Blood Moon (Dark Moon Series #1)

By Shelly M. Burrows and Michael Stewart

In book one, Blood Moon Werewolf witches Conri Olcan and Saoirse MacKay are on the hunt for the bones of the original Alpha of the Blood Moon Pack, Panteon. Cronus, the leader of the Vampire Coven will stop at nothing to prevent that from happening. Will Conri and Saoirse survive? Will Cronus succeed in stopping them? Who will be caught in the cross hairs of this war? Follow this thrilling tale and enter the Variant World.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Shelly M. Burrows
• Release date: Aug 27, 2015
• ISBN: 9781517077556

Shelly M. Burrows

Shelly Burrows is a mother to a handsome son. She loves to read, roleplay on twitter and spend time with her friends. She loves Michigan and Ohio State (Yes, they are rivals but when the two teams play, she goes with Michigan) She likes to read Kresley Cole, Gena Showalter and Stacia Kane books.Michael Stewart is a connoisseur of all things 80's. He's a HUGE fan of the Lakers, the Dodgers and the USC Trojans. He role plays and loves to read Jim Butcher, Stuart Woods and Dean Koontz.The pair met online while role playing and an instant friendship was made. They have been best friends for five years and counting and their love of crafting stories in their role play has brought a passion and desire to write a book about their characters and their exploits.The Variant World is a dangerous one, could you survive?Follow them both on twitterShelly is @ScribeShellyMichael is @LakersGold

Book preview

Blood Moon

Dark Moon Series

SHELLY M. BURROWS

&

MICHAEL S. STEWART

BLOOD MOON: THE DARK MOON SERIES

By

Shelly M. Burrows & Michael S. Stewart

Copyright © Shelly M. Burrows & Michael S. Stewart 2014

Cover Illustration Copyright © MaDley Publishing

Published by MaDley Publishing

Names, characters and incidents depicted in this book are products of the author's imagination, or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, organizations, or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental and beyond the intent of the author or the publisher.

All rights reseved. No part of this book may be repoduced or transmitted in any form or by any means whatsoever, including photocopyingrecording or by aninformation storage and retrieval system, without written pemission from the publisher and/or author.

MaDley Publishing

http://darkmoonseries.wordpress.com

Printed in the U.S.A.

DEDICATION

I would like to thank my writing partner, Shelly Burrows.  We go together like peanut butter and jelly.

To my nephew, Israel Garcia, thanks for always encouraging me in this endeavor, for believing in me, even when I didn't.

Thanks to all my friends who encouraged Shelly and me to do this, to follow a dream. Your support has been amazing. ~Michael

There are so many people that I’d like to thank. First is my Co-Author Michael Stewart for being such a wonderful person and great friend. He has been my rock through the storms. (Even while editing). He has such talent and I am honored to have my name next to his on this book.

To my parents- Their unwavering support; you both have helped me at every turn and I don’t know how I can ever repay you, for all that you’ve done for me. I may not show it, but I do appreciate it.

To my son Zachariah- Thank you for being so patient while I was on the phone and at the computer writing. Bug, you are the light of my life and the fact that you say you’re proud of your mom for writing a book, means the world to me.

To THE Book Ninja, Brandee Crisp- She has helped us when we had questions about punctuation and grammar. You’re a rock star!

To my Aunt Jody and Uncle Dave- You have given me staunch support throughout my life and you are more like parents, than an aunt and uncle. I love you guys.

Thank you to everyone who will take the time to read this, many of you have known Michael and I through our role-playing and I hope you like this tale. I’m sure you’ll recognize a few characters. ~ Shelly

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Prologue 7

Chapter One 10

Chapter Two 17

Chapter Three 26

Chapter Four 38

Chapter Five 47

Chapter Six 61

Chapter Seven 67

Chapter Eight 81

Chapter Nine 93

Chapter Ten 100

Chapter Eleven 107

Chapter Twelve 123

Chapter Thirteen 131

Chapter Fourteen 141

Chapter Fifteen 158

Chapter Sixteen 176

Chapter Seventeen 187

Chapter Eighteen 189

Chapter Nineteen 193

Chapter Twenty 206

Chapter Twenty-One 212

Chapter Twenty-Two 217

Epilogue 227

About The Authors 235

PROLOGUE

How he loved this part.

Nicholas Malloy had been a vampire for over two centuries and this still never got old for him, especially when he was joined by Winn and Lynette.  When you had all of eternity, it wasn't often that you stayed with traveling companions for so long, but the three of them had just clicked. For over sixty years, they fed together and spent time with one another.  The other two vampires were younger than he, neither having broken their first century yet.

Look at her go! Winn laughed. I can hear her heart hammering in her chest!

Just make sure you save some of the little mouse for me. Lynette said, closing in on their prey from the left.

They had done this so many times each of them had their movements down pat. Once they tired of chasing the girl, Winn would close in from the right, she would go after her from the left, and Nicholas would shut down the middle. 

Nicholas couldn't help but smile.  They had found this morsel in a bar, some shit hole called the Blue Flame.  She couldn't be more than twenty five. Her blonde hair was streaming behind her, and Nicholas liked the shape of her ass in those tight jeans she was wearing.  They had herded her out to this open field by fucking with her head, making little noises, moving so fast that she would catch them in the corner of her eye.  It wasn't hard to do when one had been doing it for as long as Nicholas had. 

Winn grinned now, as the girl tried to lose them in the forest.  Fool.  They could see perfectly in the darkness, and their prey was still lit up like a beacon for them.  But he was growing weary of the chase and wanted to taste this sweet temptation.  His grin soon threatened to split his face as he saw the girl trip over an exposed root and go down.  That was just like in the movies!  

Lynette shook her head.  Really?  How cliché.  Let's finish this.  I'm hungry, and this toy doesn't hold much of a challenge. 

Their dinner was no longer running. She was on her ass clutching her ankle.  She probably broke it.  Boring.  

As the trio of vampires closed in on the girl, Nicholas looked up briefly seeing the crescent moon playing hide and seek with the top of the trees.  The denseness of these woods provided good cover for them and would allow them to feed in peace, without disturbance.  He agreed with Lynette.  It was time to end this particular game.

If you don't struggle, we'll make this quick, Nicholas said.

No, go ahead and struggle, Lynette said with a laugh.  I like it when they struggle.  You boys know that.  There was a seductive purr to her voice now.

The girl looked up at the vampires and actually smiled.  

I'll keep that in mind...

* * *

Saoirse MacKay was on the move. She could hear the crashing of the others’ feet thundering in the forest around her. She was on high alert, everyone was and, when the time came, they sprang into action. Running toward the source of the disruption, she surveyed the scene before her. Three vampires were about to descend on a young woman and drain her of every drop of life’s blood. This would not do. Saoirse stepped forward, not even breathing hard from the run. The vampires were so caught up in their impending kill that they weren’t aware a predator had stepped in their midst.

You’ve chased the wrong girl, and you will die, Saoirse proclaimed.

The vampires finally looked up, hostility rolling off them in waves, upset at being interrupted.

Who the fuck are you to threaten us? Lynette said.

Saoirse thought she wasn’t the smartest in the group.

Nicholas didn’t know what was going on. He looked around confused. He could tell by the woman’s scent what she was; how could she think she could take them on? For now, he just stood there silently. Lynette and Winn were like most vampires, thinking they were at the top of the food chain, impervious to everything, so their attitude toward this new woman wasn’t surprising.

You are trespassing on our land, vampire. It is a mistake that will cost you the very life you covet. Saoirse said.

The girl’s eyes were no longer wide with fear. Her heart calm in her chest. Lynette and Winn suddenly started to look around nervously. The look on Nicholas’ face wasn’t comforting them either. Winn must have gotten a sudden streak of bravery because he puffed his chest out and smirked.

I don’t think you can take us three, he said.

Saoirse just smiled, Your hubris is your downfall. She turned to the girl. Caoihme, you did well this night.

Caoihme O’Rourke’s lips curled into a smile as she stood, much to the chagrin of the vampires.

Since you did so well, you can begin. Saoirse turned to the vampires and said, You’ve trespassed for the last time tonight. With those final words, growls filled the air. The trio turned to flee, but it was useless, they were surrounded.

The only sounds that could be heard were the sounds of growls from Saoirse’s kin, a gleeful yip from Caoihme and the screams of the vampires as they were torn apart.

CHAPTER ONE

Squinting, cupping his hand over his eyes to cut the glare of the sun, Mike Hardy shuffled out of the Bear Pit.  It was the best bar in Weaverville.  It was the only bar in Weaverville.  Now, where was his car?  This is what he got for getting blitzed in the afternoon.  He should have waited until later, but unfortunately, it was a stupid full moon tonight, so that ruled out good drinking.

Mike was tall, 6'2", with sandy brown hair that he wore a touch too long and jade eyes that shined like gem stones. He was also part of the nest of secrets in this small town.  He often wondered if Weaverville sat on a hell mouth or something like Sunnydale.  Well, there were no hot girls running around like Faith or Buffy that was for sure.  He came from a family of shape shifters, and his father was head of that line in town.  Unlike the werewolves, there was no Alpha label slapped on the top shape shifter; his father didn't need one.  He was the boss and, if anyone challenged him for leader, they died.

Mike had always thought it would have been much cooler to be a shape shifter if they could have shifted into any person they saw, but it didn't work that way.  They could only change their form into animals, not human beings.  That fact dashed his dream of shifting into rock stars or movie stars.  Can you imagine the amount of ass he would have scored if he could turn into Brad Pitt or Johnny Depp? 

Pops said you would be here.  Leaning against Mike's car was his brother Russell.

Did he send you to come fetch me? Mike said, already irritated by his brother's presence.  

No, as usual, you have dad all wrong.  He just wanted to let you know you were more than welcome to run with us tonight.  Russell paused for a moment. 

Some vampires went missing.  Things are getting stirred up again.

Mike yawned.  Not my problem what happens to a bunch of leeches. He locked eyes with his brother. 

I like being Rogue.  Dad, you, that fucking Pack, is all about the old man's rules, and it drives me nuts.  I do what I want, when I want, and I like it that way.

Russell's jaw tightened, his jade eyes becoming flecked with amber, a sure sign he was getting angry.  Like getting drunk by noon?  Mike, you're my older brother, but you're the biggest asshole that I know.

"Careful, baby bro.  Dad isn't here to save the golden boy's ass this time.  You did your job. Now get the fuck away from my car."

As he drove away a short time later, Mike looked into the rearview mirror and could still see his brother staring at him.  Fucking robot.  Brainwashed dummy.  Tired and pissed off now, he drove his car out to the woods.  First, he would crash until the sun went down, then he would get out and run on his own.  No Pack, no looks of disapproval and disappointment from his family or anyone else.  Let the Golden Boy play those games, follow their father's every order.  That wasn't for him.  Not now, not ever.

Getting as close to the woods as he could in his Nissan, he dropped the seat and leaned back.  He scooped up his Dodgers cap and pulled it down on his head, the brim covering his eyes as he prepared to get some much needed snooze time.

Perhaps if he hadn't been drunk and preoccupied, he would have noticed the eyes that were now watching him from the woods.  

* * *

Saoirse was sitting across from the Bear Pit Bar and Grill, she could smell the grease, the scent of cooking meat and the invasive smell of alcohol emanating from the place. She could hear Bob Seger’s Old Time Rock and Roll playing on the juke box. She had been here since Mike Hardy walked into the bar over two hours ago. She wasn’t always a patient woman; her long life had taught her that patience was one of the most important virtues. Something she took a long time to learn. In the end, that lesson was learned. Life was like that, wasn’t it?

She had been watching Hardy for some time. Their pack needed a job done and wanted someone who was a loner and not someone who was knee deep in pack politics. This man fit that profile.

As Saoirse watched the exchange between the two men, she couldn’t help but notice how different they were. Mike was tall, lean and of a fair complexion and dirty blonde hair. He was an attractive man in that bad boy kind of way. In contrast, the other man Russell was short, stocky and had dark hair. They were polar opposites as far as brothers go.

Her attention was drawn back to the pair when she heard Russell mention the missing vampires. She couldn’t help but smirk. The only good leech is a dead leech, she thought.

As Mike pulled away with squealing tires, Saoirse watched Russell shake his head, a look of disappointment on his face. He glanced one more time in his brother’s direction and climbed into his truck and drove away.

Saoirse knew where Mike was heading. It was a spot that he always went to when drunk, upset, or just wanted time alone. She ran through the woods, it was autumn in Weaverville, Ohio, and it was her favorite time of the year. The crunch of dead leaves could be heard as she ran; the scents were so different than spring. Spring scents were full of life, while the scents of autumn were of decay.

It didn’t take long for her to reach his hideaway in the woods. She could smell the alcohol wafting from him from where she stood. He was parked a few feet away and the place was desolate so she wasn’t worried about privacy for this conversation. But what she did wonder was, would he be coherent enough for their conversation? Not that it mattered; she could remedy his drunken stupor in no time.

As Saoirse walked up to the passed out shifter’s car, she couldn’t help but notice that he was better looking close up. She thought he could have a spread in GQ. Once she reached him, she knocked on the window in three quick raps.

Wake up! she said.

Watching him stir, mumble and go back to his drunken stupor, she knew that other measures would have to be employed. She leaned close to the window and studied him. Yes she thought, he would suit their purposes. Now she just had to convince him to work with them.

She placed her hand on the car door and said, Díghlasáil! and she heard the soft click of the lock popping. She opened the door and wasn’t surprised when the shifter didn’t stir. She knew that she would have to remedy that.

Meisce a bheith imithe. Fill ar do staid nádúrtha. She spoke softly.

She could scent the alcohol leaving his system and then he woke.

Mr. Hardy, my name is Saoirse MacKay. I am in need of some assistance, and I think you’re the perfect man for the job.

She wasn’t sure how he’d respond to losing his buzz, but she knew that the cash she was about to offer would dampen any problem he might have had. Most people liked the idea of making money fast; she hoped he would be no different.

Mike opened his eyes and stared into the face of a beautiful woman.  She was very fair with expressive, molten chocolate hues and dark hair that seemed to have streaks of auburn, depending on which way the sun caught her; she smelled of apple spices and honey.  A werewolf, but with a scent that was unlike any he had ever smelled before.

Saoirse MacKay, huh?  How did you find me, Wolf?

He wondered why he was no longer buzzed.  They must be watering that beer down more than usual at the Bear Pit.  Bastards. 

Her offer was slowly sinking in.  

You're not from around here, he said sitting up. 

I know the wolves in this area.  And just what kind of assistance would you be needin', Darlin'?  There was a small smile playing on his face now.

Saoirse smiled at him. She knew he was sizing her up, as would anyone in this position.

I have been scouting the area and came across you by chance and no, I am not from around here, and that is why I need your assistance. My family is searching for something that has been lost for a long, long time and we need someone who doesn’t answer to a Pack Leader. Someone like you, Mr. Hardy. Would you mind if I sat with you for a moment? She nodded over at the passenger seat littered with fast food wrappers.

Mike tilted his head, listening.  He wasn't sure that Saoirse was being straight with him, and in fact, he doubted she was, but his main concern was that she seemed to be willing to pay for his help.  Weaverville wasn't exactly filled with opportunities for extra money, especially for a Rogue.  

Clearing away the debris off his passenger seat, he opened the door on that side for her, and that is when it occurred to him that he didn't think he had left his side of the car unlocked.  Well, he had been pretty blitzed at the time, so how could he be sure.

Have a seat and let's talk some business, he offered her his best panty-melting smile. 

Now, you want a local's help, but one who won't be tied down to pack politics.  I know what that means.  This is some shit that the elders wouldn't approve of, and would probably put a halt to, yes?  Guess it's lucky for you that I don't give a fuck what they think.  You've done your homework, obviously.  I'm born and raised in this hump, so I know my way around.  What do you have in mind and how much money are we talking for whatever you're searching for?

Blunt as an axe to the head, that was his motto.  Why play games? 

Saoirse watched as Mike spoke while he cleared a spot for her to sit. She walked around the front of the small car and watched him open the door for her. How polite. She slid in with ease and closed the door with a thud. She turned to face him, pleased with his candor, she finally spoke.

Yes, that’s it exactly. What we are searching for, it’s very important to my family and the less people know the better. We are well aware how fast news travels in a pack and that is what we are trying to avoid. She paused for a moment before continuing.

We are willing to pay you ten thousand dollars for your help and your silence. Both during and after what we seek is found. I know that you were born here and have no Pack limitations or loyalties. You understand that we needed to be certain that you were….unattached. Saoirse looked over at him, seeing curiosity burning in his jade eyes. She gave him a small smile and continued.

If you are interested, I will take you to our Alpha, Conri. He will explain what is needed from you at that time. I will give you a few moments to take this proposal into consideration. She opened the door and got out.

He tried his best to maintain a poker face, but an offer of ten grand; he couldn't help but show the excitement he was feeling.  Ten grand, for his help and his silence, he wasn't a fool.  There was no way this was going to be something legal and he wasn't talking in the eyes of the elders either.  It wouldn't be the first time that he had skated on the wrong side of the law.

Lead the way, Beautiful.  He got out of the car and trailed behind her, curious where she was headed, since he knew these woods quite well. 

There was nothing but what you would expect to find, trees, squirrels, and other small birds and animals. 

Saoirse just smiled when she saw excitement color his face. She knew that ten grand was a lot for this area, but the task wasn’t going to be as easy as keeping silent. When he climbed out of his car, she turned and led him into the woods. She was well aware that Mike, being a shifter, would know this area well. Where else would they run when those urges took over? What he didn’t know was just how close to their encampment he was. Of course the Pack had safeguards in place to keep vampires and any other Variant away.

As they approached the invisible barrier, Saoirse turned to Mike. Give me your hand, please.

She held out her right hand to him and when he took it, she led him across the wards she and Conri had in place. If anyone wandered too close, they would feel the urge to go in another direction, or get that creepy feeling like something bad was about to happen. To her, it was like walking through a door, but to Mike, well, she likened it to walking through a cob web. You couldn’t see it, but you felt the silken threads across your face, felt the slight resistance. The wards would allow him entrance because she was with him, holding his hand. Of course it wasn’t the only way to allow him entry, but certainly the most convenient.

Once he was through, she released his hand. This is where we are staying for the moment. She swept her hand in front of them, showing him what was here for a better part of six months and yet he would never have known. She could see that he was quite surprised by the sight. Kids were playing football in a small clearing, others were climbing trees and families picnicked. It was akin to any scene at a park in summer. She turned and smiled. Welcome to the temporary home of the Blood Moon Pack. Follow me, and I’ll introduce you to Conri.

As she moved through the encampment, adults waved, some kids ran up to her giving her big hugs before they ran off to continue playing. Soon they reached an old hunting cabin. She knocked on the door and waited for Conri to answer.

CHAPTER TWO

Mike felt like he was going through the Looking Glass as he stepped into Saoirse's camp, holding her hand.  This wasn't happening, couldn't be real.  It just wasn't.  He peered over his shoulder and stared at the spot where he entered from, and it was just woods, undisturbed.  It was akin to being on the cop's side of a two-way mirror.  What he had in front of him, the kids playing, the families, the open space, he didn't get how it was possible.  He noticed that everyone here, even the children had that unique scent that Saoirse had.

For the first time, he felt like he might be out of his depth here.  He wasn't one to readily admit that under normal circumstances, but there was no way in hell that these were normal circumstances.  Just off to his right he saw a group of men and women going through self-defense moves, training on how to fight.  Was this a military thing?  But what about the kids being here? A cult?  Had he wandered into some Jim Jones type shit?  A terrorist camp?

I've been in these woods since I could crawl, and I've never seen any of this here before now, especially these cabins.  It's much bigger on the inside. He mumbled. 

What are you?

What we are, said a man as he emerged from the cabin, are werewolves, but ones who also do magick.

He was taller than Mike at 6'4, but heavier, not fat, muscular; there were crow's feet around his brown eyes, and Mike estimated him to be in his late thirties. 

I'm Conri Olcan.  Welcome to the Blood Moon Pack.

There was a distinct kindness in his smile.

Saoirse could tell that Mike was a little shocked, most people would be, she supposed, if the land you knew had hidden secrets. She watched him take it all in. He had so many thoughts flickering across his rugged face. As they paused outside one of the cabins, the sound of kid’s laughter rang through the air.

Saoirse left Mike's side and slipped her hand in Conri's.

Mike, Conri is our Alpha and my mate. She could see that Mike had a million questions and wanted to put him at ease.

Please feel free to ask us any questions you may have. I know you must have some. She gently squeezed Conri’s hand, waiting for Mike to speak.

Conri kissed Saoirse's hand, as his eyes locked with hers for a moment.  He was always comforted by his mate's presence.  As he stepped off the porch, he watched