Free Luna Junction 2 Forbidden Mate (W) by Sage Domini Page A

cheek. “I’m sorry
Daddy.”
    His voice shook with emotion as he held
me by the shoulders. “No, Artemis. Never be sorry for
love.”
    Max watched us as we climbed into the
truck, Gideon on the driver’s side. His expression was dark. “I
have one piece of advice. Don’t leave Luna Junction. And kids, I’ll
be seeing you soon.”
    As Gideon drove away, I stared out the
window, watching the rural landscape pass by. Gideon let me sit in
silence. Finally I asked, “Do you think that was a threat or a
promise?”
    Gideon frowned at the narrow two lane
road. “I’m not sure.”
    “ Gideon, what did he mean?
What danger does he think you know about?”
    Gideon glanced at me, his face
darkening. “The bitten.”
    “ The bitten? You mean those
who are sort of werewolf converts?”
    “ You could call them that.
They’re not like us, Acie.”
    “ Yeah, Max told me. Loose
cannons, right?”
    He nodded. “That’s putting it mildly. I
had some trouble. In Los Angeles. Ran into a pack of them at a
party. They disappeared and Michael had to drive out to smooth
things over with the law.”
    “ And that’s why you came
back,” I finished.
    He shook his head. “No. Well, that was
just the catalyst. I’d never been on my own. It’s tough for
everyone I guess, but carrying the secret burden of who I really am
meant being unable to have even one true friend. I was on guard,
always.” He looked at me earnestly, wanting me to understand. “It
was exhausting.”
    I leaned over and wearily let my head
rest against his strong shoulder. He kissed my hair and squeezed my
knee. “I know where we can go, for now. Just until we figure things
out.” He pulled the truck over suddenly and held my face in his
strong hands. “But no matter what, Acie, I’m not letting you go
again. Ever.” He kissed me hard and then returned to the driver’s
seat. His mouth was set in a grim line as he piloted the car back
to the road.
    When we drove up to the Landon house,
Tatum was sprawled out front in a vintage lounge chair with her
feet dangling into a bucket of water. Before she could even sit up,
Cade and Matthew bolted tensely out of the house. Their faces
relaxed when they saw it was only us. Then Gideon took my hand and
Matthew’s eyebrows shot skyward as his mouth gaped open. Tatum
gasped and spilled her bucket of water.
    Only Cade looked unsurprised. He
beckoned to us. “Come on, then.”
    We followed the Landon men into the
house. Tatum hung back and squeezed my hand. “Nice!” she hissed,
winking at Gideon’s backside.
    In spite of myself I giggled. Matthew
turned to look at me sternly. He coughed and spoke quietly to his
father. “I’ll need to tell Claire.”
    “ It’s all right Matt.”
Claire walked down the hall, holding a sleepy Peyton. She gave us a
probing look and handed the squirming baby to Matthew. Then she
reached up and hugged her brother tightly.
    Gideon hugged her back and she touched
his face affectionately before turning her attention to me. “You’re
my brother’s mate,” she said. “That makes us sisters.” And she
planted a kiss on my cheek before seizing me in a surprisingly
strong embrace.
    Cade cleared his throat. “And what do
the hunters say?”
    “ Well, my father wasn’t
pleased, but wasn’t exactly irate either.” I paused. “He did tell
us not to leave Luna Junction.”
    Cade Landon glanced at Matthew and
arched an eyebrow. “Did he say why?”
    I shook my head.
    “ And Michael?” Claire asked
quietly.
    “ Not yet,” said
Gideon.
    “ I’ll deal with the
sheriff,” said Cade. He grinned at me. “Welcome to the family,
Artemis Casteel.”
    Tatum squealed and grabbed
my hands, dancing me around in a circle. I peeked over at Gideon.
He looked relieved that at least there were a few people who
weren’t completely put out by our news. Artemis Casteel. I let my new name
roll around in my head for a moment, feeling a fierce surge of
love. Gideon stumbled back with surprise when I