She wondered how the hell he knew her size for everything but then recalled how she practically threw half her clothes at him the first night.
She couldn’t believe he’s checked the size and remembered.
That’s when she noticed a large box sitting in the center of the bed under all the others. She was almost afraid to touch it. As she pulled open the top, she saw two dresses. One was so elaborate, the wispy, dark purple fabric shimmered in the muted light, the silky material sliding through her fingers. The other was a sleeker dress, an iridescent pink meant to seduce.
Both were stunning, something out of a fairy tale.
She’d never owned anything so beautiful in her life.
Beneath the dresses was a smaller bundle. The leather was worn, the strings holding it closed threadbare, and she carefully unrolled it to find a set of gleaming black throwing knives. Based on the worn handles, she knew they were Logan’s prized blades.
Out of all the gifts on the bed, she loved them the most. She knew she should return them, that they had sentimental value to him, but she selfishly wanted to keep a piece of him close.
No one had ever bothered to give her something so thoughtful, so personally important to them.
She carefully rolled up the leather satchel, then tucked it under her pillow as a reminder to decide what to do about them later.
The ferrets distracted her by helping her unpack. They pulled at the tissue paper and wrappings, and ran off with the bags and boxes, as if to prevent her from returning them. After chasing one after another for a good fifteen minutes, she finally admitted defeat and gave up.
When she glanced at the bed, she saw the critters had left out a single outfit for her to wear. One ferret sat on the mattress, patting the black jeans, sleek top and comfortable black shoes.
It was stunning.
She hesitated over changing, but ultimately couldn’t resist temptation.
She’d never owned anything new before, something only she would ever wear.
And she admitted, if only to herself, that she wanted to look nice for the guys.
Once she was changed, her good mood sank a little…the clothes were wonderfully beautiful, obviously worth a fortune. They fit like they were made for her, showing off a figure she hadn’t known she possessed. She was used to hoodies, baggy clothes, nothing that would draw attention to herself…the complete opposite of what he picked out.
“You look beautiful,” Mason whispered from where he’d paused on the stairs.
Despite everything, knowing she shouldn’t, Annora wanted to keep the outfit. She wanted the guys to see her as a woman and not the homeless street rat they first met.
“It attracts too much attention.” She fingered the soft top clinging to her curves.
“No, the clothes only showcase the way you already look,” Mason countered. “Stunning.”
She met his gaze in the mirror, watched as his wild pink hair sway slightly, standing completely on end.
“I’ve tried to hide from my past. I dressed to fit in with everyone else, but it didn’t matter. I will always be a troll. We’re outcasts, we live alone, our colonies few and far between. After years of trying to become invisible, I decided I didn’t like who I’d become.” He entered the room until he was standing behind her. “I like being a troll. Being bigger and stronger than everyone else. I was made for fighting, I was made to be a part of this team…and so were you.”
He gently pushed her hair over her shoulder, staring at her in the mirror, his fresh pine and copper scent seeming to reach deep inside her to the girl who just wanted to be noticed and loved…no more hiding, no more fear.
“He will come for me,” she warned, part of her wishing her uncle was here now so she could kill him or die trying. She just wanted it over so she could move on with her life.
“Eventually,” he acknowledged. “But you’re already stronger than you were yesterday. And tomorrow you’ll be stronger yet. When he comes, we’ll be ready.”
Annora very slowly leaned back against him, taking strength from his assurance. “Promise?”
“We will always come for you.” His violet eyes darkened with his pledge. “You will never have to be alone again.”
She looked tiny against him in the mirror, like a child leaning against a giant. She should fear him and the others, worry that they were learning all her secrets, but she was beginning to trust them. She gave one last look in the mirror, running her hands down her clothes, then gave in to his urgings. If she was going to die, she wanted the chance to live first, if only for a little while.
She whirled away from the mirror, then grabbed his arm and pulled him toward the stairs. “We should go. I’m starving.”
When he smiled at her, the dark, brooding angles of his face became breathtaking, and she nearly tripped over her own feet. She pulled away from him, then nodded toward the stairs. “You go first.”
He gave her a puzzled look, but obeyed. When he reached the bottom, she tapped his shoulder, and he half turned to look at her. Despite standing three stairs down from her, he was still taller.
Before she lost her nerve, she used his shoulders for support and leaned over, giving him a quick kiss on the cheek. “Thank you.”
Before she had time to react, he plucked her from the stairs, pulling her close, her arms automatically going around his shoulders for support as he held her inches away from his face, her legs more than a few feet off the floor.
“Careful, little grá. While we may look human, we’re not.” His hungry eyes dropped to her lips. “If you start something, we might take it as an invitation.”
Annora couldn’t help the way her cheeks heated, but it wasn’t from embarrassment. “I’ve never kissed anyone before, not willingly.” She couldn’t help but enjoy the way his muscles bunched around her, their slight quiver at her confession, and she allowed her fingers to touch his hair, startled to discover his horns were completely wrapped around his head like a crown.
She remembered Logan’s taunting words when Mason spoke. “You’re allowed to touch me whenever and wherever you like. Don’t ever hesitate. Okay?”
The light blush dusting his cheeks enchanted her, and she gently ran a single finger along his crown of horns, his permission apparently all she needed, the ridges making the tips of her fingers tingle, much like the toxins Camden produced. Her knees shook, her stomach went weightless, and she craved more.
She pulled back, trying to clear her mind from the intoxicating spell weaving around them.
“After I nearly killed the first guy who tried to touch me, my uncle decided it was best to maintain a no-touch policy…bad for business and all to kill the customers.” Annora shrugged, grateful for small mercies. It was worth the beating that broke both her arms, a number of ribs, and fractured her jaw, the internal injuries so severe it took over a month to heal. “I’ve always wondered if I would like it.”
With a tortured groan, he carefully deposited her on the floor, and she allowed her hands to drag down his chest, already missing the closeness.
Then he stooped and looked directly in her eyes, making sure he had her complete attention. “Then we will go slowly, but you are not allowed to touch anyone but the guys on the team, understand?”
The thought of being able to touch or kiss any of the guys left her body tingling. Though she knew she should protest their edict, she had no interest in anyone else, the idea leaving her cold…but his demand left her confused, and she answered honestly, “No.”
He huffed out a nervous-sounding laugh, then carefully tucked her hand along his forearm. “Then we’ll go the kitchen and discuss it over dinner.”
On the way down the stairs, she nearly tripped over her own feet when it occurred to her that he was afraid to be alone with her.
She followed Mason, her thoughts on the past. She grew up in a world where her uncle took whatever he wanted, and many of his associates were the same. A few would touch her, but it never went any further, none
of them wanting to risk destroying her ability to bring them back from the brink of death.
* * *
Mason absently touched his cheek, still able to feel her lips brush against him like butterfly wings. He’d dated women in the past, some of them pursuing him out of curiosity, checking him off their paranormal sex list. Most females were too fragile for him to even bother giving them a second look.
That’s what he found so amusing about Annora.
She was the opposite of his ideal mate in every way, but it didn’t matter one whit. The instant she touched his hair at the arena, he knew she was his mate—without ever seeing her face. It was like all his senses came alive for the first time.
It didn’t matter that she was tiny, that he could break her with a look or that a strong wind could knock her over.
He followed her slowly down the stairs, unable to stop admiring the unconscious, sexy sway to her hips, a combination of innocence and seduction.
She was perfect for him in every way.
He just had to convince her of it. He marveled when she didn’t see him as a monster, didn’t see him as a freak or an idiot. And the pure fascination in her eyes when she looked at him, told him she saw him as more than the muscle.
She saw the real him underneath his beastly exterior.
She might not know it yet, but she was halfway in love with him already. He had to move slowly, let her continue seducing him. Hopefully he would survive the lust threatening to consume him long enough for her to admit her feelings.
He just needed to keep them both alive long enough for her to realize they belonged together.
* * *
By the time she and Mason made it to the kitchen, the rest of the guys were waiting for them. To her surprise, they all stood when she entered. She made sure to meet their eyes, determined to act normal…at least with them.
Xander looked the same, his teal eyes always watching, his black and white hair expertly styled. He didn’t dress up for their night out, but wore his normal T-shirt, jeans and boots. Camden actually paid more attention to his appearance, switching out his shirt to something a little fancier, the iridescent blue seeming to make his black hair shimmer in the light.
Logan was the most transformed as he quickly came around the table and held out a chair for her at the head of the table. Though he took the utmost care with his appearance, his black and red hair styled and slicked back, she couldn’t place what was different.
She stood by the chair as she studied him a bit longer, when she finally noticed it…his small smile was genuine. His lips were thin and firm, but there was a softness to his face now that turned him from an asshole into someone who would snuggle up with her in bed and listen to whatever she had to say, all without comment or judgement.
Only when she sat did the rest of the guys resume their seats.
While the others began to pile food on their plates, Mason cleared his throat. “I was just explaining to Annora that she has permission to touch any of us at any time. She hasn’t had much contact with anyone for a long time, and wants to practice.”
Everyone at the table seemed to freeze, then their attention shifted completely to her.
“We shifters are a possessive lot,” he continued. “Any kissing or more intimate touches should be restricted to the group…if she should so desire.” Then he turned away from the guys to look directly at her, something hardening on his face as his troll made an appearance. “You will take the lead, and the guys will follow. No one will take things too far. If they make you uncomfortable, you will come to me. Understand?”
“All of you?” Annora wasn’t sure if she was charmed by his protectiveness or wanted to sink under the tables and hide. Half of her wished she’d never brought up the subject. She would’ve said as much if not for the fact that the thought of touching them sent her pulse racing, and not with anxiety, as she expected. Imagining touching them, even platonically, sent her pulse skittering—which blew her mind. But the idea of getting close to any male other than these four made her break out in a cold sweat.
When none of the guys protested or objected, she bit her lip.
“You’re not obligated to choose any of us…or you can choose all of us.” Mason kept his voice low and soothing, almost hypnotic. “Mixed race teams are rare. Mixed sex, both female and male, are even rarer. It’s not uncommon for teams to become more than friends—we become family. In very special occasions, they’re lucky enough to find their grá.”
He meant lovers and more.
He must have seen her surprise, the no doubt owlish look on her face, like someone had bitch-slapped her, and he hurried to reassure her. “The choice will always be yours. On our honor.”
She opened her mouth, then closed it again as each of the guys nodded. Her thoughts were so scattered she couldn’t think properly, but they seemed to be waiting for her to say something. “Which of you have girlfriends? I don’t want anyone to be pissed at me or making trouble if I touch who they consider their man.”
Despite the food getting cold, none of the guys moved to eat. They immediately shook their heads, and she couldn’t help but frown. Though she directed her next question at Mason, she watched all the guys. “So I’m allowed to touch you, even kiss you if I want, but as long as it’s only the four of you, none of you mind?”
Xander frowned when the others remained silent. “You’re free to show interest in anyone you like, inside or outside of this group, but be warned that our beasts can become…possessive. If we feel the gentleman you select isn’t good enough for you, we reserve the right to run him off.”
Annora was flabbergasted at his blatant macho response, but appreciated his honesty.
“Just no wolves.” Camden couldn’t resist scowling. “None of them are good enough.”
Though she didn’t say anything, she silently agreed.
Every wolf she’d met so far had left a bad taste in her mouth.
Logan picked up her plate and began to pile it high with food. When he set it down, he gave her a wink. “And you can ask us anything when you’re unsure of something.”
The rest of the meal passed quickly, the guys tucking into their food, casting her curious looks every few mouthfuls. Camden finally broke the tension in the room by bringing up their case. “The party doesn’t really begin until after ten, which will leave us a little time to plan. Until you become more familiar with the university and the different species, I want someone with you at all times.”
He narrowed his eyes at her, as if waiting for her to object, and she set aside her fork. “No problem.” The last thing she wanted was to be left alone with a bunch of strangers anyway.
“Keep the drinking to a minimum.” Camden gave Logan a pointed look. Aside from a slight wrinkle on his forehead, he didn’t object.
“What are we looking for, exactly?” Annora cast a curious look at each of them.
“I’ve been checking the dates, and it looks like kids go missing on party nights.” Xander downed his glass of water, then shoved away his plate and rested his arms on the table. “We need to discover if it’s someone at the party doing the abducting, or if someone is lying in wait for the unsuspecting students after the party shuts down.”
But something about the whole situation bothered her.
“What is it?” Xander’s sharp eyes caught her frown.
“Doesn’t anyone else find it odd that there’s no crime scene? No witnesses? Or even a body or two?” She glanced up from her plate to find the whole table watching her. “You’re supernaturals, you’re trained fighters—hell, you’re supposed to be able to sense danger—but apparently no one bothered to put up a fight. Not even a single drop of blood. Doesn’t anyone find it even the little bit suspicious?”
Camden shoved back his chair and began pacing. “They’re organized.”
“It’s more than that. She’s right. They’re hunting students.” Xander leaned back in his chair and crossed his arms. “We’ve found no clues…which i
s a clue in itself. No human could pull this off.”
“And it has to be someone you’re used to seeing around campus, so they don’t attract suspicion,” Annora noted as she began to clear off the dishes. When she turned back to the table, she skidded to a stop to see all the guys staring at her. “What? I had a lot of time on my hands growing up, and it’s not like I had a lot of visitors. Plenty of time to plot my escape and the many ways I could get away with murder.”
Xander raised an eyebrow, seeming more intrigued than freaked out. Logan seemed genuinely amused, while Mason looked ready to find her uncle so he could rip him in half. Camden just studied her like she was a puzzle he couldn’t quite figure out…a look Rufus often wore when he watched her.
The dishes were cleared away quickly, the guys immediately getting up to help.
“We should do one quick sweep of the campus before we head out.” Camden leaned back against the kitchen counter, his arms crossed. “I think you should remain behind. You were recently injured, and—”
“I’ll stay back to change her bandage and go over a few self-defense moves to use if she should find herself in trouble.” Xander began to stretch his arms over his head, his shirt lifting up to reveal a delicious glimpse of satiny masculine flesh, his muscles so chiseled she couldn’t imagine anyone would be stupid enough to challenge him to a fight.
Mason and Logan grumbled, but headed for the door and slipped on their shoes. Camden didn’t move, watching them closely for a moment, almost like he regretted leaving her behind. Xander smirked, which only made Camden scowl harder.
Xander came to a stop next to her, and they watched the others leave in silence.
“Come.” Xander carefully walked around her, but instead of heading up the stairs, he turned down the hallway to the door she’d been using as target practice. She was a few paces behind him when he opened the door, flipped on the light then jogged down into the basement.
Everything inside her froze.
Tethered to the World: A Phantom Touched Novel Page 12