New Age Werewolf Series Book 1: Taming A She Wolf

Part 22: Waxing Moon

This was going to be different, I could feel it, even in the daytime.

The moon wasn't even full, the sun was out, and I could feel the difference.  I felt more aware of everything than ever-especially Ian-and it scared me. His scent seemed stronger and all the more alluring to me. I could sense him so much more easily, and it was like a hum in my veins.  I also caught him watching me more. His stare was almost unblinking, and he seemed ready to spring into action of any kind, but I knew what he wanted. It was what every wolf wanted. The full moon was coming, and if mates were close, they were drawn to each other. If wolves had no mate, there were all kinds of things that happened depending on the level of self control. It was my first oncoming full moon with a mate and I wasn't prepared for it. I don't think anything could have prepared me for it.

I laid in bed, staring at the ceiling, and then closed my eyes again. I watched Ian sleep for awhile last night. I had actually come to do that from time to time. He slept in different positions depending on the day he had. When it had been a hard day in a good way he slept on his stomach with the sweetest look on his face, sometimes with an arm curled around me or a leg thrown over me. If it was a hard day in a bad way he slept on his back, usually because he fell asleep in deep thought or we were talking about pack issues before bed. Some nights he was curled away from me, and I hated that. Some nights I awakened and he was facing me, so that made me wonder if he watched me sleep.

"What are you wondering about?"

I nearly jumped out of my skin. He was in the bathroom.

"You're thinking so hard I can feel it."

"Nothing-"

"Bullshit."

I slid out of bed, ready to argue, and froze when I reached the bathroom doorway.

"Out with it," he frowned. "What's going on?"

My breath caught. "I told Dar he could bring Zuri to the monthly social." The words rushed out, but at least they were true. His voice sounded deeper, maybe his morning voice? No, I'd heard that before, this was...different...

"Hmm." He didn't believe it. He crossed his arms and looked at me, starting a staring contest I wasn't prepared for.

"The sooner she is integrated into the pack the better, but," I said breathlessly, wishing I didn't sound that way. I exhaled slowly as I spoke.  "I think we should be close by for moral support."

"I'm sure Dar will take care of her," he reasoned, a small smile on his lips. "He has a lot of clout. No one is going to mess with her." He quirked an eyebrow. "So that's...it."

"No--" I realized I was staring at him, up and down. "I mean, yes, I just have to--" I took a breath to compose myself. His smile was getting bigger. "I just have to shower, get ready, but maybe not."

His eyebrows raised. "You're going out without bathing?"

I laughed. It was high pitched. Goddess, I'm a mess! "Technically, no. I was thinking about having a girls day with Vida, Mattie, and Zuri...you know, like a spa day to help Zuri feel comfortable. And for once, Vida will have someone else to try her little ideas on!" A nervous laughed escaped me and I honestly wanted to slap myself.

His laugh was a series of chuckles that sounded more like soft barks. "Sounds like fun."

I let my eyes rove his body again, and I couldn't help but notice that he...grew. His already muscular body was completely flexed in the few seconds we talked. "What are you doing today?"

His smile looked mischievous. "Oh...this and that."

It was my turn to raise an eyebrow. "This and that?"

"Yep."

I rolled my eyes at him, and turned away, only to feel his arms encircle me from behind. His hands roved my sides, and I trembled. Oh, no...and yes...

"I figured I'd help with construction today," he breathed in my ear. "You know, the military homes on the west perimeter? Help set up for the event tonight? They can always use a hand, figured I'd take Cole and Zach with me so you girls can have your day. "

 "Oh...." I whispered. "Take Dar, would you?"

"Okay," He shrugged and nodded in agreement. "What are we going to do?"

That was a loaded question. "About--"

"Tomorrow," his lips brushed my ear. "Tomorrow is the start of the full moon, Amber. Are you going to lock me away--"

"No."

"I can stay with you, then?" His fingertips ran over my neck and shoulder then down my side, making my knees go weak as his hand settled on my hip.

"Sure."

"Thank you," he whispered. "May I have a morning kiss? I may not see you till later."

The last word was a growl that set off a wave of goosebumps. "Okay." I turned and stretched up, but he was already there. He caught my mouth with his own, and his hands raked my body. I turned completely to him, doing some caressing of my own. My blood was singing in my veins, my pulse leaping, my heart throbbing...and the feeling was spreading... 

"Great," His voice changed to normal, and he kissed my temple before releasing and moving past me.

I stood there, not sure what to think. What just happened?

He whipped off his towel and winked. He was completely nude. I held my breath as I watched him go around the corner to the walk-in closet. He's teasing you, Amber! That...man... An ache started in the pit of my stomach, and I closed my eyes, reveling in his scent...

I heard him give a low growl and laugh from the closet. "Amber, no one's going anywhere if you keep thinking like that." 

Damn! My eyes snapped open. Making a mental note to try to figure out how to block him from reading my feelings, I went into the bathroom, and turned on the water. I loved hot showers, but this morning, I kept it as cool as the water in the pools.  

He came out of the closet in jeans and a t-shirt and gym shoes. His baseball cap was on backwards, and he looked like a college co-ed...who played rugby or football.

"Meeting the guys downstairs," he said softly. He looked almost shy.

"Yeah, gotta get going here."

He walked up to me, framed my face with his hands and kissed me. I covered his hands, kissing him back. He pulled back, smiling. "Keep those channels open. It should be an interesting day."

I swallowed hard. "Channels?"

"Yes, we're mates, the full moon coming..." He shook his head, smiling. "This is new for us. Can you imagine how close we'll be in the future?" He kissed my nose, chuckling. "Stop worrying. See you later."

After he walked out, I felt a small stab of panic. How far away would he have to be for him not to read my feelings? I relaxed, and waited. I suddenly felt mounting excitement. I felt a sense of wonderment, curiosity. And then in my mind's eye I could almost see him smile.

I gasped, physically stepping back from the feelings. I never tried to reach out that way. Had he been trying, or was this his first success with the upcoming full moon? What will happen once we...we...

I got the distinct feeling I was being laughed at.