by Meg Ripley
“Sure, that works.” As Nikki hung up, her eyes lifted to see Clint watching her from the kitchen, his mouth a hard line. He wasn’t pleased. Did he have any idea what she’d just agreed to? Or what Drake made her feel? There was a different pull Nikki felt toward Drake, and though she hated to admit it even to herself, it was something more than just his strong and protective personality. She was attracted to him, but it was a completely different attraction than what she felt for her mates. Guilt washed over her once again, and she forced a smile. “Making anything good for dinner?”
6
Drake paced his hotel room impatiently, wishing he could get out into the woods like he had a few days earlier. It was so much better to run through the forest instead of finding some small, unoccupied park in the middle of the night. He’d even risked shifting in his house in D.C. before, simply out of a desperate need to feel the weight of his other skin. It had ended in a couple of broken picture frames, and while Drake had deemed it worthwhile, he hadn’t done it again.
He checked his watch. Nikki should be arriving any minute. The thought alone nearly sent his ursine claws shooting through his fingertips. He reminded himself once more that this was just a mission for the SOS Force. He wasn’t there to get involved; he wasn’t there to hook up with anyone, and the Eureka clan needed his help. That was all.
But his heart lurched inside his chest when he heard a vehicle pull up outside the hotel. Drake crossed the room to the window, seeing Nikki’s Jeep waiting there below him in the parking lot. He ran a hand through his hair and thought about inviting her up for a drink first. No, that was too risky. She couldn’t see anything that related to his real life as part of the Force or he’d be screwed before he’d even gotten a start on this mission.
Making sure he had his key card, Drake jogged down the stairs and outside. He was disappointed but not surprised to see that Nikki wasn’t alone. He recognized Max in the passenger seat, and it looked like the two of them were having an argument. It ended with Max getting out and getting into the back, leaving the passenger door open for Drake.
“Hi, Drake,” Nikki said with a smile as he climbed in. “You’ve met Max before, right?”
Drake had, but he turned in his seat and extended his hand anyway. “Of course. Nice to see you again, man.”
Max glared sullenly at Drake’s hand before finally shaking it firmly. “Yeah. You, too.”
“Your idea of a drive was a good one. There’s so much to see around Eureka, and not just the tourist places.” Nikki’s tone was too bright, and Drake had a feeling she was trying to combat the hostility between the two men. “There are a lot of neat little shops that only the locals know about, but of course, I’ll show you the touristy stuff, too. And there are also areas you’ll definitely want to steer clear of.”
“Sounds good to me. It’s a beautiful place so far. I always like to get the local, expert opinions on everything when I move to a new place.” Drake cringed inwardly, feeling so fake as he spoke, something that hadn’t ever bothered him on missions before. He could be whoever he needed to be as long as he got the job done, and it never felt like he was lying. It was just a separate life from the one he had at home with Lindy. But this was different.
Nikki gripped the steering wheel as she pulled out onto the main road. “You’ll have plenty of opportunities to explore the woods behind the clubhouse, so I won’t focus on that. We’ll stay in town at first, but there are some great hiking trails and beaches, too.”
Drake paid attention as they drove through town, noting all the Victorian style homes that were similar to Fern’s. Everything looked clean, neat, and well cared for. “This place has a very distinct look to it, doesn’t it?”
“The Eureka Heritage Society works hard to preserve anything they can of the original town,” Nikki replied. “In fact, they just raised a whole bunch of money to save a cast iron fence that was about to be torn down. It’s the little details that make a big difference, I think.”
He noticed the pride with which she spoke. “You really love this place, don’t you?”
“I do. I’ve lived here all my life. I’ve taken some nice vacations and seen some other parts of the world, but I’m always happy to come back. I don’t think I’m the only one who feels that way, either. This city has been around since 1850, founded back in the days of logging and gold mining. All of that’s gone to the wayside for a long time, so it’s not just industry that keeps Eureka going.”
“It works well for our clan,” Max growled from the back seat. He flicked a lighter at the end of a cigarette.
Damn. Drake had nearly forgotten about him. He’d been so engrossed in Nikki’s monologue about the city that he’d let himself slip wholly into his conversation with her. “I’m sure it does. Kind of secluded, but it’s not complete wilderness.”
“No smoking in the car, Max. You know that.”
With an insolent huff, Max flicked his cigarette out the window and chucked the lighter onto the seat next to him.
Nikki drove them through Old Town, pointing out all the coffee shops, antique stores, museums, and galleries. “You could spend all day here and not get bored,” she said proudly. They paused at a stoplight, and Nikki picked up a tube of Chapstick from the center console. The process of applying it to her lips was a simple one that mesmerized Drake just as much as the town they were touring, but he shifted his eyes before Max could rip them out of his head.
Every single building was just as beautiful as the next. Some were bigger, some had more complex architectural details, but they were all impressive. Drake was genuinely blown away. If he hadn’t gone to Eureka on a mission, he’d want to be vacationing there.
Over the afternoon, Nikki showed him the Sequoia Park Zoo, some of the beach areas and hiking trails, and pointed out the few sketchy areas to avoid. When they got out at the Humboldt Botanical Garden, Max made sure to insert himself between Drake and Nikki. In fact, he did that any chance he got. Drake also noticed the way Max made sure he was constantly touching Nikki. In the car, he always found a way to rest his hand on her shoulder from the back seat. In line for coffee, he had his arm around her waist. Sometimes it was simply that they stood so close, their sleeves touched, but Drake didn’t miss the message. Max wanted him to know who Nikki belonged to.
Drake already knew that, but he didn’t like it. He had to agree with Piper that something was off here. Drake had felt protective over Amanda, but knowing they were fated to each other also meant that he never felt jealous of anyone else; there was no reason to. Any bear in the world could’ve tried to woo her, and Drake would know she’d always come back to him. Clearly, Max didn’t feel that secure in his relationship with Nikki. It could simply be that he didn’t like the way Drake looked at her—and he couldn’t blame Max for that—but it was still a bit much.
When she pulled back up at his hotel, Drake reluctantly got out of the car. Max might think he needed to guard Nikki from Drake, but Drake was feeling the same way about him. He saw Max as an adversary, and it took every ounce of self-control not to let that show on the surface. He smiled and shook Max’s hand once again. “Thank you both for showing me around. That was quite a tour.”
Nikki blinked in the late afternoon sunshine. “It was our pleasure. If you’re going to be part of the clan, then you should be comfortable here. And I guess we’ll need to find you a more permanent place to stay.” She gestured at the hotel building, which was a modern edifice against the historic backdrop of Eureka. “There’s a really cute place I know about if you’re interested in a fixer-upper.”
“I’m sure he can handle it.” Max, of course, had gotten out of the vehicle as well. He stood behind Nikki, his hand trailing up and down her arm as she leaned back against him.
Drake could see the fire burning in his eyes, and he didn’t want to push this any further than he already had. Not yet, anyway. “I’ll keep it in mind. Thanks again.”
He headed into the hotel but didn’t go up to his roo
m. As soon as Nikki had pulled out of the parking lot, Drake went right back out to his car. He buzzed across town to Fern’s place, having all the more appreciation for it now that he’d seen the rest of Eureka.
She once again answered the door before he could knock, sweeping him inside and watching him with curiosity. “I take it you completed your quest?” she asked with a small smile.
Drake produced Nikki’s Chapstick and Max’s lighter. It hadn’t been easy to swipe them without anyone noticing, especially the lighter. In fact, focusing on snagging the items had taken a bit out of his sightseeing trip, but the real purpose of spending time with Nikki was to get something personal of hers anyway. “I hope these will work.”
Fern’s eyes lit up and she immediately escorted him through the living room and kitchen to the back of the house, where an enclosed porch was filled with plants. She bent to a shelf and produced two black velvet bags, directing Drake to drop each item into one. “Do you have time to hang around for a bit?”
“All the time you need.” He didn’t expect to feel so hopeful about Fern and her magic, but his heart skittered in his chest as he watched her arrange the two bags and some crystals on an altar.
“I just want to do a preliminary test to see where I need to head from there.” Fern placed sprigs of basil on either side of the bags. She then picked up a stone pendant on a chain and let it dangle over the bag that held Nikki’s Chapstick. It swung wildly and when she moved it over the one that held Max’s lighter, it had the same reaction. Fern let out a low whistle.
“What does that mean?” Drake asked desperately. He’d seen that pendant move with his own eyes. If Fern was manipulating it, then she was particularly good at sleight-of-hand.
Fern turned to him with wide eyes. “There’s definitely some magic at work here.” She darted back to the shelf where she’d found the pouches and retrieved a hefty bag of salt, which she immediately began scattering around the base of the altar.
“What’s that for?” He didn’t like the way she moved. Something was definitely wrong.
“Just keeping it contained until I know what it is. That test was very basic, but it’ll take some time for me to deconstruct the spell that was used, figure out the intentions and all that. Probably a couple of days.”
Drake felt hope and disappointment mix in his stomach. He’d suspected they’d been using, but since they knew Raven was involved, then it could’ve just as easily been magic at play. Knowing that meant he was making progress, but he didn’t know how to fight it. He wanted to protect Nikki and keep her safe from whatever this was, but that was difficult to do when he couldn’t even see his adversary. “Would a person know if they’re under a spell?”
She shook her head. “Probably not, if the witch is any good. Some people might think they’re just a little under the weather or depressed, but nothing else.”
“What should I do?”
“Just be patient. There’s not a whole lot you can do right now, but keep your eyes open. See if there’s any other suspicious activity or people around her. Some of that may be pertinent once my work is done.”
“Okay. Thanks, Fern.” He felt ill at ease as he got back in his car, like the metal walls were too close to his body. Drake knew exactly what he needed, and now that the sun was sinking over the bay, he could finally get it done. He headed out to one of the hiking trails Nikki had shown him.
Slipping into his bear form felt amazing as he grew to his true length and strength. He rolled his shoulders, feeling some of the tension drain out of them. His claws dug into the dirt beneath his paws as he lumbered further into the thick foliage.
Garrison was in his head almost immediately. There you are! I was beginning to wonder about you.
Don’t think I can handle myself? Drake teased. He caught the faint scent of food, but decided it was from tourists who’d come through earlier in the day.
You know that’s not it. But it’s not like you to go so long without checking in.
Sorry. Drake hadn’t been on the phone at all other than contacting Lindy and Piper. I’ve been a little caught up in this mission. It’s turning into a soup sandwich. He leaned against a thick tree trunk and scratched his shoulder.
That bad, huh?
Drake sighed. Just different than I expected, really. Something’s definitely up with this clan. My best guess was that the Alpha was on drugs. Apparently, the witches here run a big drug ring, and Nikki’s mates might be in cahoots with one of them. So I thought maybe she was on something, but I’m starting to think otherwise. He continued up the trail as it elevated him into the mountains.
Such as? Garrison pressed.
He didn’t even want to say it. It sounded insane. But then again, he was talking to a dragon. Magic. A local witch I can trust has confirmed Nikki is under some sort of spell. It’s going to take some time to find out exactly why it was cast and what it does, though.
Well, I can’t say I was expecting that, Garrison admitted. Sounds like you might need some help.
Drake didn’t want his team to come all the way out there for no reason, but he had no doubt there was some hostility amongst the members of the clan. Justin and Matt were mostly just angry at each other; he could handle them. Clint, Max, and Neal were more formidable, and they certainly didn’t like him much. It wouldn’t be a bad idea, he finally admitted. Better to have you here for back up and not need you than otherwise.
Roger. We’ll be out at first light. You know I could be over there even sooner, if I thought I could get away with it. Garrison had previously expressed his wish to just fly free through the skies in his dragon form without having to worry about being seen or shot down, but there were only certain areas he could get away with even a short flight.
I know you would. You’ve got the address to my hotel. Don’t stay at the same place. I think we need to be as spread out as possible to avoid suspicion.
I’ll tell the others.
7
Nikki rose from the table, taking her plate with her. “Thanks for lunch, Max. That was delicious.”
“Anytime,” he replied with a smile.
She felt content as she crossed into the kitchen to rinse off her plate. Not too long ago, she’d been living alone. She hadn’t thought about what a difference it would make to have a mate in her life, much less three of them. And while Clint, Max, and Neal weren’t official roommates, they had made themselves comfortable enough that they might as well be. By being there, they made the place seem warmer and more inviting.
But her happy thoughts about her situations were shoved aside when her stomach rolled. Cold sweat broke out all over her body, and a wave of dizziness made her clutch the kitchen counter. Damn it, not again! She’d felt so strange lately, and every time it got bad, she convinced herself she just needed to get more exercise or that she hadn’t eaten right. But this was getting harder and harder to deny.
Neal was at her side in a second before she could even say anything. With one hand under her elbow and the other on her waist, he asked, “Are you all right? Let’s get you into bed.”
“I…I just don’t feel right. But I’m sure I’ll be fine.” She allowed Neal to escort her across the house to her room, the other two on their heels.
Max stepped into the master bath and returned with a cold cloth which he applied gently to her forehead. “Was it something you ate?”
“Or maybe you’re just overtired,” Clint volunteered as he rubbed her feet. “You work too hard, Nikki. You need to rest more.”
She sank back against the pillow. Their ministrations were wonderful, but they only made her feel better emotionally. Physically, she still felt absolutely horrible. “I don’t know,” she muttered.
Neal was holding her hand, stroking the back of it gently. “You should stay home tonight.”
God, but these men had a way of touching her! It was something small, but it felt so good. Nikki closed her eyes and focused on the way his fingertips felt against her skin. She could jus
t sink into it and fall asleep, reveling in being touched and loved…
“No!” She tried to jerk herself out of her dream-like state. “There’s a clan meeting tonight. I can’t miss that.”
The back of Max’s finger traced down her cheek. “Darling, you can’t push yourself. If you’re sick, then you’re sick.”
His words reawakened the nausea in her stomach, but he was ready with a bucket as she threw up off the side of the bed. “Ugh. I’m so sorry.”
“Don’t apologize,” Clint soothed. “It happens to everyone sometimes. But you can’t be doing that during a meeting.”
“I guess not,” she admitted, a tear forming in the corner of her eye. She hated being sick. She hated how weak it made her feel, and even having three men tend to her every need didn’t make it worth it. “But we’re supposed to vote in a new medic tonight. I can’t just skip that.”
“You could send two of us as proxy,” Neal suggested, now holding her hand flat between his and rubbing it gently. “Clan business can still go on as usual.”
“I don’t know…” But her stomach lurched again, and when she’d emptied everything out of it, she had no choice but to agree. “Yeah. Okay. Can you bring me my phone?”
Clint disappeared for a moment into the living room and returned, handing over her cell. “I could make any calls for you.”
“It’s okay, but thank you. Piper will want to hear this from me.” She dialed her sister as Clint returned to rubbing her feet and Max freshened the cloth on her forehead. Neal brought in a tall glass of ice water.
“Nik?”
“Hey, kiddo.”
“What’s wrong?” her sister asked immediately.
Nikki smiled at the phone. “I’m just sick. A stomach bug or something. I want you to run the meeting for me tonight.”
“But what about the vote?” Piper protested. “We can’t just assign positions without you.”