Howling Moon Part 30

"That's the plan." Raphael glanced at the clock. "Why don't you go get dressed while I clean out the brushes? We can go up to the Run for dinner."

"We could could hunt," Ivan suggested. hunt," Ivan suggested.

"I thought you didn't like hunting with wolves," Raphael joked.

"I don't like hunting with most most wolves. You, my friend, are wolves. You, my friend, are not not most wolves." Raphael acknowledged the compliment, for it was meant as one. "Normally, I'd love to, but Raven's due back with his pictures." most wolves." Raphael acknowledged the compliment, for it was meant as one. "Normally, I'd love to, but Raven's due back with his pictures."

"And I I for one do not want to wait an extra minute to see them." Ivan's face was alight. "I cannot say how much I'm looking forward to ending this. I haven't slept well in decades." for one do not want to wait an extra minute to see them." Ivan's face was alight. "I cannot say how much I'm looking forward to ending this. I haven't slept well in decades."

"My fault. If you'd stayed out of it "

"I'd have lost sleep from a guilty conscience instead," Ivan said wryly. He ran a meaty hand over his balding pate. "No. I have no regrets. Frankly, I enjoy working for the Chief Justice much more than I did being an agent. And I like like coming to Boulder and drinking your beer." He gave Raphael's shoulder a friendly squeeze. "We'll eat at Wolf's Run." coming to Boulder and drinking your beer." He gave Raphael's shoulder a friendly squeeze. "We'll eat at Wolf's Run."

Raphael finished cleaning up the mess while Ivan showered and changed into clean clothes from his bag in the back of his car. In a matter of minutes they were in Raphael's Jeep on their way to the Run for dinner chatting about friends they'd known in the old days, arguing good-naturedly about who was the better shot.

It was a beautiful night: clear, with a biting wind that made Raphael want to slip into wolf form and run beneath the silvered light of the waxing moon. The parking lot was half full. Raphael recognized a number of the vehicles. Lucas's SUV was parked next to Tatya's Saab; Jasmine and Max's shining new Beemer was parked at an angle over two s.p.a.ces so that there would be no chance of someone dinging its doors. The sound of the jukebox playing Bob Seeger's "Old Time Rock and Roll" carried clearly to him as he climbed out of the vehicle.

He took a deep breath of air tinged with the flavor of roasting meat and grilled onions, his mouth watering in response. "d.a.m.n that smells good!"

Ivan nodded wordlessly, crossing the parking lot in swift strides, his dress shoes crunching on bits of loose gravel. Raphael followed at a more leisurely pace, in large part because his feet hurt just a little. The old boots from his Wolven days didn't quite fit like they used to. Still, it felt good to be wearing them again, to know know that his old knives were right back where they were supposed to be. Betty had been right. Not that it was exactly a surprise. She was, after all, a talented psychiatrist. But he'd given up a part of himself when he'd given up his weapons, and it was that his old knives were right back where they were supposed to be. Betty had been right. Not that it was exactly a surprise. She was, after all, a talented psychiatrist. But he'd given up a part of himself when he'd given up his weapons, and it was very very good to be back. good to be back.

He walked through the door with a smile on his face. Ivan was shoving a pair of tables together and pulling up extra chairs so that they could join Lucas and Tatya in the center of the room. They waved him over, calling a little too too heartily for Larry to bring a round and a pair of steaks for the new arrivals. heartily for Larry to bring a round and a pair of steaks for the new arrivals.

Throughout the room conversations stopped, and re-formed. Some of his pack mates smiled and nodded their respects. Others gave the minimal acknowledgment due his status, and that only grudgingly. In the far corner Jasmine and Max were glaring daggers at him, a fact that he pointedly ignored. Yes, technically it was disrespectful. But he was not going to play into their game and get into a huge family argument in the middle of the restaurant, in front of dozens of witnesses. It was exactly the kind of thing Jasmine reveled in, and Raphael wasn't inclined to indulge her.

Lucas gestured to the chair across from him. "I'm glad you came. I was afraid I'd have to try try to catch you at your office." His eyes were sparkling, and the scent of his amus.e.m.e.nt filled the air. Tonight, apparently, he'd chosen not to wear the Wolven cologne. to catch you at your office." His eyes were sparkling, and the scent of his amus.e.m.e.nt filled the air. Tonight, apparently, he'd chosen not to wear the Wolven cologne.

Raphael shrugged, looking a little guilty.

"Don't." Lucas shook a finger at Raphael, but he was only half joking and his voice showed it. "You don't have to justify yourself to me or anybody else. You're You're the one in charge now." He moved his elbows from the table so that the waitress could set his steak on the table in front of him. "Which leads to my first question. How do you want to handle the full moon? It'll be Holly's first change. I thought you might want to spend the first night with her. Tatya will be there, of course. If you do, I'll be happy to lead the pack for one last hunt." the one in charge now." He moved his elbows from the table so that the waitress could set his steak on the table in front of him. "Which leads to my first question. How do you want to handle the full moon? It'll be Holly's first change. I thought you might want to spend the first night with her. Tatya will be there, of course. If you do, I'll be happy to lead the pack for one last hunt."

"I'd appreciate it." Raphael was grateful for Lucas's understanding. "I know we need to do the severance ceremony "

Lucas shook his head. "It can wait until the second night of the moon. Unless," again his eyes were sparkling, "you "you are in some sort of a hurry." are in some sort of a hurry."

"No," Raphael answered dryly. "I'm not."

"Have you decided how tightly you're going to bind the pack?" Lucas cut a big chunk off of his steak and began chewing it vigorously, his expression rapturous. "I'd suggest a light binding at first, it's what they're used to. You can always tighten the bond later." Across the table, Tatya smiled indulgently at her husband.

"That's what I intended. But I have to say, you two are certainly in a good mood tonight."

"We got a call from the doctors right before we came. It'll take awhile, but Mike is going to be all right!"

"Congratulations!" Ivan and Raphael chorused the word. Raphael felt as though a load lifted from his shoulders. He'd been d.a.m.ned worried about Mike, and had felt irrationally guilty as well. It was good to know that eventually the boy would be okay.

"Which leads me to my my question." Tatya set her knife and fork delicately on either side of her plate. Her gaze was earnest, but she kept her eyes downcast, as was appropriate for her new status as Omega. question." Tatya set her knife and fork delicately on either side of her plate. Her gaze was earnest, but she kept her eyes downcast, as was appropriate for her new status as Omega.

"Alpha, I would ask your permission to travel to visit my son for a few days over the holiday weekend, and spend the first week of December at a convention in Chicago. It's been scheduled for some time, and I would rather not miss it. If you will allow it, I will make up the time by serving at Jake's an additional two weeks."

"Granted," he agreed. "But make sure that Jake has somebody else to cover the restaurant. Now that Holly's not working there, he doesn't have anybody on hand to cover your shifts."

"Yes, sir. Of course."

Raphael fought not to show his surprise. Tatya was never never this docile. It had to be an act, probably for the benefit of all the pack members who were pretending not to stare and listen. But even if it wasn't entirely sincere, he appreciated the gesture. Their support carried a great deal of weight within the pack, and judging from the way people were acting, he'd need every bit of it. this docile. It had to be an act, probably for the benefit of all the pack members who were pretending not to stare and listen. But even if it wasn't entirely sincere, he appreciated the gesture. Their support carried a great deal of weight within the pack, and judging from the way people were acting, he'd need every bit of it.

Raphael felt a pang of bitterness at that. To his surprise, Tatya reached across the table, setting her hand on his in a gesture of comfort. Lucas pretended not to notice, taking another bite of steak.

Raphael heard die sound of a chair sc.r.a.ping harshly across the wooden floor, and the rapid staccato rhythm of Jasmine's high heels as she stalked across the room to their table.

"Well," her voice was cold. "I suppose you'll be sharing Thanksgiving with your mate mate instead of your family this year." instead of your family this year."

She stood at the table, lovely face twisted with anger. She stank of rage, bitterness, and other darker emotions.

All conversation in the room stopped. Everyone was staring, just as Jasmine had planned. Raphael started to rise, but Tatya's nails dug lightly into his hand.

"Alpha," her voice was light. She was almost purring. "May I request an indulgence?"

Raphael froze, half standing. "What?" One word, but it was filled with suspicion.

"I know that you dislike disciplining family members. May I please please be me one to punish Jasmine for her impertinence? I promise to be be me one to punish Jasmine for her impertinence? I promise to be very very thorough." The dark light in Tatya's eyes, and antic.i.p.ation in her scent showed just how much she meant it. thorough." The dark light in Tatya's eyes, and antic.i.p.ation in her scent showed just how much she meant it.

Jasmine paled, and the ammonia scent of her panic filled the area near the table in an instant.

"Feel free," Raphael answered with a smile as he settled back into his seat. "But take it outside. We don't want to annoy Larry or damage the furniture."

"Of course, sir."

She put her napkin onto the table and rose. With a graceful flick of the wrist she gestured politely for Jasmine to precede her, and Raphael felt the pulse of power that forced the woman to do so.

More than a few people rose from their tables, drinks in hand, following the women outside so they could watch.

Raphael kept his seat. He was sorry for the necessity, but Jasmine really did did need to learn how to behave. Unfortunately, she was as dense as she was proud. He doubted that one beating would do the job. Still, if anyone could manage it, it would be Tatya. She might not choose to discipline people often, but she was exceptionally good at it. need to learn how to behave. Unfortunately, she was as dense as she was proud. He doubted that one beating would do the job. Still, if anyone could manage it, it would be Tatya. She might not choose to discipline people often, but she was exceptionally good at it.

Lucas watched the room empty, shaking his head slightly with amus.e.m.e.nt. "She's been wanting to do that for a very very long time." long time."

When Raphael raised his eyebrows, in inquiry, Lucas answered the unspoken question. "Your niece can be extremely extremely irritating." irritating."

Larry brought their food himself, carrying a large tray to the table. He set the steaks for Raphael and Ivan in front of them, adding a large bowl of fresh berries to the bear's side of the table. He set an elegant display box with a big red bow in front of the new pack leader. Raphael blinked as he read the label on the package. Herradura Seleccion Suprema was one of the world's finest tequilas, and not easily obtainable in the United States.

When Raphael gave him a look of inquiry, Larry smiled. "It is is traditional to give the new pack leader a gift." traditional to give the new pack leader a gift."

"Thank you."

"I do hope you intend to share," Lucas suggested. "I happen to love tequila, and it has the most interesting effects on my wife." His grin was lascivious enough that he didn't need to elaborate.

Raphael gestured for Larry to bring enough gla.s.ses for all of them and opened the bottle. Each man lifted his gla.s.s, but it was Ivan who proposed the toast. "To the future."

"The future."

CAT TOOK A deep breath and tried to convince herself that she wasn't nervous. It wasn't working. Even though she and Raphael were lovers and had been seeing each other regularly for their training sessions, this was their first real "date." It would have been easier if they could have done some small thing off alone. But, no, the "rules" of the courtship stipulated that there had to be pack members available as witnesses. Cat still thought it would be simpler just to acknowledge that she had accepted him, but Raphael had insisted she keep quiet for now. deep breath and tried to convince herself that she wasn't nervous. It wasn't working. Even though she and Raphael were lovers and had been seeing each other regularly for their training sessions, this was their first real "date." It would have been easier if they could have done some small thing off alone. But, no, the "rules" of the courtship stipulated that there had to be pack members available as witnesses. Cat still thought it would be simpler just to acknowledge that she had accepted him, but Raphael had insisted she keep quiet for now.

His reluctance made her nervous. A part of her couldn't help but wonder if he had regrets. After all, being with her was causing no end of trouble with his people.

So she worried, despite the evidence of his scent, and the words he whispered to her when they were alone. She'd been so very wrong about Brad, it was hard to trust her judgment. But her every instinct told her she could could and should trust Raphael. She just wasn't sure she was ready to do so. and should trust Raphael. She just wasn't sure she was ready to do so.

The antique clock in the sitting room chimed the quarter hour. He'd be here any minute. She checked her reflection one last time, threw up the st.u.r.diest mental shields she could, took a deep, steadying breath, and went back into the outer rooms.

The suite was exquisite. She'd chosen a different hotel, still downtown, but farther down the mall. It was newer, part of an extensive high-end chain that was used to catering to celebrities who flocked to the area on their way up to the mountains during ski season. It was only for sentimental reasons that she hadn't chosen it in the first place.

Are you ready? Raphael's voice slid gently into her mind a moment before he knocked on the door of the suite. She knew he hadn't eavesdropped on her previous thoughts, but the when she gave her reply to him, she answered her own doubts as well.

Yes. I think I am.

THE RESTAURANT THEY chose was only two blocks from the hotel, on the Sixteenth Street Mall, a pedestrian-only thoroughfare whose only motorized vehicles were the shuttle buses that ran the length of downtown. Cat and Raphael walked hand-in-hand in the flickering shadows cast by windblown trees festooned with twinkling lights. Tonight he wore his signature black, from head to toe. His suit jacket was exquisitely cut to emphasize his broad shoulders, the silver-tipped belt his narrow waist He'd left his hair loose, and even with the new cut, his dark curls fell softly to the neck of his collarless raw silk shirt. More than one woman was casting an envious glance. chose was only two blocks from the hotel, on the Sixteenth Street Mall, a pedestrian-only thoroughfare whose only motorized vehicles were the shuttle buses that ran the length of downtown. Cat and Raphael walked hand-in-hand in the flickering shadows cast by windblown trees festooned with twinkling lights. Tonight he wore his signature black, from head to toe. His suit jacket was exquisitely cut to emphasize his broad shoulders, the silver-tipped belt his narrow waist He'd left his hair loose, and even with the new cut, his dark curls fell softly to the neck of his collarless raw silk shirt. More than one woman was casting an envious glance.

Cat was exquisite in an emerald green sheath cut to emphasize her figure. The hem came to her calf, but a daring slit showed pale, perfect skin well up to her thigh. She wore matching pumps with just enough heel to leave her eye-to-eye with Raphael. Diamonds and emeralds glittered at her throat, ears, and wrist. She, too, wore her hair down tonight, and it flowed loose across her shoulders and down her back.

They chatted amiably. Raphael asked after Ned and Violet.

"The truck broke down in Reno, so they're staying there a few days for repairs. I would've thought they'd be upset about it, but they seem fine. Violet was going on about how Charles had gotten them front-row tickets to see Antoine the Magnificent."

Raphael grinned. "They'll like that. He puts on quite the show."

"Oh." Cat remembered Raphael's earlier comment about the councilman for the feline shifters and the surge of jealousy that had followed. While she didn't scent anything untoward coming from him, she didn't want to push the issue, so she changed the subject. "Look, a horse-drawn carriage! I've always wanted to ride in one." She pointed across the street where a gleaming white carriage was. .h.i.tched to a large bay with long white hair feathering its hooves.

Raphael checked his watch. They had nearly a half hour before their reservations. Why not? Why not? We can try it if you like, but we'll have to shield like a sonovab.i.t.c.h, he warned her. Otherwise the horse will bolt. We can try it if you like, but we'll have to shield like a sonovab.i.t.c.h, he warned her. Otherwise the horse will bolt.

It will?

Animals can sense the predator in us. It generally makes them very, very nervous. Still want to try?

Oh, yes! Please, if it won't make us late.

We have time. And it won't hurt anything if we're a few minutes late. Lucas and Tatya will understand.

The horse shifted nervously at their approach, snorting loudly and tossing its head. Still, the driver managed to calm it enough that Cat and Raphael were able to climb into the back of the carriage onto the crushed velvet seat. Cat curled up beneath Raphael's arm, resting her head on his shoulder, and the carriage pulled away from the curb, the clop of the horse's hooves against the gray paving stones a gentle counterpoint to the music and voices floating on the evening breeze from the various bars and restaurants lining the mall. At the far end of the mall the clock tower struck the quarter hour.

Christmas decorations and advertis.e.m.e.nts adorned the various shop windows, but Cat ignored them. She wasn't looking forward to the holidays this year, and she didn't want to spoil the mood. This was, by far, the most romantic thing any man had ever done for her, and she wanted to relish the moment.

Raphael was caught in the moment as well, reveling in the clean scent of her shampoo, the warmth of her curled up next to him. The need he felt for her was deep, and dangerously addicting. He knew the trap Ahmad had set for him, but he didn't care. Raphael wanted wanted to win this woman, and not just from the mating compulsion. She was truly everything he'd ever wanted: warm, funny, intelligent, and breathtakingly beautiful. Her courage awed him, as did her determination and will. She'd shown compa.s.sion to Michael, loyalty and protectiveness to Violet, Ned, and Holly. For the first time in his long life he'd met a woman who he not only desired, but with whom he could imagine spending the rest of the long years of his life. to win this woman, and not just from the mating compulsion. She was truly everything he'd ever wanted: warm, funny, intelligent, and breathtakingly beautiful. Her courage awed him, as did her determination and will. She'd shown compa.s.sion to Michael, loyalty and protectiveness to Violet, Ned, and Holly. For the first time in his long life he'd met a woman who he not only desired, but with whom he could imagine spending the rest of the long years of his life.

I love you. The words popped from his mind to hers unbidden.

It was true. He did. But he really wished he hadn't said it. I know it's too soon. Too much has happened...

Cat reached up to put a finger against his lips, though he hadn't said a word with his mouth.

I love you, too. She smiled then, and leaned toward him to take his face in her hands. She kissed him, a chaste, gentle brush of the lips. Even that small touch stirred the magic between them. She pulled away, unwilling to go too far.

Too much is is happening, too fast. He could hear the regret in her mental voice. There are things I need to do. happening, too fast. He could hear the regret in her mental voice. There are things I need to do.

Things we we need to do, darling. Because from now on, we're in this together. need to do, darling. Because from now on, we're in this together.

Raphael kissed her forehead, relishing die warm scents of love and happiness floating up from her skin. The tingle of magic racing between the two of them was electric. His body tightened in response. He suppressed a groan. Cat gave a low chuckle.

"Dessert comes after after dinner, Raphael." dinner, Raphael."

"We could stand them up," Raphael offered.

"No." Cat tried to sound stern, but there was laughter in her voice. "We can't. You'll just have to wait." She teased as she slowly traced one manicured nail across his lips. "But I'll make it worth the wait."

"I'll hold you to that!"

"You'd better."

They were laughing when they entered the restaurant and were escorted to the table where the Santiagos awaited them. After all the weeks of Tatya acting jealous and angry Cat had expected dinner to be torturous. Instead, it was a delight.

The food was delicious, the evening filled with laughter and light conversation. Cat was astonished at just how nice Tatya could be when she made the effort. It was obvious that the older woman was doing her absolute best to keep tilings from being awkward. Cat appreciated it. Still, she wasn't sorry when the meal ended. Ever since the carriage ride she'd wanted a chance to be alone with Raphael. The s.e.xual tension had been building with each smile, each casual touch.

It was the same for him. She could see it in his eyes, in the way he watched her move. The two of them bade their companions good-bye at the door to the restaurant and walked back to the hotel.

The lobby was empty except for the concierge and desk clerk. Cat and Raphael walked hand in hand up the wide curved staircase, both too impatient to wait for an elevator.

Cat fumbled with the card key, her impatience making her pull the card too fast for the lock to register and unlatch. Finally, Raphael took it from her. Let me.

I'm perfectly capable...

Cat, if I have to wait one more minute I'll break down down the d.a.m.ned door. I want you the d.a.m.ned door. I want you now. now.

He pushed the card in the slot, sliding it out slowly. The light flashed green and the latch clicked open. Raphael handed her the card key and opened the door.

The room was limned in the moonlight that streamed through the balcony windows. Colors faded to silvered shadows of their true shade, blackest shadows patterning the thick rugs that carpeted the floor.

Raphael closed the door, but didn't bother with the light. Cat dropped her purse on the nearest chair and turned to him, her eyes dark and eager. He closed the distance between them, taking her into his arms.

The kiss was slow, deep and fraught with hunger. Cat's body molded to his as their tongues tangled and danced. Raphael held her close with his left hand, his right sliding underneath the slit of the dress, over the thin silk of thigh high stockings to the warm smooth skin of her upper thigh.

A small, needful sound escaped her lips as he moved away from the kiss, using lips, tongue, and teeth to tease at the lobe of her ear, die curve of her jaw, slowly making his way to the base of her throat.

Her hands stripped the jacket from his back, letting it drop to the floor. Slowly, one b.u.t.ton at a time, she began to unfasten his shirt, her tongue licking a slow wet line along the flesh that was revealed.

There was a quick sizzle, and the scent of burning flesh as she unfastened his belt. Raphael took her hands in his then, kissing away the pain, power flowing gently between them until the burned flesh was once again whole.

Her hands played along his chest, teasing at his nipples as he reached behind her to unfasten her dress. She stepped back, allowing the silk sheath to slide from her body and pool on the floor.