Yet, danger still lingered.
Every part of him sensed it.
A powerful wind rushed in, and the woods seemed to scream in protest against its unrelenting violence. He cried out as the hard pain split through his body. “No,” he growled, and bore the forceful wind. “You will not win.”
Then, in a loud whoosh, the wind dissipated.
A dead silence fell.
Finally, he was alone.
Closing his eyes, he forced himself to relax. But, still, the naked rage threatened to consume him. A breathtaking moment later, the fiery shield died from around his body.
He expelled a fractured breath.
He was close to being human again.
A brief moment later, as he treaded along the edges of the woods, he was left with an unsettling thought. They were facing more than one immortal enemy.
And only heaven knew what…
Suddenly, the sound of childish laughter freed him from the dark thoughts. He looked around the park again. Thankfully, there still was no sign of her attacker. And didn’t she need this reprieve to enjoy life, and not worry about anything, he mulled, kneeling down, and looked in her direction again.
A beautiful smile played on her face as she upturned it to the sun. In that brief moment, it was obvious that she was content.
“And I’m going to make sure you stay that way,” he vowed, coming to his feet, and then grinned as Macy charged in his direction. The canine ran around him in dizzying circles, and it was obvious that she was happy too. “That’s a promise to the both of you.”
Then, he sobered.
Day by day, it was becoming more difficult to stay detached. No, make that impossible. She stirred something in him, and he didn’t want to acknowledge the feelings that she evoked. If he did, he’d have to accept them, and he certainly wasn’t ready for that.
He looked up to the blue heavens.
What did his destiny truly hold?
And why did he feel that she fit somehow in the intricate puzzle that he called life?
***
In the distance, she heard the playful banter between Xander and Macy. It was apparent that they were having tremendous fun. “It’s just what we needed,” she whispered with a smile, and then turned wistful. “He is what we need.”
Suddenly, she sensed the arrival of someone.
“Hey, it’s you!” a young girl voice shouted, stopping before her. “Remember me? It’s me, Jessie.”
She turned in the child’s direction. “Jessie, it’s nice to see you again,” she said pleasantly, leaning forward on the bench. “Apparently, the two of us had the same idea of having fun today. Are you enjoying your outing?”
“I guess so. But, momma is being a real drag this morning. She’s no fun at all sometimes,” the little girl whined. “But, then, I saw you and I just wanted to come over and apologize, that’s all. My mom says that I have to learn how to be polite, and I don’t think I was polite when I said that you weren’t really sick. Sorry.”
“Jessie, we’ve been over this already. You have nothing to be sorry about.” She recalled Xander’s earlier assertions about overdoing expressions of gratitude. Now, she understood what he’d meant. “We are friends, and I am not upset about anything. I don’t want it to trouble you any longer, okay?”
“Okay,” Jessie said brightly, plopping down beside her. She swung her legs back and forth before turning towards her. “Where’s your dog? Oh, I see it over there! She sure can jump high! Will it be okay if I go play with your husband and dog?”
A rebuttal rested on the tip of her tongue, but failed to voice it. Really, what harm could it be if she believed that Xander was her husband? It would take too much to explain their situation, and besides that, Jessie was a child. Besides, when had a little white lie hurt anyone, she rationalized, sitting up higher on the bench.
“Before I say yes, I have one important question.”
“What?” the little girl asked in exasperation, obviously anxious to be on her way. “It can’t be that important.” Her voice turned whiny. “I’m gonna miss all the fun if you don’t hurry.”
She held back a smile.
Shyness was certainly an attribute the child lacked.
But, boundaries had to be set, she mulled, firming her lips. “Remember our last discussion about talking to strangers?”
“But, you’re not a stranger. We’re friends, remember?”
Smiling, she took another mental snapshot of the child.
Freshly scrubbed face----
Swinging pigtails and a wide-tooth grin---
An innocent zest for life---
Just like her sister when they’d been young, she thought, disturbed.
Sobering, she shook the foreboding spirit off. But, her tone was stern. “Yes, we are friends. But, does your mother know that you’re here with me, right now?”
“I don’t know. I guess she knows where I am,” the girl hedged. “Why are you mad at me, all of a sudden? What did I do?”
She sighed heavily.
There was no point in taking things out on Jessie.
She softened her tone. “I’m not angry with you. I just want you to know how important it is to always respect your parents. Sometimes, we may not like the things that they ask of us. But, they do know what’s best. And it’s best that you don’t wander off without telling your mom where you are, okay?”
“Okay,” Jessie agreed grudgingly, but then tensed. “I wish that it were just me and my mom. Things would be so much better if---”
Just where was this innocent exchange leading?
“Better if what?” she asked cautiously.
Jessie’s words came out in a secretive whisper. “Ever since she’s become involved with my stepdad, she’s just been strange. She hasn’t been herself. And he’s just weird. And he scares me.”
A warning bell sounded in her head. “Jessie, why would you say that?”
“He disappears all the time! You never know if he’s gonna be there from one day to the next,” Jessie said with a hint of fear. “He’s not human. I keep trying to tell my mom that, but she won’t believe me.” Suddenly she leaned in close as she whispered hurriedly. “My stepfather isn’t human---he’s dead. He’s a vampire!”
Perhaps Jessie’s words were more than a little whimsical, and certainly allowing her to think such thoughts as truth was purely wrong. Turning towards her, she laid a comforting hand on the child’s shoulder. “Jessie, it’s not good to make up stories, especially the ones that hurt people. You can not see dead people, and there are no such things as vampires---”
“You don’t believe me either!” the girl yelled, coming off the bench. “No one believes me!” Then, the young girl began sobbing. “I hate everyone! I hate you!”
She reached out. “Jessie---”
“No! Stay away from me!” the child screamed. “You’re not my friend anymore!”
With those words, the girl bolted away.
The tears filled her eyes.
The child wore her heart on her sleeves, and she reminded her so much of….
With a strangled cry, she came off the bench before making her way towards the play area. And thank goodness, her estimations were correct, she sighed, grasping the metal chains before sinking down onto the swing. Pushing her booted feet against the solid ground, she set it in motion.
She squeezed her eyes shut.
But, the flood of memories came rushing back.
“I will never forgive myself for what I’ve done to you. Because of me, you lost everything,” she whispered, and fresh tears clogged her throat. Breaths coming fast, she propelled the swing until she moved faster and faster. And now, she’d reached a dangerous height.
Tears flowing freely, she gripped the metal chains. Under her grasp, they jerked as the swing wobbled dangerously. But, not even that fact stopped her as she embraced the ugly bitterness.
She started when Xander spoke.
“You’re taking this re-flight i
nto childhood exuberance to dangerous heights, don’t you think?” he murmured with concern. “I’d say you’ve had about enough.”
“If Macy’s through with her walk, you’re free to go,” she retorted, and her words were short. “Thanks for doing that.”
“Well, since it’s obvious that you’re trying to break your damned neck, I think I’ll stick around to see how far you’ll go.”
“Leave me alone,” she snapped again, her anger escalating. “Just go.”
How dare he try to tell her what to do!
“No, I won’t damn it,” he quipped tightly. “I want you to stop it.”
“What are you going to do about it? I’m not a child!” she said defiantly. “And I definitely don’t plan on following any directives given by you!”
“You could have fooled me because your antics are certainly childish right now,” he cracked, and instincts warned that he was moving closer. “Macy, I suggest that you turn away. Things are about to get ugly.”
Macy’s only response was a soft whine.
Swearing his breath, Xander grasped the swing’s metal chains and halted her flight. Now, she was positioned before him. “I told you to stop, damn it.”
“I don’t have to listen to you,” she protested, and breathing proved difficult because he was dangerously close. Still, she managed to rasp, “Will you just leave me alone?”
As his large hands closed over hers, her breath hitched.
Was it mint, she thought distractedly as his breath washed across her face. Shamefully, her body had already turned traitorous as it responded in awareness.
“You want to tell me what that little stunt was about?” he demanded roughly, and she sensed that he was barely restraining her own anger. “Are you trying to break every delicate bone in your body?”
“What stunt?” she spat. “Tell me, Xander, since when was it a sin for a woman to use a swing?”
But, these feelings she was having were sinful, she mulled, catching her breath. She fought to restore some type of reality as she inhaled his masculine scent. But, it washed over her senses and claimed them with an aching brutality. She tightened her hands along the chains as they rested under his. Her heartbeat drummed hard in her chest. The hot fire jolted her senses, and she felt herself weakening.
Dear heavens, she wanted nothing more than for the fire to consume her…
His harsh words snapped her back to attention.
“Don’t play coy,” he bit back. “You know exactly what I’m talking about. Macy and I were headed back this way, and what do we see, but you trying to sail to the heavens. I ought to wring your neck myself.”
“Then, what’s stopping you?” she asked breathlessly, and her lips parted. “Let me warn you, though. I’m not as helpless as you think.”
The heat surged through him at her blatant words.
Was it an invitation of sorts, he mulled, and his eyes went to her lips. Dare he give in to what he wanted himself? And dear Vale, if he kissed her would, would he be further bound by her sweet innocence?
Her brown features were flushed, and amidst her anger, something else simmered, he realized with a jolt.
A deep passion…
She wanted him…
Like he wanted her…
That made for a very dangerous thing.
His senses took flight as he breathed her in.
Was it jasmine that swathed her skin?
His eyes fixated on her lips.
A light rosy tint filled the plushness.
Heaven help him.
But, he was about to do the unthinkable...
The unforgivable…
Claim her as his…
His head lowered.
Suddenly, Macy’s excited barks jolted him from his reverie.
Taking his gaze off Nicole, he looked at the dog.
Again, Macy stared at him knowingly.
Damn it, he was being chastised by a canine of all things!
“I don’t think you’re helpless at all,” Xander quipped tightly, breaking the amorous mood that had enveloped them. As he stepped back, he released the swing. “But, I can think of a few apt descriptions that would fit you, and you may not find them too flattering.”
“Well, guess what, Mr. Sullivan?” Tugging at her jacket, she stood, and all but snatched the cane as he handed it to her. “I could care less what you think of me!”
He eyed her closely.
Something had upset her.
But, what?
“Do you want to tell me what has you so worked up?” he treaded cautiously. “You were fine a few minutes ago. What happened?”
“It was nothing. Xander, I’m sorry for the way I’ve behaved.” The fire died in her eyes, and sadness filled them. “My shortcomings are glaringly obvious. But, I’m afraid that my stubbornness is the least of my less than admirable traits.”
“Thanks for the warning,” he said quietly, studying her.
She looked away uncomfortably. “Look, like I said. Macy and I will get along fine from this point. If you’d just lead us back to Shorter Avenue, we’ll make it to the market just fine.”
“Haven’t you realized by now that I’m just as obstinate as you? Once again, you’re not getting away from me that easily.”
They both stayed silent as they strolled from the park and landed back on Shorter Avenue. Several minutes passed, and they found themselves in conversation once again.
Now, he glanced over his shoulders as they took each step.
Trouble followed them.
Chapter 5
“What are you feeding, an army?” Xander asked, an hour later, hefting the shopping backs across his arm while carrying the dog food in the other. “There’s no way on earth that you’ll eat all of this.”
“I told you that I was stocking up.” She turned the key in the lock before pushing the door open. “Well, I did warn you that you didn’t know what you were getting into. But, I do thank you for all your help, again.”
“Don’t mention it. But, let me warn you,” he teased. “I’ll expect you to return the favor.”
She smiled. “And I’ll gladly return it.”
She listened as he labored around.
No doubt there was no single word to describe Xander Sullivan, she mulled. Apart from being kind, generous, and thoughtful, he had a wicked sense of humor. On more than one occasion, she found herself snickering at his dry wit.
Today, well…she sighed.
She’d had fun and had enjoyed his company immensely. They’d talked about everything from politics, the current state of the economy among many other things.
Their rapport was easy.
Natural…
The portly store manager had been surprised when they’d arrived. The man was accustomed to helping her whenever she frequented Dorsey’s, but he bowed out graciously when Xander stepped in.
And it had been---well, nice.
Just knowing that she had someone else there…
Usually, she didn’t purchase that many items since it was normally just her and Macy. But, today, since she’d had an extra pair of arms, she’d eagerly seized the opportunity. Probably, she wouldn’t have to go shopping for the next month or so!
She flicked the light switch---old habits died hard she guessed---before dropping her shoulder bag onto the nearby table.
“You can leave everything in the kitchen,” she called over her shoulder, shrugging out of the light jacket. “And I can’t believe that you actually lugged all of it such a long way.”
“Neither can I. Warn me ahead of time if you plan on buying out the entire store. We’ll take the car.”
Breezing past her, he walked into the kitchen.
She could hear Macy’s heavy footsteps as she swished past her, obviously heading towards her favorite retreat: her bedroom. The poor baby was exhausted, she thought, pulling a face, but then frowned. Actually, Macy had been a little, too tired lately.
She shook the unsettling thought off.
<
br /> After reaching the living room, she turned the TV on and soon noise blared from it. Apparently, a basketball game was underway, she mulled, hearing the intense screaming and yelling from the TV screen.
“NBA or NCAA?” he called from the kitchen.
“Your guess is as good as mine,” she said, shrugging her shoulders, hearing the crowd go wild when a player evidently exhibited a spellbinding play. “Besides, I’ve never been into any of these, male testosterone driven displays. Therefore, I wouldn’t know the difference between the collegiate and professional levels.”
After sitting down on the sofa, she pulled the boots from her feet.
“Where do you want me to put the dog food?” he hollered again.
“Put it in the small closet by the door,” she called back as she rose, and then paused.
Surprise lit her features.
They seemed like an old, married couple.
Discussing sports, putting the groceries away………
She did like having him around.
She couldn’t stifle the niggling hope.
Perhaps their relationship would develop further.
She shook her head quickly.
There was no sense in getting carried away.
The man was only trying to be helpful, that’s all.
Barefoot, she padded to the kitchen and stopped short behind him.
He shut the cabinet door. “No one can ever accuse you of being disorganized. Need help with anything else?”
“You’ve done enough. And I am not going to take advantage of your kindness. Please, have a seat in the living room. If nothing else, I’m a gracious host.”
She grabbed the plastic bag before wadding it quickly. Counting her steps, she dropped it into the wastebasket before turning. As she reached for the next bag, she encountered nothing but warm flesh. Her surprised gasp escaped as his large hands closed over hers, and hot electricity coursed through her at the contact.
“Sorry about that. Just trying to help out, but I’m getting the feeling that I’m in the way,” he said quickly, moving his hand away. “And I’ll get out of your hair. If you don’t mind, I’m going to catch a few minutes of the game.”
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