Chapter 5

Chapter

Five

K alkin stared out over the center of town. Tonight was the first night of the Harvest Moon and Halloween. Life didn’t get any better than this. Faerie lights twinkled in the trees and along the stage Rapier and his brothers set up hours before. Around him and along Main St several booths and stands came to life as the sun set over the ridge. The smell of spice cakes, baked apple and plums, pumpkin and nutmeg filled the air along with the hint of warm cider, mesquite and hickory. The chill in the air had surprised everyone, considering the days still topped out near ninety, but Kalkin had sensed the coming frost a few weeks ago. To him, the weather was perfect for their run and their evening of fun.

Music and laughter permeated the area while children dressed in costumes crisscrossed the area, going from store to store to collect candy and treats. While in the cemetery, candles, sweetbreads, and marigolds lined the pathways. Small altars covered in multicolored shawls and lined with photos of family members. Someone decorated Mrs. Martin’s plot in red and green sashes with white candles and small pots of marigolds, too. The town had come together to make sure even the dead could join them.

This was what he always envisioned for Window Rock. He wouldn’t call it a Rockwell-esque painting of how life should be, but more of what he considered was comradery between neighbors. Where no one feared one another or worried what bomb would drop on them next. Window Rock was alive. Fruitful and thriving. In all the years he had Mrs. Martin by his side, he wondered if she ever saw the town becoming what it was today. Or, if, in the great beyond, she was there with them still, watching as life slowly grew back in like creeping Charlie covering the once barren landscape.

Thinking about the way the town had changed over the years also got him thinking about life. For longer than he cared to remember, he’d been Alpha. Taking Russell’s spot, facing off with several challengers over the years. Then Keeley showed up in his life. Beating Raymond also made him appreciate the position he was in. Made him consider the fact he wasn’t a young buck anymore. Though he may still be in this prime, the years inched in around him. There would come a time when he wanted to retire from the Sheriff’s department and turn the pack over to Colin. The proudest day of his life would be when Colin stood before the pack/pride he cultivated along with Rapier, and both sets of their brothers.

“You’re thinking hard over there.” Keeley joined him after placing Dallas and Denver in their wagon. She tucked herself up under his arm while his other children played around them waiting for the moment, they could go trick or treating. “What’s wrong?”

“Nothing’s wrong,” he replied. If anything, everything was right. For more years than he wanted to count, there’d always been issues in and around his pack lands. Now, it seemed, those trials were over, and they could finally live in peace. Obviously, he wouldn’t say that out loud. Knowing his luck, the Fates would throw him a curve ball, and he’d be right back in the thick of things again. Still, the day was coming when he would no longer be the Alpha. Planning for the next stages in his life seemed fitting after everything they’d been through. “I was thinking is all.”

“You and thinking are a terrible combination,” Keeley teased.

Kalkin growled, squeezing her hip. “Keep sassing me like that, and I’ll give you a combination, mate.”

Her hazel eyes flared, and his dick thickened. She stirred him up without even trying. “Promises, promises.”

Sassy little mate.

He bent his head, lowering his voice so only she heard him. “Keep fucking with me, Keeley. I’ll breed your ass tonight. I’ll keep my fat knot in your cunt through the full moon and make sure you stay pregnant for the next ten years.”

Her soft inhale did nothing to settle him down. If anything, it turned him on along with the smell of her arousal. “We had a deal.” The pout in her tone brought a smile to his lips.

“Try me and see if I don’t. Getting you pregnant and keeping your ass knocked up is one of my favorite kinks.”

Truth was, they made a deal. Jerome went to Keeley with a problem he’d encountered after a missing person’s case for the FBI. It had nothing to do with shifters, just a human child taken by her father.

Until Jerome dug a little deeper and uncovered the truth.

The father was trying to sell his daughter because she was gifted.

Keeley and Danielle had always been protective of their kind—the psychics. Children like Hayden, Gabriel, and Natalie had double the protection they needed. Jace included, after they’d discovered the extent of what he could do. Leave it to his mate to build those barriers to keep others from finding the psychic kids. Call it a psychic dampener or an umbrella or whatever they wanted to call it, Window Rock wasn’t just safe for shifters, it was also a place where children and adults just like Keeley and Danielle could find solace.

Hence the ten-year promise he made to Keeley.

Now that he thought about it, she’d had him right where she wanted him, too. Knotted in her hot as fuck pussy, clenching around him while she laid out her plan of action. Although he might jest about when he learned what she wanted to do... A plan Danielle had also helped construct; Kalkin knew his mate was on to something.

He’d always supported Vigilante and the orphanage. Both had served the pack/pride and surrounding communities well. However, what PRA—Psychic Retrieve Agency—could do to help kids with abilities, would set Window Rock up as being a mecca for all those who needed to feel safe. They even had a person in mind to run the operations.

“The Novikovs are settling in,” Keeley said, changing the subject. “Luka found his mate.”

Kalkin grunted. “Johnathan. I know.”

“You’re so fucking cocky,” Keeley laughed. “I swear every time a pack member finds their mate, your precognition gets stronger.”

“Or,” he said, brushing his lips across her temple, “the longer I have you as my mate, the strong my mojo gets.”

Keeley stared at him for a minute, narrowing her eyes. “Makes sense, especially since we’re all connected. However, you’re great at reading people. Maybe you should be a cop or something.”

Again, with the jokes. Kalkin patted her hip. “You just keep pushing your luck.”

“What can I say?” She shrugged. “I push your buttons. We argue then we have crazy, wild, make-up sex. I’m not seeing the issue, mate.”

Neither was he. The fact she understood what she did to him, made her even more tempting as a mate. “Never change, sweet cheeks.”

“Hadn’t planned on it, grumpy.” She kissed him then. “Looks like we have another huge gathering.”

“We do.” Over the years, the number of families who came to Window Rock to build a life, outweighed those who left. With the second pack/pride growing with dragons and lions—and a few tigers no one talked about—he could honestly say, this was the biggest Window Rock had ever been. Even one of those big box stores was moving closer to help supplement the need their community had.

“Good evening, Sheriff Raferty,” Mr. Novikov said. “My wife, she made an apple pie for your family and a pot of mushroom and potato soup.”

Keeley’s eyes lit up. “I love soups. We’ll have to exchange recipes.”

“Wonderful,” Mr. Novikov said. “I will leave dishes at table where orphanage booth is.”

“Perfect,” Keeley said. “I’m heading that way now.” She touched the dhole’s shoulder. “Please have fun tonight. Don’t worry about anyone finding you or worse, harming you, here. You’re safe. Tonight, should be able learning your new pack and embracing a new life.”

He nodded. “We have been excited to participate. Ilariy was invited to trick or treat with Willow and their friends. We realized we were wrong. He has flourished since he started going to school. How can we deny him a new life?”

“I like the sound of that,” Kalkin stated. “Our children will inherit this land. We have to make sure what we leave for them, is better than we had.”

“Da,” Mr. Novikov gave a solemn nod. “Ilariy will never know fear again.”

Luka followed behind Johnathan as they strolled along the sidewalk, taking in the different booths and stands lining the middle of town. So far, he’d had two samples of warm pumpkin bread, a cup of hard cider, two apple crisp donuts, and a vegan fall kabob. All the food was quite tasty. Food had always been sparce for them. So, being in a small community like Window Rock, enjoying a meal when there was plenty to eat... He worried he’d gain weight, which wasn’t a bad thing.

“You look pleased with yourself,” Johnathan said, handing him a cup of hot chocolate with a kick of spice. “What are you thinking about?”

Luka smirked, taking the cup from him. The red, bruised mark on Johnathan’s neck peeked out from the color of his flannel. Two hours ago, he’d been so excited and aroused, he fucked his mate at the door of their apartment and bit him hard enough to draw blood. Ended up stuck there too while the knot locked them together. Just the memory, got him hard and ready. “How gorgeous you were when you came in my palm.”

Lust blew Johnathan’s pupils. His blue-grey eyes glittered with excitement. A light shade of pink tinged his cheeks while his lips parted on a silent gasp. The first whiff of sage and desert flora smacked Luka in the chest. On the second, deeper inhale, he wanted to drag his mate to a darkened corner and fuck him again. It took all his willpower to stay in the moment and not fireman carry his mate home.

“There are children here,” Johnathan snapped, keeping his voice low. “Don’t go saying things that’ll get us into trouble.”

He didn’t have an ounce of embarrassment. “It’s the truth. Besides, don’t we run soon? I can’t wait to strip you naked and chase a hare through the desert.”

His mate pressed his finger to Luka’s chest. “When you say things like that, I won’t be held responsible for what comes next.”

“I like a good challenge.” Luka winked at him. “Until then, we should eat. Snack food won’t be enough to keep us nourished while we run.”

He wouldn’t allow his mate to go hungry. Ever He’d seen and experienced it too much in his life. Working for Keeley Raferty and living within a shifter community allowed for him and his family to have enough money to sustain themselves, which also meant not having to scrounge for food or ration portions.

“We will,” Johnathan said. “There’s a feast provided to the pack by the surrounding restaurants and the Alpha families. I hope you brought a third stomach.”

Lika wrapped his arm around his mate, pulling him close. “I got lucky finding you.”

Johnathan grinned. “Kind of happens here. I believe it’s a magnetic pull because of all the Indigenous ties to the land here.” He went to his tiptoes and whispered in Luka’s ear, “I think they knew we’d find protection here. That’s why the draw is so powerful.”

Luka wasn’t sure what he believed. Being oppressed and scared most of his life didn’t allow for exploration or study. However, he agreed with Johnathan. The desert was alive with the spirit and strength of the people of Window Rock. When his parents told him of a home with red rocks and vast vistas and foreign trees that didn’t look like any trees he’d ever seen, Luka couldn’t imagine a place so exciting yet so scary existing. Now, he didn’t want to contemplate his life being anywhere but there. “I think they’re calling us home.”

Johnathan’s smile brightened. “Yeah, I like that idea. Calling us home.”

A cow bell sounded in the distance. “What is that?”

His mate laughed before brushing his lips with a kiss. “Dinner is ready. Let’s go join our pack/pride.”

Luka found them a seat at an open picnic table surrounding the small stage where Kalkin, his mate, his twin, Rapier, and his beta, along with four others he hadn’t had the pleasure of meeting, yet, sat. The woman beside Kalkin, however, did appear to be related to the Alpha. Kalkin raised his hands as he stepped forward, quieting those who’d stayed for the festivities. All eyes were on him and their quiet respect, endeared Luka to the Alpha. The pack/pride liked him. Respected him most of all.

“Good evening,” Kalkin said, “welcome to the Harvest Moon event. I hope you’ll stick around after the feast to trick or treat and run with us as a pack.”

Anticipation clung to the air, covering them with a thick blanket of excitement. He didn’t think he’d ever get used to that. It’d been his family alone in the mountains for so long, having this beating heart of a rather large family engulfing him, was a little strange to say the least, but also welcoming. Having the whole of the pack/pride there, felt like he was grounded to the town, the people, and his mate.

“I thought I would introduce everyone to our newest family that has joined us.” He extended his hand toward Luka and his family. “If you don’t mind standing for a minute, Mr. and Mrs. Novikov.”

His parents stood as did Ilariy.

Luka followed suit.

“Please make them feel welcomed,” Kalkin said. “We also have been informed today by the county a new box store will be built not far from here, allowing us better access to supplies.”

After a round of applause, he turned to his mate. “We are so grateful for each and every one of you who have stuck with us and those of you who sought Keeley and I out. Over the last couple of years our families have grown, and our lives have settled into a peacefulness we have rightfully earned. I believe our time of prosperity is upon us and this coming year will be the best we’ve ever had. So, tonight, eat, have fun, and remember the rules.” He gave all those who joined him a pointed look. “We will be watching. Now, let’s eat.”

Luka frowned. “What was that all about?”

Johnathan took his hand, leading him to the buffet line. “Before most of us arrived or had been born, there was a huge issue of humans abandoning their babies at the border of the pack/pride lands. Most humans didn’t know what they were getting into by sleeping with shifters. Others...” Johnathan exhaled, “we don’t talk about. Anyway, when Keeley and Danielle arrived, things changed. Kalkin made rules and since then, orphaned babies have diminished as have assaults. We have more mated couples and the rest is history.”

Luka nodded. “Then the rules are what will happen to you if you do something bad?”

“Yes,” Kalkin said, joining them. “I’m sure Johnathan will give you a full rundown before our run tonight, but here’s the jest of it, don’t fuck where you’re not wanted. Don’t force yourself on someone either.”

“I’d never,” Luka said.

“Good. Didn’t think you would,” Kalkin replied, patting Luka on the shoulder before turning away. “But, rules are rules. See you on the trail, boys.”

“That was intense,” Luka muttered as Kalkin disappeared into the crowd of people.

“I’ll explain everything later. But he’s right. We don’t fuck where we’re not wanted, and we don’t force people to fuck us.” Johnathan lifted his shoulder. “They’re pretty simple rules if you ask me.”

“Agreed.”

Once they sat back down, Luka indulged on the different types of food that’d been prepared for them. He knew he couldn’t eat all of it, but he wanted to sample everything. He swore by the time he was finished; Johnathan was going to have roll him home. He chuckled to himself at the thought.

As darkness descended over them, and all that was left to light the way was the amber glow of twinkling lights and decorative lamps hanging from different locations around the area, a new sense of excitement overtook the crowd. In the distance, the large Harvest moon ascended into the sky, reminding all of them just how small they truly were. Johnathan stood then held out his hand. When Luka placed his palm to Johnathan’s, a current of power raced up his arm and settled over his heart and groin. He groaned, sucking air between his teeth as he felt the charge consume him in a way he’d never experienced before.

It was as if every person who sat or stood in that space was connected by an unseen tether. His pleasure was Johnathan’s as his mate’s was Luka’s. A soft murmur spread through the pack/pride members, growing more intense by the second. He glanced at his mate, and he was set ablaze as he watched Johnathan begin to strip. It was then he realized there were no children or teens in the area. Only the adults remained.

“What’s going on?” he asked, not sure if he was so overstimulated, he couldn’t figure out if he wanted to be naked too or too scared of what was happening around him to perform.

“We’re going to run,” Johnathan said. “If you don’t want to tear your clothes, I suggest you get naked for me.”

“We do this here?” he hedged.

“Yes.” Johnathan pushed the light jacket from his shoulders then pulled the henley he wore from his jeans. “We’ll shift, run, and fuck, all while giving thanks.”

Luka’s dick ached. His balls throbbed. Every time the backs of his mate’s fingers brushed his chest, he thought he’d come unglued and mount him then and there. “Fuck.”

Cool, crisp fall night air brushed over his sensitive skin as he pushed Johnathan’s hands out of the way and stripped. A surge of bright, white power flowed into him filling him with a vitality he couldn’t comprehend. He swore he swelled with the gift. The warmth of the sensation washed over him in pulsing waves of acceptance and welcome, leaving him aroused and grateful.

“You’re mine tonight,” Johnathan said. “I’ll claim you in front of everyone if I have to. I’m never letting you go.”

Luka chuckled. “Not if I mount you first, mate.” He kissed Johnathan. The sweet taste of apple cake and cinnamon along with his intoxicating aroma of desert sage and flora enveloped him. He burned for his mate the higher the moon climbed into the sky. “Shift for me. I want to chase you.”

Around them, the others had already begun to leave. Their hollers and cries of the hunt only added fuel to the fire burning low in his gut. This was it. The moment he’d been anticipating since Johnathan had explained the festivities. His palms tingled, and his body trembled.

“Catch me if you can, mate,” his mate murmured.

In a spark of light Johnathan shifted from his human form to that of his hare. The small desert sand and black rabbit stared at Luka with wide blue-grey eyes. He thumped his foot before he scurried toward the desert shrubs leaving Luka to catch up. He cursed under his breath then laughed. His parents were right, coming to America was the right decision for them to make. Had he not joined them, he’d have never found his mate.

And that, made everything his family had ever been through, worth it.

Ready or not mate. Here I come.

Thank you for reading Hunter’s Moon, an Apache County Shifters short story. If you would like to read more about our ACS series, you can find the books here:

Apache County Shifters Series

THE END