Death Metal Luna

Nothing Else Matters

  Temperance's POV

Two days later, I found myself walking to school alone. Ever since Gideon decreed that Jeff was no longer allowed anywhere near me, I was always alone, it seemed. Gilbert and Lenny were mad that the band had to break up because of it, so neither one of them would talk to me. I hadn't seen Jeff since our kiss by the stream. I refused to speak to my parents because they went along with what Gideon had ordered.

I walked along, kicking rocks with my head down. Today, I wear tattered black jeans and a faded black Metallica hoodie that I had pulled over my head. A bright red Ferrari pulled up beside me. I knew exactly who was driving, but I ignored it and kept walking.

"Temperance, get in the car." I heard Gideon shout over the engine of the car. "Please."

I kept walking and ignored him. Tarja, on the other hand, was stirring in my head and pacing. 'Get in the car, Temperance,' She urged me, but I had to ignore her. I hated that even my wolf was against me. She knew how much I disliked Gideon. But she had to try and push me to talk to him. Gideon stepped into my path, and I almost ran into him because I was lost in thought.

"Temperance, I would like to talk to you. So please get in the car." He said in an almost civil tone.

I looked into his face, and his dark eyes appeared soft and not their usual hard look. His handsome face made my heart race, and when he touched my arm, my breath hitched. My body was betraying me along with everyone else. I looked away from him.

"Please." He said again, and it sounded like he was begging.

Taking a deep breath, I conceded and nodded. " Fine," I mumbled quietly. Tarja practically started dancing. Gideon opened the passenger side door for me, and I slipped into the luxurious car. He shut the door, and I curled my body in the seat so my knees we against my chest. He got into the drier's side.

"You can't put on your seat belt sitting like that," He said gently.

I turned to him and narrowed my eyes. I put on the seatbelt and looked out the passenger side window as he put the car into gear. We rode in silence for a few minutes before he cleared his throat. "You know I like Metallica too." He said out loud, pointing at my hoodie.

I turned my head slightly to see him glancing at me with a smile. I narrowed my eyes at him. "Really?"

"Yeah, Nothing Else Matters is my favorite song by them."

I snorted. "Of course it is. I bet their heavy stuff scares you."

It was his turn to snort. "Sweetheart, I am an alpha. Very little scares me," He chuckled. "What is your favorite song of theirs?"

"Creeping Death," I responded.

"Good song." He kept his eyes on the road. We were silent for another minute. "I am sorry for ordering Jeffery Starsky to stay away from you. But I did it for your good."

I scoffed. "My own good. What the f**k does that even mean? He is my best friend, and now I cannot talk to him."

"Oh, please, Temperance. Everyone knows you and Jeff are more than friends."

I folded my arms. "What do you care anyway? Don't you have your bimbos and whores to worry about?"

Gideon stopped the car and leaned towards me. My heart rate sped up, and my skin tingled when he touched my arm. "I care about you more than you'll allow yourself to see. Look, Starsky's kind is not to be trusted. I couldn't stand by and see a very important member of my pack get hurt by one of them."

"Now you sound like my Dad," I mumbled.

"Well, Paul did bring up his concerns with me. And as the next alpha, I acted. Spellcasters are untrustworthy. We only keep Granny Witch around because she owes my father a favor. I wish you could see it from my side."

I looked straight ahead, ignoring the soft look on his face. I tried to ignore the feelings I was getting as he lightly stroked my arm. Tarja purred happily while my body gave into him. It took all of my control to keep my mind from falling for his charms.

"I care about you, Temperance. Deeply. You have no idea how you make me feel, and it hurts that you only look at me with hatred and disgust. Look at me."

I shook my head and tried to open the door of the car. "No."

"Please," He said quietly.

Sighing heavily, I turned my head to look at him. His handsome face with those smoldering dark eyes made my heart race. It was becoming hard to resist the pull I felt towards him.

"I know you feel something for me. Your body is betraying you."

I took a couple of deep breaths. "I have told you many times, Gideon. I don't feel what you want me to feel about you. Years of torment and bullying aren't going to melt away because of a couple of minutes of sweet talk."

He ran his hand down my cheek, and I shuddered from the contact. "Bullying? I never bullied you, Temperance. I was merely trying to get you to dress in a manner befitting someone of your rank. Looking like that-" He pointed at my outfit. "You are far too beautiful to hide behind rags."

"I like my rags," I mumbled and tried to look away from his eyes, but Tarja was pushing forward and whining. I was fighting her for control.

"Imagine how you would look in Prada or something elegant like that," He stroked my cheek and moved his hand to my neck, and I squirmed in the seat while Tarja purred in my head.

"I am not some Prada wearing brainless bimbo like you are into. I am me. This is what I wear." My lip quivered as I spoke. His alpha magnetism was making it hard for me to resist him.

He leaned into me. "You are beautiful no matter what you wear, Temperance. I think your beauty would be enhanced by clothes more fitting of your status," He leaned into me, and I was momentarily frozen as his lips brushed against mine.

Tarja howled happily and paced. I looked into his dark eyes, and he pressed his lips against mine, and I swear I felt sparks erupt. We held the kiss for a few moments, and then it dawned on me why I felt sparks. I reached for the handle on the car door and fumbled with it. Finally opening it, I grabbed my bag and rushed out of the car. I slammed the door and walked away as fast as I could. The Ferrari was parked in front of the school, so I had dozens of eyes on me.

"Temperance!" Gideon called after me, and I quickened my pace while Tarja whined sadly in my head.

'Go back.' She urged me, and I ignored her.

I was not going back. This was some cosmic joke. The Moon Goddess hated me if she paired me with him. There was no way. Tears welled up in my eyes as I walked towards the door. I saw Lenny and Gilbert leaning against a tree. I waved at them and started to walk towards them. Gilbert turned his back to me and walked in the opposite direction. Lenny gave me a sympathetic smile before following Gilbert. I never felt more alone than at this moment.

I was almost full-blown crying when I reached my locker and opened it. A folded piece of notebook paper fell out. I opened it and started crying for real.

TJ,

Meet us at Lenny's house after school. Come hell or high water. We are going to that audition. We worked too hard to let that asswipe Gideon f**k it up. We need our lead singer, and that is you and only you. We love and miss you.

Gil

I had to stifle a sob that threatened to escape me as I read the note. My friends still loved me. I hugged it to my chest and tried to ignore the high-pitched giggles that came from Bridget and her bimbos.

"Oh look, girls, Temperance got a love note." She cackled, and the rest copied her.

I rolled my eyes and closed my locker. "Buzz off, Bridget. Don't you have Botox to inject into your forehead?"

She scoffed. "No, you i***t. I did that last week," She flipped her hair back.

"Whatever," I started to walk away, only to be surrounded by her minions.

Bridget got into my face and sneered. "I can't believe Gideon is giving you so much attention. Look at you and look at me. You are nothing compared to me."

I folded my arms. "I don't want Gideon," I said, and Tarja whimpered. "You can have him."

"Well, I am going to have him as soon as he gets over his infatuation with you. And when I am Luna, I am knocking you down to omega so you'll be forced to clean and do my laundry."

"I will be long gone from this pack before that happens." I glared at her. "You and Gideon deserve each other. This pack will be run into the ground or annihilated by rogues or a better pack with you two dumbasses at the helm." I nearly yelled and brushed past her. I walked to my first class and headed to my usual seat, and slumped into the desk.

The rest of the school day was busy with all the preparations for finals next week. I saw Lenny and Gilbert standing near the same tree, and I waved at them. This time Gilbert smiled back at me and held up his thumbs. I walked over to them.

"So you have a plan?" I asked him.

"I always have a plan, TJ," He smirked. "Be at Lenny's house in thirty."

I nodded. "See ya, Gil." I patted his shoulder and turned to head for home. I had to come up with a plan to escape the house to go to Buffalo and back. Buffalo was usually an hour's drive from the territory. I walked into my house and only saw my sister and her friends sitting in the living room. "Hey, Autumn," I greeted her when she turned to look at me.

"Hey Tempe," She replied. Her two friends Desirae and Monica, both nodded their heads at me.

"Where is everyone?"

"Oh, Dad and Hayden are in a meeting with Alpha Clifton. I guess some other alpha is here about an alliance. You know the usual crap." She explained. "And Mom is hanging out with Luna Melissa, and Kelly." Kelly is Beta Beau's mate. She is good friends with our mother and the luna.

"Oh, do you know when they will be back?" I asked her.

Autumn shrugged. "Dad will probably be home late, and I think Mom is planning your party with the luna. So she'll be home later also."

"Cool," I mumbled. "Thanks, sis." I smiled as I ran up the stairs. I dropped my bag on my bed and looked in my closet for the perfect audition outfit. I had a pile of clothes on my bed after ten minutes before settling on my purple plaid skirt with a black leather bodice with purple lace. I braided my red hair and let it rest on my shoulder. I pulled on black fishnet stockings and put on my black knee-high leather boots. Then I put on my spiked leather cuffs on my arms. I then finished my outfit with a dark purple leather jacket and several necklaces. Satisfied with my look, I grabbed my purse and purposely left my phone behind while taking my wallet and keys.

I stomped down the stairs. Autumn and her friends seemed oblivious to me as they were watching The Masked Singer. "Bye, Autumn."

"Bye," She replied and didn't look back.

I ran out the door and felt happy for once in three days. It took about five times for me to make it to Lenny's house. It was a lot smaller than mine. Lenny lived with his mother and no one else. His father had been a low-level warrior and was killed a few days after he was born. His mother worked in the kitchens, as did Lenny. I knocked on the door, and Lenny's mother, Ruth, opened the door. She smiled at me.

"Hello, TJ." She greeted me. I always liked Ruth. She was so warm and friendly to everyone. It pained me when I watched the ranked pack members treat her poorly. She was far too kind to defend herself.

I hugged her. "Hi, Ruth. How are you today?"

She flexed her hands, and I could see arthritis that made it hard for her to do her chores. "It's just another day." She replied. "Luna has us working overtime getting ready for your party."

I frowned. "I am so sorry about that. I don't even want a party."

Ruth patted my arm. "It's alright, sweetie. It is my pleasure. I have watched you grow from a pup into a beautiful woman."

I kissed her cheek. "Thank you, Miss Ruth."

"The boys are in the garage."

I nodded and walked to the garage. Lenny and Gilbert were loading up Lenny's old van with our equipment. They paused as I walked into the garage. "Hey guys," I waved to them.

"I'm glad you made it," I voice said behind me and sent chills down my spine. I turned to see Jeff. He was wearing black leather pants and an old Cannibal Corpse t-shirt with the sleeves cut off. His long blonde hair spilled down his shoulder. And he had on a skull necklace I had given him for his birthday last year. I threw my arms around him. He kissed me, and Tarja growled.

"Oh my goddess, I miss you." I almost wanted to cry as he wrapped his arms around me. We momentarily melted into each other, forgetting the presence of others until someone cleared their throat.

"Hey, love birds," Gilbert interrupted. "Want to give us a hand so we can get going."

Jeff laughed and pulled away from me. "Sorry, Gil." He walked over and picked up an amp, and pushed it into the van. I began loading equipment, and before long, the van was loaded up. The four of us piled into the van, and I sat in the back to conceal myself until we got past the pack border. Jeff had sprayed something on me to hide my scent also. We rode in silence until we reached the border. All of us breathed a sigh of relief when we got through without questions from the guards.

Once out on the highway, Jeff cranked up the music, and we rocked out to Slayer and Pantera all the way to Buffalo. Jeff and I just stared at each other the whole time while Gilbert and Lenny shouted back and forth at each other. By the time we got to Buffalo, I was sitting in Jeff's lap, relishing the contact. It felt different than when Gideon touched me. It made Tarja angry to be touched by someone other than Gideon. But she would have to get over it. I speculated that Gideon is my mate, but he wouldn't be for long. I was going to reject him as soon as I could. I was not going to be tied down to the pack as its next luna. I needed my freedom.

'It's your birthright.' Tarja tried to argue with me, but I ignored her. It was becoming clear that my wolf was against me and the life I truly wanted. I was not going to let myself give in to the mate bond.

The van lurched to a stop, and I fell off of Jeff's lap. "Ouch, Lenny." I snarled as Gilbert laughed.

"You look funny rubbing your ass," He opened the door and climbed out of the van.

"You're an ass," I shouted after Gilbert. Jeff and I climbed out of the back. We followed Lenny and Gilbert into the rundown bar. It was almost empty as we entered. It was clear the place had seen better days. A thin pale man sat at the bar with his back turned to us. He had on all black and had pale blonde hair on his head. He had a glass of some sort of liquor in front of him.

"Are you Blood Ritual?" He asked without turning.

Gilbert stepped forward. "Yes, and you are Mr. Halford?" He asked, and the man turned around.

Lenny gasped as I looked Mr. Halford over. He had blood-red eyes and a sinister-looking face. It was clear from his scent that he was a vampire. Mr. Halford sniffed the air. "I am Dashell Halford, yes. Do not be afraid of me mutts," He spoke with a slight English accent. "If I like you, then you can call me Dash. If I don't, then my friends," He snapped his fingers, and three more vampires appeared around us. "Will have werewolves for dinner."

Gilbert gulped and looked at Jeff. "He's a warlock."

Mr. Halford shrugged. "We'll eat him too."

"Can you take on four vampires, TJ?" Lenny whispered.

I shrugged as Mr. Halford laughed. "You know I can hear your whispers. Now go get set up and show me what you got." He looked me up and down with a smirk. "I can see you all have a chance with that one in your band," He pointed at me. "s*x appeal sells even in death metal."

"I am not here for s*x appeal," I sneered. "I am here to sing."

The vampire cackled loudly, and his friends joined in. "Whatever you say, sweetheart."

I glared at him and balled my fists. Jeff grabbed my shoulder and pulled me away. "Come on, TJ. Let's get set up." I followed him out to the van, and we all hauled in the equipment and got set up quickly. Once we set up the instruments, the guys tuned their instruments while I warmed up my voice.

We gathered in a huddle. "So Flesh Eater first?" I asked them.

They all exchanged looks. "I think that's best. It was the last song we practiced," Gilbert responded.

Jeff and Lenny agreed. We high-fived each other and took our positions. I stood at the microphone. "Good Evening Buffalo. We are Blood Ritual. I am TJ Abbott, and this first song is Flesh Eater." I said to the four vampires sitting in the bar. Taking a deep breath as Jeff counted down, and then we bust into the song. Playing fast and furiously, I began to growl out the lyrics. All the stress of the last three days melted away as I let my music and friend take me away. By the third song, I was full of energy and headbanging with my friends. "The demon's rise will be the fall of man's reign," I screeched out the last lyric of the song, and the song ended.

Mr. Halford started clapping while his minions joined in. He stood up from the bar and walked towards us. "You all can call my Dash." He smiled, and it appeared warmer than I expected from a vampire. "You have it. Especially with that fiery redhead on vocals. What is your name, sweetheart?"

"TJ," I replied.

He shook his head. "No, your real name."

I sighed. "Temperance."

"You should use that," He looked at the guys. "And you three?"

The guys introduced themselves. Dash nodded. "Young guys fresh out of high school that can shred like you are hot right now. I normally don't do this, but I want to sign you all right away. Normally I would make you perform at a few clubs first and crank out an album. But I see you guys making it." He explained to it.

"We have a CD with some songs on it, Mr. Halford," Gilbert held up a CD case.

"I told you to call me Dash. But I'll take that." He took the CD from Gilbert. "Here's the deal. I want you four in Los Angeles on Monday at an address I will give you." He spoke. "Then I'll get you all set up to record and then start a tour."

"A tour? Just like that?" Lenny asked excitedly.

Dash nodded. "Yep, just like that. It will be a club tour on the West coast with some veteran death metal bands. I won't reveal who yet. But I'm pretty sure you all have heard of them."

We all broke into cheers and smiles. We high-fived and then looked at Dash. "So, will we get paid?"

"You will get a stipend on tour, and hopefully, your album will sell a few copies. Whether or not you make anything significant is up to you four and how hard you are willing to work." He clapped his hands. "So, that concludes the audition." He snapped his hands, and one of the other vampires handed him a folder. "This is all the information you will need for the tour and where to meet and at what time." He smiled again as his eyes glowed. "See you in LA." He then disappeared, as did the other vampires.

We all looked at each other. "So, are we doing this?" Gilbert asked.

"I want to do this," Lenny chimed in. "TJ? Jeff?"

Jeff shrugged. "I'm in."

"So am I," I replied. It felt real. "I am so ready to leave that s**t hole."

Everyone agreed, and we quickly packed up our equipment and loaded it into the van. We piled in and stopped at a Burger King before heading home. After our meal, Jeff and I rode in the back while music blasted again. Lenny and Gilbert resumed yelling back and forth at each other. Jeff and I rode in silence for a long time, just listening to the music. I then climbed onto Jeff's lap.

"Temperance, I have to ask you something," Jeff said, and I managed to hear him over the music.

"What?"

"Do you want to be with me? Like I mean as my girlfriend," He asked and leaned into me. His lips hovered over mine, and I felt the heat rise between us. My heart raced as it did with Gideon. Only Tarja was growling in my head, but I ignored her.

"I want to be with you, Jeff," I replied, and he smashed his lips onto mine. I wrapped my arms around his neck as he held me tight on his lap. He nibbled my bottom lip, and I allowed his tongue into my mouth. I pulled back with a gasp and then plunged back into the kiss. Before long, his hand began to explore my body, and my wolf was still fighting viciously in my head. I had to practically shove her into an imaginary cage to get any sort of peace. I squeaked when I felt Jeff's hand on my breasts. He nibbled my neck while massaging my sensitive n*****s. I could feel him getting hard against my legs.

I rubbed my hand over his growing bulge, and he groaned. His hand slid down my body and then up my skirt. He massaged my thighs before creeping higher to my wet panties. I moaned as he rubbed me through the material of my panties. "I want you, Jeff." I moaned to him as I held the sides of his face as our lips devoured each other. I jumped when I felt his hand slip under my panties and rub my clit.

"Oh s**t, you are so wet," He whispered against my lips. "I turn you on?"

I nodded. "You have no idea." I was seriously willing to lose my virginity in the back of Lenny's van while he and Gilbert were sitting up front.

"You have no idea what you do to me, Temperance." He replied and began to suck the skin on my neck. I moaned as his fingers worked their magic on my mound. One of my hands rubbed his c**k through his pants. I wanted him even though Tarja was doing everything she could to fight it.

I unzipped his pants and gently pulled his c**k out of his boxers. I rubbed up and down the shaft as we deepened our kiss again. He rubbed my clit faster and then inserted a finger into my virgin hole. I squealed as I threw my head back. It was a good thing the music was loud, and Lenny and Gilbert weren't paying attention. He soon entered two fingers into me. I squirmed on his lap while sliding my hands up and down his swelling c**k.

He moaned lowly as I felt myself close to orgasm. He leaned his forehead on mine, and I peered into his golden-brown eyes. "c*m for me." He whispered.

I let out a low moan and felt my juice flow all over his hands. I continued working his c**k until he too orgasmed. We sat panting for a moment, and I wanted to do more, but the van slowed, and Lenny lowered the music. Gilbert glanced back at us and shook his head. "I know what you two are doing back there."

I snuggled against Jeff's chest and blushed. "Why are we slowing down?"

"Gideon and a bunch of warriors are blocking the road," Lenny replied.

"Oh s**t. They will see us together, Jeff." I blurted out.

He shook his head. "No, he won't. Get up." He told me, and I got off of his lap. He stuffed his c**k back into his pants and zipped them up. He then wiped the semen off with an old towel. "Now, don't freak out." He said a few words in another language, and he glowed.

I gasped when he disappeared. "Jeff?"

"I'm right in front of you, TJ," A voice said to me. I reached out and felt Jeff. I just couldn't see him or even smell him.

Gilbert looked back. "Where'd he go?"

"Nowhere," An invisible Jeff replied, and Gilbert jumped.

"Oh shit." Gilbert jumped.

"Okay, guys act casual," Lenny glanced back at us. "Nice trick Jeff." He rolled down the window as the van came to a stop. I hugged my knees as looked out the window as Gideon approached the van.

"Is Temperance with you?" He demanded. "We have been looking for her all night."

I sat forward and poked my head forward. "Hi."

Gideon growled, and I noticed my father walk up behind him. "Where in the hell have you been?"

"We just went into town to hang out," Lenny responded.

"Liar," Gideon grabbed Lenny's throat. "We searched the town and couldn't find any of you," He growled.

"Gideon, let him go. We weren't in this town. We were in Buffalo." I told him. He let Lenny go, and my father stepped towards the van.

"Why were you in Buffalo?" My father snarled.

"The audition, remember? Or did you forget? I made a deal with Mom that I would go to the stupid party if she let me go to the audition." I explained.

"You aren't supposed to be near Jeff Starsky," Gideon growled.

I sat back. "Jeff isn't here, see?" I pointed into the dark van. My father opened the side door and peered in. He sniffed the air and then closed the door.

"We'll discuss this at home, young lady." He scolded me and looked at Gideon. "Do you have anything else, Alpha?"

Gideon shook his head. "I am just glad she is back and safe." He pointed at me. "You are not to leave the territory unless I say you can again."

I sneered at him. "You don't own me, Alpha."

"I am your alpha, and you will learn to mind me, Temperance. Now go home."

I rolled my eyes and looked at my father. "You heard your Alpha, Temperance," My father parroted Gideon.

"Fine."

"And you two shall be given extra work as punishment for leaving with your lun- Temperance," Gideon said. He stepped away from the van and moved his hand for the warriors to allow the van to pass.

As we drove away, I heard Gilbert growling. "f**k I hate that jackass. I can't wait to get to LA."

"Me neither, Gilbert," I said as Jeff reappeared. I screamed.

He laughed. "My grandmother just taught me that spell."

I smacked his arm. "Asshole. You should have warned me."

"It was more fun this way." He smirked.

The van pulled up to my house. "Well, guys, it was fun. I'll see you at school tomorrow?"

Gilbert and Lenny nodded. "Thanks, TJ. You were great," Gilbert said. "See you tomorrow."

"Yep," Lenny nodded.

I kissed Jeff before hopping out of the van. My mother was waiting on the front porch as I approached. The van drove off, and I was left to face my mother's wrath.