Moonlight's Peril (Moonlight Series Book 1) by Ashlynn Monroe Page A

glow.
    “Are you—accepting—of Law’s protection?”
    “Why wouldn’t I be?”
    “Then I don’t believe you know everything , sweet girl. Promise me you won’t let Kane Wolfe know Law has given you his protection.”
    “Is he a…”
    “He’s our mayor and has always been very zealous about keeping our community just as it is, so please do your best to avoid him.”
    “Pastor, I have so many questions. How much of what I know is a lie? What about God?”
    “God hasn’t changed. Your understanding of the world is different, but that doesn’t mean everything you believe is wrong. Your faith isn’t a lie, and this town isn’t a lie, but some aspects of the people you know have been private so they can be safe. I am still the same person I was, but now you know I grew up with a burden you haven’t had to face.”
    “So you don’t like being a werewolf?”
    “No, I never liked losing control. Most handle it better than I did. I made—mistakes. I have spent my entire life trying to be a better man. When I was very young, my grandfather told me about a wolf who stayed human by only eating plants. I stopped eating meat when I was twenty-five and within a year I beat the moon.”
    “Is it hard, not turning? Do werewolves have souls?”
    “My faith is the only thing that helped me those first terrible months. I can’t even describe the pain. My relationship with the Lord means more to me than anything else, so I devoted myself to him. I have a soul, and so does Law Foster, bring him to church with you soon, but seriously, I’m hurt you needed to ask me.” Bianca felt her face heat. “I forgive you, and I understand how hard this has to be for you, but the people in this town are people more than they are animals. In fact, those people want you to have this.” He took an envelope out of his suit pocket and handed it to her. She opened the flap and saw a number greater than three months of her salary. “Don’t look like that, we all love you and Chessa.”
    Bianca burst into tears. Pastor George got up and put his arms around her. “Shh, don’t cry. Please dry your eyes before you get my donuts all wet.” That made her chuckle through her tears, and she wiped her face with the napkin he handed her. “You’re a strong girl, and so is Chessa. You have more friends than you realize.” He sat down.
    “This is very generous, but I just want my daughter back. Why didn’t anyone go after the man who took her?”
    “That’s a complicated question. There are rules you don’t understand. Believe me, I have spent more than one sleepless night thinking about eating a greasy cheeseburger so that I could be strong enough to do something, but one wolf alone would be a suicide mission.”
    “I wish I could tell you I understand how you could leave her out there, all alone, but I can’t.”
    “I’m sorry Bianca, and so is the town, but everyone’s hands are tied. We do care; we do love you both, but we don’t have a choice.”
    Pastor George handed her a sprinkled long john. She took a bite, and they sipped coffee for a silent moment.
    Bianca sighed. “I know I don’t understand everything, but I promise you that I’d never tell anyone about this town, and I will bring Chessa home.”
    “If anyone can, you can. I’ve been praying for you both, every day.”
    “I appreciate that, but I’ll appreciate having her home more.”
    Pastor nodded as he finished his donut. He stood and gave Bianca a quick hug.  “I’ll show myself out. Come to the church anytime that you have more questions or need to talk. Law needs to educate you on the dos and don’ts quickly, but if he doesn’t come see me. I’ll check on you if I don’t hear from you.”
    After Pastor left, Bianca paced the living room, biting her nails, and contemplating leaving the house. With the town infested with the supernatural, a jaunt down the street took on a whole new meaning for her.
    Putting on her walking shoes and grabbing a light