by Tena Stetler
She knew apologies didn’t come easy from him, so they meant more. “It’s all right. We’ll forget that part and remember the wonderful time we had together.”
“Thanks. I’ll see you on Saturday, if not before,” he added hopefully.
By the way he shifted from foot to foot, she could tell he wanted to say more. But for some reason he said nothing else. “I think we both need a couple days to cool off and calm down. Then we’ll talk. Even if the subjects make us both uncomfortable. See you Saturday.”
Chapter Eight
Born to Screw with a Man’s Head
It wasn’t what he wanted to hear. His temper flared, but this time he ruthlessly shut it down. She wasn’t like anyone he’d ever known, and he’d just have to learn patience. He watched her drive off. This time he strode up the snow-covered walk to the open door, stepped inside, and closed it quietly.
Frustrated with himself, her, and everyone in general, he ran the trails, then walked to work. Arriving at the station, he shoved the control room door open. “What is it with women? Are they born to screw with a man’s head?”
Cody shrugged. “Well, hello to you too. Man’s asked those questions since the dawn of time. As far as I know, no one has ever solved that particular puzzle. Though I think it is better to have one causing you problems than no woman at all. Right?”
“Not necessarily.” Stefan yanked the programming sheets off the counter and plopped down in a chair.
“What’s Brandy done now?”
“Nothing really. I think it’s more me and my reactions that set off fireworks between us.”
Cody nodded his head in agreement. “If you need to talk, I’m always available. By the way, Russ wants to see you after your shift. Would you mind taking the control room a bit early? I’ve got a shitload of commercials to cut.”
“Not a problem. Better you than me.” Stefan grinned wickedly.
Cody flipped him off and disappeared out the door.
The rest of the shift was uneventful. Russ arrived at five in the morning with the tall, skinny kid in tow. He opened the door quietly and nodded toward the kid. “Rocky’s going to cover the rest of your shift and part of mine. Join me in my office, would you?”
Entering his office, Stefan asked, “What’s up, boss?”
Russ motioned to a chair against the wall. “I spent a lot of yesterday fielding calls about your park ranger segment. You generated a lot of interest with that show. Nice job.”
Relaxed, Stefan settled into the chair, relieved he wasn’t in trouble. “It was just a spur of the moment thing. The storm stranded Brandy at my cabin, and she didn’t have to work today. She opted to come to the station with me. We had fun with it and thought the listeners did too.”
“Are you planning to have her on again?”
“Not really sure. I didn’t know whether it was something you’d be interested in.”
“Hell yes, we’re interested. Ratings, man. Can’t remember the last time something generated so much listener response, especially during the midnight shift.”
“I’ll talk to her about it this weekend and let you know.”
“Fair enough. It’s six. Go on home and get some sleep.”
“Thanks. I’ll get back to you.”
A couple of days passed. Stefan ran extra laps on the trails. It helped him sort out the situation with Brandy. How could a woman make a man so miserable? He’d chosen the solitary life for a reason.
No vampire politics or death orders and no chance he’d ever run into Serena, the vampire that turned him, again. He was sure he’d rip her throat out. This would subject him to severe punishment by the Vampire Council for killing one of their own.
He was surprised at the hatred that boiled up within him, especially after the love they’d shared. Scratch that—he’d thought he’d felt. To her, he was just a toy, and in the end, he’d paid a terrible price.
He’d learned the vampire rules the hard way. Captured, beaten, and dragged before the Council as a rouge vampire, they recognized him as a young vampire without a responsible sire. Because of his emerging talents and bloodline, the Council assigned him a mentor to ensure he understood the rules he must abide by or die.
His mentor was the Council’s vampire assassin. At his hands, Stefan learned the Vampire Code, studied the value of silence, speed, and agility, and acquired a cache of deadly weapons along with the ability to use them. He learned to take orders, perform without question, and wield the magic borne in his blood, which resulted in handsome rewards.
When he turned from that way of life, he took his cache of weapons and secreted them away in a hidden closet in his cabin. That part of his life was long over, and it was the last time anyone had required his obedience or tried to control him. Not that Brandy fell into that category, but answering to anyone for his behavior or having anyone defy him was simply… difficult. That was something he would have to learn to accept if he wanted Brandy in his life.
He pulled out his cell phone and called her. After four rings, her voicemail picked up. He left a message. “If you’d like to join me for a trail run, there’s no pressure. Meet me at the rock around eight tonight. If not, I understand.” As an afterthought, he added what she would consider a challenge. “You’re only a gryphon and not fast enough to keep up with a vampire.” He paused for a beat. “If nothing else, see you Saturday morning.” Touching the screen, he ended the call, hoping the challenge would be too much for her to resist.
That night, she wasn’t at the rock. Disappointed, he started his run. Behind him, a burst of wind and the thunderous beat of large wings spun him around. A large gryphon landed gracefully on the trail, tucking her multicolored wings at her side. He let out a low whistle. She was absolutely beautiful.
Brandy had the head, shoulders, and front talons of an eagle, the rest of her body and hindquarters of a lion, covered in coppery-colored fur and feathers. Her huge green eyes stared at him.
Standing about a foot and a half taller than Stefan’s six foot seven, she unfolded her wings and took flight again, circling overhead in a challenge for him to chase her. He took off running up the trail at top speed. She flew above and slightly in front of him.
They spent a couple of hours on the trails. She landed in front of him, folded her wings over her back, and padded over to him. Gently, she laid her beak on his shoulder and blinked at him. He raised his arms and wound them around her, burying his face in the soft feathers of her neck. “You are ravishing,” he murmured, inhaling the clean, fresh scent of pine wafting from her.
She nuzzled against him and stepped back. With two powerful beats of her wings, she was airborne. The breeze that swayed the treetops in the forest below swirled around her as she soared over the canopy. Stretching her wings further, she pulled out of the glide to spiral higher and higher into the star-strewn sky. Up there, she was free, leaving any earthbound problems behind. He envied her. Be careful what you wish for, Stefan!
Shit, did she just say that in my mind or what? Damn, she’s full of surprises. How cool. As he watched her disappear into the night, pride swelled within him along with protectiveness and a long-buried desire to possess her completely.
****
A half hour before midnight, he yanked open the control room door and strolled in. “Hi ya, Cody. What’s shak’n? Sorry about the other night.”
Cody glanced up over the newspaper he was reading. “That’s okay. Women will do that to you. Not much happening here. Computer giving me fits again, but that’s nothing new.” He grinned. “Things better?”
“Yeah, I think so. Who the hell knows with women?” Stefan shrugged and picked up the playlist.
“If you don’t mind a bit of advice, need to control your temper. Be open and honest with that beautiful lady of yours. Keep messing around and you’ll lose her.”
Stefan raised a brow and narrowed his eyes, studying Cody intently. “This from a confirmed bachelor?”
“No, from a man who lost the only
woman he ever loved. Watching you these past few weeks reminds me of myself years ago. Don’t make the same mistakes I did, son.”
Stefan couldn’t believe his ears. Cody in love with only one woman? He opened his mouth to speak.
Cody shook his head. “Don’t ask. It’s something I never discuss. But I can’t stand by, watching you screw up, and not say anything.” He picked up his coat, slung it over his slumped shoulders, and walked slowly out the door without another word.
Chapter Nine
A Meeting of Fangs and Wings
Saturday morning, Brandy sat on the porch step dressed in jeans, a dark-blue sweater layered over a navy T-shirt, and well-worn hiking boots as Stefan arrived home after shift.
“Good morning, beautiful. You’re up early.” He leaned over and kissed her, giving her ponytail a tug. “Glad you could make it.”
Her eyes lit up as she laughed. “Me too.”
“Give me a second to change into my hiking boots, and I’m ready to go.” He unlocked the door and held it open for her. “Wanna wait inside?”
“No thanks. It’s a glorious morning. Just listen to the birds and smell that crisp, clean mountain air. I love it here.” She took a deep breath and watched as a pair of red-tailed hawks screamed, declaring their territory and soaring high over the meadow in search of their morning meal.
“Be right back.” He sped into the house, leaving the door open, and switched into hiking boots he’d left by the front door last night.
Returning to the porch, he locked the door behind him. “Where we going?”
“Just outside the northwest boundary of the park. I’ll drive. It’s about an hour from here.” She reached into her pocket and pulled out the keys. “We’ll have to hike part of the way in. That will give us plenty of time to explore the area during the day—there’s plenty of cover—and then hunt at dusk.”
“Fine by me.” He opened her SUV door and waited for her to get in, then vaulted over the hood and got in on the passenger side.
“Show off.” She grinned.
“Guilty as charged. Just trying to impress my lady,” he said with a sly smile.
Surprised at his change in attitude and candor, she chuckled as blood rushed to her cheeks. “Your lady, huh? I don’t impress easily, so save it for the hunt.”
Brandy turned the vehicle onto Highway 93 toward Eureka. She drove with the window partway down, the wind whipping a few strands of hair that escaped the ribbon she’d tied around her ponytail.
Stefan reached out and wound a curl around his finger, watching the sun glint off it, then let the strand fall and tugged another piece loose. “Don’t know why you tie it back. I like it free, falling over your shoulders and down your back.”
“Just like a man,” she scoffed.
Holding the strands between thumb and forefinger, he brought the wisps of hair to his nose. He closed his eyes, nostrils flared. “It’s so soft and smells like fresh lemons and honeysuckle. I like running my hands through it.”
“Aye, and you don’t give a thought about the wind tangling it into knots that will take me an hour or more to brush out before I can shower and go to bed.”
“I’d be happy to brush it out for you before we go to bed.”
She glanced over at him and lifted her chin. “That’s not going to happen. Why is your hair always pulled back into a ponytail or braided?”
“Because I don’t want it in my face.”
“Exactly!” She tossed her head in triumph.
“It’s not my hair I want to run my fingers through; it’s yours. Besides, mine doesn’t curl and wave as it cascades down my back.” He tugged on the end of the blue ribbon, letting her hair free.
“That’s fine then, but I’m tying it back as soon as we get out of the car.” She huffed.
He nodded, rubbing his knuckles gently across her cheek, then let his fingers slide through her flowing red hair. His hand fell, brushing down her arm. The tips of his fingers feathered lightly on the side of her firm breast.
She shot him a warning glance, her mouth set in a grim line. “That’s enough, Stefan. I’m driving here. I don’t think we want to go where you’re headed.”
****
“Maybe you don’t, but, ah, well, okay, probably not.” Stefan smiled sheepishly. Hell, who am I kidding? That’s exactly where I want to go. Feel the weight of her firm, round breasts in my hands and run my tongue over her nipples until they are hard… reach between…
Without taking her eyes off the road, she attempted to swat him upside the head and missed as he ducked. “Not there either. Wipe that grin off your face.”
He caught her hand and brought it to his lips, then released it. “What! You don’t know what I’m thinking.” Trying his best to look innocent, he settled back in the seat, letting his eyes wander over the graceful curves of her body.
“I don’t need to. You’re male with a one-track mind.”
“Gee thanks for noticing. Well, the male part anyway.”
A worn wooden sign welcoming them to Eureka stood just ahead. She turned onto a small dirt road—no, a wide trail was probably a better description—and stopped.
“This is the end of the road. We’ll need to hike in from here.”
Quick as a wink, he hopped out of the SUV door, jumped over the vehicle, landing lightly on the balls of his feet, and opened her door, bowing ever so slightly.
Brandy giggled as she placed one foot onto the gravel road. “And they say chivalry is dead.” Reaching for the hand he’d extended, she stepped out, catching the toe of her shoe on the doorsill plate, and fell into his arms.
“Well, isn’t this convenient.” Slipping his hands around her waist, he pulled her tight against him. She felt so good. Her warm, womanly curves pressed against him made him hard, and he couldn’t do a thing about it. He wanted her naked and under him but knew better than to try or even suggest it. That move had met with resistance and bitter disappointment a week earlier. Don’t want to go there again.
He leaned away just enough for their eyes to meet. Hers were dreamy. She tucked her head under his chin, laid her cheek on his chest, and cuddled closer. Brandy tilted her head and brushed a kiss across his throat. Her heartbeat increased, and the blood pulsed through her veins like a drumbeat in rhythm with her heart.
As her vitals changed, his fangs tried to break through his gums. No, not going to happen, not going to spoil this moment.
“We should get going,” she said slowly, her voice thick, but she didn’t move out of his arms, almost as if she liked feeling his arousal pressed up against her belly.
He’d never felt this way, and it worried him, maybe because it had been several months since he’d had a woman. Now all he wanted was her, all of her and not just her body. Yes, he wanted her in his bed, but there was more to it—a need to be near her, to enjoy her company, to understand and know everything about her.
He’d never cared for a woman like this, not even Serena, the creature of the night he’d thought himself in love with before she brutally attacked and turned him. The last thing he wanted to do was to start now, but it was too late. He was sunk, and though a part of him battled with the concept, down deep he knew it.
He gripped her arms and held her away from him. “Have you ever felt like this, Brandy? Be honest.”
“Can’t say as I ever have. I’ve never felt like this with anyone—but you.” A small sigh escaped her lips. As he released his hold, she relaxed against him.
That was all it took. His hands caressed her back. His mouth moved over hers, devouring its softness. When her lips parted as he nibbled on her bottom lip, he hesitantly explored her tongue with the tip of his.
She tenderly reached up and cupped his face in her hands as their tongues joined in a sinuous dance.
He drew back, gently taking her hands in his. Much more of this and he’d have no choice but to take her in the cool, wet grass beneath their feet. “Brandy, we better get going, unless you have changed your mind
about being intimate.”
Reluctantly, she backed away. “I can’t. I just can’t.”
Deciding to push the issue, he probed carefully. “Can you at least tell me why?”
“Eventually.” She twined her fingers through his and ambled toward the trail.
As they walked, he decided to touch on the other night. “Brandy, your gryphon is the most beautiful creature I have ever seen—next to your human form, of course. I don’t know why you were so uncomfortable about telling me. Afraid it would change things between us?”
“Maybe. It’s not something you see every day, and most find it disturbing. Since you are Native American, I hoped you wouldn’t feel that way. You probably grew up with legends of shapeshifters.”
“I did. My grandfather used to weave bedtime stories about the legends and shapeshifters of our people.” It was probably not a good idea to tell her just how familiar he was with shapeshifters. No, he wasn’t ready to bare his soul, if he had one, to her yet.
“Did we just have a serious conversation? Huh, there may be hope for us yet.” She laughed and took off running. He raced after her, negotiating the narrow trail, hopping over the bared tree roots and jagged rocks.
Stefan spent the rest of the day learning the area where Brandy indicated they’d hunt come nightfall. Trails wound in and out of the dense forest and over steep rocky cliffs. The cliffs and valleys were breathtaking during the day, but the mountainous terrain would be treacherous at night. Snow-covered patches still dotted the northern slopes, which didn’t get much sun during the day. Those trails would be icy in spots.
Brandy stopped and sniffed the air, glancing toward Stefan. “Catch the scent of elk on the wind?”
His nostrils flared, and he nodded.
“When the time comes, let yourself go. Your survival instinct will take over. Just stay aware of your surroundings. Don’t go completely feral on me. I wouldn’t want you to mistake my gryphon form as prey. The elk are our prey tonight. You’ll want to take them down quickly, sink your fangs into their jugular, drain them, and move on till you’re sated. The scavengers will take care of the carcasses. We’ll follow the herd downwind for a couple of miles, then strike. I’ll check the area for campers or hikers around dusk, then we’ll hunt.”