Midnight Moonrising (Moonrising #2)(10)

I thought they were all qualified for the job, but I didn't personally know any of the twenty-seven, besides Daryn, who had given me a very pretty necklace with a clear green peridot jewel as the charm. He had said that the stone was said to host magical powers and healing properties to protect against nightmares and to bring the wearer power and influence. I thought that was sort of perfect, given my situation. He also said the jewel matched my eyes. I have to admit, I blushed. He was really a sweetheart, but I feared he wasn't second in command material. I prayed I was wrong, because he seemed to be the type to sacrifice his own life for someone he cared about, and that was important, too.


I didn't feel my wolf was interested, though, not in him nor any of the other twenty-six in the running. I tried to tell her with my thoughts that she would have to pick one or I would do it for her, but I felt no emotion from her, at least not on that topic. Maybe she just needed time to get to know them a little better.

Beverly, the elder who told me that I was the Alpha and would have to choose a Beta by the full moon, had advised me to spend some time with each one of them. I already knew what Phoenix was going to say about that, but he didn't own me and I was not his girlfriend. Besides, it wasn't like I was going on a date with them; I was simply interviewing them for a very important job. Even three girls had offered me gifts; surely he would understand.

I had taken Daryn's advice about using bodyguards. It really wasn't like I had a choice in the matter; as soon as everyone caught wind that Jessica was missing and could possibly be a threat to me, the twenty-seven started scheduling shifts in threes. I supposed it was more time I would have to get to know them better, and made a mental note to go grocery shopping after the press conference was over. I couldn't let them stay in my home without at least feeding them.

The blue Corvette was parked in the same place it had been when I left my house, and I wondered if Phoenix had waited for me here the whole time I had been gone.

Daryn's knuckles went white as he gripped the steering wheel. I had no energy to deal with this tonight.

"He's not a bad guy, Daryn. Relax," I said as he put the car in park and cut the engine.

"You can't possibly know that, Mena—"

"Let me put it this way, I was married to a werewolf pack leader for twelve years and I never had a clue about that part of his life. It should be extremely difficult for me to trust anyone after what I've been through this week, but I trust Phoenix, and I trust you. This war between the vampires and werewolves is over, and anyone who disagrees with me will not be trusted by me any longer."

Daryn stared at me with sad green eyes, but finally nodded once. "Okay, Mena. If you trust him, then I will try, too."

I smiled as I opened my door. "Thank you, Daryn. I—"

I was whisked out of the vehicle and pulled into Phoenix's arms so fast I didn't even have time to scream.

"Phoenix, you scared me," I said, breathless.

I vaguely heard Daryn's door shut, but my attention was completely on the trembling man that held me a little too tightly to his chest.

"Do you never check your damn messages, woman?" Phoenix scolded me, anxiety clear in the tone of his voice.

I tried to pull away, but the man had a death grip around my body. "I didn't hear my phone. If you'll let me go, I'll look at it now."

He huffed, but loosened his grip enough so I could take my cell out of my clutch purse. I had three text messages from him, but just as I began to read the first one, the headlights on a truck temporarily blinded me as it pulled into my driveway.

I squealed as Phoenix pushed me behind him, and then started running toward the vehicle.

"Wait!" Daryn shouted, and Phoenix stopped just before he jerked the passenger door off the vehicle.

The headlights went out, the engine died and nothing but the sound of the low humming from the streetlight overhead could be heard for a few seconds.

The moment I realized who it was, I sighed in relief that Daryn had stopped Phoenix from making such a huge mistake.

"Jesus, Phoenix! Calm down. They are part of my pack." I watched as he took a step back from the truck door, maybe allowing whoever was inside to get out so he could beat them to a bloody pulp. I had to get him in the house and away from them long enough to explain the situation with Jessica. "Please, go to my bedroom. I will be up to talk to you as soon as I get them settled in."

He jerked his head in my direction and opened his mouth to speak, but I held up my hand to silence him.

"Please. I promise I will explain everything. I am more than eager to hear why you are on edge, as well, so please… just go. Give me five minutes."

He scowled as he glanced back to the dark tinted window of the passenger door, then turned and started walking toward my house. I held up the door key for him to take, and he paused when our hands touched.

Leaning in close by my ear, he spoke low, and I didn't miss the icy warning in his tone. "Five minutes, Mena."



V''''V





I led Daryn and the other two guys to the spare guest bedrooms and showed them where the kitchen was. After telling them to make themselves at home, I stopped at the foot of the stairs and tried to get rid of my nerves before talking the night's happenings through with Phoenix.

Where should I start? My shrink would have me committed if I told her even a tenth of the stuff that had happened to me in the last week. I still wasn't sure I believed it, but if I didn't, who the hell were all these people in my house? Maybe I was imagining it all. It was possible I'd had a nervous breakdown when I received the news of Marc's death. Maybe he didn't cheat on me after all. Werewolves? Nope. Hot vampire king? Nope. It was all in my head. I was a loon.