by Morgan Fox
He didn’t turn to face her. He simply stood, towering beside her. “Shadow, your sister made her choice, and I’m not sticking around any longer to watch part two of wild kingdom.” He shook off her grasp, and with long strides was out the door and gone in a flash.
For whatever reason, Lance suddenly felt bad for the brooding soul. He could only imagine how he’d feel if a man had done to him what he had done to Walker.
A chill ran up his spine, and he turned to see Silence staring at him. Her soft blue eyes seemed magnified from the redness that surrounded them. Her tear-stained face was like a knife to his heart.
Guilt was all-consuming as he realized what he’d done. Control was not a factor for him. He simply had none. When the wolf called to him and the urges took over, it was all he could think about. Now, staring into the eyes of the woman who’d not only saved his life but satisfied his wolf, he wasn’t sure what he was supposed to feel. What he did feel was completely confused and out of control.
Chapter Eight
The pain that saturated Silence’s heart felt like the calling of death. She’d gone and killed herself, turned her life into a complete disaster in less than twenty-four hours. Who was the dumbass who put her in charge? She couldn’t even take control of her own mind and body long enough to keep her from having sex with a man she’d just met.
Now, she had a stranger staring at her and the love of her life had just marched his ass as far away from her as he could go. Judging from the vibrations she felt oozing out of him, he had no plans of returning.
Had the room not been full of the men that looked to her to keep order in their small town, she would have crumbled to the floor and cried like a baby, longing for her mother. Crying, however, was not an option. She’d spent enough time in the bathroom feeling sorry for herself, judging her actions, waiting for the guilty verdict and punishment to come crashing down upon her, which did the moment Walker slipped away.
Right now she was her own worst enemy and had to find a way to bottle up her personal issues and step up and take charge as the Sheriff she was required to be.
Sighing, she said, “Marcus and Gaius, please secure the back of the clinic and assess the damage, if any, and report back. Declan, I’d like you to check out the front. Gavin, please assist Shadow and help her get this office up and running for business. We need to keep questions down to a minimum if possible.”
“What about me?” Lance asked, stepping forward.
Avoiding eye contact with him, she said, “I think it’s best you stay inside until we have a moment to figure out what we’re supposed to do next.” She glanced over to Shadow. “I’m going to call the council. We’re going to need their help.”
Everyone disappeared. Silence turned to find a private room to call the council, and as soon as she did, she felt Lance’s presence envelop her.
“Lance, I think you need to wait in the lobby. We shouldn’t be alone together. It’s not safe for either one of us.” I know it’s not safe for me. I can’t seem to keep my clothes on long enough to realize what I’m doing is wrong.
He nodded. “What if those feelings arise again?”
“They can’t,” she quickly said. “What happened between us wasn’t natural, and it will never happen again. Once you are able to control your wolf, you can leave and go back home. By that time you’ll know what is required of the wolf, and then you’ll be safe to go about your normal life.”
He stepped closer to her. “Will I always want you like I do now? Because if I continue to hurt like I do, knowing what you are to me, I don’t think I could be anywhere but near you.”
The sincerity in his voice had her gasping. Her eyes darted to meet his. “Lance, what you are feeling is just a side effect of the wolf.”
“You make it sound like a disease.”
“Technically, it’s a virus.”
He smiled. “What if I don’t want things to be over between us?” He took another step toward her.
The spark of electricity fired in her blood, and she found it difficult to breathe. “Lance, you don’t know what you are saying.”
“I know that I crave you like a man craves oxygen. I can’t get you out of my head. I went crazy when I saw Walker. I wanted to rip his head off just because I knew he desired you.” Trapped by the bed, she gasped as Lance closed the distance between them. “I grew up a Southern gentleman, Silence. I’m a gentleman who just happens to know what a hard day’s labor is like.” He smiled at her, and the smile warmed her straight to her soul. “My mother would be furious if she’d known what I did to you without courting you like a man should a woman. Especially a woman I admire and respect.” Cradling her face in his hands, he whispered, “I want you, Silence. Whether you like it or not, I’m connected to you. I’m a part of you. I don’t know all the fancy terms, but I think it’s called ‘claiming,’ and I do claim you, Silence. I want you, and I know you want me, too.”
She shuddered, arguing, “No, I don’t. I wanted Walker, but I messed that up when I let you fuck me. Now, please stop doing this.” She tried to squirm out of his hold, but he was quick and blocked her escape.
“I’m sorry I screwed things up for you, but I don’t want to regret being without you. Seeing you hurting is my biggest grievance. Making love to you was not a mistake.”
She gasped. “Making love? Lance, what we did wasn’t love.”
He stroked her damp cheeks with his thumbs. “It can be, if you let me.”
Tears stung her eyes. What she wanted was to understand what was happening to her. Learning why she’d given in so quickly to Lance without even a second to consider the pain she’d cause the man she loved. How could she do that to Walker?
“Please, Lance, just go away.” She closed her eyes as more sobs came.
He kissed her forehead. “I know that we just met, but I also know that there is something unique between us. What happened to us doesn’t just happen to people. I can’t explain why I want you so badly. I just do, and I’ll fight to have you in my life.”
His mouth crushed against hers in a searing kiss. He molded his lips to hers and worked her mouth until she was pliant in his arms. Inside, she could feel the attraction deepening for him, and she knew he’d never give up his pursuit of her. She was in his blood now, and one night would never be enough—for either of them. She felt his need to possess her heart and claim her soul. Strangely, she wanted to give him both.
He moved his mouth over her cheek and jaw, then down her neck. She sucked in a breath, her arms tightening around him, locking him in place against her. Instantly, his lust matched hers as their kiss grew harder and fiercer, their mouths and teeth tearing at one another’s.
His hands dropped lower, cradling over the round curve of her ass, lifting her onto the bed. Her legs wrapped around his waist, pulling him close. His hard cock ground against her pussy, and her body shrieked at her in response. Damn, she knew he wanted her, and he wasn’t hiding the emotions swirling through his head. The impulse to have him take her was so strong it was almost painful.
He thrust his tongue deep into her mouth, and she was just as hungry as he was, returning the tantalizing pleasure. His hands moved over her body, caressing her breasts and heightening her arousal. Groaning through the kiss, his hands dipped lower, and she trembled as his fingers searched for the button on her pants.
A moment later, she came to her senses and pulled away, covering her mouth with the back of her hand. Her eyes widened as she realized that even after telling him she didn’t want him, her body clearly did.
What am I doing?
Shaking, she told him, “You have to leave me alone. Please, Lance, I can’t think when you’re this close, and right now I need to keep my control. Okay?” Why do I lose myself when he touches me?
Staring at her, he cupped her cheeks in his hands. The rough pads of his fingers and palms grazed against her skin. His lips were red from their kiss, and she felt hers throbbing. He gently, but briefly pressed his lips to
hers. “Whatever you need, but know this, Silence, I’m not going anywhere.”
A chill tingled all along her skin once he cleared the room. She sighed heavily as her blood coursed thickly through her veins. Her mind and body were at war with one another, and her heart was caught in the middle—never in her life had she been so out of control.
Taking several deep breaths, she took her cell phone out of her pocket and called Tim Dalton once again. This time she’d make sure the senior members of the council didn’t leave her to manage these events without the support of the entire council. With the events of last night, they’d have no choice but to get involved, because if they didn’t she was sure one of them might get killed. Or worse, the human population would discover their little secret.
* * * *
Alone, she dialed Tim Dalton’s number. “Good morning, Silence. How is our guest faring today?”
She swallowed. “I’m afraid he’s doing a hell of a lot better than the rest of us are, sir.”
She hoped her sarcastic tone would spark his interest. It did. “What happened?”
“Sir, have you sensed anything strange with the rogue lycans that have decided to wreak havoc on our little town?”
She felt his wall go up, blocking their lycan link before she even heard his response. “Why do you ask?”
Aversion was not going to work for her. She honestly didn’t care if she pissed him off. At this point, she needed answers and she needed them now. “Sir, I’m sorry if this sounds like I’m a total bitch, but please don’t answer a question with a question. I’ve just spent the last twenty-four hours trying to keep things under control with Mr. Hickman only to have the clinic fall siege to an attack by our unwelcome guests.”
His voice raised an octave as he asked, “They came for him?” His tone was laced with total surprise, and if she hadn’t known the man personally, she’d think he even sounded a little afraid.
“Yes, and I’m pretty sure it’s not the last time we’ll be seeing them.” She paused. “Sir, there’s something very different about this werewolf. I get the feeling he’s older and knows more about our town than we would like. Are you sure you haven’t sensed anything that might help us identify who he is?”
“You seem sure it’s a male. I thought you said it was a group of young lycans.”
She had said that earlier, but she clearly remembered telling him she thought they were dealing with an older, more powerful lycan. How else could Lance have changed so rapidly? He knows something. Keep digging. “I can’t explain it, but I feel like the lycan leading these attacks is older and extremely powerful.”
He said nothing for a long moment. “Where is Mr. Hickman now?”
“He’s with me at the clinic. I’ll keep him in my custody until we have a chance to discuss things with the other members of the council.”
Interjecting immediately, he said, “That won’t be necessary.”
Won’t be necessary? “Sir, with all due respect, I called yesterday and asked for your help. You gave me none, and I’ll be damned if I’m going to let you blow me off this time as well.”
She heard him draw in a deep breath. “You know, my dear, you remind me so much of your father.”
She knew that wasn’t a compliment. Her father drove him nuts, keeping his ass on his toes, just like she was doing now. “Thank you, I’ve been told that before. Now, please set up a time that I can speak with the council and figure out who this lycan is that wants Lance Hickman so badly.”
“We’ll come to you. The council will be at the clinic by eleven. Be sure you bring Mr. Hickman with you.” The line went dead.
Silence’s chest bounced from the raging beat of her heart. She couldn’t believe how aggressively she’d spoken to the most senior member of the council. He could have her executed for disobedience if he saw fit. He’d have to have the council’s unanimous vote. Or he could just call the “cleaners” to come and handle things for him.
She shivered, thinking that maybe she needed to reel in her emotions where Lance Hickman was concerned, especially if she was forced to be near him in the presence of the council. She couldn’t risk “raising skirt,” so to speak, in front of them. She knew it was bad enough that her tongue had a way of flapping out words that seemed to effortlessly charge right out of her head.
Inhaling a deep lungful of air, she went in pursuit of her lusty lycan and prayed his libido would remain in check long enough to save both their lives.
* * * *
Lance scowled. “What’s a council?”
Walking down the narrow hallway, Silence kept her eyes looking straight ahead as they moved deeper into the council chambers. “It’s a governing body of lycans who make sure our world and the human world don’t clash.” She glanced at him from over her shoulder and said, “They also decide the punishment for lycans that don’t follow the rules and are seen as a threat to our kind.”
Lance’s brows sprung up. “They sound scary.”
For a man who was built tough as nails and who wasn’t afraid of a hard day’s work, he sure did look like an adorable little boy when he said things like that.
Stop doing that.
She shook her head, trying to keep herself from getting emotionally attached. Things between them were hard enough to handle without her actually falling for him. She barely knew him. Was that even possible?
“You should keep that in mind when you meet them.” For both our sakes.
“Meet them. Is that where you’re taking me?”
Silence studied the room. The boardroom used to conduct council business, the one she and Walker had snuck through earlier, was dark and musty. She flipped the switch and the lights buzzed with electricity, illuminating the once shadow-filled room.
“Yes, and it looks like we’re the first to arrive.”
A sudden change in the air had Silence gripping hold of Lance’s arm to pull him back and out of the way. The room was instantly engulfed with a blurry haze of motion. Silence knew the council members were arriving in lycan fashion, moving so quickly that the human eye was unable to detect them completely. A second later, seated at the table were the council members dressed in their traditional white robes, each staring at her as if they’d caught her stripping naked and doing unspeakable things on the table.
Silence swallowed the lump in her throat. Generally, she was also seated at the table, not the one doing the talking, but the one doing the listening and assisting with problem solving. This position she found herself in was a tad overwhelming. “Silence, Councilman Dalton tells us you think we have a group of rogue lycans that want”—Councilwoman Shaw eyed Lance as if placing each detail of his face to memory—“Mr. Hickman.”
“Yes, I do believe that there is a powerful lycan among those rogue lycans that is interested in Lance for reasons I’m unsure of.”
“What is it you’d like from us?” The condescending tone in her voice sent Silence over the edge. What was going on with the council? Why didn’t they understand how dangerous this situation could be if it wasn’t handled properly?
“Isn’t it obvious?” Silence hissed. “I need your help. We were attacked last night. They used explosives to try and infiltrate the clinic.”
“Yes, but once you arrived, all was well, was it not?”
The hair on Silence’s arms stood on end. “How did you know that?”
Councilwoman Shaw arched a reddish brow. “It’s my job to know such things.” She shifted in her seat, casting a blank gaze to the rest of the council. “We’ll convene on the matter,” she said then turned back to Silence. “You’ll have our answer on what to do next before nightfall.”
A wall of unrest slammed down around her. Had they lost their minds? What the hell was going on? “Wait, that doesn’t give us much time to prepare.” Before Silence could ask another question, the council members disappeared as quickly as they had arrived. The room felt more ghostly than ever.
She stared after them, completely taken off guard b
y the way the council had conducted themselves. Never in all the time she’d been a part of the council had a meeting gone so…strangely.
Lance was the first to speak, asking, “What was the point of me being here? They didn’t seem to want anything from me except to stare at me. I don’t get it. Something’s very strange about this whole ordeal.”
“You got that right,” she said. “Something is very strange, and I think we’ve got more on our hands than we once thought.”
Warning tingles sprung out all over her body as she pondered what was going on in her little town. Something was very off—dangerously off.
If only my father were here to help me. He’d know what to do, and I bet he’d know who this bastard was terrorizing us.
Taking a deep breath, Silence straightened her spine, realizing once again, she was left to take matters into her own hands. Unfortunately, she had to do a little research on her own, and that meant talking to the most elder person in their community—a person who knew about the lycan situation and wouldn’t run their mouth.
Walker’s grandmother was the only woman she could trust. Grabbing Lance by the arm, she yanked him back down the hallway. She had to find a safe place to stash him while she visited Mrs. Reed. She only prayed she wouldn’t run into Walker when she did.
Chapter Nine
Walker pressed the doorbell and waited patiently. He’d come to terms with what had to be done and prayed that it wasn’t too late. He was at a loss. The one thing he did know was that leaving Silent Falls was not an option. There was too much at stake.
Handing a gift-wrapped Silence over to Lance Hickman was the last thing he intended to do. He was also not about to let the town he loved and the people he cared about fall victim to a terrorizing group of lycans. He’d fight for the woman he’d spent his life pining over, and defend the lands he loved, even if it killed him.
The white-painted wood door slowly opened, and there stood a sweet, tiny-framed, gray-haired old woman that he believed hung the moon. He smiled as best he could and said, “Nana, I need your help.”