Angelstruck: The Moon and the Stars #4 (Werewolf Shifter Romance)

By Mac Flynn

Lilly and her hairy friends are in for an equally hairy adventure when they’re invited to a Midnight Party put on by a pair of well-connected movie moguls. Paul and she attend the gala, but the night is ruined when illness strikes. Worse, so does the werewolf and before they reach home Lilly has her hands full with trouble.

Lilly doesn’t get a time to breath between problems when an unusual visitor comes calling in search of Paul’s aid. The visitor doesn’t take to the word ‘no’ and proceeds to attack the house. When the dust settles the parties learn that they’re on the same side against a darkness known as Sin, a shadow formed by the unclean souls of unburied bodies.

When Lilly and the others try to find the source of the Sin their search leads them to a horrible truth. Now they have to contend with several new foes, and all without Paul by her side. Will they discover the truth in time, or will they all be swallowed by Sin?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Crescent Moon Studios, Inc.
• Release date: Dec 7, 2021
• ISBN: 9791220877930

Mac Flynn

A seductress of sensual words and a lover of paranormal plots, Flynn enjoys writing thrilling paranormal stories filled with naughty fun and hilarious hijinks. She is the author of numerous paranormal series that weave suspense, adventure and a good joke into a one-of-a-kind experience that readers are guaranteed to enjoy. From long adventure novels to tasty little short-story treats, there's a size and adventure for everyone.Want to know when her next series comes out? Join The Flynn newsletter and be the first to know! macflynn.com/newsletter/Also check out her website at macflynn.com for listings and excerpts of all of her books!

Book preview

1

Abeautiful woman of middle age and shimmering brown hair sat at a century-old secretarial desk. She wore an elegant ensemble of loose-fitting blue pants and a flowing white blouse. The dainty white slippers on her small feet tapped the wood floor impatiently like the terrible ticking of a clock. In front of her was an open window that looked out on a vast estate of trees and grass.

The woman’s elegant features, however, were marred by the terrible look of concentration that caused her to bite her lower lip. Her hand trembled as she perused a long list of names in a little black book. The tip of her pencil wavered over the bold black letters, and with each line the shaking grew worse. Small cards were stacked beside her, and as she went down the pages, she marked a check next to the names. Finally, she put down the pencil and cupped her face in both hands.

A soft rap behind her startled the woman. She spun around to find a handsome man of middle age standing in the oak doorway. He had a smile on his face until he saw the distraught look on hers. What’s wrong, Linda? His gaze rested on the black book in front of her. Has no one answered your reservation request?

She dropped her hand onto the desk and shook her head. "That’s just the problem. So many people have agreed to come, and I don’t have any idea what to feed them."

He walked over and leaned his rear against the side of the desk. What about roast?

She wrinkled her nose. That’s too plebian, Bill.

Hunan Kung Pao Shrimp? he suggested.

Peanut allergies, she countered.

Seared Scallops with Jalapeno Vinaigrette?

Some of the ladies I’ve invited dislike spicy foods, she told him.

A sly smile slipped onto his lips. What about our specialty?

She perked up and her eyes widened. You don’t mean-?

He nodded. "Yep. It’ll be the talk of the town for years."

Linda leapt to her feet and wrapped her arms around his neck. That’s it! Oh darling, you’re just wonderful!

Linda pecked a kiss on his cheek and hurried out of the room. He walked after her with a chuckle and watched her go down the stairs ahead of him. She took a right into a dining room and to the back of the house while he turned left. The archway led into a living room decorated in leather furniture and with the walls covered in bookshelves. Many of the pages of the tomes were yellowed with age, and some were even behind glass panels. He picked up a thick paper off the mahogany coffee table and settled onto the couch with the entertainment page before him.

A few minutes later Linda rushed into the room, her face pale and her hands shaking. Bill! We’re out!

What? How?

She shook her head as tears pooled in her eyes. We just haven’t had any new deliveries, and I was so hungry last week that I must have eaten the last package without thinking.

He stood and tossed the newspaper onto the coffee table. I’m sure there’s some left in the fridge. Let me help you look.

Bill led the way across the entrance hall and into the dining room. They turned right and deeper into the house where the stainless steel kitchen awaited them. A large, glistening refrigerator stood between snow-white cupboards, but they bypassed the fridge and went to a door at the end of the long row of cupboards. Bill opened the entrance and they stepped into a small pantry, with neatly arranged shelves and broom closet.

Bill reached through a pair of jars of imported peaches and pressed a small, pin-sized button in the wall. There was a click and the wall swung away from him. He pushed the shelves further inward and revealed the whole thing as a false wall. The area behind the facade was a ten-by-ten foot room that was covered in white tiles from the ceiling to the floor. A long, wide table with straps sat in the middle of the space. Two large fridges stood against the wall opposite the door.

Bill and Linda each took a fridge and opened the doors. Inside were a few clear plastic bags stained red. They both rummaged through the bags and came up empty-handed.

Linda’s head drooped as she forlornly put her bags back. I… I can’t believe it’s all gone.

I’m sure we’ll think of something for your dinner, darling, Bill assured her as he shut his fridge.

She was still holding back tears. "But what about us, Bill? Even a month without it will be obvious."

He wrapped his arm around her waist and smiled down at her. I’m sure something will happen. Maybe even today.

They both froze as a soft little ding-dong sound rang into the hidden room.

Linda looked up at Bill and grasped his arm with a shaking hand. Bill, you don’t think- The bell rang again.

They rushed out of room and back into the kitchen. Bill made sure to shut the pantry door behind them, but Linda made a beeline for a rear door that led out into the back garden. She flung the portal open to find a hobo on the doorstep. The ragged looking man of some sixty years started back at the quick opening. He bolted down the steps and hurried along the stone path that wound its way through a fantastical garden of wildflowers and trees.

Wait! Bill shouted as he stepped out onto the small porch. The hobo paused on the stone path and half-turned back. You’re looking for a good meal, aren’t you?

Yeah, the scruffy man replied.

Linda smiled and opened her arms to him. We have a delicious leg of lamb all ready for you.

The man eyed them suspiciously. Why would you give that to me?

Because we absolutely adore men such as you, Linda assured him as she walked down the steps. She wrapped her arms around him and led him back to the open door. And we want to make sure you receive the best treatment you deserve.

His eyebrows shot up. Even a warm bath?

You’ll be heated to perfection, she assured him as she guided him inside.

Bill swept his eyes around the enclosed garden. Seeing no one, he slammed the door shut behind them.

A few minutes later a terrible, muffled scream came from the other side of the door. Then there was silence.

A soft breeze blew through the open window in the upstairs study. The black book fluttered to the last page of the guest list, and the final name on the list glistened in the sunlight.

Paul Lupe.

2

"E ight. Nine. One hundred thousand!"

The counter was Al List. The manager hunched over a round table in the luxurious home of Paul Lupe, his thin fingers dancing along the top. Thousands of green bills were spread out before him in larger piles, and he had just topped off the last one.

Una rolled her eyes. Don’t you get tired of counting money?

Al picked up a large denomination and studied the bill as though it were a diamond. Not when it’s what Uncle Sam can’t claim. This- He swept one arm over the organized currency, -is free and clear.

Una leaned backward against the high back of her living room chair and rolled her eyes. A pity your shrink never said the same thing.

Al slammed the dollar down on the table and glared back at her. You just don’t know how hard it is for me to earn this much money.

Paul opened one eye from where he sat on the couch with Lilly beside him. Who earned it?

Al winked at him as he swept the money into a small duffel bag. We both did, Boss, but the cash won’t be rolling in again. This is the last bit from that theater gig, and now that the play has closed, we’ve gotta find you something else to do.

Paul sank deeper into the couch and rested his chin on the knuckles of his hand. No doubt you have a suggestion on what will be my next project.

Al grinned as he reached into his coat jacket and drew out a pink envelope. This is how.

Una leaned closer to him and squinted her eyes at the paper. An invitation to a baby shower?

Al glared at her and waved the envelope. This is an invitation to Bill and Linda Helm’s annual party, the Ghoul Gala.

Una wrinkled her nose. Still don’t know who you’re talking about, and now I’m losing my appetite.

Al rolled his eyes as he pocketed the invitation. Only two of the most important people in the film world. They’re a husband-wife team who have directed and produced some of the biggest films in the past decade. If you’ve gone to the theater then you’ve seen one of their movies.

Una folded her arms over her chest and shrugged. I haven’t gone to the theater.

Why am I not surprised… Al grumbled.

Lilly looked to Paul who had closed his eyes. What happens at the gala?

Only a little elbow rubbing and some quick trips to the casting couch, Al piped up as he hefted the duffel bag over one shoulder. I’ll be right back. Gotta put this in the safe. He trudged down the hall toward the back of the house.

Lilly returned her attention to her Moon. It sounds important.

Paul sighed as he folded his arms over his chest. Unfortunately, Al is right. The gala is one of the most important social events of the year, and to be invited is to reap the reward of one or two lucrative contracts.

You’ve never been invited before? Lilly guessed.

Paul shook his head. No. Though the Helms call it a gala, they rarely invite more than eleven to their affair.

Lilly blinked at him. Eleven? Then that means that with the two swanky pair there’s thirteen at the table?

Paul nodded. Yes. The Helms have a morbid sense of humor, or so I am told, hence the name.

Una leaned back and tucked her arms behind her head as she grinned. Sounds interesting. When do we leave?"

‘We’ aren’t going anywhere, Al spoke up as he came back sans duffel bag. He tapped a finger against his chest where the invitation was hidden. Only two people can go. No exceptions. That means Paul and-

Lilly will go with me, Paul interrupted.

Al frowned. I know she’s a sweet dish, but ol’ Al here needs to do the smooching to get the contracts.

Paul closed his eyes and pinched the bridge of his nose. I will gather all the necessary phone numbers and will hand them to you upon my return.

Al crossed his arms and his eyebrows crashed down. I know you’re a good actor, but can you act interested long enough to do that?

Paul opened his eyes and they fell on Lilly. She blushed under his strangely heated gaze. I would do a great deal for a chance to see Lilly in an evening dress.

Lilly turned her face away to hide the unique shade of crimson that now covered the entirety of her face. Una threw up her arms. Fine, but I at least get to help Lilly pick out something nice.

No clown costumes… Al muttered as he walked past the back of Una’s chair.

She spun around and glared at him. Come a little closer and say that.

Can’t, Al quipped as he strode over to the door and snatched his heavy coat off the hanger. I’ve got an invitation to reply to and some tissues to buy.

Lilly tilted her head to one side. Why tissues?

Al shrugged on his coat and nodded at Paul. In case he comes back without any phone numbers. Later. He stepped out the door and closed it behind himself.

Ass… Una muttered before she turned her attention to Paul. So, why’d you call us for this little get-together, anyway?

Paul’s gaze fell on Lilly. I called Lilly here to see if any more of her abilities had manifested. You merely came with her.

Lilly blinked at him. Abilities? You mean there’s more than just smell and strength?

Paul looked her up and down. Your sight and speed are still at human level, or so I assume.

Lilly swept her eyes over the room and shrugged. I don’t see anything different.

Nor has your speed increased?

Lilly shook her head. Not that I know of.

Una leaned forward in her chair and rubbed her chin as she studied her friend. We could test her by throwing a dog toy. She received a frown from her friend and held up her hands. Joking! I was just joking!

Paul stood and walked over to a tall ornamental secretary desk. He opened one of the small drawers and pulled something out. The idea is sound, but the choice of object is poor. He turned to them and held open his hand to reveal a paper airplane formed from a dark brown sheet. We will use this.

Una and Lilly stood and joined him at the desk where the former plucked the paper from his palm. She turned it over and wrinkled her nose. What’s so special about this? Has it been enchanted with some sort of spell to make it harder to catch or something?

A strangely mischievous smile appeared on his lips. The paper is scented with my blood and was created by a world champion of paper airplane folding.

Una arched an eyebrow as she handed the paper to Lilly. You know a lot of weird people.

Quite, he teased with a pointed look at Una.

Lilly turned the paper over in her hands and bit her lower lip. So, I need to catch this thing? She lifted her eyes to the dark windows that looked out on the expansive lawn. Night shadows covered everything in a thick darkness. Right now?

Paul set a hand on hers and his smile softened. You can wait until tomorrow, but the night will test your eyesight.

Lilly lifted her chin and smiled as she gave Paul back the plane. Why not? It might be fun.

"So long as