Moon Rising

Chapter Twelve

A boy as tall as Craven was leaning against the door frame, defined arms crossed over a chest covered in a black shirt that matched his dark jeans and biker boots. His hair that resembled Craven’s style a lot was a dark bronze that offset his emerald green eyes nestled in his light skinned face. Sharp cheekbones and full lips, a strong jaw; he had such a close resemblance to Craven that I thought they were brother’s at first.

            “No Honey, that is my cousin,” Craven said and stood up, pulling me up with him.

            Jax smirked at me but addressed Craven. “Pulling the protective act on her, eh? She looks feisty enough to take care of herself.” He winked at me.

            I gave an exasperated sigh, why was everyone saying that about me!

            Craven gave a low growl. “Look at her like that again and there will be problems. She is my mate, back off.”

Jax chuckled and focused his green eyes on me. “Don’t let him make you shy, sweetheart, and don’t let him bullshit you. Come find me sometime and I can answer those questions that are circling around in those pretty green eyes of yours.”

            Craven snapped and pushed me back roughly so I fell on the bed. “Craven, no!” I shouted and hopped off to grab his arm.

            His skin felt hot, hotter than usual. Jax had amusement in his eyes as footsteps came running down the hallway.

            “What the fuck is wrong?” A voice bellowed and I stared wide eyed at my cousin as he stormed into the room. Chase saw Jax standing there as if he owned the place and groaned before placing himself between Craven and his cousin. “Jax Nocturne returned at last, why?” He asked with malice in his voice.

            Jax raised an eyebrow at Chase. “Just wanted to see how the old pack was doing, how my little cuz was… walked in on him practically ready to throw your cousin on the bed there and take her.” Chase stiffened at that mental picture and shook his head. I noticed his usual Mohawk was a little flattened, as if hands were running through it and rolled my eyes at my cousin’s man whore tendencies.

            Craven was still silent and I looked at him worriedly. His eyes were fixed on me and I could still see the hot anger burning in his brown eyes, but I could also see he had a sense of mind again. “Get him out of here, before I do something stupid Chase.” He sighed and pulled me back towards the bed, he sat down and brought me with him; I was starting to feel like a puppet.

            Jax looked at Chase with a challenge in his eyes. “Try and take me, pup, see what happens. I’ll leave on my own, go enjoy the festivities. Find a nice little she wolf to keep me company tonight,” He turned to go and looked over his shoulder at Craven. “We’ll talk later, when your hybrid isn’t around.” He stated and sauntered off. I gritted my teeth, what an arrogant bastard.

            “Chase, keep an eye on him, I don’t trust him. I’ll be out in a minute, I need to talk to Ash,” Craven waited for Chase to leave, but he lingered, casting a wary glance at us. “Now, Chase!” Craven barked and Chase left with a snarl of something about worrying about his baby cousin having sex a few rooms away from him. I laughed and leaned back against the bed and let the comfy mattress envelope me.

            “What are you laughing at?” Craven murmured and wrapped his arms around me. I looked down at his arms and back at his face. He sighed. “Being near you, it’s hard for me to not touch you somehow, you are like a magnet that always draws me in, so don’t judge me.” He mock scowled and I giggled.

            “You know, after the scary meeting with your parents, the almost losing my virginity in your car, meeting my future new pack members that I’m supposed to run with you, almost killing your ex girlfriend and having my wolf almost take me over,” I took a breath and continued. “And meet some strange cousin of yours that looks at me like a piece of meat and seems like he has a problem with you, how can I laugh? Is that even normal, Craven?” I asked and looked up at the ceiling.

            He chuckled and I felt a finger tracing my jaw line, shooting warmth into my skin. “Nerves I’d say, shock. I’m surprise you are still standing after the night you had, I’m proud that your taking all this in so easily.” He kissed my neck.

            I sighed and leaned my head back to give him a better access. “Trust me, it’s not so easy.”

            He let out a soft growl and pulled back. I looked at him in confusion, he never pulls away. “My cousin, Jax, I know he’s going to start trouble and I just want to tell you, don’t believe anything he tells you.” There was a seriousness and desperation in his eyes.

            I narrowed my eyes. “What are you hiding?” I questioned.

            Craven shook his head. “Jax and I, we used to be close; used to do everything together, get in the worst trouble from our parents and my dad especially. Until one day, Jax met a rogue she wolf one night when we were on a hunt. He was instantly under her spell, he adored the girl and within a month after meeting secretly he went rogue for her.” I gasped but something in me thought that was so sweet, to leave behind a life to be with someone you loved.

            “He left behind the pack and his family, a few months later he returned back colder than he was before and more ruthless. The rogue he claimed to be his mate had been killed by a rival group of rogues. I imagine that he will challenge me for the title of Alpha when the time comes.” Craven mused and nuzzled his face into my stomach, I heard him inhaling my scent.

            I felt bad for Jax and frowned at the thought of him challenging Craven. “The challenging… does that, is that a challenge to the death?” I asked hesitantly.

            He nodded into my body. “Yes, may the better wolf win.” He stated.

            I stiffened as the thought of losing Craven sent a painful jolt through my body and heart. “You can’t Craven, please promise me-“ I started in a panicked voice but he cut me off with a kiss.

            “I will do what is needed to protect my pack and mate, letting Jax get his paws on all you guys is the last thing I want.” Craven nipped at my jaw before sitting up.

            I narrowed my eyes at him. “Where are you going?”

            Craven smirked at me. “Back out to the party, we need some fun tonight. And more of the pack members would like to meet their future Luna.”

            I rolled my eyes but sat up as well and stood up to head for the door. “As if they want to meet me, the strange hybrid; let’s go Alpha boy.” I replied and opened the door.

            “Mmmm, call me Alpha again, Ash.” I felt his hands reach for my waist and  dodged away and took off down the dark hallway giggling as Craven’s footsteps pursued me from behind.