she even knew werewolves existed.

I needed to tell her. Soon.

Tank was sacked out in the cab of my truck with a blanket and food and water. It was getting too cold for him to be out in the wind helping me. I visited with him, giving him a bathroom break and a couple dog treats, and then grabbed the bucket of wood stain from the bed of the truck.

Sherri pulled in and my pulse quickened. I wasn’t prepared to face Charlie and find out what happened last night after they went inside.

“Hi, Jared.” Sherri closed her door. “I’m going to make some hot chocolate. You want some?”

“Sounds great. Thanks Sherri.”

Charlie got out. Quiet. Not a good sign.

“Hey, Charlie. How’s it going?”

He snuck a peek in my direction, then back to his shoes. “Okay, I guess.”

“I brought another roller today if you want to help me stain the deck.”

“After homework.” Sherri called from the front door.

“Yes, ma’am.” I glanced at Charlie, lowering my voice. “We need to talk, right?”

He peered up at me from under his shaggy bangs. “Yeah.”

“I’m ready whenever you are.”

“I don’t have much homework.” He walked away without looking back.

My gut twisted as he disappeared inside the house. Poor kid. This was my fault. Had he told his mother and she lectured him about how nutty he sounded? Or did he have a scary secret he couldn’t write in his journal for his mom?

I wasn’t sure which was worse.

Tightening my grip on the handle of the five gallon bucket of stain, I carried it around back, welcoming the sting of the cold wind on my cheeks. It took some of my mind off the internal pain of knowing I hurt Charlie. I never meant for him to find out like this.

I poured the stain into a paint tray and snatched up the long-handled roller. Soaking it thoroughly, I started on the floor of the deck, rolling, coating, dipping, and repeating until my breath heaved from my lips in frustrated puffs.

“Jared?” Sherri’s voice snapped me from my manic pace.

I straightened up, surprised at the ache in my lower back.

“Is everything okay?” She came closer holding out a travel mug of hot chocolate.

“Yeah.” I took it from her and leaned the roller against the railing. “Why?”

She glanced at the impressive square-footage I’d covered so far. “You looked like you were attacking the deck.” She crossed her arms over her middle. “Not sure what it did to deserve that kind of treatment.”

I shook my head with a half-hearted groan. “Sometimes hard labor is an escape.”

She tipped her head toward the door. “Charlie seems to have the same kind of focus on his homework in there. He’s snapped his pencil lead three times.”

“I’m pretty sure I’m not the one he wants to cheer him up today.”

She raised a brow. “I don’t know about that.” Sherri headed for the house. “But I need to grab a few things at the store before you guys leave for the Masquerade tonight, so if you could pull yourself away from the battle here, maybe you could keep Charlie company?”

There was no way I could go to the Masquerade without making things right with him first. Or at least explaining what he sensed last night.

“Yeah, sure.” I put the lid back on the can of stain, hammering the edges down.

“Thanks.”

Hot cocoa in hand, I followed Sherri inside.

She rubbed Charlie’s shoulders. “I’ve got to run to the grocery store for tonight. Jared said he’d keep you company while I’m gone. Any special requests?”

Charlie shook his head. “Nope.”

She met my eyes and shrugged. “Okay, I’ll be back soon.”

We both waited for the door to close. I sat beside him and his back stiffened.

My fault. Shit.

“Last night—”

“There were wolves last night. One smelled exactly like you, Jared.” He got up from his chair, his cheeks flushed with color, his eyes narrowed. “And the other two were like us, too.”

“I can explain…”

He took a step backwards, his eyes shining with tears. My chest tightened like a vise twisted around my heart.

“You told me not to tell my mom about us smelling alike. Is this why? Are you a monster? Are you?”

His last question was more of a scream. Probably too young to growl, but I got his point, loud and clear.

“No.” I didn’t get up. The height difference would be exerting dominance, and right now, if his animal side was awakened with his anger, the last thing I needed was threatening body language. “I’m not a monster, and neither are you.”

“You were a wolf last night.” He swiped angrily at a tear.

I nodded slowly, owning it while I stayed alert to his every move. “I am, and so are you, but that doesn’t make us monsters.”

His fear stung my nostrils. It never should have happened this way. I wanted to hug him and swear he’d be okay.

“I’m gonna turn into a wolf?” He shook his head. “I’m not a werewolf. I can’t be. Nobody bit me.”

“That’s movie stuff, Charlie. If our dads are werewolves, their sons will be, too.”

“I don’t even know who my dad is!” He sprinted down the hallway toward his room. A second later his door slammed.

Raking my fingers through my hair, I got up to follow him. This was so far out of my element, I had no clue how to make it right. His mom would be home soon to get ready for the Masquerade. I needed to contain this, or at least put a Band-Aid on it until I could tell Taryn the truth about me. And Charlie.

Walking to his room, I struggled to find the right words. Were there any? Sorry you’re a werewolf kid? Sorry your piece of shit father abandoned you before you were even born?

I tapped on his door.

“Go away!”

I rested my forehead against the wood. “I know this is a surprise, and it sucks the way you found out. I never meant for it to be like this.” Silence. “It’s not a bad thing, being a werewolf. It’s probably part of what makes you so good at soccer. You’re always going to be faster and stronger than normal kids, and you’ll be able to smell and hear much better than everyone else.”

The knob turned and the door cracked open. Charlie looked up at me with tear-stained cheeks. “Am I gonna hurt people?”

“No.” My eyes burned as I shook my head. “It doesn’t have to be like that. I can show you how to control it. You’ll be in my Pack. No more being a lone wolf.”

He slipped through the door and clung to my legs, his shoulders trembling with his quiet sobs. I bent down and picked him up, holding him tighter than I probably should’ve as he sniffled against my neck.

I walked into his room, running my hand down his back. “Charlie, we’ve got one more problem to work out.”

He pulled back, wiping his nose. “Mom doesn’t know?”

“No.”

“Did she know my dad was a werewolf?”

“Nope.”

He groaned. “She won’t believe us.”

“Probably not at first.”

“Maybe I should tell her.”

I shook my head. “Definitely not. I made this mess, I’ll fix it.”

He sucked in a shaky breath and finally nodded. “Okay.”

“I hate asking you to keep a secret from your mom.”

“Do we have to tell her?” He swallowed and sighed. “She’s gonna freak out.”

I chuckled in spite of myself. “We have to tell her, but not yet. Let’s get through tonight and I’ll tell her after the party, okay?”

He frowned. “What if she says you can’t come over anymore?”

God, I couldn’t even think about that. “I’m stubborn. I won’t give up.”

“And I’ll still get to be part of your Pack?” The tiny spark of light in his eyes warmed me. This little guy had been alone too long.

“Yeah. And we’ll teach you how to use your senses and when you go through your first shift, we’ll help you.”

“Does it hurt?”

Like hell, but he’d had enough fear for one day. “You’ve got plenty of years before you need to worry about the full moon.”

“When will it happen?”

I put him down and shrugged. “It’s different for everyone, but it won’t happen until you’re at least thirteen, and probably even later.”

“Okay.” He wiped his cheeks. “Can I still help with the deck?”

“I’d like that.”

He grinned. “Can I ask you more wolf things?”

“As long as we’re alone, ask away.”

“Awesome!” He beamed and grabbed his tool belt off the post on his bed.

“Is your homework done?”

He nodded. “I was done a while ago. I just didn’t want to talk to you.”

“Ouch.”

He laughed. “Let’s go to work!”

One crisis averted. But the big storm was coming.

I had to tell Taryn.

Chapter Nineteen

Taryn

I
came home a little early to get ready for the Masquerade. Out on the deck, in the cold, Jared and Charlie were painting and laughing. Jared leaned on the long pole of his roller, pointing out at the lake with Charlie beside him. The puffs of breath slowed from their lips for a second, and then Charlie started babbling. I couldn’t make out the words, but excitement filled his tone.

Seeing my little boy happy, and watching Jared muss his hair, melted my heart. Until very recently, I’d resigned myself to spending my life alone, distanced from everyone around me. I stared at Jared’s profile; the strong angles of his jaw and brow were in stark contrast to the laugh lines around his eyes. What had I ever done to deserve our paths crossing?

I swallowed the unexpected emotion and set my things on the table. Jared made it clear he wanted to have a relationship with me, with us. So why was I on pins and needles?

The back door opened. I almost jumped out of my skin.

“Taryn?” Jared’s grin faded. “Everything okay?”

I nodded. “I might be a little nervous about tonight.”

He and Charlie came in. My son ran to my side and hugged me. I squeezed him tight and wondered how many hugs it would take before I stopped being startled by a simple touch.

“Hey Mom! Jared was just teaching me…about the lake.”

I glanced at Jared. “You must be a great teacher to get him so wound up about learning.”

He winked at me and my heart fluttered. I wanted this to be my life, my family. It scared the crap out of me.

I straightened up. “I guess I better get ready.”

Jared nudged Charlie on his way to the door. “Will you watch Tank for me tonight?”

His face lit up. “Yes! And Mom took me to get his own water and food bowls for our kitchen.”

Jared stopped in his tracks and turned my way, walked toward me and kissed my cheek. His breath teased my ear as he whispered, “Thank you.”

I smiled and shook my head. “It was no big deal.”

He caught my chin, lifting my gaze to meet his. “Just accept the appreciation.” His lips caressed mine.

“Gross! I’m getting Tank.” Charlie scooted out.

Jared straightened, chuckling. “Sorry. I tried to resist, but…”

I grabbed his shirt and yanked him close again, crushing my mouth to his. He growled into the kiss, his tongue parting my lips and tangling with mine. His strong arms came around me, pressing me so tight against him, his erection rubbed on my belly. My fingers clutched his shirt. I’d never in my life wanted someone as urgently as I wanted Jared. Now.

He lightened the kiss, whispering, “I love the way you warm in my arms.”

My eyes snapped open, meeting his. He didn’t loosen his hold on me, and I fought to keep from yanking myself away. If we were ever going to be together, we had to figure out how to control the fire.

“I’m not hurting you?”

He shook his head with a crooked, very sexy smile. “Not yet.”

“Still?”

Now Jared let me go, laughing as my disgusted son came back inside with Tank in tow.

“Sorry.” Jared grinned. “I warned you that I liked your mom.”

Charlie rolled his eyes. “Yeah, but kissing her all the time is gross.”

“Talk to me about kissing again in a few years, kid.” He smiled over at me. “Go change. I left my costume in the truck.”

J
ared drove us to the community center. This time I brought a blanket, anticipating his open window.

We also held hands. Surreal.

“You’re awfully quiet.”

He kept his eyes on the road. “Didn’t want to give you anything else to worry about tonight.”

My smile faded. “What’s wrong?”

“Nothing.” He lifted our joined hands, kissing the back of mine without shifting his gaze. “Yet.”

“You’re nervous about this party, too.”

He nodded slowly. “Big crowds aren’t really my thing anymore.”

“Oh, God…” I tried to pull my hand back, but he didn’t let me go. “I should’ve realized after you told me about the claustrophobia. I’m so sorry. Do you want to just drop me off?”

He stopped at the light and met my eyes. “No way. Have you looked in the mirror?” He started to smile. “Someone’s got to be there to keep the men away.”

Laughter bubbled up from my lips. “Apparently you missed the mirror, too. You’ll be busy peeling the women off of you, Wolverine.”

He grinned. “It’s the sideburns, right?”

I rolled my eyes. “It’s what’s inside the X-Men suit.”

“This zipper only comes down for you.”

Heat licked at my belly, fanning through my bloodstream. The cold air from his window caressed my face, and I pulled in a breath. “I think I’ll remember that when I have to greet everyone.”

He squeezed my hand. “I’ve been thinking about taking your zipper down since you came out of your bedroom.”

I smiled. “How do you do that?”

“What?”

“Know when I’m getting lost in my head and make me laugh.”

He turned into the parking lot and pulled into a space. He killed the engine and stared right into my eyes, my soul. “You’re not in this alone anymore. I’m not going anywhere, and if you’ll let me, I’ve got broad shoulders for you to lean on whenever you need me.”

I blinked, willing myself not to cry. I gnawed at my lower lip, collecting my emotions. “Why are you so good to me?”

“I lost more than my girlfriend on the mountain that night. The car was crunched around my legs. I couldn’t get out, couldn’t get her out. I ended up holding her hand while she faded away. Part of me did, too, I think. Until that night, I always thought I was immortal. Typical twenty-three-year-old I guess.” He brought his hand up, tracing a finger along my jaw. “But when I’m with you, I’m whole, and I haven’t felt that way in years.”

Hoover Dam couldn’t have held back the tears in my eyes. “I wish we didn’t have to go inside.”

He dropped his hand. “You and me both.” He took the keys out. “But you’ve got an empire to run, I’m just your arm candy.”

I laughed, drying my eyes and nose. “Don’t know what I did to deserve you, but I’m going to stop questioning it for tonight.”

“Good.” He got out and came around to open my door. I raised a brow and took his hand. “Awfully polite for Wolverine.”

“Hey I’ve seen the movies, and Jean Grey went for pretty boy Cyclops so I’m minding my manners.” His voice dropped to a growly whisper. “At least until I finally get to lower that zipper.”

I got out, but stayed so close my breasts were almost touching his chest. “Unless I get to your zipper first.”

He laughed and stepped back. “Easy there, this is a tight suit. I’m gonna get injured.”

I glanced down at the growing bulge in his uniform and back up to his eyes. “Yeah, we’re not staying long tonight.”

We held hands walking toward the building while my mind replayed our moment at the truck. Who was that woman? I bit on my lower lip to keep from smiling. With Jared, I could be shamelessly sexy without any regrets. And I liked it.

The bass was pounding before we even opened the door. I nudged Wolverine. “Ready?”

He shook his head. “No, but the sooner we do this, the sooner your zipper is mine.”

I squeezed his hand. “I like the way you think.”

He pulled the door open and we stepped inside. Madison was at the front table dressed as Alice in Wonderland welcoming the guests, checking their names off the ticket list, and offering them name tags.

Her eyes widened as we approached. “Oh my…” She looked Jared over from head to toe. “You did find Wolverine!”

“How do you do, Alice?” He tipped his head and I could practically see her knees go weak.

“I’m great.” She pointed toward the main room. “The bar is on the north end opposite the deejay, and the desserts and appetizer trays are on the east and west sides.”

I stared at the stage. “When do I need to talk?”

She checked her phone. “Fifteen minutes. Once everyone is here, you can welcome them and let them know about the silent auction for charity in the side room.”

“I can do that.”

Jared squeezed my hand. “Want to dance?”

I glanced at the dark room with the colored lights spinning around. “Are you sure?”

He nodded. “It’ll be too crowded later. It’s now or never.”

“Now works for me.”

The deejay slowed it down a notch.
A Thousand Years
by Christina Perri.

Jared led me to the floor where I suddenly remembered an important detail. “I don’t know how to dance.”

He didn’t laugh at me. Taking my hand in his, he moved his other arm around my waist and leaned in close by my ear. “Then you better let me lead.”

I started to tell him I didn’t know which foot to put where, but the next thing I knew, we were dancing. His hips were tight against mine, guiding me. He’d tilt my weight where it needed to be, and my feet followed his lead. We were waltzing.

His eyes never left my face, speaking volumes without saying a word. Whatever doubts I’d had about his intentions or my worthiness, in this moment, he was mine and I was his. And the rest of the Masquerade faded into the background. It was only us, spinning, moving together as one.

One step closer.

He dipped me, his lips hovering so close to mine. “You can dance. Maybe you just needed me to lead.”

I nodded as he raised me back up. “You were worth the wait.”

The music ended and the room erupted in applause. My cheeks heated.

Jared squeezed my hand. “Just remember to breathe. You’ve got this.”

He walked me to the stage and drifted into the shadows, away from the crowd. I took the mic from the stand as the spotlight found me.

“Welcome to the Masquerade!” Applause swelled again. “I’m Taryn Goldstone, and on behalf of Goldstone Properties, I want to thank all of you for coming and helping us raise money for local charities.”

The partygoers cheered, and the spotlight turned slowly, showcasing the costumed crowd. Just as it reached the stage again, I noticed a tall dark-haired Phantom of the Opera. Even though half his face was covered in a white mask, my senses turned up. High alert.

Damian. It had to be.

I cleared my throat, trying to shake off the sudden wave of unease. “This great party wouldn’t have been possible without the efforts of Madison Williams.”

The spotlight trailed across the space to the welcome table, but my gaze was frozen on the white mask. He opened his red lined cape and bowed slightly, his lips curved in a smug smirk. I nodded in his direction, thankful when the warmth of the light hit me again.

“Thanks for making this year another success! Happy Halloween!” The crowd cheered while I squinted through the blinding light, searching for Jared. I raised the mic one last time. “Let’s dance!”

The deejay cranked up the music and I walked to the side of the stage, and down the steps. “You’re dressed to kill tonight.”

Damian. I ground my teeth. If he thought he could rattle me, he had another think coming. They didn’t call me the Ice Queen behind my back for nothing.

I lifted my chin a notch and peered into the crowd around him. “I could say the same for you.”

He glanced over his shoulder and back to me. “Looking for someone?”

I nodded.

“Perhaps if we dance, he’ll find you.”

I shook my head. “I don’t dance.”

“You appeared to be dancing quite well a few minutes ago.”

I sighed. “You’re my client, Mr. Severino. I don’t mix business with my personal life.”

“Then it’s fortuitous I transferred cash into the escrow account to cover the purchase. By next week, I won’t be your client any longer.”

I raised a brow. “That doesn’t change anything tonight.”

“Pity.” He plucked the glove off his fingers, flashing his bare hand, one side and then the other. “My hands have been cold all day.” His gaze flicked to my face. “You certainly warmed them before.”

My heart palpitated, but my expression remained stoic. Years of practice. “Sorry to disappoint you, but I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

“Perhaps, but this is not the time or place to discuss it further.” He slid his glove onto his hand again and held it out.

“I thought I made it clear, I don’t dance with clients.”

He smirked. “You only dance with your contractors?”

Heat bubbled deep in my chest. “You seem to know a lot about my personal life.”

“Do you always get personal with carpenters?”

“That’s none of your business.”

“Maybe not, but with your reputation, there might be others who are curious about how far you’d go to get work completed at a lower price than competitors in your industry.”

“Blackmailing me to dance isn’t in your best interest.”

He smirked. “You continue to impress me.” He didn’t withdraw his hand. “Madison introduced me to a reporter as I came in tonight. She’s anxious to learn more about you.”

My bloodstream boiled, the warmth creeping up my neck. I would
not
let this bastard expose me in front of all these people. I took his gloved hand with a curt sneer.

“Shut up and dance.”