Merry & Bright: A Christmas Anthology (Nocturne Falls Universe)

by Fiona Roarke

  After hesitating long enough that Tami thought he was going to refuse, he finally stretched out on the sofa, resting his head on her thigh. He closed his eyes when she gently pressed her fingers against his temples, massaging in a slow, clockwise motion.

  His soft groan told her that it was working. Her mom used to give the same sound of relief. When he relaxed against her, the rock hard muscles in his shoulders easing, she moved her fingers up, sliding them into his hair.

  He opened his eyes. “What are you doing?”

  “Giving you the full treatment, sorcerer. Relax—it won’t hurt.”

  “You don’t need—”

  “I do. I talked you into helping him. The aftermath is on me. Now, relax, and let me help you.”

  He swallowed, and closed his eyes.

  Tami understood. Even as she gently massaged his scalp, the feel of her fingers sliding through his thick, dark hair left her a little breathless. She took advantage of his proximity—and the fact that he wasn’t trying to walk away from her. He’d been doing that since their first meeting, so she had never been able to study him like this, without interruption.

  Jack Cross was an incredibly good looking man, with high, sharp cheekbones, long, dark lashes that she’d kill for, and the intense, intelligent hazel eyes that studied her like she was a unique specimen he’d never seen before.

  She smiled at that thought, and moved slowly back to his temples, finishing with a few gentle circles.

  “Okay,” she whispered, not wanting to wake him in case he had nodded off. Her mom had, more than once.

  But Jack hadn’t; he proved that by reaching up, twisting his fingers into the front of her shirt, and tugging until they were almost nose to nose.

  “Thank you, Bennett.”

  She smiled. “You’re welcome, Cross.”

  Still smiling, she closed the space between them, kissing him upside down.

  It was—interesting, and not nearly as sexy as it looked on screen. When she started to pull away, Jack’s hand held her in place. She gave in to the kiss, aware that leaving him was going to hurt more than leaving Nocturne Falls. Much more than she thought it would.

  Jack finally freed her, both of them fighting for breath. He sat, taking her hand as he stood. Her heart skipped when he headed for the short hall—and his bedroom.

  “Jack—”

  “I didn’t plan for you, Bennett.” He cradled her cheek. “But my heart won’t allow me to let you go.”

  “I—what am I supposed to say to that?”

  He kissed her forehead. “Say yes, Bennett, to staying with me. Until you have to leave, I want you here.”

  “Who are you, and where did you stash Cross?” His laughter warmed her, and helped calm her jumping nerves.

  “Spending time with Lidia and Harrison forced me to face my own feelings about you.”

  “Oh? Like what?”

  “The fact that I have them, for one.”

  “Took you long enough.”

  His laughter rumbled through her. “You are a constant surprise.”

  “I don’t like to be predictable. I also don’t do this on first dates.”

  “This isn’t a date.”

  “Well—never mind, then.” She stood on tiptoe until their lips met. “I accept your offer, Jack Cross.”

  He kissed her until her head spun, then swept her up into his arms, leaving her breathless as he carried her to the bedroom.

  They were devouring cold pizza in the middle of Jack’s obscenely huge bed when Tami’s cell rang.

  She froze, a slice halfway to her mouth. “That would be Lidia—or my mom.”

  She slid off the bed and picked up her jeans, digging her cell phone out of the back pocket.

  Please don’t let it be Mom.

  Their bitter fight about Tami heading here to help Lidia still hurt, and she really didn’t want yet another rehash. Relief had her smiling when she saw Lidia’s name on the screen. “Hey, Lidia.”

  “Tami—are you still with Jack Cross?” Panic shot through her voice.

  “Yeah. What’s wrong, Lidia?”

  “Harry’s—trying to shift again.”

  Tami could hear the ugly, pained snarls in the background.

  “Where are you?”

  “My house.”

  “We’re on our way. Don’t try to stop him, Lidia, you hear me? He’ll hurt you.”

  “Just hurry. Please.”

  Jack was already on his feet, dressing. “How bad?”

  “I could hear Harrison, sounding really wolf-like.” She pulled on her jeans, and finished buttoning her shirt.

  She was still adjusting her second sneaker when Jack grabbed her hand.

  He paused long enough to pick up his leather bag and sling it over his shoulder, then strode to the door, almost dragging her after him. When they hit the sidewalk, he started to run. Christmas décor and brightly dressed locals blurred as Tami ran past them, focused on not tripping, or getting left behind because she slowed Jack down.

  Thankfully, Lidia lived on Cauldron Lane, one of the side streets near the center of town. It took less than five minutes for them to reach her front door. Jack opened it without knocking, and sprinted toward the kitchen in the back.

  Tami caught up with him in time to see him approaching Harrison, who had partially shifted. His left side was trying to become a wolf, while his right stayed human. Tami moved to Lidia’s side and gently backed her toward the doorway. Just in case.

  “He’s never changed this much,” Lidia whispered, leaning against Tami. “I can feel his pain, Tam.”

  “Jack will help him, sweetie.”

  Jack stood in clawing distance, which terrified her. But he looked calm, almost serene. “I’m going to take the ring off, Harrison, and prove to you—ˮ

  “No.” His snarling denial raised the hairs on Tami’s arms. “It keeps me from harming Lidia.”

  “Who told you that?”

  Harrison frowned—or tried to. “The ring—ˮ

  “I believe the ring has a spell in the stone. One that has finally been released, and is causing your shifts. Please let me help you.”

  Harrison glared at him.

  “Harry, please.” Lidia’s choked voice snapped his head around. “We need help.”

  Harrison closed his eyes, and Tami’s throat tightened when she saw the tears sliding down his cheek. He hunched his shoulders, and held his human right hand out to Jack.

  “I will remove the ring,” Jack said. “Then I can remove any—ˮ

  With a roar, Harrison swiped his clawed left hand.

  “Jack!” Tami’s desperate shout soundtracked his retreat.

  He almost made it.

  She screamed when Harrison’s claws dug into Jack’s left arm, hauling him up and forward—right into Harrison’s grip.

  Instead of trying to free himself, Jack leaned in, and Tami understood why. He was still trying to get the ring off Harrison’s finger.

  “Harry—let him go!” Lidia yanked out of Tami’s grip and marched forward. “I mean it. You let him go right now!”

  Harrison stopped growling and lifted his head, blinking at Lidia. Jack took advantage of the distraction, dropping to his knees with a pained shout. Sweat slicked his face, but his hand stayed steady as he pulled the ring off Harrison’s finger—and jerked free of the claws imbedded in his left arm.

  Forgetting everything but her need to get him away from the werewolf, Tami darted forward and wrapped her arms around Jack’s waist, jerking him back. They both hit the floor, hard.

  Jack moaned, gripping his left arm.

  “Let me see,” Tami whispered. She pushed up to her knees and leaned over him, swallowing when she saw the blood soaking his sleeve. “Hold still.”

  “Worse than it looks,” he muttered. “Help me sit.”

  “I’m sorry.” Harrison’s raw voice sounded completely human. “I’m so sorry, Jack.” He appeared in front of them, his clothes torn and bloody, his face paler than Ja
ck’s. “I should have believed you.”

  Jack opened his right hand, revealing the ring. Shaped like the profile of a wolf, the single stone that had been the wolf’s eye was cracked now, smoke curling out of it. Jack bent over his hand and muttered a few words Tami didn’t understand.

  The smoke dissipated, and the stone broke, falling out of the ring. It had been a dark gold topaz, but now it looked like it had been pulled out of a fire.

  Lidia reached for the stone, her hand freezing inches above it. “A changeling spell.” She stared at Jack. “How did you know?”

  “Negative spells are always marked with a smear. Not many can sense it, but I’ve always been able to. The spell is also recent.” He looked at Harrison. “How long have you been shifting?”

  “This is the third full moon.” He sighed, his big hand enveloping Lidia’s shoulder. “I should have listened to Lidia after the first time, but I thought it might have been a fluke.”

  “What happened three months ago?”

  Harrison started to shake his head, but Lidia touched his wrist. “You ran into Jared. He said he wanted to apologize, remember?”

  “Right.” Harrison ran one hand through his sweat-damp hair. “We shook hands, and I felt—I thought I had imagined it at the time, but I thought I felt what I could only describe as hate.”

  Jack studied Harrison. “This Jared is the shifter who injured you.”

  “Yes. His apology seemed suspicious at the time, but he told me he was trying to make amends, change his life.” Harrison shook his head. “I believed him.”

  “Harry was also sick for two days after that meeting.” Lidia took his right hand, her thumb rubbing his ring finger.

  Jack frowned. “Was this Jared wearing a ring?”

  “He was. The handshake was awkward, now that I think about it. Almost like he wanted our rings to connect.”

  “And transfer the spell.” Jack cradled his injured arm. “He paid a great deal for that spell, and more for the ability to pass it to another object.”

  Lidia leaned against Harrison. “I really thought he’d leave you alone, after what happened in the alley.”

  Tami raised her eyebrows. “Elaborate.”

  Smiling, Lidia looked up at Harrison. “He pounded Jared, trying to get to me.”

  Normally, Tami would have rolled her eyes at the sappy look Lidia had on her face. But right now, she understood, since she was on the edge of dragging Jack straight to Dr. Sophie Mead.

  “I will be fine, Bennett.” His deep, quiet voice brushed over her skin. “Sorcerers heal more quickly than mortals.”

  “Yeah, if you don’t bleed to death first.” She turned to Lidia. “Do you have a dishtowel you don’t mind losing?”

  “Oh—I’m so sorry.” She raised her hand and snapped her fingers. The dishtowel hanging next to the window over the sink sailed across the kitchen, landing in her open hand. “Here you go.”

  “Thanks.” Tami folded it, pressing the makeshift bandage against Jack’s arm, ignoring his protest that he was fine. “I never thought I’d see that again.”

  “Me, either. It feels amazing.” She smiled at Jack. “Thank you, for everything you’ve done.”

  “I’m not finished.” He turned to Harrison. “Do you want to shift?”

  “I—yes. More than almost anything.” He gripped Lidia’s hand. “Can you—would you be able to help me?”

  “Was your block because of an injury? Tami told me,” he said, when Harrison frowned at him. “I need the truth, or I can’t help you.”

  “Yes. Jared stabbed me with a silver knife while I was shifting.”

  “How old were you?”

  “Twelve.”

  Jack frowned. “Your family never tried to reverse what happened?”

  “They couldn’t. The poison from the knife—ˮ

  “Had nothing to do with your inability to shift.” Both Harrison and Lidia stared at him. “Do you feel pain, when you try to shift?”

  Swallowing, Harrison nodded. “The same hot, tearing pain I felt when I was stabbed. But it’s amplified, so much that I can’t breathe, can’t think.”

  “I believe I can help you. It will mean going back to where the injury occurred.”

  “I can do that.”

  “Harry.” Lidia cradled his cheek. “Are you sure?”

  “I am not complete, love. I want to be that, for you, for our family. Whatever it takes, I’m willing to try.”

  She kissed him, and Tami fought to keep from crying. Her best friend’s relationship with the werewolf had always bordered on sappy, but their love for each other had been obvious from the beginning.

  Jack cleared his throat. “I will need a few supplies from my apartment. Can you meet me there tonight?”

  “Tonight?” Lidia frowned. “He just—ˮ

  “Yes,” Harrison said. “Name the time, and we’ll be there.”

  “Seven.” Jack started to stand, and cursed under his breath. “Bennett, can you give me a hand?”

  “Sure.” She clapped her hands, grinning at his raised eyebrows. “Sorry—couldn’t resist such an opening.” She helped him to his feet, keeping her arm around his waist when he swayed. “I think we’ll be needing a ride.”

  Jack shook his head. “I will be—ˮ

  “Face down on the sidewalk.”

  “I’ll drive you,” Lidia said. She kissed Harrison, then moved to Jack’s other side. “Go upstairs, Harry. I want you to rest, or you don’t get to go tonight.”

  “Only if you join me.”

  “Fine. Now go.” Lidia pointed to the doorway, waiting until Harrison left before she spoke again. “Thank you, Jack, for offering to help him. I don’t think it’s a good idea.”

  “It is not your decision to make, Lidia.” His voice was gentle, but she still flinched.

  “If it doesn’t work—he already thinks he’s half a man because of this. I can’t—I won’t have him lose what ground we’ve gained the last few months.”

  “If I can interrupt,” Tami said. “I think not trying will hurt him more, Lidia. Knowing that he can’t shift, if what Jack wants to try doesn’t work, will be much easier to live with than wondering for the rest of his life.”

  “You’re right.” She sighed, then raised her voice. “If you’re eavesdropping, Harrison Grey, you won’t get dessert for the rest of the year.”

  Tami laughed when the sound of feet on the hardwood floor echoed through the hall—heading away from them. “How did you know?”

  “He agreed much too fast. And dessert is me.” She winked at Tami, laughing when Jack coughed, obviously uncomfortable. “Let’s get you home, Jack.”

  After pretending to lie down, Jack waited until Tami left before he rose, heading for the hidden compartment he had constructed in the back of the closet.

  His left arm still ached, and would for several weeks, but a quick glance showed him the raw scars already forming on his bicep. He would mix a drink to help with the blood loss before Tami returned.

  As he whispered the unlocking spell, he let his mind drift, and it inevitably led to her.

  She was the woman he never thought to find. The woman he never wanted to find.

  His life was easier without the complication of a relationship, and the messy emotions that always came with it. Tami was different, because she didn’t demand anything from him. She could have wrapped him around her finger with a few words, but she had clearly been as hesitant about their attraction as he had been.

  Spending today with her drove home the fact he had been avoiding all these months. He was in love with her.

  “Fool,” he muttered, and yanked the door open.

  Gathering what he needed for tonight focused him on the moment. He would use his amulet, to help counter the weakness from his recent injury. Because it had been delivered by a supernatural, the wound affected both his body and his power.

  The others didn’t need to know. Since they had never seen him work his power, they would assume he alwa
ys used his amulet. One of his fellow sorcerers would have known in a heartbeat that something was wrong; he hadn’t needed a focus for years.

  He knew Tami was at his door before she knocked.

  Cursing, he slid the chain holding the amulet over his head and gathered up his supplies, heading for the living room. She would get impatient if he didn’t answer right away.

  The knob started turning as he reached for it. He yanked the door open before she could finish turning it, and met her startled gaze.

  “Sorry,” she said. “I thought you might still be asleep.”

  “I was—in the bedroom.” He almost told her about the compartment. Like he could trust her with the information.

  “And not asleep.” She brushed his cheek. “You look terrible.” Her smile softened the words.

  “Bennett.” He didn’t know what to say to her, how to end something that meant so much to him.

  She seemed to sense his thoughts, and lowered her hand, breaking contact.

  “No need to let me down easy. I have to leave soon, anyway.” She managed to keep smiling, but Jack felt the pain behind it. The ache that he had caused, by caring for her. He blocked that ache, before it threatened to burrow deeper. “Stop looking at me like that, Cross. You have a werewolf to heal.”

  “Right.” He reached up to rub his forehead, and sucked in his breath when hot pain shot through his left arm.

  “That arm needs to be looked at.” She cupped his elbow and gently eased his arm down. “I know you’re the great and powerful, but even your kind gets banged up every once in a while.”

  “My arm is fine, Bennett.” He couldn’t stop the smile at her teasing. “Are you ready? Lidia and Harrison will be here any time.”

  “Knowing Harrison’s almost obsessive need to be early, they’re probably walking up to the building right now.”

  Jack lowered the wall he’d thrown up, just enough to reach past the door. “You were wrong.” He leaned in, unable to keep from kissing her again. Just once more. “They’re inside already.”

  “Oh.” She sounded breathless, her blue eyes dark. Before he gave into temptation and kissed her again, Lidia and Harrison appeared. Tami headed straight for Lidia, taking her hand. “How are you?”