Chapter Two
As Daykan stood with his arms crossed, it occurred to him that he really did enjoy spending time at his gym, it felt more like a home than the place he laid his head to rest each night. Maybe it was because he felt in control and truly at peace here.When he had thought about the kind of business he wanted to set up, a gym had seemed like the most suitable option.He really wasn’t an office guy and couldn’t imagine sitting behind a desk from 9am to 5pm every day. Plus, he really wasn’t a fan of dressing up in a suit and tie; at the gym he could literally be shirtless and it would not be inappropriate.Daykan also enjoyed working out and his body showed off the results from all those times spent lifting weights.He was six foot six inches tall with thick silver hair that was long in front and shorter at the back; he had light hazelnut eyes that always seemed to be sparkling.There was also the fact that his gym body was enough to stop any girl in her tracks as she had a second, third and fourth look at that walking gift of nature because there was more than enough to drool at.From the well-defined pecs to the chiseled abs and back that looked like it had been sculpted by Michelangelo, Daykan was a living, breathing advertisement of his gym; “Sweat it Out.”It was one of the most popular gyms in the city of Carson, Washington and Daykan took a certain pride in that.He always felt like he was abandoning his child when he had to leave the gym at the end of the day and go back to the Estate which was on the outskirts of Carson.To outsiders, the Moonstruck Estate seemed like a prestigious fraternity that was so hard to gain membership into.Houses weren’t sold to just anybody and if the Governing Council of the Estate didn’t approve of the buyer then no amount of money could be used to gain access.People weren’t quite sure what criterion was used to judge prospective buyers because it seemed like there was no logic behind the accepted residents and the rejected ones.But Daykan knew the criteria. “Werewolf.”Whoever wanted to acquire property in the Moonstruck Estate had to be a werewolf, subject to certain exceptions, like offspring of werewolves who were not fortunate enough to receive wolf’s mark. Anybody else was wasting their time looking for somebody to bribe or convince to allow them be a part of the gated community.Different packs occupied designated territories in the Estate in order to avoid any conflict and for the most part, they were fairly able to live in harmony. They came together once in a while for meetings or community events.The Estate also had a secret path to the Gifford Pinchot National Forest which was close by and it gave the werewolves an ample avenue to let out their wild sides and get in touch with their inner animals.A lot of them went for runs in werewolf form and also hunted some of the animals for a little sport.Daykan had always felt out of place in the Estate and had a little apartment in Carson where he spent nights once in a while when it seemed that he couldn’t stand to be there any longer.He always came back though; maybe it was because he had no one else and didn’t like feeling alone.Even if they hated him there and treated him like an outsider, he was technically still a member of the Crimson Pack and it felt good to be a part of something.“Day, do you think you could train with me today?” Tania asked in a seductive voice as she interrupted Daykan’s train of thought, he had barely noticed her walking up to him.Tania was a cute little thing with her light brown hair cut in pixie style and a little button nose. She had big blue eyes which were provocatively focused on Daykan as she slid her tongue across her slightly pink lips.She wasn’t particularly busty but had an hourglass shape and always wore clothes that accentuated her figure.Right now, she was wearing a tiny purple sports bra that kinda reminded Daykan of a bikini top and tiny black shorts, which could almost pass off as panties.Eight months ago, Daykan had slept with her once and since then, hadn’t been able to shake her off.If he had known she would get this attached, he would have just minded his business and kept it in his pants instead of stirring the proverbial pot. He had explained to her before they had sex that it would only be a one night thing and she had agreed.But there was just something about Daykan that Tania just couldn’t get enough of and she really hoped he would be willing to have another night with her.However, to her dismay, he had avoided her since that magnificent night eight months ago and rejected all her advances.“Jeez, I’m sorry I can’t do that Tania. I am really busy right now but I am sure Dave would gladly assist you. Dave! Could you please come over and train with Tania?” Daykan called out to Dave, one of his fitness trainers as Tania pouted in annoyance.“Sure thing boss.” Dave replied as he walked over from the weights he had been cleaning. He was twenty two years old and still had this cute boyish look with blond hair and brown eyes.“Good morning, Tania, I hope you are ready to sweat it out today.” Dave teased with a wide grin.“Whatever, let’s just get this over with.” Tania said nonchalantly as she walked towards the treadmills.Dave looked at Daykan; confused at Tania’s suddenly change in energy, but Daykan just shrugged and entered his office.**************************************Naomi Peters was really excited about this move because she was in dire need of a fresh start and a change of scenery. Carson seemed like the right place and as she slowly drove down the street in her red jeep, she really liked what she was seeing. She had spent days studying the map, so she was sure of where to go.Carson wasn’t as populated as Manhattan and the less busy streets were a breath of fresh air from all the congestion she was used to. Her mother felt she was crazy for giving up life in a bubbly place like Manhattan, for quiet little Carson.But, that was just like Agatha Peters, she was somehow able to feel calm and happy with all that noise around her; and she could never imagine leaving her job at the law firm for anything else.Twenty five year old Naomi had taken over her nerdy dad who had been a doctor. She was technically still a doctor, although her patients weren’t human beings and that was one of the things she loved about them.Animals were easier to be around than humans.They loved unconditionally and always made you feel special and cherished; they wouldn’t lie to you like humans would. Naomi sometimes wished that she had come to the world as an animal; maybe she would have endured less pain that way.It would have been exciting being an eagle, able to soar above clouds without a care in the world.She felt lucky that she had found a clinic in need of a vet in Carson because she couldn’t have imagined doing any other job.She would have probably opened her own clinic if it had come to that; Naomi wasn’t the kind of girl to give up on her dreams. She might not look it, but she was one tough cookie.Naomi had waist length jet black hair that looked darker than a moonless night and bright green eyes that would remind anyone of a cat. She had a pointed nose; and beneath that were almost too full red lips that gave her face character.She wasn’t so tall being five foot six inches, but she didn’t really enjoy wearing heels. She was really busty with a moderate behind, and didn’t particularly have prominent hips, but she had learnt to be content with the cards life had dealt her.Come Monday, in three days’ time and she would be officially starting her job at “Paw Prints Clinic.” Her things had been sent out to her apartment the previous day and she only had a few belongings in the jeep with her.The clinic was almost at the outskirts of town and a little close to the Gifford forest but Naomi didn’t mind. She resisted the urge to take a little detour and drop by her new work place because she hadn’t unpacked anything and that was going to take her a while.“Patience little one, you’ll have your fun soon.” Naomi mumbled to herself as she smothered the temptation.“Oh, that’s a nice looking gym. Maybe I should finally start working out like I’ve been planning to all these years,” Naomi said as she drove by “Sweat It Out.”Chapter Seventy ThreeFor what now felt like a brief moment, Daykan had been only concerned with having Naomi back.When she was with him, it felt like all the stars had perfectly aligned. Thoughts of Sharon’s death or the imminent evil he was sure existed had been far from him.Now, he had no choice but to face them because they threatened the peace with his mate; a peace he was willing to do anything to keep.“In the forest, you said the monster that killed Sharon might have started as a werewolf but isn’t one of you anymore. It’s left me really puzzled. Although I’ll be honest with you.” Naomi chuckled nervously, “A lot of this is still puzzling to me. But could you explain that bit? It’s been on my mind since you mentioned it. You could start from there.” Naomi prompted him gently.She had a lot to ask him but this was the pressing thing on her mind.Was Sharon’s killer one of Daykan’s co-residents at the Estate?Did Daykan know who it was?Could authorities even arrest the murde
Chapter Seventy TwoDaykan felt a surge course through his body from the crown of his head to the soles of his feet.He was charged up.He grabbed Naomi by her chin and pulled her close until he could feel her breath on his face.She was gently panting.Naomi knew that her breath was coming out in short puffs. She was probably breathing like a dog.There was no way that could be sexy. But Daykan didn’t look disgusted.He looked like he wanted to devour her whole. His eyes were captivating; it felt like they were drawing her in. She would gladly drown in them.This was the longest she had ever stared into his eyes when they were red and glowing.It looked like there was a faint outline of a werewolf in his pupils.He flashed a grin which was more teeth than smile; and she felt her insides melt. All her organs had turned to goo and they were sliding down her body.That must explain why there was a pool of wetness between her legs.She needed to take a really deep breath so her chest co
Chapter Seventy OneDaykan’s brows shot up in surprise. “Are you sure?”He didn’t want to mention that the last time she had seen him like that, things hadn’t ended so well.Naomi tried to sound firm. “Yes, I am.” “Alright then. I just want you to know that you’re completely safe. You don’t have to be afraid. I won’t do anything to hurt you. Okay?” Daykan said gently.“Okay.”Daykan looked around. “Let me just make some space.”He picked up the coffee table with one hand and Naomi gasped. From experience, she knew how heavy that table was.Daykan shrugged, “Sorry, I just figured I didn’t have to pretend anymore since my secret is out.”“You don’t have to apologize. Umm… just a little surprised, that’s all. Go on.” She wondered what other things he could do.She got up and stood at the side so she wouldn’t be in his way.Daykan moved the coffee table to the corner. He moved the couch and armchairs too, until there was a wide space in the living room.“Alright then, everything is set.
Chapter SeventyHis mate was here. She was really here.It felt like so long since Daykan had seen Naomi. She was wearing a pink short sleeved dress. It stopped just above her knees.He longed to take her into his arms but he didn’t want to scare her away.She slowly dropped her hand.“Hi…” Daykan started softly like he was trying not to spook an animal. “I’m so glad to se…”Daykan’s eyes suddenly changed to a deep red and Naomi recoiled in shock.“May… maybe I should just leave.” She said hurriedly and took a step back.“No, please don’t go. Just give me a minute.” Daykan averted his gaze and looked down at the floor.Come on damn eyes! Change back to normal.“Why are they like that?” Naomi asked softly. “Is it because you’re hungry?” “No, no, no. It’s nothing like that.” Daykan hurriedly reassured her in case she thought he was trying not to gobble her up. “It’s because I’m so happy to see you.”“Huh? How do you mean?”“Sometimes when my emotions get the best of me, my other side s
Chapter Sixty NineAfter the encounter with Naomi in the woods, Daykan had been in a daze.He had walked to his car stark naked, not a care in the world if anyone would see him; luckily that hadn’t happened.He had been conscious enough to slip into clothes and enter his car.But thirty minutes later, he had found himself parked in front of his apartment at the estate. By some miracle, he had managed to drive there without killing himself or anyone else. He had spent the day wallowing in misery.He looked at the clock and realized that it was time for the pack run. Maybe a run would help clear his head.But what would clear the debris in his chest from all the pieces of his broken heart?He wore a pallium and prepared to head out. Palliums are cloth made from a special material which wouldn’t rip apart when a werewolf transformed. It’s not always convenient to change back to human form and be butt naked. So they had appealed for something to be made.Word was the Moon Spirit had so
Chapter Sixty Eight“Moon Spirit?” Naomi was puzzled.Why was she shocked though?If werewolves were real, why not spirits too? “Yes. The Moon Spirit is our maker. We regard her as a divine deity. She’s basically our god. She’s the one who matches us with mates as well.” Senina explained patiently. “Only few werewolves are lucky to see her in their lifetime.”“Wow, and she appeared because of Daykan.” Naomi was impressed. “Yup, and in front of a number of people. My dad told me the story. He’s an Alpha too and had been waiting for Daykan’s delivery. He was against killing the baby but it wasn’t his pack and he was outnumbered.Until there was a sudden flash of light and she was floating in front of them. Although it was a sad situation, seeing the Moon Spirit is one of his best memories.” Senina smiled fondly. Xinoc’s face always lit up when he described the Moon Spirit.”What did the Moon Spirit say to them?” Naomi was fully interested in this story and not just because it concer