Crimson Moon Hideaway: Protector's Heart: Crimson Moon Hideaway

By Robbie Cox

She was destined to take over her pack. He was merely supposed to protect her until she could. However, lines are crossed when they find themselves on vacation together. The only problem is, he's human.

 

Emilia Brookshire is about to turn thirty, which means she's about to take over as Alpha of the Graveridge Pack. The only thing is, she doesn't want it, even though her family has ruled the pack for centuries.

 

Remy Porter was hired by her father to protect her until she took her place in the pack, and he's done that since their death. However, now he sees Emilia in a new light, one that threatens to break the rules of her pack if he doesn't turn away. But he can't turn away.

 

With rival wolves swarming Crimson Moon Hideaway, the elders calling him to walk away, and Emilia begging to share his room, Remy is now trapped keeping secrets of the past while keeping Emilia focused on her role. To do that, though, he just might have to walk away. Stuck between his duty and his heart, Remy must make the hardest decision of his life. But will Emilia understand?

 

Protector's Heart is a bodyguard, silver fox romance full of twists and turns, secrets and confessions that will keep you turning the pages.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Celtic Hearts Press
• Release date: Jul 6, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223603467

Book preview

Crimson Moon Hideaway

Protector’s Heart

By Robbie Cox

Crimson Moon Hideaway: Protector’s Heart

By Robbie Cox

First Edition

Copyright © 2023 by Robbie Cox

All rights reserved

Cover art by Beautiful Mess Graphics

Editing by CTS Editing

Formatting by CJC Formatting

www.feelgoodreads.com

This book is a work of fiction. All names, characters, locations, and incidents are strictly products of the author’s imagination. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

This book is licensed for your personal enjoyment only and may not be reproduced in any form, except in assisting in a review. This book may not be resold. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

To the fantastic people at H.O.P.E. for Brevard for all they do to find cats and dogs a new forever home.

Chapter One

Stereo Chapter Headng Image

ANTICIPATION GRIPPED WRAPPED its jittery fingers around Emilia Brookshire’s heart as she sat in the passenger seat and stared up at the entrance to the Crimson Moon Hideaway. Eagerly, she stared out the window at the passing scenery, excited to be there finally. She had looked forward to this trip since she booked it several months ago, knowing it was the last trip she would take before her life changed forever. She was more than ready to feel the wind whipping through her silky black fur as she allowed her wolf to run free. The enormous redwoods would offer her the perfect covering as she weaved her way among them, relishing the sunlight as she savored what could be the last of her freedom.

Remy drove the winding path that led to the valet until the resort’s overhang covered them, blocking out the sun and ushering in her vacation. He focused on the road, ignoring their surroundings, almost as if it all bored him. Probably eager to get on with his own vacation and take a break from always watching her. She was twenty-nine years old and he still thought he had to watch her every move.

She leaned forward in her seat just as the dark-haired man opened the driver’s door. What are you going to do with yourself while I’m here? She wished he was staying there with her, if she were honest with herself, and it wasn’t just because he was like a security blanket for her. Not with the fantasies she had been having of the older man lately, anyway.

He glanced over the seat at her, a soft smile toying with his lips. Well, I’m not really sure. I’ve never been on a vacation by myself since your parents practically dropped you off on my doorstep. This will be an unfamiliar experience for me. He turned so that he faced her more just as a young blond kid opened her door. Are you sure you want to do this? Henry wasn’t too happy you left the safety of the pack. You know how the elders are, and you’re so close to your thirtieth birthday. Carter Sinclair seemed fairly annoyed as well.

She scoffed. Henry isn’t happy, no matter what I do. Nor is the elders. And as far as Carter, hell, he hated when I chose another college than him. He leans on his family name too much, as far as I’m concerned, thinking he’ll be the one I take as my mate, making him the Alpha of our pack. That man pants around me like some lovesick puppy. It’s disgusting. Well, I have news for him; it’ll never happen.

Turning, she slid out of the car, nodding her thanks to the bellhop who stood there, waiting to assist her. Bags are in the trunk, she said as she pointed to the back of the car as if he didn’t know where the trunk was located. Closing her eyes, she took a deep breath, scolding herself for allowing her frustration at Carter to cause her to lose control even for a second.

Welcome to Crimson Moon Hideaway. The bellhop pulled a luggage cart behind him as he moved to the rear of the car. My name’s Justin. If I can do anything to help you make the most of your stay, just let me know. Have you been here before?

She heard Remy close his door, but she didn’t look at him. If she were honest with herself, she was nervous for the reason he just expressed. This was the first time she would be without him since she was ten years old, and it scared the hell out of her, even though she refused to let him see it.

No, I haven’t. She stepped to the side of the car as the young kid—she giggled at herself because the young kid was probably the same age as her—unloaded her bags from the trunk. I’ve heard great things about it, though.

He nodded, setting a bag down on the cart. Oh, there are always great things happening here. Make sure you check out the tiki bar by the pool, and then there’s the lazy river. People love that. Extremely relaxing.

She felt her brows arch as Remy appeared on the other side of the trunk. Wouldn’t it be too cold to be in the water here? I mean, even with a heated pool, the air has to be freezing when people get out.

The bellhop shook his head. Not at Crimson Moon. Jianna wouldn’t allow anything to put a damper on someone’s vacation. There’s a magic spell around the pool area to keep the air at a perfect temperature. Not one goosebump will pebble your skin. Guaranteed.

Remy crossed his arms over his chest as he grinned over at her. Well, looks like they’ve thought of everything.

Justin turned and nodded. Jianna did her best. I can’t think of anything she forgot. We have it all here. Crimson Moon Hideaway is your one-stop vacation destination.

Now, I’m envious, Remy said as Justin placed the last of her suitcases on the cart. He gestured to the lobby with an uplift of his chin. I know what you said about doing this all by yourself, but are you sure you don’t want me to go in there with you and make sure you get checked in all right?

She stared over at him, his thick biceps crossed over his broad chest, and nodded. She wasn’t sure how she would do without his steely dark eyes looking after her, making sure everything she did worked out perfectly. However, she would never learn how to do things by herself if she didn’t start now. Plus, as long as his firm body was near her, she would never look at another man, which was another thing she would never let him know. I’m fine. I called ahead and double-checked that they had my reservation. Everything should be fine. Besides, if you spend all your time taking care of me, you won’t be able to get to your own vacation and start having fun. She smiled over at him as she slung her purse over her shoulder, gripping it tightly. I’ll see you in a few days. I hope you have as much fun as I intend to have.

He dipped his head at her as he returned her smile. I’m sure I’ll have a blast. Take care of you, Emilia Brookshire. Stick to all the things I taught you, and you’ll be fine.

I will. Have a good time, Remy. She bit her bottom lip, suddenly dreading her decision to vacation without him.

You, too.

With a deep breath, she then turned to the bellhop. Now, where is the check-in counter?

The young man’s eyes lit up as he snatched at the luggage cart. Right this way.

She waved at Remy once more and then followed the bellhop inside the resort. It was time to take care of things herself, if only to prove she could.

As soon as she stepped inside the resort, it was like stepping into an extravagant universe. It was almost like they carved out a giant redwood and created the resort out of it. Everywhere she looked, she noticed exposed redwood walls and railings. Large crystal chandeliers hung from the ceiling, casting their rich glow to those below, bringing an extravagance to the place. In the center of the first floor perched a four-sided fireplace surrounded by comfy chairs she could imagine being curled up in while getting lost in a book.

As she glanced down the length of the lobby, she spotted the amenities the resort offered, like the Poisonous Bean Coffee Shop, the Cursed Objects Gift Shop, and The Cave at the far end, as well as Lumberjacks. A quick glance to the second floor revealed Skipper’s Steakhouse and the entrance to the casino. Justin had been right when he told her that whoever created the resort had thought of everything. She couldn’t wait to see the outside.

Turning left, she stepped up to the long check-in counter, also made of redwood. Behind the desk stood a dwarf with thick, shaggy hair and sausage-like fingers. He wore black pants and a stark white shirt under a gold vest with black lines running a web throughout. She also noticed the security door behind the counter and worried that perhaps things weren’t always safe at the resort.

May I help you? The dwarf glanced over at her, and she wondered if there was a mouth under all that facial hair.

Emilia stepped up to the counter, and a small statue of a gnome in a drunken stupor sitting next to his computer monitor caught her eye. She cocked a brow at that, wondering what the gnomes who came in thought about the representation.

He noticed her looking at it and glanced down at the small statue, shrugging as a giant grin parted the hair on his face. It annoys our groundskeeper. He then leaned over and lowered his voice to a conspiratorial whisper. I had it made to resemble him, too. He winked at her, chuckling. I think he’s carved a bush into my likeness somewhere on the grounds as his way of getting even. I haven’t found it yet. All in good fun. He then straightened, his lips disappearing once more. Now, how can I help you?

She glanced once more at the gnome, a small grin creasing her face. I’m Emilia Brookshire, she said as she looked back up at the stocky dwarf. I have a reservation.

Good afternoon, Miss Brookshire. He turned back to his monitor, his fingers flying over the keyboard. I’m more than happy to help you with that.

She watched as he checked her in, passing her a keycard when he finished, as well as a map of the resort.

He circled The Cave as he slid the map over to her. Our band, won’t be playing tonight as they’re off on Tuesdays and Thursdays, but you’ll definitely want to check them out tomorrow night. We also have a happy hour at the Tiki Bar every night from four to seven, and the temperature out there is perfect to stretch out and enjoy a mojito or rum runner. He then circled Lumberjacks, and she couldn’t help but glance over her shoulder at the restaurant. They serve a perfect omelette. Give them a try for breakfast.

Looking back at the dwarf, she nodded, smiling over at him. Thank you. I will.

She then took the keycard and the map and turned back to where Justin waited to escort her to her room. However, before she