Watch Me Burn

by Nikki Drost

  Tonight was a shit storm from start to finish and try as I might I can’t help the feeling that we are fighting a losing battle. I find myself in an unusual position. On one hand, I love my job, the adrenaline rush I feel as I’m fighting an enemy, and the pride that courses through me when saving an innocent life, the sense of brotherhood that comes along with being near these men is only half of the reason why I enjoy being an Enforcer. But it’s a double-edged sword, there are things I hate to my core, but taking the good with the bad is a necessity in this game we call life.

  Watching that makeshift torture chamber burn to ashes had given me some satisfaction. One thing I’ve learned from growing up with the enemy is that there are always more victims, another hideout, and an endless supply of men willing to follow a zealous Alpha like a herd of sheep.

  Chapter 11

  Kelsey

  “Are you ready to go, princess?” Jamie asks while leaning casually against the wall of my entryway, and boy oh boy does he look yummy.

  He is dressed in a black Henley with the sleeves pushed up his bronzed forearms. A pair of snug faded jeans covers the expanse of his muscular thighs and long legs. The cuffs of his jeans are stuffed into a pair of the coolest motorcycle boots I’ve ever seen. They’re mid-calf black leather boots with a metallic red flame design, large metal buckles, and tower soles with metal trimming. I roll my tongue back into my mouth, then look up at his smiling face. My heart skips a beat as I drink my fill of him.

  “As ready as I’ll ever be.”

  Tonight the boys are playing at the bar despite my earlier protests. As much as I love to watch Jamie on stage, after what happened last night I’m more concerned about his safety than ever. Tonight’s gig isn’t the only reason I am on edge. Tomorrow is the full moon and Jamie will be incapable of accessing his powers. What will he do if he is attacked by vampires?

  I’m so distracted by my thoughts I fail to notice Jamie leading me toward the scariest looking motorcycle I have ever seen. Despite my weariness, I can’t help but admire the detail that went into making this bike. I lean forward to get a better view of the large chrome skull shaped gas tank. The fierce looking skull even sports a set of fangs and headlights for eyes.

  “What do you think? I just finished it for a friend of mine and I thought I’d take it out for a test run.

  “You built this bike?” I gasp in disbelief.

  Andy told me that Jamie was talented, but holy damn this bike is amazing.

  “Yeah, and Azrael better be grateful for all the time I put into it.” He chuckles.

  “That’s an odd name, is he a shifter?”

  “No, he’s the angel of death and before you ask, yes, he has a scythe.”

  “You’re friends with death?” I ask pointedly, my mind is on overload with questions. “If he touched me would I die? I mean, he is the grim reaper right?”

  “You wouldn’t be the one dying,” Jamie mumbles as he passes me a helmet.

  I want to ask him what he means by that, but decide to let it go. “Is this thing safe?” I ask as I secure the strap under my chin.

  Jamie swings his leg over the bike and holds his hand out for me to take. “If it weren’t then I wouldn’t let you near it.” He smiles as I place my hand in his and climb on the back of the bike.

  The heat from his body seeps into mine, warming my very soul. Jamie turns the key, then kick-starts the bike, the vibrations hit me in all of the right places. Oh god, maybe this is a bad idea. I squeeze my arms around Jamie’s torso, pressing my hands into his rock hard abs. I can feel rather than hear Jamie’s laughter at my sudden fear.

  “Hold on tight, princess,” he yells as the bike takes off in the direction of the bar. Twenty minutes and several prayers later, Jamie pulls into the packed parking lot of The Boonies. I reluctantly release him and climb off the bike. As my feet touch the ground, my legs begin to tremble. Just as I’m about to fall flat on my ass I’m scooped up into Jamie’s strong embrace.

  “And here I thought you’d be used to long hard rides.”

  The sound of his silky voice sends shock waves of desire straight to my sex. I silently curse this man for his double meanings and my body’s response to them. Why is it that every word out of his mouth either sounds sexy or drips with innuendo?

  Jamie lifts his hand to my cheek. His callused fingers gently trace a line along my jaw. My body instantly pulses with need at the contact of his skin on mine. My heart is pounding so hard I’m scared it might beat right out of my chest. I pray he can’t smell my arousal, lord knows I’m turned on enough to climax right here.

  Before I realize what’s happening Jamie grabs my arms and lifts me onto his bike. He positions me onto his lap until I am straddling his legs. His arms wrap around my lower back as he pulls my body closer to his. Jamie leans forward, his lips brush against mine. A moan escapes my parted lips giving his tongue full access.

  My head spins as Jamie’s tongue collides with my own, my arms snake round his neck pulling him closer. The need I have for this man is overwhelming, the only thing I can think about is getting him naked and inside of me. His hands cup my breasts, squeezing them gently before teasing my hardening nipples with his thumbs. I break away from our kiss in desperate need for air, my head falls back while moaning his name. Jamie kisses a fiery trail from my jaw down to my neck.

  “I want you so fucking bad, princess. I need to be inside of you.”

  I open my mouth to respond, but the only sound that comes out is a strangled moan.

  “I want to lick every inch of your body starting at your toes. I’m going to make you come so hard and for so long and I’m not going to stop until either of us can walk. Once I’m buried deep inside of you, I’m going to fuck you long and hard in every position I can think of. I want you sore, princess, that way every time you move you’ll think of me and all of the delicious things I’ve done to you.”

  Oh. My. God, that has to be the hottest thing anyone has ever said to me.

  “Jamie, please.” I’m not sure what I’m begging for but I need more, I need him.

  “You want my cock don’t you? Tell me you want me,” his whispered demand sends goose bumps over my flesh.

  I don’t know how much more of this I can take, as it is my body feels like it’s ready to explode. “I want you, Jamie.”

  “Good, now listen very carefully,” he says while placing gentle kisses to my neck. “I want you to sit with my brothers and never leave their sight. If you need a drink, someone will get it for you. You need to powder your nose, someone will go with you, understand? I want you to have a good time tonight, princess, but I need to know you’re safe, so promise me you’ll behave, and I promise to dedicate the last song to you.”

  My first instinct is to argue, but I know Jamie is dealing with some major bad guys and if hanging out with the other Enforcers will ease his mind then it’s the least I can do.

  “I promise, but it better be a damn good song.”

  ***

  “Can I get you another drink?”

  Dallas doesn’t bother to wait for my reply before motioning a waitress to bring us another round.

  Since the moment I sat down, Dallas has been asking me all types of question concerning my relationship with Jamie. Most of his inquiries are innocent enough, but I’m starting to get the feeling that the Enforcer is up to no good. I’d have to be blind not to notice the animosity between the two wolves, and even though I have no idea what caused them to be at each other’s throats, I have no plans to be used against Jamie in any way.

  “So,” he starts, “how long do you really think this thing with Trudeau is going to last?”

  I knew it!

  “If by thing you mean our relationship, then I expect it to last forever. I’m his mate after all.”

  Dallas shakes his head from side to side, a low chuckle rumble’s from his chest. “So he’s explained that if another male shows interest in you, you have the right to explore other options.”

&nb
sp; Sheesh, this guy must think I’m stupid or something. I may not be an expert on all things shifter, but I know when I’m being fed a line of bullshit.

  “You know something, Dallas, you seem like a decent guy and I’m sure under different circumstances we could have been good friends. Maybe we still can if you dropped this vendetta you have against my boyfriend. I don’t know what happened between the two of you and honestly, I don’t really care, but I can tell you the only person I plan on exploring is, Jamie.”

  I turn my head toward the stage only to find Jamie starring daggers at my drinking companion. After a moment, Jamie adverts his attention toward me and the sly smile that spreads across his face is nothing short of naughty. The werewolf may exude confidence in every aspect of his life, but for whatever reason when it comes to relationships, Jamie Trudeau is just a man. He has insecurities just like the rest of us and underneath his cocky bad boy exterior I know he’s afraid of losing me. My thoughts are interrupted by the sound of Jamie’s voice booming throughout the room, looks like the show is about to start.

  Adam and Jamie begin to strum their electric guitars like pros. Cass lays out the tempo with his drumsticks as Micah’s long fingers pluck at the strings of his bass guitar. Jamie’s gruff voice washes over my skin like a sensual caress.

  “She’s a ten, hell-bent, I’m in heaven tonight

  Six speed sex scene playin’ out in my mind

  One look, I’m hooked, motor runnin’

  Rev’d up my heart started pumpin’

  Are you ready for the best damn ride of your life?”

  Just like the man himself, the opening song is hard, fast, and dripping with sex appeal. I can’t hide the goofy grin that spreads across my face and the only consolation I have is that it matches the one my best friend is sporting.

  Suddenly an overwhelming awareness hits me square in my gut. I don’t know why I hadn’t realized it before now, but regardless of the timing, the outcome is the same. I’m head over heels in love with Jamie Trudeau. I love his smile, the way his dark eyes sparkle with mischief, the way he snuggles up to me every night and makes me feel safe and wanted. Jamie isn’t just a supernatural warrior or part-time rock star, he is complex and moody, and he has so many different sides to him that sometimes it’s hard to keep them straight.

  Despite everything standing in our way, we have managed to find a little slice of happiness. Now I just need to find out if he feels the same way about me.

  ***

  An hour later, Micah wraps up their second set with the song “Bad Girlfriend,” and although bass players normally hang back in the shadows, this is not the case with the eldest Trudeau. With those baby blues of his coupled with his deep voice it is almost impossible to ignore his presence. This is probably why several women in the bar are trying to gain his attention.

  I had prepared myself for the onslaught of female interest Jamie would attract this evening, the man doesn’t need to do much to get a woman to notice him. Time and time again, I’ve watched him walk into this bar, order a beer and by the time he’s swallowed his first sip he’d have at least three different women surrounding him. Back then, I would have cursed each and every one of those bimbos with a case of flaming diarrhea or something equally as vile. But not tonight, no, tonight I am able to sit back and smile with the sweet satisfaction of knowing that I will be the last women who will ever warm Jamie’s bed.

  Just as my mental gloating started to take on a life of its own Cass and Micah both jump off the stage. Adam and Jamie exchange their electric guitars for acoustic ones, and then they take their collective seats on stools set up in front of their microphones.

  “I’m dedicating this last song to the woman who has successfully taken my ass off of the market. Kelsey,” Our eyes meet, a shy grin tug’s at his lips. “I may not be the most romantic guy in this room, but I hope this song will help make up for that.”

  I chuckle at the absurdity of his statement, his methods may not be a traditional, but the man has a way of making me feel special without even trying. Just because he hasn’t said the words that doesn’t mean he hasn’t proven his feelings for me.

  A hush falls over the crowd as Jamie and Adam begin to strum their guitars. I recognize the song instantly.

  “Sitting here wasted and wounded at this old piano

  Trying hard to capture the moment this morning I don't know

  'Cause a bottle of Vodka is still lodged in my head

  And some blond gave me nightmares I think that she's still in my bed.

  As I dream about movies, they won't make of me when I'm dead.”

  Tears threaten to fall as Jamie beings to sing the chorus to “Bed of Roses,” and by the last verse, I’m wiping my eyes with my sleeves. Who knew I’d be one of those girls who cries over a sappy love song.

  “Now as you close your eyes, know I'll be thinking about you

  While my mistress, she calls me to stand in her spotlight again

  Tonight, I won't be alone, but you know that don't mean I'm not lonely

  I've got nothing to prove for it's you that I'd die to defend.”

  Moments after the song has ended and the cheers have died down I find myself wrapped in Jamie’s comforting embrace.

  “Those better be tears of joy or else your brother is going to kick my ass.”

  A small chuckle escapes my lips as I wipe away the remnants of my tears. “They are I promise.”

  Jamie nuzzles my neck while his hands begin to wander over my backside. “How about we get out of here so I can show you how much you mean to me?”

  Oh hell yeah. “Lead the way, baby.”

  With my hand in his, Jamie leads me through the crowd toward the front door, just as his hand touches the doorknob Dallas appears out of nowhere. He grabs my arm, halting me in my tracks.

  “It’s not too late to change your mind, gorgeous.”

  At any other time his suggestive smile would have made me blush, but right now in this moment I’d like to smack the taste from his mouth.

  “You’ve got two seconds to take your hand off of my mate, Turner.”

  The look on Jamie’s face says he’s not playing around, but either Dallas has balls of steel or a serious death wish because his grip on my arm only gets tighter.

  “What’s the matter, Trudeau? Not up for some healthy competition?” he laughs humorlessly. “I’m just giving your girl some options, you know, like you gave mine.”

  What on Earth is he talking about?

  “Christ, Dallas! Let it go already,” Jamie shouts, he shoves the other wolf up against the nearby wall and steps right up into his personal space. “I’m warning you, Turner, if you pull any more bullshit I will end you, got it?”

  Dallas leans right into Jamie’s face. “Tell you what, either you swallow your pride and finally apologize for sleeping with, Talia, or we go old school and duke it out, winner takes all.”

  He can’t possibly mean what I think he means, could he? And who the hell is Talia?

  I open my mouth to stop this nonsense, but Micah and Gunnar step in between the two wolves pushing them apart.

  Well, it’s about time someone intervened.

  “I have had it with the two of you.” Micah glares at his baby brother. “We have enough on our plates without the two of you being at each other’s throats.”

  “This feud has to stop.” Gunnar pokes his finger into Dallas chest. “You are about to cross a line, one that will cost you more than you are willing to pay, Darius.”

  Silence ensues as both men seem to contemplate their next move.

  “You want old school, Dallas, you ever pull anything like this again, and that’s exactly what you’re going to get it.” Jamie turns and grabs my hand and tosses his next words over his shoulder. “You better decide if you want to be buried or cremated, either way I’m happy to do it free of charge.”

  ***

  Ten minutes later, we are back on Jamie’s bike heading toward his cabin. The autumn air chills
my skin down to my bones. I find myself pressing against Jamie’s back for warmth. The confrontation at the bar has been weighing heavily on my mind. When I had asked Jamie why Dallas tried to pick a fight with him, the only response I received was a heavy sigh and a shake of his head. If he thinks I’m just going to let this go, he has another think coming.

  A loud noise suddenly catches my attention, I turn my head to see an SUV behind us, it’s headlights are off and it’s gaining speed. Before I get the chance to warn Jamie, a dark figure leans out of the passenger side window.

  “Hold on!” Jamie shouts over the noise of the engine and the rustling wind.

  A loud bang sounds just as the bike lurches forward at a break neck speed. Jamie shuts off his headlights much to my dismay, how on Earth can he see where he is going? I shut my eyes and tighten my grip around Jamie’s waist. More gunshots can be heard as we make our way around the winding mountain roads.

  About a mile from the cabin, Jamie comes to an abrupt stop on the side of the road. I’m pulled from the back of the bike and placed on my feet.

  “Take this,” Jamie places a handgun in my open palm, “No matter what happens, don’t stop running until you’ve reached the cabin. Let’s go!”

  I want to ask him who these men are and why they’re shooting at us, but fear for our safety supersedes my curiosity.

  “Stay quiet,” he whispers, the deadly gleam in his now crimson eyes has me doing just that.

  Without looking back we race toward the woods, the gun Jamie gave me is firmly clutched to my chest. My fear is the only motivation I need to keep moving. If we can reach the cabin, we’ll be home free. I only pray that we’ll still be in one piece when we get there.

  Minutes pass as I stumble over rocks and fallen logs. Jamie doesn’t seem to be having any trouble navigating the darkness. Branches snag on my clothing, but I continue forward. A noise much like a firecracker, bursts from somewhere behind us.