Unleashed by the moon, p.5
Unleashed by the Moon, page 5
The smell of pancakes wafts in the air, and I breathe it in. Chase and I came up with a plan to alternate cooking days. Today is his day to cook all the meals. I don’t see how he isn’t mated yet. The wolves in his pack love him, and they’re loyal. The man is handsome, smart, and very attentive. He has a successful vineyard that’s well-known across the country. What I love is his house. It’s a Tuscan-style villa with stone walls, intricate wrought iron accessories all throughout, and stone paths that lead to the vineyards.
I look around the guest bedroom and smile. It has an earthy feel to it with its soft yellow walls and wooden beams. The windows have long, sheer curtains over them to allow the natural light to filter in. It’s perfect because I have a fantastic view of the vineyards from my room. In a way, I don’t want to leave, but I know I must.
My bags are packed except for the clothes I plan on wearing tomorrow. In the morning, Chase is flying with me to Tate Grayson’s house in Montana. I’ll be spending the next week with the Great Plains pack.
Stomach growling, I walk out of my room just as my phone beeps with an incoming text.
Micah: You doing okay?
He texts me every morning, asking the same question. Bailey does the same along with Amelie and Laila. It feels good to know I have them. I didn’t realize how much I was going to miss them by being gone.
I type back a response.
Me: I’m doing great. It’s so beautiful here. Chase has been an exquisite host. In a way, he reminds me of you.
Micah: Ha! He can’t compete with me.
Giggling, I text him back as I walk down the stairs to the kitchen.
Me: I’ll be sure to tell him that. 😉
Micah: Go for it. Just stay safe out there. Vilkas and his men are still incognito. We don’t know where they are.
Me: Got it. I’m prepared to rip off some balls if I have to.
Micah: That’s my girl.
When I get into the kitchen, Chase looks down at my phone and shakes his head with a smile on his face. There are two plates at the table, and both are piled high with pancakes. “You have the funniest laugh.”
“Thanks,” I say, taking a seat. “Micah was telling me how no one has seen Killian and his men, and I said I know how to rip off balls if they come this way.”
Chase starts to sit and freezes. “Ouch. Remind me not to get on your bad side.” We both laugh, and he takes his seat.
There’s a bowl of warm syrup off to the side, and I use it to pour over my pancakes. “Micah taught me well.” But then, that night with Killian replays over in my head. He was too strong for me to overpower him. “Unfortunately, my training couldn’t help me with Killian. I have no doubt I could’ve hurt the others, but him …”
Chase’s eyes blaze like fire. “You’re strong, Faith. Don’t you ever doubt that. You were there and prepared to fight. That right there shows you have guts.”
I look over at him. “Thanks, Chase. I’ve really enjoyed being here with you.”
He tries to hide his need from me, but I feel it every time. I know he wanted something to happen between us, but the bond isn’t there. Everyone says I’ll know it when it happens.
“I’ve enjoyed my time with you as well,” he replies. “Now I truly know how hard it was for Micah to send you off. I’m going to miss having you here.”
“We still have one more day. Do you think we could spend it walking around the vineyards? It’s so peaceful out there.”
Chase smiles. “Sounds like a plan to me. And tomorrow afternoon, I have a private jet taking you to Montana. Your brother is meeting us at the airfield. Just know you can always come back here anytime you want.”
“I appreciate that. My family and I are lucky to have you as an ally. It’s a rarity to find true friends among other packs.”
He nods. “You’re right. I’ve been in my fair share of fights. There’s a lot of deception and disloyalty out there. You never know who’s going to turn on you.”
And that is the stone-cold truth. My parents learned that the hard way, and I’ve seen it firsthand numerous times. I hate how you never know who those people are until it’s too late.
Chapter 8
Faith
The plane ride with Colin went by quickly since we talked the entire time. I haven’t spent much time alone with him since I joined the Teton pack, so it was nice being able to get to know each other better. We spent way too many years separated after our parents were murdered. We’ve changed so much since we were children.
We land in Montana, and there’s a black rental car waiting for us at the private airfield. Colin gets in on the driver’s side, and we head on our way. The closer we get to Tate’s house, the more it reminds me of my cabin in Wyoming being secluded in the woods. Chase lives out in the open with vast fields of grapevines. It’s not easy for him to run out his back door and shift into a wolf without the chance of being seen.
“Several of the women in Chase’s pack asked about you,” I say, looking over at Colin.
His lips pull back in a smirk. “Oh yeah?”
I giggle. “Yep. You should probably get out and visit some of the other packs as well.”
He shakes his head. “It’s not that easy for us males, sis. Men don’t like it when others encroach on their territory, regardless if they’re friends or not.”
I shrug. “That’s the problem. If we aren’t finding our mates within our pack, then things need to change.”
Colin chuckles. “I agree. It’s just some males get a little tense with a royal arctic around.”
I roll my eyes. “Yeah, yeah, yeah. Keep telling yourself that, Colin. Killian and the other alphas weren’t nervous in the least being around Micah.”
His jaw clenches. “That’s because they have a witch helping them out. In a fair fight, they wouldn’t last two minutes.”
That may be the case with Orin and the other wolf, but not Killian. He has a strong wolf presence about him. That could be coming from Tia and her magic, but I don’t know for sure. Laila would be able to tell, but I’m hoping she doesn’t get anywhere near Killian and his men.
We turn down a long, paved road, surrounded by trees. It winds around the mountain and when we get to the top, Tate’s cabin is there with a giant workshop in the back with a sign that says Grayson’s Construction.
“What all does Tate do? I never asked him before.”
Colin parks the car in front of the cabin. “He’s a man of many talents. I’m an architect, and I design houses, but Grayson is the one who builds them. He also buys old houses and fixes them up. His company has been passed down from son to son.” I look over at him and can see the sadness in his eyes. He never got the chance to have something special like that with our father.
We get out of the car, and Tate’s sister, Kami, opens the cabin door. Her light brown hair is longer now, and she still has gorgeous gray eyes that I’ve been envious of ever since I met her many months ago. Out of all the women I’ve met from other packs, Kami and I clicked instantly. She waves and beckons me up onto the porch.
“You’re early. I’m almost done getting your room ready.”
While Colin grabs my bags out of the car, I rush up the stairs and hug her. “We should’ve gotten here earlier so I could help you.”
She scoffs. “Please. I’m happy to do it. I’ve been excited to have you here. How did it go with Chase?”
I let her go and looked into those silvery-gray eyes of hers. “It went great. I enjoyed being able to see California. As you know, I haven’t gotten out much in my twenty-six years of living.”
“I know how that goes.” She nods toward the door. “Come on, let’s go inside. I made dinner for you and my brother.” Then she winks. “Figured I’d do something to make you feel welcome. Plus, my cooking’s rather impeccable if I say so myself. I haven’t heard any complaints yet.”
“Sounds perfect to me.” Colin comes up behind me, and I turn to face him, draping an arm over her shoulders. “You remember my brother, Colin, right?”
Kami snorts, and I can sense a bit of sarcasm in her tone. “I do. We met at Laila’s party.”
Colin’s lips tilt up. “If I remember correctly, I had to save you, didn’t I?”
Kami waves him off. “Please. I could handle myself. It was just a human. Also, I’m not a damsel in distress.”
Mouth gaping, I stare at them both. I’m starting to think Kami doesn’t like my brother much. Then again, he can be a little arrogant at times. “How did I miss this?”
Colin laughs, but Kami purses her lips. “It was nothing. I was in the parking lot, and a guy stumbles by, clearly drunk I might add, and starts hitting on me. Colin comes out and scares him to the point he pisses himself.”
Colin shrugs. “The dumb ass deserved it. He was about to whip out his cock, and nobody wanted to see that shit. He needs to be more respectful of women.”
“Wow,” I gasp. “I had no clue that happened.”
Kami glares at Colin. “I had it all under control.”
“You did,” Colin agrees, his voice flirty like he does with all the women, “but it felt good to put him in his place.”
I pat his arm. “I bet it did.”
Kami waves toward the door. “Well, let’s get inside so I can show you around. Tate’s still in the shower, but he’ll be out soon.” She glances back at my brother. “Are you staying for dinner, Colin?” It’s obvious she doesn’t want him to, and by the smirk on his face, I know he wants to say yes just to piss her off.
We follow her upstairs and down the hall to the second door on the right. When she opens it, I walk in first, loving the homey ambiance. It’s rustic-styled with a queen-sized bed, a reading nook by the window, and a fireplace on the opposite side of the room. There’s even a large window overlooking the lake with the Rocky Mountains in the distance, the perfect landscape for a painting.
Colin sets my bags down on the bed. “I’d love to, but I need to get back home. I’m meeting with a client first thing in the morning.”
Kami tries not to appear overjoyed and fails. “Maybe next time then.” She takes my arm and leads me out of the room. The front door opens, and a guy walks in. I know I’ve met him before, but I can’t remember his name. He’s tall with medium brown hair, gray eyes, and a small scar above his right eyebrow.
Colin goes straight to him and shakes his hand. “Hey, man. How ya been?”
Kami leans in close. “That’s Anson, my brother’s second-in-command.”
I nod. “Got it. I couldn’t remember,” I whisper.
She giggles. “Don’t let him know that.”
Anson looks at me and smiles. “I didn’t think you were getting here until tonight. I came by to show Tate my new motorcycle.”
Colin nudges him toward the door. “I want to see it. Been thinking of getting one myself.”
“Oh yeah, that’s just what you need,” I tease.
Anson and Colin head outside, and we’re about to follow them when I hear Tate’s footsteps above us. I look up at the top of the stairs, and there he is, dressed in a pair of jeans and a plain white T-shirt with his hair still slightly wet from the shower. His hypnotic blue eyes lock on mine, and he smiles. It’s been a few months since I’ve seen him, and I can’t help but notice how hot and rugged he is, especially with the stubble on his cheeks. Out of nowhere, my heart races out of control, and I fight the urge to rub my chest.
“You’re here,” he says as he comes down the stairs.
“I am.”
Kami clears her throat and bumps into me. “Now that Faith’s here and settled, I’m going to go. Your dinner is ready in the oven.”
“You’re not staying?” I say, jerking my attention to her.
Her eyes twinkle, and she shakes her head. “There’s somewhere I need to be. You two enjoy.” She winks at me and waves as she leaves.
Tate chuckles. “Is Colin staying for dinner?”
I take a deep breath, hoping it’ll slow my heart. If I can hear it pounding in my ears, then I know Tate can. When I look at him over my shoulder, I shrug. “I don’t think so. He needs to get back to Wyoming.”
Tate’s grin widens. “Guess it’s just you and me tonight.”
“I guess so.” Why am I so nervous? I’ve been around him before and never had any issues. And now I’m going to be alone with him for a week. It’s a good thing he can’t read my mind because even I’m blushing with the thoughts running through my head.
Chapter 9
Tate
Faith is even more beautiful than before. The second I saw her by the door, I had to reel myself in. I tried not to smile at the sound of her erratic heart, but I couldn’t help myself. I already know nothing will happen between us, but it’s nice to know I can get that kind of reaction out of her.
“What did you think of Kami’s famous chicken parmesan?”
Faith savors the last bite on her plate. “It’s absolutely amazing. I’m a good cook, but I think she has me beat on this one.”
“Yeah, I heard about your cooking. Chase made it a point to tell me all about it.” Chase is a good friend, but I know where he was going with all of his comments. He was hoping Faith would turn out to be his mate, but it didn’t happen. I feel guilty for being happy about that.
Faith grabs her glass of wine and sits back in her chair. “What all did he tell you?”
I smirk. “Everything. Chase even sent me a case of your favorite wine from his vineyard,” I say, glancing down at her glass.
She looks at her wine and chuckles. “I thought it tasted familiar. It’s literally the best wine I’ve ever tasted. I’ll have to get him to ship me a case when I go back to Wyoming.”
“What are you going to do if your pack can’t find Vilkas?”
Smile fading, she sets her glass on the table. “I don’t know. That night Killian came for me, he had a chance to hurt Micah and Amelie, but he didn’t. He didn’t even hurt me when I attacked him.” She looks over at me and sighs. “I’m just afraid it won’t be like that the next time. Micah will risk his life for me, and I refuse to let him. If all else fails, I’ll travel the world on my own. I’m not a damsel in distress that needs saving.”
“No, you’re not,” I say in all seriousness. “But I know Micah wants to keep you safe, just like I do. The only people in my pack who know you’re here are my parents, Kami, and Anson. If you don’t mind, I’d like to keep it that way for now.”
She nods. “That’s fine. Your home, your rules. I’m the outsider here.”
“You’re not an outsider, Faith. You’re a friend of the pack. For the next week, my home is your home.”
Her lips pull back into a sexy smile. “Thanks, Tate. Does that mean I have control of the kitchen?”
I burst out laughing. “Hey, if you want to cook that’s fine. Just make sure you have enough for me too.”
She shrugs. “I’ll think about it.” Then she winks. “Just kidding. I don’t want to be a burden, so I’ll help out around here as much as I can.” She stands and reaches for my plate, but I pick it up and hers before she can get to them.
I take our dishes into the kitchen, and she follows me. “I know how to clean dishes.”
“I have no doubt,” she says, laughing. “Your kitchen is spotless.”
After rinsing off the plates, I place them in the dishwasher. “My mom taught me well.” She wraps up the dish with the leftover food and sets it in the refrigerator. “What all do you want to do while you’re here?” I ask.
She leans against the counter. “Don’t you have to work?”
I shake my head. “I’m in the middle of a project, but I can finish it up after next week?”
“Don’t do that,” she says, stepping toward me. “You don’t have to stop work because of me. Maybe I can help you. Colin told me you work on houses.”
Grayson’s Construction has been in my family for years. My father passed it down to me the day he stepped away from being alpha. I inherited both the business and the pack. “I do. I’m currently working on a renovation for a young couple in town. Anson and I are replacing all the flooring and windows and doing all the painting.”
Her eyes light up. “It just so happens I’m an excellent painter. Mainly on canvas, but I’m sure I can help you paint the rooms.”
When I met Faith all those months ago, I thought she’d be entitled because she’s a royal. On the contrary, she’s the most down-to-earth and genuine woman I know besides my mother and sister. I used to be envious of Cedric for being friends with her. There are plenty of women in my pack, but none have caught my eye the way Faith has. Chase made her time with him memorable, and I want to do the same. The last thing I want is her working the entire week she’s with me.
“I’ll finish it up next week,” I say to her. “You’ve never been to Montana, so let me show you around. I want you to enjoy your time here.”
She crosses her arms over her chest. “You think I’ll be a shitty painter, don’t you? That’s why you don’t want me to help.”
I hold my hands up. “No, that’s not it.” I’m not about to tell her the reason is I want to spend time with her. By the determined look on her face, I have a feeling I’m going to lose this argument. “Fine,” I give in. “You can come with me to work. I just figured it’d be the last thing you’d want to do.”
She steps forward and places a hand on my arm, her blue eyes boring into mine. Her heart speeds up again, and so does mine. I love the way her skin feels against me. “You’re helping me, so I’m going to help you. It’s what I want to do.”
“Okay. We’ll get started bright and early.”
“Great.” Her hand slides away, and she takes a step back. “I think I’m going to turn in for the night. It’s been a long day.”
I nod. “See you in the morning.”
She leaves the kitchen and starts for the stairs. “Good night.”
“Same to you,” I shout. Ever since I met Faith, she’s taken over my dreams. Does it mean anything? No. All it does is remind me that she’s something I’ll never have.
