Blood on the Moon - serialised EXCLUSIVE for Steemit! - 19

Blood On The Moon Cover

Amazon link

My third novel was finished and published in time for Halloween and I had a launch at Waterstone's at Sheffield.

The full book cover, done by the wonderful, talented, brilliant Paul Mudie

Other Images from Pixabay or Google (Free Usage)

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Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

Part 4

Part 5

Part 6

Part 7

Part 8

Part 9

Part 10

Part 11

Part 12

Part 13

Part14

Part 15

Part 16

Part 17

Part 8

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Ch1 Jessica (Rabbit) has entered the Lion’s Den – Wolf’s Den – of her own accord and is neck-deep in her greatest desire (Be careful what you wish for).

Ch2 Red is speaking to a Wolf she knew from long ago and has been astonished once by his revelation.

Ch3 Jessica is in over her head, no other human in sight and is bouncing from one encounter to the next - including in the dream-state.

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Selene turned to lead Jessica back out but their way was blocked by the man that Jessica had had her ‘interview’ with after meeting Falco the previous evening.

“That will not be necessary Falco. She may stay and the rest of you will calm down immediately or you will leave.”

There were no protests but plenty of glowering expressions as overturned chairs were set to rights and cutlery was put back in place.

Entwistle was just behind the man that had ordered peace and his face was almost as pale as Jessica assumed hers to be.

Jessica was the first to be seated and she was placed at the left of the head of the table. Entwistle seemed annoyed that she had been seated there and he had taken so long deciding where to sit that he had no choice but to sit at the last available place and he didn’t look happy about the position he was left with.

“Now, before dinner, I think I should make some introductions. Everyone but our guest Jessica knows who I am and so, for her benefit then, I am Lord Grey.”

Jessica smiled at him but his expression didn’t alter from mild curiosity.

“You already know Falco and Selene and I believe you met Vladimir briefly.”

Lord Grey indicated to each person as he named them and so he went around the table. The last he introduced was more of an afterthought. “Ah and you know Entwistle of course.”

Entwistle was a paradox of pleasure because he had been named but also disappointment because he had been left until last and Jessica didn’t know whether to pity him or scorn him. Then she remembered his arrogance of the previous evening and the occasions that he leered at her even though she was at her least attractive and she decided upon scorn.

Dinner was served and the conversation was pleasant and interesting and not at all directed at Jessica. The questions were not intrusive and she didn’t feel pressured or uncomfortable. She was drawn in to the conversations and even though she knew very well that she had nothing in common with the beautiful people that sat at the table, she felt welcome.

As she listened to the topic of conversation, she began to look around at the other guests. Falco was as strikingly handsome as Vladimir and in fact, she thought that all the men were gorgeous.

The ladies were attractive and well groomed and their styles ranged from starkly severe, a little similar to Laura, the receptionist from the previous night, to ethereal and almost fairy-like softness but those were the extremes and the other women were dressed in a similar style to how Selene and Jessica were, elegant and stylish.

She was brought out of her distracted observation by Lord Grey’s voice asking her again if she had any questions.

“Oh, I’m sorry, sir. I was looking at everyone and I seem to have been distracted. Could you repeat the question please?”

Lord Grey laughed then; he seemed to be amused at Jessica’s bewilderment. “I only asked if you have any questions. This is a perfect time for we are all here.”

“I can ask anything and not offend anyone?”

“I’m not sure that you’ll not offend anyone but for this evening, you are allowed to ask anything and I promise that it will stay in this room if you do offend anyone.”

There was a smattering of polite laughter and Jessica thought for a moment. Then she decided to take the bull by the horns because she may not have another opportunity like it.

“Why were you all arguing when Selene and I got here?”

The room descended into deathly silence and Lord Grey smiled.

Selene was seated not directly opposite to Jessica, but Jessica could see her without having to turn her head at all and she smiled. Selene was pleased with Jessica’s question even if the majority of the other guests weren’t.

“Well? Would someone answer my guest? Why were you arguing?”

After a moment more, Falco crumpled up his napkin and dropped it onto the table. “We weren’t exactly arguing, my Lord. It was more of a heated debate.”

“So tell Jessica what it was that you were debating then.” Lord Grey’s tone was sarcastic and Falco had no choice other than to answer.

“The merits of bringing another into the fold, so to speak, are not clear to some. I was trying to explain that it was your wish that Jessica becomes a member of our inner sanctum rather than the – ah, usual membership and there were others that thought the time was not quite right.”

Falco was being diplomatic and trying hard not to get anyone into any trouble. Lord Grey could be difficult to please and once crossed, impossible to reconcile with. The guests at the table were valued members of Falco’s staff and he didn’t wish to lose any to Lord Grey’s wrath.