by Bryce Evans
“Emerson, we…need to stop. I don’t want to move too fast.” It was like she was another person. She continued as if she hadn’t heard him, sucking on his bottom lip and driving him insane. Then she pulled away and started kissing down his neck. Oh no, not the neck. He was losing it. This was wonderful and painful all at the same time. She was hitting all the right spots as she placed soft kisses down his throat, tasting his skin at the place right where his shoulder and neck met.
“Emerson, no!” Nash grabbed her head when she bit down, breaking the skin. When she pulled her head away she had blood on her lips.
“What’s wrong?” she asked. Her eyes were glazed over.
Nash quickly pulled the reins on the horse to stop and moved away from her. “You shouldn’t have done that. It’s too fast. I didn’t want you to feel pressured. Now…”
“What did I do wrong?” Emerson’s voice trembled.
Grabbing her face between his hands, Nash said, “No, you didn’t do anything wrong, honey. It’s just, that’s how we mate—by breaking the skin and taking each other’s blood. And now that you’ve done that with me…you’ll start to feel the mating pull more. And I didn’t want to pressure you. I wanted this to be natural to you and allow you to get to know me before…”
“What?”
“It’s okay, Emerson. Really. I just wanted more time for you to get to know me before we mate.” Nash explained.
Shaking her head, Emerson stared out toward the trees. “I don’t know what came over me. I’m sorry that I did that to you. I’m…” Emerson swallowed hard. “I’m not this type of person, Nash. I don’t throw myself at people and…start making out with them. But for the first time in my life I felt comfortable, with you.” Her voice trembled as she spoke. He could feel her confusion as she explained. Nash tipped her face up with a finger. “Emerson, look at me.”
When she didn’t meet his eyes, Nash slid closer to her and pulled her chin so that she was staring at him. “You did nothing wrong. I’ve been fighting the way I feel about you for a while now. It’s worse for me as a shifter. What you did made me only want you more. I wish I could show you how much I want you, because I do. But I know it’s too soon for you and I want you to understand exactly what you are doing before we go that far. Okay?”
Emerson nodded, but a few tears fell from her eyes. “I’m such a mess.”
“No, you’re not.” Nash pulled her so she was sitting in his lap lying on his chest. “This is just a hiccup that will pass when the time is right and you’re ready and when you are, I’ll be here waiting for you.” Kissing the top of her head, Nash muttered, “I promise.”
He covered her legs up with the blanket, allowing his body heat to warm her, then gave the command for the horse to start again. He glanced down and Emerson had fallen asleep. She was still tired and needed a lot of rest if she was going to get her strength back. He should’ve let her sleep more before he took her out like this.
He closed his eyes, inhaling her scent. The mating pull would be worse for her now that she’d taken his blood. It was going to be hard for both of them, because he didn’t know if he could stop her again. But right now she was so fragile, all he knew to do was protect her, even if that meant from him. He would never force her to mate with him.
Betsey took him directly up the mountain straight to Jessie’s barn. Nash leaned down and whispered in her ear, “Emerson, we’re here at Jessie’s.” Slowly she opened her eyes and smiled.
“We’re here?” she asked.
“Yes, ma’am. Are you ready to go inside?”
She looked around at the barn and realized that she was in Nash’s lap. “I’m sorry about earlier. I kind of lost myself for a minute. Thank you for stopping me. I know I acted like a fool.”
Placing his finger over her lips, Nash said, “Never apologize to me for that. It’s the mating pull. Sometimes it’ll make you a little aggressive, but never apologize for it. I’ll never make you do anything you don’t want to do, Emerson. I can wait forever if that’s what you need.” With that being said, Nash lifted her up so she could stand up on her own feet.
“I don’t know how I got so lucky in finding you.”
“I think I found you first,” Nash winked at her.
Giggling, Emerson nodded. “I think you did, and thank God for that.”
“Hello.” They both looked up to see a beautiful woman with long gray hair. Even though her hair was gray, she appeared to be in her early thirties. The gray color looked great on her. She looked like the type of person who didn’t care what anyone thought about her.
“Hello, Jessie,” Nash said as he helped Emerson down from the sleigh. They both walked up and Jessie immediately smiled at her.
“Hey, I’m Jessie McCoy. Nice to meet you.” Jessie stuck her hand out and Emerson quickly shook it. Immediately, they both grunted, and blue-and-white sparks flew off their connected hands.
Nash pulled Emerson back and looked at both of the women who seemed equally as shocked. “What happened?”
“I don’t know, but it felt like my magic touched hers,” Jessie said, smiling.
“It felt the same with me. I’ve never seen or felt anything like it,” Emerson added.
“Did it hurt?” Nash took Emerson’s hand and inspected it, but found nothing. No marks or anything that would show that something happened.
“That was incredible. I think I need to check my books to see if there’s anything that can explain what just happened,” Jessie said curiously. “But for now, let’s go inside and get warm.”
Emerson nodded and glanced around the property. Jessie’s home was actually a large red barn, and Emerson immediately loved it. Even though the barn was very rustic, all the reclaimed wood was still mixed with modern finishes. She had to pause for a moment as Jesse led them inside, just to take it all in.
“Well, at least you both seem okay. Maybe your magic just liked each other’s,” Nash joked. “It looked like blue and white sparks coming off the both of you. Can magic do that?”
“Of course,” Emerson and Jessie said at the same time. Then they laughed.
“Have you ever heard of magic doing that, Jessie?” Emerson asked.
“I’ve never seen it firsthand, but I have heard stories where family members who form their own Coven can have powerful magic because all the members would naturally be compatible. But we’re not related to each other, so I’m baffled as to why it reacted like that.” Jessie shrugged. “I don’t think we have anything to worry about, though.”
“Have you heard anything like that, Emerson?”
“The same as you, that they’re usually related in some way,” Emerson said.
“Well, it seems to me like your magic likes each other and plans on being friends, so that should make you two friends as well,” Nash said.
“That would be great. I would very much like to be your friend, Emerson.”
“That settles it then. Friends forever.” Emerson giggled.
“Good. Now let me show you my workshop. And did you like your bracelet?”
Emerson glanced down at her arm where the bracelet encircled her wrist. “Oh Jessie, it’s beautiful, and I love it. I know you spent a long time on it.”
“Nash was the only person who would come and talk to me up here. I guess I scared everyone else. Once he told me that he had met someone, the urge to make it for you took me by surprise. I hope you like the moon I put on each side?”
“I don’t have words to describe how beautiful it is and how much I love it,” Emerson said smiling.
“I’m glad. Do you want to see what I’m working on now?” Jessie asked.
They both nodded quickly. “I would love to.”
Emerson gasped in surprise when Jessie opened another set of barn doors. Boy, did she love what she was seeing. Beautiful pieces of glass were hanging from wires from the ceiling. The light flickered against them, catching the glass and throwing rainbow-colored light around the room. She even had stained-glas
s windows that Emerson would love to have in her own home one day.
“Jessie, the stained-glass windows are just beautiful. All the different colors you use in them! And look at this piece of glass.” Emerson walked over to an oval glass piece that sat next to a window. It was amazing how Jessie had everything showcased in the room.
“Thank you. I really enjoy working on it all. When I get bored with glass, then I can change it up and start making jewelry. I imagine a design, and then try to copy what is in my head. I’m glad you like it,” Jessie said, opening up another door that led to a room where she had a table set up with a couple pieces of jewelry sat.
Emerson moved closer to see her set up and could tell how she had each section set up to do something different with making the jewelry. “You’re so talented.”
“Why thank you. I try. Sometimes I don’t get it right, and have to scrap a piece. Then days later I dig it out of my scrap bin and use the piece for another design.” Jessie held up her a trash can with pieces of scrap in it, but when Emerson looked closer, she saw some awesome pieces that she wouldn’t have called scrap. Emerson would call them pieces of art. “Would you like to learn how to make some jewelry?”
“Seriously?” Emerson asked, surprised.
“Of course! Here, take this chair and I can pull up another one. Nash, you can stay or walk around. I’ve got some new stuff in the office for you to take and put in the store at the lodge.”
“Sounds good. I’ll be back in a few,” Nash said, walking off.
“Okay.” When he glanced back, Emerson was already looking at all the different pieces Jessie had made. He had accomplished his goal, to let her relax and have some fun. This would take her mind off everything that had happened. She needed this to get better. He decided that he would go check on Jesse’s stock while they worked.
Chapter Eight
Jonas Glenn sat at the bar eating peanuts, thinking about Emerson and whether or not she even wanted to work for the Unit anymore. He liked to come in the dining room and think, especially when nobody was around. The bartenders didn’t bother him or try to have a conversation; they just went on about their business. He always sat at the bar, because it reminded him of a Wild West saloon. Larken always said that was where he got the inspiration.
He’d had some pack members who made furniture take a look at a picture from one of his books, and asked them to copy it but make the bar longer. He wanted it to stretch halfway across the room. They used dark redwoods to build it and had a local artist come in and carve wolves on the side of it.
The bar was a unique place to come and eat great food, too, but he especially liked it just to come and think. It was quiet in here and nobody bothered him, allowing him to figure out what to do next. Time wasn’t on their side, and he needed every member ready to go at a moment’s notice.
That’s why they needed Emerson. From what he’d learned she was the type of person who could do that and give it one hundred percent. She had already committed to him, but after what had happened she didn’t seem like she was the same person. The job was a lot of responsibility, and since she’d been kidnapped he would understand if she decided to go home. He wouldn’t blame her, but he hoped like hell she wouldn’t let what happened beat her. She would’ve been a great asset to the Unit, too. Her knowledge of magic far surpassed what anyone else in the Unit knew, including Jansen, and that man knew a lot.
“Another beer, Jonas?” Robert, the bartender, asked.
“Sure.” He glanced around the room and found the dining room empty except for waiters putting new linen on the tables. He thought about all the interviews he’d done to see if he even wanted Emerson. Everything he was told by her co-workers said that Emerson was a strong-minded person, but she never demanded that you agree with her. She explained her position, and even if you didn’t agree she was secure with her own opinion. In fact, they said she would figure out a way to bring you around to her train of thought. ‘Independent and very smart, especially with magic,’ were the words they used to describe Emerson Prescott, and that’s what he wanted and needed on the team.
Nash said that she was having panic attacks in the elevator and was still reeling from happened. Shit, he couldn’t blame her. If it had been his mate… Jonas closed his eyes trying to clear his mind of what he’d been told about the facility. The fact that Emerson still sane showed just how strong she was. Like he said before, he hoped that she would stay to be part of the team. They sure as hell needed her.
He glanced around the room and watched Jansen walk by the door then skid to a stop. He walked back and stuck his head around the corner and waved. Jonas couldn’t help to laugh when the big giant hit his head on the door. The man was huge, but one of the best choices Jonas had made when selecting the team.
“Drinking alone?” Jansen Vega said, sitting down beside him. “Beer for me, and thank you ma’am,” he told the waitress.
“Just thinking about Emerson,” Jonas said, sighing into his beer.
“I think she’ll join the group. Look, the Emerson I know is a tiger on the inside. She goes after what she wants and doesn’t mix business with pleasure. I think she just needs time to figure this all out in her head. Right now, I can only imagine what her father is telling her to do. I understand she’s his only daughter, and you want what’s best for your children, but he’s very controlling. All of his friends are. They’re all rich and powerful, and Kingston and his best friend Franklin Devour are both on the council. They don’t like shifters and believe that witches and wizards are far superior to you dirty rotten animals.” The man didn’t even smile or hint that he was teasing.
“You know, I can’t tell if you’re kidding or not with the dirty rotten animals comment,” Jonas said.
“Oh, I’m not kidding you. That’s exactly how they feel. I’m not saying that I feel like, that because I’m a shifter groupie. I love you guys.” This time the look in Jansen’s eyes said he was being playful.
“I bet you would do good undercover work, because even if they knew you were a cop you would could continue on with the ruse and fool even the bad guys. Do you ever smile or have any friends?” Jonas asked.
“Well, I thought you were my friend, and I think the others in the Unit are my friends, but you never know about people.”
“I am your friend, dammit!” Jonas said, throwing his hands up. This guy was pissing him off. How in hell did they get to talking about his friends and change the subject? “Let’s stick to the topic at hand. Is there anything I can do to get Emerson to stay on the team?”
“I would continue to tell her that she would be a huge asset to the Unit and that her skills have not gone unnoticed. Basically, keep pumping her up. You’re good at that,” Jansen said then just stared at him.
“Man, you’re freaking me out right now. I thought you didn’t like to talk?”
“You’re fun to talk to, though. But I gotta go. I really enjoyed our time together. See ya.” Jansen threw some money on the bar and walked out without another word. Jesus, the man was giving him heart palpitations.
Maybe Jansen was right and he needed to pump Emerson up. His gut told him that she was very much needed on the team. When his gut told him that something bad was going to happen, he listened. He wasn’t sure what it was, but he knew Emerson needed to be part of the Unit. Tomorrow he would talk with her more.
In the meantime, he needed to find out more about Kingston Prescott and Franklin Devour. What was their game, and what were they up to?
Kingston waited until his best friend picked up the phone. The man never answered his own phone. He never understood why Franklin was like that. Yes, he put on airs like he was royalty, but the man would do anything for Kingston.
He never thought in a million years he would have to ask for help on how to deal with his own daughter. Emerson was a good kid, but she was also very naïve about the ways of the world. Franklin had sheltered her, and working for the Unit wasn’t a way to get the experience she needed.<
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She obviously couldn’t take care of herself; she’d proved that by allowing those people to kidnap her and then do the worst thing you could do to a woman. He was thankful the man hadn’t succeeded, but he almost had and that was bad enough. Kingston shook his head in pain just thinking about it. No, he would never allow that to happen to her again. That was why he needed Franklin’s help. He understood that Emerson needed to be sheltered, and the only way to prove that the wolf wasn’t her mate was to bring in Sydney Beauregard. Sydney was a witch who knew how to put love spells on a paranormal. It didn’t matter how much her services cost; if she succeeded then she deserved her high pay. She was good, too. Franklin had used her on other problems, and she made sure the client got exactly what they asked for.
“Hello, Franklin Devour here.”
“It’s me, buddy. Heard any news yet?” Kingston poured himself a scotch and took a big drink.
“Yes, I got in touch with her and sent her all the facts involving Emerson and the wolf. She’ll be there very soon. She doesn’t want to be seen with you, so nobody will ever know that we had anything to do with it. Emerson needs to believe that the wolf has lied to her. I still can’t believe Emerson is doing this to you. Her reputation will be shot if she mates with…with…God, I can’t even say it.” It sounded worse when Franklin spoke about the wolf and his daughter mating. He had to get her to change her mind.
“I know, but this has to work. It just has to. I’m thinking that she’ll come back with me, especially after I told her that the Unit was probably being nice to her because of me, and that it was her name that got her that job.” Kingston leaned against the bar and stared at himself in the mirror. The look on his daughter’s face had been torture to watch. God help him. He prayed that she would forgive him one day for everything he’d said to her.