Crimson Moon (15 page)

"Your emotions, your body—everything is hypersensitive. It takes time to control and someone willing to go through it with you to teach you the ropes. I'm sure Marcus just wants his old man with him."

Billy's footsteps echoed in the kitchen and he walked through the door into the room. He was calm, no tension in his huge body, and a dark duffel was tucked under his arm. He approached us and Caleb pulled away, giving him room.

"Miss Emma,” he smiled sadly, brown eyes drooping like a puppy dog, making his goodbye all the more difficult. “I said I'd stay ‘til you were safe, and I believe you are, else I wouldn't go."

"You should be with your son.” I smiled in understanding. I felt an unexplained sadness. I knew I would miss having him around. “Thank you, for everything."

"You take care of her, you hear?” Billy nodded to me and shook Caleb's hand, turning for the door. “I'll be seeing you two again."

I released a huge breath as the door closed. He had a long trip, miles upon miles to drive, worrying all the while about his son. Who as the minutes passed, was transforming into someone else—both figuratively and literally. The truck cranked, roaring to life outside. I listened to the rumbles as they drifted further away.

Caleb wrapped his arms around my waist. “He'll be fine."

The sound of the shower came to a stop upstairs, and we both lifted our faces toward the ceiling, eyes meeting on the way back down.

Caleb pulled me against him, not soft or even sweet. His lips were demanding against my own, arms tight around my waist. My heart accelerated, every inch of him that was pressed against my skin sent prickles along the surface. Warmth spread from my body, making my skin tingle. My head swam and everything else except Caleb vanished.

"Is it always like this?” I breathed against his mouth, hands gripping his back tightly.

"I hope so.” He brushed his lips softly against mine, gazing into my face. Then he frowned, concentrating for a moment. He eventually relaxed and said, “Sarah's here. I can hear her car."

I listened, homing my ears to pick up the sounds Caleb heard so easily, but I couldn't distinguish anything out of the ordinary.

"You don't trust me?” he asked playfully, chuckling.

"Of course I do.” I squeezed his waist, ears finally registering a sound in the distance.

Derek bounded down the stairs, double checking himself along the way. His white button down shirt was tucked neatly into his jeans. He'd even put on a belt. He paced around anxiously and I knew it would be so easy to razz him, but I didn't. He was already extremely nervous, and it showed.

He approached the door before the knock sounded, pulling it open. “Sarah,” he said her name reverently.

"Derek.” She smiled and walked inside.

Sarah was tall, dressed in black slacks and a form fitted blouse, heeled loafers clicking on the surface of the wood with each step. Her hair was glorious, thick and ink black, clipped slightly above her chin. She didn't appear much older than me, but there was a level of maturity that exuded from her warm brown eyes that was impossible to overlook.

She strode into the room, toward me and Caleb.

"Hello, Caleb,” she greeted him before turning to me. “You must be Emma."

She smiled broadly and the effect was astounding, changing her from mousey to stunning. I could see why Caleb liked her so much. She wore her emotions right there on her face for everyone to see. She was friendly and warm, happy to meet me and to see Caleb.

"Hi, Sarah.” I smiled back, it was impossible not to.

Caleb interrupted our introduction, “If you don't mind, Emma and I were just about to take a walk. We'll give you and Derek some time alone."

Caleb grabbed my hand before I could comprehend what was going on. We were out the door in mere seconds. He tugged me along behind him, jumping off the porch and down the stairs. He walked around the back, toward the pond, traveling a sufficient distance from the house.

We stopped at the water's edge before he finally spoke. “I'm sorry.” He smiled ruefully as he apologized. “They haven't been alone in a few weeks, and they don't need us there for the reunion."

"No,” I agreed, staring at the pond. “They need time alone."

Afternoon would be over soon, the sky had already begun changing into a rusty orange hue. The color was enchanting against the water. The reflections of random trees mixed with the rays reminding me of colored glass, the shapes shifting and distorting the polished surface.

Caleb growled softly, yanking me to his chest. Out here we would not be interrupted, and his embrace was made so much more dangerous because of it. He pulled me tight against him, his mouth urgent, hands roaming freely down my back and lower.

The modest part of me protested, insisting to take it slow. But the wilder more feral part of me yearned for this, exactly this, and it was that part that won out.

I grasped his arms forcefully, leaning up, and he wrapped his hands under me, cupping my bottom and lifting me into his arms. My back was pushed into a tree but I didn't notice, wrapping my legs around his waist and undulating against him.

All I could see, touch, and taste was Caleb—his hard body, soft lips, and eyes like the ocean after a heavy rain.

He was irresistible.

"Tempted, I'm so tempted,” he exhaled against my mouth.

He brought his hand to my neck to pull my face closer to his, barely kissing my lips before pushing me away tenderly.

"What's the matter?” I gasped out the words. I felt jittery all over, the smell of wood, pine, and cedar in my nose.

"I won't do this, Emma,” he said, regret heavy in his voice. He helped me down on uneven legs, bringing our foreheads together so they touched. “You deserve more, and trust me, I will give you more."

"I don't know what's come over me.” My voice was hoarse and throaty.

"I know.” He kissed my forehead, exhaling softly. “I'm pushing you too fast. I'll behave."

He sat, pulling me down with him to the water's edge. His breathing evened out and I watched as he studied the water. He seemed guilty and frustrated. He was going to have premature wrinkles if he kept this up. I touched his hand and he glanced over, his beautiful face smoothing as he smiled.

"I am a big girl, you know.” Part of me considered leaning over and pushing those boundaries, but I resisted. This was hard enough on him already. And he was right. There was no need to rush anything.

"Believe me. I know you're a big girl. That's the problem."

The statement made me blush and he chuckled.

"So tell me more about your family.” I still didn't know much about them, other than what they looked like, and I was curious to hear more about his Mom who was once human like me.

"Sorry.” He shook his head and shrugged his shoulders in a false apology. “It's you turn."

I scowled. “I already told you, there isn't anything to tell."

"There isn't
anything
?"

"There is Grandma,” I answered slowly. I couldn't keep the somber tone from my voice. “She's still alive, but there isn't anything upstairs anymore, at least not for long durations."

"What happened?” He didn't pry, staring at the water.

"She started doing little things, misplacing her keys or making me lunch twice in one day. At first, I thought she was just getting older. But it became obvious pretty quickly that something was very wrong. She burned herself really badly one morning, and when I asked how it had happened, she couldn't tell me. The doctors at the hospital gave me the news."

"Oh, Emma.” He squeezed my hand.

"At least she's in a good place now and she's happy. I miss her, and some days are harder than others when I think about it. But I love her, and she knows that. I can't really ask for more."

"You must be excited about meeting your Father."

"Yes and no. He left, after all. And someone won't tell me why.” I glared at him accusingly, cracking a grin.

"To be fair, I don't know everything, just bits and pieces from Sam. You want more information than I actually know.” He seemed frustrated by that.

I smiled. “When I find out, I'll tell you, how's that?"

I glanced toward the cabin. The sun was dipping in the sky, fading behind the trees. Caleb didn't respond to my question and I tore my eyes away from the cabin to look at him.

He was staring, his eyes fastened on me. He waited as I came to him, remaining perfectly still.

I touched his arm lightly. The bronze skin was warm, the dark hair along his forearm soft and smooth under my fingers. I lifted my hands and stroked his hair, twining my fingers through the thick strands as he closed his eyes. I moved closer, tracing the contours of his face, finally touching those extremely long lashes.

They were as soft as I knew they would be.

The pull was there, undeniable now. I leaned in close, rubbing my lips across his cheek before nuzzling his ear. His hair tickled my face and I pushed it away with my fingers.

"
You
had better behave now,” he said with a harsh edge to his voice.

"I'm sorry.” I leaned back, leaving my hand in his soft hair. “I've never been like this with anyone before."

"That's a relief,” he growled softly. “I would hate to have to kill someone."

We watched the sunset together. We couldn't see the actual horizon, but the pond managed to create one of its own with the help of the corresponding sky. The crickets came out, singing to one another as birds chirped back and forth.

"I think we've given them enough time.” Caleb stood and held out his hands, helping me to my feet. I brushed the grass from my pants and placed my hand inside his.

We walked back together and I listened anxiously for any signs of an impending disaster, but no noise came from inside. We stepped onto the porch and walked through the door. I made Caleb lead the way, walking behind him. He stopped, listening just inside the quiet cabin.

"They're upstairs, in Derek's room,” he whispered softly, turning to look at me. “What would you like to do?"

"We could be nice and make everyone dinner. It might ease some of the tension,” I offered helpfully.

"Have I told you how amazing you are?” He started at me incredulously, wrapping his fingers inside the hair at my nape.

"No, but there is always a first time for everything.” I grinned, reaching for his hand and walking to the kitchen.

We probably overdid it, which wasn't hard. Caleb and Derek had pillaged the grocery store, purchasing every condiment in the universe. I had things to make salads, steaks, and potatoes.

They even remembered real bacon bits and sour cream.

To my shock, Caleb was staggeringly proficient in the kitchen. He maneuvered around, timing everything perfectly, managing to get the grill started and the steaks on so that they were ready right as the potatoes were cooling from the oven.

Caleb went upstairs to get Derek and Sarah as I prepared the table. I was just placing the glasses into the proper places when they walked in. Sarah had removed her shoes and glided elegantly across the floor. Derek was beside her, and I was relieved to see he didn't look as stressed anymore. Caleb held out my chair and I sat down.

Sarah beamed at us, sliding into her seat across from me. “This looks wonderful, thank you."

"Caleb did most of the work,” I admitted shyly.

"He's always been a great cook.” She tried the steak and shook her head approvingly. “Delicious."

"Sarah bumped into Michael Davies the other day.” Derek took a huge bite of potato and topped it with a chunk of steak, proving his table manners were still non-existent. “He's still asking about Sammie."

Caleb rolled his eyes, grumbling, “He needs to take the hint."

"I think he may once he meets Mr. Blackney.” Sarah laughed, the expressive sound as beautiful as her smile.

"Dad will have him afraid to go to sleep at night,” Caleb chuckled, agreeing with her.

"By the way.” Derek looked up, chomping on another mouthful of food. “Sarah and I are hiking to the bluff tomorrow. You two are welcome to come along."

I couldn't believe my ears. Derek actually managed to sound cordial. The difference with Sarah around was incredible. Caleb glanced over, leaving the decision up to me.

"That sounds great. You have a bluff here?"

Caleb nodded. “You can see it from the cabin once you been there and know where it is."

Caleb and Derek started mapping out the trip, deciding it would be best to leave early, before the humidity struck. Sarah and I didn't say much, sitting back and listening to them prattle on, laughing at Derek's jibes and jokes in between. It was good to see that side of him again. I didn't like him as a grouch.

When dinner was finished Sarah and I got to relax on the couch while Caleb and Derek cleaned the kitchen. I sat on the left end, smiling gleefully each time I heard a loud crash or unexpected “shit” from Derek—the latter of which came after something shattered to the floor. Sarah curled up on the other side, smiling and laughing with me.

"Derek told me what happened. I hope you don't mind.” Sarah's voice was incredibly soft and light.

"Oh. No, I don't mind. Although, finding out all of this exists—that took a little getting used to. I'm still adjusting,” I answered, totally at ease with her.

Her face and voice faltered ever so slightly. “No, I meant about you and Caleb."

I didn't know what to say, finding myself at a loss for words, riddled with guilt. Did she hate me because I had walked into Caleb's life and the connection she so longed for with Derek was already there? She didn't seem angry about it, but she didn't seem the type to lash out with open hostility either.

She sounded hurt when she spoke, “I apologize. It isn't my business."

"Wait, it isn't like that at all,” I insisted, trying to apologize. “I just, Caleb explained that you and Derek, that you..."

"It's quite all right, Emma. I'm happy for Caleb, and for you. He's been alone for far too long."

"Did I hear my name?"

Caleb and Derek walked in, selecting their places on the couch. I smiled as Caleb sat next to me, but it was Derek I watched from the corner of my eye. He slumped next to Sarah, so close they could be touching. Yet somehow I knew they weren't.