His Lucky Moon Mate (The Macconwood Pack Tales #14)

Chapter 11

S hannon’s father had done some pretty terrible things, but she never thought he would stoop so low as to use her as a prize in a bloody wager. Fury and fear warred within her as the evil Fae Lord, Silver, circled around her mate. Something was wrong with Binder.

Why wasn’t he shifting? Where was his Wolf?

Terror slithered its way through her veins, and she yelped aloud when Silver appeared in front of her. The vile Fae seemed to scent her despair, and the bastard liked it.

“Shannon, my girl, I am so sorry,” her father wailed, but she had no time for him just then.

Silver grabbed her face in a painful grip, stuck out his long, black tongue, and licked her. Her stomach twisted in on itself and revulsion filled her. She pulled back so hard, when he released her, she fell right on her arse and the bastard laughed coldly. Shannon rose to her knees, dry heaving and wiping her face, but she paused, eyes wide as the most terrifyingly glorious thing she had ever seen appeared right before her eyes.

Binder. Her Binder. He’d seen what Silver had done, and whatever was wrong with his Wolf, well, it fixed itself right then. His size increased by three times at least. He was a beast! All fur and fangs, claws and muscles! They popped out all over his body, making him look like some gigantic Wolf Man from old movies she used to watch with her Da.

But it was his speed that was really something. The Fae Lord gasped in shock as Binder blurred right over to him. He raised his sword, attempting to slice the Wolf, but Binder’s hide was too thick, his will too strong. He gripped it when the Fae Lord attempted to swing again. Then he snarled, pulling on the blade, ignoring the blood dripping from his palm as he brought Silver closer.

“You will die for this, do?—”

But that was all Silver was able to say. Binder reached out with his clawed hand and drove it right through the bastard’s chest, ripping the blackened thing that used to be a heart from his body and crushing it in his hand.

Shannon gasped, and Binder turned his animalistic gaze to her. He was still snarling. Bloodlust had a hold on him. Tendrils of fear spiked up her spine, and she faltered on her feet, backing up a step. He dropped to all fours, still neither all Wolf nor all man. Thunder sounded again and rain began to fall in great big drops, mixing blood and dirt to make a crimson edged blackish mud. Her feet got stuck, but she pulled them out, walking backwards as the Binder monster stalked her.

“Daughter, come, he’s more animal than man now. He should not have Changed here. But it’s not too late for you, love! Come, you must go back to the Earth realm,” Da yelled over the din of the growing storm.

“No, he w-wouldn’t hurt me?—”

“He is not himself. Come, we must leave before the Fae’s family comes looking for him,” Da continued, pulling on her hand.

Shannon shook her head, tears tumbling down her cheeks, spilling onto her shirt. Binder’s face elongated, turning lupine before her very eyes. His body was still very much humanoid, but for the fur and the massive size. Lightning flashed and as her father dragged her backwards, Binder stalked her still.

This could not be happening. She could not leave without him. He was her mate. Her life. Her heart. He was her very soul. She watched in agony as his body shifted a little more, and he stepped away from her to sniff at a tree and shrub.

Oh no , she thought her soul crushed . He was forgetting her. He was becoming a beast, and his human side was leaving.

“Please Binder, stay with me,” she begged, falling to her knees a few yards from the portal.

He halted his progress and canted his head to the side like an animal would. Her heart squeezed inside her chest. How could she lose this man after she’d only just found him? It was too cruel for words. No, this could not be it. This couldn’t be their end. Shannon wouldn’t allow it.

“Shannon, come,” Da pleaded. “The portal will be closed soon!”

“I can’t come without him, Da. I need him. You hear me, Binder?” she asked, looking back in his direction. “I need you. There’s no one else like you. I have never felt such emotion for any man. You are more than a Wolf. More than a beast. You are made from magic. Just like me. My fated mate.”

He paused, tossed his head back, and howled. Then he gazed at her, his golden eyes so bright. She was certain she saw feeling in them. Sadness. An apology, maybe.

“No, you can’t walk away from me. I won’t let you! You crazy, beautiful man. You’re the only one who ever made me shiver! I tremble just thinking about it. Thinking about you. Dammit, Binder, come back to me right now or I’ll let Ollie feel me up again!” Shannon yelled, collapsing on all fours.

Her chest felt so tight, and she was sobbing in earnest then. But the sudden, very loud sound of a growl brought her head right up. Binder was running full force at her.

“Oh shite,” she said, scrambling to her feet and taking off for the portal.

He was gaining on her. His snarl was so close, she thought for sure he was going to deliver a killing bite. Pushing so hard, her muscles burned, Shannon had almost made it through before she was tackled from behind. Her Da’s eyes were emerald once more, and he shouted something as she flew into the portal, pushed by the Wolf.

Well, if I have to go, I am glad it’s with you.