Wild Keepers

by Dee Bridgnorth

  She simply didn’t know. Evan had told her that Leonie was not to be trusted. But then, he would, wouldn’t he? If he wanted to lead her away from the truth.

  “Maya?” He was still staring at her.

  She had to decide. The sensible thing would be to say it was too soon and try to change the subject. She knew that. She also knew that he would take it well. He wouldn’t suddenly turn cold, and try to make her feel guilty for refusing him. Any of that nonsense that men sometimes sprouted at times like these. Not that she had that much experience of it.

  The thing was…she wanted to as much as he did. And that need was pulsing between them so strongly it was a wonder that it wasn’t iridescent.

  She simply nodded. He didn’t say anything. He stood up, taking her hand.

  They walked out of the stadium without a backward glance.

  Chapter Eleven

  Maya stared out the cab window. The city streets were pulsing with people; some going out for the evening, and some returning home. She watched groups of people walking into restaurants for a late meal and lining up to go into bars. The city lights twinkled like a million fairy lights at a party.

  She didn’t want to turn and look at Evan, who was sitting beside her in the back. Their hands were entwined on the seat between them. She could feel the electricity coursing up her arm, and the weight of their mutual need. If she turned and looked at him, she was afraid that they would fall on each other now, and she didn’t want to make a spectacle of herself in front of the cab driver.

  Eventually, the cab turned into her street and pulled up outside. It was dark; she couldn’t see any lights on inside. She breathed a sigh of relief. She didn’t want to have to see the other girls. They would know instantly why Evan was there, and it would be embarrassing. No, it was better that they make their way to her bedroom, without being seen and questioned. Now that she had made up her mind, it was simple. She could deal with the fallout of it later.

  Evan paid the cab, and they stepped out. She took out her key, and pushed the rickety front door open. She had been right; there wasn’t anyone home. They had probably all headed out to a restaurant for the evening.

  She stared up at him, not able to see his face in the darkness. He leaned towards her, and they kissed, long and slow. He pushed her up against the wall of the hallway, his hands cradling her face.

  “This way,” she said, breathlessly, between kisses. She took his hand, and led him to one of the rooms off the hallway, closing the door firmly behind them.

  Maya walked to the side of the bed, clicking on a bedside lamp. A pool of soft light suddenly illuminated the room.

  Evan stared around, smiling softly. “Nice room.”

  She smiled, staring at the wrought iron bed and the pictures of ballet dancers on the walls, trying to see it through his eyes. “Thanks. Probably a bit girly for your tastes.”

  He walked slowly towards her, his dark blue eyes gleaming. “Maybe. But perfect for you. In fact, it’s exactly what I envisaged.” He smiled down at her. “A ballerina’s haven.”

  She stared up at him, trying to catch her breath. “Where do you live, Evan?”

  He hesitated slightly. “A converted warehouse. With four other guys. It’s not in a great part of town, but it’s pretty comfortable, and we all get along well.”

  Maya nodded. He didn’t seem to want to talk about his living arrangements, and he hadn’t mentioned the possibility of them going to his place instead of hers. In fact, it had been assumed that they would end up here.

  She studied his face. That handsome face that always made her heart start beating harder in her chest. She realised now that she had been wildly attracted to him from the moment she had laid eyes on him, in the theatre foyer. And it had never gone away. In fact, it had only intensified.

  She had been fighting a losing battle. It was always meant to be this way. She just hoped and prayed that he was being honest with her and that he wasn’t an opportunist as Leonie had hinted. And that when he told her there was nothing going on between him and Leonie that it was the truth.

  Evan kept staring down at her then took her hand. “Maya,” he whispered. “It’s not too late to change your mind, if that’s what you want. I want you so badly, but I promise that if you are unsure, I will walk out of this room and not hold it against you.”

  She nodded, staring at his lips, remembering the heat of their kisses tonight. Would she regret this in the morning? But already she felt that it was too late, anyway. She was caught up in the spell of their desire, and the thought of not fulfilling it was painful.

  She took a deep breath. “I’m sure.”

  She saw the flash of joy in his eyes, and he leaned towards her and kissed her again.

  They fell onto the bed, pressing into each other. She could feel the wild thudding of his heart. He tilted her head back and pressed his lips against her neck, like he had in the living room the other day. She felt a shudder of delight course through her body, and she pressed harder against him.

  His hands were in her hair, taking the hairpins out of her bun, one by one, until her hair suddenly fell free. He ran his hands through it, slowly, and then they were on her shoulders, pressing her back onto the bed.

  She stared up at him, watching his face twist with desire. She arched against him, and their kisses deepened. She felt like warm honey was running through her, golden and pure.

  She couldn’t remember ever feeling so sure of something. It was exactly as it had been the other day in the living room, before they had been interrupted.

  As if his hands had released something powerful within her. Something that she had never dreamed possible.

  This was special. So special, that she felt like she was about to perform something sacred. Something that would unit them together, forever.

  Did he feel the same way? Or was she just being fanciful?

  Evan leaned over her, staring into her eyes. Briefly, she could see the moon, hovering behind the curtains of her bedroom window.

  And then, all thought was suspended, and she became one with the night.

  ***

  The woman saw them enter the house in the darkness and noticed that they didn’t put on any lights. She studied them, as they fell against each other in the hallway, and then turned and walked towards Maya’s bedroom. They entered quickly, and the door was shut firmly behind them.

  She pressed herself against the wall, breathing deeply. Anger threatened to consume her. She had tried to warn Maya, and she had thought it had worked. And now, it was obvious that they had given in to what was happening between them. The thought of it twisted like a knife in her belly, deep and painful.

  Him. He was handsome and charismatic. Just like the other man had been, the one who looked so much like him. The family resemblance was strong; so strong, that when she had first laid eyes on him, she had not believed it. Had he risen from the grave, after all these long, weary years?

  But then she had realised that it wasn’t him. There were subtle differences. Evan’s hair was a shade lighter; his eyes a deeper blue. But still, watching him had brought up feelings in her that she had thought were long buried.

  The way that he stared at Maya, as if she were the most beautiful thing he had ever laid eyes on. The fierce way that he protected her, as if he would jump in front of a bus to save her from it. The other man had looked at her that way, once upon a time. Until she had realised that it was all a lie.

  She crept down the dark hallway, standing outside Maya’s bedroom. The desire to simply open it, and make them jump in fright, consumed her. She could transform into her true self, if she wished, and hover in the air outside the bedroom window. She could watch them. But she knew that there would be little point in that. It would only poison her more, and there was enough poison running through her veins already.

  She took a deep breath. Her fists clenched. She would make him pay, just like she had made the other man pay. For she knew what would happen.

  Ev
an would take his pleasure and leave Maya heartbroken. Just like she had been. No man could be trusted. They promised you the world then stole it from you. She had been naïve once, but never again. And she had sworn to protect herself, and other women, from the pain.

  Maya was almost one of them now. She had been strengthening the bonds for months. The other girls had helped, as well. Maya would be an asset to their group, and she was susceptible. She was lonely; she didn’t have many friends in this city, despite having grown up here. She was ripe to fall into their strong group.

  The woman sighed. She had tried to warn Evan off Maya by feeding him a story that she was a mentally unstable woman, who was getting worse. But Evan hadn’t fallen for it. He had just stared at her, impassively, his eyes flickering with doubt. Then she had tried seduction, but he had been immune to that, as well.

  Leonie walked back down the hallway. Let them have their one night. It made little difference. Tomorrow, she would change her game. They might believe that they were starry-eyed lovers, but she could twist that. Mix it up.

  She took another deep breath. Yes, she would make sure that Maya regretted that she had ever set eyes on Evan Watts, security guard.

  And she would make sure that Evan Watts paid the price, just like they all did. The other man, who he resembled so strongly. David Wagner, who had made the mistake of trying to seduce her. The costume designer, Ariane, who had been immune to Leonie’s efforts to induct her into their group.

  They had all paid. And the toll master was ready to exact payment, once again.

  ***

  Evan opened his eyes. He could see the moon outside the bedroom window. It was waxing; very soon, he would have to leave the city with his brothers, ready to turn into the wolf.

  His stared at Maya’s bedroom door, his hackles rising slightly. Why did he have the distinct impression that something, or someone, was on the other side of it? He dismissed the thought. The house had been empty when they had come in, and he didn’t think that anyone was home now. It was probably just the wolf struggling to emerge. It often made its presence felt after he had been consumed by strong emotion, and in the lead up to the full moon.

  He stared down at Maya, asleep in his arms. His eyes swept over the planes of her cheekbones, and the way her dark eyelashes rested against her cheeks. Her long dark hair spilled over the white pillow like ribbons. He held his breath, for a moment, as he studied her.

  She was so beautiful, and so passionate. He had never dared to dream that he would one day be able to hold her in his arms like this; that they would make love and become so close. She had seemed as remote as a princess locked in a tower.

  And yet, he had sensed the passion that lurked beneath the surface, waiting to spring to life. He had known, deep down, that she was not the ice maiden that she appeared to be.

  She stirred slightly in his arms, and then opened her velvet brown eyes and stared at him.

  He leaned over and softly kissed her. She smiled.

  “Maya,” he whispered into her hair. “What do you want me to do? Your housemates will be coming home soon.”

  Maya sighed, staring at him. “Yes, they will. Perhaps you should leave. I don’t think that I am up to explaining anything to them, yet.” She paused. “And they will want to know everything.”

  Evan hesitated. “I don’t want you to think that I am skulking off into the night.” His eyes locked onto her own. “What happened between us…. was special. And I am so happy that it did happen.”

  She took a deep breath, staring at him from beneath her eyelashes. “It was special for me, too, Evan. I wasn’t expecting it to happen, especially not tonight, but I am so glad that it did.”

  He leaned over further, and they kissed, long and lingering.

  “My bodyguard,” she laughed softly. “Is there some rule against it?”

  He laughed, too. “Not that I am aware of.” He stared deep into her eyes. “And even if there was, rules are made to be broken.”

  They kissed again, and then he got out of the bed, dressing quickly. She watched him from the bed.

  “Evan,” she said slowly. “I’m not wrong about you, am I? You aren’t making a play for all the ballerinas in the company?”

  He laughed softly. “There’s only one ballerina I am interested in.” He looked down at her. “Tonight was wonderful, Maya. I’m not just talking about what happened in here. I loved being with you, eating hot dogs and watching basketball. I had a great time.”

  She sighed. “I had a great time, too. I wasn’t expecting to, but it was so down to earth. I don’t think that I’ve ever had such a fun night.”

  He nodded. “I will see you tomorrow, as usual. If anything strange happens, you know that I am only a phone call away, don’t you? I can be back here in a heartbeat.”

  “I know.” She paused. “And I’m grateful. I don’t know what I would have done without you. Thank you for believing me and not thinking I am mentally unhinged.”

  “I know that you aren’t mentally unhinged,” he said firmly. “I do believe you. You aren’t mad, Maya. There is more to this world than you would believe, and you’ve just caught a glimpse of it, that’s all.”

  Her eyes widened, but she didn’t ask him what he meant. He leaned over and kissed heragain.

  “See you,” he said, softly.

  “See you,” she replied.

  He walked out of the room, closing the bedroom door softly behind him. Then he stepped out of the house, noticing that it was still shrouded in darkness.

  On the pavement, he hesitated, staring back at it. It appeared somehow ominous in the dark. And why did he still have the impression that something was there, watching him? He felt a low growl in his throat. He was probably just imagining it; the wolf was in hyperdrive in the lead-up to the full moon. Or was he?

  He knew that the woman Leonie was questionable. But he had not seen her tonight; she appeared to be out of the house, along with the others. And he had to respect Maya’s wishes. She didn’t want their relationship, or whatever it was, to become public knowledge yet. He couldn’t be with her, watching over her, twenty-four hours a day. As much as he would like to, he admitted to himself.

  He walked down the road, heading back towards the city. He could still feel her in his arms; the touch of her hands and the silky softness of her skin. And yes, he could smell her perfume, all over him. It seemed to have permeated to his very core.

  Maya. She had gotten underneath his skin, there was no doubt about it. So much so, that it was painful to think that he would soon have to leave her. Never to see her again.

  He sighed, turning onto a main road. The traffic was thicker here. He would probably be able to hail a cab.

  He walked along the street, ducking to avoid groups of revellers out for the evening. The pulse of the city. He would be leaving here soon, as well. His home for the past few years, and his band of brothers. Everything would be ending. As well as his life.

  He felt a surge of pain. The knowledge of what was going to happen to him was even more painful now. He had to leave Maya, and he didn’t want to. If he didn’t have this curse hanging over his head, he might have pursued what was between them. Seen if it was built for the long haul. If they could possibly have a future together. But it just wasn’t possible.

  He hailed a cab and climbed into the back. He stared out at the streets whizzing by; these city streets that he knew so well. Already, regret was starting to eat away at him.

  He should have resisted her. He should have never asked her to go out with him tonight, and he certainly should not have gone home with her. It had been so special; one of the best nights of his life. But now, he was destined to hurt them both so much more.

  And he couldn’t tell her the reason why. He would have to walk away from her, and she would think he was a bastard, who didn’t care at all.

  But he could see no other way out of it.

  ***

  Maya walked into the theatre the next day, her eyes se
arching for him. Where was he?

  It had been a strange morning. All the girls at the house had been quiet and hadn’t wanted to chat. Leonie had been short with her and refused to meet her eye. As if she was angry with her, for some reason.

  It was puzzling. She had been sure that none of them had been home when she and Evan had arrived together the previous evening, and she hadn’t heard any of them return before he left. They shouldn’t know anything about it. And even if they did, why would they be quiet and disappointed in her—or, in Leonie’s case, angry? It was none of their business, after all, what she did in her personal life. They were her housemates, not her parents!

  Maya shook her head slightly, frowning to herself. She must be imagining it. Perhaps the girls were just tired from the accelerated rehearsal schedule, and she was taking it way too personally. Maybe they didn’t intend to come across that way at all. She had to forget about it entirely.

  Still…where was Evan? Usually he was here by now, waiting for her. He was supposed to be her bodyguard, after all. And she would have thought that he would have wanted to be here early, so that they could talk, after what had happened between them the previous night.

  Maya’s eyes darted around anxiously. Had she read the situation wrong, entirely? Had last night not been as special for him as it had been for her, and now in the cold light of day, he was regretting it? Was it going to be awkward and strange between them?

  But then, she saw him. He was rushing through the front door of the theatre, a little out of breath. He must just have been running late.

  He looked around and spotted her. A soft expression transformed his features, and he walked slowly towards her.

  “Hello,” he whispered, his eyes raking over her.

  “Hello,” she whispered back, her heart starting to thud uncomfortably.

  “Maya.” It was Vera, standing beside them, staring at her pointedly. “We need to start the warm up, now. We’ve got a lot to get through today.”

  Maya nodded. “I’ll be right there.”

  “You should go.” Evan stared at her. “I don’t want you to be late on my account. Do you want to have lunch, later? I know a great place not far from here.”