Crimson Moon (12 page)

Angry, I snapped, “No, I will not take it off. What am I—a stripper?"

I was tired of being in the dark about everything and it was something I was about to rectify immediately. No more inside jokes.

"Derek, you damned instigator!” Billy yelled, standing up and walking around the couch to me. “Listen darlin',” Billy said consolingly, patting my shoulder. “That shirt you have on is covered in Derek's scent."

Frowning, I reached down and brought the shirt to my nose, cautiously smelling the cotton. I couldn't detect anything but detergent and dryer sheets. I cleared my nose and breathed in again, lifting my eyes.

Caleb was livid, his furious glare stopping me mid sniff.

By now, Derek was cackling with glee. I shot him an angry look and stalked back into the bathroom, slamming the door shut to emphasize my annoyance. I pulled off the shirt, digging the stained blouse out of the trash and yanking it back over my head. Caleb had some serious explaining to do. I opened the door and chucked the t-shirt back at Derek.

Caleb strode over to me and lowered his head, drawing in a deep breath and shooting Derek a murderous glare.

"I'll deal with you later,” he rumbled, throwing the towel at him and then grabbing my hand to lead me back upstairs.

"Ask him, Emma!” Derek yelled, his peals of laughter billowing off the walls.

Caleb remained close as I stomped up. The shirt was doubly itchy now, having found new tender surfaces to chafe. I stomped into the bedroom and crossed my arms over my chest, spinning around to face him. I hadn't been this angry in a
very
long time.

"You know,” I grated through clenched teeth, “I think in light of everything, I've been a pretty good sport. But this being on the outside, not knowing what in the world is going on, is pissing me off!"

Caleb closed the door behind him and walked to the closet, thrusting the door open and allowing me to see inside. A tall dresser was situated against the back wall, boxes efficiently stacked on top. Long rods ran along either side, clothes neatly positioned on the hanger. Jeans, shirts, slacks, polo's, and dress shirts were all tidily arranged within. He reached for a hanger, grabbing a black t-shirt and yanking it free before walking back out.

"Here.” He offered the shirt to me, clearly infuriated.

I held my ground, keeping my arms crossed over my chest and shaking my head. He was going to spill the beans, and he was going to do it
right now
. No more excuses.

"Emma,” he rumbled, eyes smoldering back at me.

"You can get as angry as you want, but until you explain, I'm not budging."

His determined face cracked a little. “Are you always so stubborn?"

"Don't tell me and you'll find out.” I sighed exhaustedly.

My anger had faded into a blistering annoyance. I felt fatigue coming on. It had been a very long day and I wasn't in the mood for games. Not from Caleb. Derek was bad enough.

"Fine, just change, please. I promise we'll talk."

I reached for the shirt, glancing around and trying to decide where to change.

"I saved you hot water,” he said quietly, waiting.

I was about to tell him exactly where he could shove that hot water, but then I thought about it. I was grimy. My hair was slightly poufy from the rain. And my body was spent. I could escape for a few minutes; alone for the first time since this morning. No way was I passing the opportunity up. A shower sounded like heaven.

"Where are the towels?"

He relaxed, shoulders no longer tense. “On the sink, I left one for you."

I walked to the door and opened it, observing Derek's buzzed head as it vanished from the bottom of the stairs.

Oh the nerve.

I was already formulating a plan of revenge against that one.

I walked into the bathroom, closing the door behind me. I almost twisted the small lock on the handle but shrugged instead. If they wanted in, a measly little piece of metal inside a brass knob wouldn't stop them.

As Caleb promised, a fluffy green towel awaited me on the sink. On top sat a brush, a newly wrapped bar of soap, and an unopened toothbrush.

I felt my resolve begin to crack. It was difficult to be angry at him when he was so thoughtful. I placed the soap onto the edge of the bathtub, preparing to relax inside the soothing hot water.

I pulled back the dewy plastic curtain covered in swimming fish and adjusted the faucets. I stripped down, stepping into the back, careful to avoid my bandaged arm. I eased into the heavy stream and sighed, the water felt better than I'd imagined.

I scrubbed myself clean, looking around and finding a lone bottle of shampoo. I emptied some of the thick liquid into my hand and scrubbed my hair, then rinsed it free of fragrant floral smelling bubbles. The bandage was wet and I decided to remove it, pulling it free from my arm. I was relived to discover the wound had closed. It didn't need stitches, but the scar it would leave behind was going to be nasty.

I stayed under the stream until the water turned cold. Then I turned the levers and pulled back the curtains, reaching for the towel. I wrapped the soft fuzzy cotton around my body, grasping the brush on the sink and pulling it through my too long hair. I toweled the excess water out when done, getting it as dry as possible, and slowly pulled on my clothes.

The shirt Caleb had given me was even larger than Derek's, the short sleeves dangling past my elbows and the long hem hanging to my knees. I pulled on my jeans and glanced in the mirror.

Fabulous.

I looked and felt like an exhausted hood rat.

I accepted I couldn't hide in the bathroom forever, hanging my damp towel over the rack and tossing my shirt into the small trash can. I switched off the light and walked back to the bedroom. Caleb was there waiting for me, just as I knew he would be.

"Would you shut the door?” he asked politely.

I did as he asked, pulling it closed before facing him again. I wasn't angry anymore, just incredibly drained and absolutely worn out.

"Sit down.” He motioned next to him before adding, “Please."

I took a breath in and let it out. I padded over to the bed, placing my shoes on the side before climbing up, resting my shoulder's against the headboard.

Caleb slid around to sit at the foot of the bed, pushing the leather jacket I'd placed there over and out of the way. “I don't know where to start,” he admitted anxiously.

I sighed. It couldn't be that bad. “Derek said to ask you, but I don't even know how to describe what I'm experiencing."

"I'm sorry about that,” he said apologetically. “This is new to me, too, if it's any consolation."

"And what exactly is ‘this', Caleb?” I asked, still slightly annoyed.

He hesitated for a moment before answering, “We call it bonding."

"Bonding.” I stared at him, the word leaving my mouth and hovering in the air.

"It's fine, really.” He grappled for the right words. “It just happens sometimes...between people."

I tried to keep from laughing. He had fought off two werewolves without hesitation, yet he couldn't find the courage to talk openly with me. I bit my lip to keep from grinning and failed.

He glanced up, scowling as he saw me. “I'm glad you think this is so funny, Emma,” he said, sounding positively furious.

"I don't!” I defended myself, stifling laughter. “It's just—you're always so confident until you're alone with me."

"Like I said.” His expression softened. “This is new for me as well."

"What does bonding mean, exactly?” I asked, withholding burgeoning laughter.

He didn't hesitate this time. “It means the wolf inside, as well as the man I am, have recognized you as a mate."

The laughter dissipated and I froze. The information was unexpected, even after a day like this one.

I reached for the Pepsi on the nightstand, cracking open the lid and taking several long swallows. It tasted all wrong but I hardly noticed. I placed it back on the nightstand and sat quietly.

I had nothing to reply with, no witty observation or snide remark.

"Emma?” he prodded gently, blue eyes full of concern.

"So the way I feel when I'm near you, the way I react, is it me?” I asked fearfully. Maybe that would explain the intense attraction.

"How many boyfriends have you had, Emma?"

"One, why?” I tried to ignore the gleam in his eye as I answered.

"And how did you feel, when you were with him?"

"I don't see how that is relevant."

I was not going to talk about Tom Hardy with Caleb.

No way.

"It's relevant because you're human, and experience regular emotions. Bonding just intensifies them."

I stared at the black comforter and thought about what he asked. Tom was nice looking, and I remembered butterflies in my stomach the first time we kissed. But it wasn't the same. The relationship didn't last long, if you could even call it a relationship. It was nothing in comparison to what I experienced with Caleb. More along the lines of comparing a briar patch with red stemmed roses.

"So that rush that happens...” Words escaped me as I remembered the heat that ran along my skin at his nearness, my heart thundering inside my chest.

Caleb moved across the bed, arms resting on either side of my body.

"This?” he asked, leaning close, brushing his nose along my cheek, down my jaw, and to my neck.

I felt the warm haze spread over me and smelled that intoxicating mixture of grass, wood and earth. I closed my eyes as my skin erupted in diminutive tremors. The world shifted beneath me and I resisted the urge to reach for him—to bring his face toward my own.

"This,” I breathed in acknowledgment, nodding my head slowly, dazed. He backed off, perching on the edge of the bed, watching as I tried to clear my head. I blushed, meeting his understanding eyes. “What is that amazing smell?"

He cocked an eyebrow and grinned. “Pheromones, they're released when we bond."

"So you can control my emotions?” The thought terrified me and it resounded in my voice.

"No, Emma. Don't even think that.” He shook his head and inched closer, “The pheromones will bring emotions to the surface, but only if they are already there in the first place."

"And you can't control my reactions either?” I asked, not totally convinced.

"You didn't respond to Derek,” he replied calmly.

"There wasn't anything to respond to but Tide!” I argued adamantly, “I would know. I sniffed the shirt!"

"Trust me, even when you took it off, his scent was all over you,” Caleb growled softly.

"So I wouldn't react to yours—” I considered what he was saying.

"Unless the underlying feeling is already there,” he finished for me, undoubtedly confident.

"And what about you, how is this for you?"

"More difficult than I imagined,” he conceded, sighing, “My protective nature has never been this strong."

"Is that what happened downstairs?” I thought about Derek's laughter, appreciating the joke even if what he did wasn't entirely funny.

"Having his scent on you, I didn't like it at all,” Caleb confessed, smiling rakishly.

"Does he always cause so much trouble?"

"Always, that's Derek.” He nodded and grinned. “Otherwise, I'd have thrown him through the wall."

I laughed, “He deserves serious payback."

"Don't worry, I'll tell Sarah.” His eyes glinted in anticipation.

"Sarah?"

"Sarah is Derek's girlfriend."

"Derek has a girlfriend?"

I couldn't believe it. Anyone who could put up with the practical jokes and those table manners had to be a saint. I remembered Derek approaching me outside the Pit, telling me they were equally fragile on the inside. Maybe he was more than the jokes, big mouth, and brawn.

"Where is she?” I asked.

"They're taking a break.” Caleb's voice dropped and I had to listen closely to catch the words.

"Why?"

"Because.” He leaned over me, voice hushed. “Derek hasn't bonded with her, and it's been months now."

I frowned. “But you said if the emotions were there it intensifies them."

"It does,” he whispered, adding solemnly, “If our wolf recognizes it and accepts it."

I tried to imagine loving someone that a part of you refused to love as well, only to wait and hope that given time, things might change. The amount of pain something like that would exert on someone was something I didn't want to comprehend.

"What about her?” I asked, positive she was experiencing the same heartache Derek was.

His lips lifted into a knowing smile. “Women, as you know, are fickle creatures."

"Hey, pal.” I gave him my most stern face but couldn't hold it, breaking into a smile. “Will his wolf accept her eventually?"

He shrugged. “I don't know, honestly. Since she's a werewolf, too, that's usually all it takes—if the attraction is there to start. Maybe deep inside the wolf knows something Derek doesn't."

"It's funny,” I said thoughtfully. “You refer to the wolf like it's a different person."

"In a way, it's both.” He considered it for a moment. “It's like a partnership, two sides working together but taking different stances on certain things. You can try to sway one side, but it doesn't always listen."

"Caleb?” I glanced up at him shyly. “You keep saying wolf, like, I don't know, an actual wolf. But at Haven's...Why do you call it a wolf?"

"I'll show you,” he promised with a grin.

"When?"

"I'll surprise you."

I reclined against the pillows and yawned. I wasn't sure what time it was, but I knew it was late.

The feathers surrounded my shoulders in an enticing softness and I let out an exhausted sigh. The bed wasn't only large and plush; it was also incredibly warm, inviting me to close my eyes. I resisted the temptation, forcing my heavy lids to remain open.

"You need to rest. You've had one hell of a day."

Caleb stood, walking to the bedside and pulling back the comforter. “Here, climb in."

"Wait.” I sat up, blushing. “Turn around."

He lifted an eyebrow but dutifully turned his body, facing the wall. I quickly stripped off my jeans and slipped underneath the blankets.