Chapter Four
Luna dried her hair with a hair dryer for the first time. She stood in front of the bathroom mirror, tossing her head this way and that, admiring the smooth, glossy, black waves. Satisfied, she moved on to her lips, adding a smear of pink gloss. The tube advertised cherries, and the wand smelled like the fruit. She swiped her tongue across her lip for a taste. Mmm, tasty. She wondered if Nate would like the taste of cherries on her lips—if he kissed her again.
“Not going to happen,” she said to her reflection.
She set her recent purchase on the sink counter and left the bathroom. The evening sunset cast her room in an orange glow, and she glanced longingly out the window at the sparkling water. With a heavy sigh, she found her sandals by the door where she’d kicked them off last night. The offenders had left little blisters on her heels, and she couldn’t imagine how landlubbers wore them every day. She wiggled her feet into the sandals with distain, grabbed her bag, and left the room.
Four athletic-looking men waited by the elevator. They eyed Luna like she was an appetizing morsel as they sniffed the air.
“Dinner” one jested. A short-lived wolf howl and snorted laughter followed the lewd jeer.
Another whistled and called out, “Dessert!”
While the young men snickered, Luna approached without trepidation. She was getting the hang of picking out the mundane from the others. She suspected this rowdy pack were shifters—wolves—the same rambunctious group she’d seen at dinner. Their magnified testosterone was meant to intimidate other males and excite females. Luna merely grinned at them. She had handled the vampire—she could handle these pups.
In the last two days, these wolf shifters had wandered around the island in T-shirts with similar hockey logos. They certainly looked like hockey players. Each one of them buff and a couple of them had crooked noses. Most likely, this rough gang came here to heal sports injuries. When the waters froze in the far north, she’d observed the sport from under the ice, witnessing several unforgiving high stick blows in her lifetime. To sirens, those men were always an option for sacrifice—enjoyable to mate and challenging to drown.
A chime dinged, capturing the group’s attention, and the elevator door opened. Luna wandered in and turned to press the lobby button.
The pack tramped in and surrounded her.
“How about you join us for dinner?” said one guy with a crooked nose.
Meat eaters for sure. “Tempting, but I’ll pass,” she stated with mock regret.
The door reopened seconds later, and she seemed suddenly forgotten as the pack rushed out in front of her. Guessing the smell of cooked meat was a stronger draw for them, she trailed slowly behind the rollicking group.
The dining room hummed with chatter, and Luna’s heart rate picked up when she paused. In the backroom, the only seats available were at the vampire’s table. In the main room, her options were limited—she could sit with the blondes or the birdwatcher. While Luna contemplated her choices, one blonde suddenly elbowed the other, bringing her friend’s attention to the entrance. Luna glanced over her shoulder in curiosity at their owlish eyes. At the sight of Nate, she instinctively moved to sit in the chair opposite the birdwatcher, Charlie. From the corner of her eye, she saw the skinnier blonde wave Nate over and offer him a seat. He sat with them, two tables away.
What do I care who Nate dines with? After their intimate encounter under the tree yesterday afternoon, she had suffered through dinner with him again last night. With every effort, she’d tried to remain aloof while Nate chatted and laughed in his easy manner. She’d pretended like nothing amazing—or mind-blowing—had occurred between them under the tree. Luckily, tonight, Charlie’s table was small and set for two.
“Is something the matter?” Charlie asked.
Luna relaxed the scowl from her face and replaced it with a sweet smile. “I’m fine.”
Distracted throughout dinner, she stumbled through conversation with Charlie. Every time she heard peals of laughter from the blondes, she cringed—and, when Nate chuckled, jealousy squeezed her heart. Before she’d come downstairs, she’d decided she would avoid Nate, so why had she taken the time to do her hair and slip into a sexy dress? The conflicting emotions drove her to distraction, bordering insanity.
What was it about Nate? He claimed she was his mate—but it was impossible! Her kind was destined to be alone. Even if she wanted him, if they mated anywhere near the water, the urge to drown him would be too great.
What are my options?
Glancing at the vampire, she recalled his advances the other night in the corridor. She could not drown what was already dead. The thought of pleasing him made her skin crawl, and the taste of spoiled fish filled her mouth. Her appetite gone, she pushed the plate away and excused herself.
“Good night, Charlie.”
With Charlie’s farewell over her shoulder, she skirted the table next to her. Luna cruised within an arm’s length of the blondes’ table where Nate remained seated. Proud of herself for not looking in his direction even once through dinner, Luna focused on the patterned carpet as she calmly maneuvered past the trio. Weakness shook her resolve. At the last moment, she glanced up. Nate’s relaxed torso slunk casually in the chair, and their eyes met. His penetrating gaze probed her. Heat ignited in her belly, and her breath hitched.
With a shaky inhale, she rushed past him and barreled for the lobby. She desperately needed fresh air. Is this what it feels like to drown? Trembling, she continued past the front desk until she was outside. The salty wind tugged her hair, and she tilted her face upward for a healthy gulp of oxygen. Inhale. Exhale. Breathe.
Mildly pacified, she needed to release further tension, and nothing was better than being in the water. She’d only spent an hour swimming this morning during her session with Selena—the mermaid’s words came flooding to her now. “There could be a life for you outside of the oceans, but you won’t know unless you give the people in this landscape a chance. Especially here at the Wiccan Haus where there are a variety of beings to learn more about. Open your eyes and you’ll start to see you are not alone.”
Luna pulled off her sandals and stuffed them into her bag. The grass offered a welcomed and cool cushion under her feet as she padded along the hill. The stars winked in the indigo evening sky. Pondering the vastness of the universe made her feel small. Where is my place? Where do I belong? Unlike the other sirens, Luna never got used to the solitude of the immense oceans. At a young age, she’d moved into a palace above the water while her sister sirens made their homes in the caverns under the island. Why am I so different than them? Why do I long to belong with someone when I know it’s impossible? Is the water god responsible for the change in me? None of my sister sirens felt compelled to belong with a man. Sure, they’d been delighted in acting like the water god’s harem, but they didn’t feel love for the god in the way she did. She had loved…and lost. Can I love again? Should I?
Now in possession of a normal heart rate, Luna paused in the clearing and crossed her arms over her chest. “You can stop following me, Nate.”
Nate uncloaked and appeared before her eyes. It was a bit unnerving.
Seemingly perturbed, he held up his palms. “How did you know I was following you? Did you see me?”
“Not you exactly…more like a blur in your general shape. By the size of you, it was an easy assumption.” Though she managed to recognize the vampires and the wolf shifters, she still wasn’t certain about him. He could cloak, but she sensed something more.
“Hmm, disconcerting…unless it’s because you’re my mate. Mates often have unique bonds.” His voice was hopeful.
“Nate”—she shook her head exasperated, tousling her hair—“it doesn’t make sense. I can’t be your mate. I’ve lived in another realm my whole life, with the exception of occasionally visiting the human realm. We are different species. And yet, by chance, we’ve come together?” She shrugged. The odds were too great.
“It’s how fate works best…when two unlikely souls meet. Things are cosmically set in motion to alter our paths. Remember why you came here. You left a relationship that wasn’t meant to be. Give our relationship a try.”
“I don’t know.” She looked up at the full moon—her namesake. It pulled at the tides within her.
“I have an idea. I know a place to hang out for a while so we can get to know one another.” She opened her mouth to decline, but he raised his palms, stopping her. “They have games. Have you ever played pool?”
“Pool? Like swimming pool?”
“No. There is no water in this pool.” He chuckled. He extended his hand toward her. “What do you say?”
Wow, I love when you smile.
Not only was he sexy as hell, but he was good-natured and fun to be around—exponentially upping the hot factor. Calling her his mate seemed too good to be true; if she wasn’t careful, she could fall for him. She imagined giving in to her lust, picturing them kissing while she led him into the water. But it would be the same as before with mundane men—an overwhelming sensation of desire plunging deeper into bloodlust. It always consumed her. Those few experiences of killing left her sick, and she was grateful the god had replaced those men as her lover. She never let on to the other sirens how much the murders affected her.
I am different than them. She accepted her fate. Glad, really. Maybe I can control the savagery in me?
The god had a way of blocking her instinct to kill when they were intimate—she could just enjoy the pleasure they gave each other without guilt. But, here and now, she didn’t know who or what Nate was exactly. If they were together in the water, she was terrified her desire and urge to kill would overpower everything else. Nate wouldn’t likely survive their love tryst. Staring longingly at his palm, she guessed he would be safe if there was no pool of water.
“Do I have to wear my shoes?”
He glanced at her feet then burst out laughing. “Shoes are optional.”
She slipped her hand into his and regretted how her heart fluttered. She accepted her previous, and only, relationship wasn’t meant to be. Why jump from one man’s arms into another’s—no matter how strong and sexy those arms were? Wouldn’t it be asking too much if her heart healed and loved again within a week’s time? Her pride told her to stand on her water-god-given two feet.
While they strolled, Nate explained more about the game of pool. The idea of sinking a ball into a pocket by shooting it with a stick sounded tricky. He bragged how he often played at a pub near his home where he gave the locals a run for their money.
They entered a clearing surrounded by tall pines. In its center, a petite, white-washed cottage greeted them with cheery, bright lights glowing from within.
“Wow. How did you know about this place?” They had only been on the island a few days, and, just yesterday, Nate had been lost on his way to yoga.
“Myron, the receptionist, told me about it.” He shrugged and, with a crooked smile, added, “It’s known as the Fun Shack, so let’s have some fun. Don’t worry; it’s bigger than it looks.”
Hmm. He’s been here before. Some things weren’t adding up regarding her handsome date. Had she been too distracted and starry-eyed by his sexy-man magnetism to notice before?
Luna recalled seeing him the other day in the woods with the head of security and the owner of the Wiccan Haus. When the men came out of the trees, catching up with her and Charlie, Nate had been there but cloaked. Why avoid being seen? Even now, her suspicions raised another notch when they entered through the squeaking screen door of the Fun Shack, and Nate smiled and waved at Rekkus. Okay. They know each other, but for how long? Rekkus doesn’t seem like the welcoming-committee type.
The head of security acknowledged Nate before turning his attention to the woman across from him where the two sat at a table. Rekkus dropped his gaze to scowl at the board game lying between them. The dark-haired woman counted as she moved a tiny silver dog across the spaces. After her turn, she tilted her head and smiled warmly at Nate.
She recognizes him, too. Perplexed, Luna scanned the large room. Somehow, it appeared vastly larger on the inside than the outside—just like the Wiccan Haus lodge. Half the tables were occupied with people she hadn’t seen before; perhaps they were staff members here to chill at the end of the day. Two guests she recognized sat at a table tucked against the window, concentrating over a chess set. A cracking sound caught Luna’s attention. Brightly colored balls on a felt-covered table rolled in all directions. Immediately, she recognized the four athletic wolf shifters looming around the pool table. They simultaneously swung their heads in her and Nate’s direction, sniffing the air. Their stares narrowed in on her.
Suddenly, Nate rubbed his arm against hers in an odd way, and then his hand reached up and caressed her bare shoulder. She gave him an annoyed glance and stepped away, but she failed to move beyond the reach of his long arm.
Under her breath, she tightly asked, “What are you doing?”
“I’m putting my scent on you.” His rubbing would appear like a lover’s caress to the human eye, but it was to ward off the wolves.
When her gaze cruised to the wolf pack, their attention shifted between her and Nate. Territory established, they avoided making further eye contact with Nate and returned to their game. One of them continued to leer at her. Earlier in the hotel elevator, he’d referred to her as dessert.
Still reprimanding Nate under her breath, she said, “You can’t just stake your claim on me. I don’t belong to you.” Yet, if I surrender to you as my soul mate, you would claim me—and I you. At his hurt expression, she regretted her words and the tone in which she flung them.
“All right, Luna, the moon is full, and shifters are unpredictable under such conditions. I don’t want any trouble for you.”
Touched by his concern, she was glad her rash discouragement hadn’t deterred him. Truthfully, now no longer protected by the water god, she found herself comforted by Nate’s.
He dropped his grip from her shoulder, but captured her hand, flashing a devilish grin. She shook her head and stifled a laugh at his boldness. How did he easily melt her frozen heart and break her resolve?
Heavy footfalls shook the old floorboards as Nate maneuvered her to an adjacent table from Rekkus and the woman. The head of security called to Nate, stopping him in his tracks.
“Nate, why don’t you and Luna join us?”
“Oh, you know my name?” Why does the head of security know my name? She remembered his from when he announced himself and Cyrus Rowan to her and Charlie outside the woods. Cemil warned me not to sing. Maybe Cemil mentioned my being here to Rekkus? Beware a dangerous siren to be watched. She couldn’t help but stare at the man who studied her like shark’s prey. Besides, he was also interesting to look at. What are you?
“I know the name of every guest—it’s my job. Please, join us. This is my wife, Dana.” Rekkus indicated the woman who offered a welcoming hello.
Nate pulled up two chairs, and they sat.
Dana turned to her husband. “Why don’t we put the game aside and finish it later.”
Rekkus grunted, unenthused. “Nate, join me at the bar, and we’ll get some drinks.”
“Yes, excuse us, ladies.”
The large men rose, but Rekkus turned to his wife and asked, “Can I get you another cider?”
“No, I’m fine.” Dana smiled at her husband, love shining in her eyes. Her gaze followed him and lingered for a moment as he sauntered away. She turned to Luna. “You should try the cider if you haven’t already. It’s made with fresh apples from the orchard on the island.”
“Sounds great.” Luna glanced at Nate who’d waited for her response.
He winked.
The gesture sent butterflies fluttering in her belly, but she didn’t let it show on her face how he affected her. It was best if it looked like they were merely friends or perhaps guests who happened to walk in at the same time.
As the men crossed the room, Dana asked, “So, how do you like the Wiccan Haus?”
“It’s a unique and magical place.” Luna meant it, too.
Dana nodded. “Have you done some of the classes or treatments?”
While Luna shared her positive experience with Selena, her attention continued to drift to the tall man at the bar. Nate was always the tallest in the room. At one point, Nate and Rekkus were leaning in, heads close together, and they seemed to be in an intense discussion. When their drinks were ready, Nate pointed to the felt table before he picked up his glass. Rekkus collected two drinks and headed to their table. He handed one amber-colored glass to Luna, and then took a sip of the other, darker liquid. Nate crossed the room to where the werewolves played pool. He dug into his pocket and pulled out a palm of coins, which he then placed in a stack on the edge of the table.
“What’s he doing?” Luna asked.
Rekkus briefly glanced over. “He’s indicating he wants the next game. Do you play pool?”
“No, do you?” Luna glanced between them. She caught the sly look Dana gave her husband.
Rekkus shrugged. “From time to time.”
Nate returned and slid into the chair beside her. “They’re almost done.” He tipped his head in the direction of the pool table. “Then, I will show you how to play.”
Fifteen minutes later, her half-full glass forgotten, she stood with a narrow stick in her hand, running her fingers over the green felt.
“Stand back while I break,” Nate said.
She retreated three steps. Nate leaned his sculpted body carefully over the table. With an impressively loud crack, the balls scattered, two sinking into pockets. She watched with interest while he sank two more.
“Okay, your turn. You shoot the solid color balls. Hold your cue like this.” When she mimicked his hold, he said, “Good. Give it a try.”
She glanced across the room at Dana and Rekkus, but they weren’t watching. Instead, they’d returned to their board game. Time to choose a shot; Luna surveyed the felt field and the colorful orbs. Stalling, she tossed her mane of ebony hair over her shoulder and caught the eye of one werewolf. He was still ogling her like she was dessert. When she returned to her task, Nate was at her side.
“Here, lean in like this.” He guided her against his warm body to bend over the table. Feeling her behind pressed against his hard leg made her lose focus. His lips at her hair, he said, “Aim for the red one, but hit the white one right here.” His arm was wrapped around her, holding the cue stick, and he slightly forced the stick to almost tap the white ball to give her an exact target.
She clenched the pole in her hand and licked her dry lips. “I got it. Thanks.” When Nate stepped off, the air instantly cooled around her. The shot she delivered knocked balls into other balls, her turn ended. It was unexpected how much she enjoyed the game—and Nate’s company. She had to admit he’d lightened her spirits by making her laugh from his antics.
“You won!” He held up his hands in defeat.
“What? How could I have won with all my balls still on the table?”
“I scratched. If a player sinks the white ball while shooting at the eight ball, they automatically lose.”
“Nate, you did that on purpose.” She pressed her lips together and flared her nostrils in mock frustration.
“No, beautiful, you won fair and square. Do you want to play again?” He undressed her with smoldering eyes. She read what he wished to do instead of another game of shooting pool.
“I think one game is enough.”
He flashed his teeth at her concession before they carried the pool cues to the hanging rack on the wall. Two of the four wolf shifters who played before them took the cues off their hands and started a new game. The other two shifters headed for the door.
Luna and Nate returned to the table where Dana was folding up the board game.
“Who won?” Nate picked up his glass and sucked down a healthy swallow.
“I did.” Dana smiled.
“I didn’t know you were into playing Monopoly. Isn’t pool more your thing?” Nate raised an eyebrow at Rekkus and grinned. It was clear as day the man hated the long, drawn-out, and tedious game.
The large man shrugged. “My wife likes to play.”
Rekkus was all hard muscle, discipline, and testosterone, but, when he looked at his wife, there was softness in his expression. Dana, smiling at him, knew she had it good. A wash of longing to belong to someone filled Luna, followed by a deluge of envy.
“So, you seem to know each other. Have you been to the island before?” Luna asked Nate.
“Yes, I was injured and came here to recover—but it was a long time ago.” Nate shrugged one shoulder and downed the last of his drink. “Can I get anyone another drink?” He took drink orders and headed for the bar.
So, he confessed. However, she wanted to ask about his injury and if he was okay from it, but he’d slipped away, evading two of the many questions she had. How did you get so chummy with a man like Rekkus if you’d stayed only once before? Why didn’t you mention you have been here before? What was this mysterious injury? Who are you, Nathaniel Quinn?
When he returned, the conversation flowed, but Luna got quiet. She plastered her charming, youthful smile to her face, but her mind raced as she examined Nate’s every word and mannerism, trying to find clues. When the pool table freed, Nate invited Rekkus to play. Luna swore she saw Rekkus crack a smile.
“Do you mind if Dana keeps you company for a bit?” Nate leaned in close to her. “We can leave after this. Maybe go for a walk?”
“I’m fine. Good luck.” Playing at this normalcy, two couples hanging out together gave her angst as she tried desperately to fit in. She found it difficult to relax and enjoy the time in this room, and, for that matter, her time here at the Wiccan Haus. She’d vowed to change, but she couldn’t have accounted for a man who claimed they were fated mates—a man who sent her pulse racing every time he was near. When he suggested they leave together, spending more time alone, she couldn’t think straight. It alerted her fight or flight instinct. She waited for Nate and Rekkus to engage in the game before she thanked Dana for a nice evening.
“Wait. You’re leaving without Nate?” Dana’s brows drew together.
“I’m getting tired. Could you tell him I’ll see him tomorrow?”
“Um. Of course. It was nice meeting you.”
“You, too.” Luna followed Dana’s glance toward Nate. The two men were engrossed in the game and what looked like playful banter. The room had filled over the past hour. Thankfully, she slunk out unnoticed.
Outside, the tang of the ocean teased her even this far inland. It mingled with the heavy scent of pine. She longed for a swim and so headed toward the lake. Meandering along the lane, lost in thought, she startled at the snapping of a large twig. She slowed her pace, scanning the darkness of the trees. A man dashed out from the woods, skidding on the gravel and blocking her way. Though forced to stop, Luna showed no fear.
“Well, well. I think it’s time for dessert. Are you as sweet as you look?” asked the shirtless werewolf. His athletic body glistened with sweat in the filtered moonlight, and the hair around his ears hung in damp waves to his collarbones.
“I think you need to curb your sweet tooth before you lose your canines.”
He guffawed at their exchange of witty banter. “Maybe you’re right.” He pretended to consider something. “Yeah, you know, ever since I smelled you in the elevator, I started craving salt. I bet your skin tastes salty.”
“Why don’t you come closer and find out?” Her voice was cool and clear as the night air around them.
Suspicious, the werewolf glanced around, his nostrils flaring. After a long and silent moment, he asked, “Where’s your hairy friend?”
“Right. Here.” The words, growled low and menacing, filled the woods.
“What the hell!” The shifter wildly sniffed the air, trying to pinpoint the threat. Suddenly, he froze and stared over Luna’s head at the Sasquatch who uncloaked directly behind her.
She didn’t turn around; she only crossed her arms over her chest with a huff.
The shifter held up a palm. “I was just out for a moonlit run. I’m leaving now.” He turned tail and ran.
Luna pivoted and lifted her chin, meeting Nate’s glower. She gulped. She’d never seen this hard, warrior before. The cords in his neck stuck out like tree roots. But still, his menacing, sobering demeanor wasn’t going to deter her. “Nate—”
“Why did you leave without me? You never know who can be in these woods—especially on the night of a full moon.”
“It’s considerate of you to care, but you don’t need to follow me around. I can take care of myself.”
“What were you going to do? You’re bound not to sing.”
“Sing! How do you know?” she asked, stunned. “What did Cemil tell you? Is that why Rekkus watches me?”
Nate shrugged. “It’s forbidden. No harm shall come to the guests at the Wiccan Haus. Besides, not all paras are so affected by your songs.”
“Thanks for the slogan and the warning. And singing isn’t my only weapon.” Being protected was a worthy notion, but his sneaky process bordered on overbearing. He’d pushed her to the point of no return. She felt undignified, but justified, with what she was about to do. In a swift motion, she unhinged her jaw, yawned impossibly wide, and exposed her razor-sharp teeth. Just as quickly, she snapped her mouth shut and swirled away.
She expected to hear him renounce his claim about them being fated mates. She couldn’t face him—to see his appalled expression would be her undoing. However, he wasn’t backpedaling.
“I know you are capable, Luna. It’s just….”
She peeped at him over her shoulder when he hesitated.
He ran his hand through his hair. “I thought we were making headway. I thought you were having fun…and then I looked up to see you walking out the door.” His cold, hard expression altered, and contrition filled his features.
A pang of guilt settled like a stone in the pit of her belly. “I did have fun. And I like spending time with you.” She longed to reach out to him, but, instead, she’d bared her teeth, hoping to convince him she could protect herself and he’d be better off without her. But he witnessed her inner monster—it hadn’t fazed him.
“Then what is holding you back?” he asked.
“I’ve belonged to another for so long, but I had to let go. It poisoned me.” She sighed. “I just think I’m on a solo journey now. I wish it could be different.”
“A solo journey is not your destiny.”
She dropped her gaze to her dirt-covered toes with a heavy sigh, resolved not to continue the subject. “I’m going for a swim. Good night, Nate.” She continued on the path but called over her shoulder, “Don’t follow me.”