Shadows and Stars

by Becca Fanning

"No, he'll want to take you when he knows I'm close. He's playing this game with me, and you're the new pawn. Nothing will happen to you, Heather. Ever."

  "If it's me he wants, why not give him me. Or at least make him think he's getting me. Like, set a trap so you guys can nab him?"

  Her comment had everybody on their feet arguing then. Trent, Michelle, and Melanie were absolutely against using her as bait. Everybody else was convinced it was a good idea, and that they could make it full proof to ensure nothing went wrong. Heather hadn't meant to cause an argument, but she was ready for this to be over. Too many people had died already, and Trent was about to lose his mind chasing after the guy.

  "Enough! Dave, you have first watch. Go, now. Everybody else go on about your day, and take the time to think out a new plan of action. Until we are all agreed, we will not move forward. Trent, it's probably best if you and Heather lay low the rest of the day."

  Heather had never realized it, but Cage was more than likely the Alpha as well as the father of their clan. Everybody dispersed to do as he bid, and the house sunk into silence. Trent was sitting next to Heather with his arm draped over her leg. He hadn't said anything yet, but she could tell he wanted to.

  "Maybe we should go upstairs and talk?"

  "Trent, I don't think it's a good idea for us to be alone in a bedroom right now. I may not be leaving, but I still need time to adjust to all of this."

  She could tell he didn't like her response, but he nodded.

  "Trent, I hope you know that my feelings are still there. I just need time. I don't understand all of this mate stuff. I know you said to talk to your family, but to them, it's all just everyday life. I've never even met a Shifter until you."

  "I understand. Part of the mate bond for me is touch. It's how I know we're okay, it reaffirms our bond, and it helps calm my bear. When I smelled that scent so close to you, I lost it. We're both just trying to reassure ourselves that you're fine. Touch is vital to us Shifters."

  Heather placed her hand on his cheek. She wished that she could give him more of what he needed. The truth was that she had to guard her heart. Her soul may have bonded to Trent, but her mind screamed at her to keep her distance. Trent's hand covered hers and he leaned into her touch. It was a small gesture, but there seemed to be such power behind it. Whatever was between them was more intense than Heather had ever experienced before.

  "I cannot let you be placed as bait. Until we do the complete ceremony and are truly living as mates, my bear will never be able to stand it. He would end up killing anybody nearby."

  "Why? You and your family will be there, and make sure I'm safe."

  "Nothing is ever completely full proof. There are too many risks. Please, I'm begging you as my mate to not suggest it further."

  "Okay. No more talk of me as bait. We have to think of something though, Trent. Now that you're back, surely he'll start killing again. Have you talked to your friend at the sheriff's office?"

  "Yes, he's known where I've been the whole time. He will help keep them off of my back."

  "Really? I wish I had known that I would have asked him to help me."

  "Help you?"

  "Well, that woman's diary got pretty crazy. Turns out Ray is a Shifter, and she followed him one night to see if he was cheating. Instead, she saw him shift into a jaguar supposedly. I completely forgot about it. I had just finished reading that when you showed up. I was going to ask your friend if he could help me track down a jaguar Shifter nearby."

  "Absolutely not!"

  Heather pulled back and looked at Trent. He had said that he understood she needed time and space, yet here he was demanding again.

  "You cannot go searching for any male who is abusive. Especially not a Shifter male who apparently is completely unhinged. There’s too much going on right now, Heather. Please. I promise I’ll help you once we put an end to whoever is killing innocent people and targeting the family"

  "I just want to know her name, and maybe if she had a family. She doesn't write about them, but he may have kept her from them. They deserve to know what happened to her."

  "Let me ask around and see what I can find. I will try not to be overbearing about anything else. These two things put your life at risk, and that is something I cannot tolerate. I have waited for you for so long, I thought you'd never come. Now that you're here, I want you safe by my side."

  "Okay. So no being killer bait, and no chasing abusive jaguars? I think I can handle those two things," Heather said laughingly. Trent immediately returned her smile, and then hauled her onto his lap.

  "I told you I understood why you didn't want to be in the bedroom. I never said I wouldn't try to get you back up there."

  "Pig!" She swatted him with her hand, and pretended to try and get away.

  "No baby, I'm a bear." He squeezed her tighter and leaned back so they were lying on the couch. She quickly flipped around so that her head could rest on his chest. His heart beat was strong and loud. It soothed her to have him so close as she listened to the steady beat.

  TWENTY-SEVEN

  HEATHER WENT BACK to her job at the diner. If she was going to be stuck in town, she figured she might as well continue working. Trent did ruin her car so she was back to needing a set of wheels. She called the firm in Boston and explained that she was detained again, and that she wouldn’t be leaving for Boston any time soon.

  She figured that bridge was burned anyway. Twice now they had offered her a job, and twice she had failed to show up. As nice as it would have been to run away from her problems with Trent, she couldn’t just walk away from him.

  He still found ways to touch her all the time. She tried to act annoyed by it, but she craved it. He had said that she would crave his touch; it was part of the mate bond. She did crave it. Today Michelle was her shadow at work so she’d be without Trent for at least eight hours. He was working with the police to try and track down somebody with a vendetta against him.

  So far no other killings had taken place, but they were still nowhere close to identifying a suspect. Heather could tell it was taking a toll on Trent. She wished she could help him somehow, but the one thing he said he needed from her most was something she couldn’t provide.

  He wanted her to complete the ceremony for the mate bond. Heather scoffed every time he brought it up. She wasn’t even considering performing any ceremony with him, much less one that would combine their souls for eternity. With her luck Trent would up and leave the next day, and she’d be stuck high and dry again.

  How did he even know he wanted to be mated to her for life? He was so sure of it, but he barely knew her. She would soon disappoint him, and then he’d be glad she refused the mate bond. Her father had made sure she knew how big a failure she was to not only him but everybody else. That was deeply ingrained in her now, and soon Trent would see it, too.

  Right now she was scraping half eaten food off a plate into the trash. Her job fit her. She waited on other people so that they could have a good meal. That’s what she was, an afterthought. She helped people when they needed her, and they left when it was over. Not bothering to come back until they needed her again.

  If her father knew she was waitressing, he would laugh. It would be a laugh meant to make her feel inferior. She was positive he wouldn’t be shocked. He always said if it wasn’t for him handing her jobs, she wouldn’t be able to land a good one.

  Aside from what other people may have thought, she liked her job. It was nice to work hard every day for her own money. The people in Acer weren’t near as judgmental either, and a lot of them seemed genuinely happy to see Heather. Her regulars were the highlight of her day. She’d chat easily with them, and sometimes on her breaks she’d even eat with them.

  It was crazy for her to think of Acer as her home, but it was. She felt more at home here than she ever did in the town she grew up in. She was always a shadow there. Here, she had her own purpose in the small town. People liked to talk to her. Some would ask her advice on things, or
just vent to her about their own day. She loved all of it because it made her feel special.

  Trent made her feel special, too. She shook her head and tried to ward off the mixed thoughts. Michelle’s laugh floated back to the kitchen. Michelle’s friendship made her feel special. Heather had never had a true friend like Michelle, and she would miss it most if she ever left.

  She kicked the swinging doors and came back out to the front part of the restaurant. Michelle and Bob, one of the regulars, were the only ones in the restaurant. She was thankful to have a break after the lunch rush. Bob was an older man who always had a story to tell. Most of them were ridiculous, but she always got a good laugh out of them.

  “Bob, are you telling stories again?”

  “Yes, this one is about his granddaughter, Stella. Bob, I tell you what, you should write a book of all the things that girl has said or done. She’s a riot.”

  “That she is. My pride and joy! Speaking of kids, when are you and Dave going to start having young ones of your own?”

  Michelle’s eyes shot over to Heather quickly before she responded. Heather knew Dave and Michelle had been trying for a while with no luck. Heather thought it was strange for a Shifter to have such a human problem. It was usually a sore subject for Michelle, but she was quick to smile and shrug Bob’s question off.

  “I’m not sure, Bob. I guess whenever the time is right.”

  “No right time for babies, I always say.”

  “How about the perfect time for some apple pie?” Heather shot Michelle a smile after having successfully pulled Bob off the topic of children.

  “Come to think of it, it is the perfect time for apple pie. Give me another cup of coffee while you’re at it.”

  “Absolutely.”

  Heather kicked the doors back open and pulled the apple pie out of the giant fridge. Bob always liked a piece of cheddar cheese melted on top of his pie, which grossed everybody out. The first time Heather had ever waited on him and he requested it, she was so sure he was joking she didn’t do it. She was quick to learn it wasn’t a joke. She popped the cheese on top and tossed the concoction into the microwave.

  “Here you go, Bob. I still have no idea why you like cheese on top of your pie.”

  “Because it’s good. You should try it sometime.”

  “I think I’ll pass.”

  A family of four came in and took a seat, demanding Heather’s attention. They were also the first of many as the diner started to fill back up. Heather was numb to everything but her job for the next few hours. Michelle even jumped in and helped her a couple times. When the night was finally over, Heather flipped the lock on the back door, and all but fell into Michelle’s vehicle.

  They drove in silence back to the cabins. It was late and Heather was having trouble keeping her eyes open. All of a sudden the car jerked and Michelle growled, waking Heather up immediately.

  “What’s going on?”

  “Drive straight to the house. Do not stop for anything. Do you understand me?”

  Heather nodded even though she was pretty sure she was shaking too badly to do anything. Michelle was already out of the car and shifted, but Heather just sat there. Michelle turned back and roared, snapping Heather into motion. She jumped over the middle console and threw the car into drive.

  She slid into the driveway of the cabins and ran into the main cabin. Michelle’s husband, Dave, was hot on her heels, having apparently watched Michelle’s vehicle pull up with no Michelle in it.

  “Where’s Michelle?”

  “In the woods a few miles back. I don’t know what happened. One minute we’re driving along, the next thing she jumped out and tells me to go home. She shifted and took off into the woods.”

  “Damnit!” Dave yelled as he took off back out the door.

  “Heather, are you okay?” Trent looked her over carefully. She wanted to jump into his arms, but she didn’t. She nodded instead, rubbing her own arms to comfort herself.

  “I didn’t see anything… I was asleep. What do you think Michelle saw?”

  “Who knows. We’ll wait up for her.” Heather watched as Trent made his way to the front window. It was obvious he wanted to go after Michelle as well, but he didn’t want to leave Heather.

  “Go ahead. I’m fine here. She may need help.”

  “Dave is with her. I don’t want to leave you.”

  “Trent, I appreciate that, but I’d much rather you help Michelle. There’s no telling what she may have saw.”

  Before they could finish the fight, Michelle burst through the door. She had apparently stopped and dressed before coming over to the main cabin. Trent’s parents came in right behind her. They had been out apparently and pulled up just as Michelle and Dave got home.

  “What happened?”

  “I saw glowing eyes from the woods, and being that close to the house I had to check it out. I’m not as familiar with the scent as you are, but I think it was him. I lost the trail by the highway though. I’m not as good at tracking as you are, but I’m positive it was him. I could feel it in my bones.”

  “Maybe I should go out and see if I can find him?”

  “He knew he was caught. I’d say he’s gone for the night. We made eye contact, and I was out of the car and chasing him within minutes. Surely he won’t be dumb enough to circle back around.”

  “I guess you’re right,” Trent said even though he wasn’t sure of his own comment.

  Trent ran his fingers through his hair while he paced. Heather loved it when he did that. Her fingers twitched at her side. She desperately wanted to reach out and run them through his hair. Trent’s eyes met hers, and it was like he knew what she was thinking. She swallowed hard, and turned away.

  “I’m exhausted… I think I better go to bed.”

  “Me, too. Maybe one of us in each house should stay up just in case?” Michelle said before her and Dave ducked outside of the door.

  Cage and Melanie nodded, and shut the door behind her.

  “I’ll stay up first, son. You guys go get some sleep. I’ll wake you when it’s your turn.”

  Heather heard the stairs below her creek and knew the Trent was right behind her. She could feel his desire pulsating off of him. Any time the killer was mentioned, Trent would always need to touch her. It was like he needed to reassure himself she was alive and well. Heather tried to fight her compulsion to enjoy it, but it was futile.

  She went into her room and shut the door to only be immediately flung back open. Trent filled the entire room with his presence. She had never known a man to be so overwhelming.

  “Trent, I’m exhausted.”

  “Damnit, Heather. You’re my mate. I need your touch.”

  “I’ve told you, I’m not ready for this, Trent.”

  Trent growled in frustration. She wanted his touch, too. She wanted nothing more than to curl up next to him, but instead she stood there. Her resolve was wavering though, and it wouldn’t be long before she caved.

  Trent must have been able to tell because without a word, he scooped her up and dropped her on the bed.

  “Trent, I’m gross. I want to change out of my work clothes first.”

  He still didn’t speak as he stripped her out of her jeans and t-shirt. His chest rumbled with pleasure and it sent a shot of desire to her core. She should have stopped him, but she was too tired to fight. He stripped out of his shirt and pants, and then laid down next to her. Neither one of them spoke as he covered them up and closed his eyes.

  Instead of questioning or fighting her emotions, she snuggled in next to him. His chest continued to rumble in what she could only assume was satisfaction. She smiled and let sleep consume her.

  TWENTY-EIGHT

  HE WATCHED her through the window. She was pacing back and forth, and no doubt trying to figure out a plan of attack. So far nobody had popped up in her life that he could eliminate. With Trent back in the picture, he wondered if it was even necessary to see this part of the plan through. When he ventured
out tonight though, it had been her who he ended up watching.

  Michelle had proven a worthy opponent as she chased him through the woods earlier. He had never been chased before, and had found it thrilling. She was still no match for his speed though. He led her to the highway, but then he took to the trees to avoid further detection. She never even looked up as she searched. Even after the other bear joined her, they continued their futile hunt. All the while he had been right above them.

  Eventually they had given up and went back to their home; tails tucked in defeat. He wanted to laugh with victory, but he stayed quiet. Unlike them, he could easily move undetected in the woods. He was always right there, right under their noses and they had no idea. How many times had he been just yards from their homes, just like now watching them?

  The idea of taking down all of the Ciphers had such appeal that he couldn't turn back now. He continued to watch her and wonder when the time would come. When would she point him towards the next kill? It had been too long. He needed to hunt. Surely she would make a move soon.

  He stuck to his plan for three days. Then he was presented with an opportunity that was too easy to pass up. His jaguar wouldn't get the full satisfaction out of the hunt. It would be a hunt, though, and would maybe appease him for some time.

  Just as he was about to shift by his car and leave, he heard a rustling in the woods. He backtracked until he picked up the scent. This wasn't a hunter. He moved silently, waiting to place the scent he was picking up. It was human, but there was a hint of something different. Still, his jaguar couldn't be stopped as he crept forward. Just as he found his prey, it shifted into a wolf. Their golden eyes locked for several seconds before the fight ensued.

  He had never fought another Shifter to the death before. Silly little hierarchy fights sure, but never a life or death situation. The wolf must have sensed the hunt and was prepared to be the victor. The hiatus from the kills gave him added strength and determination, though. They were equally matched as far as size, but the wolf knew if he tried to run he was dead. He itched for the fight and longed for the strong smell of fear.