Moonshadows Ch. 07

I felt myself blanch, a surge of remembered sensation threatening to overwhelm me. Cold hands on my body. His dark, rich, forbidden taste flooding my mouth with the most addictive substance of my life. My body throbbing in passionate response. Could Rafe scent him on me even now? Had he fed me enough of his essence to alter my own?

Rafe didn't try to shake me or call me out of my revery this time. He just waited until I met his gaze again, then dropped it, unable to look at him while I felt so ashamed. I rubbed my hands over my face slowly, and dragged them through my un-brushed hair. Finally, I heard his chair scraping as he pushed away from the table and stood.

"I need to talk to some people. I was too young to be included back then, but I know some people who will remember, and they can give me some info about how to deal with this. Maybe even tell me why this thing is here now."

He paused, then continued lowly, "But neither Cara or I think it's a good idea for you to be alone right now. Especially now that I know what... So I think you should come with me."

I looked up at him. He was still so handsome, even in his pain.

Quite unexpectedly, his mouth curled into the smallest of smiles. It was like a rejuvenating breath of clean air and I felt myself relax just slightly at his show of courage. He extended his hand to me, palm up and open. Not demanding or expecting, just a cautious offer.

I can be brave too, I thought and placed my small hand in his large one. His skin was hot, almost uncomfortably so, and the sweetly familiar way he folded his fingers over my own filled me again with shame and guilt. But also comfort. So I didn't pull away, letting him help me to my feet to stand little and broken and hopeful in his shadow. What now?

"Now, he said as if answering my thought, "I think it's about time you met my pack."