Moon Kissed by Aline Hunter Page B

about Cricket’s mother. That’s a subject she doesn’t like to talk about. But I believe she was either witch or Wiccan. It’s the only way her daughter could have inherited the gift.”
    Wolfe crouched and lowered his face to Arden’s. She was beautiful in sleep, her long lashes fanning over her cheeks. He brushed his finger over her brow, thinking about what the warlock said. Lifting a strand of her white-blonde hair, he asked, “Is that why she has so many enemies?”
    “Uh, that’d be a no ,” Trevor drawled, folding his arms over his chest. “She has enemies because she left the Thymeria, got into the bounty hunting business and went in search of vampyren heads. Along the way, she took down whatever stood in her path—most of whom have family who hold a grudge. Cricket isn’t stupid. She knows if anyone discovered what she can do, she’d be a dead dhampir walking. Death by touch isn’t something immortals are keen on.”
    Pounding at the door brought Wolfe to his feet. A deep and menacing snarl traveled up his throat. He hadn’t saved his mate to lose her now. In fact, he wanted to get her away from the warlock’s apartment as soon as possible. He’d checked in with a few members of the pack and apprised them of the situation. There were several safe houses available for use. Once he got her there, he could put guards in place. He had the resources to protect her.
    “Down, Cujo.” Trevor scowled and lowered his arms. “It’s only the delivery boy. I ordered a pizza since I’m stuck here and the fridge is empty. I wasn’t expecting guests, you see.”
    Wolfe followed Trevor to the bedroom door and stopped. He leaned against the frame, blocking his female from view. Trevor crossed the room, removed a wallet from his back pocket and opened his new and improved front door. A teenage boy stood just outside holding a pizza box. The fragrant aroma of various meats and cheese drifted to Wolfe’s nose.
    “Keep the change.”
    Trevor shoved a wad of cash into the boy’s hand and grasped the pizza box. He slammed the door without a thank you or good-bye and walked to the table nestled between the living room and the kitchen. He plopped the box down, opened it and removed a slice. Easing into a chair, he glanced at Wolfe.
    “Care to join me?”
    Not particularly. “Don’t you worry about things like poison?”
    “Nah. I only order food from Petrelli’s. I saved their son from a rage poltergeist a few years back.” He lifted the slice to his mouth and took an enormous bite. After a loud swallow, he added, “This pizza is clean.”
    Wolfe eased his shoulder from the wall and walked over. It had been hours since he’d eaten and since he was a shifter, he needed all the calories he could get. Taking a seat across from Trevor, he pulled a steamy slice from the box. The first bite was fucking amazing. The pizza tasted as good as it smelled, cheese oozing and the meat piping hot.
    “Good, isn’t it?”
    Wolfe nodded and consumed the slice in seconds. When he finished, he reached for another. Only this time he chewed slowly, savoring the flavors.
    “Have you decided what you’re going to do about this situation?” Trevor asked.
    “I’m taking her to New York.”
    Wolfe braced himself for an outburst or argument. He’d accepted Arden was close to Warlock Judge, even if it had been difficult at first. His jealousy, while natural, wasn’t something she needed to deal with. When Trevor didn’t respond, Wolfe looked at him. The man seemed to be mulling over the idea.
    “Once she’s settled,” Wolfe continued, “I’ll return and request a meeting with Lucius Mercoix. I’ll make sure he understands Arden isn’t a threat to him. With her being so far away, I’m certain I can convince him to leave her alone.”
    “You’re delusional.” Trevor snorted. “Cricket will never agree to that.”
    “We’ll see,” he replied briskly.
    Arden wouldn’t agree to leave, nor would she promise to leave