Lunar Currents

By Jordyn Tracey

Previously published.

Somewhere in Philly a pureblood werewolf is making new recruits. Sonja has her hands full keeping humans safe from foolish werewolves who don't have sense enough to leave town during the night of a full moon. Every now and then, even with her vampire strength, a were gets the best of her. When she needs him most, Troy is there to save her life.

Ten years have passed since they were lovers, but Sonja knows the moment Troy passes the Welcome to Philadelphia sign. Her unbeating heart still cries out for Troy. Even though they fall into bed like no time has passed, she can't forgive him for walking away without a backward glance. Worse, no one wants to see a werewolf and a vampire together, even if Troy is only half werewolf, born of a human witch.

When he never gave her all of him, how can Sonja believe that the rumors are false saying he is the one raising a werewolf army to prove he's as good as any pureblood? If Troy can hold off his meddling parents and his brother, friends, and pretty much the entire dark community, who will do anything to pull him and Sonja apart, he can solve the mystery of who is behind the attacks and show Sonja that she is destined to be his--now and always.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Jordyn Tracey
• Release date: Dec 1, 2017
• ISBN: 9781386185871

Book preview

1

Sonja

Sonja crouched in the darkness between two buildings. She peered up at the sky. Tonight the moon was brighter and larger than she ever remembered seeing it. But then it would be—especially with him in town. She’d picked up his scent from the moment he passed the Welcome to Philadelphia sign. Hadn’t she convinced herself she didn’t give a crap what he did ?

Either way, what Troy was doing back in her town after ten years wasn’t her main concern. What did have her attention was the Lycans, the werewolves that lived in Philly. When a full moon was expected, most left town and headed to the mountains or some other place where they could roam free and indulge their need to rip something apart. However, every now and then, some fool decided he had enough control to stay in town. A long time ago, Sonja decided she needed to put her own curse to good use. She’d patrol the nights when the Lycans were at their most aggressive and make sure no humans were harmed. So far, her plan worked, and a few others had joined the cause.

A new scent met her heightened sense of smell, and she wrinkled her nose. Nearby, a werewolf hunted. His low growl reached her. Sonja knew he was about to strike. She ran down the alley and flashed across a busy street to the next. Car horns blasted around her, but she ignored them.

Just as she reached the dead end of another alley, he raised a massive clawed hand. One swipe would rip his victim apart. Sonja released the catch on her scabbard and withdrew her weapon. If her opponent was human, she wouldn’t need the short sword, but Lycans were different. They were huge, and their strength was unparalleled even to most of her kind. Sonja’s feet hardly touched the ground as she charged him.

A second before she brought the sword down on him, the werewolf spun and sent her flying backward to crash into the wall. She cried out in pain knowing a few bones had been broken. They’d heal soon enough. She righted herself and came at him again. The Lycan growled and poised for battle. While they circled one another, the human ran.

Sonja swore knowing she’d have to track him later and erase his memory of what happened tonight. Why couldn’t these stupid beasts do the right thing? No, they had to complicate her life and the tenuous peace all creatures of the night enjoyed in Philly.

You couldn’t just get out of town like the rest of your kind, could you? she demanded. But don’t worry. I’ll bring your big ass down.

The werewolf sneered. They weren’t big on talking once they changed. It was all about the instinct to kill and eat. But he did understand her from the hatred in his eyes. He seemed to scoff that someone like her could ever get the better of him.

Sonja spun her blade and flicked it from hand to hand. It was all show of course. She didn’t have a need to use it often, and she’d received no real training. What she relied on was her speed and clear head during these rare battles. In this form, werewolves weren’t the smartest tools in the shed.

Not impressed with her act, the wolf charged. Sonja went at him and swung her sword. He caught her arm mid-thrust and slung her away for the second time. Sonja tasted blood in her mouth, and her wrist was torn where the wolf’s claws had gone in. She narrowed her eyes and licked it away. She wouldn’t lose tonight.

The second attack landed a blow. Sonja’s blade sliced through the werewolf, but not deep enough. His claws curled around her throat. She kicked him in the nads. He didn’t even flinch. Damn, I’m in trouble. If there was anything she’d learned in her battles with these creatures it was to stay out of reach because her strength didn’t match theirs. Even a newly turned werewolf was several times stronger than she was.

Sonja searched her mind for a solution, but she was getting dizzy. Too much blood loss would weaken her even more. The werewolf bared his sharp teeth, ready to bite into her—not a good idea.

Idiot, you can’t taste my blood, she rasped. He didn’t listen. His mouth descended. Sonja prayed for a miracle while fighting with everything she had. If only her blade were made of silver, that would have helped. This was it. She’d had a good run and saved people who wouldn’t remember her in the morning.

Sonja closed her eyes. Instead of the pain from a bite, she jerked forward as the werewolf’s grip tore away. The next instant she was face down on the ground. She winced and struggled to her knees. Through hazy vision, she saw the second werewolf. He was bigger, stronger, faster. Rather than kill his opponent like she expected, he smashed a fist into his face. The first werewolf collapsed.

Sonja had already picked up his scent and knew who it was. Still, she yearned for him to turn around and look at her. So much for putting her feelings aside. The bastard didn’t deserve it, but if she was honest with no one, she was honest with herself. Sonja longed for him with the same intensity she had before he left.

Sonja wiped the last of the blood from her arm rather than lick it. She tore off a piece of her shirt to bind her wound until it healed. Glaring up at Troy, she ignored his offered hand and rose to her feet. His grin didn’t falter for a moment, and both longing and resentment vied for dominance inside her. She chose to run with resentment. What the hell are you doing back here?

It’s customary to say thank you when someone saves your life.

She walked over to where her sword had landed and picked it up. Prepared to end the beast’s life, she was surprised when Troy stopped her. Her eyebrows rose. He tried to kill me.

He was doing what’s natural to him.

He should have taken his ass out of town like all the rest, she responded with not a bit of sympathy for his plight.

Troy shook his head. The perpetual good spirits he displayed was beginning to piss her off. Here she was hurting all over again just seeing his face, and he was happy go lucky. If Sonja thought it wouldn’t reveal how she felt about him, she’d slap the smile off his face—and she’d add some nice vamp strength to it too.

I’ll deal with him. What are you doing out here fighting werewolves anyway?

Hunger built inside of her. She’d lost a good bit of what she’d taken in tonight. She needed more, but feeding on a werewolf or even a half one like Troy was out of the question. Standing around explaining her actions wasn’t happening. "Look, a lot has changed since you left. I’ve changed."

Have you? His expression showed doubt.

Sonja sank her fangs into her bottom lip partly to appease the hunger and partly to keep from going at Troy. Whatever, I fight to keep order in Philly. Most of the vampires understand they need to keep a low profile. The werewolves agreed reluctantly to vacate town during nights like this, but some refuse. Me and a handful of others stop them.

By killing them?

She narrowed her eyes. Don’t judge me. And no, we don’t kill them, but there’s no way I could get him out of here before he comes to. I lost too much blood. And unless you want to be on the evening menu, you’ll let me finish up my business and leave me alone.

She turned her back on him prepared to let him handle the werewolf while she went after the human. Troy grabbed her hand. His thumb stroking across her palm sent chills racing up her spine. It’s good to see you again, he murmured.

Not daring to look back or respond, Sonja hightailed it out of there. Troy let her go, thank goodness, and she found it easy to track the human. He sat on a bench with his head in his hands. Sonja stopped several feet away and listened to his heart pound. Her fangs ached, and she surveyed the area for anyone nearby. When she saw that the coast was clear, she called out to the man.

He jumped and turned around, his brown eyes widening in terror. D-Don’t kill me. Please, I have a family.

From the moment his frightened stare locked with hers, she had him. She strolled closer holding him with her stare. Many vampires grew heartless after they were turned, but Sonja held onto as much of her humanity as she could. Don’t be afraid. I’m not going to kill you. I’ll just feed a little, and then I’ll help you forget all about this terrible night. She stopped in front of him. Relax.

He did and lifted his chin to offer his neck. Sonja could not have held back if she tried. Lust for blood was a part of her. No matter how she wished for a different life, there would never be anything for her other than this or walking into the sun, but she wasn’t suicidal, so that was out of the question.

She drew long and deep on the man’s blood. Some internal mechanism told her how much she could take without killing him. He would not turn unless she drained him and then fed him her own blood. Sonja had never turned a human, and she never would. The bastard who’d made her what she was didn’t have the same values.

When she was done, she wiped her mouth and peeled off the strip of cloth on her arm. The wounds quickly closed, the skin meshing as if there’d never been a cut. After tossing away the rag in a trashcan, she turned back to her victim and looked deep into his eyes.

You’ll forget everything about tonight. Do you understand? You will wake up tomorrow refreshed and ready to take on the world.

He nodded dumbly, repeating take on the world.

After Sonja left the man, she headed home. Just after she stepped out of the shower, her cell phone rang. She hurried to answer. Hello?

Hey, girl, where you at?

Sonja rolled her eyes. She didn’t have to ask where Jacey was. The pounding music in the background said it all. Sonja had always found it interesting that no matter how loud the music was, they didn’t have to scream to be heard. I’m home. Had a run-in tonight.

You okay? There was no real concern in Jacey’s voice. She turned on the emotion when it suited her. I told you it’s not worth it to go after those idiot dogs. They don’t go after us. Why should we care?

They go after the humans, that’s why, Sonja explained for the millionth time. If they are discovered, then it won’t be long before we are. So far, vampire hunters are only in the movies. You want a real life one on your ass because of werewolves?

Guess not. Anyway, forget all that. Come out to the club, Jacey pleaded. It’s jumpin’ down here, and I can use my wing man.

Sonja sighed. She didn’t feel like it, but then again, she could use a little distraction after seeing Troy. Bedtime wasn’t until almost sunrise, giving her way too much time to think about him. Okay, I’ll be there in a little bit.

2

Sonja

The beat spilling out of The End’s alley entrance drew Sonja. Before she stepped inside, she checked her clothes. Skin-tight silver dress that reached just past her ass and what she liked to call fuck me heels on her feet. Not that she was looking for someone to warm her bed tonight. Her lovers were very few and far between .

As soon as she stepped through the door, she scanned the interior of the small club. The eclectic décor grated a little, but at least they’d gotten rid of the disco ball last year. Reflecting lights off its surface seemed to stir the vamps into blood lust. Things had gotten out of control to where the police had once raided the place. No one wanted a repeat of that fiasco.

Jacey waved from the opposite side of the club. Sonja started forward then realized she was with a few others, including Mandel who’d been after her for months. Sonja sighed but continued. She didn’t really go for black guys, but as they came, Mandel was among the hottest. He was built like a truck in height and muscles. At first, she’d compared him to Troy and found him lacking of course, but she’d convinced herself that was her heart judging.

Yay, you’re here, Jacey chirped. She yanked Sonja close and bounced up and down, to the men’s enjoyment. When she drew back, she shoved a glass into Sonja’s hand. Drink up. There’s more where that came from.

Sonja smirked. Of course there was more. They could knock them back as much as they wanted, and the affects would wear off before the night was over with no hangover. Thanks.

You not gonna speak to a brother, Sonja? Mandel drew close and kissed her neck. I’ve been thinking about you all night, baby. Where have you been hiding?

Maybe because she never