Chapter Two
As Daykan stood with his arms crossed, it occurred to him that he really did enjoy spending time at his gym, it felt more like a home than the place he laid his head to rest each night. Maybe it was because he felt in control and truly at peace here.When he had thought about the kind of business he wanted to set up, a gym had seemed like the most suitable option.He really wasn’t an office guy and couldn’t imagine sitting behind a desk from 9am to 5pm every day. Plus, he really wasn’t a fan of dressing up in a suit and tie; at the gym he could literally be shirtless and it would not be inappropriate.Daykan also enjoyed working out and his body showed off the results from all those times spent lifting weights.He was six foot six inches tall with thick silver hair that was long in front and shorter at the back; he had light hazelnut eyes that always seemed to be sparkling.There was also the fact that his gym body was enough to stop any girl in her tracks as she had a second, third and fourth look at that walking gift of nature because there was more than enough to drool at.From the well-defined pecs to the chiseled abs and back that looked like it had been sculpted by Michelangelo, Daykan was a living, breathing advertisement of his gym; “Sweat it Out.”It was one of the most popular gyms in the city of Carson, Washington and Daykan took a certain pride in that.He always felt like he was abandoning his child when he had to leave the gym at the end of the day and go back to the Estate which was on the outskirts of Carson.To outsiders, the Moonstruck Estate seemed like a prestigious fraternity that was so hard to gain membership into.Houses weren’t sold to just anybody and if the Governing Council of the Estate didn’t approve of the buyer then no amount of money could be used to gain access.People weren’t quite sure what criterion was used to judge prospective buyers because it seemed like there was no logic behind the accepted residents and the rejected ones.But Daykan knew the criteria. “Werewolf.”Whoever wanted to acquire property in the Moonstruck Estate had to be a werewolf, subject to certain exceptions, like offspring of werewolves who were not fortunate enough to receive wolf’s mark. Anybody else was wasting their time looking for somebody to bribe or convince to allow them be a part of the gated community.Different packs occupied designated territories in the Estate in order to avoid any conflict and for the most part, they were fairly able to live in harmony. They came together once in a while for meetings or community events.The Estate also had a secret path to the Gifford Pinchot National Forest which was close by and it gave the werewolves an ample avenue to let out their wild sides and get in touch with their inner animals.A lot of them went for runs in werewolf form and also hunted some of the animals for a little sport.Daykan had always felt out of place in the Estate and had a little apartment in Carson where he spent nights once in a while when it seemed that he couldn’t stand to be there any longer.He always came back though; maybe it was because he had no one else and didn’t like feeling alone.Even if they hated him there and treated him like an outsider, he was technically still a member of the Crimson Pack and it felt good to be a part of something.“Day, do you think you could train with me today?” Tania asked in a seductive voice as she interrupted Daykan’s train of thought, he had barely noticed her walking up to him.Tania was a cute little thing with her light brown hair cut in pixie style and a little button nose. She had big blue eyes which were provocatively focused on Daykan as she slid her tongue across her slightly pink lips.She wasn’t particularly busty but had an hourglass shape and always wore clothes that accentuated her figure.Right now, she was wearing a tiny purple sports bra that kinda reminded Daykan of a bikini top and tiny black shorts, which could almost pass off as panties.Eight months ago, Daykan had slept with her once and since then, hadn’t been able to shake her off.If he had known she would get this attached, he would have just minded his business and kept it in his pants instead of stirring the proverbial pot. He had explained to her before they had sex that it would only be a one night thing and she had agreed.But there was just something about Daykan that Tania just couldn’t get enough of and she really hoped he would be willing to have another night with her.However, to her dismay, he had avoided her since that magnificent night eight months ago and rejected all her advances.“Jeez, I’m sorry I can’t do that Tania. I am really busy right now but I am sure Dave would gladly assist you. Dave! Could you please come over and train with Tania?” Daykan called out to Dave, one of his fitness trainers as Tania pouted in annoyance.“Sure thing boss.” Dave replied as he walked over from the weights he had been cleaning. He was twenty two years old and still had this cute boyish look with blond hair and brown eyes.“Good morning, Tania, I hope you are ready to sweat it out today.” Dave teased with a wide grin.“Whatever, let’s just get this over with.” Tania said nonchalantly as she walked towards the treadmills.Dave looked at Daykan; confused at Tania’s suddenly change in energy, but Daykan just shrugged and entered his office.**************************************Naomi Peters was really excited about this move because she was in dire need of a fresh start and a change of scenery. Carson seemed like the right place and as she slowly drove down the street in her red jeep, she really liked what she was seeing. She had spent days studying the map, so she was sure of where to go.Carson wasn’t as populated as Manhattan and the less busy streets were a breath of fresh air from all the congestion she was used to. Her mother felt she was crazy for giving up life in a bubbly place like Manhattan, for quiet little Carson.But, that was just like Agatha Peters, she was somehow able to feel calm and happy with all that noise around her; and she could never imagine leaving her job at the law firm for anything else.Twenty five year old Naomi had taken over her nerdy dad who had been a doctor. She was technically still a doctor, although her patients weren’t human beings and that was one of the things she loved about them.Animals were easier to be around than humans.They loved unconditionally and always made you feel special and cherished; they wouldn’t lie to you like humans would. Naomi sometimes wished that she had come to the world as an animal; maybe she would have endured less pain that way.It would have been exciting being an eagle, able to soar above clouds without a care in the world.She felt lucky that she had found a clinic in need of a vet in Carson because she couldn’t have imagined doing any other job.She would have probably opened her own clinic if it had come to that; Naomi wasn’t the kind of girl to give up on her dreams. She might not look it, but she was one tough cookie.Naomi had waist length jet black hair that looked darker than a moonless night and bright green eyes that would remind anyone of a cat. She had a pointed nose; and beneath that were almost too full red lips that gave her face character.She wasn’t so tall being five foot six inches, but she didn’t really enjoy wearing heels. She was really busty with a moderate behind, and didn’t particularly have prominent hips, but she had learnt to be content with the cards life had dealt her.Come Monday, in three days’ time and she would be officially starting her job at “Paw Prints Clinic.” Her things had been sent out to her apartment the previous day and she only had a few belongings in the jeep with her.The clinic was almost at the outskirts of town and a little close to the Gifford forest but Naomi didn’t mind. She resisted the urge to take a little detour and drop by her new work place because she hadn’t unpacked anything and that was going to take her a while.“Patience little one, you’ll have your fun soon.” Naomi mumbled to herself as she smothered the temptation.“Oh, that’s a nice looking gym. Maybe I should finally start working out like I’ve been planning to all these years,” Naomi said as she drove by “Sweat It Out.”Chapter ThreeDaykan really loved his car so when seventy-eight year old Bella Bloom backed up and crashed into the bumper as she was trying to the exit the gym parking lot; he resisted the urge to curse and throw a fit. By the time he rushed out, Mrs. Bloom was stepping out of her twenty year old car and it was obvious that she was badly shaken.“Mrs. Bloom are you okay?” “I’m perfectly fine. I’m usually a really careful driver.” “I know,” Daykan said reassuringly. She really was a careful driver and word around town was that she had never gotten so much as a speeding ticket.“I’m so sorry.” She looked up at him with guilt filled eyes.“My insurance will cover the damages so you don’t need to worry. You should come inside and sit for a little bit. You look a little jittery.” Daykan suggested gently.“Okay.” She carefully made her way back to the entrance. Daykan walked a few steps behind her, ready to catch her in case she fell.He escorted her out thirty minutes later when she
Chapter FourDaykan was later than usual because he had made a quick stop to drop off his car at the mechanic’s.He had reluctantly ordered an Uber to the gym. It was probably ridiculous but he felt vulnerable when someone else drove him; it made him feel helpless and he liked being in control.He almost did a happy little dance when they arrived at Sweat It Out’s parking lot and he stepped out. He heard the signature beep of a car being locked and absentmindedly turned in the direction of the sound.“Hmm, a red jeep; nothing out of place about that.” He casually whipped out his phone to rate the driver. It had been a good ride; no forced conversation or awkward comments about the weather, cool music playing in the background, a reasonably careful driv….Wait!A red jeep!Daykan turned again just in time to see a woman’s back disappear through the entrance. He inhaled deeply and only caught a sliver of the scent because he was standing downwind, but it was more than enough.It was a
Chapter FiveNaomi was surprised that she felt a little irritated by the strange lady’s rude interruption. Okay! Fine! She was very irritated which was weird because in normal circumstances, she was supposed to be thankful.She was usually in control of her temper. A lot of people would describe her as cool, calm and collected.Plus she knew that as someone in the medical profession, it was ideal to have a lid on her temper; especially since it was likely that her patients would focus on her mood because they couldn’t speak or understand English.She was easygoing and could be sweet as long as no one pushed her buttons; which wasn’t an easy thing to do. There wasn’t a lot that would make her get that angry.But this man! This annoying man!They had met only twice and each time, he had managed to push her buttons like a child with a new video game. He was making her consider taking anger management classes. Maybe she was becoming less tolerant with age or maybe it was solely a proble
Chapter SixNaomi could barely breathe. Was this the same man she had been mouthing off to?At the clinic, she had definitely said worse things to him than Miss Cobr.. umm.. Tania over here, but she hadn’t gotten this kind of reaction.Maybe he had been in a good mood then. But a few minutes ago, he had not appeared to be in a terrible mood either.So what in the hell was this sudden switch up? He certainly seemed like a different person and she did not want to be on his bad side. But in spite of all this aggression rolling off him, she did not feel like she was in danger.The initial step back had been a reflex action but she was reassessing the situation now and he did not seem like a threat; at least not to her.Naomi supposed Tania wouldn’t feel the same way because she was obviously the target of his annoyance. She wondered what would happen if Tania did something else that got on his nerves and they were alone. Would he have done more than verbally lash out at her? Did douch
Chapter SevenNaomi partially recoiled but not enough to pull away from his grasp. A slight tingle went up the hand he was holding and reverberated through her entire body. It felt like she had brushed up against a live wire.She looked down at his hand to make sure that he wasn’t holding one of those little prank buttons that gave the victim a little shock.I think they’re called joy buzzers or something like that. But there was no obstruction between his skin and hers. Wait, had she heard Day right?His grip was loose and it wouldn’t take much effort on her part to shake him off. But it was his words that had a tight hold on her and kept her feet in place.That hold was momentarily solidified when she looked up and stared into his eyes. There was a look of vulnerability in those hazelnut orbs that was at odds with the tough guy aura he exuded; especially after that display of dominance with Tania.It made her want to put his head in her lap, stroke his hair and whisper words of
Chapter EightDaykan closed his eyes, used his thumb and forefinger of his left hand to pinch the bridge of his nose and took a deep breath.He wasn’t going to allow Naomi get on his nerves again. He was definitely not getting on this rollercoaster ride of emotions with this obstinate woman.He was going to let this slide and just ignore her comments; which were obviously aimed at getting him all riled up.Yes, yes; that was what he was going to do.He turned around and continued walking to Susan’s office. He didn’t bother to check if Naomi was following him but he could hear her footsteps behind him.This was the right thing to do. He wasn’t going to achieve anything if he let her push his buttons.She was looking for a reaction and he was not going to give her that satisfaction.Just count backwards from 10 to 0 and allow happy thoughts flow through his head.10…Naomi started whistling a jaunty tune but Daykan didn’t turn back at the sound.9…She was just a troublesome woman and w
Chapter NineShe hadn’t called!Daykan was lying down in his apartment at the Moonstruck Estate and trying not to lose his mind.He didn’t need to check the calendar to know that it had been eight days, thirteen hours and twenty three minutes since he had given Naomi his business card.But she still hadn’t called!What the hell was she doing? Had she changed her mind about having him train her or using the gym entirely? Was it something he had done? He should have taken her number!Why hadn’t he taken her number?He knew the answer to that. He had wanted to seem professional. He was such a fool.He wished he could go back to that moment when he handed her his business card and warn his past self.He should have bitten off his tongue instead of saying, “Here’s my card. You can reach out to me when it’s convenient so we can discuss your training sessions and the days you should come in.”It wasn’t even like he had a fancy business card he had been trying to show off. The only thing o
Chapter TenMate? Daykan felt like his head was going to explode or shoot off his body like a rocket. It was hard to detect what path his suddenly hot head would take but he was leaning towards the rocket option.There was no way he could wait an hour till he went for a run.He couldn’t exactly go on a solo run while his pack was out there. It would be considered disrespectful and against pack rules; even if they didn’t want him there.He didn’t like going for pack runs but this was an emergency situation.Before he was aware of moving, he took off his shorts, tossed them on a random bush and bolted into the forest.He stopped, went on all fours, closed his eyes and took a deep breath.He dug deep for his other side and allowed the change take over him. He grew in size, fur sprung out from all parts of his body, his mouth elongated and flesh tearing teeth formed.All his senses were immediately heightened. His eyes were keen and ready to notice the smallest movement around him.His
Chapter Seventy TwoDaykan felt a surge course through his body from the crown of his head to the soles of his feet.He was charged up.He grabbed Naomi by her chin and pulled her close until he could feel her breath on his face.She was gently panting.Naomi knew that her breath was coming out in short puffs. She was probably breathing like a dog.There was no way that could be sexy. But Daykan didn’t look disgusted.He looked like he wanted to devour her whole. His eyes were captivating; it felt like they were drawing her in. She would gladly drown in them.This was the longest she had ever stared into his eyes when they were red and glowing.It looked like there was a faint outline of a werewolf in his pupils.He flashed a grin which was more teeth than smile; and she felt her insides melt. All her organs had turned to goo and they were sliding down her body.That must explain why there was a pool of wetness between her legs.She needed to take a really deep breath so her chest co
Chapter Seventy OneDaykan’s brows shot up in surprise. “Are you sure?”He didn’t want to mention that the last time she had seen him like that, things hadn’t ended so well.Naomi tried to sound firm. “Yes, I am.” “Alright then. I just want you to know that you’re completely safe. You don’t have to be afraid. I won’t do anything to hurt you. Okay?” Daykan said gently.“Okay.”Daykan looked around. “Let me just make some space.”He picked up the coffee table with one hand and Naomi gasped. From experience, she knew how heavy that table was.Daykan shrugged, “Sorry, I just figured I didn’t have to pretend anymore since my secret is out.”“You don’t have to apologize. Umm… just a little surprised, that’s all. Go on.” She wondered what other things he could do.She got up and stood at the side so she wouldn’t be in his way.Daykan moved the coffee table to the corner. He moved the couch and armchairs too, until there was a wide space in the living room.“Alright then, everything is set.
Chapter SeventyHis mate was here. She was really here.It felt like so long since Daykan had seen Naomi. She was wearing a pink short sleeved dress. It stopped just above her knees.He longed to take her into his arms but he didn’t want to scare her away.She slowly dropped her hand.“Hi…” Daykan started softly like he was trying not to spook an animal. “I’m so glad to se…”Daykan’s eyes suddenly changed to a deep red and Naomi recoiled in shock.“May… maybe I should just leave.” She said hurriedly and took a step back.“No, please don’t go. Just give me a minute.” Daykan averted his gaze and looked down at the floor.Come on damn eyes! Change back to normal.“Why are they like that?” Naomi asked softly. “Is it because you’re hungry?” “No, no, no. It’s nothing like that.” Daykan hurriedly reassured her in case she thought he was trying not to gobble her up. “It’s because I’m so happy to see you.”“Huh? How do you mean?”“Sometimes when my emotions get the best of me, my other side s
Chapter Sixty NineAfter the encounter with Naomi in the woods, Daykan had been in a daze.He had walked to his car stark naked, not a care in the world if anyone would see him; luckily that hadn’t happened.He had been conscious enough to slip into clothes and enter his car.But thirty minutes later, he had found himself parked in front of his apartment at the estate. By some miracle, he had managed to drive there without killing himself or anyone else. He had spent the day wallowing in misery.He looked at the clock and realized that it was time for the pack run. Maybe a run would help clear his head.But what would clear the debris in his chest from all the pieces of his broken heart?He wore a pallium and prepared to head out. Palliums are cloth made from a special material which wouldn’t rip apart when a werewolf transformed. It’s not always convenient to change back to human form and be butt naked. So they had appealed for something to be made.Word was the Moon Spirit had so
Chapter Sixty Eight“Moon Spirit?” Naomi was puzzled.Why was she shocked though?If werewolves were real, why not spirits too? “Yes. The Moon Spirit is our maker. We regard her as a divine deity. She’s basically our god. She’s the one who matches us with mates as well.” Senina explained patiently. “Only few werewolves are lucky to see her in their lifetime.”“Wow, and she appeared because of Daykan.” Naomi was impressed. “Yup, and in front of a number of people. My dad told me the story. He’s an Alpha too and had been waiting for Daykan’s delivery. He was against killing the baby but it wasn’t his pack and he was outnumbered.Until there was a sudden flash of light and she was floating in front of them. Although it was a sad situation, seeing the Moon Spirit is one of his best memories.” Senina smiled fondly. Xinoc’s face always lit up when he described the Moon Spirit.”What did the Moon Spirit say to them?” Naomi was fully interested in this story and not just because it concer
Chapter Sixty SevenSenina froze for a second.She had thought about this moment more than a few times. The day her best friend would finally find out that she wasn’t human.She had mixed feelings towards the whole thing.Would Naomi accept her for who she was or be terrified?She hadn’t pestered Daykan like Zekell had about telling Naomi the truth about what he was.She had been content with the convenient stalling.She had tried not to be worried about it.After all, Daykan and Naomi were fated mates. So there was a high chance Naomi would accept him for who he was; and in turn, her.Over the years, she had heard stories about other werewolves who had revealed themselves to humans. Some didn’t take it very well.In fact, there was a popular story passed down from generation to generation, about a male werewolf who had revealed himself to his closest friends. They had drugged him and then taken him to the authorities. This was one of the reasons for the strict rules about humans kn
Chapter Sixty SixNaomi stared at Daykan.The image of Sharon’s mutilated body was seared into her memory for life. It was heartbreaking to think that one of Daykan’s kind had done that to her; unprovoked for that matter.Sharon was such an amazing person and she had ended up just being food for a monster.All her dreams and accomplishments had been for nothing. But could she really blame Daykan for that?No one was blaming her for the serial killer they had recently caught in Texas just because he was a human being like her.He hadn’t done anything to harm her or someone she knew.If she pulled the trigger, wasn’t it just coldblooded murder? Those were the thoughts her brain was filling her mind with.Her heart was on the same page with her brain but for different reasons. This was Daykan; the man she had once thought was the love of her life.She couldn’t just erase all the moments and laughter they had shared. All the whispers of passion he had murmured in her ears during lovemak
Chapter Sixty FiveThis was never how Daykan would have wanted Naomi to find out.But now, the cat… umm… werewolf was out of the bag.Ever since Senina and Zekell had left the gym, his mind had not been at rest.Naomi had never mentioned resuming at the clinic today; and he was curious about the way she had found.So he had hurried down here and traced her scent to the woods. He saw her in danger and had barely been aware of changing. The next thing he knew, there was a wolf in his mouth and he was tearing the thing apart.In spite of the situation, Naomi almost laughed at how stupid she sounded.How could she even have thought this monster in front of her was her boyfriend? She was still sitting on the ground. Her gun had fallen close to her leg. All she needed to do was carefully reach out and she could grab it.Who was she kidding? The gun hadn’t been able to stop the tiny wolf. It certainly didn’t stand a chance against this huge beast. The one that had killed Sharon.The creat
Chapter Sixty FourNaomi got to the clinic, switched off the ignition and just sat in the parking lot staring at the steering wheel.But her mind wasn’t in the jeep with her. It was already in the clinic.She hadn’t been back there since that night. Anita, Dan and Sophie were the ones who had cleaned up.They were also the ones who had been handling things in her absence. Although the clinic currently wasn’t as functional as it used to be.Someone stopped by daily to take care of the in house patients, otherwise it was locked up. And all the townspeople knew that if there was any animal related emergency they had to put in a call so a staff could be there to take care of it.All other appointments had been put on hold.But Naomi thought it was time to finally fully open up for business.Earlier on, she had called Sophie and informed her that no one needed to worry about coming into today. She would take on the duty of feeding and checking on the animals who were admitted at the clini