by Rivi Jacks
Wait! I want to watch! “I need a drink,” I tell Maryanne, and we head out to join the guests.
We mingle for a good hour while Lucas and Walter are gone. I’m on my second glass of champagne, speaking to a cute guy friend of Maryanne’s named Tim and two out-of-town male guests of Walter’s. Maryanne is laughing at something Tim says when I see the smile slide right off her face. About the same time, I sense Lucas’ presence. I spin around and my greeting falls to the way side. His eyes look like molten silver and he is livid.
He grips my upper arm. “Excuse us, Maryanne, gentlemen.” Not waiting for a response, Lucas pulls me along, oblivious to the reactions of people around us. However, I am mortified!
“Lucas!” I try to pull my arm from his grip as he heads down a hallway, opens a door, pushes me into a room, and firmly shuts the door behind us. “Are you insane?” I hiss, angry and embarrassed. “Everyone was staring at us while you—manhandled me!”
“I don’t give a shit!” He glares down at me. “Are you incapable of doing one thing I ask of you?” He demands.
“Stop yelling at me!”
“This isn’t yelling, trust me!” He’s practically shouting as we stare each other down. He exhales loudly in exasperation and clasps his hands behind his head. “I have every reason to believe Ed Smith is working for the Kihn,” he says in a somewhat calmer voice. I bite my bottom lip, and he glances at my mouth. “He might not be here alone, so I wanted you out of sight.” At my surprised expression, he continues. “Why the hell didn’t you stay in the kitchen as I told you to?”
“I-I did.” He raises his eyebrows. “You were with him. We figured...” I can’t finish the sentence because I realize how foolish I’ve been.
He studies my expression before laughing harshly, startling me. Raking his fingers through his hair, he takes a deep breath and meets my gaze. “Let’s get your wrap. We need to leave.”
He holds his hand out, but I move past him, ignoring the gesture. He grabs my arms, pulling me back against his front, against his hard length. My entire body tenses. “Don’t,” I whisper, afraid of how much I want him.
“Shhh.” He nuzzles behind my ear with his nose, and I can’t stop my gasp. I feel his chest expand as he inhales deeply. A piercing stab of desire courses through me when his lips trail down my neck toward my shoulder. My breathing escalates and I close my eyes, tilting my head to give him better access. He pauses over the pulse point, flicking his tongue against the spot. It’s a good thing he’s holding me up. Otherwise, I might slide right down to the floor. The sound of my moan pulls me from his spell.
What am I doing? I can’t do this! I start to move from his embrace, but his hands tighten like steel bands. “Please let me go,” my voice trembles. He hesitates and places a kiss on the nape of my neck before releasing me.
I step away, stopping at the door. “I’m sorry,” I whisper, unsure for which misdeed I’m apologizing. I hurry out and down the hallway to Maryanne’s room. She comes in looking for me, and I remind her I’ll call the next time I’m in town. She walks me back to the party, and my gaze sweeps the room for Lucas. I find him with a redhead draped about his body.
What the hell?
In all fairness, it does look as if he’s trying to extricate himself from her clutches.
“That’s Jules,” Maryanne informs me. “She always makes a fool of herself over Lucas. But he only tolerates her because his parents and hers were good friends. They’ve known each other for years, and she thinks she has some kind of claim to him.”
Lucas glances our way, and I catch what looks to be anxiousness in his expression. He takes the redhead’s hands and unwinds her arms from around him. He says something to her, and she turns toward us.
Her hate washes over me like a scalding wave, making me cry out softly and almost drop to my knees. I’m not sure what she’s done to cause this effect, but it’s about three seconds’ worth of unbearable. I said her hate because I know in that moment she does—hate me.
“How dare she!” Maryanne exclaims. “Are you okay?” Her concern shows in her expression.
I swallow, unable to answer, and peer across the room toward Lucas. He has the redheaded witch by the shoulders, and it looks as if he’s reading her the riot act. He steps back and says something else to her. Her face is turned down, and I see her mouth move as she answers. People turn to watch, but Lucas seems oblivious. I guess he really doesn’t care what they think. He turns away from her, and she glances up, catching my eye. I shudder at the evil I glimpse.
Another woman near us asks if I’m okay and can she get me something. I notice several other concerned looks from people nearby.
“A glass of water, please, Betty,” Maryanne requests.
I have my arms wrapped protectively across my front, and I’m shaking as Lucas joins us. His regard is intense as he cups my face, searching my eyes.
“Are you okay?”
“I think so. What was that, what she did?” I ask.
“I’m sorry, my sweet. It won’t ever happen again.”
Maryanne makes a “humph” sound as she hands me a glass of water. “She won’t be pulling another stunt like that here.”
Lucas holds my coat for me to slip into. “You’re sure you’re okay?” His voice is soft, and his warm breath brushes my ear.
“Yes.” I shiver slightly.
I turn, and he gives me his slow, sexy smile that causes me to forget to breathe. My whole equilibrium is off because of the red witch’s attack. His laugh is low as he places his arm around my waist, pulling me against his side. He bends his head and kisses my temple as he did earlier. As before, people stop in the middle of their conversations to watch us. “I’m sorry, Sofie, that happened to you.”
“I just want to know what that is, so I can avoid it from this day forward.”
“Walter,” Lucas says, amused as the elder Pent joins us, “thank you for a pleasant evening.” He shakes Walter’s hand. “I’ll speak with you tomorrow. Maryanne, you behave yourself,” he teases. He reaches over and takes her hand for a moment. They walk with us to the door, and several people wish us goodnight.
I tell them both I enjoyed myself. Maryanne responds by taking my hand. “Good night, Calam—”
We stare at each other in shock as the same current of heat I’d felt with Nick the first time I touched his hand pours through our connection. What the hell? I try to pull my hand from hers, but she holds on, a look of wonder on her face.
“Sofie!” she whispers. Her eyes are wide with surprise, searching mine.
“Maryanne?” Lucas watches the exchange.
Walter steps forward, placing his hand on his daughter’s shoulder. “Maryanne, dear, what is it?”
She breaks our bond as she releases my hand, looking at her father, then back to me, shaking her head gently. “Call me... the next time... you come to town,” she finally responds, giving me a smile. Her eyes are alight with curiosity.
Okay. This is too weird. I return her smile. “I will.”
Lucas looks from me to Maryanne and back. “Ready?” he asks. He ushers me out the door, glancing back at Maryanne. The cold air feels like a slap in the face after the warm house.
“What happened in there?” Lucas takes my arm to bring me closer, and he pulls my coat up around my neck.
“I... honestly don’t know.” And I don’t.
He stares at me for a moment before he sweeps me up into his arms. I yelp in surprise as he strides toward the car. He ignores me when I insist he let me down, laughs when I punch and push against his chest. Arriving at the car, I’m surprised to see Max and—Fisher, I think, sitting in the Hummer, behind the Camaro.
Lucas deposits me in my seat in the Camaro, telling me to “Buckle up,” before closing the door and moving off toward the Hummer. I twist around to watch him and wonder what’s going on. After a few moments, he slides into the Camaro, and we head for Sweetwater with an escort.
“Why is Max here?” I watch his fa
ce.
“He was in town on an errand.” He keeps his eyes on the road.
“But why is he here?” Lucas glances at me and smiles. I huff in irritation. Okay. Obviously, he doesn’t trust me.
I become quiet, thinking over the night’s events.
Lucas picks up my hand. “I had a good time tonight,” he says. I give a strangled laugh. “What?” He looks at me, bemused.
“This has got to be one of the strangest nights, Lucas.”
“What?” He sounds mildly surprised, and I glance over to see him smiling. I shake my head and look out my window. “You didn’t enjoy yourself tonight?” A peculiar tone enters his voice and I look at him.
“No... I mean, yes, I enjoyed myself.” He smiles, his white teeth gleaming. “Except for that... girlfriend of yours.”
“Girlfriend?” A frown mars his forehead.
“The red witch.”
Lucas laughs out loud, squeezing my hand. He eases the car to a stop at a red light and turns to look at me fully. “Sofie, she does not belong to me.” He watches me, his eyes intent as his thumb strokes the back of my hand. The idea of belonging to him and what exactly that means fills me with longing. I turn away from him. The light changes, and Lucas hesitates before accelerating the car through the intersection. “Besides—she’s only part witch,” he adds.
I glance at him quickly. Part witch? I didn’t mean it literally, but if the broom fits… “Well, if she ever tries that crap on me again, I’ll probably... have to shoot her.”
It’s his turn to look at me quickly. “Don’t you think that’s a little—extreme?” I think I’ve surprised him.
“What would you do if someone stuck a hot poker to every inch of your body, and they tried to do it a second time?” Lucas’ perusal is a little longer this time, eyebrows raised in surprise, but there’s no censure in his expression. “That’s what I thought,” I say, smugly.
We’re quiet again, and I become drowsy from the heat blasting out from under the dashboard. I remember thinking I want to ask Lucas about Ed Smith and Lars Aasen. The next thing I’m aware of is Lucas saying my name.
“Sofie, my sweet,” his voice is husky.
I grumble under my breath.
“Would you like me to carry you into the house?” he murmurs.
That comment opens my eyes, and I sit up straight. Lucas chuckles. He opens his door, getting out, and I notice Cal come out of the shadows. Lucas speaks to him before opening my door and helping me out.
“Miss Sofie,” Cal greets me politely.
“Hi, Cal.”
Lucas takes my house key and unlocks the door, letting us into the warm house. Jake isn’t home. He’s probably still with Diane. All I want to do is crawl into my warm bed. Lucas looks down the hall.
“I’m sorry your men are out in this cold,” I say.
His eyes cut back to mine. “I have to leave. I won’t be able to stay. I have—something I need to take care of. You’ll be safe, Cal and Rob are outside… and Wolf.”
“It’s okay,” I whisper, realizing I don’t want him to go.
He steps closer and pulls me into his arms. I lay my head against his chest, hearing his heart. He smells good.
“You looked beautiful tonight in your pretty white dress.” His voice is warm and intimate. “And you are very desirable right now with your tousled hair and sleepy eyes.” He buries his nose in my hair and inhales deeply. I snuggle against him, and he laughs softly. “Now she wants to cuddle,” he whispers. He tips my chin up, gazing down into my eyes. A lock of black hair falls across his brow. “I do have to go, and you need to get some rest.” He presses his lips against my forehead. “Soon, my sweet.” And he leaves.
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
I stumble back to my bedroom, half-asleep. I take my cell phone out of my bag to plug it in and notice I have missed calls. Three calls and two texts from Reenie. The texts consist of one word, *call*, and she’s left no messages. This can’t be good.
I try calling her back several times, but the call goes straight to voice mail. I can’t go to sleep now, worrying about her. I know not to call her house. Her dad would have a fit over someone calling at this time of morning. I pace around my room before deciding Reenie is either at home or at Calvin’s. I’ll drive by her house, and if her car isn’t there, I’ll drive on to the Stewarts’.
I change into my warmest sweat pants and hoodie and head out the door, grabbing my heavy coat on the way. Wolf sits outside on the porch.
“Hey, boy.” I scratch behind his ear and start for the car with Wolf at my heels. When I open the car door, Wolf hops right in. “Wolf! What are you doing?” Thinking about it, I decide it might not be such a bad idea to take him with me.
When I drive by Reenie’s house, her car isn’t there. The Stewarts’ place is farther from town than the Adams’s home, and I drive on. I pull off the gravel road in front of their driveway at about two in the morning. I see Reenie’s car parked by Calvin’s pickup.
Lights are on at the back of the house, I notice as I maneuver to the door. Their yard, strewn with junk, accommodates a riding lawn mower in the middle of the path that serves as a walkway to the porch. Auto parts are scattered about, and a toilet sits beside an old icebox which has its door removed. I have to be careful walking to the door. The dogs out back have picked up my scent, and they make a ruckus.
“Sofie?”
I just about jump out of my skin. I look across the porch and see Reenie huddled in the corner. “Reenie?” I whisper back.
She hurries over to me. I wrap my arm around her shoulders. She has no coat, and she’s shivering. What the hell?
“Are you okay?” I ask.
“Can I go home with you?” she asks in a small voice.
“Of course you can.” I glance around. “Let’s go. I’ve got a warm coat in my car.” We pick our way down the steps. I can find out what is going on when we get out of here.
“Where do you think you’re goin’?” Calvin Stewart steps in front of us, blocking the path.
Aw... crap!
I hear Wolf growl as he comes from behind the Jeep. Calvin glances nervously in his direction.
“No, Wolf,” I order sternly. “Stay.” I act as if I have some control over his actions. “Calvin, you need to step aside and let us pass.” I’m proud that my voice is firm and not shaking. I never admit it to anyone, but Calvin’s ugliness scares me.
“I don’t think so,” he sneers. “She’s not going anywhere with you, and you’re trespassin’.” He makes a move toward us, and Wolf leaps in front of Calvin, growling and baring his teeth.
“Call that son of a bitch off, or I’ll shoot ’im!” He yells for his sister. Linda comes so quickly to the door, I know she’s been listening.
“What’s goin’ on?” she asks, peering out. “Who’s that?” She turns on a light and steps out onto the porch.
“Git my shotgun!” Calvin shouts at her.
Reenie presses against me, burying her face in my shoulder. I keep my eyes on Calvin. When you have a snake in front of you, it’s best to keep him in your sights.
“Linda! It’s Sofie Reece. Please call Sawyer for me.”
“Shut up!” Calvin hisses, causing Wolf to take a few steps toward him, growling.
“Sofie?” Linda asks.
“Please, Linda, call Sawyer!” I plead again. I’d bet anything she knows his number.
“Git my gun, Linda! Now!” Calvin bellows. Reenie flinches and I squeeze her shoulder.
“Okay, hold your horses,” she says, disappearing into the house.
“Calvin, you’re not going to shoot us, so let us pass.” I pray he won’t shoot us.
“I ain’t gonna shoot you, but I am that wolf,” he says with mean relish in his voice.
“Run, Wolf! Run!” I yell at him, causing Wolf to get more excited. He lets out one long, bloodcurdling howl.
Linda comes back out on to the porch. Thank goodness she doesn’t have a shotgun with her.
“Damn you, Linda!” Calvin yells at her.
“I can’t find it, Calvin. It’s not where you leave it.” She wrings her hands.
What happens next is a blur. Calvin is standing, and an instant later, he’s lying on the ground with Lucas standing over him. When I glance up from Calvin, Sawyer’s standing by Linda, and Sam is pulling Reenie from me. He carries her toward the Jeep.
“Sofie, are you okay?” Jake asks, turning me toward him, searching my face.
The dogs finally stop their incessant barking. Max bends over Calvin, slings the unconscious lout up over his shoulder, and carries him to the porch.
“Where you want him?” Sawyer asks Linda.
“I’ll show you,” she replies and holds the door open for Max.
It all happens within seconds, leaving me stunned. Lucas stands, glaring at me. I feel a thread of unease at his stance.
“Did I not see you safely into your house no more than an hour ago?” He uses that cool, ominous voice of his as his eyes flash silver. I’m not sure if he actually wants an answer. He gives an exasperated sigh and looks over at Jake. “Has she always been this way?” he asks, with a note of laughter in his voice.
I frown at him. “What’s that supposed to mean?” I demand.
“It means—” He is suddenly in front of me, and I back up. A wry smile touches his lips, but he doesn’t advance further. “You can get into more trouble, more—predicaments than anyone I know.” He raises one black eyebrow as if daring me to deny his words.
“It’s... not always my fault,” I say, keeping a rein on my temper.
His lips twitch. “No, I’m sure it’s not. But trouble does seem to find you, Miss Reece.” He grins and walks over to speak with Max, who has returned from dumping Calvin.
I look over at Jake and Sawyer standing with grins on their faces.
“Shut up!” I tell them.
Evidently, when Linda called Sawyer, the guys were already out looking for me. Cal had contacted Lucas as soon as I backed out of the driveway. The fact that I not only have a guard, but they also monitor my comings and goings pisses me off royally. Lucas and I will have a little talk about this fact, and I tell him so. He bends down and murmurs in my ear that he looks forward to any conversation I wish to have with him.