by Meg Ripley
She slipped her hand into his, her fingers small and smooth against his palm. “Is your work done?” she asked innocently.
He knelt down and looked his little girl in the eyes. She was everything to him, and it made his heart ache to know that he’d been away from her. The fact that it was for a good cause didn’t make it any better, though he wouldn’t have given up his chance to meet Nikki for the world. “I do still have work to do, honey. But I met this really nice lady named Nikki. I think you’d like her.”
“Can we visit her?”
“I hope so. Again, we’ll have to see.” There was far too much explaining to do, and most of it would go right over the head of an eight-year-old, even a smart one like Lindy. Yes, they would just have to see.
13
Nikki sat up in her bed. She’d completely lost track of time and any semblance of a normal sleep schedule. Her alarm clock indicated it was three in the morning, and it sounded as though the rest of her household had gone to bed in the guest rooms, where they’d been sleeping since she’d fallen ill. She frowned as she thought about that, realizing this was the only time she could ever be alone. Clint, Max, and Neal were constantly hovering over her. They said they were protecting her. They said they wanted the best for her. But then why did they always get their way? Why, when she tried to get away from them or dismiss them, did they stay around regardless? Did they not trust her?
The questions swirled in her head as she pulled the tiny glass bottle out of her pillowcase. She’d been lucky that none of the guys had found it. They were constantly on the watch for anything they might deem suspicious, though she couldn’t imagine Drake as bad of a guy they were painting him to be.
Nikki held up the vial, letting the dim light from the moon catch the liquid inside. It was crystal clear.
Suddenly, the memory of what Drake had told her came flooding back. Not the part about being under a spell or anything like that. Piper. She exploded into a new bout of tears as her foggy brain remembered that her sister was dead. She couldn’t believe it. How could she ever go on without her sister? Piper was her second, not only in the clan, but in life. She needed her, and now she was gone. And for what?
She had to wonder if Piper had been right about Clint and the others. Nikki didn’t want to believe that she wasn’t really fated to them. She didn’t like the idea of being in love with men who weren’t actually in love with her. It made her feel so foolish. But, she had to admit, as painful as it was, that it made some sense. She hadn’t felt well since they’d come into her lives as more than simple clan members. They constantly fought against Piper. They didn’t agree with the clan voting Drake in as medic, even though the majority had clearly wanted him. Why would they fight so hard against everything she loved if she was meant to be with them? Was it some twisted cruelty of fate to match her with men who were only going to create chaos in her life?
Listening for a long moment, just to be extra sure they were all asleep, Nikki unscrewed the top of the bottle and sniffed the liquid inside. It smelled faintly of herbs, like a cup of tea gone cold. It all came down to deciding if she trusted Drake or her men more. He’d told her to just take it and see what happened. Those didn’t seem like very wise words, but he was a doctor. And that look in his eyes…He cared about her, no doubt about it. Nikki tipped back the bottle.
The stuff tasted horrible, and she gagged slightly as she swallowed it down. She grew dizzy, the room swimming around her. Nikki buried her head back in the pillow, wondering just what she’d done. But she also knew she couldn’t be any worse off than she’d been before. It felt as though weights were attached to her eyes, dragging them down. She let the potion pull her into a deep and dreamless sleep.
Max stood over her bed, shaking her shoulder. “Nikki! Is everything okay?”
She moaned as she rolled over. “Why?”
“You’ve been asleep for a full day. You should get up and eat something.”
Her stomach rumbled in response, but as she opened her eyes fully and got a good look at Max, she wanted to scramble away to the other side of the room. She’d always seen him as handsome, with dark hair on the longish side that made him seem like he’d sprung straight from the cover of Rolling Stone. But now, she noticed his eyes were narrow and set too close together, his dark brows hanging down and making him look villainous instead of sexy. She swallowed, hoping her true feelings didn’t show on her face. He was most definitely dangerous.
“Yeah, maybe in a minute. I want to shower and get dressed, though. I’ve got things I need to do; there’s plenty I’ve been neglecting.” She pulled herself out of bed, letting Max help her, even though his touch repulsed her. Nikki glanced at her phone to double check what day it even was. Thursday.
“You don’t need to worry about doing anything. Your job right now is to get better.”
She forced a smile. “That may be true in some sense, but I still have a clan to take care of. I’m supposed to meet with our attorney today about taking over another chunk of land adjacent to the clubhouse territory.”
“That’s not today.”
“Sure it is. I don’t think I put it on the calendar, so I can see why you’d forget. I’ll be out for breakfast in a minute.” She stepped into the bathroom and shut the door, listening for his receding footsteps. When she was sure he was gone, she slumped against the wall in relief.
Drake had been right. Nikki didn’t know anything about a spell, but she did know something had changed. The fog that had descended over her mind and the exhaustion that had plagued her body had lifted. She was feeling like herself again; something she hadn’t experienced in a while. How long had these men been duping her?
Since she was already in the bathroom, Nikki turned on the water and stepped under it. It felt so good to wash away the sweat from laying sick in bed for so long. She only wished she could wash away everything else, like the fact that her sister was dead and someone had played a truly terrible trick on her. But she used that information to bolster herself. This was her time to be strong. This was her time to break free and start living her own life again, whatever that might mean from this point on.
Dressed and feeling much better, at least physically, she stepped out into the living room. Clint, Max, and Neal were all waiting there for her, watching her carefully. Max held up a plate of pancakes. “I’ve got your breakfast ready for you.”
“That’s very sweet of you, but I’m just going to grab some coffee and head to Mr. Dinsmore’s office. I’m running a little late as it is.”
Clint was up off the couch and at her side in an instant. “You don’t have an appointment with Mr. Dinsmore today. Max already told you that.”
“And like I told him, I don’t think I put it on my schedule. But I definitely have an appointment with him, and I don’t want to miss it. This is a great chance to claim an additional forty acres, which I think will make a big difference for us. We need the space. I don’t want any clan members feeling like they’re stepping on each other’s toes or getting cramped. That’ll create too many problems.” She found her purse on the table and headed for the door.
“I’ll come with you,” Neal volunteered. “You shouldn’t be going out by yourself.”
“I’m a big girl, Neal. I can handle it.” She strode out the door without glancing back. Her fingers shook as she fished her keys out of her purse and started up her car, knowing one of them would come bursting out the door at any second to stop her. Indeed, as she pulled down the driveway, she caught a glimpse of Clint running out onto the porch in his bare feet. She pressed the gas harder, not bothering to stop and check for traffic as she pulled out onto the road.
Nikki felt like she was exploring a whole new world. Everything that had seemed so foggy and uncertain over the past few weeks was suddenly crystal clear. She could appreciate the brilliant shade of blue in the sky, the vivid shades of the redwoods, and even the sound of her own car’s engine. It was like stepping into a dream she’d nearly forgotten abou
t.
But the one thing she definitely couldn’t forget about was Drake. Nikki felt as though she’d shrugged off an old illness, but the urge to see him was taking over her body so rampantly, it was like a disease of its own. Fortunately, it was one that could be cured—she hoped—by following his directions and meeting with him. She envisioned that handsome face as she drove, and just the idea of him made her feel safe. How could she not have understood before how much she needed him?
Traffic was light, but Nikki felt like it took forever to make her way to the other side of town and find the hotel where Drake was staying. She’d forgotten which streets ran in which direction and how to navigate in her own city. The spell she’d been under must’ve been a powerful one.
She began to panic as she pulled up to the hotel. Nikki couldn’t remember the room number Drake had given her. She couldn’t even remember his last name, so it’d be impossible to even ask for him at the front desk. It wouldn’t make sense to wander the halls and hope she bumped into him. She scanned the parking lot, looking for a familiar vehicle or anything that might give her some clues. There was really no telling, but she had no place else to run. She’d just have to make it work. But when she walked in through the front doors of the lobby, Nikki almost ran straight into him.
He was dressed in a fitted t-shirt and jeans, looking more casual than she’d seen him before, and he had a little blonde girl holding his hand. Drake looked just as shocked to see her. “Nikki!” He let go of the little girl’s hand to take her by the shoulders and peer into her eyes. “Are you feeling okay?”
She smiled feebly, suddenly feeling weak from the rush of adrenaline his presence had sent through her system. Her bear was spiraling with need for him, but she had just enough control not to throw herself into his muscular arms. “I’m much better now, thanks to you. Who’s this?”
Drake looked almost horrified. He gaped at the small crowd of people around him as though he’d forgotten they were there. First, he gestured at the three men standing behind him. “These are my…coworkers, Hudson, Garrison, and Flint. This is my sister, Glenna.” The pretty woman next to him waved her fingers and gave Nikki a knowing smile. “Her daughter Hallie.” The brunette girl hugged shyly against her mother’s hip. “And this is my daughter, Lindy.”
Nikki felt completely blown away. In the small space of time she’d allowed herself to think about Drake, she’d imagined him on his own. She never imagined he would have an entire tribe following him around, much less a child. Still, she found herself focusing on the little blonde girl, admiring her neat braids and the little blue bows on the end of each one. “Hi, Lindy. It’s very nice to meet you.” She held out her hand.
Lindy took it politely, giving it a limp shake before looking up at her father. “Daddy, is this the nice lady you were telling me about?”
Nikki felt her face flush at the idea that Drake would’ve spoken of her. She knew what she felt about him, that strange, impulsive desire that was impossible to resist. But did he feel the same way? Or was he just talking about her in the way that parents sometimes ramble about random things to their children? She hoped she’d find out soon.
Drake smiled at his daughter. “Yes, that’s her.”
“Look, I’m sorry if I interrupted anything. I…” She trailed off, suddenly wondering if the rest of this group could be trusted. Drake had introduced them, and he didn’t seem to be on guard, but the fog of whatever spell she’d been under made it difficult to understand what was happening. “I had a free moment, and I thought I’d stop by.”
He understood her perfectly. “No, it’s not a problem at all.” Drake turned to his sister. “Glenna, why don’t you take the girls to the pool? Guys, I’ll catch up with you in a moment.” He sent his daughter with her aunt and led Nikki out the back door of the lobby and into a garden area.
Nikki noticed how right it felt to be walking next to Drake as they headed out into the garden. Even as she took in her surroundings and concentrated on her balance, she felt his presence next to her like the other half of something she’d been missing for a long time. Huge plants shaded seating areas. The windows of hotel rooms looked down over the garden, but Nikki felt completely safe next to him. It was like their little private grotto, and she easily settled down on a patio chair.
“Tell me what happened.” His gruff voice snapped her out of her fantasy.
“I drank it. I didn’t think I could. I wasn’t sure it was the right thing to do and I’m still not sure of anything. But I did it. The stuff tasted horrible, by the way, and it made me sick to my stomach. I went to sleep, and when I woke up, I couldn’t believe I’d ever felt a pull to those men.” She turned down the corners of her mouth, practically tasting her own disgust.
“So, you believe me now?” he asked, more gently this time.
“I do. I only wish I’d understood it sooner. I feel like such an idiot…and incredibly guilty.” She began to sob, once again thinking of her sister, wishing Piper were at her side. “Piper was trying to help me, wasn’t she?”
Drake nodded, his hair shining in the sun. “Very much so.”
“Will you…” She hesitated to even say the words. It was so wrong. It never should’ve happened. Nikki pulled in a deep breath to fortify herself. “Will you help me arrange for her memorial service?”
He looked down for a moment. “Absolutely.”
“Thank you,” she replied genuinely. This man had been a complete stranger to her until recently, and now he was taking care of her entire life. “I can’t believe I let them convince me she was trying to take over the clan. It was a ridiculous idea. I know that, but it’s like the logical part of my brain had been completely overpowered. And I don’t understand why someone would put a…a spell on me.” She thought about that pool Drake had mentioned and wondered if diving in would wash away everything she’d been through. Nikki wanted to shed her skin and become someone else, and shifting into her other form wouldn’t be enough.
“I’m still trying to figure that part out myself. Fortunately, Piper was very good friends with a witch who’s been able to help us. It’s going to take some more work to track it all down, but at least you’re safe now.”
He sat in the chair next to her, but Nikki felt the distinct urge to curl up in his lap and press her head against his chest. She longed to feel his arms around her, and she purposely avoided looking at his lips for fear her gaze would linger too long. “I’m not really safe, though. I lied to them to be able to get away this morning. They were already suspicious about it, and I imagine it’s only a matter of time before they try to track me down. I don’t know what I should do. I can’t just run away and leave my whole clan in their clutches.”
Drake eyed her seriously for a long moment. “Running away is a tempting idea, but in my experience, it never actually solves anything. We need to face this head on. Unfortunately, I think that means you have to go back home. You have to pretend like everything’s normal. Do you think you can do that?”
Nikki started shaking at her very core. “I don’t want to, but I can. What do we do after that? No, I’m sorry. I shouldn’t ask you to get involved. You’ve already done enough for me.” She wasn’t used to asking for help, no matter how dire the situation.
He let out a soft laugh. “Oh, I’m already involved. And I’m not exactly who you think I am. If I didn’t think my guys and I could get you back out of there, I’d never ask you to go. All I do ask is that you trust me.”
Nikki tipped her head, studying his eyes, the hard set of his jaw, the broadness of his shoulders. He was a doctor, or at least that was what he’d said. But he looked more like an action hero than a surgeon. She wanted to ask—no, demand—that he tell her everything right then and there. But she was short on time, and she had a good feeling there would be time for explanations later. “All right.”
“Good.” He stood up, gesturing toward the door to the hotel lobby.
She grabbed his sleeve to stop him, looking up into
his face. He was gorgeous, but there was so much more to it than that. When Nikki looked at him, it was like he filled her entire world. “Thank you for this,” she whispered as she dropped a quick kiss on the corner of his mouth.
Drake’s arms wrapped around her with such urgency and strength that Nikki squealed in surprise, but she didn’t fight him when he pulled her close and brought his mouth down her hers. His lips were firm but welcoming as they savored her mouth, and his tongue darted inside to touch hers when her own lips parted.
Nikki melted into his embrace and allowed the kiss to deepen, knowing she’d never felt quite like this from a gesture so simple. She delighted in the texture of his tongue against hers as they explored. When he finally let her go, she felt a chill in the absence of his touch.
“Go on,” he urged gently, his cheek against hers. “I promise I’ll get you through this.”
Her gait was unsteady as she made her way back through the hotel to the parking lot, her brain buzzing. The idea of going back to Clint, Max, and Neal made her absolutely sick, but knowing she’d see Drake again soon would make it all worthwhile.
Nikki turned in her driveway, her hands tight on the wheel and her stomach just as tight inside her. She had to make this work. It couldn’t matter that she knew they were her enemies, and she had to remind herself not to dig into their motivations too deeply. The last thing she needed was for Clint, Max, and Neal to suspect that she knew. She could do this. She could absolutely do this. For herself, for her clan, and for Piper. And for Drake, too.
Max came out the door and met her at her car as she pulled up. “There you are.”
“I wasn’t gone that long,” she said with a smile. “Really, dear, you worry far too much about me.”
“Of course I do.” He followed her inside, waiting until they had joined the others before continuing. “And we especially worry when you don’t actually have an appointment.”