Moon of Fire

by Aliyah Burke

  I ain’t getting answers staring at my reflection. He gripped the blankets and headed for the hallway. Walking cautiously, he passed an empty bedroom.

  Then a bathroom. At his right was another room. This one wasn’t empty. A figure lay sprawled out face down on the bed. He blinked. A naked woman.

  He gulped as he ran his gaze over her form. It wasn’t just the toned legs and firm ass, dark as if coated by chocolate. Nor the trim waist and full hips that were designed for a man to hold as he fucked the woman in question. It was all of it, together.

  Her back bore a wealth of scars. He had scars of his own, so it wasn’t surprising to see them. There was one huge difference, however, and this was why he stared. Hers were melded intricately with the detailed tattoo covering her back—a silver dragon with outstretched wings and extended claws. The creature looked to be in the midst of a steep climb. The one eye he could see was a black diamond surrounding a flicker of fire.

  He swore it watched him. Scars created veins or scales. The job was so life-like, he wondered if it weren’t real and alive. Deadly. Dangerous. Ultimately beautiful.

  Damn.

  He couldn’t place the woman yet he swore she was the one from the snippets of visions he was getting. As he stared at her, the haze around her faded. One moment more passed and it covered her again.

  Luc skimmed his gaze along the room, noting the sparseness. One bag sat in a chair. He looked back to the woman and approached the bed. The tattoo moved. He blinked, pulling up short.

  I have to be seeing things.

  He gave a small shake of his head and opened his eyes to a cold draft in the room. If it affected the woman, there were no outward signs of such. He debated leaving or covering her with a blanket.

  Luc went until his shins connected to the edge of the bed. He had four blankets around his naked body and she had zero. The haze thickened but he chalked it up to the same craziness that had him thinking her tat had moved.

  Swinging one off, he spread it out over her. Then his balance vanished. With a groan, he reached out to steady himself and a wave of warmth washed over him.

  Then he blacked out.

  * * * *

  Heat unlike anything he’d ever experienced before woke him. Not painful but arousing. It engulfed him from head to toe, awakening feelings he didn’t realize he had any longer. His cock was rock-hard and pressed against a warm, slick heat.

  He opened his eyes and found he’d gotten intertwined with the woman on the bed and that they were under the blankets together, legs tangled. Her naked body was tight to his, her breasts flattened against his chest and her arms between their bodies. Her fingertips grazed along his groin and he had to bite his lip to keep the groan inside.

  One second he was in his misery alone and the next she opened her eyes to stare at him. The intensity of her gaze shocked him.

  “Guess you took that whole sharing body heat thing to heart.”

  Luc couldn’t pick up on any anger or embarrassment in her tone. “Sorry, I know I came in here to cover you up with a blanket and… Not sure what happened, but here we are.”

  Her fingers flexed and he bit the inside of his lip, this time hard enough to draw blood, to keep the moan contained. “Here we are.” She blinked. “How are your wounds?”

  I’m injured? “Who are you?” He countered her question with one of his own.

  “I was asking you that earlier when you passed out.”

  He narrowed his eyes. “Passed out?”

  “Yep. Sank into a heap.”

  “Who helped you carry me?”

  “Why don’t you tell me who you are? I mean, your cock is just about to be inside me, I think I deserve to at least know your name.”

  He had to take a few deep breaths to keep from bucking his hips and driving his cock into the warmth he would bet existed there. “Luc.”

  “And what are you doing out here, Luc?”

  “I don’t know where here is.” He rested his hand on her waist, flexing his fingers along her smooth skin. He hadn’t any intention of moving away from her, especially since she didn’t act like it was an issue for her.

  “Here is on the outskirts of the Boundary Waters, near Grand Marais.”

  He let her words sink in but couldn’t pull up a single reason as to why he would be in Minnesota. Not one. Instead of dwelling on that, he stroked over her again, admiring the ridges of her scars. He also let it go that she didn’t tell him who she was.

  “I saw your tattoo earlier,” he said in a low tone.

  “Tattoo?” Was it his imagination, or did he pick up on surprise in her question?

  “Yes, the dragon. Not sure how you could forget you had that one. How long did it take to get put on?”

  “You saw my tattoo?”

  “Sweetheart, you were lying naked on the bed here when I came in. Kind of hard to miss it. The thing is impressive, covering your back as it does. The position and intricate detail… I’m impressed.”

  “Interesting.”

  He stared at her, losing himself in her straightforward gaze. Okay, not what I would have expected for her to say when I mentioned her tattoo. “What happens now?”

  “I was going to get up and put on some clothing. You should probably rest some more—you were outside in the cold for a while.”

  While he didn’t want to release her, he didn’t attempt to restrain her as she rolled from his arms and the bed. The odd thing was that the warmth went with her. He stared unabashedly as she walked away naked, offering him another glance at her back, where the tattoo still existed but had changed. Now both wings were outstretched and the claws were reaching toward him, as if the dragon were swooping down on some unsuspecting prey.

  Once I figure out where I am and how the fuck I got to wherever this happens to be, I really need to get some help. Because I’m losing it.

  He closed his eyes and allowed the remaining warmth lingering in the blankets to assist him in finding his sleep zone. His erection raged and he struggled not to reach down and circle his hand around it to stroke himself to relief.

  The next time he woke, the winds somehow managed to sound even louder. Whatever pounded against the window no longer was solely sleet. He cracked open his eyes to find the same single light illuminating the room. He was alone there and he sat up in an attempt to locate the woman he’d woken nude with before.

  The interior of the cabin was silent. He couldn’t even make out the sound of a fire in the fireplace. It was as if he’d gone into a vacuum and could hear nothing surrounding him.

  Chapter Two

  She couldn’t see it. No matter how hard she tried, Dracen couldn’t see this massive, intricate tattoo Luc had mentioned. As she stared in the mirror, she spied the Chinese word for dragon that was positioned at the base of her neck. Her scars were visible.

  But no dragon.

  Dracen shrugged and put her leather shirt back on, hiding the visual reminders of the life she led. She faced the mirror as she deftly laced up the front. Once it was secured, she snapped the flap over the laces, ensuring they wouldn’t get in the way in a battle. Her mind drifted back to the man who lay in the bed. Her bed.

  Something was stopping her from extracting information from him. That was her gift. Or curse. She could take information from people’s minds with a single touch. However, she got it all. The good and the bad. It wasn’t stuff she could forget, either. Their horrors, nightmares and sick proclivities became hers to carry around, to live with for the rest of her life. All the darkness gnawed at her soul, dragging her down, killing some of the good in her.

  Departing the bathroom, she walked to the living room and added more wood to the fireplace. She had to ensure the heat would last until she returned. Then she began moving the furniture back to its original position. After that had been accomplished, she picked up his clothes and carried them back to the bedroom.

  Luc was upright in bed, the blankets around his waist. She left the light low in the room, not adding t
o it, and stepped in. His dark green gaze tracked her every movement.

  “How are you feeling?”

  “Better. How long have I been sleeping?”

  She stared at his clothes for a moment. “A few hours.” Dracen set his pants down on the bed within his reach. “I’ll go get you some more clothes. Do not leave.”

  “And go where in nothing but a pair of jeans?”

  “No clue. All I know is I have no wish to hunt you back down.”

  “I’ll be right here.”

  She ran her gaze over him. “Good.” She turned.

  “Wait.”

  “I will bring you some tea. You need to sleep more.” His gaze unnerved her and she wanted away from his scrutiny.

  He appeared as if he would argue but settled back and pulled up the blankets. She gave him a small nod of approval before ducking out. Why does his stare make me so nervous?

  She hadn’t formulated an answer by the time the tea had finished brewing. Sliding her fingers through the handle, she walked back to the bedroom. Luc’s eyes popped open and followed her movement to his side.

  “Sit up.”

  He did and she took another appreciative glance at his chest. Tearing her gaze from his torso, she offered him the cup, handle first.

  “It’s hot. Take slow sips.”

  He quirked an eyebrow at her statement but nodded. “What kind of tea is this?”

  “Herbal.” Lian’s mixture was meant to heal and she didn’t feel like discussing with him all the herbs contained within it.

  “Leaves a broad interpretation.”

  “Suppose so.” She gestured with her chin. “Finish it.”

  “Am I to salute when you order me around?” There was a hint of laughter behind his question.

  “No, just follow it.”

  He grunted even as he finished the tea. She retrieved the mug from his hand, ensuring not to touch him, then left the room. Pulling on her ankle-length, black, leather trench, she peeked back in the room, grateful to discover him knocked out.

  She approached the bed and stood there for a moment. Calling forth a tanto, she flipped the knife and placed it under his palm. His hand closed around it and she stepped back before making her way outside.

  Turning up the collar of her coat, she trudged off in the storm to the local store which opened early.

  “Good morning, Ms. Lloyd.”

  “Morning, Mr. Haskell,” she replied to the man who welcomed her as she entered.

  Dracen went to the clothing section and grabbed a few things Luc could use—and needed. Then she swung through the food section and took some more of the necessary staples she’d need.

  Mike rang her up and packaged her items. “Tell me you didn’t walk.”

  “Okay.” She gave him cash and waited for her change. “I didn’t walk.” She couldn’t use her credit card, for she knew Edmond would be all over that transaction in a heartbeat.

  Mike huffed. “I don’t have to tell you it’s dangerous.”

  “I enjoy it. I’m being safe.” She didn’t need his concern but she liked him well enough to put up with his fatherly advice and worry.

  He dropped her change in the palm of her black glove. “See you soon.”

  “Yessir.”

  He’d packed the items in plastic bags to protect them from the weather. She took the handles and lifted all six bags.

  “I brought a sled,” she said, before he could make a comment.

  “Your man should be with you.” He waved a hand. “I’m minding my own,” he added. “I’m just saying.”

  “Have a good day, Mr. Haskell.”

  “Bye, hon. You as well.”

  She turned the doorknob and let herself outside into the snow, which had increased since she’d entered the shop. Tightening her grip on the bags, she set off back to the cabin.

  She could have used her speed to make it in no time but she didn’t. She hadn’t lied when she’d stated she enjoyed walking. Being outside in the cold was comforting to her. The beauty that came along with the fresh falling powder, how it hid the ugliness in the world and covered it with a new blanket of purity. For some reason being here was calming down the growing anger within her. She might not know why it was happening but she would take the assistance. There was something else though, as if she were supposed to be here. Why…? She hadn’t figured that bit of reason yet.

  The sun struggled to slice through the snow clouds and did very little in way of cutting the cold. She didn’t mind that either but she slowed before she reached the cabin, checking the area.

  Once she was confident there wasn’t any trouble lurking, she completed the journey and stepped inside the warm cabin. The living room was empty and she placed the bags with his clothing on one of the sofas as she took the bags with the food to the kitchen, where she put them away.

  She made him a cup of chicken broth and added some more herbs to it. Swinging by the sofa, she swiped the three bags there then carried them in one hand back to the bedroom, the steaming mug in the other.

  “Luc.” She announced her presence, stepping into the room.

  His eyes flew open and she watched his reaction with the knife she’d left in his possession. His hand curved around it and she recognized the look in his eyes—he was someone capable and ready to do what was necessary to stay safe.

  She held still, waiting for him to figure out the situation. Dracen held no fear he would injure her. Had she contained the slightest wonder, she never would have provided him with one of her tantos.

  When he relaxed—however slightly—she progressed to the bed. The clothing bags she placed at his covered feet before stepping by his side in order to hand him the cup.

  “Drink.”

  Their fingers grazed and it took everything she had not to shiver from the intense, visceral reaction it created.

  “Chicken broth?”

  She blinked and unzipped her trench. “Drink.”

  He held her gaze and put the cup to his lips. She remained snared by his dark green stare as he finished the contents.

  “How are you feeling?” She posed the question while she shrugged free of the coat.

  “Naked.”

  Without intending to, she snapped her attention directly to his crotch. “There are clothes for you. I have some questions.”

  He set the cup on the bedside table and sat forward. She observed him drag the bags closer as she draped her coat over her forearm.

  “Given you’ve already seen me naked, I’m not sure I should ask you to leave or not. This could be the beginning of a beautiful friendship.”

  She spun on her heels. “I’ll be in the kitchen.” At the door, she hesitated before continuing on out of the room, a decadent chuckle trailing her. Dracen hung up her coat then began making breakfast.

  A short time later, his soft footsteps reached her.

  “Smells good.”

  Dracen peered over her shoulder and bit back a moan that raced unbidden up her throat. What is wrong with me? He’d pulled on a pair of jeans that hung low on lean hips, his shirt was in his arms, and as she stared, he pulled it over his head. His black hair gleamed in the light.

  One more perusal and she turned back to the eggs she was scrambling. “No need to hide the knife. I gave it to you and it’s not wise to have it being carried in your boot. If you’d like a boot knife, I’m happy to provide you with one that has a sheath.”

  “Why did you…?” He paused to withdraw it from his boot. In the window’s reflection she studied him as he spun it in his hand. “Leave me with it.”

  “You’re a warrior who had no weapons. I thought you may be more comfortable with one.”

  “As are you. I remember you were out there. Those things, what were they?”

  Dracen kept an eye on the eggs as she turned the sausage links. “Have you recalled why you’re up here? Do you have a cabin nearby?”

  He placed the knife by the sink and washed his hands before drying them. “I still haven’
t any idea how I got here.” He pulled the bread from the toaster oven and placed it on the plate.

  Her sign corrected her when she, again, thought about forcing the information from his mind. Regardless whether he recalled it, the truth was in his head.

  “I saw you,” he said, reaching for the butter. “I think I saw you with swords.” He shrugged. “I don’t know.”

  “You were out in the cold. Hallucinations are possible.” She checked the scrambled eggs once more.

  “How many siblings do you have?”

  His abrupt change of subject threw her for a moment. “What makes you think I have any?”

  “The way you had me drinking the tea and broth. Obvious you either have kids or siblings. Being you’re here alone, I’m going to go with siblings.”

  Astute.

  “Siblings. Quite a few.” She shut off the burner. “What about you?”

  “There are five of us. Three boys and two girls.”

  “Do any of them live around here? Perhaps this is your reason for being up here.”

  “No,” he said. “I thought about that. They all live in Arizona.”

  Using the hot pad, she hefted the cast iron skillet and carried the eggs and sausage to the table where she placed it upon the matching pad. He trailed her with coffee and toast.

  Odd how easy it is to work with him like this. She skimmed the table to see if there was anything else she’d missed. “Visiting a girlfriend? Boyfriend?”

  “Currently unattached and it would be a girlfriend, not boyfriend. Would you like butter on your toast?”

  I’m not sure why I feel so comfortable around a man I barely know. There wasn’t any sign of him being a mate, my mate, and I was touching him all over. All she could say for sure was this man soothed her merely by being in her presence.

  She nodded and split up the eggs and sausage, giving him a bit more than she did herself. “Surely someone is looking for you.” Dracen locked on to his dark forest green eyes as she slipped his plate before him.

  Luc cleared his throat as he buttered the toast for the woman sharing a table with him. Is someone looking for me? What the hell am I doing here? I don’t know anyone up in Minnesota.