Moon Seduced: Raven Moon Wolves, #3

By Marty Mayberry

Welcome to the fae kingdom. It's time for me and Asher to kick some Drudge Pack ass.

Everly: I've come to the fae kingdom to save the half-fae brother I didn't know I had, then make sure he rightly takes his place on the throne. Nothing to it, right? I discover he's entombed with the mythical dragons. With the help of an unexpected ally and my fated mate, Asher, I must cross the kingdom to free my brother. If that means taking on the dragons, so be it. But the head of the Drudge shifter pack is determined to steal the throne for himself, and he'll do anything to keep me from rescuing my brother.

Asher: When I came to the fae kingdom with my fated mate, Everly, my role was clear: fuse with her to give her the power she needs to release the serpents and kill the leader of the Drudge pack. But the dragons stand in our way, all magic has been stolen from the kingdom, and the evil Drudge leader, Richard, is determined to destroy our bond. Sacrificing myself may be the only way to save the woman I love and the world.


Moon Seduced is Book 3 and the conclusion of the Raven Moon Wolves Series. Twisty suspense, mystery, and romance. HEA guaranteed.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Marty Mayberry
• Release date: Jan 30, 2023
• ISBN: 9798215719084

Book preview

MOON SEDUCED

RAVEN MOON WOLVES, BOOK 3

MARTY MAYBERRY

MOON SEDUCED

Raven Moon Wolves, Book 3

Copyright © 2022 Marty Mayberry

All rights reserved.

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No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems, without written permission from the author, except for the use of brief quotations with prior approval. Names, characters, events, and incidents are a product of the author’s imagination. Any resemblance to an actual person, living or dead is entirely coincidental.

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Cover art by Natasha Snow Designs

Editing by JA Wren

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AISN: B09QQLLH1K

Vellum flower icon Created with Vellum

CONTENTS

MOON SEDUCED

Other Books by Marty

1. Everly

2. Asher

3. Everly

4. Asher

5. Everly

6. Asher

7. Everly

8. Asher

9. Everly

10. Asher

11. Everly

12. Asher

13. Everly

14. Asher

15. Everly

16. Asher

17. Everly

18. Asher

19. Everly

20. Asher

21. Everly

22. Asher

23. Everly

24. Asher

25. Everly

26. Asher

27. Everly

28. Asher

29. Everly

30. Asher

31. Everly

32. Everly

33. Asher

34. Everly

35. Asher

36. Everly

37. Asher

38. Asher

39. Everly

40. Asher

41. Everly

42. Asher

43. Everly

44. Asher

45. Everly

46. Asher

47. Everly

48. Asher

49. Everly

50. Epilogue

Other Books by Marty

About the Author

Moon Hunted

Chapter 1

MOON SEDUCED

Welcome to the fae kingdom.

It’s time for me and Ash to kick

some Drudge Pack ass.

---

Everly: I’ve come to the fae kingdom to save the half-fae brother I didn’t know I had, then make sure he rightly takes his place on the throne. Nothing to it, right? I discover he’s entombed with the mythical dragons. With the help of an unexpected ally and my fated mate, Asher, I must cross the kingdom to free my brother. If that means taking on the dragons, so be it. But the head of the Drudge shifter pack is determined to steal the throne for himself, and he’ll do anything to keep me from rescuing my brother.

---

Asher: When I came to the fae kingdom with my fated mate, Everly, my role was clear: fuse with her to give her the power she needs to release the serpents and kill the leader of the Drudge pack. But the dragons stand in our way, all magic has been stolen from the kingdom, and the evil Drudge leader, Richard, is determined to destroy our bond. Sacrificing myself may be the only way to save the woman I love and the world.

---

Moon Seduced is Book 3 and the conclusion of the Raven Moon Wolves Series. Twisty suspense and plenty of romance between a determined woman and her alpha hero. You can find the series on all retailers.

OTHER BOOKS BY MARTY

Crystal Wing Academy

Outling

Dragonsworn

Unraveller

Darkwater Reformatory

Wicked Betrayal

Wicked Challenge

Wicked Rebellion

Supernatural Misfits Academy

Busted

Broken

Breakout

Single Titles

Dead Girls Don’t Lie

Phoenix Arise

Raven Moon Wolves

Moon Scorned

Moon Stolen

Moon Seduced

Moon Hunted

(A Companion Novella)

For my mom,

who believed in me when

I didn’t quite believe in myself.

---

And my dad, who passed

while I wrote this book.

You would’ve loved this one!

1

EVERLY

As Ash and I rushed down the drippy stone tunnel on a mission to pierce the veil, I reminded myself of all that had happened over the past few weeks.

I’d almost been caught by Richard, the Drudge alpha, and Thurston, Ash’s father—who Richard had murdered.

I’d escaped and started training with Fatima, the cursed fae who seemed to be eager to help me but might’ve only been waiting to kill me. After all, she’d murdered my parents.

Discovering Alimar was my fae half-brother came as a horrifying shock that turned into wonder. He’d helped me work with magic, and now we’re close. We’d die to protect each other.

I discovered my father might still live, if the shadow being who’d called me by my nickname was truly my father. How would I know?

Ash escaped Richard’s grip and found his way to me. He was my fated mate, and no one was going to separate us again.

Richard found a way into the fae world and killed the king. He’s on a mission to take over the throne and rule with a fist of steel.

And my sister, Chloe… I’d discovered she lived. After months of leaving me believing she was dead, she only reached out because Alimar was injured.

I had to save Alimar, though I wasn’t sure how. I’d done something that helped Ash weeks ago after the dangerous creatures from the forest hurt him. Could I do what I’d done then?

It’s going to be okay, Ash said. His hand tightened around mine as we raced down the rough stone passage. I love seeing the confidence in his eyes, but I had my doubts.

No matter what, I was grateful he was coming with me.

Heart racing, I lifted the charm my father made for me and spoke with Chloe. Righteous anger filled me. She’d let me think she was dead. But my anger was tempered with happiness that I’d see her again. I missed you so much, I said through the charm.

You too, she said softly.

It was horrible. They gave me an urn with your ashes!

I’m sorry. I couldn’t tell you.

Why?

I sensed her shrug, but she gave me no answer.

It didn’t matter. I already knew—it would be confirmed when I reached the cave. But I wanted her to tell me. No, I needed her to tell me, to share what crushed her while knowing I’d never turn my back on her no matter what.

She hadn’t trusted me, and that hurt.

We reached the bottom of the passage and rushed into the enormous sea cave. I spied her standing on the beach in the octopi form Richard had forced onto his victims. I hated seeing her like this and not because of the shape she’d become. What pained me the most was the sorrow and shame in her eyes.

I sped ahead of Ash and barreled into her, nearly knocking her backward. It felt good to hug my sister.

Everly, she croaked, her tentacled limbs going around me.

Didn’t you know it wouldn’t matter to me? I didn't care what my sister looked like. I cared that she was alive. She was Chloe, she was breathing, and no matter how many limbs she had, I’d always love her.

"It mattered to me."

Now I was the one feeling shame. I shouldn’t project my feelings onto her. I’m trying to understand, but it’s not easy. No matter what, I’m grateful you’re back in my life.

But was she fully back or would she slip into the sea again and ignore my calls through the charm?

I sensed a change in her. A change in myself. We’d grown while we were apart and not in the same direction. I wasn’t sure if this was a good or bad thing.

Stepping back, I nodded. Take me to Alimar. Did he still live? I couldn’t bear to think he was suffering.

Alimar, she breathed, and I swore I saw tears in her eyes. It was hard to tell because water was leaking from my own, making it hard to see. He hangs by a thread. So much is in balance. One wrong move, and everything will topple in the wrong direction.

You’re talking about Richard, I said.

We think he’s going to kill Ryvin and seize the throne.

Of course. This had been his goal all this time.

Only Alimar might stand in his way, she said.

And he’s dying. I looked down at the Oria ring on my finger, the one just like his. Did mine have a reddish tinge to it? Alimar… I need to help him.

She gave me a curt nod. I’ll bring you there. She held out a limb with a hand projecting off the end. Hold on?

I did so without hesitation, stretching my other hand back to connect with Asher.

We’ll enter through the sea, but don’t worry, Chloe said. As long as we’re all connected, you’ll be able to breathe.

And what would happen if we lost our connection? I didn’t ask. I didn’t want to know.

She stepped into the water, the sea calm for this one moment, and I followed. It sloshed around my knees. My waist.

I couldn’t help it. Before my chest was engulfed, I gulped in great mouthfuls of air.

This wasn’t going to work. I’d drown.

I’d never save my brother.

That final thought stiffened me. He’d do anything for me. It was only fair I do the same for him.

You’re okay? Chloe called out over her shoulder.

I am. My voice was one big tremor. Ash?

I’m with you, Ev. Always. He was so solid and trusting. It made me love him even more. I’d never be able to do this without him.

As water flowed up to my neck, I sensed something rushing up behind us, coasting across the water. Others followed, though they were smaller.

The larger one impacted with me. No, he impacted with me, not only them.

My breath caught as I realized who he was. My life was suspended. I waited with terror and excitement churning through my heart. This spirit was all that was left of my father. I thought he’d died in the car crash that stole my mother, but he’d somehow clung to a semblance of life. He’d formed a bond with the woodland mist creatures everyone feared–except me. For some reason, the creatures obeyed me.

As we sunk beneath the deep blue depths, my mist creatures yipped with joy.

And the shadowy figure whispered into my ear. We’re coming with you, Evie May.

I would drown, and there wasn’t anything I could do about it. I clung to Chloe’s tentacle and Ash’s hand, but the water engulfed me.

The shadow creatures and the mist guy I believed to be my father clung to me, but they acted like a lead weight, dragging me down. I could barely move. Breathing wasn’t an option.

Until I opened my eyes and realized I didn’t need to breathe. Whatever my sister could do, it protected me in the dark depths we dove through.

I should’ve known she’d never let me be harmed.

Yet she hurt me emotionally. I’d have to reconcile that in my mind and find a way to mend the breach between us. I still loved her and wanted her in my life.

My charm floated near my face, and I cupped it between my chin and chest.

I’m scared, I shouted to my sister.

I’ll protect you.

From everything? What about her? The second I had the thought, a deep sense of betrayal hit me. I could trust Chloe.

We’re almost there, she said.

A large cluster of boulders loomed ahead, and she swam around to the side.

Ash’s hand tightened around mine. Fear flashed across his face, quickly replaced by resignation.

I tipped my head and frowned as if to say, what’s going on? He just shook his head and nudged his chin toward Chloe. If only he and I could communicate in our minds.

Do you sense anything I need to worry about? I asked my wolf.

He has beens here, she said. Scared.

Then maybe I should be scared too.

Old scared, she added. Nots new.

Is this where they kept him?

Yes.

Ah. I tugged him closer and nuzzled his neck, hating that I couldn’t say anything to reassure him.

He eased away and flashed me a thin smile.

Chloe tugged us into a tunnel on the side of the mound of boulders and through a rubbery membrane, leaving the sea behind us.

The mist creatures and the shadow being still clung to my shoulders and neck as I stepped onto a wet stone floor. They slid off me and coalesced into the shapes I remembered, my father an inky shape that slithered and shifted. The creatures took on the form of wolves.

Chloe’s breath caught, and she backed away from them, her limbs lifting. What…?

They floated around her and soared across the cave, exiting through a tunnel on the other side.

You brought them with you? Chloe wailed.

I didn’t exactly invite them, I said. They jumped on me just before you pulled me into the sea.

Should I mention to Chloe that I believed the shadow guy was my father? She thought he was Fatima’s minion. She didn’t know Fatima stole him to hold him captive.

It’s too late to do anything about it now, Chloe said, her narrowed gaze sweeping to the tunnel. We’ve given them access.

To what?

The fae kingdom. The veil is thin here. It won’t hold them back.

And this must be how Richard found a way through. I’d heard he wasn’t allowed to enter the fae kingdom. Someone must’ve helped him, I assume Ryvin.

What do you think they’ll do in the—

We can’t stay here long, my sister hissed. If we’re found…

A chill shot through me. I’d ask her about the mist creatures later.

Big rocks surrounded the small cave, and crystals spiked down from above. Sand coated the center of the cave, and it was wet, as if the sea washed through this area periodically.

Chloe kept a tight grip on my arm, urging me across the small cave to an arched opening. Ash kept pace, a tortured look on his face. I wanted to stop and say something that might reassure him, but my skin kept prickling like I’d fallen in a bee’s nest. It was all I could do to keep from bolting back the way we’d come.

A dimly lit stone tunnel extended from the cave exit, and the barnacle-coated walls seemed to breathe, a weird thought on my part.

Chloe led us down a hall, her limbs scraping the scum-coated stone walls.

How did it happen? I asked softly. I meant, how did Richard catch and change her?

She cupped her charm with a tentacle. We can talk later. Don’t speak. If we draw attention, it’ll be over.

Who are you worried about?

Everyone.

We can trust Kia, I said, assuming she was down here somewhere. Where did she go when she entered the sea? Fatima had cursed her, preventing her from shifting into her octopi form, but when Kia killed Fatima, she regained her shifter abilities.

Can we trust Kia? Chloe said.

Don’t suggest we can’t. I’d mistrusted her at first, but she’d proven she wouldn’t betray me. She saved me and Ash from Drudge Enforcers.

Why didn’t you tell me you were seeing him? You had plenty of time before I was stolen from campus.

Ash? It felt new and wonderful and I guess… I’d wanted to keep it to myself, though at the time, I wasn’t sure why. I’m sorry I didn’t tell you, but truly, this is minor when compared to everything else going on around us. We need to talk. I had so much to tell her, and I wanted her to know as long as she lived, nothing else made a difference. Besides, I don’t hear you sharing anything about Alimar.

It's complicated, she grumbled. But you’re right, we do need to talk. Her tentacled limb dropped away from the charm.

Which reminded me…

This is yours. I tugged the opal ring off my finger and held it out to her.

She stared down at it, and I nudged it toward her.

Taking it carefully, she sighed. When she looked up, tears shimmered in her eyes. It won’t fit me any longer.

It will someday. Put it on your chain for now.

She nodded and did so, leaving it to dangle with the charm Dad made her.

We need to go, she said.

Shuffling-walking on legs jutting from an octopi torso complete with tentacled limbs and a rounded head, she continued to the end of the hall and started down stone stairs that were as damp, dark, and drippy as the tunnel. They ended after about six bone-jarring bumps, and she urged me forward, through another, tighter passage with doors on each side.

Bars.

I gulped. Ash’s fingers tightened on mine, and his attention focused on one cell in particular.

So horrifying that he was held here.

When we passed the cell, he didn’t look inside. I shot a glance in that direction and a few seconds was all it took to give me the full impression. A stone bench spanning the back of the small room. Dirt and grime everywhere. An abandoned tray with bits of moldy food abandoned in the corner.

How had he been able to bear it?

I pinched my eyes shut, sorrow overwhelming me, but I didn’t have time to mourn or hold him, because Chloe opened a door beyond the cells and hurried us down a long, sloping tunnel. It exited into a small cave with walls made out of smooth, milky white crystal. An archway shimmered on the other side.

The veil, Chloe whispered. If there’s a time you must remain silent, it’s now.

I gave her a curt nod. I’d keep my mouth shut. My focus was on getting to Alimar before it was too late.

She stepped through the clear, almost gelatinous membrane.

After sharing a heavy look, Ash and I followed.

2

ASHER

Ablink, and we stood in a tiny meadow speckled with pale pink flowers, surrounded by tall trees with almost no leaves.

I shook off my unease. Passing the cell where I’d been imprisoned had nearly ripped me apart, but seeing