Shades of the Moon: Book 2: Shades of the Moon, #2

By Ella Price

This is the second book in the Shades of the Moon series ...

Ava's life is becoming more complicated by the minute. As she struggles to find her place in the pack, her relationship with Malakai and Viktor becomes more complicated. After a run in with the hunters, family secrets are revealed, and Ava tries to make sense of these new revelations. Her pregnancy complicates everything even more and strains her relationship with Malakai. Ava struggles to fit into her new life as she learns more about the secrets surrounding her birth.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Ella Price
• Release date: Mar 10, 2019
• ISBN: 9781540153036

Ella Price

I have been writing since I was eight. I started out with poetry. Eventually, I moved on to short fantasy stories, then eventually books. I have always loved books, whether I was reading them or writing them. Books have always been a perfect escape from reality. When I was growing up, I admired authors and I always imagined I would eventually be one. The primary genre I write is fantasy romance. I love creating tough heroines and sexy vampires, werewolves, Fae, and every other supernatural creature I can come up with. I also write new adult romance when I am in the right mood. I want my readers to get the same joy from reading my stories that I do when I read some of my favorite authors.

Book preview

Chapter 1

Running was the coward’s way, but I knew when I was outmatched. I turned and darted into the underbrush. I heard him crashing through the woods after me ... the sound was encouraging me to pick up my pace. If he caught me, it would be over ... I would be at his mercy.

I didn’t stop running until I no longer heard him. I slowed my pace, listening intently. I was exhausted. Finally, when I couldn’t go any further, I collapsed to the ground. My whimper turned into a moan as I shifted back to my human form. My skin was covered in dirt and blood.

A rustling sound nearby made my stomach clench with fear. I scrambled to my feet as Beth stepped into view.

Relief filled me, and I dropped to my knees. You scared the hell out of me.

She stood watching me for a moment. He’s suspended his hunt. He is taking your retreat as surrender. He wants you to return to his bed.

I scowled. I didn’t surrender ... it’s a draw. I ran, and he couldn’t catch me.

Beth sighed, shaking her head. He could’ve hunted you to the ends of the earth if he wanted to. He realized things were getting out of hand.

I laughed harshly. I fucking hate him. I felt sick at the thought of being pregnant with his child. I didn’t even know if Jimmy was right, but if he was ... then what?

Beth broke the silence after a few minutes. How long have you been shifting?

Her voice pulled me from my thoughts. The first time happened in the cell when they went after Jimmy.

And you’ve been shifting at your own will since then? It was hard to tell what she was thinking.

I nodded. I was afraid to tell anyone. I thought I should just keep it hidden, but then, tonight, he changed the rules. I knew I couldn’t fight him in human form.

She stepped closer to me. Anything else you need to confess? I don’t like that you’re keeping secrets from me, Ava. I thought we were friends.

I looked at her hesitantly. Like what?

She sighed as she continued forward. Adam was extremely angry with you. You claimed you were no longer in a relationship, but if that were true he wouldn’t have so much hate for you. She settled on the ground next to me, then looked over at me. He was so focused on you, I’m not even sure he knew Malakai was present.

I gritted my teeth, wondering how much I could tell her. Maybe she could tell me if what Jimmy said was true. If she could ... would she run straight to Malakai?

Beth nudged me. Just tell me ... your secret will be safe with me. You had a relationship with Adam before all of this. I’m surprised you turned him over as easily as you did.

I couldn’t bring myself to look at her. He was a killer. He hurt you and he was going to hurt Trevor if I didn’t do as he wanted. You know I’m not one to be told what to do.

She laughed. Yes ... I know that well. I’m waiting for Malakai to figure it out.

I took a slow breath, deciding I had to trust someone at some point. I went and met him at the highway like he asked. He kissed me, then he went crazy. He was going to kill me.

Beth frowned. Why? He wanted you so badly, he risked being on Malakai’s territory twice, then he turns around and tries to kill you? It doesn’t make sense.

Tears streaked my cheeks, and I angrily swiped them away. He said ... I took a slow breath, trying to calm down a little. He said he was going to rip Malakai’s child from my body and send it to him in a box. What if he’s right? What if I’m pregnant? Malakai will be so angry ... I don’t know what to do.

Beth went still next to me, and I couldn’t bring myself to look at her. After a minute or two, she slipped his arm around me and hugged me gently. This isn’t supposed to be possible.

So it’s true then? My stomach was in knots, and I didn’t feel so well.

She sighed. Yes ... no one noticed because they weren’t looking, but it’s there ... a faint heartbeat.

Jimmy was looking? I asked confused.

She patted my back gently. Probably not ... Malakai’s scent is on you and it’s stronger than normal. I thought it was because of the amount of time you’ve been spending together, but it’s the baby.

I buried my face in my arms. Tell me what to do.

She laughed. There’s nothing to do. He will have to get over himself and own up to his mistakes.

I looked at her, slightly worried. Please don’t tell him ... I’m not ready.

Beth sighed as she slowly stood, brushing herself off. You won’t have much time before it’s obvious. Werewolf babies grow much faster than human babies. Eventually, Malakai will hear the heartbeat and catch the scent, especially if you two continue to be intimate. She offered me her hand.

I took it and she pulled me to my feet. I don’t want to go back to him ... not yet.

Beth released my hand, then started forward. I’ll distract him for a while, but I can’t make any promises.

A temporary distraction was good enough for me. Thank you, Beth.

She forced a smile, then nodded. Like I said, you don’t have much time. I suggest you just tell him.

I rubbed my arms, suddenly feeling a chill coming over me. I will when I’m ready.

She turned and disappeared into the woods. I took a shaky breath and looked around. I needed to sleep ... I was exhausted.

I started through the woods. Jack’s house was close to the border, so it was the first house I came to. It was oddly silent, making me worry. I walked up the steps and knocked on the door.

Go away, Jack called from somewhere inside.

Jack ... it’s me. I wanted to check on you. I’m ... I was cut off by the door opening.

Jack smiled slightly as he looked me over. I didn’t know you were so forward.

I rolled my eyes and pushed past him. I had a run in with Malakai.

And he took your clothes? Jack asked as he shut the door.

I sighed. No ... it’s complicated. Can I borrow your shower and a shirt?

He shrugged as he plopped down on the couch and poured himself another drink. Help yourself.

Thanks. I hurried into his room, closing the door behind me. I wasn’t exactly comfortable being naked around everyone yet. The others didn’t seem to make a big deal of it, so I tried not to.

I showered quickly, then once I was done, I stepped out and grabbed a towel. I hesitated when I caught my reflection in the mirror. My chest tightened as I touched my belly. It was no longer perfectly flat, something I didn’t realize until now. I took a slow breath and tore my gaze from the mirror. I dried off, then walked out to the bedroom and went through Jack’s drawers until I found a soft tee shirt. I slipped it on, then made my way back out to the living room.

Jack was still seated at the couch. His glassy eyes met mine and a slight smile crossed his lips. Feel better?

I nodded as I hurried to his side. I do. Thanks. I didn’t want to go to Beth’s and Kent’s and I definitely didn’t want to go to Malakai’s house. Jack seemed like the best option. I snuggled next to him, grateful for the warmth he provided.

I wanted him dead for so long ... I didn’t think I’d feel this way when it happened, Jack said softly.

I took his hand in mine and squeezed it gently. You want to know a secret?

He laughed lightly. Sure.

I sighed. At first, I was positive I hated Malakai to the point that I imagined killing him myself. Then he got hurt, and they said he was going to die. I never felt so lost in my life. It was like this cold emptiness was taking over. I didn’t understand it because I thought I hated him, but maybe deep down ... I love him in some sick way.

Jack was silent for a minute. Do you think he loves you back? I always wondered if Adam cared about me at all. After he killed our father, I didn’t see how he could.

I hesitated. I can’t speak for Malakai ... but there are times when he does certain things that make me think he might feel something for me. I peeked up at him. I used to love Jimmy until I realized the man I loved was never real.

I guess that’s one thing Malakai has going for him ... he’s not pretending to be someone he’s not, Jack said dryly.

I smiled slightly. No ... sometimes I kinda wish he could pretend to be nice.

Jack scoffed. Yeah ... fat chance of that happening. He took another sip of his drink.

I closed my eyes, content just to lay next to him. Everything happened too fast ... I was too tired to try to work anything out.

Chapter 2

I snuggled closer to the warm body holding me. I breathed in, hesitating when I realized it was Malakai’s scent. I pulled back and my eyes locked with Malakai’s annoyed gaze. If you hurt Jack ...

He cut me off before I could finish my threat. Jack brought you home ... that’s loyalty.

I slumped in relief, deciding to ignore his condescending tone. I buried my face back in his side and closed my eyes.  If he was willing to hold me, then I was going to take advantage.

His fingers gently tapped my hip, but he remained silent. I peeked up at him. His eyes were almost closed, barely slits. I debated just coming out with it, but my mouth went dry and I knew I wouldn’t be able to speak.

His gaze shifted to me as if he sensed me watching him. What?

Slowly, I sat up and shook my head. Nothing. I looked around, realizing I wasn’t in Malakai’s room. I wasn’t even sure it was his house. Where the hell are we?

He pulled me back down, so my back was pressed to his chest. His hand rested on my hip again. We are at your house.

I frowned, slightly confused. I have a house?

He made an annoyed noise. Yes ... you can thank Viktor. He insisted you get a house like every other pack member does.

Oh. I fell silent. I wasn’t sure what to say. I knew I should just tell him about the baby ... rip it off like a band aid. He would be furious, but I would rather be the one to tell him. If he figured it out on his own or someone else told him, he would probably be angrier. I took a slow breath, trying to calm my nerves. Malakai?

What? His uninterested tone discouraged me a little.

I couldn’t find the words, so I placed my hand on his and slid his hand down to my belly. He immediately stiffened, telling me he got the message. He pulled away from me. My breath caught when the warmth of his body was suddenly gone. A few seconds later, I flinched when I heard a door in the room slam ... he was furious.

I wasn’t sure why, but there was a weight on my chest. I felt like I lost something, but it didn’t make sense because I never really had anything. He didn’t love me ... not like I loved him. I scowled at the thought. I couldn’t believe I was admitting to loving him ... I didn’t even admit I loved Jimmy during any point that we were dating.

I made an annoyed noise and stood. I looked around the room. There was a set of French doors that led out to a patio; I was pretty sure it was the door Malakai slammed since the interior door was still open. The curtains were pulled back, giving way to a beautiful view of the woods. I began exploring the closet and bathroom ... it was a lot nicer than I expected. I wandered through the house. It was a small one-bedroom cabin, but it was comfy and plenty of room for me and the baby. I chewed my lip nervously as I ran my hand over my belly. I gasped when I felt the baby’s heartbeat under my hand. It was odd how fast it seemed to be growing.

A knock on the front door made me jump. I took a slow breath and walked to the door. I opened it and Beth smiled at me. She was holding a covered plate. I brought you dinner.

I forced a smile and stepped aside. Come in.

She walked in and made her way toward the kitchen. I shut the door and followed her. She set the plate on the bar and pulled the cover off. I climbed up on the barstool as she went to a drawer and pulled it open. She retrieved a fork and offered it to me.

Eat up. You need to keep up your energy, she encouraged. I sighed and turned my attention to the plate of food. She moved around the kitchen, opening drawers and cupboards. This place isn’t stocked for a pregnant woman. I will get you some things. Is there anything else you need?

I shook my head without looking up. Someone had already brought all my clothes and toiletries. As I watched her take stock of everything in the kitchen, I wondered if she knew anything about the baby. I decided to see what I could find out. Do you know if the baby will be considered a born werewolf?

She hesitated. I’m not exactly sure. I’ve been asking around, and there’s never been a case of a bitten wolf being impregnated by an alpha.

I looked down at the food I was pushing around on my plate. I wasn’t as hungry as I was a few minutes before. I told Malakai ... he’s not happy. What if he doesn’t want it? I looked at her, hoping she had some words of wisdom that would make me feel better.

Worry flashed across her face as she looked up. What did he say?

I sighed. He didn’t say anything. He just stormed out.

She gave me a sympathetic smile. He’ll come around. He doesn’t exactly have a choice. Pack law requires him to claim the child, but that doesn’t mean he has to be happy about it.

That’s what I’m worried about. I set the