Crimson Moon

For all extents and purposes, I looked exactly the same. So why did I feel completely different?

  Caleb, Sam, and Trent were downstairs; their voices carried up the stairs as they continued to bicker.

  Trent wanted to leave in the morning. Caleb wanted another day for us. And Sam was backing his pack mate. None of them had asked me about my opinion, which pissed me off, but I left them to it. I had too much to absorb as it was.

  Fae, fairies, fairytales; all of it was real. So were vampires, werewolves, and God knows what else. As much as I prided my acceptance of the unbelievable in the last few days, this was without a doubt the most improbable. My family tree consisted of mythical creatures and vampires of all things. Not to mention, I was absolutely certain I was falling in love with a werewolf.

  Who are you kidding? Falling? Please. That train has already left the station.

  I shut off the light and walked into my bedroom. The shelf was still on the floor, trophies and books scattered about, blood splashed along the carpet and opposite wall. I wasn't sure what Parker intended, but the memory of his body grinding against my own suggested he had specific things in mind before he finished me off. God knows what would have happened if Trent hadn't come along when he did.

  Trent.

  I was drawn to him for reasons I couldn't understand and the harder I endeavored to stop thinking about him...the more I did.

  He was unlike anyone I had ever seen before—spectacularly stunning and striking. His alabaster skin was lovely, combined with those dark eyebrows and glistening eyes the color of the ocean.

  To put it simply—he was exquisite.

  Caleb sensed my bewilderment, carrying me up the stairs so he might speak privately. He held me securely in his reassuring arms, apologizing profusely for leaving my side. He didn't need to say it; I knew he felt responsible.

  Now that our time was reaching an end, he regretted his decision to give me a bit of space to pack. I'd reassured him that I was fine, that it wasn't his fault, but it didn't matter. Caleb wore his guilt like a shameful badge, hidden underneath the facade he worked so obstinately to maintain.

  "She needs time!” Caleb's furious voice roared through the floor. I could feel his anger in each distinct syllable. “You will not take her tonight!"

  "The sooner she is with her family the safer she will be, or do I need to remind you of what I interrupted. You're lucky I showed up when I did. She could have been killed because of you,” Trent responded coolly.

  "Caleb,” Sam interceded, keeping his deep voice calm and understanding. “You know she has to go. It has to happen sooner or later. Trent, can't you give them more time?"

  "I've purchased the tickets and our flight leaves first thing in the morning. Her Father is expecting us. He's already commandeered a private jet for her homecoming. We discussed this, Sam."

  "I want to know where you are taking her,” Caleb demanded.

  "Wanting isn't getting. She will contact you when she arrives. That is what we agreed upon. Don't think that the monkey wrench you've thrown into the situation changes anything. We are not your kind. She is not your kind."

  "You'd better watch yourself,” Sam growled in warning. “I explained how it works when we bond."

  Trent never raised his voice, detached and tenacious. “All the more reason she needs to leave. She has the right to choose her future without any interference from him. Or are you afraid she might change her mind when she's away from you and able to think clearly?"

  Caleb snarled and there was shuffling below. I left the bedroom and descended the stairs. This had to stop. I was the one who had the final say—not them.

  They stopped their argument as I approached, growing eerily quiet. Trent remained across the room, watching Caleb hurry over to me, obviously displeased. I didn't sit, too fired up and angry at all of them.

  "Shouldn't this be my choice?” I asked in exasperation, crossing my arms over my chest. I stared each one of them down, eyes narrowed and determined. Sam and Caleb looked uneasy, but Trent didn't seem to mind either way.

  "It is your choice,” Caleb answered quietly, agreeing with me.

  My face and tone softened. I couldn't be angry at Caleb. This was agonizing for him, especially with everything that transpired.

  "Caleb,” I said imploringly. “You know how I feel, we've discussed this. But I have to go, now more than ever. I can't explain what's happening to me. I feel different somehow and it's frightening. The sooner I leave, the sooner I can come home.” I narrowed my eyes at Trent who was gloating arrogantly, as though he had won. “And I'm grateful to you. You saved my life. But the way I feel about him and our relationship is none of your business. You came to take me home, so take me home. Everything else is off limits. Got that?"

  Trent bowed slightly at the waist, acknowledging my request with an amused smirk.

  "When is the flight?” I sighed, grasping Caleb's warm hand in my own, giving it a strong squeeze.

  "First thing in the morning, we need to arrive at the airport at 5:00 am sharp,” Trent answered amicably.

  "And I have your word that once I meet with my Father and his family I will be able to return home?” I stared into his dazzling aqua eyes.

  "You have my word.” He pursed his lips, meeting my gaze readily, suppressing a smile.

  "Sam, will you please find out all the details? I would like some time alone with Caleb."

  "Certainly, Emma.” Sam nodded, sounding tired.

  I led us out the back door, down the concrete stairs and through the backyard. I wanted some semblance of privacy the house couldn't provide. The large swing Grandma purchased years ago rested in the soft ground, nestled along the back fence.

  I tugged on Caleb's hand and he sat beside me, brushing his thigh against my own. It was dark out, the crimson moon casting a picturesque red haze across the sky. We sat holding hands, legs swaying back and forth.

  "He's right you know.” Caleb looked forward as he spoke, eyes straight ahead. His shoulders sagged heavily, appearing exhausted. “You will be safer with them, no one can touch you."

  "Don't do this again.” I shook my head in frustration. I'd heard this same thing from him earlier. “It wasn't your fault. I wanted time alone, and I would have asked for it either way. You can't blame yourself for being blindsided. Other than being slightly shaken, I'm fine."

  "You could have been killed.” His voice trembled with fear, outrage, and a deep-seated regret. “I'd rather let you go and know you're safe and happy somewhere than to keep you here and risk losing you totally. Whatever keeps you safe—that is the most important thing.” He faced me, those glorious indigo eyes hollow and tormented.

  "You don't mean that.” I couldn't mask the hurt in my voice.

  "Yes,” he corrected me in an exaggerated exhale. “I do."

  I barely slept that night, even with Caleb's soothing breath brushing against my ear and his body nestled against me.

  He decided this trip was in my best interest after all, resolute about his decision to let me go. Nothing I said about returning home afterward seemed to register, his ears tuning me out. He remained distant, even when we gathered my things for my trip to the airport.

  It was early when we arrived at the large windowed structure, a multitude of passengers checking bags and purchasing tickets.

  Through the power of forgery, I now had a brand spanking new passport of my own. Trent arrived at my house with everything except a destination. I still had no idea where we were going. I was only informed that after several layovers, everything would fall into place. It seemed fitting I would overcome my fear of flying on not one, but several flights.

  I checked my bag at the counter, giving the woman in an immaculate navy blue uniform a forced smile.

  Trent requested I only use a carry-on, assuring me my other things would arrive at the location separately. He looked arresting in a black business suit, a blue silk tie that matched his eyes, and a long black trench coat. I felt like a shrub by comparison,
wearing my usual ensemble—blue jeans, sweater, and scuffed loafers. He'd watched me attentively when he thought I wouldn't notice, averting his face when I caught him staring.

  Caleb accompanied me to the gate, holding my hand but remaining ever silent and moody. I wished I could slip inside his mind to see exactly what he was thinking.

  "I'll give you two a moment.” Trent faced Caleb deliberately, looking him in the eye. “I'll protect her with my life; I give you my oath."

  Caleb nodded in response and Trent's eyes flickered to me. He didn't linger, walking to the wall and reclining his broad shoulders against it. He removed a mechanical gadget from his coat, fingers roaming across the pad, pretending to be busy.

  "I guess this is it,” I whispered, facing Caleb. My heart fully bereft. Facing the veracity of truly letting him go was too much to bear.

  "Be safe, Emmaline,” he murmured tenderly, using my full name for the first time. His warm fingers brushed against my cheek, collecting the tears that spilled over. I leaned into his palm, wishing things were different.

  Don't go. The thought came into my head suddenly. Don't leave him like this. You'll both regret it.

  "Ask me to stay,” I said rashly, tear filled eyes meeting his and searching within the indigo depths. “Tell me not to go and I won't."

  "I can't,” he whispered miserably, dropping his hand. “You have to go, Emma."

  I wiped my face with the back of my fingers, embarrassed to be seen crying in public. He wrapped me in the security of his arms, resting his chin on my head. I encircled his waist, holding him tightly, bracing my cheek against his chest and breathing in his comforting smell.

  The attendant announced the plane was boarding and my eyes blurred as fresh tears burgeoned. Strong hands gripped my shoulders, gently pushing me away. Caleb lifted my chin with his fingers, drawing attention to his heavenly blue eyes. His tender lips swept softly over mine, the barest of touches.

  "Here.” I pulled the ring off of my finger, placing the white gold circle in his palm. He frowned in confusion and I closed his fingers over the top. “It was my Mother's. Keep it safe for me."

  "No, Emma.” He attempted to give it back.

  "Don't argue,” I cut him off, covering his hand with my own. I stared into his eyes, shaking my head stubbornly. “I'm leaving this with you. I'll be coming back for it."

  I leaned in and kissed him one last time, breathing in his balmy scent, feeling as if my heart were breaking.

  "I'll see you soon,” I whispered against his mouth.

  Caleb didn't speak, pulling me into his arms once more and holding me against him. I envisioned us standing together in the field of gold coreopsis, without interruption or unavoidable family obligation. We would soak in the sun together, bodies crashing into the grass, staring up at the vast blue sky.

  The moment couldn't come soon enough.

  "I'll miss you, Emma,” Caleb whispered against my hair, pressing a kiss to my temple and dropping his arms.

  Each step away from him was agony, any distance being too far. I walked numbly to Trent, feeling miserable and heartbroken. He shoved his shoulders off the wall, meeting me halfway. His pale hand extended a ticket and I accepted it in a daze, trudging to the counter. Seconds ticked by but I didn't notice, allowing myself to be ushered into a huge square hallway.

  I swore I wouldn't look back, but I couldn't resist. I had to rest my eyes on his beautiful face one last time.

  Caleb was standing in the same spot I left him, haunted velvet blue eyes hollow and empty. The temptation was too unbearable. I wanted to crash through the bodies and go to him, wrap my arms around his waist and never let go.

  A body bumped into me and Trent's solid arm wrapped around my waist. He guided me onto the plane, deftly maneuvering through the passengers, taking me to our seats in the front. The airplane wasn't what I expected. All of the movies depicted crowded quarters, people pushing and shoving, climbing over one another for trips to the toilet and arguing incessantly.

  "There is so much room,” I said in confusion, frowning at the posh surroundings. “I thought it was supposed to be shoulder to shoulder, arm to arm?"

  Trent's bright eyes met mine and his lips curved. “This is first class, not coach."

  I nestled into my seat, gazing forlornly out the window. Tears didn't resurface until the plane took flight, solidifying the fact I was leaving. I kept my face purposely averted, aware that Trent was a witness to my pain. He didn't speak directly to me, making phone calls instead. He spoke quietly, as if to keep from disturbing me.

  I couldn't stop thinking about Caleb. What was he doing right now? Driving back most likely. Where would he go? What would he do? When would I speak to him? He had given Trent a number to pass along after I was safely away, which meant when I was off United States soil.

  I'm not even afraid of the flight anymore, I thought bitterly, my mind somewhere else.

  "How long will I be gone?” I asked in a splintered voice, tearing my eyes from the window.

  Trent raised his head up from the palm gadget and looked at me thoughtfully. “That depends on you Emma,” he answered, his lyrical voice soothing and light. “We only want the opportunity to show you how wonderful your life can be among us."

  "If I become like you, you mean?” I deducted flatly. I might not be as talented as they were, nor as strong or fast, but I was determined to be equally as smart.

  "I won't deny that is the hope. Your Father was not pleased when he learned of the unlikely development between you and the loup-garou before I arrived.” He stopped speaking to wave down the flight attendant to request an orange juice for me. She made a fool of herself gaping openly at him. He didn't appear to notice.

  "How is that any of his concern?” My temper reared its ugly head. “He isn't entitled to an opinion. Not after all this time. This is my life, not his."

  "I think you'll find your outlook on your Father changes significantly once you learn a few things. Don't be so quick to judge. You don't strike me as the type of person who enjoys placing a foot into her mouth."

  "And you.” I stared at his thick and beautiful buttery white hair, offset by those dazzling aqua eyes. Super models could only dream of looking so good. “Why did you get involved in all of this?"

  "I have my reasons.” He shrugged noncommittally, lifting the palm pilot into his hand once more.

  The attendant returned with an orange juice, placing it beside me on the arm rest. She smiled flirtatiously at Trent and he blew her off, acting as if she weren't even there. Her smile faltered and she walked way.

  "Are you always so charming?” I took a sip of the orange juice and grimaced, it was super sweet.

  His lips crinkled at the corners. “If you knew what she was thinking, you'd be proud of me for being so polite."

  He put the palm pilot away and shifted in his seat, facing me. His blue eyes were brilliant and intense, radiant inside the cabin.

  "What was she thinking?” I asked curiously, nosey despite myself.

  "She was thinking I must be a model, and that you had to be an assistant of mine, because there is no way I should settle for anything less than perfection. And she was thinking she'd like a few minutes alone with me to join the mile high club. She had several...things she wanted to accomplish in the restroom together.” He flashed a breathtaking smile, displaying his beautifully white and perfect teeth.

  "Less than perfection,” I grumbled absently, combing fingers through my hair and looking away, shrugging my shoulders. “It's a good thing I don't have self esteem issues."

  "She's jealous. It doesn't take telepathy to know that. I'm sure many girls have been green with envy over you."

  He was no longer smiling, his expression changing, making me slightly uncomfortable. Caleb was the only person to ever look at me in that way, as if he wanted to delve inside to the person underneath. I didn't know how to react so I drank my juice, eyes intentionally downcast. Trent continued to stare; I could see him from my peri
pheral vision.

  "Several of the employees and passengers thought the same thing, Emma. Caleb isn't the first, and he won't be the last, to see you as exceptionally beautiful.” He didn't move, absolutely still and observing me reflectively.

  "Don't do that,” I snapped, completely embarrassed and totally mortified at the notion he could read my mind.

  I tried to block my private thoughts, finding that the opposite occurred. Memories rushed unbidden to the surface, thoughts and worries for Caleb, our future, my Father.

  The last thought was the one I wanted suppressed the most; the unexplainable way I felt about Trent. How I reacted to him even when I didn't want to, and how he was in my mind when I'd rather someone else be there instead.

  "Interesting.” He grinned at me devilishly.

  "Listen,” I told him heatedly, eyes narrowing in anger. “Don't do that. Keep out of my head. Go play with Susie flight maker over there if you want.” I nodded toward the stewardess from earlier. “My thoughts are personal and private. Stay out of them."

  "Then don't broadcast so loudly.” He raised his hands defensively, teal eyes widening. “When you scream them out at me, I can't help but listen."

  "Trent.” I ground my teeth in frustration, forcing myself to refrain from yelling. “In case you've forgotten, I have no idea what is happening to me. I don't know how to broadcast, or any such thing. So be a gentleman. Give me my privacy."

  "I never liked being a gentleman, but I'll try, how's that?” he offered cordially.

  "Great, an egomaniac with a super power, just what the world needs.” I glowered at him, pausing before I asked, “That is your only talent?"

  "Oww.” He placed a hand over his chest, rocking forward, as if wounded. He shook his head at me and sighed. “Ye of so little faith. Of course it isn't."

  "I'm waiting,” I stated impatiently.

  He didn't respond, cocking an eyebrow and grinning. I opened my mouth, prepared to give him the tongue chew of a lifetime.

  "No one has ever accused you of being impatient have they?"

  His lips never moved but his voice was still in my head somehow. My eyes widened and my mouth shut tightly.