Moon Point, 1

 

Elyzabeth M. VaLey

 

Copyright © 2017

 

 

 

Chapter One

 

Sisu wiped the counter with the worn rag. He made a mental note to check the inventory for some new ones, for although Moon Point was not the best bar in the city, it still belonged to him.

He took in the rowdy environment. A group of men played darts in the corner. Others debated enthusiastically with a mug of mediocre beer in their hands and a tray of greasy, half-eaten food on the table. Scattered in dark, secluded corners, couples made out. Red Hot Chili Pepper’s California started to play and drunken voices joined in singing the chorus.

Sisu took a deep breath. Alcohol. Fritters. Heavy perfume. Sweat. Smoke. Wet dog. The place stunk. Yet, even though he only came once a month, it still smelled like home. He owned three other businesses now, all of them of better quality, but Moon Point would always be his favorite joint. His roots were here, in this place, within this gritty neighborhood.

“Get me another, will you?”

Lee, his friend and Moon Point’s manager, waved an empty mug in front of his face. Sisu took the glass and refilled it.

“I should charge you, you know?” Sisu said.

Lee cocked his head and gave him his standard Hollywood smile. Batting lashes included. Sisu rolled his eyes. The list of men who had fallen for that face was endless.

“Consider it part of payment,” Lee said.

Sisu raised his eyebrows.

“Are you sure?” he asked.

Lee laughed. “Never mind, it’d cost you too much.”

“Indeed it would.” Sisu tended to another customer and then returned to Lee’s side. “What I don’t understand is what you’re doing here on your day off.”

“I could ask you the same question. When was the last time you relaxed?” Lee said.

Sisu shrugged.

“See? Besides, this is a great place to be. Free drinks, free food, and entertainment. What more does a man need?”

“I wouldn’t mind me some pussy,” Sisu said.

“Make it some cock, and I’ll agree.” Lee smirked. He waggled his eyebrows suggestively. “Wanna have some fun?”

Sisu opened his mouth to retort when a cool draft brushed the hairs on the back of his neck. He glanced toward the entrance and froze.

A couple walked into the room. The man was tall, scrawny, and reeked of human, but the woman was something different. His mouth watered. Even within the hundreds of smells permeating Moon Point, he could pick out her scent. Sweet, like ripe strawberries. Tempting, like fresh mango fruit. He sniffed the air. There was something else. Musky. Piquant. Delicious.

The wolf within him surged, slamming against his chest. Sisu gasped. What the hell? He shook his head and took in a measured breath. The woman’s fragrance wrapped around him. His insides burned as his beast fought for release. Shifting was prohibited in the bar. He clenched his teeth and grabbed the countertop. A single word popped into his mind.

Mine.

Sisu snarled. The rhythm of his heart changed into a frantic beat. His nails dug into the wood.

My mate.

Desire pumped through him. His cock hardened. Every cell in his body screamed for her. She was his. Regardless of her name, her precedence, her past, or her present.

Mine.

“Sisu,” Lee whispered. “What’s wrong?”

“Her.” He ground out the words, unable to tear his gaze from the pair. The man tugged the woman by the hand. She walked a step behind him, twisting the strap of her purse and keeping her head bowed.

Fear.

It rolled off in waves from her. His woman.

Sisu growled. He would kill the man who harmed her. His teeth pricked his bottom lip as they transformed. The wolf within him howled in victory.

“Sisu.” Lee grasped his forearm in a punishing grip. “I don’t know what the fuck is happening, but I can imagine. Look at me.” The puma shifter gripped his chin, forcing him to obey. “You need to calm down, now. People are looking at you. Besides, you’ll just scare her if you go over like a caveman.” Urgency danced within his green irises. “Close your eyes. Inhale through your nose, exhale through your mouth.”

Sisu swallowed. At the back of his mind, he knew Lee was right.

“Embrace the knowledge of finding your mate, but don’t let the animal control you. You’re not a pup anymore. You are stronger than that.” Lee spoke in soft undertones. “Corner him. Bury him deep within your soul. You don’t know anything about the girl. She doesn’t smell like a shifter. You need to let the human part of you do the work.”

Sisu followed Lee’s orders. Gradually, the wolf receded. He took one last shaky breath and opened his eyes. Lee smiled at him.

“Welcome back.”

“Thanks,” Sisu said. The corner of his lips lifted.

Lee chuckled. “You look like an idiot in love.”

Sisu scowled. He ran his fingers through his hair. “Damn it, Lee. What do I do?”

Lee raised his hands in a sign of defeat. “Hell am I supposed to know?”