Ice Moon (7 page)

He slid an arm around my back, but didn’t pull me close. I trembled, aching for the comfort of an embrace. It had been years since my last hug, since I allowed someone to touch me.

“This has to stay between us.”

“Just between us.” He leaned closer, barely brushing his lips to my forehead.

I lifted my chin to see his face, his mouth dangerously close to mine. “I’d kiss you if I could,” I whispered.

Jared’s breath caressed my skin. “I have other shirts.”

I smiled, and kissed him.

Chapter Ten

Jared

H
er lips were soft and warm. I wanted to pull her tight against me, to feel her heart pounding with mine, but I didn’t. If we had another fire incident, she might never kiss me again. For now, I let her take the lead. Her tongue brushed my lips in a cautious exploration that had me growling deep and low into her mouth as the kiss deepened.

Her hand slid up my thigh, and gradually, I noticed the heat rising. Stealing one last slow peck, I rested my forehead on hers. “Might be as far as we get tonight.”

She pulled back, staring at the discolored spot on my jeans where her hand had been. I caught her chin raising her face to meet my eyes. “No beating yourself up.”

“I’m sorry.”

I shook my head. “I’m not.”

“How can you be so calm about all this?”

I was 99.9% sure if I brought up werewolves right now, any progress I’d made with my mate would be out the window. “I Googled Pyrokinesis, so I’m kind of an expert now.”

She smiled, rolling her eyes. “I was being serious.”

“I know.” I took a breath, reminding myself I had promised to level the field between us. “You’re not the only one with…issues. While we’re sharing secrets, I think I owe you one.”

Her smile faded. “First, I have a confession to make.” She shifted on the couch, but didn’t move away. “While you got the pizza, I stumbled across Tank’s service dog card.”

I raised a brow. “Stumbled across it
inside
my glove box?”

“I said it was a confession. That implies some guilt, right?”

I chuckled. “True.” I took a deep breath, my pulse racing. Too bad Tank wasn’t with me now. “Having him around relieves some of my anxiety issues.” I cleared my throat, loathing my weakness. “I dropped out of medical school because I have claustrophobia. Bad. I couldn’t explain it to my family, so it’s been a secret festering inside me a few years now. Tank senses when I’m upset, and having him in my truck with me helps me control the panic when I drive.”

“That’s why you didn’t want to ride in my car.”

I nodded. “Also why I don’t roll my window up on my truck. I need the air or I can’t breathe.”

My fingertips tingled, my chest constricting, shorter shallow breaths.
Ah fuck
. I got up and leaned against the open French doors, hoping the cool breeze would ease the anxiety swelling inside of me. I’d never said the word claustrophobia out loud to anyone who wasn’t a paid shrink before.

It never occurred to me my body would react so strongly to my admitted flaw.

Taryn came over, standing on the other side of the doorframe. Her scent filled my lungs, soothing my torment. “Since you made it into medical school, I’m guessing the claustrophobia kicked in during college?”

“Yeah.” Smart woman. Mine. I wished I was stronger for her, less broken. I wished plenty of things. Finally, I met her gaze.

“I had a girlfriend, Bailey.” Just saying her name ripped at the wound that never healed. Jesus, I could almost smell the reek of death, choking me. No escape. Blackness danced at the edge of my vision. Fuck.

Her arm slid around my waist as my balance faltered. “Let’s get to the fireplace.”

I sat on the hearth, struggling to slow my breathing. Taryn went back to the kitchen. Ice cubes clanked into a glass before I realized she’d touched me when she helped me sit down. No fire, no burns.

With a glass of iced water in hand, she settled in beside me. “When I couldn’t control the Pyrokinesis anymore, I had a few panic attacks myself. Sometimes cold water helps.”

I took the glass, shaking my head. “Sorry. I’ve never talked about this out loud. Didn’t expect it to hit me this hard after so many years.”

She nudged me with her shoulder. “Welcome to my world.”

I took a swallow and huffed out a breath. “Our world sucks.”

She stared into the distance. Her voice soft enough I probably wouldn’t have heard her if I weren’t a werewolf. “Charlie is the only reason I go on.”

The raw pain, the emptiness in her tone, froze me where I sat. What had she endured? Kilani had told me Taryn couldn’t ignite fires with her mind when she dropped out of school. What changed?

I set the glass aside and risked taking her hand. “I’m glad you did.”

She turned, her gaze wandering over my face. “You make me wish for things I can never have. You terrify me.”

“Don’t say never.” I lifted her hand to my lips, kissing the back of her fingers. “We’ll figure this out, but you can’t give up.”

“Why do you care? We haven’t spent much time together, and I wasn’t very friendly for most of it.”

I opened my mouth and stopped myself. I couldn’t tell her she was my mate, my one love for this lifetime, but in thinking back, when she started to occupy a spot in my heart, I hadn’t touched her yet. I hadn’t known.

“That first day when we met, when I gave you my estimate for the deck project and you wouldn’t shake my hand…” I laced my fingers with hers. “There was something sad and lonely in your eyes. I knew all about your reputation, your nickname the Ice Queen, but that wasn’t who I saw that day. When I looked into your blue eyes, I saw a princess locked away in a tower, a prisoner. I wanted to set you free.”

I chuckled and shook my head. “Then I met Charlie and holy shit. I never thought about kids before, didn’t realize there was a hole inside of me.” I brought my other hand up to my chest. “Teaching him to hammer a nail, seeing him giggle at dinner…” I cleared my throat. “When that deck is finished, I don’t want you and Charlie to walk out of my life.”

“You say that now, but in six months, when kissing me is still dangerous and the newness is worn off…” She pulled her hand free from my grasp. “You have no idea how hard it was to shield myself and Charlie from my powers. I can’t go through that again.”

I caught her chin, easing her gaze up to meet mine. “I’m sorry I wasn’t there to protect you when you needed me, but if you’ll trust me, just a little, we’ll figure this out.” I kissed her lips tenderly and rested my forehead to hers. “Don’t give up.”

She rolled her eyes, her mouth curving into a smile that buoyed my spirits. “Fine. We’ll go to the Masquerade.”

I laughed. In all the haze of anxiety tonight, I’d forgotten all about the damned Halloween party. “Deal. Do we need to dress up?”

She nodded and straightened up. “Yeah.”

“Any ideas?”

She stared at me for a long moment and started to grin. “How about Wolverine and Dr. Jean Grey?”

“X-Men?” I imagined her in the tight black spandex outfit and instantly other parts of me were eager to see her costume, too. “Sounds good to me. I’ll start growing out my sideburns.”

“I’ll find some costumes to rent.” She grinned and got up. “More pizza?”

A
fter I took Taryn back to her office to get her car, I followed her back to her place. Charlie was already asleep, but Tank was happy to see me. Sherri slipped out pretty quick, leaving Taryn and me alone.

“I guess I’d better get Tank home and fed.”

She came with me to the door. “Thanks for tonight. I’m sorry about dodging you before.”

“You’re worth the extra effort.” I pulled her close, paying attention to her temperature. Tentatively, she wrapped her arms around my waist, and gradually she relaxed against my chest.

I rested my cheek on top of her head and closed my eyes, breathing in her scent. In spite of her dangerous gift, and her eagerness to hide, it would be so easy to love her.

“You’re not burning me.”

She nodded. “Not yet.”

I laughed and kissed her hair. “Maybe I should go before I push my luck.”

She stepped back, staring up into my eyes. “You’ve given me hope.” She ran her hand up my chest. “I don’t know how to thank you for that.”

I grinned. “You can start by taking my calls.”

“Deal.”

I stole one more kiss, and walked Tank out to the truck. She waved and closed the door, and I boosted my dog into the cab.

“Thanks for watching over Charlie tonight, boy.”

Tank lumbered across the bench seat so I could get in. I navigated the Mt. Rose highway trying not to notice my deep, slow breathing. If I consciously thought about not panicking, it sometimes brought the fucking anxiety on like a signed invitation. The two lane highway was tough enough without a racing heartbeat and constant fear of losing consciousness.

My entire life I’d taken my easy-going nature for granted. I hadn’t realized how tenuous peace in your soul could be. Mine had died in the blizzard with Bailey.

I didn’t get to tell Taryn everything, my anxiety saw to that, but she didn’t seem to see it as a weakness like I did.

Once we were home, and Tank was eating, I called Adam.

“Sorry it’s so late.”

“Not a problem.” His voice had the gravelly rumble of sleep, but my Alpha was wide awake now. “Did you find something out?”

“Yeah, but not what we were looking for.”

He sighed. “Okay. What is it?”

“I was in Taryn’s real estate office tonight…and I caught the scent of a jaguar.” All night I’d tried to stay focused on my mate, refusing to let anything come between us, but there was no way I’d be able to sleep without relaying the potential danger.

“Shit.” Just a second. A door clicked. Footsteps. “What the hell do you mean? A jaguar is sniffing around Lake Tahoe where we’ll all be shifting in a few days?”

I sat on my couch and closed my eyes. “Exactly.”

“Fuck. You think it’s Nero? Or could we have a stray cat in our territory?”

“Your guess is as good as mine. The only one I’d recognize is Sebastian and it wasn’t him.”

Adam growled, deep and dangerous: an Alpha. “We never found Damian’s body.”

“After being shot twice a couple of weeks ago, I doubt he’d wander back into our territory. If he lived, then he’s still wounded. It’d be too risky.”

“Or he’s not thinking straight.” Adam sighed. “I’m coming up there tomorrow morning. I’ll bring Aren with me. Maybe we can track him.”

“I’ll be up there, too.” I swallowed hard, forcing my words out. “He was in her office, Adam. Whoever he is, he’s dangerous and he’s been with my mate.”

He was quiet for a moment. “Did you tell her yet?”

“About werewolves?” I shook my head with a sad chuckle. “No, I was lucky to get her to talk to me again
.
”

Adam was walking again. “Sometimes you have to take a risk and hope for the best.”

“I’ll protect her and Charlie, and when the time is right, I’ll tell her everything.”

Adam groaned. “The right time needs to be soon. And find Charlie’s twin. If Nero is sniffing around up in Tahoe, it can’t be a coincidence.”

“Maybe Lana can call Sebastian.”

“That snake made it pretty clear last time I saw him that he’s not our ally. He’ll protect Lana and the twins, but that’s it. Unless this is directly connected to my family, he won’t help us.”

“There’s got to be a way for me to figure out who was there yesterday.”

“The sooner the better. I don’t want the Pack shifting up there if Nero is watching.”

The last time Nero had paid us a visit in Tahoe during the full moon, Adam’s father, Malcolm, was killed in the crossfire.

I cleared my throat. “Let me know if you guys find anything. I’ll keep you posted if I get a name.”

“Be careful, Jared.”

“You, too.”

I hung up, my palms clammy. Tank wandered over and sat at my feet. “Why’d it have to be a jaguar, boy? Don’t I have enough shit keeping me from my mate? Does Nero have to get involved too?”

Growling, I got up from the couch. If Nero threatened my mate or her son, no one would be able to cage the beast inside of me. It wasn’t anxiety that had my body tense and my hands trembling. It was rage.

Pure, undiluted, animalistic fury.

Chapter Eleven

Taryn

M
adison poked her head in my office door. “Morning, Ms. Goldstone. Do you have a minute?”

I glanced up from the listings spread across my desk. “Sure. Come on in.”

The shock on her face reminded me how much had changed in a single night. This morning the world seemed brighter. It wasn’t just that I’d kissed Jared without burning him, but the hope he’d somehow kindled inside of me. The rest of my life didn’t have to be lived at a distance. If I could figure out how to contain the fire again, I could hug my son, be a part of his life instead of a spectator.

And I could go to the Masquerade. With a date. A real date.

God, I sounded like I was seventeen again.

She sat across from my desk, her iPad firmly in hand. “I’m just tying up loose ends for the Masquerade next weekend.”

“Speaking of, can you rent me a couple of costumes?”

Her face brightened. “Of course!” She shifted her attention, her fingers flying on the iPad screen, finally she glanced my way. “Okay I’m ready. What do you need?”

“Wolverine and Dr. Jean Grey.”

“X-Men! I love it.” She grinned. “You found a Wolverine?”

I nodded, surprised to find myself aching to tell her all about Jared. “Actually, I did.”

“Can’t wait to see you two. You’ll make an awesome Jean Grey.”

We finished up her final details for lighting and a new deejay. She popped out of my office as quickly as she had showed up. I tried to go back over the listings for Mr. Severino, but my focus was scattered. According to the clock, I had about an hour before he’d be here. I had time.

Sherri answered on the second ring. “Goldstone residence.”

“Hey Sherri, it’s me.”

“Ms. Goldstone. Is something wrong?”

For the first time in years, everything felt right. “No. I wondered if Charlie has a soccer game Saturday.” I glanced at the calendar and corrected myself. “Tomorrow…I’d like to go if I can.”

She was silent.

“Sherri?”

She laughed, a smile plain in her voice. “Oh, he would love that! Yes, his game is at one o’clock tomorrow.”

I put the time into my cell phone. “Please don’t tell him, just in case I can’t make it. I’d rather just surprise him.”

“Sure thing.”

I hesitated, struggling to keep my tone from giving too much away. Sherri was the only one who knew I’d been out with Jared, but she also knew me well enough not to prod for details.

“Is Jared there?”

“Yes. He’s in back. Do you want me to get—”

“No.” I closed my eyes and shook my head. “No. I was just curious.”

I hurried off the phone before I embarrassed myself any further, and got lost in the potential properties for Damian Severino. I narrowed them down to three strong possibilities and set appointments. By the time he came in, I was ready.

I clipped all the listings to my board and headed out to the reception area. “Good to see you, Mr. Severino.”

His dazzling white teeth flashed as he stood up. “Please, call me Damian.”

“Damian.” I tucked the clipboard under my arm. “Give me a second to grab my keys and we’ll get on the road.”

“May I?” He gestured to the listings.

“Oh, sure.” I held the clipboard out, but his hand covered mine on the edge for a moment. I pulled my hand free, hoping he wouldn’t acknowledge the accidental contact.

“You have soft hands.”

Deep inside, I cringed. He was wealthy, powerful, and handsome, but none of that mattered. All my newly awakened infatuation was stored up for the carpenter building my deck. Plus there was something about Damian that made me nervous. When he smiled, his eyes didn’t shine. It was too practiced, too perfect.

I buried my emotions and called upon my trusty aloof business façade, my second skin. “Good to hear my weekly manicures are worthwhile.”

Once I was safe inside my office, I grabbed my purse and cell phone, shaking off the awkward contact. I returned to my client, keys in hand. “Ready to go?”

He nodded and handed me my listings. “I’m looking forward to it.”

I was careful to avoid his hand this time. We headed out into the brisk sunshine. As I drove to the first listing, my usually silent client turned my way.

“Do you live in this area?”

“I’ve worked up here for almost ten years.”

“Not exactly what I asked, but I appreciate your expertise.”

My grip on the wheel tightened a little. “Thank you. I don’t think there’s another agent in Tahoe who understands this market better than I do.”

I gave the Escalade a little more gas, suddenly very eager to get out of the car. It might’ve been the unwelcome touch from earlier, but his questions made me uncomfortable.

“So you’re not a native, then.”

I made a left turn, keeping my focus forward. “Does that make any difference?”

“No. Just making small talk.” I wished he’d stop. “I like to know the person I’m dealing with before I commit a large sum of money into their hands.”

“I’m happy to answer any questions about Goldstone Properties.”

“But not about yourself.”

At the red light, I finally glanced his way. “I keep my personal life far from my business.”

His lips twitched, but he didn’t show off his well-practiced smile. “I can relate to that.”

Good. I had zero desire to find out about his private life. Thankfully the first property was on the right. I drove in and parked. We got out and he sized up the multi-level home.

“This looks promising.”

I sent up a silent prayer that he’d make an offer on this one and we could avoid spending more awkward car time together. “I think it’ll be perfect for your needs.”

We went inside, and this time I toured it with him, pointing out all the features he’d requested. Security system, bedrooms upstairs, full kitchen, deck for entertaining, and even the underground, fully insulated wine cellar he insisted he needed.

He stood too close to me in the kitchen. I glanced at the lake through the sliding glass door, centering myself while he stared at my profile like an unwanted caress.

“I’m impressed, Ms. Goldstone. This property seems perfect.”

I took a step away before turning in his direction. “I’m glad you like it. Are you ready to put in an offer?”

He nodded, encroaching into my personal space again. “Yes.” His gaze lowered to my mouth and back up. “I’d like to offer to take you out for a celebration dinner.”

I scooted back again, but my rear bumped into the countertop. There was nowhere left to go. My heart raced. “I’m sorry. I don’t mix business and pleasure.”

“That’s a pity.” He rested his hand on mine. “You look like you could use some pleasure.”

Heat scorched through my veins before I had a chance to pull away. He yanked his hand back, rubbing his palm with a frown. I held my breath, straightening my jacket and praying he didn’t have a burn or blister.

I walked away from the corner of the kitchen. “We should get back to the office so I can get the offer submitted tonight.”

He stared at his hand, then glanced at me with a puzzled expression.

“Are you all right, Mr. Severino?”

“Damian.”

I cleared my throat. “Damian.”

He rubbed his palm again and straightened. “My hand was hot, but it seems to be fine now.”

“Strange.” I hoped I sounded convincing. “I’m glad you’re okay. Ready to go?”

He nodded and headed for the Escalade. I yanked out my cell phone, my fingers trembling as I hit the button for my office. Relief swamped me when Ray answered the phone.

“Hi, Ray, we’re on our way back to write up an offer. Can you wait for us?”

“Sure.” He paused, lowering his voice. “Everything okay?”

“Everything’s fine, I just…” Damian waited by my car, turning his hand over and examining it. “I’d rather not be alone with this one.”

He didn’t hesitate. “I’ll be right here.”

“Thanks, Ray.”

I dropped my phone into my coat pocket and locked up.

After pulling into traffic, I turned up the radio a little, hoping it’d keep conversation to a minimum.

“I apologize if I made you uncomfortable. Subtlety isn’t one of my strong suits. When I see something I want, I go after it.”

I blurted out, “I’m seeing someone.”

“I’m not surprised.” He stared out the window. “But I hope you’ll keep your options open. Don’t settle.”

What was this guy’s problem? “I’m happy with my
options
.”

“I purchased a ticket for the Masquerade.”

I reminded myself a large part of the ticket sales went to charity. “Then I will see you there.”

“I suppose I’ll also meet your
someone
as well.”

I couldn’t get back to the office fast enough. “Yes, he’ll be with me.”

“Good.”

I had no idea what that meant, and no longer gave a shit about this deal, I just wanted to get this guy out of my Escalade. My palms were sweating on the wheel. Hot. I glanced at the steering wheel and my stomach dropped. It wasn’t sweat between my fingers. The vinyl was melting, pliable.

Oh crap.

I cranked up the air conditioner, in spite of the cool fall temperature outside, praying the blast of cold air would calm the fire.

“Is everything okay?”

Just hearing his voice grated on my frayed nerves. “Yes. I’m just warm with my jacket on, that’s all.”

I parked in front of my office. Ray opened the glass doors and came out. Bless that guy. He’d worked for me for five years now. I’d never been friendly, but he was right there when I needed him.

“Welcome back, Ms. Goldstone. You have a call waiting.”

Oh thank god.

“Can you help Mr. Severino to the conference room?”

Ray nodded and headed over to intercept Damian while I hustled through the glass doors. Sitting in my leather executive chair, my nerves calmed, the heat cooling. I hit the blinking line on my desk phone.

“This is Ms. Goldstone.”

“Hey Taryn. It’s Jared.” The sound of his voice soothed the brewing panic.

“Hi. Is everything okay?”

“Yeah.” He paused. I pressed my lips together to keep from interrupting. “Charlie is bugging me to stay for dinner. I didn’t want to surprise you with anything.”

I smiled, closing my eyes and picturing him in my mind. “I’d like that.”

“Do you care if I let Sherri head home? I thought I’d cook.”

He could cook, too? I almost pinched myself. “Sure. I should be home in an hour.”

“Perfect.” Charlie whooped in the background and my eyes brimmed with tears. “I think your boy is excited.”

“Sounds like it. Will you remind him about his homework?”

“Already done, Mom!” He yelled. How did he hear that? Charlie always claimed he could hear things he shouldn’t be able to, but I’d written it off as an overactive imagination.

“Okay, I’ll see you guys soon.”

Jared told Charlie to run and let Sherri know, then he lowered his voice. “Taryn?” I loved hearing him say my name.

“Yes.”

“Thanks.”

“For what?”

“For having a little faith in me.”

I wasn’t sure what to say. I opened my mouth to reply, but stopped myself.

“Are you still there?”

I nodded and then chuckled. “Yes, I’m here.”

“Didn’t mean to scare you.”

“You didn’t. I’m just not used to smiling so much.” I glanced at the clock. “I better get this deal done. See you soon.”

I placed the phone on the cradle and grabbed my Offer to Purchase form and pens. Ray and Damian were chatting when I came in and sat down.

Ray stood. “I still have a couple of things to finish and I need to be home in time to tuck the kids in.”

“Thanks Ray.” And I meant it. I owed him for sticking around until Damian Severino was out of the building.

We hammered out the details in just over a half hour. I double-checked the form and collected the pens. “I’ll submit this first thing in the morning and let you know when we hear back from the owner.”

“Thank you.” He waited, but I didn’t extend my hand. I didn’t trust myself not to burn him.

I stood up and forced a smile. “Sorry for keeping you late, but I think it’ll be worth it when you own that amazing place on the lake shore.”

He got up and nodded. “I look forward to hearing from you.”

He left the building and I finally released the breath I’d been holding.

Ray came up front. “So what happened?”

I shrugged. “I got a strange vibe. I think he wanted to invite me to the Masquerade.”

“Madison said you’re going this year.”

I nodded and turned to face him. “I am.”

His eyes widened and I laughed.

Ray shook his head. “I don’t know if I’ve ever heard you laugh before
.
”

“Hopefully, it won’t be the last.”

He smiled. “I’m going to head home. You can lock up?”

“Yes, I’ve got it.”

Ray left and I locked up behind him. I’d never been in a hurry to get home before either. I tried to stay within the speed limit, but the blue tinge of the halogen headlights on the car behind me weren’t helping. I angled my mirror, and prayed he’d go straight every time I made a turn. But he never did. In fact, I couldn’t shake the feeling this guy was following me.

By the time I pulled in my driveway, I half expected the car riding my tail to follow me, but it continued down the street. I got out and watched the taillights fade into the distance.

“Hey, Mom.”

I turned to find Charlie and Jared at the door, smiling, and my knees wobbled. Never in my best dreams did I imagine I’d see my son so happy, and an incredible man who knew my secret and made me dinner anyway.

“Hi, guys.” I grabbed my purse and my attaché and headed for the house.

My house smelled amazing. “Wow. What are you guys cooking?”

Jared grinned. “Charlie said his favorite was mac and cheese, but he’d never had it baked with bacon. Had to change that.”

“Smells delicious.” My stomach grumbled in agreement.

“And Mom, I’m cooking the green beans!” Charlie carefully stirred the long green beans with garlic in the frying pan.

“Thanks for making dinner, you two. I’m going to get changed. Be right back.”