Free Blood Moon by Ellen Keener

you did that to yourself. I was perfectly willing to help you out.” Feeling brave, she gave him her best leer. “I could still do something about it, you know.”
    His eyes narrowed, trailing over her bare skin. She allowed the shirt to slip a little, and she could see him considering her words.
    “Just how would a virgin know anything about that?” he asked, setting his hands on his hips.
    “I’m a virgin, not innocent. I read, you know, and watch TV. I might need some help, but I’m a fast learner.”
    His breath came out in a loud whoosh. “You are too damn tempting. I’m mad, and I want you so bad, I can’t think straight, and if you try that, I won’t be able to control myself.”
    She batted her lashes, smiling sweetly. “I believe in you?”
    “Nice try. I’m going to go double check…things with Aaron and Thaddeus. Feel free to dig through my clothes, and there are towels on the rack if you want to shower.”
    She shook her head at the speed of his retreat. “Chicken.”
    When he didn’t return, she blew out a breath. Her entire body still vibrated with need. But the whole conversation had gone better than she’d expected. She’d known she’d have to tell him when she decided to stay, but hoped it would wait awhile.
    Padding to the bathroom, she opened the cabinets under the sink. She pulled out towels and a washcloth and stripped her remaining clothes, tossing them into a pile. The hot water cascaded over her skin, helping her relax.
    After her shower and a brief fit of giggles over her appearance in Lukas’ oversized clothing, she waited for him, curled up on the bed. By the time she heard him come in, midnight had come and gone.
    A little while later, Lukas’ arm slid around her waist, and she caught a whiff of woods and night air from his skin. Apparently, he’d gone out to run off some of his frustration. She rolled over, curling closer to his warmth, pretending to sleep. His arm tightened and he brushed a kiss to her hair and was asleep a few moments later.
    Basking in the sense of security his arms provided, she allowed her body to relax and she offered a silent prayer her nightmares would leave her in peace.

 
     
    Chapter Eight
     
    Haemon stood in the clearing, bare-chested and glowing in the moonlight. Any normal, hot-blooded woman would have swooned at the manly physique and chiseled features. Aria’s heart pounded, but it had nothing to do with being overwhelmed by the blond Adonis. She sprinted across the clearing, away from him as he lifted his head to the wind and sought her scent. He'd find her in the end, but she refused to submit.
    Before her, the woods grew hazy and faint, and his presence made the skin between her shoulder blades itch. He was just behind her. A tree root seemed to appear from nowhere and she tripped, crashing to the ground. Her palms scrabbled in the dirt, searching for something, anything she could use as a weapon. Her fingers met only leaf mold and broken bits of bark. Bare feet appeared in her field of vision and hands closed over her wrists, tighter and more final than handcuffs.
    “Are you finished?”
    She writhed against his hold, flipping to her back. His face loomed over hers, an amused smirk dancing over thin lips. She was not a child to be humored. He bent closer, and she spit in his face. “Not even close.”
    “You are beginning to try my patience.” He wiped away the spit with slow, deliberate movements.
    He jerked her to her feet, keeping her hands shackled with his own. He drew them apart and forced her arms behind her back, bringing her inside his arms, against his muscular chest. Their faces were so close, their breath mingled as she struggled to get away from him and she gagged at the scent of blood and wine.
    “Beginning? I’m not doing a good job then.” Each move she made only pressed her closer to his body. Her stomach heaved, and bile rose to the back of her throat. Each place their flesh touched throbbed as if she were