Crescent moon, p.1
Crescent Moon, page 1
CRESCENT MOON
TRIPLE MOON TRILOGY
BOOK 1
MADISON GRANGER
Crescent Moon, Triple Moon Trilogy, #1
By Madison Granger
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, events, and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or used in a fictional manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.
This is an adult paranormal romance with love scenes and mature situations. It is only intended for adult readers over the age of 18.
Copyright 2023, Madison Granger
All rights reserved. No part of this may be reproduced, stored, or transmitted in any form, by any means without written consent from Madison Granger.
Cover design finished by AK Designs, 2023
ISBN: 9798223940746
ASIN:
Table of Contents
Title Page
Copyright Page
Dedication
Acknowledgments
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
Mystic Moon
Before You Go!
Also By Madison Granger | Paranormal Romance
Urban Fantasy
PHOENIX RISING
CHAPTER 1
CLAIMING MAGICK | ______________ | Madison Granger | ©Madison Granger 2023 | All Rights Reserved
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
ZANE
Chapter 1
About the Author
Dedication
To my tribe.
I keep going because of you.
Acknowledgments
Sandy Ebel of Personal Touch Editing
The woman who continues to polish all my
rough edges, making my stories shine with a
magic of their own.
Angelina Kerner of AK Designs
Who came to my rescue, finishing the cover for me.
Ashley and Annie, my beta readers
Who gave me honest and helpful feedback.
The Crescent Moon signifies love and fertility.
It’s also a time of patience and change,
or starting a new chapter in your life.
1
“I’ll pay you good money, Dr. Adkins. Any amount... name your price.”
“Mrs. Baker, we’ve been through this countless times. I run a veterinarian clinic, not a boarding facility. You have to take your dog home. There’s nothing wrong with him.”
“But I can’t walk him outside in this weather!” she sputtered. “I can’t keep up with him. Surely, you can make an exception.”
Nova didn’t even try to stifle her sigh. Maggie Baker was on her last nerve, and she found herself not even caring if she lost business because of the woman.
“I warned you before you bought Max that boxers were very energetic and that you would have problems containing him. You didn’t want to hear it.” Nova didn’t bother with the unspoken I told you so. The message was clear.
“I thought veterinarians were supposed to be compassionate,” the old woman sniffed.
“I am compassionate, Mrs. Baker, but I’m also not keeping your perfectly healthy dog in my clinic because you don’t want to walk him in the snow. This one is on you. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have to close up and get home before the storm moves in. I suggest you do the same.”
Opening the door, she motioned to Mrs. Baker to leave... with her dog. Max tugged on his leash, and the woman had no choice but to exit the clinic. With a muttered oath, Nova turned the latch on the deadbolt and the Open sign around. Glancing at the clock on the wall, she groaned. She’d lost valuable time arguing with the woman, time she needed to prepare for the incoming weather.
Praying there wouldn’t be a crush of last-minute shoppers, Nova aimed her Jeep toward the grocery store. She was well-stocked at the cabin, previous winters had taught her well, but there were a few comfort foods she’d like to buy. Pulling into the near-empty parking lot, she sent up a prayer of thanks. Sprinting up and down the aisles, Nova was positively giddy as she loaded her basket. She would hibernate in style. Pulling two bottles of wine from the shelf, with a shrug, she reached for a third. What went better with a stack of books than a chilled glass of wine?
Nova loaded the last of the supplies into the back of the SUV. Exhaling a puff of cold air, she mentally ticked off her list before making the trek up the mountain. The Jeep had been topped off at the station, groceries to last a couple of weeks were in the vehicle, and the clinic had been shut down and locked up.
She’d left a message on her voice mail and on the clinic door saying she was closed except for dire emergencies. Nova prayed there wouldn’t be any animal crisis—Mrs. Baker and Max included—to pull her from the warm, cozy cabin she owned in the Bighorn mountains. Considering the spotty, if nonexistent, cell service, anyone would be lucky to reach her.
Gazing up at the gray sky, she shivered. The large, puffy cumulus clouds were only one of the warning signs of the coming storm. Nova wanted to be home in front of a roaring fireplace, not stuck in a blizzard.
Sliding onto the driver’s seat, she shrugged off her down jacket and pulled off thick, insulated gloves. Starting the Grand Cherokee while she loaded the groceries meant it was nice and toasty as Nova cautiously eased down the road.
By the time she’d traveled the fifteen miles to her cabin, all Nova could think about was she probably should’ve bought more wine. Her shoulders and back were knotted with tension from the drive up. Usually an easy drive, weather conditions had worsened by the time she’d reached the mountains. Snow was falling faster, making visibility a challenge.
Rounding the bend leading to her cabin was a welcome sight. It was already dusk, and she still had to unload the Jeep and haul more firewood to the house. Not for the first time, Nova was grateful for the garage situated close to the cabin, which was big enough for her vehicle and a good supply of firewood.
Forty-five minutes later, Nova had the fireplace going and was preparing a steak for dinner when the phone rang. She smiled as she glanced at the display screen.
“Hi, Dad.”
“Hello, Nova. Did you have any trouble getting home?”
“Not too much. Thankfully I was almost home by the time the snow got heavier. I’m locked up tight with plans for sharing the evening with a good book.”
“Sounds like a plan. One less thing I have to worry about.” Jace Adkins chuckled at his daughter’s response.
“Dad, I’m a grown woman. I can take care of myself.”
“Yes, I’m aware, but I’m still your father and your Alpha. I have every right to worry about my eldest.”
Nova rolled her eyes, grateful he couldn’t see it.
“How’s Mom and Reagan? Have you heard from Lena lately?”
The sigh over the line spoke volumes. Apparently, her youngest sister was still MIA. Lena had a wild streak and was always off on a new adventure.
“Your mother and Reagan are fine. Both send their love.” Murmuring in the background interrupted him for a moment. “Mom said to that you’re excused from dinner this weekend, but she expects to see you as soon as the weather clears.”
“I’ll be there as soon as I can,” Nova assured her father. “I promise.”
“Fair enough. I won’t keep you any longer but call if you need anything. I can send Bryce and Linc out on a moment’s notice.”
“I appreciate it, but I’ll be fine. Keep your enforcers at home. They don’t need to be traipsing all over the countryside in this weather.” Nova bit her bottom lip, debating on bringing it up again, but her father wasn’t the only one who worried about the youngest of the Adkins family. “Dad, where’s Lena?”
“I’m not sure, sweetheart. Last I heard, she was on her way to California. She hasn’t called in a couple of weeks and her phone always goes to voice mail. I’m trying to let her lead her own life, but it’s hard on us, especially your mom.”
“It’s not like she’s a kid, Dad. I’m sure she’s fine, but I know what you mean... we all worry about her.”
“I’m way too young for the gray hair that one has given me,” Jace sighed. “At least you and Reagan have good heads on your shoulders. Remember to call if you need anything.”
“I will, and thanks. Love you, Dad.”
“Love you too, sweetheart.”
Nova put the phone back on the charger. Her youngest sister was going to drive their parents nuts with her crazy adventures. Lena followed her own path, with little regard to how it affected her family. At least she wasn’t getting into trouble... that they knew of.
Glancing at the firewood rack, Nova bundled up and grabbed the log tote. It was overkill, but she’d rather get more wood now than have to do it first thing in the morning.
The wind whipped around Nova as she struggled to cover the short distance to the garage. She was grateful she’d splurged on the extra-large outbuilding, giving her plenty of room for multiple cords of firewood. Checking for snakes and other critters nesting in the wood was part of a regular routine, but in this weather, she’d give them what comfort they could find as long as they left her alone.
As she stepped out
Once inside, she tended to the fire and dimmed all the lights except for the lamp next to her favorite chair. Wrapping a throw around her, she opened the first book from the stack she planned on reading while the storm kept her indoors. She was only a few pages in when she felt her eyelids get heavy.
Pounding on the door jerked Nova awake, her book falling to the floor. Shaking her head to wake herself, she stumbled toward the door. The clock on the mantel read two a.m. She must have dozed off around midnight. The pounding became more insistent, so Nova shook off the last vestiges of sleep and sprinted to the door.
Pulling the door open, she found a man carrying another, thrown over his shoulder. Both were bundled against the cold, but even the wind and snow couldn’t disguise the metallic smell of blood.
“I need help... bear trap...” the stranger gasped.
Nova didn’t hesitate, opening the door wider for the man. This wasn’t the first time someone had shown up at her door with injuries. Most of the residents on the mountain were shifters of some kind, and her reputation as a veterinarian and healer was widespread.
“Bring him in here so I can look at his wounds.”
Nova led them to one of the guestrooms, hurrying to pull the sheets back on the bed. Together, they laid the man down, stripping him of outer wear and wet clothing. It was then Nova saw all the blood from a jagged tear and gaping puncture wounds on the man’s leg.
“I’ll be right back. I need towels and my medical bag.”
“You’re a doctor?” Relief was visible in his light green eyes.
“I’m a vet, but I can deal with this,” Nova assured him.
Hurrying from the room, she grabbed the needed supplies. Nova had the means to clean and stitch the wound. She’d have to improvise if there was severe damage to the leg, but it was the lack of medicine she worried about. Nova didn’t have antibiotics or pain pills on hand.
Returning to the room laden with supplies, the stranger helped her clean the patient’s wounds and passed her what she needed.
“Thank you for letting us in. I don’t know what I would’ve done if I hadn’t seen your place. My truck is at the base of the mountain. We hiked up here this morning.”
“What in the world possessed you to go hiking in this weather? Weren’t you aware there was a blizzard moving in?”
The bearded man had the grace to look embarrassed.
“We weren’t supposed to be up here this long. Landon wanted to get some winter shots... he’s a freelance photographer, and I wouldn’t let him come up here alone. It was supposed to be only for a few hours, but he found some tracks...”
“And one thing led to another, I suppose?” Nova finished for him.
“Yeah, something like that.” He shrugged. “It wasn’t one of my better moves. I’m just thankful you were here.” He gave her a half-smile. “I’m Sawyer, by the way. Sawyer Billings. And this is Landon Monroe.”
“Nova Adkins.” She held up a hand covered in blood. “I’ll shake your hand after I get cleaned up.”
“Not a problem.” Sawyer held his own hands up, which weren’t much cleaner than hers. “I think we passed the opportunity for proper introductions.”
“You might have a point,” Nova agreed as she surveyed her work. “Your friend got lucky. He sustained some nasty cuts and deep puncture wounds, but I don’t detect any broken bones, and the bleeding is under control, so no extensive damage there.” She glanced at Sawyer from under hooded lids. Nova couldn’t help but notice how attractive the man was, despite being dirty, disheveled, and obviously exhausted. “A couple of shifts and he should be good as new.”
“Figured it out, huh?”
Nova pointed at the side of her nose.
“Kind of hard to miss, though you two aren’t from around here. I don’t suppose you bothered to check in with the local Alpha before you went hiking around his territory?”
Sawyer went still, his face paling despite a tanned complexion.
“You must think I’m all kinds of stupid,” he said softly.
“I’m not one to judge so fast, and I’m sure there’s a story. Since we’re going to be cabin bound for a few days, I have time for a long tale.” She pulled her gloves off with a snap. “I don’t have any meds with me, so Landon is going to have to tough it out. Luckily, he’s a shifter, so the healing process shouldn’t be too rough. Let him rest for now. How about we clean up, then I’ll fix us something to eat?”
“You got yourself a deal.”
2
Nova seasoned two steaks while the skillet heated. She tried to do some quick math in her head, figuring out how long her food would last with two extra mouths to feed. If the storm didn’t keep them cabin-bound for more than a week, she might be able to stretch things. Luckily, she always kept the place well-stocked, especially in the winter. Her mother had taught her well.
“You mentioned that Landon is a photographer. What do you do?” Nova asked as she prepared the meal. “There’s some beer in the fridge if you want one.”
“Thanks, appreciate it.” Sawyer eased around the kitchen to the refrigerator. “Want one?” At a shake of her head, he opened it and took a long pull. “Hard to believe a cold beer could be so good with a blizzard howling outside.” He tossed the bottle cap into the garbage can and pulled out a bar stool. “I’m a business consultant.”
“A freelance photographer and a business consultant?” Nova’s brow arched. “How did you two get together?”
“It’s not like that.” Sawyer snorted. “Landon was abandoned as a baby, and my parents took him in and raised him as their own. I was ten at the time, and he’s been my kid brother and best friend ever since.”
“But you have different last names... your parents didn’t adopt him?” Nova glanced at him over her shoulder. “If I’m being too personal, just stop me.”
“It’s all good. Landon’s father was friends with my parents. His dad was killed overseas, and his mom couldn’t handle raising a pup on her own.” Sawyer shrugged. “One night she took off, and we found Landon on our front porch, bundled up in a basket. He was only a month or two old. Dad wanted Landon to know who his father was, so they never changed his last name to ours.”
“He’s lucky to have landed with such a loving family,” Nova observed.
“It worked out for everyone. Mom and Dad always wanted more pups, but they only had me. Landon was an answer to a prayer for them, and I got an awesome little brother in the bargain. He’s my best friend and we still do everything together.” Sawyer tossed his empty bottle into the garbage. “Is there anything I can do to help?”
“You can grab a couple of plates from that cabinet.” Nova pointed with her fork. “These will be ready in a few minutes.”
“What about you? Any siblings?”
“Yeah.” Nova grinned. “Two sisters. I’m the oldest. Reagan is a teacher and Lena is... finding herself.”
“Got ya.” Sawyer laughed. “Most of us have gone that route at one time or another.”
“Everyone but me and Reagan, it seems.” Nova smiled ruefully. “It’s hard not to follow the rules when your father is the Alpha of the pack.”
“Oh, shit,” Sawyer breathed. “Your dad is Alpha of the Bighorn Mountain pack?”
“That would be him.” Nova tucked a lock of silver hair behind her ear, an amused smile on her face.
“What was it like... growing up in an Alpha’s home?”
“No different from anyone else’s life, I imagine.” Nova mulled over her answer for a moment. “Dad was strict, but not unreasonable. He and Mom are Fated Mates, so there’s a lot of love in our home.”
“Sounds a lot like mine, only difference being we were simply pack members and my parents weren’t Fated Mates, but they loved each other enough to stay together.”
“There’s nothing wrong with that.” Nova smiled at him as she set the plates on the table. “You didn’t have to deal with the pressure of being the Alpha’s kid.”
