Free Crimson Moon by J. A. Saare

skin, nearly knocking me over. I gasped and stumbled, remaining on my feet by Billy's hand locked onto my shoulder. A deep growl rent the air and the force in the room intensified and shifted. The hair on my arms stood on end as the crowd above erupted into absolute chaos.
    I opened my eyes and glanced up.
    The rail was completely full now, bodies surging against the railing to watch. Men and women stared down, snarling and cheering, their words mangled and distorted.
    The blonde girl who knocked me over was still there. Her eyes—like all the others—glowed strangely and shifted color. Her lips quavered as she chanted along with everyone else.
    I glanced back down, searching for the source of the growl.
    Caleb was no longer on the ground. His body contorted under his black t-shirt, the muscles in his arms expanding as his body grew and doubled in size.
    I gasped at the incomprehensible thing I was witnessing and Billy patted my shoulder in understanding. “It's all right. He's a big boy, and they done pissed him off."
    Caleb punched the one on his right, sending him reeling through the air, his body making solid contact with the bloodied wall. A nasty crunch vibrated in my ears and he crumpled unmoving to the sand.
    Caleb moved swiftly, rushing the other werewolf and grasping him by the throat. He forced him back, pushing his body against the blood stained wall.
    The sound in the room increased, voices mingling together. People yelled out frantically, tones garbled and thick.
    The werewolf kicked feebly as he used his arms, attempting to deliver blows to get free. Caleb deflected each with his free hand, until the movements became sluggish and uncoordinated, before coming to a stop all together.
    Caleb stepped back, releasing his hold and opening his fingers. The man crumpled to the ground, legs dropping from underneath as he slumped. The crowd erupted in cheers as the energy eased from of the pit.
    I sighed in relief. My skin wasn't tingling painfully under the jacket any longer.
    "See, no harm done,” Billy offered comfortingly, removing his steadying hand.
    I watched Caleb's back. His arms slowly receded, muscles returning to normal. His frame shifted and his bones cracked into place. I envisioned him closing his eyes, taking deep and measured breaths as he fought that struggle within. He lifted his arms, raking hands through his thick hair. He turned around, brushing the sand free from his shirt and keeping his eyes downcast as he approached.
    He was embarrassed. For some reason, having me witness this upset him.
    "Thank you,” I whispered.
    Emotion strained my voice and I smiled at him, crossing the space between us. He lifted his chin, gazing at me, shimmering ice blue staring back. It was different than the indigo I'd grown used to, but lovely nonetheless.
    He waited until I was inches away and he reached for me, lightly touching my arm.
    His voice was thick and hoarse. “We should make this look legitimate."
    He didn't give me the opportunity to consider his words as he bent down, wrapping his arm around my waist and lifting me against his chest. His head bent as his mouth found my own.
    If I thought Caleb smelled delicious, he tasted even better. His lips were full and soft as they brushed against mine, and my reserve melted away.
    I lifted my arms around his shoulders, hands entwining in silken hair. I lost myself in the strange and irresistible pull that existed between us. I had only kissed one other person in my life, and the experience didn't even compare.
    Everything but Caleb fell away in that moment. It was just him and I, our bodies impossibly close together.
    "That a girl.” Billy's voice barely registered in my ears. “I'd say he earned it."
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Chapter 6—Fragile
    A throat cleared and Caleb turned, keeping me nestled against his amazingly warm and solid chest as he lifted his head.
    Haven had changed into a green polo and blue jeans, his hair pulled into a low ponytail.