by King, Thayer
Evernight Publishing
www.evernightpublishing.com
Copyright© 2013 Thayer King
ISBN: 978-1-77130-537-2
Cover Artist: Sour Cherry Designs
Editor: JC Chute
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
WARNING: The unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this copyrighted work is illegal. No part of this book may be used or reproduced electronically or in print without written permission, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in reviews.
This is a work of fiction. All names, characters, and places are fictitious. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, organizations, or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.
DEDICATION
This book is dedicated to all my readers. Thanks for taking this journey with me.
WRITING WITCHY
Witch Hunters, 2
Thayer King
Copyright © 2013
Chapter One
Imani Tolliver handed the Harry Potter books over to the teenager with a smile. “Enjoy.” As the girl joined her mother at the glass double doors of the library, she spotted the next customer in line and her smile waned. The man–––Keith Savage, one of their regulars––was tall, above six feet, with thick black curls and electric blue eyes that reminded her of neon signs. He was even more handsome in person than he was on the back of his book jackets. His stare communicated a depth of longing that threatened to singe the ends of her curly hair. Sweeping over the oval of her face, down her neck, and then her chest, his gaze unsettled her before stopping at her waist, where the counter separated them.
Imani gulped and pushed her wire-framed glasses up the bridge of her nose. She wondered what he saw when he looked at her like that. She didn’t dress to attract the attention of men. Her white blouse was old fashioned and barely skimmed her breasts. The beige pants she wore were serviceable, but nothing to incite excitement. And because the head librarian liked to keep the temperature just above freezing, she was huddled beneath a comfy yet unappealing cream and blue knit sweater with wooden buttons. Its best days were past, and balls of fuzz adorned the cuffs, elbows and other spots of frequent friction. Put together, the ensemble made her appear a shapeless, overweight blob.
But the way he stared at her seemed to burn through the frumpy clothing and right to the core of her. Standing before him, she felt bare. She hated that feeling and she hated him for inspiring it. While many women would have been flattered to be noticed by a handsome man, she was resentful of it. It could go nowhere, and his attention only served to remind her of her situation.
He’d been absent from their library for three or four weeks, and she’d hoped he was gone for good. No such luck. Calling upon her store of patience, she asked, “How can I help you?”
He offered her just a small smile, but it didn’t matter. With his looks, it was devastating. “Yes, I was looking for a book. Your computers indicate that it’s here, but when I was searching the shelves, I couldn’t find it. Can you help me?”
Imani suppressed a groan. “Sure, what’s the name of the book?”
“Imani,” interrupted Stephanie, the head librarian, “I’ll assist Mr. Savage. These are ready to be returned to the shelves.” She indicated a cart stacked high with books.
Imani nodded, hiding her amusement at the older woman’s antics. Stephanie’s approach was about as subtle as a sledgehammer. Imani rolled the cart away, but not before seeing Keith Savage wince as Stephanie leaned forward. The tactic, designed to reveal her generous bosom, and inadvertently surrounding the unwary in a cloud of cloying perfume, served only to cause her victim to cough and back away. Stephanie was convinced that she was the reason he frequented their small library. But then, according to Stephanie, she could have any man she wanted with a snap of her fingers. While Stephanie was a stunning redhead in her mid-forties and Imani admired her confidence, she believed Keith frequented their library in spite of Steph’s flirting and not because of it. Though he was a famous author, he was low-key and never demanded special treatment. If asked to describe him, Imani would have used the words shy and quiet.
Glancing back, she caught him staring after her. Was his gaze wistful, or was that her imagination?
She was in an empty corner of the library when she looked down at the cart and suppressed a curse. The books were in no semblance of order, despite all the times she’d hinted to Stephanie that it was counter-productive not to organize them on the cart before attempting to return them to the shelves. She wheeled the cart over to a nearby table and began to unload the books.
“Hi,” said a hesitant, deep voice. Imani turned to find Keith Savage standing behind her. His approach had been silent. Imani glanced down at his sneakered feet. “Stephanie indicated that the book I’m looking for might be with you.”
“And she didn’t come with you?” Imani couldn’t believe Steph had let him out of her sight.
He looked away and he gave her another of his small smiles. “There was a line of customers waiting to check out books.”
Imani checked her watch. It was only four. They didn’t close for another hour. The rush for the door didn’t usually start until at least half-past. Not that the “rush” would be more than two or three people. She shrugged. “What was the name of that book?”
“I don’t want to take you from your work. Would it be okay if I take a quick peek through the piles?”
“That’s fine with me.” She turned back to sorting while he looked through the stacks she had already placed on the table.
“How long have you worked here?”
“About two years.”
“Do you like it here?”
“Do you mean here at the library, or do you mean living here in Montesano?”
“Either.”
He was watching her, his hand sweeping over the bindings of the books, but he wasn’t reading the titles. Imani realized he was attempting small talk with her. Ugh, why me, she thought. She picked up her speed. Her tone was cool as she responded. “It suits me. It’s peaceful, but close enough to Aberdeen and Olympia.”
He nodded as though she’d said something profound. “Um, I was wondering if you’d like to go out to dinner? With me?”
She sighed. “You’re barking up the wrong tree. You seem like a really nice guy.” And famous, and rich, and gorgeous, she tacked on mentally but didn’t say. She didn’t want to encourage him. “But I don’t date. You should ask out Steph. It would make her day.”
He paused, frowning. “You don’t date, or you don’t date…” He cleared his throat and ran a hand through his hair. “Men?”
“I don’t date.” She held up a hand before he could continue. “And before you ask, I don’t care to explain why. Have you found your book?”
“No.”
“Maybe you should come back tomorrow. It’s sure to be back in its place and will be easier to find.”
He nodded. “Thank you, Imani.” With one last glance at her, he backed away. Relieved that the awkward conversation was over, she released a pent-up breath as he left. She’d had her suspicions where he was concerned.
Saying no to him wasn’t easy. No sane woman liked turning down such a hunk. But she had her rules. Never had she been so tempted to break them. Sternly, she reminded herself that she was content being alone. It was better that way. She had Asha and her hobbies to keep her fulfilled. And if she kept reminding herself of that, it would be easier to believe.
Imani settled down on her couch and turned the volume on the television down. She placed her cup of tea within reach and opened the book in her lap. It was actually the latest novel in Keith Savage’s Wizard Warriors series. Not only was he easy on the eyes
, he was a brilliant writer. His books were impossible to put down.
Her cat Asha leapt onto the sofa next to her. She completed a rotation before curling into a ball and began a vigorous cleaning of her black fur. Imani gave her a quick pat. After a quick glare in her direction, Asha cleaned the area she had patted with manic zeal. Imani laughed and shook her head.
An hour passed without her noticing it. The wizard hero was confronting the evil troll he suspected of kidnapping his sister, when Imani’s doorbell rang. Asha rolled over onto her back and stretched. Her green eyes closed. The prospect of company was not going to disturb her nap.
Placing her bookmark, Imani got up to answer the door. She was surprised to see her best friend and neighbor standing on her porch. She welcomed her friend with a warm hug. Thea was a new teacher. Buried under a pile of homework and test papers, she rarely ventured out during the week. Though school was out for summer, Thea was still tied up with additional education courses. And to supplement her teacher’s salary, she was tutoring at a learning center.
“I’ve got some good news,” Thea said, biting her lip and bouncing up and down. “Dwayne and I are having a baby!”
“That’s wonderful news!” She hugged her friend again, knowing how important this was for Thea. She’d lost a baby in her first trimester a year ago, and she and her husband had been trying to conceive ever since. “How far along are you?”
“Three months. I’ve known for about a month, but Dwayne said it was best to keep quiet for a while. I’ve been dying to tell you.”
Imani leaned back to survey her friend’s trim figure. “You’re still as thin as a stick.” And it was true. Thea didn’t look like she had gained a pound. Her friend had skinny genes that she envied. Everyone in her family was thin. Thea ate whatever she wanted and never gained weight.
“Ugh. With the morning sickness and queasy tummy, I’ve probably lost weight. But my doctor says it’s nothing to worry about. I’m starting to get my appetite back.”
“Do you know if it’s a boy or a girl?”
“No. We’ve decided to wait to find out.”
“I’m so excited.”
“Me, too. I’m so tired all the time, though. I can’t wait for summer vacation.” They chatted for several minutes about Thea’s pregnancy. “You know what would be perfect?”
“No. What?” Imani took a sip of her tea.
“If I had a boy and then you had a girl and they fell in love and got married.”
Imani choked on her tea. She put down the cup and glared at her friend. “You’ve got to warn me when you’re going to say stuff like that.” Thea was a hopeless romantic. Imani couldn’t blame her. Once upon a time, she was a romance junkie. She couldn’t get enough of it. The guestroom closet was filled with boxes of her old romance novels.
“Hear me out. The librarian at our school broke up with his girlfriend. A librarian! It’s perfect. You love books. He loves books.”
“No, thank you. I’m not interested in being some guy’s rebound.”
“You never let me set you up.”
She shrugged. “I’m a loner.” Which was not the same as being lonely, she reminded herself. And she wasn’t lonely. Not really. She had friends. But there were times when she wished she had someone to go to movies with. Times when she longed for a dinner companion other than Asha. Someone to cuddle with on chilly nights. Maybe one day she would have the companionship she desired, but that was a long way off.
“You just haven’t met the right guy.”
For some reason, her eyes drifted to where Keith Savage’s novel rested on her coffee table, his handsome face smiling up at her from the back cover. She flipped the book over. No need thinking of him. He wasn’t likely to approach her again. “That very well may be, but I don’t see any reason to rush things along.”
Thea scrunched her cute face. “You’re so patient and practical. It’s disgusting.” She stood. “I’ve got to go. It’s my turn to cook.”
As dreams went, this one was tame and boring. Imani was at work. It was closing time. She locked the front door before beginning her routine tour of the library. Visitors often left books, magazines or newspapers unreturned to their proper locations. Occasionally, she found a purse or a cell phone.
Imani rounded a shelf and came face to face with Keith Savage. She gasped and clutched her chest. “Why are you here? The library is closed.” Closer inspection of him almost had her gasping again. He was the same, yet somehow different. Same mesmerizing bright blue eyes and jet black hair. For a moment, she couldn’t put her finger on what had changed. Maybe it was the clothes. He wore a black t-shirt that molded to his broad shoulders and flat tummy. His black jeans were so tight, they bordered on indecent. The impressive bulge between his legs was giving her heart palpitations. She tore her eyes off him before her wayward thoughts could become obvious. “Come with me. I’ll unlock the door so you can get out. I’ll be more than happy to help you with your research tomorrow.”
“I’m not here for research. I’m here for you.”
She blinked in surprise. In a million years, she wouldn’t have credited Keith with the ability to make such a straightforward comment. Her dream-Keith was more confident, more assertive than the real Keith ever would be. “I thought I made myself clear.”
“Imani, you and I are meant to be.”
Great, another romantic. Imani barely restrained herself from rolling her eyes. “Trust me. You’ll be much happier with another girl. I’m not the woman for you.”
He took her hand. A crackling sensation like static electricity zinged her fingers. She yelped, in equal parts from discomfort and shock. Tugging her hand away, she looked into Keith’s eyes. They appeared to be glowing.
The dream shifted and they were in her bedroom. They were still holding hands, only she was naked. With a cry she grabbed a fluffy pillow encased in a cream-colored sham and hid behind it.
“Don’t. You’re beautiful.”
She closed her eyes to avoid taking in his bared assets. “You should put some clothes on and leave before I call the police.”
But instead of leaving, he came closer. His arms wrapped around her, the pillow trapped in between. Her eyes flew open as his hands caressed her spine. He ended by cupping her bottom in two large palms and pulling her closer.
“You have no idea how much I want you, Imani.” He gave her buttocks a light squeeze.
She shook her head, causing her curls to tumble from her bun and bounce around her bare shoulders. “I’m sure you’ll get over it.”
His eyes seemed to glow. “I’ve wanted you since the first time I laid eyes on you.”
“Really?” Even in a dream, she couldn’t help but be skeptical. She didn’t dress to impress at work. In fact, she did the opposite. But she also couldn’t deny the thrill that raced through her at being found attractive by such a good-looking man.
“Mmmm.” He ran the backs of his fingers against her cheek. “Milk-chocolate skin, big amber eyes.” He plucked her glasses from her face and then grinned. “I can’t wait to eat you.”
Her body pulsed in response to his deep voice and the thought of his mouth on her. But she wasn’t fooled. This would never work. “No.” She released her death grip on the pillow that separated them and shoved against his shoulders.
The pillow slipped. Keith pounced on the opportunity. Grasping the corner, he yanked it from between their bodies and tossed it across the room. He was swift to close the remaining distance between them. Skin to skin, he swayed so that his chest hair teased her nipples, his hard belly rubbed against hers, and the thick bar of his erection found a home between her thighs. He shifted his hips so that the bulbous head stroked through her pussy lips, taunting her clit and cunt with the possibilities of what could be.
“You’re so wet,” he groaned. He bent to kiss her neck. Leaning back, he studied her body. “Damn, you’re gorgeous.” He brought his hands up to cup her breasts, tugging and flicking her nipples. She moaned helples
sly. His hips never stopped moving. His erection glistened with her juices.
Imani was trembling with an oncoming orgasm when he maneuvered her so she was lying on her back. He spread her thighs wide and slid between them. She blinked at the sight of his cock. He was large. The visual was enough to keep her silent a second longer. Keith fit himself to her opening and began to push. The head breached her, stretched her, when she suddenly remembered. She slammed her hands against his shoulders to halt his progress. “But I don’t like sex,” she cried.
Imani woke with a jolt, just as she did whenever she’d had a dream that she was falling. Breathing harsh, she clicked on the bedside lamp and looked around her bedroom. That dream had seemed so real. Her heart raced, her nipples were tight, and her cleft was slick with her moisture.
“Unbelievable.” She’d never been so aroused or so wet. Not before, during, or after sex. Instinct told her that the kind of want she was experiencing could not be satisfied with her hand. For once, she wished she’d gotten up the nerve to buy a vibrator. She’d shopped for them and thought they were too expensive.
As she’d stated in her dream, she didn’t like sex. It was messy, sweaty, embarrassing, and ultimately unsatisfying. She didn’t see the need to bother. Cuddling and kissing were fine, but that was as far as she desired to go.
With shaky hands, she squeezed her breasts, gasping when she came into contact with her sensitive nipples. Lying back, she turned off the light and tugged the turgid tips as Keith had done in her dream. The thought of him had her pussy clenching in hunger. Moaning, she pressed her legs together to assuage some of the ache.
She slid one hand into her panties, teasing the swollen bud of her clit until she was gasping and arching. When that was no longer enough, she thrust a finger into her empty cunt. Penetration was a slick glide, as she was so wet and slippery. Her climax taunted her, always in reach but forever evading her. She remembered the dream and the feel of Keith as he began to penetrate her. Imani envisioned what would have happened if she hadn’t awakened. Keith would have taken her, filled her full of his cock. At the thought, she convulsed, her hips riding her hand. Her pussy clamped around her finger and she cried out at the sudden orgasm.