Under the Blood Red Moon (a complete romantic Werewolf short story)

He found her attractive, with her long blond hair and emerald green eyes which complemented the delicate lines of her face and petite nose.  Her ruby lips were pulled back into a taunt line as she struggled, but he was sure they would be plump and full when relaxed.

“Take your paws off me,” she demanded in a strong voice as they marched her over the lawn.

Cade had to give it to the woman, she was either gutsy or oblivious to the danger she was in—or maybe a little of both.  A female alone with a pack of Werewolves who were under the influence of the blood moon was a dangerous thing.   It would not take much to whip the pack into a frenzy with them on edge. 

The trio came to a halt at the base of the stairs leading to the porch.  The captain of the guard bowed his head respectively before speaking.

“We found this female wandering our woods,” he explained in a gravelly voice.  Obviously the effects of the blood moon were on him, Caden noted. 

“I was not wandering,” the blonde protested.  “I came here on purpose.”

Cade stepped forward and advanced down the stairs until he stood toe to toe with the woman.  Her breath puffed from her lungs in a warm mist that blew over his face.  His nostrils flared, taking in her enticing scent.  She carried an inviting floral scent with a hint of pine from the forest.  His body heated in response, the unpleasant burning sensation from earlier replaced by a pleasant warmth as his blood coursed through his veins.

His gazed roamed her body, taking in every nuance.  She held her chin proudly raised, exposing the creamy white skin that covered the delicate column of her neck.  He watched her pulse beat harder when his eyes locked on its pulsating under the flesh where her nape met her shoulder.  Cade’s own heart gave an equal response, pounding hard in his chest. 

Her sweater, a shade of green that did not quite match her eyes, followed the curves of her full bosom as it rose and fell from her breaths—breaths blessedly heavy from the struggle. Her flat stomach led to slim hips and shapely legs that were currently kicking at one of her captors with her small booted foot.

Rand’s quick reflexes saved him from her ire as he jerked his leg out of range.  Her attempt put her off balance.  She fell forward and Cade’s arms instinctively reached out to stop her momentum.  The instant his hands gripped her shoulders, his body stilled.

A peaceful calm settled over him.  His skin no longer crawled with the impending change.  His inner beast quieted, tamed by her presence.  Realization of the significance of what happened came to him with a staggering blow, making him drop his hands to his sides and take a step back.

He gave the pretty female an appraising look.  “Why are you here?”

Her eyes locked with his in a show of bravado.  “I came to ask your pack for help.”

“By arriving unannounced and fighting with the guards?  Hardly the way to approach a strange pack.  Did your alpha not teach you any better?”

“My alpha is a Class-A jerk, who doesn’t deserve to teach me anything.”

Well now, wasn’t that an interesting bit of news.  It was unusual for any Were to disparage his alpha, especially in front of a different pack.  Although he would have to admit, he had come across an alpha or two who did not deserve the blind devotion expected from a pack.

Cade folded his arms over his thick chest. “Who is your alpha?”

Fire leapt into her eyes, setting them ablaze with emotion.  “Salthazar Bartoroni…the malicious bastard.”

He couldn’t disagree with her assessment.  Sal had a reputation for ruling his pack with a ruthless paw, putting his own needs over that of his pack, and should any on his get out of line by questioning his motives, they were quickly put down.

Was that what brought her here?  Had Sal threatened this beautiful creature?