Killian's Secret: The Lone Wolf Defenders Book 1 Read online

  “I’ll see what I can do,” the warlock answered.

  “Quinn—contact Sebastian and Grant. They’ll want to know what happened.” His brother nodded and fished his phone out of his pocket.

  As they walked out of the room, Killian shielded Luna’s eyes from looking at Ray’s dead body on the floor. No, she didn’t have to see that. And if he had his way, she would never be caught in the crossfire like that again.

  Chapter Twenty

  Grant Anderson sent his Beta, Nick Vrost to the scene. He arrived with other Lycans from the New York clan’s security force, plus Sebastian Creed. Nick instructed his people to gather the Lycans who had been under Ray’s control and take them back to the basement level of Fenrir’s headquarters. The Beta also assured Killian that the clan would take care of Ray’s body and that none of the Lone Wolves would have to worry about backlash from the High Council or any human authority.

  Luna couldn’t wait to get out of there. She was still shaking inside the car as they drove back to New York. The farther away she was from that place, the better. She cuddled next to Killian and he pulled her closer. She had nearly lost him today, making her realize just how much she loved him. Yet, try as she might, the words wouldn’t come out of her mouth.

  Sebastian dropped them off at Killian’s place, Luna following along behind him as they walked into his apartment. Neither said a word as they entered and the tension was thick in the air as if each were afraid to speak. She was scared to break the silence. The lump in her throat that had built up during the ride back was still there, and she knew that if she spoke first, the dam would break and she wouldn’t be able to handle all the emotions that were bubbling up inside of her. But then again, if she didn’t say anything, she feared her heart would burst.

  “I—”

  Killian stopped her with his mouth, urgent and almost pleading. Luna sighed against him, melting into him and letting him carry her into the bedroom. He didn’t turn the lights on as he lay her down. The only illumination in the room was the moon streaming through the windows and the lights of the city outside. He shucked off his jacket, shirt, and pants and lay beside her then began to slowly and reverently remove her clothes.

  He made love to her with an unhurried pace. It wasn’t like the last time when he was punishing himself by delaying his pleasure. However, it was even more intense, as if he was savoring her as if he would never make love to her again. When she cried out her orgasm, Killian wrapped his arms around her so tight as he found his release, she feared she would lose the air in her lungs. As they lay there quietly, he pulled her to him, whispering something unintelligible in her ear. She wasn’t sure what it was, but sleep claimed her exhausted body. As she drifted off, she resolved that they were going to have a long talk, but it would have to wait until morning.

  ***

  The sun wasn’t even up yet when Luna awoke. The room was still dark, and the clock beside her said it was just after four. She glanced around at the empty bed. Killian’s scent lingered on the pillows, but he was nowhere in sight.

  Slipping on a new nightgown from the closet, she walked out to the living room to look for him. He was there, sitting on the couch with his face in his hands.

  “Killian,” she called, her voice still raspy from sleep. “What are you doing? Come back to bed.”

  He looked up at her, but didn’t say anything. With a sigh, she padded over to the couch. “Something’s wrong. Tell me, what’s going on.” She sat down beside him.

  “I put you in danger,” he said in a hoarse voice. “You and our baby. You could have died today. Or worse. I thought someone from your past was out to get you, but I was wrong. It was my past coming back to haunt me.”

  “Killian,” she began. “Don’t, please.”

  “No—it’s all my fault! Even Bakersfield was my fault. He thought you were in on the theft.” He stood up and grabbed a piece of paper from the coffee table. “I won’t have you or our child in danger anymore.” He walked over to the window, gazing over the city.

  “We won’t be.” She stood up and walked over to him. “You’re going to protect us from now on.”

  “Yes.” He pivoted to face her. “And here’s how,” he said as he handed her the paper in his hands.

  “What is it?” Her eyes scanned over the sheet. Deed…Luna Rhoades…her old address in Portland. “Killian?”

  “I bought it for you and the baby,” he answered quickly. “So you can be safe and away from danger. The press has already picked up the Bakersfield story, and I’m sure it won’t take long for the Portland Museum of Art to offer you your old job back.”

  Luna stood there silently, but inside, her heart was breaking into a million pieces. “What about the baby?”

  “You can have full custody. We can work out an agreement and I can fly over every weekend. Or we can have lawyers deal with it. Your choice.”

  Emotions swirled through her and she turned to walk away. She was halfway down the hallway when she stopped. Whirling around, she walked back into the living room where he remained rooted to the spot near the window, gazing outside.

  “Killian,” she called in a determined voice.

  “I’ll give you whatever support you need.” He didn’t even turn to face her. “Whatever you want. Clothes, food, private schools, tutoring, sports—whatever it is the kid needs.”

  Anger suddenly boiled in her. “The kid?” she asked, her voice pitching higher. “That’s how you’re going to refer to our child now?”

  “What else do you want, Luna?” He pivoted to her, his eyes hard as steel. “I’m doing my best to protect you.”

  “Protect me?” She stomped to him, her hands on her hips. “How can you protect me when you’re halfway across the country?”

  “That is how I’m protecting you both!” He put his hands up.

  “By sending me away?” Tears began to form in her eyes, but she refused to turn away. She wanted him to see how much he was hurting her. “You want me to leave?”

  “Christ, no! But I’m not forcing you to live with me. Not when I took everything away from you. I love you too damn much to watch you wither away and slowly hate me for the rest of your life. That’s why I’m giving you this chance to have your old life back.”

  Luna stood very still. She thought he was still saying something, but her ears were buzzing. Killian loved her? Killian loved her!

  “You love me?” she asked, interrupting him.

  “Yes,” he admitted, his hands falling to his sides.

  “Then why are you pushing me away?” Her mind was still reeling.

  “Haven’t you been listening to what I’ve been saying?” Killian grabbed her arms. “I know everything. What happened to you after I left. And your father—”

  “My father has nothing to do with this!” she exclaimed. “Killian, please. Don’t do this. I love you too and I want to be with you.” The tears were now falling down her cheeks, and she couldn’t stop them. He let go of her, his face in complete shock. “Please,” she begged, holding on to his arms. “Don’t send me away. I want to be with you. I want to live here with you and buy you more furniture and have our baby in New York. I want us to raise this baby together and then give him or her more brothers and sisters—”

  His mouth on hers stopped her babbling, and she let out a sob against his lips. Strong arms encircled her and drew her close.

  “Luna,” he whispered against her lips. “I don’t deserve you.”

  She put a finger on his mouth. “Shush. I won’t have you talking like that.”

  “It’s true,” he sighed. “But I’m going to damn well make sure that someday, I’ll be good enough for you.”

  “You are good enough for me.” She gave him a peck on the nose. “You’re loyal, kind, gentle, and forgiving.”

  “But still I took everything away from you. Your life—”

  “My old life,” she corrected. “Now I have a new one.” She took his hand and placed it over her belly then put
her palm on top. “You may think you took everything away from me, Killian, but you gave me the most precious thing in the world.”

  “Our baby.”

  “Yes,” she replied. “And your heart.”

  Killian kneeled down and laid his head on her stomach. “I love you, Luna. And I love you, baby.” He gave her belly a kiss. “I promise, I’m going to be the best dad ever. I’m going to love you and protect you both. Forever.”

  Tears sprang from Luna’s eyes again, but this time, they were for a different reason. “That’s all I ever wanted.”

  Chapter Twenty-One

  “Well, this is an unusual stop for a babymoon,” Luna said as she stared up at the Neoclassical Revival-style building. The facade of the structure was undergoing a facelift and half of the front was covered in scaffolding. The din of hammering and drilling filled the air around them as the construction workers labored to get the National Museum of Mornavia ready for its grand re-opening next week.

  Killian came up from behind, wrapped his arms around her and laid his hands on her well-rounded belly. “Well, this trip was about taking you to see all the great artworks in the world before the baby came.”

  Her lips curved into a naughty smile. “Amongst other things.”

  The last two months had been the happiest in Killian’s life. Sure, he had to make some adjustments living with Luna, but he was glad to put the ugliness of the past behind them. Coming home to her was the best part of his day, and he’d let her decorate his apartment to her heart’s content. She’d kept the same furniture, but added a few of her own touches here and there. The nursery in particular was her pride and joy, and she spent a lot of time making it perfect for their baby.

  She’d kept the apartment in Portland, but only because he had bought it for her and together had decided it would make a nice getaway. With Luna’s mom and the Van der Meers still in Oregon, they would be making frequent visits to the city anyway. Her family were quite surprised when she announced her pregnancy and initially suspicious of Killian, but it was quickly replaced with acceptance and joy when they saw how happy she was with him.

  He had been eager to take her away on a ‘babymoon’ before the birth of their child, but he couldn’t go right away because of work. Plus, he felt some obligation towards the Lycans who had been under Ray’s control. Currently, there were five who were detained by the New York Clan. They should have been sent to the Lycan prison facility in Siberia, but he wanted to help rehabilitate them if it were at all possible. After all, they were all trapped by the same circumstances, and he had been the lucky one that got away. While the Lycans were angry at being kept prisoner, none of them seemed to show any loyalty to Ray and Killian had hope for them.

  So after two months, he finally got some time off, and he took Luna on a trip to Rome, Florence, Paris, London, and Madrid. He remembered her favorite artworks and they went to see them all. And now they were on their last stop, one that he’d saved for last and kept as a surprise.

  He took her hand and led her to the entrance of the museum, careful to avoid the tools and equipment scattered around.

  “Killian, they’re not open yet,” Luna warned. “Should we be up here?”

  He said nothing, but smiled at her as he opened the door and led them in.

  “Ah, Mr. Killian.” An older Mornavian man was waiting by the lobby desk, his smile wide. “We’ve been expecting you. I’m Adam Dalko, Director of the National Museum of Mornavia.”

  “Please, call me Killian,” he said, extending his hand. The older man took it heartily and shook it.

  “Luna Rhoades.” She offered her hand to Dalko. “Drago mi je,” she said, hoping her pronunciation of the Mornavian words was correct.

  “Ah, smart as you are lovely,” Dalko said. “Well, he’s waiting for you. Please, come this way.”

  Her brows furrowed, but Killian remained silent as they followed Dalko to the main hall. They went up a flight of stairs, and then down a hallway and into a large room.

  There was a figure standing next to a display case covered with a white sheet. His back was to them, but as they approached, he turned to face them. Luna’s jaw dropped when she saw his face.

  “Killian,” Bogdan Martinov, the president of Mornavia greeted him. “Lovely to see you again, I’m glad you made it. And this must be your Luna.” He smiled warmly at them, the wrinkles on his face deepening.

  “Your Excellency,” Killian nodded. “Thank you for giving us this opportunity.”

  “Uh…nice to meet you, Your Excellency.” Luna stuttered. “Killian, what’s going on?” she whispered.

  “I’m happy you finally came back, Killian,” Martinov continued. “So you can see the result of your work for us.” He nodded to Dalko, who was standing next to the display case. The director tugged on the sheet.

  Luna let out a gasp. “It’s the…”

  “Yes, the Gastlava Tapestry—she is finally home.” Martinov’s eyes were misty as he looked up at the tapestry behind the display case. “Thanks to your work, we will finally be able to unveil her for our people and the world to see.”

  “And the press?”

  Martinov nodded. “They will be told that an anonymous donor delivered the tapestry to the museum. And with Bakersfield’s legal troubles, I’m sure he’ll be too busy to try and take it from us.”

  “Don’t worry. If he does, I’ll convince him that it won’t be worth his while,” Killian added.

  “On behalf of the people of Mornavia, we give you our deepest thanks. And because you waived your usual fee, we were able to put the money to good use to restore the museum.” He nodded at Dalko. “We will give you a few minutes alone so you can enjoy the tapestry.” With that, the two men left.

  Luna looked up at him, her violet eyes wide with shock. “All this time, Killian? You didn’t tell me you stole it to give it back to Mornavia.”

  He shrugged. “Would it have made a difference? I still ruined—”

  “Shhh.’ She put a finger to his lips. “I told you never to say that again. It upsets me. And the baby.” She took his hand and put it on her stomach. He felt a strong kick against his palm, which made him smile. “I suppose I wouldn’t have hated you so much back then. I really thought you were doing it for the money.”

  “I was,” he confessed. “But, the way you talked about the tapestry and how art should be enjoyed by everyone…well…I couldn’t take their money. Anyway, the President arranged this viewing just for us. You should enjoy it.”

  She flashed him a smile and stepped forward to peer at the tapestry. “It’s so beautiful. I couldn’t get to it up close because they had all this security around it.” She pressed her nose to the glass. “The detailing is magnificent.”

  Killian swallowed a gulp, his hands suddenly sweaty. Now or never, he thought as he got down on one knee and took out the box from his pocket.

  “And these colors! Where could the weaver have found such hues in that time? Oh, this must have looked even better when—” She stopped dead when she turned around and put her hand over her mouth. Her eyes dropped to the magnificent diamond ring nestled in black velvet.

  “Luna, I love you, and I want to be with you forever. Will you marry me, please?”

  “I…I…of course I’ll marry you!” Luna exclaimed.

  He slipped the diamond ring on her finger and stood up, then pulled her into his arms for a long, passionate kiss.

  “I don’t want to wait too long,” he said as he pulled away. “But I’ll understand if you want to wait until after the baby’s born and have a big wedding. Whatever you want, sweetheart.”

  She shook her head. “No, I don’t want to wait either.”

  “Good. How do you feel about a Vegas ceremony?”

  Epilogue

  It took about twenty-four hours to arrange their quickie ceremony in Vegas. They went back to their hotel and called everyone they wanted to come and arranged for their flights.

  “Vegas—really?” Meredith sai
d over video chat from the the lobby of Lone Wolf Security. “Is Elvis going to officiate?”

  “I thought you’d like Vegas,” Luna said. “It’s a fun town.”

  “Yeah, but that means your choices are limited if you want me there.” She paused. “I’m banned at The Mirage and Caesar’s Palace. Also, forget Excalibur, Luxor, Paris, and the Palms. Hey Quinn!” she called out.

  “What?” Quinn’s voice answered from off screen.

  “That job with the Python and the 10 gallons of jello—was that MGM or Bellagio?”

  “That was MGM. Bellagio was the hornet’s nest and the Furry convention.”

  “Right.” She turned back to the screen. “So, anywhere except those places.”

  “And The Palazzo!” Quinn added. “Though I maintain to this day that I wasn’t using a card-counting machine."

  “No worries then. It’s just a quickie ceremony at the Chapel of Love on the strip,” Luna replied. Her definition of normal had definitely changed. “Just make sure you get everyone there on time, okay?”

  “Aye, aye, captain.” Meredith gave her a salute before hanging up.

  In the end, everyone they wanted to witness their ceremony was there. The Van der Meers, Luna’s mom Julia, Connor, Quinn, Meredith, Daric, Jade, and Sebastian were already in Vegas by the time they arrived. Grant and Frankie gave their apologies for missing the wedding as their twins, Adrianna and Lucas, were just turning a month old and the new parents couldn’t bear the thought of leaving their precious ones behind.

  Luna found a white dress she liked (wedding maternity dresses were ridiculously easy to find in Vegas) and Killian picked the first suit off the rack at the shopping mall near their hotel. Meredith and Connor were maid of honor and best man. An Elvis impersonator did not marry the happy couple.

  Since their choices of wedding reception places were limited in Vegas, they all decided to fly home to New York. Much to Luna’s amusement, Killian had reserved a banquet hall in Chinatown for their reception with Emerald Dragon catering the entire affair. Mrs. Tan was waiting for them in front of the building, dressed in a beautiful purple qipao. She had a knowing grin on her face as she welcomed the happy couple.