September Moon (Alexa O'Brien, Huntress #8)

I waited until she was out of earshot to say, “She tries to hide it, but Zoey’s death hit her hard. She’s having a tough time getting over it.”


Kale was visibly relieved to have a change of subject. “Makes sense. Zoey was the only woman Jez has been with who knew what she was and who understood it. Jez fell hard for her. Harder than she let on.”

“I’m worried about her. She was a little fast and loose in Vegas. I don’t think she’s slowed down much since we got home.”

It hadn’t been all that long since Jez’s girlfriend was killed by a demon queen targeting my wolves. I felt guilty about her death even though I knew Jez didn’t blame me. She was drowning her sorrows these days, and I was starting to suspect it went further than booze. It was worrisome.

“Jez will be ok. We’ll take care of her.”

“Will we, though? Or will I?” I asked pointedly, fidgeting with a stray lock of long, blonde hair.

We stared at one another, awkward and tense. I couldn’t resist the temptation to stroke him with a gentle push of power. He stiffened, sitting up straighter. Just like I wanted him to, he pushed back against me. The effect was a metaphysical connection that buzzed with an electrifying sensual heat.

“That is exactly why I’ve been avoiding you,” he said with a groan. “You make me fucking crazy. And for the record, I would never abandon Jez in a time of need.”

I dropped my hold on the power dancing between us, feeling burned by his words. He didn’t pull back like I’d expected. Instead he brazenly shoved power into me, not with the intent to harm but to tempt my hunger for him. It worked, tickling me in unseen places.

Everything in me recognized him as mine. He resented me for that and understandably so. However, that was a two way street. We had both wronged the other in unforgiveable ways.

“Nothing is going to change what we’ve both done, Kale. It is what it is, and we have to move forward.”

“It’s not that simple.”

“Why isn’t it?”

His energy dropped away, and he shielded so tight against me that I could feel the effort he exuded. “You can’t just pretend everything is ok. It’s not.”

“I know that.” I stared at the bar where Jez sat with a cocktail in hand. “Maybe she’s right; maybe we need to get the fuck over it.”

Kale pressed his lips tightly together and shook his head. “One day you’re going to realize why that will never happen. Until then, maybe we should keep our distance. I think it’s for the best.”

I gaped at him, dumbstruck and speechless. Was he for real? “What the fuck, Kale?” I managed to squeak out. “I thought we were friends.”

He leaned across the table and captured my hand in his. It was warm, almost hot. His shields were useless at this proximity. I could feel the strength of his power and how it so easily aligned itself with mine, ready to bend to my will.

“We were friends,” he said. “And then we were more. And now we need to be as close to nothing as possible. It’s best for both of us. Think about it.”

“No.” I shook my head vigorously and jerked my hand away. It was too tempting to use the influence I held over him to manipulate the situation. “I don’t want to think about it. Nothing you say can convince me that we should act like strangers.”

“What about Arys? Or Shaz? Can they convince you? Because I’m willing to bet they would agree with me.” He raised a dark brow in a silent challenge.

Fury slammed into me like a Mack truck. My face grew hot, and I had to think carefully so I didn’t spit out the first obscenity to hit my tongue. “Did you seriously just try to use Arys against me? That is so shady. I get that you’re having some issues of your own right now, but don’t ever use Arys against me. That’s bullshit.”

Kale shrugged and stood. “We need a break, Alexa. I’m sorry you don’t agree. If you can’t accept that you need it, then accept that I do. I will love you until I cease to exist. But this—” He waved his hand between us. “This is wrong. And we both know it.”

I slumped in my seat. Like a stubborn child, I crossed my arms and glared, refusing to agree when I knew damn well he was right.

We stared at each other, each of us seeing the path that we could have taken, the one he was willing to walk if only I would join him. The one I couldn’t walk without turning my back on everything I shared with Arys. I had left Kale no choice.

“Whatever, Kale,” I said flippantly, refusing to let the sharp pain show on my face. One thing I had learned in Vegas was a good poker face. It was handy now. “Do what you need to do.”