Natural Born Enemies (Cedar River Series) by Gemma K. Murray Read Free Book Online Page B

heard something about that. Knocked the Alphas down a few pegs from what I understand.”
    Luna shrugged, “I like to think I took my life back.”
    The two women walked arm in arm to the edge of the woods.
    Bowie was wiping the grease off his hands with an old rag. “Luna is looking a little wild around the edges,” he said to me.
    “Yeah, I thought so, too. I wanted her to come out running with me Tuesday night, but she insisted on waiting until tonight. Of course, I also promised her a picnic of pasties and brown gravy. I called your mom and asked her to make me a picnic.  Mama G. convinced me to spend some time with the family. Luna doesn’t know we are having dinner with the family. I don’t think it will matter though. She loves your mom’s pasties.”
    Bowie chuckled. “The little wolf has always liked to eat.”
    I took one look at her ample backside in her snug jeans and smiled, wolfishly, “Yes, she has.”
    Bowie smacked me on the back, smiled, and called to Ana, who came running to him.
    Luna was in the cover of the trees and half-naked by the time I got to her. My mouth began to water. Her body was beautiful and always had been. Her creamy skin glistened in the dying sunlight. “Are you ready to run?” she asked as I approached her.
    “I’m ready. Just keep up,” I teased her as I began to strip down.
    Her shift was slower than normal and looked more than a little painful. It’s what happens if a shifter waits too long between shifts. I folded my jeans and set them on the rock with Luna’s clothing.
    In her wolf form, Luna is just as beautiful as when she’s in her human form. Her black fur glistened and her eyes really stood out against her fur. I shifted as quickly as I could. Luna stood and watched me. My fur rippled in the light breeze as I leapt into the air and ran. I could hear Luna behind me as I dodged the trees. She let out a couple of happy yips as she chased me. I slowed down slightly, letting her catch me. She got me by the back leg and I took a tumble through the dried pine needles. I rolled her onto her back and nipped her chin. We were simply in the moment when I felt something whiz by my head. I sprawled on top of her and nipped her again. The look in her eyes told me that she knew something was wrong. I sniffed the air and caught the scent of something which wasn’t a familiar element in this particular forest.
    I stood up and nudged Luna up. I put myself between her and the danger. I waited until she had a head start and backed out of the clearing. Luna was getting dressed when I returned to the edge of the woods. Tears were streaming down her face. I shifted and pulled on my jeans. “What’s wrong, baby?”
    She clung to me. “I was so afraid, Adam. I haven’t been that scared in a long time. What is going on in this town?”
    I held her tight. “I don’t know, but, between the Goldens and I, we will figure it out. I can promise you.” I pulled on my shirt, and, taking her hand, carried our shoes to the porch of the big white farmhouse.
    I opened the front door and walked in just as I had for years. This was my home. This was my family. The place where I was able to be myself, share my day, my fears and not be ashamed of anything. “Ah, the prodigal son has returned,” Bernie called from the living room.
    I laughed, “Hey, Pops. Who’s winning?” I knew there was some sporting event on the television. Tonight was hockey. How Lorelai ever survived in the house with all those men, I never could figure out. I guess Ana really was the daughter she’d always needed.
    “Detroit, of course,” Bernie said. “Hey, Luna! How are you today?”
    “Good, Mr. G,” she replied attempting to hide the shaking in her voice.
    The Golden’s twin sons, Colin and Callum, came thundering down the stairs. “Adam, I thought I smelled a little pus-,” Callum said, stopping short when he saw Luna standing beside me. “Luna, nice to see you,” he smoothly corrected.
    “I’m