The Half Moon
Soulbond Series Book 2
Bella C. Devine
Copyright © 2020 Bella C. Devine
All rights reserved
The characters and events portrayed in this book are fictitious. Any similarity to real persons, living or dead, is coincidental and not intended by the author.
No part of this book may be reproduced, or stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without express written permission of the publisher.
Contents
Title Page
Copyright
Acknowledgements
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Chapter Eleven
Chapter Twelve
Chapter Thirteen
Chapter Fourteen
Chapter Fifteen
Chapter Sixteen
Chapter Seventeen
Chapter Eighteen
Epilogue
Author Note
About the Author
Acknowledgements
This journey has been an amazing ride that has kept me moving forward to my dream of becoming a published author. And now I’m on book 2 :-). I couldn't have done this without the support of my family and friends.
To my family, thank you so much for the support and love you show me every day. You allow me to look at the good side of everything and show me that dreams can come true. I would not be the person I am today if it wasn't for your support, guidance, and love.
To my critique group, thank you so much for your help, support, and exceptional advice. Trisha, words cannot describe how thankful I am that our paths have crossed. You've given me the kick that I've needed to publish and improve my manuscripts. Thank you for your willingness to help. To Vera, Pamela, Joyce, and Debby, thank you so much for the awesome advice, suggestions, and support. Each of you has strengthened my story and has helped make The Half Moon a reality.
To my editor, Cindy Vallar, thank you for never giving up on me. You've helped me find my writing voice and then helped me to craft that voice. You've pushed me beyond what I thought I could ever accomplish. Without you, there would be no Soulbond Series.
To my cover artist, Kimberly Cannon, thank you so much for bringing Aylin and the Half Moon to life.
And finally, to my four-legged fur baby. You curled up next to me while I wrote and edited the Soulbond Series, and I'm saddened that you are not physically here with me to see the publishing of this story. But you will always be in my heart. Until we meet again, my friend. Rest in peace
Chapter One
Aylin
Three months!
I accepted another shot from the man behind the bar. The hot liquid trailed down my throat, matching the fire burning through my body.
“Bradley, I'm of—off limits.” My falter betrayed my confident composure. He needed to know that buying me a drink didn't mean I would jump into bed with him. Bradley was known for his one-night stands. Three months ago, I would've jumped on his offer. Now, I'm imprinted. But to whom? Fate is cruel and playing one hell of a game on me.
I was a woman on the hunt. For what, I wasn't sure. When Brad's hungry gaze met mine, my stomach churned. He sauntered closer, his confident swagger not halted by my warning glare.
My eyes narrowed, but he continued.
My fist crunched his sloped nose. Pain vibrated up my arm and increased my fury. Goddamnit!
“What the fuck!” he shouted.
I flexed my sore hand. It was nice to release some of my pent-up energy. My nerves were like live wires sparking with electricity. I widened my stance, curled my finger, and signaled for him to come here.
Brad covered his bloody nose with his hands. “Fuck, Aylin.”
The contempt in his voice did little to extinguish the inferno within me.
I grinned wolfishly. I was alive, strung together by a thin thread on the verge of snapping. I welcomed a fight and hoped he would attack. “Bradley, I told you no.”
“God, I thought we were just having some fun.” He pinched his nose and tilted back his head. “You've been in here every night this week, flaunting your body in front of every man here, and it's not even a full moon!
My heart fluttered at his muffled words. No, we had a few more days before the waxing gibbous turned into a full moon. My skin tingled with expectation.
I shifted my stance and tossed my deep red curls out of my eyes. He was right about the flaunting, but that didn't mean I owed him anything. I glanced at the black, long-sleeved shirt hiding my imprint. The damn thing was dull, but noticeable, on my wrist, which was why I had traded in my model-worthy blouses for t-shirts that covered my upper body, arms, and even the palms of my hands. The damn things had thumb holes so I could still maneuver.
“You're an asshole, Brad! I'm here to let off steam, just like every other person in here.” I lied, of course. I wanted a connection. The connection. But after months of searching, I'd found no other imprinted man. And my heart? It wanted just one man. I longed for him, but he didn't exist, because not a single man possessed an imprint like mine. If I allowed any other man to get close and then left him, he would be emotionally wounded when my soul mate arrived.
“Sure, honey, and those tight-fitting clothes and flirtatious smiles were my imagination.” Brad removed his hands from his nose. The bleeding had stopped, and he winked at me.
“So, because I enjoy a man's company and am hot, that entitles you to me?” I glanced down at form-fitting clothes. They really did accentuate all of my curves and assets. “It's my fault that my tits mean I can't have a drink after work like the rest of the testosterone-filled ogres in here?” I pushed my assets up, displaying them to the crowd of men who had gathered. I really wanted to send Brad to his knees writhing in pain, but I halted my magic. I couldn't risk others finding out about my powers. The only
