Eclipsed Hearts

Unexpected Offers

[Bailey]

I saw Ian on the deck with the werewolf. They were talking like they knew each other. I suppose that was possible, since Ian had frequented all the places the werewolf was stalking for the last few months.

From where I sat on the lower deck, I pretended to read while I watched the men. Part of me was worried that Ian might blow our cover, but part of me was more worried that the werewolf would kill him. Not that I cared if Ian lived or died. It would just make killing the werewolf a little harder.

Killing a single werewolf wasn’t that hard if you knew what you were doing. If nothing else, I knew what I was doing when it came to killing. Nothing was holding me back from wanting to kill that monster.

Even if the info my uncle and great-grandfather had was wrong and he wasn’t the werewolf who killed my family, he was a killer. God only knew how many humans he’d killed. The only good werewolf was a dead werewolf.

That thought made me pause for a second. In all the years I’d lived with my family, I never echoed that sentiment. Why had it popped into my head? Was it because I could feel the truth? Or were my uncle and great-grandfather influencing me?

It took a while for Ian to notice my presence, as he was completely absorbed in the werewolf’s conversation. I watched as they continued to speak in a cool and polite way. Though I couldn’t make out the words, it was obvious something the werewolf said affected Ian. He looked at me out of the corner of his eye. Not something a seasoned hunter typically does.

If I looked up at him or did anything other than read my book, people could interpret it as something other than a man checking out a woman on a boat. Though I didn’t want to move away, the only way I could make it look like I wasn’t forcing myself to stay there would be to move. Anyone sensing they are being watched moves to escape the feeling or looks around.

Lowering my book, I looked around the lower deck, as if I didn’t realize the attention came from the upper deck. I closed the book and put it into my purse, then got up and walked to the railing. Looking out over the dark water, I closed my eyes and took a breath. This would be okay.

I couldn’t shake off the uneasiness that had settled in my stomach since the moment he made eye contact with me. Leaning against the cool metal of the ship’s railing, I risked a glance back toward Ian and the werewolf. My hand instinctively went to my hidden dagger, the weight of it providing some comfort.

Now, both men were gazing forward, looking out at the water. Right in my direction. I briefly glanced at some of the other people before returning my attention to the water, leaning on the rail. Without finding a more discreet place, I wouldn’t have the chance to watch them. It had to seem natural, though.

As I tried to act casual and inconspicuous, a sudden chill ran down my spine. I glanced back at Ian and the werewolf just in time to see them both head toward the stairs that led to the lower deck.

My heart pounded in my chest as I realized they were coming down, heading straight toward me. A slight panic tickled in the back of my head as I discreetly searched for an escape.

Ian and I just needed to pretend not to know each other. Strangers on the boat. That was all we were. I took a deep breath and pulled my purse up onto the railing, looking for a snack.

Finding nothing, I sighed. Damn it. That was a good way to ensure I could look around easily. The trip was longer than I thought it would be, so maybe they had a vending machine somewhere.

Securing the purse strap on my shoulder, I headed toward the main cabin area. As Ian and the werewolf walked past, I felt something touch my aѕѕ. I jumped and turned, but neither one stopped.

Did that fuсking werewolf just grope me?

I was going to enjoy killing his fuzzy aѕѕ. Turning back to the cabin, I shook it off and went in search of a snack. Missing breakfast had made this a little more urgent than I liked to admit. I was just too excited to eat. I wanted this entire ordeal to be finished and now we were going to be alone on an island with the creature.

Inside the cabin, it was slightly warmer. Not much, though. It was because of the lack of wind chill. Most of the people there were like me, not wearing a jacket or long sleeves. They had underestimated the coldness coming off the water as much as I had. Unlike them, I could pretend not to be cold pretty easily.

Keeping an eye out for the werewolf and ensuring I stayed away from Ian was worth a little chill. The last thing I needed was to blow our cover. Now I knew where they were, I was fine with going inside. The wolf wouldn’t try anything on a boat. He would have to kill all the witnesses, and I knew he wouldn’t do that.

As I scanned the cabin, I spotted a small snack bar tucked in the corner, discreetly hiding in the shadows. I walked over to it and grabbed a few snacks and a bottle of water, hoping that it would settle my nerves for the time being.

I sat down at a nearby table. I felt like someone was watching me and I couldn’t get rid of that feeling. With my gaze shifting from person to person, the crowded cabin made it hard to identify anyone who seemed suspicious. People chatted and laughed, oblivious to the danger nearby.

Being a hunter was hard. There were so many people out in the world who didn’t know what was going on. They didn’t realize they were surrounded by monsters. They didn’t realize hunters were their only hope to be saved.

Suddenly, a hand tapped me on the shoulder. I turned around, not knowing what to expect. A man stood to my left. I didn’t recognize him, but there was something familiar about him.

“Hey, can I join you?” he asked, a smirk playing on his lips.

“There are plenty of other seats available,” I replied.

“But none of them are sharing a table with a very beautiful woman.”

I scrutinized him slowly. Why on earth did this man seem so familiar?

“I’m not interested in whatever you’re offering.”

“Not even if it’s information… Ms. Damson?”

That wasn’t the name on my reservation, ticket, or the cards used to pay for the conference. Ian took care of it. He used my alias.

The man chuckled, leaning in closer. “I’m guessing you’re not here for pleasure. Am I right?”

“It seems you have me at a disadvantage. You seem familiar, but I don’t know your name,” I said.

“I am right. You’re armed as well. I can assume that you have more than just the three weapons on you at the moment. More in your luggage?” he asked.

“Until you answer my question, you are a stranger and I don’t talk to strangers.”

The man laughed, a deep and hearty sound. “Alright, alright. You can call me Keaton. I’ve been tracking your movements for quite some time now. I’m here to offer you a deal.”

That was where I recognized him from. Intel given to all the hunters in my family. A fairly blurry picture of the Alpha and Beta of the Blood Moon Pack from about three years ago. It definitely didn’t do the man justice.

He was handsome with dark blond hair and eyes that looked almost black. They were intense. He had the sort of face you’d almost expect to see on a movie screen. The way he moved told me he definitely knew how to fight, and he didn’t see me as a threat.

“Alpha Keaton Black. I thought your people were based somewhere in the west. Are you here to try to kill me?” I asked with quiet confidence and emphasis on the word ‘try’.

Keaton pulled out a chair and sat with me as if we were old friends. I never expected a werewolf, especially someone as famous as Keaton Black, to approach me like this. He didn’t even look nervous. It was as if he hadn’t a care in the world. His assumption was ѕtupid, but it intrigued me.

“I’m not after you, Ms. Damson. When I am, there will not be a little meet and greet beforehand. No. I’m here on different business. I don’t know why you’re attending this conference, but I am inclined to call a ceasefire between us for the time being. It would be dangerous for those around us if we started fighting and it would ruin an otherwise pleasant week.”

All I could do was stare at him. What the hell was going on?