Cam’s Strawberry Moon

Table of Contents Title Page Copyright Chapter 1 Chapter 2 Chapter 3 Chapter 4 Chapter 5 Chapter 6 Chapter 7 Chapter 8 Chapter 9 Chapter 10 Chapter 11 Chapter 12 Chapter 13 Chapter 14 Chapter 15 Chapter 16 Chapter 17 Chapter 18 Chapter 19 Chapter 20 Epilogue About the Author, Cyndi Faria CAM’S STRAWBERRY MOON Timber Cove Wolves MC Book 5 USA Today Bestselling Author CYNDI FARIA Cam’s Strawberry Moon Copyright © 2023 Cyndi Faria All rights reserved under the International and Pan-American Copyright Conventions. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher. This is a work of fiction. Names, places, characters, and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to any actual persons, living or dead, organizations, events or locales is entirely coincidental. Warning: the unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this copyrighted work is illegal. Criminal copyright infringement, including infringement without monetary gain, is investigated by the FBI and is punishable by up to 5 years in prison and a fine of $250,000. Cover Credits: Photographer: Jean Maureen Woodfin (JW Photography) Cover Model: Theodore Brown Cover Designer: Crimson Phoenix Designs CHAPTER 1 Present Day, Deadwood, SD Pepper Ruslor Prospect, Timber Cove Wolves MC So much for my girls’ night out. I’d suggested it to my pack the second we rode into Deadwood, South Dakota. It’s the first time I’ve traveled anywhere from the Northern Pacific Coast. Can you blame me for wanting to ditch my older brothers? Maxon Salvador, my half-brother and VP of the Timber Cove Wolves MC, calls the shots as second-in-command. It’s been his goal to meet up with other packs during the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, but the first stop is in Deadwood. After my fascination with the televised series, I couldn’t come this far without checking out the sights. I thought I’d convince the women to break off from their mates and scout the nightlife, but Maxon wants us to stick together while enjoying the music inside the saloon. The wives agreed. Well, except for Eve Soteria. She’s our youngest non-patched, prospect member who turned twenty-one last week and, like me, isn’t mated. Eve wears jeans and a crop top, showing off her midsection. At least that which isn’t covered by her cut. She’s long-haired and even longer legged, with black hair and rich-brown eyes. She scopes out a group of human males poking balls with their sticks at the pool table, her mouth gaping. “Look at all those silver belt buckles and Stetsons. I’d look good on a cowboy, don’t you think?” She clicks her tongue to the roof of her mouth as if pack law would allow such a coupling. I mean, it’s possible to turn a human by biting them, but I’ve never seen it done. Rumor is most humans beg for death after they’ve been turned because it’s so painful. There’s no escaping the full moon and the change month after month. It would take a warrior’s strength to survive the bone-cracking metamorphosis. In my book, I wouldn’t want another’s pain or regret on my hands. But maybe it’s the taboo that appeals to her. We’re not much different. If I were looking. Which I’m not. Ok, I do steal a glance when I spot one of the men looking our way. But he’s as human as the rest, older than me by half a decade by the look of him. I can smell the hint of his sandalwood cologne if I focus. He winks in my direction. I spin in my seat, facing forward. If I want that upper position with the pack, I have to follow the rules, even if I don’t like them. I must continue to prove to Maxon that I put the pack first above all else, including my libido. Besides, a human can’t give me what I really want. But I could use the practice… And those cowboys whooping it up, as if they’re more badass than a pack of shifters, could do me good. They’re a distraction. He’s a human. Find a shifter to imprint on. Lots to choose from tomorrow… “He’s looking at you too.” Eve nudges my shoulder with hers. “You’ll know when the right one comes along, if you listen to your heart.” My heart doesn’t have a say. She can’t until I lock in my position. “I don’t need anyone standing in my way of securing my position as secretary for the MC.” “Secretary? You’re more important than a notetaker. Maxon obviously trusts you wholeheartedly. I think the tail-gunner position suits you. You were amazing, and I felt safe riding with my back turned to traffic knowing you were keeping watch.” Maybe Eve is right, and I am reaching for a position that doesn’t suit me. I don’t know much about the secretary position other than it involves taking notes. I’ve kept a journal for as long as I can remember, but that’s not exactly record keeping. Maybe Maxon has other plans for me. He put me in the rear of the pack, telling me he trusted me to have his back as a tail-gunner, from California to here. Glass shatters. I nearly jump out of my seat, stretching my arms out and putting the pack behind me as I scope out the waitress who’s bent over, cursing out her cracked bottles of beer. Naomi swears behind me, having toppled her drink, but mine’s upright. “Everyone okay?” “We’re fine,” Naomi sings, tugging me back into my seat. “Nothing a few napkins won’t fix. Are you okay?” “Good. Just jumpy.” I pat my chest. Maxon cups my shoulder before retaking his seat across from me. We’re both protective of our family. It’s just our way. I wonder if Maxon is checking me out as the first female to score a top position,