The Rise of Luna Inara (The Luna Queen Book 1) Page 3

  “Alright, son, follow your instincts, and let the bond pull you to her,” my father said.

  I could feel my wolf excitedly pacing back and forth inside me. He had run full speed to get here, desperate to be near our mate again. We walked into town as if we belonged there and strolled the streets waiting for the pull to become stronger. As we walked, I started to feel it faintly. We were getting closer. We continued to walk, letting the strength of the pull be our guide.

  We were guided to a small coffee shop, and the pull was intense now. We walked in and smelled freshly baked muffins and the delicious smell of caramel and rich coffee. Various plants sat on shelves throughout the shop, and their green tendrils trailed down against the red brick walls. My eyes searched the room, but I was disappointed when I didn’t spot her. I know she’s here, the pull is almost unbearable now. We ordered coffee and took a seat in a corner booth with my back to the wall so I could see the whole shop. I could barely contain my wolf now that we were so close. He was ready to claw out and claim our mate. Not yet, buddy--Not yet.

  Inara’s P.O.V.

  I came to the coffee shop to try to clear my head and work on my history project for school. I couldn’t stop thinking about the wolf and those eyes I saw yesterday. Why was I drawn into the woods? Did I imagine the whole thing? I ordered a latte and found a table near the windows. After setting my stuff down, I went to use the ladies’ room before I got started on my project. On the way back to my table I felt the same feeling in my chest as I felt in the woods yesterday. I looked around and found a man staring at me. Our eyes locked at once.

  “Mine!” We said the word in unison. Why did I just say that? Why can’t I look away from him?

  He swiftly got up from his booth and, while maintaining eye contact, he strode over to me. “Hello, Blossom,” he said softly. “My name is Beau.”

  I just stared at him, taking in his features and etching them in my brain. He was tall, about 6’9 if I was guessing, and well built if his biceps bulging from his t-shirt sleeve were any indication. He had jet black hair and a chiseled jawline. He took my hand and led me to his booth where an older gentleman sat. Something about him made me trust him and want to follow his every move. He gestured for me to sit and I did, scooting in so he could take the seat next to me. “Beau?” I asked hesitantly. “My stuff is at that table by the window.”

  He glanced over in that direction, then back at me. He smiled a sweet smile that made me melt. If I wasn’t already seated, I was sure I would sink to the floor in a puddle. “I’ve got it,” he said as he strode to the table and quickly gathered my things. He brought them back to our table, and I set them in the space between me and the wall. He sat down and looked at me. “I’m sorry, I didn’t catch your name, Blossom. Unless your name is actually Blossom, and you just assumed I somehow knew it.” He chuckled at that last part and I couldn’t help but giggle a bit.

  “No, my name is Inara. Do I know you from somewhere? Also, why do you call me blossom?”

  “Well it’s nice to meet you Inara,” he said with another smile. “As I said, my name is Beau. This is my father Garrett,” he said, gesturing to the man across the table from us.

  “Hello,” Garrett said, his smile similar to Beau’s.

  “Hi,” I answered back, returning the smile.

  “To answer your question,” Beau continued, “I called you blossom because that’s what you smell like.”

  “I think I’ll give you guys some privacy,” Garrett said. “It was very nice meeting you Inara. I hope to see you again soon.”

  “It was nice to meet you too,” I said. He walked over to the table where my things had been and sat down on his own.

  “Ok. So--This is weird right? What do you mean I smell like a blossom? I don’t use any lotions or perfumes. I didn’t stroll through a meadow today.” Beau just smiled at me like I was his whole world. I blushed and looked away, feeling a bit overwhelmed with my emotions. I didn’t even know him, but somehow everything felt right like I had found a piece of myself I didn’t know was missing. I felt his hand gently take hold of mine and I turned my face back to him.

  “Look, I know you have a lot of questions, and I will do my best to answer all of them. For now, will you accept that fate brought us together, and I would do anything for you? I know you feel a pull toward me because I feel it too. It’s called a mate bond. We were perfectly created for each other. The mate bond is what makes you smell like blossoms to me. Nobody else can smell it. A mate smells like their other half’s favorite smell. I love Spring, especially the smell of fresh flower blossoms in the air, so you smell like the most fragrant blossoms to me. It’s hard to resist if I’m being honest,” he said with a sly smirk. “OOO!” his eyebrows shot up. “What do I smell like to you?!!

  I giggled again. I couldn’t help it! It was so funny seeing this large, handsome, masculine man, ask me with such enthusiasm what he smelled like. “Was I supposed to smell you when we first met? I thought that was more of a second date thing,” I said, smiling playfully.

  He looked at me in shock, “OH! So this is a date! I should at least buy you lunch then.” He winked, and I fell for him, hook--line--and sinker. I blushed not knowing what to say. I have never found myself tongue-tied, but this man had me so flustered! “So, Blossom, you never answered my question. What do I smell like to you? Woodsmoke? Something manly right?!” He looked so hopeful I almost burst out laughing.

  “To be honest, I haven’t really smelled anything yet,” I said truthfully.

  He frowned at me. “Are you sure?” he asked, looking a bit crestfallen. “Maybe you need to come a bit closer and take a good whiff,” he said, winking at me and scooting so close I was almost in his lap.

  Oh! What is this man doing to me! I just want to jump in his arms and ride off into the sunset! To be honest, I had dirtier thoughts on my mind--so many dirty thoughts. What is wrong with me? I leaned in close, nuzzling my face in the crook of his neck, and took in a long breath.

  “SHUT UP!!” I said, looking at him like I just won the lottery. “You smell like freshly baked blueberry muffins!!” He laughed and pulled me in close again so my head rested on his chest just under his chin. We fit perfectly together like this spot was made for me.

  He pulled his head back slightly and looked down at me. “I’m so glad you didn’t say perfume or daisies,” he said chuckling. I giggled and pulled away slightly, letting my hands rest in his palms.

  “So, Beau, mind if I ask you a slightly strange question?”

  “Ask me anything, Blossom, I’m an open book,” he said smiling again. I don’t think this man ever stops smiling.

  “You weren’t walking in the woods near the nature preserve yesterday afternoon, were you? I felt this same pull when I was running there yesterday.” I searched his face hoping he didn’t think I was crazy.

  He slowly nodded. “Yes--I was there,” he said as his smile faded and was replaced with something I couldn’t quite decipher. Is that fear? Embarrassment?

  “So, what were you doing in the woods? Did you hear the howl?!” I asked, suddenly remembering the events of yesterday.

  He smirked at me, “Yes I heard it.” I sensed a bit of irritation in his voice, but I couldn’t figure out why.

  “Were you watching me?!” I asked, remembering the creepy feeling I had while running.

  His cheeks turned crimson and I already knew my answer. “Yes,” he said sheepishly. “I’m sorry, but I couldn’t help it! You were running so fast, and I just couldn’t stop staring!” Suddenly I remembered getting the same feeling while I was in a towel in my room that morning and several times before that.

  “So I guess you were watching me through my window too?! That’s kind of crossing a line if you ask me,” I said with a bit more accusation than I meant.

  He looked at me wide-eyed and threw his hands up. “Yesterday was the first time I’ve ever seen you. I swear. I would never watch you through your window! Well at least not without your consen
t,” he added, a devilish grin appearing on his face. I giggled and turned away, hiding my flushed cheeks. Damn, he’s good!

  “Why do you think someone was watching you through your window?” he asked, his voice taking on a more serious tone.

  “Well, I had just gotten out of the shower and was about to get dressed yesterday morning, when the hairs on the back of my neck stood up. I just had a strong feeling like someone was watching me from the woods outside my house. I tried to look, but the treeline was too far. It was probably just my imagination playing tricks on me, though. I’ve gotten that feeling several times before and nobody was there,” I said shrugging my shoulders. “Yesterday was the first time that feeling was right.” I smiled at him playfully. He smiled back, but it wasn’t as sincere as before. “What’s wrong?” I asked him.

  “What if someone really was watching you?” he said. “What if all those feelings were real?”

  I looked at him like he was crazy, but I couldn’t help feeling a bit frightened. “Why would someone want to look through my window? Also, the treeline is so far away they wouldn’t be able to see anything anyway unless they had binoculars.” He nodded and looked away slightly, his eyes appeared to glaze over a bit.

  A few seconds later he looked back at me, and a smile returned to his face. “My dad is going to head home soon. I think I’ll stay in town with you unless you’re busy today,” he said, his eyes willing me to tell him to stay.

  I glanced at my bag remembering my history project. “I was planning on getting a bit of homework done today, but it’s only Saturday. I can do it tomorrow,” I said grinning as his face lit up.

  “Perfect! Mind if we get out of here? Somewhere quieter?” he asked, looking around at the now crowded coffee shop.

  “Sure,” I said. “Do you have a place in mind?”

  “To be honest, this is my first time visiting Flint. Is there a spot you like to hang out? A place where we can get to know each other a little better?”

  I eyed him suspiciously, “Are you trying to find a makeout spot or a quiet place to talk?”

  He laughed at my judgement. “If I knew making out was on the table, I could’ve just done that here,” he said, leaning in so his face was an inch from mine and resting his forehead against my own. Without a second thought, I closed the gap between us and pressed my lips to his. He deepened the kiss, and everything around us faded away. I couldn’t even think anymore, I was acting on instinct and loving every minute of it.

  When we finally separated, I noticed his hands clenched into fists like he was fighting an urge. “What’s wrong?” I asked, suddenly painfully aware that I had just kissed someone I barely knew.

  “Nothing, Blossom,” he said as he slowly relaxed and un-balled his fists. He leaned forward and placed a warm kiss on my forehead. A rush of emotions bubbled up inside me, and I forgot his strange behavior. “So about this secluded place?” he asked, raising an eyebrow.

  “Oh, right,” I smiled. I turned and grabbed my purse and bag, and we slid out of the booth together. We stopped by Garrett on the way out the door and said goodbye.

  We walked outside and down the block toward my truck. His hand found mine effortlessly and I couldn’t help but grin. How does he do this to my heart?! When we reached my truck, I turned and pressed the unlock button on my key fob. He looked at me in shock, “This is your ride?”

  “Yes,” I said. “What? Girls can’t drive trucks?”

  He laughed, “No, I just expected something small and sporty like you. I guess I didn’t expect such a little girl to be driving such a big truck. What are you like 5’2”?”

  I glared at him, feigning hurt. “No! I’m 5’3” actually. The extra inch allows me to see over the steering wheel.”

  He laughed and raised his hands in defeat. “Ok! Ok! Sorry I ever doubted you! It will never happen again. Do you mind if I drive, though? You may not be able to focus clearly on the road. I can see how I make you feel.” He grinned playfully and slid in front of me, placing his hands on the truck on either side of my head. I sucked in a breath, feeling hot tingles racing across my body. I held up my keys, while our eyes stayed locked. He smiled, knowing he’d won, and snatched up my keys, placing a quick peck on my cheek.

  I was barely able to walk to the other side of the truck. I was in a haze. What is this man doing to me? I barely have control of my own body anymore. OK, Inara! You can’t fall this easy for him. You need to get to know him first. What if he’s a serial killer for God's sake!

  I pulled myself up into the passenger seat and buckled up. “Alright, Blossom, just tell me where to go,” he winked, and I about lost it again.

  “Just head straight until the second lights, then take a left. You can follow that road out of town and I’ll let you know when to turn from there.” We headed off and he did as instructed. As we were heading out of town, he glanced at me, “So where am I taking us?”

  “My house,” I shrugged. “It’s out in the country and my parents are visiting friends in the next town over.” I suddenly had a terrifying thought and looked at him in disbelief. Cursing myself I said, “Shit--I probably shouldn’t have said that. Maybe we should decide on a different spot. It was the only place that I knew would be quiet and I knew we could talk uninterrupted--” I trailed off not wanting to admit my fear to him.

  Sensing my uneasiness, he slowed down a bit. “We can go somewhere else if you really want to. I mean, I promise we’ll just talk if that’s what you want. It’s not like I’m a serial killer or something,” he laughed, clearly trying to make me more comfortable. It only slightly eased my fears.

  “That’s exactly what a serial killer would say,” I narrowed my eyes and smirked at him.

  He pulled the truck over while slowing to a stop. After parking and flipping on the hazards, he looked me straight in the eyes. “Inara, I want you to know, I would never intentionally hurt you. You are my mate, my perfect half. My main goal in life now is to protect you and make you happy. Do you trust me?”

  I slowly nodded my head while staring into his intense gaze. “I do,” was all I said.

  He smiled once again, “Good. Now, would it make you feel better if we go somewhere else?”

  “Yes,” I said a little softer. “It’s not that I don’t trust you because I do. It’s just that--” I trailed off again, not knowing how to tell him that I trusted him way more than I should have for someone I had just met that day.

  “Say no more,” he said, raising one hand from the steering wheel. “I understand your reservations. Just tell me where to go.” He smiled at me, waiting for a reply.

  I thought for a second before answering. “There’s a little park near the pool in town. It’s fairly secluded, but there will still be a few people walking around. It does mean we would have to turn around and go back the way we came.” I watched his face, hoping this didn’t irritate him.

  He smirked at me, “Hold on tight sweets!” He glanced for traffic while shutting off the hazards and flipping the truck into drive. Seeing no cars, he swerved the truck from the side of the road, squealing his tires as he crossed the lanes. I glanced sideways at him while I peeled myself from my seat grinning.

  “You scared the crap out of me!” I teased, punching him in the arm.

  He laughed, “I hope you don’t mind a little excitement.”

  We made it to the park with no issues and settled at a picnic table under a tree.

  “So,” he said, eyeing me curiously. “What would you like to know?”

  I thought for a moment before responding. “Well, you never did answer my question at the coffee shop earlier. What were you doing in the woods yesterday?”

  “Oh. Well, I was upset about something back home, and I went for a run to clear my mind. I wasn’t paying attention to where I was running and somehow ended up in those woods. I think our bond was pulling me to you,” he said smiling slightly as he said the last part.

  “Ok,” I said. “So why didn’t you introduce yourself ye
sterday? We both felt the pull, so why did you wait?”

  “Well I didn’t want you to think of me as the creepy stalker in the woods,” he laughed.

  “Point taken,” I said chuckling. “So, you said you heard the howl right? Were you able to see what made it? It sounded really close.”

  He looked me over for a moment still smiling. He seemed to be contemplating his response. After a moment he sighed, “Well, I can tell you truthfully that I didn’t see what made the howl. What do you think it was?” He eyed me curiously waiting for a response.

  “Well at first I thought it was a coyote or a stray dog,” I said, shrugging my shoulders casually. I didn’t want to say wolf right away and have him laugh at me. His face fell for a second like he was disappointed--or is that hurt? “My friends believe it was a wolf. It wasn’t my immediate thought, because we haven’t had wolves around here since before I was born. I will admit though, it was definitely louder, deeper, and more powerful than any dog or coyote I’ve ever heard. It sounded a bit--lonely and mournful to me,” I said, reminiscing about the howl and forgetting who I was talking with. I snapped back to our conversation and was immediately embarrassed. Great--he probably thinks I’m crazy now. Like I believe I’m a wolf whisperer or something. I looked up to see him grinning from ear to ear.

  “Ok,” I said, giggling. “I know it sounds stupid, but that’s what I heard ok? No need to make fun of me,” I said a bit irritated at him.

  “No, Blossom,” he said, taking my hands in his. “I wasn’t making fun of you. I love hearing your thoughts about the howl. It makes me happy for reasons I’ll explain later.”

  I looked at him and smiled, “Fine, but I’m holding you to that. You will explain it to me at some point.” I narrowed my eyes at him and smirked.

  “All in due time, Blossom. I promise,” he said, using a finger to make a cross over his heart.