Chapter Twenty
Grant Anderson sent his Beta, Nick Vrost to the scene. He arrived with other Lycans from the New York clan’s security force, plus Sebastian Creed. Nick instructed his people to gather the Lycans who had been under Ray’s control and take them back to the basement level of Fenrir’s headquarters. The Beta also assured Killian that the clan would take care of Ray’s body and that none of the Lone Wolves would have to worry about backlash from the High Council or any human authority.
Luna couldn’t wait to get out of there. She was still shaking inside the car as they drove back to New York. The farther away she was from that place, the better. She cuddled next to Killian and he pulled her closer. She had nearly lost him today, making her realize just how much she loved him. Yet, try as she might, the words wouldn’t come out of her mouth.
Sebastian dropped them off at Killian’s place, Luna following along behind him as they walked into his apartment. Neither said a word as they entered and the tension was thick in the air as if each were afraid to speak. She was scared to break the silence. The lump in her throat that had built up during the ride back was still there, and she knew that if she spoke first, the dam would break and she wouldn’t be able to handle all the emotions that were bubbling up inside of her. But then again, if she didn’t say anything, she feared her heart would burst.
“I—”
Killian stopped her with his mouth, urgent and almost pleading. Luna sighed against him, melting into him and letting him carry her into the bedroom. He didn’t turn the lights on as he lay her down. The only illumination in the room was the moon streaming through the windows and the lights of the city outside. He shucked off his jacket, shirt, and pants and lay beside her then began to slowly and reverently remove her clothes.
He made love to her with an unhurried pace. It wasn’t like the last time when he was punishing himself by delaying his pleasure. However, it was even more intense, as if he was savoring her as if he would never make love to her again. When she cried out her orgasm, Killian wrapped his arms around her so tight as he found his release, she feared she would lose the air in her lungs. As they lay there quietly, he pulled her to him, whispering something unintelligible in her ear. She wasn’t sure what it was, but sleep claimed her exhausted body. As she drifted off, she resolved that they were going to have a long talk, but it would have to wait until morning.
***
The sun wasn’t even up yet when Luna awoke. The room was still dark, and the clock beside her said it was just after four. She glanced around at the empty bed. Killian’s scent lingered on the pillows, but he was nowhere in sight.
Slipping on a new nightgown from the closet, she walked out to the living room to look for him. He was there, sitting on the couch with his face in his hands.
“Killian,” she called, her voice still raspy from sleep. “What are you doing? Come back to bed.”
He looked up at her, but didn’t say anything. With a sigh, she padded over to the couch. “Something’s wrong. Tell me, what’s going on.” She sat down beside him.
“I put you in danger,” he said in a hoarse voice. “You and our baby. You could have died today. Or worse. I thought someone from your past was out to get you, but I was wrong. It was my past coming back to haunt me.”
“Killian,” she began. “Don’t, please.”
“No—it’s all my fault! Even Bakersfield was my fault. He thought you were in on the theft.” He stood up and grabbed a piece of paper from the coffee table. “I won’t have you or our child in danger anymore.” He walked over to the window, gazing over the city.
“We won’t be.” She stood up and walked over to him. “You’re going to protect us from now on.”
“Yes.” He pivoted to face her. “And here’s how,” he said as he handed her the paper in his hands.
“What is it?” Her eyes scanned over the sheet. Deed…Luna Rhoades…her old address in Portland. “Killian?”
“I bought it for you and the baby,” he answered quickly. “So you can be safe and away from danger. The press has already picked up the Bakersfield story, and I’m sure it won’t take long for the Portland Museum of Art to offer you your old job back.”
Luna stood there silently, but inside, her heart was breaking into a million pieces. “What about the baby?”
“You can have full custody. We can work out an agreement and I can fly over every weekend. Or we can have lawyers deal with it. Your choice.”
Emotions swirled through her and she turned to walk away. She was halfway down the hallway when she stopped. Whirling around, she walked back into the living room where he remained rooted to the spot near the window, gazing outside.
“Killian,” she called in a determined voice.
“I’ll give you whatever support you need.” He didn’t even turn to face her. “Whatever you want. Clothes, food, private schools, tutoring, sports—whatever it is the kid needs.”
Anger suddenly boiled in her. “The kid?” she asked, her voice pitching higher. “That’s how you’re going to refer to our child now?”
“What else do you want, Luna?” He pivoted to her, his eyes hard as steel. “I’m doing my best to protect you.”
“Protect me?” She stomped to him, her hands on her hips. “How can you protect me when you’re halfway across the country?”
“That is how I’m protecting you both!” He put his hands up.
“By sending me away?” Tears began to form in her eyes, but she refused to turn away. She wanted him to see how much he was hurting her. “You want me to leave?”
“Christ, no! But I’m not forcing you to live with me. Not when I took everything away from you. I love you too damn much to watch you wither away and slowly hate me for the rest of your life. That’s why I’m giving you this chance to have your old life back.”
Luna stood very still. She thought he was still saying something, but her ears were buzzing. Killian loved her? Killian loved her!
“You love me?” she asked, interrupting him.
“Yes,” he admitted, his hands falling to his sides.
“Then why are you pushing me away?” Her mind was still reeling.
“Haven’t you been listening to what I’ve been saying?” Killian grabbed her arms. “I know everything. What happened to you after I left. And your father—”
“My father has nothing to do with this!” she exclaimed. “Killian, please. Don’t do this. I love you too and I want to be with you.” The tears were now falling down her cheeks, and she couldn’t stop them. He let go of her, his face in complete shock. “Please,” she begged, holding on to his arms. “Don’t send me away. I want to be with you. I want to live here with you and buy you more furniture and have our baby in New York. I want us to raise this baby together and then give him or her more brothers and sisters—”
His mouth on hers stopped her babbling, and she let out a sob against his lips. Strong arms encircled her and drew her close.
“Luna,” he whispered against her lips. “I don’t deserve you.”
She put a finger on his mouth. “Shush. I won’t have you talking like that.”
“It’s true,” he sighed. “But I’m going to damn well make sure that someday, I’ll be good enough for you.”
“You are good enough for me.” She gave him a peck on the nose. “You’re loyal, kind, gentle, and forgiving.”
“But still I took everything away from you. Your life—”
“My old life,” she corrected. “Now I have a new one.” She took his hand and placed it over her belly then put her palm on top. “You may think you took everything away from me, Killian, but you gave me the most precious thing in the world.”
“Our baby.”
“Yes,” she replied. “And your heart.”
Killian kneeled down and laid his head on her stomach. “I love you, Luna. And I love you, baby.” He gave her belly a kiss. “I promise, I’m going to be the best dad ever. I’m going to love you and protect you both. Forever.”
Tears sprang from Luna’s eyes again, but this time, they were for a different reason. “That’s all I ever wanted.”