A Lunar Stalking

By Kerry Davidson

In the second installment of the McKenna Series, McKenna is up against a very powerful unknown force. When dead bodies and abandoned cars start showing up on the pack’s land, everyone is convinced that it is the work of the vampires but McKenna isn’t so sure. During her investigation she may have stumbled upon a clan of ancient vampires who have ties to the ‘Moon Fallen,’ a pack of werewolves believed to have been purged centuries ago but she still isn’t convinced. Even at the emergency Alpha Meeting, the bodies keep piling up, McKenna keeps looking for the connection between all the deaths. Can McKenna solve this mystery before she loses the only Alpha werewolf she cares about?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Kerry Davidson
• Release date: Jul 16, 2012
• ISBN: 9781476204567

Kerry Davidson

I'm the author of the McKenna series. A paranormal/urban fantasy series jammed packed full of werewolves, witches, vampires, and so many other supernatural creatures.I have two children and live in the great state of TN. I love anything paranormal!When I'm not writing or playing games with my family. I love to read, garden, and watch movies.If you would like to learn more about the McKenna series, please fill free to look me up on Smashwords, Barnes and Nobles, or Ibooks.

Book preview

Prologue

Scotland, 13th century.

The slight fall breeze brought the promise of a storm as it blew across the fields. Lifting my face, I breathed in the fresh crisp air. I loved storms. As a youth, I would run and play in the forest near my home when it stormed.

I gazed out over the empty brownfields. Earlier in the summer, the fields had been lush with crops of barley and wheat. We had enough supplies to make it through the upcoming winter and after today’s hunt, we would have enough meat for the next couple of days. I sighed and leaned against the stone wall. What I wouldn’t give for a nap!

I felt a gentle tug on my shirt. Shifting slightly, I peered down into the amber eyes of my daughter, Meadghbh. Even at the tender age of five, she was beautiful with long black hair and light brown skin. She dressed in a simple blue shirt, brown pants, lambskin boots, and a black cloak. I smiled and placed my hand on the side of her face. Other than her eyes, she was my mirror image.

What is it, my love? I asked her gently.

Da is awake and demanding your presence, she said, giggling. I groaned aloud. This would not go well. He hated waking up without me. Normally, I would have stayed by his side, but the clan had needed the meat.

From my fifty-foot perch, I looked out over the land and took another deep breath. It was a breathtaking sight. A massive castle of stone and mortar overlooked the land, giving our people a place of protection and our enemies a warning: ‘We don’t want you here; go away or die!’

We had lived here for the past seven years. The land and the castle had been a gift from the human king. To hear my mate, tell the story, the human had begged him to accept the gift as a peace offering between our two races, but knowing my mate, he’d most likely conned the human out of the beautiful old place. Either way, it was now our home.

Come, little one. Let’s find out what your Da wants, I said, sighing. Taking her hand, I walked with her from the curtain wall to the courtyard.

Find Mary and tell her to draw up a bath for your Da, then find Cookie and bring up some stew. He’s sure to be hungry, I told her as we walked up the stairs to the castle entrance.

Aye, Ma, she said, before taking off through the main castle towards the kitchen. I slowly climbed the fifteen feet of stone stairs to the upper level. At the top of the stairs, I entered the hall and walked to the opposite end. I silently came to a stop just short of the huge bed and closed my eyes for a moment. I didn’t want to fight with him tonight. I understood he was injured, in pain and bored. Werewolves normally heal very quickly from wounds, but it was never fast enough for Cullen.

Opening my eyes, I looked around the hall. I loved the stone walls, hung with heavy, woven tapestries. The hall served as our private living quarters above the main hall of the castle. This end of the hall held our massive bed in its center, the heavy drapes still tightly drawn. Two large chests for our clothes were on the left, under thick, green-glass windows we’d covered with black bear pelts to help stave off the cold. To the right, a large fireplace arched up against the stone wall, with two rough-hewn chairs sitting before it and a table between them, where we’d play chess or cards at night.

Perhaps he’s gone back to sleep. I thought hopefully as I walked to the fireplace and sat down in one of the chairs. After untying my cloak, I leaned forward to light a fire. The room had taken on a slight chill with the approaching storm. I sat back and just stared into the slowly growing orange flames.

Little Raven, where the hell have you been all day? a deeply timbered voice asked from behind the bed’s curtains. When you left this morning, I assumed you would be back before now. I closed my eyes as he spoke. I loved the sound of his voice. Even when he was cross, it made me think of the flowering heather covering the hills around our home.

Hunting, my love, I replied, bending forward to pull off my boots.

Did you forget you are only allowed to hunt with me? He asked very calmly as if I could forget his number one rule. I sighed heavily.

No, I didn’t forget, but we needed the meat, my love, and you won’t be up to hunting for a few more days, I reminded him with a sigh. Dropping both boots and two daggers on the floor next to my chair, I stood up to unfasten my sword belt. After draping it over the back of the chair, I slowly stretched. What I wouldn’t give to curl up next to him in our big bed and go to sleep, I thought.

The light from the fire slowly dispelled the darkness from the room, making shadows dance across the walls. I pulled back the bed curtain and watched his glowing amber eyes flash at me from the center of the immense bed. Have mercy, I thought, he’s angry.

Why are you so tired, my love? he asked. Didn’t you sleep well last night? No, I thought. I never slept well when he or one of the children was hurt. I smiled at him as I climbed up onto the bed. He was leaning back against several pelts, with his large arms folded over his chest. I had carefully propped up his wounded leg on more pelts this morning before I had left for the hunt.

I am a little tired, I admitted as I crawled across the bed to him. I am, after all, doing the work of two for the moment.

Where the hell are my sons? he demanded in a roar. Why aren’t they helping their mother?

Our sons are still young, Cullen. You don’t really expect them to grow into men every time you get hurt, now do you? I smiled into his eyes. It’s not their fault you let that little pig hurt you. I swallowed back a laugh. My mate, the mightiest werewolf ever to live, Cullen Gabriel MacDaibhidh, king of the werewolves, had been laid low by a little pig.

I did not let that ‘little pig’ hurt me, he growled at me, quickly cupping the back of my neck with one of his big hands. I was trying to keep their foolish mother from getting herself killed. At that, I laughed aloud. In truth, it had been the biggest boar I had ever seen. I still wasn’t sure I would have survived the attack if he hadn’t jumped in front of me. During the fight, the beast had managed to thrust one great tusk into Cullen’s leg, snapping the bone before he’d ended its life.

Their mother had everything under control until you jumped in the way. I touched my fingertips to his lips to stop his next comment. Cullen, I know you’re injured, but our people still have to eat. I took a large hunting party with me and we killed enough game to have meat until you are well again. He licked my fingers, and I marveled that after ten years, he could still take my breath away. I kissed him gently. When he bent his head to kiss my neck, I tilted my head back and sighed in pleasure.

I missed you, he murmured against my skin. I don’t like waking up without you. Cullen had one rule that I absolutely followed and whole-heartedly agreed with. Whenever possible, we awoke together. No matter had badly we fought, or how bad our injuries were, we always greeted the day side by side.

I am sorry my love, but it couldn’t be helped. The clan needed one of us, I whispered.

I know, I know, he sighed. The clan’s needs must come first. This was the one rule I hated. It had taken me years to accept the fact that I would always come second to the clan. At times, I secretly hate every one of them for it. Settling me across his lap, Cullen placed his big hand over the slight swell of my belly.

And how is our newest son doing? he asked.

She is fine, I chuckled. We had played this game with every one of our four children; three boys and one girl; secretly, I was hoping for another girl. His passionate kiss pulled another sigh from me. I could never get enough of him.

Branwen, I know I have been acting like a bear. I truly am sorry, he whispered to me. I looked deep into his glowing amber eyes. As Fate would have it, one lifetime would never be enough time for me to tell him how much I loved him.

Chapter One

Present day, Fall Branch, Tennessee.

I find it interesting how many humans are truly dissatisfied with their lot in life. Many of them crave the exciting life of a supernatural, but few of them are actually prepared for the cold realities of my world; a dark place that crushes weaker beings and leaves only the strongest alive. The fact of the matter is most humans are disgusted by the most important element to our survival - blood. All supernatural creatures crave it, in one form or another. No, humans are taken in by the glamorous side of our lives. That or they’re drawn to the idea of a very long life since most supernatural beings will outlive a human by several hundred years.

For example, the vampire population has exploded here in the states during the last two hundred years, due largely to the fact that the vampires lie to their potential changelings about what their afterlife will be like. Oh, it can be a wonderful experience with the right master, but for most fledgling vampires the afterlife is an eternity of hellish servitude. Why do you wonder? Very simply put, not every master is cut out to be a good master.

I sipped on my drink as I looked around the crowded Goth bar called ‘The Neon Poison.’ It was a dump. The dark bar sported dirty tables around a worn-out dance floor. Behind the dance floor was a small stage, which currently holds a five-piece metal-slash-thrash band. I had been optimistic after seeing their stage name, ‘Blackest Sundays,’ but no such luck. The screeching of a dying cat would’ve sounded better.

I felt someone staring at me and slowly I scanned the bar, turning slightly in my chair, I glanced at the bar in time to see an attractive man in his mid-fifties slowly look away from me. He looked like he could be a badass biker, sitting on the barstool in his worn-out blue jeans, a black t-shirt with a white skull on the front of it and scarred, black biker boots. As he turned his back to me, I saw he’d completed his look with a black leather jacket with a red skull and crossbones patch on the back. He looked like he’d be a hell of an asset in a fight.

I finished my scan of the bar and then gave him another quick glance before turning back around in my seat. I knew the man very well, of course. It was Angus Macgregor, my mentor, and stepfather, waiting for my signal. He was the only man my mate completely trusted to be alone with me. Angus had promised to keep me safe and alive while he was away.

Not that I really needed him to keep me alive; I have a tattoo that is keyed to provide me with unlimited weapons, as well as provide immediate healing if I was injured. I had spent months working out the kinks to get the combination right. The result is that I never have to carry a weapon unless I want to, and I have a really cool tattoo.

The only downside is that if I’m injured, it crawls across my body to the wounded area and if I used too much power, it just randomly moves around my body, which is kind of unnerving to other people. You see, I’m McKenna. I’m a weretiger, a witch and a Sōkjan, a member of Luna's private army of assassins. If my mate only knew what Angus, and I really did while we were out on contracts, he’d never trust him again.

Tonight, the contract is to find and kill one Elbert Landtroop. Apparently, he’s been creating baby vampires against their will. Well, according to the family of one of his latest creations, Emily Hooper. The girl’s mother assured me that Emily would never have chosen the life of a vampire. It went against everything the girl and her family believed in, not to mention the teachings of their human God.

Whatever, I thought. I just need to ask her myself after we find her. If she confirmed that Elbert had forced her into this new life, I had killed him and then her. It may seem harsh, but an unhappy baby vampire grows up to be an unhappy adult vampire, and our world has enough problems as it is. If, on the other hand, she told me she’d freely chosen this change, I would strongly suggest that she share her decision with her parents.

For tonight’s hunt, I had squeezed my warrior form into a tight leather mini skirt, fishnet stockings and five-inch heels, all black. A matching black leather jacket covered my low-cut red silk blouse. The heavy dark-gray eye makeup made my icy blue eyes look almost white. I personally liked the effect. Straight, long black hair framed my pale face, completing my look. Another thing my mate would be angry with me about if he knew. I had dyed my normally white hair for the job.

Slowly, I pulled my six-foot-tall frame up and away from my table. Tossing hair over my shoulder, I tried to draw as much attention to myself as possible. Tonight, I was going for a whorish effect and judging from the looks I was getting, I was succeeding.

I didn’t have that slim, soft body most women either had or wanted. In my youth, I too had wished for that perfectly curved body; the figure men dreamed of and would go to war over, but it was not to be. No, I would always be lean and hard, built for fighting. I had an exotic blend of looks from my Romani Gypsy witch mother and my Celtic werewolf father. I didn’t consider myself a beautiful woman; hell, I didn't even consider myself pretty, but people did tend to stare when I walked by, so I knew I wasn’t too terrible to look at.

I started towards the back of the bar where a small group of people sat talking. I had spotted my prey an hour ago when I had first arrived and had spent the last hour watching women flock to this man. For the life of me, I couldn't figure out why.

Elbert Landtroop was an ugly man with long, stringy brown hair. His brown eyes were a little off-center and he had a long and bony hooked nose. His painfully thin body was dressed in black jeans, black shirt, red coat, and red shoes. He should be killed for his taste in clothes alone, I thought. When had the vampire pool gotten so shallow that this guy was at the top, even in this disgusting place?

I watched him as I approached. I couldn't see anything about him that would draw even the slightest attention from any normal woman. Then I heard his voice, a deep, rich, sexy bass. I had to hold back a shiver at the sound; it was beautiful. I leaked out a little power, just enough to attract his attention. He looked up at me and we stared into each other’s eyes.

Hello, my darling. What can I do for you? he asked in that sexy voice. Now I understood why women were flocking to him. Some powerful supernatural beings can use their voice to control other beings. I don’t possess this talent but then I tend to use fear to get what I want, but Elbert had it in spades.

I heard your voice and just had to see you, I said, making my voice breathy. It’s so beautiful. He smiled and patted the seat next to him.

Come and sit by me, darling, so we can get to know each other better. He offered his hand. I started to reach for it but pulled back before we touched.

I really shouldn’t. I’m working right now, I told him softly, shaking my head. I just felt this overwhelming need to come to you. I gave him a shy smile before looking back at the bar to make sure Angus was ready.

I didn’t mean to bother you and your friends, I apologized and started to turn away.

Oh, you didn’t bother us, love, he purred and reached for my hand again, I think your boss would understand if you wanted to take a break and sit with us. My skin crawled when he touched my hand and pulled me towards him.

Oh, I don't know. You don't know my boss. She can be a real bitch sometimes, ya know what I mean? I said, keeping my tone breathy and looking innocently into his murky brown eyes. He laughed softly.

I'm sure I could talk her into it. I have a way with women. Yeah, right. I should do all the women in the world a favor and just kill you now, I thought.

Why don't we go somewhere more private so she can’t see us? I suggested, moving closer to him. Then we can get to know each other better.

My cell phone rang, but I made no move to answer it. I was pretty sure I knew who it was, and he was going to be pissed off that I wasn't sitting at home waiting for his call. Honestly, the man just didn't understand that I had to work.

Darling, aren’t you going to answer your phone? he asked.

No. It's just my boss telling me to book you or move on, I told him shyly, pushing just a little more power at him.

I know a place we can go, he suggested, running a sweaty hand up the back of my leg to cup my ass. It's not that far from here. I wiggled out of his grasp as my phone rang again and I let out a groan. If Gabriel ever found out I had let this idiot touch me, he would kill me. Job or no job, I wasn't supposed to let anyone touch me, per ‘mate’s rules.’ Well, what he didn't know wouldn't hurt me, right?

Let’s go before she comes over here, I told Elbert.

Maybe we should wait for her, he said, looking around the bar. The more the merrier. Which one is she? I laughed softly when he stood up to his full height of five-ten. I towered over him by more than afoot.

No, lover boy, you don't want to meet her, I assured him. Let’s get out of here. I let him take my hand as he led the way to the door. I gave Angus a quick look when we walked by him. Showtime. Once we were outside the bar, Elbert pulled me closer to him.

Do you like your life? he asked.

I love my life, I answered, Why?

I could offer you eternal life. Would you like the life you love to last forever? he asked.

No one lives forever, I laughed. Everybody has to die sometime. I tried to wiggle away from him.

I will live forever, he told me feverishly. My offer is a onetime deal, my dear. I will need your answer before the end of the night.

Oh, you want to buy me for the night? I stopped trying to get away and snuggled closer to him. Baby, why didn’t you tell me that in the first place?

There’s my car over there, he said, leading me across the street.

You got any drugs at your place, baby? I sure could use a hit of something, just to take the edge off, ya know? If you want to do it all night, ya know, I’m gonna definitely need something, I babbled at him as any good junky hooker would.

After tonight, you won’t ever need drugs again, he promised me, opening the car door.

I settled into the passenger seat and waited for him to get in.

I don’t know, I said, as if unsure, I usually carry something with me, but tonight’s been busy.

Trust me, dear. You won’t need any drugs after tonight. I am going to change your life.

I thought you said we were going to a party, I pouted at him. How are we supposed to party without any stuff?

Trust me. Now, be quiet, he commanded.

I felt the power of his voice wash over me. I turned my head to look out the window so he wouldn’t see me smile. If that was all he had, it was going to be an easy job. We drove for roughly thirty minutes in silence before he stopped at a condo.

Look at me, he commanded. I turned to look at him. He quickly grabbed the back of my neck and pulled me towards him.

Everything we do tonight is what you want. I will do anything you ask, but you must ask me to do it first. Do you understand? His voice wrapped around me like a blanket and its rhythm was hypnotic.

I stared deeply into his eyes. Yes, I breathed.

He slowly dipped his head and licked my neck, making me shiver. He thought it was desire I’m sure, but it was really the fact that I was disgusted to my very core.

Wait here.

I watched him get out of the car and walk to the door, wondering what he was trying to hide from me. Within minutes, he was back and opening my door. I glanced around quickly as I got out of the car. Angus, I thought, where the hell are you?

Chapter Two

Once inside, I glanced around, quickly spotting two other women in the condo.

Oh, now that will cost you extra, I told Elbert, three times my normal fee. I kicked off my heels and shrugged out of my jacket.

What are you talking about? Elbert growled at me.

If you want a foursome, it will cost you three times my normal fee. If you want to watch a girl on girl show, I charge more for that, too. I looked over the two girls. Both were too thin, wearing matching green tank tops with black miniskirts. The first, a blond with big blue eyes, was about five-five and watched every move Elbert made. The second, a brunette with green eyes, stood around five-eight and watched me. I blew her a kiss before turning around checking out the rest of the room.

The average-sized room held the standard stuff, brown couch, one large chair, a coffee table, and an entertainment center. Off the living room was a short hallway heading off into a kitchen and a set of stairs leading up to the next floor.

Be quiet. I told you in the car you will ask me for everything we do here tonight, his voice taking on an edge.

Yeah, I remember, but you still got to pay me. My boss will be very pissed off if I don’t bring her the money in the morning, I smiled at him. She won’t let me give nothing away for free, y’all know what I mean? She won’t even let me have a boyfriend.

I glanced over at the wonder twins as I spoke, both staring in shock that I would tell him he had to do anything.

Girls, y’all got some blow or somethin’ to smoke? I asked.

I told you to shut up! Elbert yelled at me as he backhanded me across the face.

It wasn’t much of a hit, but I played along and fell to my knees on the floor. I peeked at the girls through the curtain of my hair; both looked very afraid. I quickly shifted a finger into a claw and cut the corner of my mouth and poked the corners of my eyes to make them water. Blood dripped down my chin when Elbert grabbed a hand full of my hair and jerked me off the floor.

Hey baby, you don’t have to hit me. I’ll do anything you want. I made my voice tremble as I sniffed back tears. I’m sorry I said something you didn’t like. I didn’t mean to make you mad, baby.

Nervously, I ran one hand up his chest and slowly inched the other toward his crotch. I carefully avoided making any eye contact with him.

Let me make it up to you, I begged.

Stop it! he jerked my head back cruelly.

I intentionally looked at the ceiling.

Look at me, I shifted my eyes to look down into his ugly face.

I felt his other arm circle around my waist pulling me closer to him. I couldn’t wait to kill this bastard.

You want me to kiss your neck, he whispered to me and felt his power wrap around me.

I nodded my head.

No, you have to say it.

I want you to kiss my neck, I stumbled through the words.

I closed my eyes and tried to stand still when I felt his tongue lick the blood off my chin. He shivered at the magic in my blood.

My, you’re a powerful witch. You’ll make me the envy of the clan, he laughed. Even the prince will want you after he sees you, but he can’t have you because you’re all mine, he gloated. Say it!

He can’t have me, I choked out.

Very good, now tell me you want to be a vampire, he whispered.

One of the girls whimpered, and I glanced over at them. They were huddled together on the couch, watching us with wide eyes. I tried not to drink in their fear, but I couldn’t help myself. I had to have just a taste, and I shivered in his arms, which made Elbert chuckle softly.

That’s right, darling. I will make you mine and we will live forever together.

I almost laughed, so this is how he made his baby vampires.

I want to be a vampire, I repeated. Almost there, I thought.

You want me to make you a vampire tonight, he prompted. And we’re done.

I quickly dropped both of my hands from his body. Snapping both of my wrists as they fell to my sides, I felt the black-bladed daggers fill my hands.