by Trudi Jaye
I wave my hand about, looking around the room, trying to gather my thoughts. “You know what I mean. I have a feeling he’s the kind of person who’d hold something like that against me.”
“I’ll make sure he knows that it’s my debt, not yours,” he says softly.
I glance back at Blade and fall into his intense gaze. His green and gold eyes are burning, and I feel heat rising up through my face. My hands flutter in my lap, and Blade moves forward onto his knees so he can engulf my hands inside his large ones. The tingling moves along my hands, up my arms, and into my core.
“I…” I don’t even know what I’m going to say, but it doesn’t matter, because Blade leans in and kisses me softly on the mouth. My legs are on either side of his body. Electricity shoots out from every place inside me, and I moan, moving closer to him. He puts his arms around my back and draws me against him, so now it’s not just our lips touching, but our bodies too.
I clutch at his shirt, where my hands have ended up against his muscled chest, and lean into the kiss, starved for the feelings he’s able to draw forth so easily. My whole body feels like molten lava, heat flowing through my veins, making me erupt in the most intriguing ways.
The vibration of a phone going off jolts me out of the spinning desire. I pull away, feeling for my phone. It’s not ringing. “It’s yours,” I murmur, as he nuzzles the side of my neck. He groans and reaches into his pocket.
“Yes?” His tone is short.
I struggle to suppress a smile.
He listens for a moment and then pulls back, away from me. “Yes, okay. Don’t worry, it’ll be fine.”
He moves gracefully from kneeling to a crouched position and then back to standing in one motion, and I admire the sleek, solid outline of his body. The body I had against me only moments before. Heat makes my face flame. I probably look like a Christmas tree all lit up.
“Okay. Yes, I’ll be there. See you by morning,” he says, and then presses the button to release the call.
“Who was that?” I ask.
“My sister. There’s a family emergency. I have to head home for a couple of days.”
My glow immediately disappears. “What if there’s another demon attack?” I’ve seen enough demons for a lifetime.
“There won’t be. It’ll be fine.” He pauses and gazes down at me with hooded eyes. “I wouldn’t go if I didn’t really have to.”
“Where does she live?”
“Up near Chester. Six hours from here.”
“Will it take longer than the weekend?”
“Probably not.”
“Can I come too?” I’m practically pleading with him, but at this moment, I don’t want to be left here alone to feel the wrath of any demons who might stroll past. And he makes me feel good. There’s something about his presence that’s soothing. I don’t know how to explain it; I just know it’s true.
He hesitates and then nods. “I’ll let Damien know what’s happened. I’m sure he’ll agree it’s for the best, until he can get back here and give us a few more pointers on exactly what you are and how to keep you safe.” He starts typing out a text, presumably to Damien.
I nod, as if this is the reason I want to get out of town with him.
“I shouldn’t have done that,” he says abruptly, as he pushes send on his phone.
“What?”
“I shouldn’t have kissed you. It won’t happen again.”
I blink. “Why not?” I ask without thinking. All I want to do is kiss him again, and he can’t reject me fast enough.
“I’m a SIG agent assigned to look after you. It’s not professional.”
“Then why did you do it?”
He rubs a hand over his face, as if he’s trying to clear away memories. I hope it’s the memory of our kiss that he can’t forget. I hope it was as hot for him as it was for me. I hope he burns with it and it keeps him up in the night.
“Because you looked so sad, and I wanted to comfort you, to make you forget all your worries.”
The words are a physical blow to my chest. He isn’t attracted to me. I looked sad. It was all about protecting me and trying to make me feel better.
It was a pity kiss.
“Don’t kiss me ever again.” I snarl the words.
He glances over at me, as if surprised at my reaction. Then his expression tightens. “There won’t be another kiss,” he says. His phone pings, and he glances at the incoming message.
“I’ve changed my mind. I don’t want to go with you to your sister’s place.” I can’t bear to be around his smug expression. Mr. Smug Pity-Kiss.
“No can do. I have to take you with me. Damien has upgraded the threat level surrounding you from a five to a seven, and that means constant surveillance.”
“When did you find this out?”
“Just now.” He checks the time on his watch. “Come on, you need to pack. We have to leave tonight if I’m going to sort out this mess in time.”
I’m dying to ask what the family issue is, but I’m still bruised from his abrupt rejection, so I stand up and go into the bedroom without a word. Soon I’ve got a little weekend bag packed with a few changes of clothes, toiletries, and the book I’m reading. I hesitate by the door of my home lab. Should I take some of my demon hunting gear? But after tonight, the thought of going up against another demon on my own leaves me feeling shaky and tense.
I leave my gear where it is.
36
When I enter the living room carrying my bags, I find Blade already dressed and ready to go. It’s just luck that he’d taken spare clothes out of his Jeep, otherwise he’d be wearing my old sweats. He’s midstretch and winces from the wound at his side.
“I need to check your wound, change the bandage before we go,” I say.
He looks over. “No.”
“You’ll be driving for six straight hours, and it hasn’t been changed for at least a day. It will make it easier to drive.” I don’t know why I’m arguing for him to make it easier on himself. I should be glad that he’s going to hurt by the time he’s finished driving to his sister’s place.
“Okay. Just be quick. We need to get going.”
I’m still bursting to ask what his sister’s problem is, but he doesn’t offer anything more, and I’m determined not to pry. Especially since he sees me as a pity kiss.
He sits down on the edge of the sofa and lifts his shirt, revealing golden brown skin and defined muscles across his chest and stomach. I swallow hard. Clenching my teeth together, I take a step in and start removing the bandage. As I pull it off, I’m shocked by what I see. The wound that was raw and open only a day and a half ago has tightened up and started healing. It looks like a wound that’s a few weeks old. “How did you…?”
Blade shrugs. “Faster healing. I bet you’re the same.”
I don’t bother to bandage him up again, simply slathering on some cream and a large adhesive bandage over the wound. My head is spinning yet again.
“You really think I’d heal like that?” I ask. I’m trying to remember if I’ve ever had a major injury, but I don’t think I have.
“Maybe. Most supers I know heal faster.”
I nod, still trying to figure out what I think about it all.
“Let’s go,” he says impatiently.
I hesitate and then go to the cupboard, pulling out a bag of chips and some cookies, leaving them on the table beside the couch.
“For Nelson?”
I shrug. “He helped me,” I say. “No harm in returning some favors.”
For some reason, I’m reluctant to leave my apartment. It’s a safe haven, the place that’s kept me sane over the last couple of years. “It’s just the weekend, right?” I say to Blade.
He nods. “Just the weekend.”
It’s only when we get outside that we both remember what happened to Blade’s Jeep.
“We can take my car,” I say quickly. “It’ll be fine.” I’m not entirely certain it will be—my car is a heap.
“We can take it around to my storage unit. I’ll grab one of the other cars from there. My sister lives in the middle of nowhere. We’ll need a sturdy vehicle to get there.”
I let out a small breath of relief. “I’m sorry about your Jeep,” I say softly.
“What’s done is done,” he replies, and walks stiffly out to my car.
When we arrive at the storage place, it’s all dark and locked up. Blade doesn’t hesitate, entering a code into the gate, and driving in, parking next to a large garage. I grab my bags and follow Blade to the unit door, waiting patiently as he unlocks it. I’m not expecting the sky-blue, mint-condition Ford pickup truck that’s slotted neatly into the space. “It’s beautiful,” I say, running a hand along the painted surface.
“Come on, we have to get going.” Blade’s expression is impatient. He’s clearly anxious to get to his sister.
For about the tenth time since the phone call, I wonder what kind of trouble his sister has gotten herself into that he has to rush off like this. He takes off down the road, and we’re soon out on the open highway, still not talking much, especially about that kiss.
I’m gazing morosely out the window, looking at the early morning glow of the sunrise over the landscape, when I feel the vibration of my phone in my jacket pocket. A strange number flashes on my screen. “Hello?”
“Hi, Hazel, it’s Connor. I just wanted to make sure you were okay for our date tonight?”
My heart drops. I’d completely forgotten I’d agreed to go on a date. All I can manage is silence.
Luckily, Connor continues speaking. “I heard what happened from the Professor, and I thought you might want to postpone?” His voice is all solicitous concern.
I still can’t think straight. I can’t believe I forgot about dinner with Connor.
“Hazel?”
“Sorry, Connor,” I blurt. “I think you’re right. We might have to postpone our… date.” I glance over at Blade, but he’s focused on the road. “I’m feeling a little woozy. How about you call me next week to arrange another time?”
“That would be lovely. I can’t wait,” says Connor, his voice somehow managing to sound like molasses on top of smooth, creamy ice cream.
My stomach tingles at the thought. “Bye, Connor.”
“Goodbye, Hazel.”
I hang up the phone and discover that Blade was listening after all. “Who was that?” he asks, his expression dark.
I shrug absently, purposefully trying to piss him off after his pity-kiss. “This guy from work. We were supposed to go on a date tonight, and I forgot about it.” See? I want to shout at him, I have other guys interested in me.
“Can’t be a very interesting guy, if you forgot about him,” says Blade.
Stung, I glare at him. “He’s actually rather hot, and a rich businessman to boot. He wouldn’t pity-kiss me.” I’m stunned at the words coming out of my mouth. I never talk like this. The blue glow that’s been on my hand is extending up my arm.
“Why don’t you stay in town and go on the date, then?” Blade’s expression is grim.
My hand drops to my lap. “Maybe I should,” I say peevishly. “It would be better company.” I may as well make the most of my new ability to say what I’m thinking.
Blade’s hands clench around the wheel again, and the pickup starts going faster.
“If your goal is to get a speeding ticket, you’re going to achieve it.”
“I’ll handle the driving, you handle yourself.”
“Not when your driving is going to get us both killed.”
He slows marginally but maintains a brooding scowl on his side of the car.
We drive in angry silence, me staring out the window, Blade focused on the road. I’m finding it hard to remember what it was about Blade that I thought I liked enough to kiss.
After about an hour of driving, we turn off onto a smaller side road, and the countryside starts becoming more mountainous, trees and scrub interrupting the view.
I’ve calmed down enough to know I was acting like a brat. Again. “I’m sorry. I’m just on edge,” I say into the silence.
He sighs and glances my way. “I’m sorry too. I’m not feeling 100 percent myself.” He glances down at his side where his shirt covers his wound. “I’m sorry you missed your date,” he says carefully.
“He’s not my normal type of guy,” I say. Who am I kidding? I haven’t been on a date in years. I have no normal type.
“Why not?” Blade frowns.
“I was surprised when he asked me out,” I say quietly, my hands in my lap.
“Why would you be surprised?” Blade’s voice is gruff.
“I’m not exactly his usual type.”
“How do you know that?”
“You think a perfectly dressed businessman is going to go for scruffy and forgetful?”
“You have your own charm, Hazel. Far more than you realize.”
“Is that supposed to make up for your pity-kiss?”
“I didn’t—” He stops, composes himself, and starts again. “That kiss was a mistake. It can’t ever happen again. But it doesn’t mean I don’t admire you, Hazel.”
I make a face, stung by his weak words. “You admire me?” I wave my hand agitatedly at him. “I don’t want to talk about it anymore. You’re making it worse.”
He opens his mouth to argue, then just shakes his head and keeps his eyes on the road for the next few miles. I sit in stony silence, my arms crossed over my chest. At first, I’m storming over Blade and his explanations and his pity-kiss, but then I move on to Connor and the possible reasons he’s asked me out.
I don’t get it. He’s a handsome guy, but it’s not just that. I’ve been asked out by attractive men. I mean, it was a while ago and it was probably boys rather than men at that point, but still asked out. I’m not unattractive.
No, this time, it’s that he’s very carefully put together.
He’s sophisticated, charming, and ticks all the boxes on every girl’s Prince Charming list. It makes no sense that he’s interested in me.
I mostly buy my clothes from Walmart, and I’m more concerned with demons than dressing up. I know I’m smart, but it isn’t always obvious to those who first meet me.
What does he want with me?
The question plagues me for miles.
When we stop for gas, I grab a sweatshirt from my bag. I put my glasses in their case, and curl up to sleep, still wondering why Connor likes me—and if he’d give me a pity-kiss.
When I wake, it’s just starting to get light. Everything is a little blurry until I put my glasses on. We’re driving down narrow roads with thick forest on both sides. It’s pretty scenery, and the part of me that can admire the view is glad I came with Blade on this road trip. My neck is painful from sleeping awkwardly, and I have pins and needles in one arm. My hand is glowing blue, and my stomach is churning with emotion. I start the breathing exercises Damien showed me to control the demon. The glow dims and my stomach calms.
I keep breathing slowly until my skin is its normal color. I stare down at my hand, trying to understand the empty feeling inside me. “Are we almost there?” I ask, trying to distract myself from my lack of emotion.
Blade clears his throat. “About half an hour.”
“What does your sister do all the way out here?”
“She runs the family guest ranch.”
Of all the things I was expecting him to say, that was not it. “Guest ranch?”
“Sure. It’s family-owned land, and the guest ranch has been there since I can remember. My sister decided she wanted to run it when she got out of business school.”
“So what’s the urgent problem that’s got us running up here?” My anger has ebbed away and I finally feel like I can ask the question.
“For some reason, she’s flooded with demons.”
My heart leaps. “Demons?”
He glances over at me. “I know, bad timing. But if we don’t get them out, they’ll rui
n her season. Not to mention put all their lives at risk. Demons and ranches don’t go well together.”
“What are you going to do?”
“Get rid of them.”
I nod carefully. “I can use it as an opportunity to practice on them. Try to figure out what my powers are.”
Blade shakes his head. “No. This isn’t a game. It’s my sister’s sole income and she has two growing boys to feed. I don’t have time to keep an eye on you while you practice. I have to find and destroy the demons as fast as possible.”
“But—”
“No buts. You’re going to sit with my sister and wait while I sort out the demons.”
37
We turn onto a gravel drive and eventually arrive at a large two-story wooden house set in the middle of tall pine trees. There’s no one else around. Blade sees me looking around in confusion.
“The season hasn’t started yet,” he says. “It’s just my sister and her boys up here.”
I nod. That makes sense. I get out of the car and stretch, taking a deep breath. The smell of pine in the air makes me feel like it should be snowing, maybe with some Christmas carols on the radio.
“Uncle Nico, Uncle Nico!” Two little kids, probably about nine or ten, run out from the house to Blade. I look over at him with a frown on my face. He smiles and crouches down to grab the two small boys in a big hug. He looks happier and more relaxed than I’ve ever seen him.
The two boys turn to stare at me, and I move around the car, putting out my hand. “I’m Hazel,” I say. “Nice to meet you.”
They ignore my hand and turn back to Blade. “Who’s she, Uncle Nico?”
“Is that your real name?” I ask. “Nico?”
Blade looks up at me, his green eyes deadpan. “My name is Nicolai Blade. People usually call me Blade.”
“Nico!” A woman’s voice calls out from the veranda that surrounds the small cabin.
“Everyone except your family?” I ask drily.
“They’re all called Blade as well. It wouldn’t make much sense for them to call me by my surname.”
The woman walks over and gives Blade a big hug. She’s like a female version of him—tall, black hair, green eyes, except she’s got an innate friendliness that her brother lacks. She smiles over at me. “And who’s this?”