The devil Moondancer

Trying to run

*Olivia*

"Wake up, darling," I whisper softly.

Hunter blinks his eyes open. He has taken his fair complexion and his chocolate hair from his father, but his eyes favor mine. He is such a curious lad, always studying the world around him, trying to discern how things work. Silverpine has spared his son little time, but then few fathers do. It’s the way of things for fathers to leave their sons’ upbringing to others. Perhaps Silverpine’s lack of involvement has convinced him that little thought needs to be given to the selection of a guardian… but even then, I can’t justify his choice.

Pressing a kiss to Hunter’s head, I inhale the sweet, milky fragrance of my child. I cannot possibly allow a criminal to raise him. The best way to avoid that is to get him as far away from Jack Moondance as possible.

"I need you to get up and get dressed. We are going to the pack estate in the country," I tell him.

The country estate is part of the entailment. It belongs to Hunter and will put him beyond the reach of his appointed guardian. Once I’m away from this madness, I will be able to think more clearly and find a way to ensure Mr. Moondance has no influence over Hunter. He seems to be a man fond of coins. Perhaps I can turn the funds from my trust over to him. I will do whatever is necessary… do without, make sacrifices… to ensure Hunter has the proper guidance. Nothing is more important to me than my son.

I turn to his nanny. "Helen, please pack a few things for Hunter and yourself. I’m having a coach brought ’round to the front. We dare not tarry."

I can hardly believe the desperate measures to which Silverpine’s death has brought me. He had been only fifty-one. When I married him six years ago, he seemed so frightfully mature, but in death he suddenly seems so terribly young, taken before his time. I have hardly had a spare moment to think about him, about what life will be like without him. And if I had, I would have certainly never envisioned it taking the turn it has tonight. Still, I have responsibilities, and I will see to them as best I can. Duty does not have the luxury of taking time to mourn.

Once everything is ready and Hunter is properly attired, I take his hand and lead him down the stairs. My lady’s maid is waiting for me in the foyer.

"The servants have loaded our things into the boot of the coach," Maggie tells me.

We have packed very little because a hasty retreat is required in order to gain an effective escape. Escape. Not a word I had ever thought to associate with my life, but here I am, fleeing into the night as though I were a thief. If I weren’t so tired, perhaps I could think of another strategy, but at this moment, I want only to be away from the madness. "Good. Let’s be off."

With a servant carrying a lantern and leading the way, and another carrying my son, I dash out into the night. Down the grand steps that lead up to the home I had fallen in love with. Scurrying off into the darkness of night leaves a crushing ache in my chest. If I were a weaker she-wolf, I think I would succumb to tears, but they wouldn’t change my circumstance. I have to remain strong for Hunter. I have to protect him at all costs.

I know Jack Moondance’s sort. He wants everything easily, without effort. Once we’re gone, he won’t bother to come after us. He will have the residence and its contents, which I am convinced is all he truly wants.

I hurry across the cobblestone drive, aware of the thick fog absorbing and muting the echo of my footsteps. This night seems perfectly designed for stealing away.

A liveried servant opens the door to the waiting coach and assists me inside. As I settle onto the plush bench, I become aware of a familiar scent…

"Going somewhere, Luna?"

I release a blood-curdling scream at the unexpected smoky voice reverberating from the shadowy corner of the coach. I might have continued to scream if not for the infuriatingly dark chuckle that quickly follows. I now know the echo of Satan’s laughter, and it is not a sound that invites others to join in the merriment.

“My Luna?” one of the servants questions.

“She’s fine,” Jack Moondance says as he grabs the lantern from the servant and hangs it from an inside hook, the lantern’s golden glow illuminating the confines of the coach, illuminating him. He somehow manages to look amused and irritated at the same time. And so very, very dangerous.

Just inside the doorway, still held by the other servant, Hunter yells when I scream, and now he is crying forcefully. Reaching out, I take him and press my trembling child to my quaking bosom. “Shh. Hunter, it’s all right. Mummy just had a fright, that’s all. But this man will not harm you, darling. I promise you that.”

As though reassured by my words, Hunter stops his crying and begins to noisily suck his thumb. It is a habit of which I’m not particularly fond, but neither I nor his nanny have encountered any success in breaking it. At that particular moment, it doesn’t seem worth the bother of worrying over. I have much larger concerns to address.

If I were prone to using obscenities, I think now would be a good time to spew a few. Jack Moondance appears larger than before, and more ominous. I like him even less and decide I have had quite enough of him for the evening.

“What are you doing here?” I demand, in my most officious voice, the one I use when I catch servants slacking at their duties.

“The question, Luna, is what are you doing? According to this book…” he taps the ledger he holds up as though its contents are gospel, “…this coach is my property. Are you seeking to steal it from me?”

“How can it be your property? It bears the pack crest.” I say.

“I suppose you make a valid point. I should have the crest removed posthaste as it does create confusion.” He says.

I shake my head, “It was the Alpha’s coach.”

“But unfortunately for you, it was purchased with non-entailed funds.” He tells me.

“You read that in the dark?” I ask.

This time he shakes his head, “No, I read it in the library. I have an astonishingly good memory. I have but to read something once, and it is as though a picture is drawn in my mind. But I doubt you truly have any real interest in my talent, so let us return to my original question. Are you seeking to steal from me? Do I need to send ’round for a constable?”

“Don’t be ridiculous. I was just taking Hunter to the countryside.” I huff.

“In the dead of night?” Mr. Moondance asks.

“It’s a cooler time to travel, and Hunter is prone to sleeping when we travel at night. As I don’t then have to keep him entertained, it makes for a much more pleasant journey for all involved, and I’m not sure why I’m explaining myself to you.”

He gives a small shrug, “I’ve found people usually go to the bother of explaining when they realize they are at fault.”

“I have done nothing wrong.” But my words sound defensive and weak even to my own ears.

“Here’s the problem as I see it. I’m Hunter’s guardian. If he’s in the country, then I cannot effectively guard him.” He ponders.

I could swear I hear humor laced through his voice. Does he think this is all some grand joke, that tonight’s revelations have been designed for his amusement? I bite back harsh words that would gain me nothing except his anger. “As guardian, you don’t have to actually guard him. You simply oversee his welfare, and you can do that by entrusting him to my care and letting me take him to the country.”

“I’m not certain that’s in his best interest.”he simply says.

“How can it not be?” I ask.

He raises a brow, “You’re raising a pansy. He screamed louder than you did.”

“I resent that implication. You frightened us, lurking about in the shadows where you weren’t expected… like some miscreant. Why weren’t you standing outside the coach, as any decent person would? I think you deliberately sought to unsettle me.” I huff.

“I think you are well aware that I’m hardly decent.” He has the audacity to smile, all the while tapping that blasted ledger.

“You find this situation amusing?” I snap.

“I find it vastly challenging.”

Challenging is an understatement. “You and I can compromise. Take everything. Say you are his guardian. Let Hunter and me leave.”

“Unfortunately for you, Luna, I’m a man of my word. I promised to see to the care and upbringing of the child, and so I shall. And I will do it here in Blackrock city as that is where my business interests lie. Now, you are correct. Compromises need to be made and matters between us settled. I suggest we retire to the residence, where we may discuss them in more comfort.”

“It’s almost ten o’clock, long past a decent hour for visiting. Surely you’re not implying that you intend to stay in the residence.” He can’t be serious.

“It’s my residence. The child is my ward. So, yes, I will be moving in.”

He speaks so casually about something that is completely inappropriate. I have little doubt that he has grown up accustomed to sleeping amongst strangers. “This is ludicrous. You and I are not related. We can’t live in the same residence.”

“You’re a widow, not a maiden. No chaperone is mandatory. Although I assume you have female servants who see to your numerous needs. Let them watch over you if you fear you will be tempted to come to my bed.” His tone is cheeky, teasing.

I gasp with indignation. “You pompous beast! I would never come to your bed.”

He shrugs, “And as I have no interest in coming to yours, I fail to see the problem. Besides, most of my business ventures require my attention at night, so more often than not I will be at my club. Nothing untoward will happen.”

I refuse to acknowledge the sting of rejection I feel when he admits he has no interest in me. I don’t want to appeal to him. Still, it’s painful to realize a man who no doubt is in the habit of chasing many a skirt has no plans to chase mine. It wounded me terribly when Silverpine never returned to my bed once I was with child. Perhaps men find me unappealing. I suppose I should take comfort in knowing I am safe from Jack Moondance. Instead, I feel an overwhelming need to weep.

“I beg of you, for the love of the Goddess, let us go.” I say.

He studies me thoughtfully, and I cling to my last remnant of hope that this ordeal will end in my favor. If he possesses only a shred of decency, it could be enough…

“I’m afraid I can’t do that.” He says almost softly.

“Why ever not?” I ask.

He sighs, “I grow weary of repeating myself. Leaving is not in the boy’s best interest, and I am his guardian. Now, you may either return to the residence like a proper Luna… by walking… or over my shoulder. The choice is yours. But the time is now.”

“Toss me over your shoulder? As though I was a common doxy? You wouldn’t dare.” I huff.

“I avs told you before, challenging me will only make me do it.” He reaches for me…

I release a tiny screech, hold Hunter close, and push so hard against the back of the coach I’m surprised I don’t break it and find myself tumbling into the boot. “Enough. You have made your point. You are a tyrant. I’m perfectly capable of taking myself to the house.”

“A pity.” He shifts on the seat. “I will carry the boy.”

“I’d rather you didn’t.” I tell him.

For the briefest of moments, it appears I have hurt his feelings. I don’t know how that could even be possible when nothing except animosity exists between us.

“As you wish, Luna,” he says, his mocking tone reverberating around us.

“Will you please quit calling me that?” I ask harsly.

He looks at me, “It’s appropriate, is it not?”

“Not the way you say it.” I mumble.

“Perhaps you can teach me to say it properly, and in exchange, I can share with you some improper things,” he says in a low voice that causes me to tingle in places I have never tingled. “We’ll discuss the possibilities in the library.”

“I have to read to Hunter first. He can’t go to sleep without my reading to him.” I quickly say.

He raises a brow, “That sounds like a ploy to put off the inevitable.”

“I’m offended you doubt my words. Still, ask any of the staff. They will confirm that I read to him every night. Not that I should need the staff’s confirmation.”

“I suppose you’re right. I should treat you as an equal.” He says.

I huff, “An equal? You are an unranked commoner.”

“I was referring to the fact that we are both thieves. Although I must admit to being more successful at it. I have not gotten caught.”

“I daresay you overestimate your abilities. At some point you did get caught. I notice the mark upon your hand.” I tell him.

He nods, “Yes, rather unfortunate business that. Lucky for you, they no longer brand criminals.”

I don’t see the point in telling him once again that I am not a thief. How was I to have known he’d inherited the coach? I need to take a look at his ledger or study my son’s more closely. “You’re incredibly irritating, Mr. Moondance.”

“It’s part of my charm. Meet me in the library when you are finished reading to my ward.”

With that, he leaps out of the coach, causing it to rock with his movements, and announces to the servants who are still standing about, “The Luna has decided to cancel her journey to the country. Please see that everything is put back where it belongs.”

Then he strides off into the darkness, leaving me on a spiraling descent into hell.