by Rivi Jacks
“Um... it’s... not mine.”
He bends his head to look at the shoe, and a lock of his hair falls across his forehead. He peers at me from under his lashes and that lock of hair. My breath catches. “I spent a lot of money to guarantee my land was impenetrable.” He pauses before continuing. “Then a little girl such as yourself comes along and rubs my nose in the fact that it is… penetrable.”
I’m certain the innuendo is intentional, and if he wants to get a reaction out of me, it works. My face flushes with heat. He laughs under his breath, and my eyes flash to his. His smile is seductive, and I just know he’s having naughty thoughts. “You might be able to—persuade me not to press trespassing charges.”
His eyes rake over me again, and I rile at his audacity. “I would rather go to jail!” I remark with withering scorn.
He laughs, and I move to step away, but he clamps his hand around my wrist in a viselike grip. “Tell me how you got in,” he commands.
“Let go of me!” I tug against his hold to no avail.
His eyes are on my mouth as he rubs his thumb over the pulse point on my wrist. I feel a stab of stark pleasure and my lips part with my gasp. His eyes slash to mine, and I catch a glimmer of surprise in them. He gently—but forcibly—pulls me closer as he leans in.
“I smelled your scent all over my woods last night.” His voice is low and husky. His breath fans across my face, and I have to close my eyes, biting my lip, to keep from leaning in close to him. As he releases my wrist, I open my eyes to see his focused on my neck.
“Sofie! You’re boiling over!” Emma Rae yells out the kitchen door.
Lucas gives me a dark smirk. I want to run for cover, but I walk at a normal pace. As soon as I’m on the other side of the swinging door, I lean against the wall separating me from the man I’ve just lied through my teeth to.
Emma Rae goes out front and returns holding my shoe by the shoestring. “He left you something.”
I snatch the shoe. “Is he gone?” I hiss.
“Yeah. You do realize you can never wear those shoes in public again.”
“Yes, dammit!”
“I tell you, Sofe... that is one fine-looking man. I’d drink his bathwater.” I give her a look that plainly says I think she’s crazy as she fans her face in imitation of being flushed. I don’t think I’ve ever seen Emma Rae actually blush.
“Uh, he’d probably let you,” I say with no little sarcasm.
“Oh no, honey, I don’t think so. You, on the other hand...”
I give her a dirty look, and she laughs as she skips out of the kitchen.
I hurry home after work to shower and change before heading to Jordanna’s to have supper with her and Lucy. Diane and Emma Rae will be there too.
Ben and Billy have left for the pre-meeting, so we have some time to plot our strategy and make several phone calls. We want as many women as possible at the meeting. Jordanna and Lucy insist I speak tonight since I’ve been face to face with one of the monsters. The idea of speaking in front of a large crowd makes me green around the gills.
The community building overflows with men and women as we make our way inside. A group of women witnessing the Kihn’s foray into our world is the quickest way to get the word out about their existence. Nick, Jake, Sawyer, and the hunters, Lucas and Max, stand at the front of the room. This is the first time I’ve seen Nick since the night.
As I sit in one of the folding chairs, I feel Lucas’ gaze. I glance at him and see that he is looking at me. His expression appears slightly amused. Emma Rae leans over from the other side of Diane to poke me. I lean toward her.
She doesn’t bother to whisper. “He wants you.”
I bend down quickly as if tying my shoe. “Shhh!” I sneak a quick peek over at the he in question. His head, tilted down, hides most of his face, but I see the corners of his lips lift slightly. I can feel a blush stain my cheeks, certain he’s heard Emma Rae. I decide to stay down and maybe sneak out, but Nick chooses that moment to open the meeting.
He is a good speaker, I have to admit. He talks about the home he’s built and the life he’s planning here in this quiet, friendly community. He eases into last summer, with the first cow being found mutilated, and brings everyone right up to the night of the party at Jake Walker’s house.
Jake speaks next, and he surprises me by bringing up the McNish disappearance. He talks a little about that night and asks Sawyer to give his opinion. Most everyone knows Sawyer and Race McNish were—are—friends. Sawyer relays what he and Jake discovered in the cave on the McNish land, getting quite a reaction from everyone.
Once again, Nick speaks. He explains the history of the Kihn, giving the community the same information he and Taylor gave us weeks ago. That is, everything except for the existence of the gate. He explains that since the Kihn are masters at hiding from humans, governments have the same views about them: They can’t accept the existence of an enemy they cannot see. Nick tells of a special unit of men, organized in Europe, whose sole purpose is to control the Kihn. I hear people whispering at this news. Nick introduces the head of this group as Lucas Santiago.
I glance at Lucas in surprise. He is Santiago. Lucas gives a slight nod at his introduction. Nick explains to the audience that ridding our community of the Kihn will come about quicker and safer if everyone works together. He explains that we will need to follow the task force’s guidelines. Nick voices his appreciation of the number of people at the meeting, and he turns the meeting back over to Jake.
Jake explains the training sessions, but I tune out. Instead, I watch Lucas. I had it all wrong. Lucas is in charge, which explains his attitude that morning at Murphy’s. He’d meant it literally when he claimed he’d spent a lot of money on the fence. I believed he was talking about spending Santiago’s money to have it done. His eyes shift in my direction, catching me staring. His sensual lips twitch as if he fights a smile.
Emma Rae pokes me again. “Sofie.” I turn my attention to her and see several women looking at me. “Get up there! They’re trying to adjourn the meeting.” I moan. “Come on, go!” She practically pushes me out of my chair. I take my time standing, but Emma Rae leaps up. “Excuse me!”
No one pays her any attention.
“Excuse me!” she yells, waving her arm. All eyes turn our way. “Sofie has something to say.”
Nick gives Jake a quick shake of his head. They won’t let me speak! I worry my bottom lip between my front teeth. They’re going to ignore me. I see Lucas whisper something to Max and Max forwards it to Nick. Nick seems as if he is going to argue, but he looks at me with irritation and makes a come on gesture. That royally pisses me off. As if I need his permission.
I straighten my spine and make my way to the front of the room. I stand with my head down. If everyone will just stop staring at me… I take a deep breath. “I—” Clearing my throat, I glance around the room. I can’t do this.
Sawyer steps over to me and blocks everyone’s view while he gives me a pep talk. “Okay?” He steps back by Jake. Once more, I glance around the room. Lucas is watching me with a slight frown.
“Okay,” I say. “Um... my cousin…” I look at Sawyer, who winks at me. “My cousin says I need to take a deep breath, so...” I close my eyes and inhale deeply. I hold it for a few seconds before exhaling. I open my eyes to see several faces smiling. I glance at Lucas. He isn’t frowning anymore, but his eyes glow with an intensity that throws me for a moment. I lick my dry lips.
“He also told me to remind y’all I won the turkey shoot three years ago.” The room erupts in laughter, which embarrasses me. When they quiet down, I continue. “And he also said to mention that the year before that, I tagged the largest buck in the county.” This time, the room explodes in cheering and whistling.
I can’t help it. I have to smile a little. I look down to get my composure. “A few nights ago, I was confronted by a situation... In spite of the fact I held a 12-gauge shotgun, I knew it wouldn’t help if...” I have to sto
p and collect myself. “From my understanding, if that… creature had decided to come into the house, a shotgun might have only slowed it down.” My voice is quiet since I’m too scared to speak very loud.
“When I think about what could have happened to us...” I look at my friends and neighbors. “We were helpless.” I realize my words are making an impression. The room is quiet. Some of the men put their arms around their loved ones.
“Ben.” I look at my uncle. I know he agrees that the women should stay safe at home. He needs to realize we aren’t safe at home. “Billy. Jake.” I glance from one to the other. “Jordanna and Lucy could have both been lost to us. Any woman at the party that night might not have made it home.”
I glance around the room. Emma Rae gives me a thumbs up. Jake’s expression is stricken, and Nick looks disgusted, as if he thinks I’m playing dirty. “All we’re asking is for the chance to train with you men.” I wait for a moment. “Would you have us unable to defend ourselves?”
With that, I head back to my chair. I truly want to throw up. Diane hugs me as I sit down. Emma Rae reaches over and holds my cold hand. I sit up straighter when Lucas asks if he might say a word.
He says, “I believe it would be in everyone’s best interests for the women to train with my men. They do need to know how to protect themselves.” His gaze roams the room. He is beyond handsome in black jeans, a white shirt, and black leather jacket. The combination of black hair and dark features with his light-green eyes flashing silver makes him positively lethal. I’m not the only one who thinks so. Around the room, every woman, young and old alike, looks at him as if they want to have him for a snack.
I look back at Lucas, feeling his eyes. They entrap mine. I want to look away, but I can’t. His gaze touches me as if it is a physical caress, leaving goose bumps in its wake. Finally, he looks across the room again. In the end, the men reason the women should train for self-defense.
After the meeting, I visit with friends and answer questions about what the Kihn look like. Diane and Emma Rae rode to the meeting with me, but they decide to ride back with Lucy. Sawyer tells me he and Sam are going to Lucas’, and Lucas wants them to bring me. This news throws me for a loop. I can’t imagine why he wants me there. I tell Sawyer I’m going home.
I help old Mr. Roy finish stacking the folding chairs against the wall. I can’t bear the idea of leaving him to do it alone. It’s his job to close up the community building after meetings, but my goodness! He’s about seventy years old. He says he enjoys my company, and I enjoy hearing him talk about his chickens.
As I hurry across the parking lot, I slow my step when I notice the Hummer parked by my Jeep. Lucas leans against its front tire well. It figures that big, black, menacing thing belongs to him. His eyes follow me as I move toward my car, making me incredibly self-conscious. I bite my lip as I hit the key fob to unlock my Jeep. What is he doing here?
He detaches himself from the Hummer and walks with a sinuous grace toward me as if he’s stalking me. I tentatively step back. I scan the parking lot, but of course, everyone else has already left. “What are you doing here?” I croak.
He flashes a wide, wicked smile. “Waiting for you.”
I nervously tuck my hair behind my ear. “Why?” I sound out of breath.
His lips twitch as if he’s fighting a smile. “I want to invite you to my home. Your cousins will be there with some of the others. I hoped you might consider coming through the gates to see my place.”
I narrow my eyes at him. He looks as if he’s trying not to grin because he knows it would be the wrong thing to do. Smart man.
“No, thank you,” I say and move to open my door.
In an instant, he’s standing next to me. I gasp and step back, and he backs me up against the Jeep. I place my hand against his stomach to keep him from coming any closer, but that doesn’t stop him from leaning toward me and inhaling deeply. “You smell incredible. Sweet.”
“I’ll be sure to throw my perfume away,” I respond with anger.
He laughs, and I feel as if his laughter dances across my skin. “No—you’re not wearing perfume. You have a natural, sweet essence. You remind me of that song, the one about smelling sex and candy.” His voice flows over me, rich and dark.
I push against his stomach, to no avail. I look up, and his eyes lock on mine. I glare at him, but I am truly afraid. “You’re scaring me. Please back up,” I whisper.
He regards me with a speculative gleam. What he sees must convince him I’m serious because he steps back. He bends slightly to look into my face. A lock of black hair falls across his forehead, and I have a sudden, nearly uncontrollable urge to smooth it back.
“I’m sorry, Sofie. My intention is not to frighten you.” He sounds sincere. Then he flashes a grin brimming with no good. “I’ll be the perfect gentleman.”
I narrow my gaze in wariness and inch to my car door. “A gentleman is simply a patient wolf,” I snap.
He doesn’t bother restraining his grin this time. His eyes gleam silver. “You’re a little spitfire, aren’t you?”
“That’s right! And I’ll scratch your eyes out!”
He laughs out loud. “I like you, Sofia Reece.”
“I can’t say the feeling is mutual,” I shoot back as I open my car door.
He reaches over and grabs hold of the door, so I can’t open it wide enough to get in. “I could change your mind,” he says softly. His voice is seductive, and his eyes pull me in, holding me captive. He looks at my mouth in a way that lets me know he’s going to kiss me. I want him to kiss me.
I close my eyes and shake my head, trying to clear the fog. “No,” I moan. He’s close enough for me to feel the warmth of his body and he’s watching me intently. I lick my lips, wanting to taste him. I struggle to say, “Stay away from me.”
His mouth lifts in an amused smile as if he knows my thoughts. He pulls the car door open and I get in, jerking it closed and hitting the automatic lock. I turn the key in the ignition, wanting to gun it and speed away, but I drive normally out to the highway. He follows me home, and as I pull into my driveway, he stops in the road, waiting in his big, black, hulking machine until I get into the house.
For the second night in a row, the phone rings at an ungodly hour. I fumble for it. I’m going to kick his butt!
“Sawyer—” I whine.
“It’s not your cousin, sweet.” Oh! I have a sudden vision of laughing, silver-green eyes. “Did I wake you?” I hear the humor in his deep voice.
“Why are you calling me?” I sit up in bed, pulling my knees to my chest, and brush my hair off my forehead. “I think I’m having a nightmare.” Even I hear the contempt in my voice. For unknown reasons, this man annoys me.
He laughs. “Sofia, you wound me.”
I’d like to wound him. “What do you want?”
“We’re meeting at my place again tomorrow night—”
“I am not coming to your house.”
He chuckles before continuing. “Since it appears you are the spokesperson for the women, we think it’s vital you be here—”
“Who are we?” I interrupt again.
He hesitates for a moment. “Your cousins, Taylor—”
“Taylor’s gone.”
“He’s back.”
I wait for him to say something more. Just when I think he won’t, he asks, “Any more questions?”
“No.”
“Five o’clock.” Silence again. “You will come through the gates, right?” His voice rings with amusement.
I hang up on him.
It’s busy at work from the moment I arrive. I cooked two chuck roasts yesterday, and I’m using them to make shepherd’s pie for today’s lunch special.
Murphy’s changed the schedule around so Bobbi and I don’t work together. I haven’t seen her since Saturday night at Nick’s, but I continue to feel guilty. I haven’t seen Jake much either, which makes me sad. I miss him, even if I am still pissed. The change in scheduling causes a
few bumps at work. Like this morning Emma Rae hollers for me, needing my help.
Murphy’s has two kitchens. The first one is a large area that includes the deli prep station, grill, deep fryer, sinks, and cashier area. Through the swinging door near the grill is the second kitchen, and this is my domain. There’s a commercial oven with a large cooktop, sink, and a prep area, along with a small walk-in cooler. Several shelves on one wall hold all the pots and pans. It’s all set up really well, making for a pleasant place to work.
I bound into the front kitchen. “Whatcha need?” She has about four orders going.
“Can you take these two breakfast plates out to Benny and Tony, please?”
“Awww, Emma Rae!” Benny Perkins leers at me any time he’s around, and no matter how many times I shoot him down, he continues to ask me out. “Under protest,” I reply, picking up the plates.
“Also check everyone for coffee, if you don’t mind,” she adds with a smile.
I’m looking down as I enter the dining room. The toast is slipping on one of the plates, so I’m keeping an eye on it. I walk smack-dab into someone. “I am so sorry!” I come near to dropping both breakfasts when I see Lucas in front of me.
His hand shoots out to steady one of the plates. “Sofie,” he says sounding amused.
I can’t seem to breathe while looking into his green eyes. “Excuse me.” My voice sounds breathless.
At Benny and Tony’s table, I set down their plates, biting my lip. What is he doing here?
“Thanks, Sofie,” Benny comments, eyeballing me. “You look great today.”
“Thanks, can I get you anything else?”
“You can go out with me Saturday night,” he suggests. “There’s a party at the Jones’s. Of course, I guess you already know about that.” He grins.
“Leave the girl alone,” Tony tells him, for which I am grateful.