Beast Within (Beasty Series #1)

By Tyffani Clark Kemp

Gabriel Slade runs Hollywood with his gorgeous blue eyes and egregious temper. No one knows that underneath it all is a man with a frozen heart, cursed to become a beast at every full moon. For seven days he has no choice but to roam the earth as a vicious animal, until he meets a woman who can change it all.

Luna Grace has a hatred for everything Gabriel Slade stands for, but she doesn't even know what he looks like. When a chance encounter reveals feelings Luna never knew she harboured, it stands to reason that she would run.

Can Luna overcome her hatred and break the curse? Or will Gabriel's temper keep her from realizing her true feelings, dooming him to remain the beast forever?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Tyffani Clark Kemp
• Release date: Feb 27, 2013
• ISBN: 9781311253972

Tyffani Clark Kemp

Tyffani Clark Kemp might be the quietest person in the room, but that just means she’s probably the biggest freak too. She is a multi-genre author with a gift for the written word and a desire to help all Indies reach their full potential. In 2012, she and her best friend Kimberly Fudge started SideStreet Cookie Publishing for authors who want to remain independent, but don’t have the time or the knowledge to do it all themselves. From the age of eleven she dedicated her life to writing and making sure she was good at her craft. Now, she passes that knowledge on to others. Her friends would describe her as determined and giving. She may be quite, but she always has a story to tell.

Book preview

The ring of steel against steel permeated the room, punctuated only by the grunts of the two fighters and the occasional quip from the TV in the corner. A man and a woman fought across the room in a series of choreographed movements. Their swords were extensions of their arms, a part of them that they used to make their dance fluid and lithe.

Finally, the man pulled back and smiled. You're better than I am, he conceded with a bow. His English accent was smooth and his eyes danced with an untold secret that made her heart skip a little beat. If only her roommate wasn't into him.

Luna Grace ran a swordsmanship school in LA which meant she didn't just teach children, teens, and adults. She also choreographed movements for actors and stunt people. Michael was better than he wanted her to know. He was holding back, but she didn't know why. Still, at least she'd given him a workout. He was breathing heavy and sweating worse.

Well, Michael, my door is always open if you need improvement.

Michael's hair was a sort of muddy blonde/brown. He kept it short and it suited his facial structure. His eyes were a soft greyish blue that smiled when he did. He was buff, and attractive. Her roommate Cadence had been talking to him for the last week. Michael was the star of the WillSpy films, a series that was supposed to be high-action, but tended to be more romantical and cheesy. At least, that's what she'd heard. She'd never seen any of them.

You're so kind and humble, Michael joked.

Luna shrugged. Yeah, well. You know.

I'll see you later tonight, Luna Grace.

Why he insisted on calling her by her full name, Luna didn't know. What do you mean 'later tonight'? Are you coming over?

That would be a first. Cadence was worried because they hadn't slept together yet. He took her out, they had fun, and he brought her home. Was that normal? Luna wasn't sure. Nor did she care.

Party tonight. You are coming, aren't you?

Luna cocked an eyebrow. I don't do celebrity parties.

The TV in the corner suddenly became louder and she looked up. Today we're talking with Gabriel Slade, the woman crowed. Luna marched over to it and flipped the screen off before his face came on screen. When she turned, Michael was looking at her quizzically.

As I was saying-

You're coming. Cadence will talk you into it. I'll see you then. He winked at her and left, his jacket tossed over his arm.

She frowned. What had he done with his swords? The thought was forgotten a moment later when her cell phone rang.

Eep! Cadence squealed on the other end before Luna could say hello. We've been invited to a party tonight!

Yes, I know. Luna had no trouble curbing her enthusiasm.

Go home and shower, Cadence ordered. We're going shopping.

The line went dead before Luna could protest, but she knew if she didn't comply with her friend's wishes there would be hell to pay.

Luna made it home before Cadence. It was very rare that she didn't. She shoved the case that held her katanas into the far back corner of her closet and shut the door. Cadence didn't like Luna's swords in the house. They were her father's, passed down for several generations. Not only was she worried someone would try to steal them for their worth, but she was afraid they would kill Luna and Cadence for them if they knew the swords were in the house.

The two katanas Luna owned were the only ones of her father's she had left. She'd sold the rest of her father's vast collection to pay off his debts. She and her father had once suffered a break in from men who wanted to steal the collection. She was only eight at the time. Her father had been shot when one of the thieves’ guns accidentally went off.

Luna had made the mistake of telling Cadence about the incident. The other woman had freaked out saying she wasn't going to die at the end of a sword. So, Luna hid them to avoid Cadie's irrational fear. She'd been told more than once that if the swords were ever found in the house, she'd have to move out.

The doorbell rang. Luna rolled her eyes and slipped out of her sweaty clothes.

It's Elmo, Luna!

Guglielmo was Luna's oldest friend. They grew up together not far from where she lived now. Elmo, as they called him, still lived at home with his mother, one of the sweetest people Luna had ever known.

I'm getting in the shower. I have to take Cadence shopping. Be out in a minute. Grab a beer from the fridge if you want one. Elmo had his own key, but he always rang the doorbell so they knew he was coming.

Take your time. His mother was from Spain and he had a little bit of an accent himself. He spoke fluent Spanish, complete with the th sound in place of the s and z.

Luna rinsed off the day's workout and bathed quickly. When she was done she dried off and dressed in a pair of jeans and a graphic tee. It was a shirt Elmo had given her with a guardian angel on the front. He stood with his wings back and a sword held in front of his face. There was just something about it that Luna loved.

Elmo smiled at her when she walked out to the main room. Nice shirt. What are you shopping for this time?

Some celebrity party. I don't even know.

Elmo frowned. The only party I know of tonight is Slade's party.

Gabriel Slade? Luna shook her head. Has to be someone else. No way was she going to Gabriel Slade's party of the year. Not a chance.

Why do you hate the man so much? Have you ever even met him?

She shook her head. I don't need to meet him to know what kind of person he is.

And what kind of person is that?

A celebrity. They're all the same.

Elmo tried to hide a smile, but the corner of his mouth twitched. Luna huffed and looked away.

Don't. Elmo brought her face back around to look at him with his finger on her chin. What are celebrities like?

He was still laughing at her. Luna glared and answered, Arrogant, entitled, bossy, rude. She couldn't think of anything else. He flustered her sometimes. Not because she was interested in him, but because he was interested in her and made no attempts to hide it, even though she'd told him many times that nothing would ever happen between them.

A key jiggled in the front door and it flew open a moment later. Cadence charged into the house squealing loudly like she did when she was excited.

Let me shower and change and we'll go. We don't have much time! Hey Elms.

Hey. Should I get something delivered for later?

Chinese! Luna and Cadence said in unison.

Michael's going to meet us there. Luna, what are you wearing tonight?

Luna shrugged. We're going shopping aren't we? She knew she wasn't going to buy anything new for this party, but she gave Cadence the illusion that she was.

Right. Okay. Five minutes.

Thirty-five minutes later, Luna locked the front door and followed Cadence to her car.

So what party are we going to tonight? Luna asked and buckled her seatbelt. She feared she already knew the answer to the question, though.

There's a huge party up at Gabriel Slade's place tonight! Eek! she squealed.

Who? Luna asked just to push Cadence's buttons.

OMG! The actor Gabriel Slade? He practically owns Hollywood. Come on, Luna. You know who I'm talking about. Super sexy, gorgeous blue eyes, Australian accent. At least, I think it's Australian. It's definitely British or something. Come on! You know.

Sorry.

Ugh, Cadence huffed and started the car. Doesn't matter. You're coming, you're going to have fun, end of discussion. We'll get you something super great to wear.

If I'm meeting an actor I don't want to look plastic and fake in something I'd never wear. That's all he ever sees anyway. Truth be told, Luna wasn't really worried about what she looked like. She just wanted to be comfortable.

Good plan. Stand out. We probably won't meet him though. If he's even there he probably won't join the partiers. He'll stay with his own kind. She laughed at her own joke. Luna didn't find it very funny. In fact, she was sure that was exactly how he saw it too.

It's supposed to be cool tonight.

Thanks, Weather Man Luna. I'll take that into advisement. Oh! I saw this dress in a magazine last week. Gorgeous! I was so jelly when I found out that it's not even available for sale yet.

Jelly, Cadence's abbreviation for jealous. It was the stupidest thing Luna had ever heard of, but it stuck in her head. For the most part she could keep from using it in the wrong company, like hot men, but at times like now when she said, Jelly Doughnut? it was harder to avoid.

OMG! Totally!

It was their thing. She and Cadence couldn't be any more different, but they got along surprisingly well. She'd badly hoped Elmo would find Cadence appealing, but it hadn't happened quite that way. Elmo was always there when she needed help, just as he'd been when they were children, but his attachment to her bordered on obsessive.

You can bring Elmo for moral support if you want, Cadence added as she sped down the street.

Won't we need an invite or something?

To get in the house, yeah, but from what I hear that part of the party is pretty stuffy. All the rich people who are too good to enjoy themselves get invited to the house.

You talk about it like it's segregated.

Gabriel Slade's parties are, like, tiered. The rich, influential people who he wants to get in good with are allowed into the main house. The people who just want to mingle and get known - out of work actors and newbies - get to wander around the villa outside and see who they can meet. People like us who just want to have a good time and say we went to a Gabriel Slade party get to party outside the walls. That's where the music and good stuff is. I've been trying to get to one of his parties for years!

Right. So we don't actually get to go into the house and meet the cool people, we just get to be lame and stay outside the house, but on the actual property. And she says this will be good for me.

It will. It'll be fun too. Just wait.

*****

Gabriel stepped out on the balcony to survey the damage. The villa was being decorated for this stupid party tonight. He was obligated to hold them. As one of the most influential people in the film business - he owned most of the production companies - his parties were the best.

He even allowed anyone who was no one to come, so long as they stayed outside the walls. Some got in, some he invited in to keep up appearances, and most ended up passed out on his lawn the next morning. As long as they weren't in the house he refused to be responsible for them.

Mr. Slade.

Gabe turned to Devonshire, his right hand man. When he had found Gabe he was already well into his sixties. What is it?

The ice sculptures are early.

I'll say. What do they expect me to do with them?

They say you'll have to take them or they're going back to the warehouse. They want to speak with you, sir.

Of course they do. I'll be with them in a moment. Is there anything else?

Not yet, sir.

There was always something else, but never when it was convenient. Gabe checked his reflection and smoothed back his golden hair. He'd had it trimmed last night by Mrs. Stone, his cook and head house keeper. He kept it just above his collar. He preferred it long. His face needed a trim before things got started as well. Gabe kept some stubble. Women found a little bit attractive. With a deep breath he descended the stairs into the main room and across the foyer to the front door. Devonshire was arguing with a man there.

How can I be of assistance? Everyone turned. What a stupid question, their eyes were saying. Everyone knows that if Gabriel Slade wants to be of assistance he certainly can be. Didn't he know that?

Devonshire's relief showed plainly in his face.

What is the problem here? Gabe's voice resonated bass and authority. Are these the ice sculptures for my party tonight at nine o'clock?

Yes sir, the truck driver answered.

It's only just after eleven in the morning. You're early.

Yes sir. The delivery time was misread.

Ah. There was the truth of the matter. So how is this my responsibility? If you misread the delivery time then the problem is yours to solve, yes?

If I take them back to the warehouse-

Well, the only other option I see is that you sit in the driveway parked with the truck running so the sculptures don't melt and I don't think you have gas enough for that. And what about my guests? How will they park their cars?

No, there wouldn't be enough room for that, the man agreed.

Exactly. So what are we going to do about it?

We'll take the truck back to the warehouse until it's time to deliver.

Gabe gave him a stiff nod and turned to go back inside. Devonshire received a call as he reached the door. Predicting bad news, he waited until the man was done.

Michael, sir. He's at the gate.

Fantastic. Gabe shook his head and slammed the door hard enough to make the glass rattle.

*****

Luna leaned her head against the wall and waited for Cadence to emerge from the dressing room in yet another amazing outfit that wouldn't suit her because it wasn't expensive enough.

What about this one?

The dress was bright pink and covered in sequins. You'll certainly stand out.

Luna, I want your honest opinion. Are you bored?

Of course she was bored. These stupid stopping trips always turned out to be about Cadence, but she couldn't tell her friend that. I think it's tacky and cheap. I like the black one that barely covered anything up. It was good.

Yeah, but you said it was going to be cold tonight.

Buy a long jacket to go over it. You can leave it open and still see the dress. Get some great shoes to really call attention.

Damn, you're good at this.

I know. It's a gift. Can we go get something to eat now?

We still have to get your outfit.

Luna shook her head. I'll just wear something I have already. It's no big deal. Of course, I don't want to embarrass you.

What? As pretty as you are? Men kill for a second look at those green eyes. I'll let you go through my closet if you don't want to buy anything. If nothing else, you can wear some of my great shoes.

Deal. Now pay so we can get food. I'm freaking starved.

They made it home an hour later.

God, I have so much to do to get ready and only four hours!

Luna chuckled at her overdramatic friend. They'd met through a roommate finding service three years ago.

Cadie, you try too hard.

Have to work for it if you want it. I'm not trying to be noticed or anything, but good gracious, you meet some crazy awesome people at these things!

Relationships that only lasted one night were not Luna's ideal. Are you going to be bringing Michael home tonight?

Cadence poked her head around the corner of the hall to her room. IDK.

Why she insisted on speaking in text messaging lingo Luna would never know. Well, if you do, warn me so I can go stay at Elmo's. I don't want to be privy to your howling again. Where was Elmo?

I do NOT howl!

You howl. It's a wonder they finish.

A shimmering red Dorothy slipper flew in her direction. Luna dodged it in time for the second one to clunk her knee.

Now THAT is a howl! Cadence said of her cries of pain. I don't sound like that when I'm gettin' laid.

That's exactly what you sounded like.

This time a denim jacket wrapped itself around her head. Is denim even in anymore?

I think so.

The doorbell rang and the door opened a second later. Elmo marched in with Chinese takeout and a case of beer.

"Hola, Luna."

Hey. Cadence is in her pre-prep stage.

He nodded and grinned, showing straight white teeth. Is denim even in anymore?

We're not sure. She's not wearing it though.

Is that what you're wearing? Cadence was peeked around the corner again.

He was in a blue sweater and jeans and white sneakers. Yep. Does it embarrass you?

A little.

Then I've done my job very plainly.

Yeah. Very plainly.

Luna tossed the jacket back at Cadence and missed when she disappeared. Leave him alone, Cadie.

You hungry? Elmo asked and started unloading the food.

I don't want to get bloated! Cadence shouted around the corner. Luna rolled her eyes.

CHAPTER TWO

Gabe stalked into the study where his friend sat in a leather-bound chair, glass of brandy to his lips.

Why are you here? he growled. You're supposed to be filming.

I'm in town working with a choreographer, if you must know.

You work for me, so I must know. I didn't sanction that. Gabe rubbed his chest over his heart. The frozen organ sent shafts of cold through his extremities.

Michael's eyes lingered on Gabe's chest for a moment, and then went back to his drink. I know. He finished it off in one huge gulp. I felt I needed the work though.

How long have you been in town?

About two weeks. I have a few friends coming to the party tonight. That's why I'm here. He looked up and speared Gabe's eyes with his own. To hang out with some friends at your party.

Gabe nodded tersely. Fine, but don't cause any trouble. He couldn't seem to get that growl under control today. Michael, though they really were the best of friends, grated on his nerves so bad most days that it was a wonder Gabe hadn't torn him to pieces yet.

Me? Cause trouble? Michael refilled his drink. Why would you even say anything like that, Gabriel? It hurts my feelings.

I'm going to hurt more than your feelings if you don't get out of my house. Gabe turned on his heel, well aware that Michael wouldn't go anywhere until he was good and ready. Devonshire!

Devonshire was there a moment later. Yes, sir.

I want him out on the dunes. Not in my house and not in the villa, understood?

Yes, Mr. Slade.

*****

Luna was quick. She showered, brushed her teeth and hair, and was dressed with time to spare, so she sat on the sofa with Elmo grubbing on Chinese for the second time that evening and drinking beer. She had a good buzz going by the time Cadence joined them.

How do you do that? You always look good and you take no time at all. Cadence hooked some fabulously long earrings in her ears and slipped her stilettos on.

You should try it. It might help you. That earned her a stiff punch in the arm. Truth be told, though, I think it's my natural tan and my long dark hair. It's classic. Luna's mother was a Native American and her father was a little bit of everything else. Somehow she'd gotten all the best features according to him.

I have a tan. I'm Hispanic and my hair is dark too.

Luna shrugged. Is Michael picking us up?

We're going to meet him there and before you ask, we are not arriving to this party in your beat up clunker, Elmo. I'm driving.

Fine by me.

I'm sure it is. The two of you can cuddle up in the backseat.

Luna rolled her eyes and snatched her scarf and jacket from the back of the sofa. I'll drive, just for that.

*****

They pulled up to the front gates at ten after ten. Luna felt good. The buzz she already had almost guaranteed they'd be able to leave in the next three hours. Cadence hated it when Luna whined about how drunk she was. She had no problem admitting she was a lightweight.

The man at the gates gave them a ticket which Luna hung on the rearview mirror. The gates parted slowly and they drove into the party. It was almost literally a wasteland. Just mounds of sand and weed bushes except for the wooded area that bordered the inside of the wall. Parking was to the right as they pulled in. Luna pulled into a place she wouldn't be able to get out of in an hour or so and they got out.

Luna, you look good. You might find yourself a man tonight. Sorry, Elmo.

She'd opted for jeans and a light grey cardigan over a camisole. She wore a red scarf to top it off and matching red knee high boots with a heel not designated for sandy places. She heard surf crashing on the beach and half wished she was there right now. People were already stumbling about drunk. One couple, if they were even a couple, was lying across the hood of a car dry humping like their lives depended on it.

So tacky, Cadence said.

Your party.

Gabriel Slade's party, thank you very much. Ready to get your mingle on?

Mingle? With whom? These aren't the kind of people I'd want to mingle with at a party like this.

Oh, come on. You never know who you'll run into!

I'm better off not knowing. Some guy whooped it up in front of a group of girls who rolled their eyes and walked away.

Oh, don't be jelly.

Of what? Luna asked, incredulous.

Cadence marched off in a huff.

I'll find you, Luna. Elmo hurried of, pretending to see someone he knew.

Luna wandered for a bit.