Page 5 of My Boyfriend Bites (A Moonstruck Mating #3)

Selene found it hard to resume sleeping after waking up outside as a wolf. Something in her dream must have triggered her lycan side, but worse, she remembered nothing. Not what she’d dreamed of or what she’d done as a wolf. She couldn’t even be sure she’d not been seen.

In the morning, tired from her restless tossing and turning, she went to breakfast in the restaurant reserved for the upper-level suites and overheard some of the diners complaining about the person who’d thought it funny to play a howling wolf track in the middle of the night.

In better news, no one mentioned seeing a wolf or dog, which answered the question she’d feared most. Still, she’d have to be more careful. Although, how could she control what happened when she slept? Locking the doors, for a start.

True to his word about being a night owl, Dante didn’t appear in the upgraded sit-down restaurant, which beat the buffet by miles. She enjoyed choosing from a menu—the meat lover's breakfast—and having her meal brought fresh. No one touching or coughing or doing anything gross to it before it ended up in her mouth.

To her surprise, she did find one thing disheartening, even as she hated to admit it. Dante didn’t seem keen on pushing her boundaries. Despite her being right across the hall from him, he’d not knocked on her door or “accidentally” run into her. Perhaps he’d given up. She couldn’t have explained why it disappointed.

A stir by the patrons drew her attention to a woman who entered wearing a uniform of white. Someone yelled, “Captain, can we have a picture?” and she kindly obliged before she moved on to greet some of the passengers, spending a few minutes at each table where she stopped. Despite conversing with a very loquacious older lady, the captain turned her gaze on Selene.

The intense stare discomfited, especially since Selene could think of no reason she’d draw the captain’s interest. She quickly finished her breakfast and as she exited the dining room she noticed Dante’s assistant eating in a corner by himself. The man had ditched the suit for a pale green shirt and tan khakis more suitable for the climate.

Selene had dressed smartly in linen capris and a light-colored airy blouse paired with comfortable walking shoes and a sun hat. She had her shoulder tote loaded with water bottles, snacks, and a bathing suit in case she got brave enough to dip into the cenote she’d seen advertised as part of the tour.

The ship had docked overnight, the Mexican port of Costa Maya a popular one with passengers with plenty of activities. So much to choose from and yet she’d debated the night before whether she would disembark.

Curiosity won over anxiety. She’d always loved ancient history, and the chance to see a temple? How could she miss that opportunity?

Upon disembarking the ship, Selene felt a moment of panic as people milled around while locals hawked their wares. The quiet farm life hadn’t prepared her for this level of chaos. The urge to flee proved strong, but she forged through her anxiety, scanning the many signs being held up to direct folks to their chosen excursion. As she neared her group, she noticed Renard appeared to be part of the milling crowd boarding the bus. For some reason, she chose to sit beside him, despite the empty seats around, startling the man.

“Hello,” she chirped.

“Morning,” his more cautious reply.

“Guess you couldn’t convince the boss to go to bed early so he could come, eh?”

Renard shook his head. “Perhaps if it had been cloudy, he might have been persuaded. Dante doesn’t do well in the sun.”

“Is he allergic?” Rare but not unheard of.

“Very. His skin blisters something fierce when exposed.”

“He never mentioned that,” she murmured. “He made it sound as if his nightlife were by choice.”

Renard shrugged. “He hates admitting to weakness.”

“Hardly weak, since he can’t control how his body reacts. Must suck to be so restricted.”

“That is a more understanding stance than many have. Some think he must surely exaggerate and try to force the issue. Years ago, an overnight guest thoughtlessly pulled open the curtains and caused him great discomfort.”

“That seems cruel.”

“It was, and yet, to some, his affliction is a source of entertainment.”

“Only because it’s someone else’s misery. Since he can’t join the tour, guess you’ll have to take pictures for him.”

“That was the plan. Are you looking forward to the ruins?” Renard asked.

“Very much so. This is my first time travelling to Mexico, and being able to see something this old is kind of thrilling. The artistry and engineering that went into building these massive structures boggles the mind.”

“It is impressive. I had a chance years ago to see the temples in India. Such beautiful craftmanship.” Renard began talking, and she listened, the man intelligent and informed. Given he didn’t set off her wolfy sense one bit, she stuck with him as they went on their tour. Perhaps it would dissuade the burly guy in charge from staring so often. The way their guide kept trying to get close to her discomfited. She had to bite back a growl every time he came near. This wasn’t a good time for her to lose control and shift.

When the tour ended—with her slightly disappointed since she couldn’t even touch the ruins, just stare longingly from afar—they piled onto the bus for a visit to the nearby cenote—which she decided to abstain from, as too many people splashed around for her comfort—then, after the swim finished, it was time for the ride back to port. The ship would be sailing just before dinner, but their bus would arrive at least an hour before that.

A tired Selene fell asleep on the trip, her head falling to rest on Renard’s shoulder. The jolt of the bus abruptly stopping woke her.

“Where are we?” she asked as a glance through the window showed them still surrounded by jungle.

“Still a half-hour out.” Renard stood, as did some other passengers. “Seems like there’s a tree lying across the road.”

“How odd. It wasn’t there on the trip in. I wondered what knocked it down.” The day had been clear and sunny without even a hint of a breeze.

The driver announced, “We seem to have run into an obstruction. Everyone remain in your seats. I’m going to call for help.”

“We don’t have time,” someone cried out. “The boat leaves in less than ninety minutes.”

A burly fellow stood. “Bah, won’t take but a minute to clear, just need a few strong backs. Any volunteers?”

“I’ll go give them a hand.” Renard, along with a few other passengers, exited the bus to handle the tree.

Selene yawned and stretched in her seat, only to freeze as she heard shouting. A glance out the side window showed men emerging from the jungle. Armed men.

The tree had been planted.

Murmurs of unease swept the bus as those aboard realized a robbery was about to happen. Two armed militants boarded the bus, their faces covered by neck gaiters, each holding a rifle.

“All stuff. Here. Now.” One of the men spoke in a heavy accent and pointed to the floor by his feet.

“I don’t think so. I know your country frowns on the robbing of tourists.” A corpulent fellow rose to argue.

The armed invader didn’t reply to the complaint but rather fired his gun into the roof of the bus. The loud boom had people scrambling to toss their belongings in his direction. Purses, phones, watches, earrings… The pile quickly turned into a mound, which the second guy stuffed into a sack.

Selene hated giving up her phone, but at least she’d only brought a bit of cash and not her actual wallet. She made her way to the front to drop her stuff, but before she could turn around to return to her seat, one of the thieves grabbed her arm.

“You. Stay.”

The command had her blinking in surprise. “I gave you everything I had. See.” She held open her bag to show only a bottle of water and packet of peanuts left inside, along with her dry bathing suit and towel.

The men conversed in Spanish, the rapid-fire banter incomprehensible to her. It ended up with the guy who held her arm saying, “Come.”

“I’d rather not leave the bus,” she stated, digging in her feet to counter his tugging.

He swore at her, or so she assumed since she didn’t understand the language, and gave her a hard yank. She stumbled into motion, trying to control her unease. It should be noted her trepidation had little to do with the threat and more with the fact she could feel the wolf stirring. It didn’t like being manhandled.

Stay calm. Stay cool. Everything will be fine.

A mantra repeated as she ended up outside. She saw Renard with his hands on his head, kneeling on the ground with the others who’d exited to move the tree. So much for Mexican gangs not targeting tourists. Of more concern, why had she been singled out? No other passenger had been removed from the bus, and it should be noted she wasn’t the only young female aboard.

Her head turned as she heard the hum of an engine approaching, which turned out to be a pair of all-terrain vehicles that included a UTV that resembled a golf cart. They came spitting out of the foliage, not to help, though. Those holding the guns loaded the sacks they’d filled, strapping them down.

The guy holding her by the arm pushed her in the direction of the UTV.

“I’m not getting in that,” she stated as she realized they expected her to leave with them.

“Go. Now.” The guy pointed with the barrel of his gun.

She pinched her lips. A basic safety rule she’d been taught? If being threatened with kidnapping, do everything you can to not get in the car. Or, in this case, utility vehicle.

However, if she tried to fight, the wolf would come, and everyone would see. Everyone would know her secret.

Ugh.

She’d have to wait for a better chance. Maybe once they got moving and out of sight, she could act. After all, she only counted five men. Armed men, but she didn’t necessarily have to fight. She’d be fast on four feet.

The driver had her sit beside him and made sure she noticed the gun across his lap. As if he could drive and fire it at the same time. Two more of the thieves sat behind, also armed. They were of more concern since they could act without them crashing once they got in motion. The last two thieves doubled up on the four-wheeler.

Only one person protested her imminent abduction. “What are you doing?” Renard snapped. “You got our stuff. Leave the woman alone.”

“Shut up.” One of the armed guys pointed his gun at Renard.

Renard’s lips flattened, and he said not a word despite his angry visage. He did, however, look past the threatening thug right at her. He mouthed a message, which she obviously misconstrued because she’d have sworn he said, Dante will come for you.

As if a rich playboy would risk himself saving her after she’d done nothing but reject him. More likely Renard meant the authorities would. The question being, how long would it take them? Could she hold off her lycan side long enough for a rescue?

Doubtful. Clenched fists and even breathing only barely kept the wolf in check under her skin. How she wished she were like her brother, Ares, who could flip in and out of his fur with ease. Even Athena had better control. Her sister had to really, really concentrate to shift shapes without the full moon, but at least she could do it.

Not Selene. Strong emotions triggered her change. It led to spending her life always good-humored. Easygoing. Seeking the good amidst the bad lest her emotions trigger the wolf.

However, in this instance, Selene couldn’t see how to turn this situation into a positive, glass half-full scenario. These men had taken her for a reason. Ransom could be a possibility, but then why only her? Of course, her mind then flipped to the stories she’d heard of young attractive women going missing and sold as sex slaves. If these thugs thought they could use and abuse, then they’d be in for a nasty surprise. She’d hate to be the idiot that attempted to molest her.

I will bite their dick off. Literally.

They didn’t drive for very long, but the twisty winding route left her disoriented. Everything looked the same. Big trees. Lots of green. No clear path back. The vehicle pulled into a ramshackle encampment consisting of a few rickety shed-like structures, along with a fire that smoked slightly. She took note of the numbers: five fully-grown men and a single woman. She doubted the female would be a problem, given she flinched when the men got raucous.

The face coverings came off, and she wasn’t surprised to see her guide from the ruin amongst the thugs. It explained why she’d been targeted.

He leered in her direction. “The boss man be very happy to see you.”

He’d kidnapped her for another. She wondered who the guide called boss. She found out a moment later as he exited a shed, a fellow older than the rest and shirtless, his tanned skin showed scars, white knotted streaks all over his body. When he smiled, his pointy filed teeth were more animal than man.

The boss spat a few words in Spanish before switching to English. “You, woman, come here.” He pointed to the spot in front of him.

Might as well, since refusing would likely be met with violence. She shuffled close enough she could smell the man. Her nose wrinkled with distaste. The body odor was one reason, but there was something almost rank oozing from the boss’s pores. Something that roused the wolf.

He eyed her up and down, even did a walk-around before muttering, “Luis brings me a nice present.”

“You really should let me go,” Selene warned as her skin prickled in warning.

The leader laughed. “Feisty. I like it.”

“Actually, the word you’re looking for is feral.”

“You make strong babies.”

Her eyes widened. “Excuse me? I am not a cow to be bred.”

“No, you are wolf.”

The surprise at his announcement kept her silent.

Not him. “It is long time since wolf comes to jungle.”

“What makes you think I’m a wolf?” she asked because even Ares, her much more skilled brother, couldn’t scent her other side when in human form.

“Luis smells, and I smell.” He tapped his nose. “A chupacabra knows.”

His statement had her blurting out, “Chupacabra, as in demon dog?”

The simplification had him scowling. “Disrespect me? I teach you manners, female.”

“My manners are fine.” She sighed. “But I really hate it when men pull that misogynistic crap.”

“Kneel and beg my forgiveness,” the demon dog boss man ordered as he unbuckled his belt. He drew the leather strip free and snapped it in the air.

Her brow arched. “I wouldn’t advise using that on me.”

“Kneel.” He pointed to the floor.

“I don’t think so.” She kicked off her shoes.

The leader snarled, saying something in Spanish that led to a pair of men dropping their guns and moving toward her. She quickly stripped off her shirt. It caused those watching to gape as if they’d never seen a woman in a bra before.

The leader snapped. “Grab her.”

With only seconds to spare, she shoved her pants down, sparing herself an outfit for when she was done. Selene allowed the thugs to grip her by the arms. If their hands were busy, they couldn’t grab a weapon.

The boss of the group smirked. “Now, time for lesson.” He swung his belt, and it slapped off her torso, the pain sharp and stinging, also triggering.

“Don’t say I didn’t warn you,” she muttered, feeling the change come over her. She changed quickly, the wolf emerging fast enough the men holding her were startled into letting go.

As she hit the ground on four paws, she heard shouting as well as the click of guns being armed. The leader glared and uttered some unintelligible sounds. She ignored him in favor of those with guns first.

What followed was a blur of violence meted out by Selene’s wolf. Her teeth chomped. Blood flowed. Men screamed. Gunshots crackled. But she moved too sleekly for them to hit. Dashed too rapidly for them to aim. Bit hard enough that those she attacked didn’t get up. The timid female fled during the battle, a short-lived fight, but the thugs weren’t the real threat.

Hearing a rumbling growl, she released the neck clamped between her teeth and turned to see the true enemy.

A large, black beast had replaced the leader, muscled all over, its slavering teeth pointed, its glare promising menace and pain.

Her lip curled in challenge.

The chupacabra charged for her, uttering a rumbling sound. She met its charge, unafraid and even eager for the fight.

While the enemy had size, she had speed and rage. So much rage. This was supposed to be her fun vacation. She should have been relaxing on the ship before dinner, not stuck in the sweaty jungle, fighting to avoid having her throat torn out—or her womb turned into a monster-making factory.

As her anger mounted, she swelled in size, her wolf expanding to match her rage. The enemy noticed and thought it could flee.

Nope. It had started this; now she would end it.

A pounce took it down before it got far, and her teeth clamped around its neck where it met the spine. She applied pressure. Squeezed. The sudden crunch left the body limp.

Victory was hers.

Awoo !

Now she just needed to find her way back to the ship.