Hunted (BurningWillows & BloodMoon)

[BurningWillows]

"Hey babe, where did you stuff my swim trunks?" Xael called from the bedroom to his blonde bombshell making breakfast.

"Never mind," he continued seconds later, spotting them under the bed where he'd haphazardly thrown them the night along with most of her clothing.

Life was good.

Xael wouldn't have been able to say that a few years ago. That last twenty years had been more than a little rocky. Raising twins alone was hard, and no easier even with Jay and Phoenix's helping hands. Sure Jay could teach the pups about their wolf sides, but no one was around to teach Colton about his Alpha blood, or Dakota about being a female wolf. Both of them lacked so much information, learning by mistake or on accident. And it was all the harder on Xael, knowing he couldn't fix it for them. All he could do was his best.

The father was still immensely proud of them. They were both intelligent, respectful beings, who understood the importance of family and friends. He trusted them enough now to take a three month vacation, leaving only Jay in charge. The twins were twenty after all, they could handle most situations themselves.

The other reason he had taken the vacation was to get some time with newest and cutest thing in his life: Raisa. It was their one year anniversary coming up and he didn't want to spend it around his kids or the property. Just with her.

Xael had never truly gotten over Luna. Those first few years without her had been the worst period of his life, having lost half of his soul not to mention trying to raise two motherless twins. As the years drew on the pain got easier to deal with, but he fell into a sort of mind numbing state, putting his sole focus on his family and not himself. He'd never been able to look at her things again, getting Colton to do it. He moved into one of the lower bedrooms, setting Colton and Nya's nursery downstairs as well so he wouldn't have to go upstairs. For a few years the second floor was completely untouched, no one stepping foot in any of the rooms.

Eventually Dakota had taken over Kayden's room while they revamped the nursery for young Colton. After a makeover, Xael had been able to move back into the master bedroom. With time things grew easier, but he never lost that love for her, Luna imprinted on his heart. And he knew he'd always would feel that heartache when her name was mentioned; he'd love her for eternity like he promised. But as Jay advised, Xael still needed to move on, or he'd just get stuck in the past. He didn't have to forget her, he just needed to make room in his heart for another. Jay's idea to do this was blind dating.

Of course, Xael wasn't that stoked to go along with it. The first two blind dates were disasters. One didn't like children, and the other was just looking for a quick hook up. He'd been hesitant for a third, but as luck would have it she turned out to be a gorgeous blonde with a soft heart and a sweet tongue. And they'd been dating since.

Tugging on his shorts, Xael broke from his thoughts as he strolled out of the small room in their cozy one-bedroom rental beach house on the lower coast of Spain. They'd rented it for the full three months, and it was within distance of a small town when they needed it, yet still far enough to give them space. Europe was surprisingly more populated, having traveled through two protected cities and a handful of towns before reaching their vacation spot. The beach they were on was beautiful, white rolling sand leading to a clear bay. And they had it completely to themselves, so clothing had become optional.

Wandering to the kitchen, he found his voluptuous girlfriend cooking eggs, dressed in little more than her lingerie and an apron. He could care less about the food when his eyes took in her body. God Xael was glad she had only packed lingerie and beach wear, and little else. He was one lucky man.

"Morning angel," he whispered into her ear as he nibbled the lobe, his hands slipping under the apron, "What are our plans today?"

 

[BloodMoon]

Colton wanted to open his mouth but simply moved over to the tequila, pouring a shot for her before spinning around to the bar to grab a small metal shaker before pouring crushed ice, tequila, a sweet liquor and several slices of lime before mixing it up and pouring it into a rather large glass with a straw and a cherry on top. He lifted a brow at her, her response very well accurate from how she’d explained the situation – but rather blunt and uncalled for at the moment.

“Try that.” He purred.

 

[BurningWillows]

Another grey hair? Fuck.

Ashlin sighed, leaning her head against the foggy mirror in the bathroom. While the shifter blood in her was slowing down the aging process, so while she was fourty seven now she still looked in her late twenties, her hair seemed to think otherwise. It constantly reminded her that no matter what she wasn't immortal, and her time on this earth was limited. She could feel the tears behind her eyes whenever she thought about it, about leaving Braxton. About dying.

A childish scream of laughter bounced through the house, Nolan keeping her husband busy. The five year old loved his god parents, but Braxton especially because her partner would give the child back rides and play games with him. Supposedly it wasn't the same with Ash. Still...it's good practice for Braxton, she thought with a smile, pulling the one grey hair out.

Moving into the bedroom in only a towel, she slipped into their closet for a change of sweats and one of Braxton's baggy white shirts that fell off her shoulders, hiding the lack of waist she had of late.

Pounding footsteps sounded past the door, either Nolan chasing Brax or the opposite. Ash put her hair into a sloppy bun and slipped out in time to see them disappearing into his study, for what reason she had no idea.

"I'm making lunch you two," she called, stepping down the thin stairs of their cozy three bedroom house and into the kitchen to make sandwiches.

They'd downgraded years ago to something cozier, keeping two spare rooms for their godchildren who visited. It was a beautiful house, and it was just right for the two of them.

Soon to be three...once I get the nerve to tell him.

 

[BurningWillows]

She took it gratefully, trying to stifle that part of herself that hated alcohol. Honestly...she just wanted to forget what she'd heard, at least for the rest of the night.

Taking a sip she made a bitter face at how strong the liquor was, but then smiled at the delicious sweetness.

"Its surprisingly yummy," she commented, "Thanks Cole."

 

[BloodMoon]

Dominik laid back into the couch, a worn leather jacket hanging around his well-built upper torso, exposing it to the people around him as Kayden popped up at the thought of food. He hadn’t really thought about food until she’d offered him one of his choosing when she’d come back with crepe’ de mountain at hand. He lifted a brow, his large brown eyes sparkling down at her – his lips pressed to her neck without so much as a word and he’d allowed his teeth to sink into the vein, allowing perfect coppery life to spurt into his mouth, feeding him.

 

[BurningWillows]

Kayden's eyes rolled at the touch of his lips, the feel of his teeth sinking into her neck only making her want him more. It didn't bother her that he fed on her at times - she actually preferred it over seeing him feed on another. Somehow to Kayden it felt personal, a tad too personal, for her mate to feed off another in her mind. And the same went for her when she felt the blood lust grow. Since finding him she had never tasted another's blood, and it staved off her odd addiction to raw hearts.

She had to bite her lip to keep from moaning, stuffing her face full of food just to distract herself. Looking up she caught the eyes of more than one person, but their judgement just rolled off her shoulders. Her mate needed this, and she was here to provide: plain and simple.

 

[BloodMoon]

Her pink lips turned up while her head turned to the side, exposing her neck to the damn right perfect man behind her.

“Good Morning My Desire.” Her up beat voice purred, the woman’s lean body resting back on the man while her hands held on to the spatula and pan to finish cooking their breakfast. “I was thinking the beach were we shall make love for the next several hours… And then a picnic by the ocean, and snorkeling?”

 

[BurningWillows]

His hands slide up her hips, softly feeling the bare skin as he kissed her neck, his hand exploring upward. His fingers landed on her necklace, a thin gold chain holding a small white gold band with amethyst gems incrested along it. He didn't know where she had gotten the ring but he had asked Ashlin to enchant it so she could walk in the sun, and then he had gone out and bought the chain to hold it, as a gift. Raisa was a vampire like him, another perk to her.

"That sounds wonderful," he grinned, kissing her soft skin once more before pulling away, "I'll go pack up a blanket and some towels for the beach love. And I'll pull some wine from the cellar for later."

 

[BloodMoon]

She only sank deeper and deeper into his grasp, dropping her guard the more he offered his attention and sweet words.

“You’ll be alright babe. I trust you.” His husky voice purred, his lips pressing into her, his large Atlantic blue eyes staring up at her mischievously. “Feed.”

 

[BurningWillows]

She blinked a few times, a tiny squeak coming out and then a nervous giggle as she blushed fiercely. No one had ever called her anything like that.

He kissed her again and she could feel the blood pounding through his body, calling to her. She'd never been so close to someone before, never been able to hear the blood coursing in their veins. She sucked in her breath, her mind torn. On one hand she knew the rules, knew the dangers and the risks, knew how her father and Colton expected her to behave.

On the other hand, how was any of that fair?

How was it fair that Colton could sleep with whomever and eat whatever and do whatever he pleased whenever he wanted? How long did they expect her to wait for Mr. Right to just appear.

"I...I don't know," she admitted, staring into his eyes, a small part of herself wishing he could tell her what to do.

 

[BloodMoon]

For a small child – He was bloody fast. Either always catching him or always leaving the older man in his dust.

“I’m gonna get cha!” He grinned.

“No you won’t!” The small voice called back, forcing a chuckle from him until he pounced around the corner. Nolan quickly turned around and made a dash towards his study – making him laugh all the harder while Ashlin came out of their room with the call for lunch on it’s way.

 

[BurningWillows]

"Lunch!" she called ten minutes later, setting three plates on the dining table along with three glasses of orange juice.

Nolan zipped in like a bullet, already sitting before Ash could turn. She had made the young boy three sandwiches, already warned by Reyn that the boy could eat.

As Braxton came in though she caught him at the door, giving him a look.

"Can we chat baby?" she murmured, nodding at Nolan to leave him there and step outside.

 

[BloodMoon]

Colton smiled don at Nya, seeing the part of her that hated alcohol race across her face. Complete and utter disgust really all before she took a sip of the alcoholic concoction until she let the after taste hit her.

“Don’t be too shocked with my drinks.” He chuckled, pouring himself a scotch on the rocks. “Anything else for ya?”

 

[BurningWillows]

She took another gulp, the liquor hitting quick and hard. His words made her look up, although she took her time, giving him a once over. How long had he been so muscular and tanned? When did that boyish smile become so sultry?

Or was this all the alcohol?

"Um..." she grinned stupidly at him before tossing the straw out and draining the cup, "More?"

 

[BloodMoon]

Her blood made his eyes roll back and his arms wrap around her waist. His stomach began to fill and he released her neck after several minutes. She was relaxed, but he could feel her rolling off the judgement of what used to be family and friends. His reddened brown eyes looked up at the crowd, glaring at them until anyone who was looking felt awkward enough to look away. Dominik’s tongue licked the wound closed and his chin rested on her shoulder, a purr in his chest while she continued to stuff her face with food.

 

[BurningWillows]

Finishing her plate she excused herself with a kiss to Dominik's perfect lips, whispering that she was also going to step outside for a breath of fresh air. It helped push back the oncoming dizziness of loosing blood. Dropping the plate in the sink she slipped out the front door just to take a few breaths, only to catch Jay on the porch of his house.

"Oh. Hey," she smiled, trying to act as normal as possible.

It was becoming increasingly difficult with this group. To act behaved, mannered, and sensible. While she did it at times, it tended to be a hell of a lot more fun to drink blood, party all night, and fuck all day. A lot more freedom with that life.

"Just getting a breather," she explained, stepping near the patio, "How's your, uh, night going?"

 

[BloodMoon]

Large purplish-gray eyes looked up towards Xael’s rather tall form, a soft moan forming in her chest at the feeling of his hands and lips igniting that spark between them.

“Sounds perfect dear.” Her bubbly voice poured out while she nuzzled him gently. “Grab the older stuff babe.”

 

[BurningWillows]

"Got it!" he called back, slipping downstairs and grabbing an older bottle of red.

Returning upstairs he caught her just as she served breakfast, his arms wrapping around her once more to pull her in, lips hungry for hers. He couldn't get enough of her; this beautiful woman had given him a portion of his life again he never thought he could retrieve.

"That smells delicious beautiful," he mumbled, kissing her again, "I'm going to devour these eggs first, and then you."

Sitting down, he did as stated and wolfed through his breakfast, finishing in minutes. Afterwards he found a blanket and a few towels before preparing their picnic lunch so that she could get ready.

 

[BloodMoon]

Grayson watched the flicker of emotion across her face, being clearly torn from what she would have been taught.

“It won’t hurt, and you’ll feel good my fiery Angel.” He grinned, his hand sliding behind her neck to slowly pull her down further. His eyes looked deeper into her eyes. “You need to feed.”

With that, his opposite hand moved up to dig a nail into his neck – pulling blood with the first attempt.

“Feed babe.” His word was solid, a clear demand to the small wolf.

 

[BurningWillows]

Oh god. That smell.

Her eyes darted to the blood dripping from his neck, his demand only pushing her further as she sunk without another thought, fueled by the desire to taste him, to feed. Her eyes turned dark, black veins crawling down her cheeks as her fangs extended and sunk into his skin. Blood dripped and then pooled into her mouth. Her tongue swam in it, tasting the dark liquid as everything around her went mute.

Blood.

That's all her mind could think of. Not Grayson, not her family. Nothing but the beautiful taste of blood sliding down her throat, filling her stomach. She lapped it up, suckling at his neck, as her nostrils flared. Her hands moved to his shoulders, shoving him down onto the bed, nails gripping into his clothing as she drank more.

Then came the lust.

A moan rippled through her throat, her grip hardening as her hips ground into his, fueled by sudden desire. Dakota didn't even know what to do with it, never having felt such heightened emotions before. All she did was let her body react, and it wanted Grayson. She was still straddling him, and her hips rolled harder into him, another groan escaping deep in her chest.

 

[BloodMoon]

Once being beckoned into the kitchen, Braxton followed Nolan’s racing little form, only to be caught by Ashlin. Her words struck worry into him, and his warm white eyes looked down at her with a worry her could only ever truly hold for his lovely wife.

“Is everything alright babe?” He asked, pulling her into him to wrap an arm around her while the other moved up to rest on her cheek, his head lowering.

 

[BurningWillows]

They moved into the small backyard, shutting the screen door as they did. Braxton wrapped her into his embrace, pure worry etched into his face.

"I don't know," she smiled up to him, "It depends on how you take this. Braxton...I'm pregnant."

 

[BloodMoon]

Colton watched her down the drink in a matter of seconds. The large man turned and quickly gathered the ingredients to mash them together. The drink was easy enough to make – all while being something he knew she would like and would help ease the events of the day. Pouring the slushy drink into her cup, Colton placed another cherry on top.

“Just be easy on this stuff. It might not taste like it but it’s strong.” He warned her.

 

[BurningWillows]

Nya giggled, taking the drink in both hands as she purred, "I pwomise to not drink it all at once!"

Swigging it back, it took her two gulps to empty it, this time her head swaying a little. She let out a laugh, seeing the look on his face.

"What? It was two gulps."

Her eyes roamed his body again, fueled by alcohol and a needy desire. Luckily she was facing away from the main crowd so no one could see her eyeing him except Colton, and she made no attempt to be sneaky about it. As he worked behind the bar his muscles moved and rippled and she caught herself holding the cherry to the second drink against her lips, forgetting to actually eat it. She waited till he was looking before popping it into her mouth, stem and all. Seconds later she withdrew the stem only, a perfect knot in the middle.

"One more?" she grinned, winking at him, "To go?"

 

[BloodMoon]

The smoke filled his lungs and eased the pain that had building within his chest for several hours now. But as it started to ease him a familiar scent hit his nose and he was forced to turn and quietly towards Kayden. While he never blamed Kayden, he had become a much quieter man since Lunar’s death. His joy and rowdiness only an act around the kids to keep them up beat. Even when those days he truly felt nothing came around.

“It’s… Interesting.. How about yours?” He asked, his head motioning inside where the rest of the crowd roared and rumbled.