Skin Walkers: Gauge

by Susan A Bliler

  He approached and she stepped back to allow him to close the door. Once it shut, he grabbed her arm and pulled her to the other end of the suite. Taking her through a doorway that she knew led to the guest room he’d been staying in.

  He didn’t release her after closing the door firmly behind them, and when he spun on her his angry eyes were a full matte black.

  “How dare you run from me!”

  “I-I didn’t…”

  “LIE!” he snarled, stepping toward her and forcing her up against the wall where he placed straining arms against the wall on either side of her head, caging her in. “Do you have any idea what could have happened to you? To Alysa?”

  Ella was shaking as tears slipped free, “No, I didn’t…”

  “No,” he cut in, “you didn’t!” He leaned in closer and she had to tilt her head far back to look up at him, “I should take her from you.”

  Ella sobered then, trying to control her crying and begged, “No! Please, Gauge.” She licked her lips and reached a hand to lay it flat against his stomach, “I’ll do anything, her hand slid lower.”

  Desire flared to life in his eyes and dueled with the anger that still simmered there. He knew what she was offering. “Now?” He demanded, “You offer this now?”

  Ella dropped her eyes from his and whispered helplessly, “I have nothing else to give.”

  A thought struck and fury tore through him as he clenched his hands into tight fists and his muscles bunched. “How many other men have you whored yourself to in order to keep that child safe?”

  Ella’s head snapped up and her mouth hung open. All the color had drained from her face as if she’d just been slapped. Only a moment passed before she jerked her knee up and hit him just where she’d intended.

  Air was sucked into Gauge’s lungs as he nearly swallowed his tongue. He hit the floor hard, cupping his manhood and rolling to the side as Ella stepped over him.

  Her voice was thick with tears, “Fuck you!”

  Terrified at his reaction when the pain subsided, Ella hurried out of the room and to his master suite. Yanking the covers off Alysa, she had the girl up and in her arms and was halfway to the bedroom door when Gauge’s massive frame blocked her exit. She’d never seen fury like that which was currently burning in his eyes. Fear for herself was overridden by her fear for Alysa.

  “Wait!” she whispered as she backed up slowly. “Just let me put her down,” her voice trembled and her limbs shook. She put Alysa back on the bed and covered her up. Righting herself she inched forward. “Please!” She turned to look over her shoulder at Alysa before facing Gauge with her hands up. “Please don’t! Not in front of her. Let’s take this to the other room.”

  She watched emotions flit across Gauge’s face. Fury was swept away by shock, and then just as quickly replaced by horror. He dropped his arms from the door frame. “You actually believe that I’d harm you?”

  Ella faced him with borrowed courage. How could she tell him that she didn’t know what to expect from him. He was an enigma. One moment he was tender and doting, the next he was harsh and commanding. In her experience men with strength liked to flex it to show their dominance. How could she know if Gauge would be any different?

  Because he is! part of her whispered. She knew in her heart of hearts that Gauge Alexander would cut off his own fists and do it with a smile before ever using them against her in anger, the realization made her feel like an idiot.

  The look of hurt that flashed in his eyes had Ella lifting both hands to cover her mouth as she quickly shook her head. Seeing him this way wounded her and she didn’t know how to fix it.

  Gauge rose to his full height, his expression going blank. “Get some sleep, Ella. We’ll talk in the morning when cooler heads have prevailed.” Without another word he pulled the door closed and left Ella alone with her guilt.

  ***

  Gauge paced his room. Plowing an angry hand into his hair, he didn’t even try to restrain the angry growl that snarled from his lips. Whore? You called her a whore!

  He was disgusted with himself and knew he’d earned the knee to the nuts, but his words didn’t change her actions. She’d run from him. After all he’d done.

  After all I’ve done, he scoffed. What had he done? Nothing!

  He’d promised to keep her secret safe and once she’d revealed it, he’d left her to speak to Monroe. He hadn’t even given her assurances that he’d keep his word or his vow to protect them. He’d been a fucking fool, and her running was a direct result of his failure as a Walker…hell, as a man!

  Choose wisely, he’d told her. He’d basically left her with a threat and now he had the audacity to question her flight. Reaching down he massaged his tender sac and couldn’t help but grin. Note to self, no more calling my mate names. His smile vanished. My mate? He lifted his hand to the band of his halo. There was no affliction he realized with regret. Ella Garret was not his, but damn if his gut didn’t tell him otherwise.

  Chapter 19

  Ella startled awake to light tapping on the door. Her gaze jerked around the room that had surprisingly grown very familiar and felt like her safe haven. She turned to Alysa and calmed some at finding the babe still asleep.

  The light knocking rapped again and she swallowed hard at the prospect of facing Gauge. Easing from the bed, she attempted to finger comb her hair as she silently walked to the bedroom door. She cracked it open and was surprised to find an unknown female beaming at her.

  “Hi,” the statuesque blonde whispered, “Ella? Nice to meet you,” she shoved her hand out, “I’m Brooklyn Ami, Events Coordinator for the Estate.”

  Ella shook the woman’s hand with one of her own while the other pulled the door closed behind her. “Sorry,” she eyed the suite, “who are you? And where is Gauge?”

  Brooklyn smiled with bright red lips. “Uhh, Brooklyn, Events Coordinator. Mr. Alexander sent me, he’s in a meeting this morning, but wanted me to get you and Alysa’s sizes so I could get you fitted for the party.”

  None of what the woman was saying cleared anything up. In fact, Ella now had more questions. “Sorry, what party?”

  “It’s our annual Christmas celebration,” Brooklyn beamed with pride. “This’ll be the first year it’s held at the Estate and it’s going to be magnificent,” her red tipped fingers slashed through the air. “We’re having dinner and dancing. Santa will even be there for the little ones.”

  Ella held up a hand, “Wait! What does this have to do with me?”

  “Oh!” Brooklyn’s eyes rounded as she remembered her purpose. “I need your sizes to get you fitted for dresses. Mr. Alexander said you wouldn’t have the time, and with the party being this weekend.”

  “You must be mistaken,” Ella’s brows hiked. “Gauge isn’t taking us to the party.”

  “Well,” Brooklyn made a show of checking her e-tablet. “You’re Ella aren’t you? Your daughter is Alysa?”

  “Yes.”

  “Great,” the beaming smile was back. Brooklyn set her e-pad on a small side table and pulled a tape measure from her purse and looked at Ella expectantly. “Would you mind holding your arms straight out to the side?”

  Ella’s eyes darted from side to side before she finally turned and did as Brooklyn asked. She’d straighten the matter out later. For now, it’d be easier to simply comply rather than explain herself to this stranger.

  “This is soooo exciting,” Brooklyn exclaimed.

  “Umm, you do know that Christmas isn’t for another three weeks?”

  “I know,” Brooklyn’s tone sounded a little deflated, “but it was impossible to pin down a date closer to the holiday. Mr. StoneCrow has so many appointments and he’s apparently got foreign dignitaries coming to the Estate. He didn’t want to compromise security by having two huge events at once.” She took a moment to write measurements onto her e-pad then tucked one end of the tape under Ella’s arm and extended it down to her ankle.

  The bedroom door clicked open and a sleepy-eye
d Alysa stepped out using one little fist to rub at her eye as she yawned.

  “Morning, baby.” Ella left Brooklyn to pick up her daughter and smooch her on the cheek.

  “I’m hungry.”

  Ella smiled, “Well, this nice lady is going to measure you and then we’ll get something to eat, okay?”

  Alysa opened her eyes fully to frown at Brooklyn. “Okay.”

  “What a beautiful little girl,” Brooklyn sing-songed as Ella set the child down and Brooklyn set about the task of getting measurements. “I’m going to get you a pretty princess dress. Would you like that?”

  Alysa smiled wide and nodded, her eyes suddenly opening fully.

  “What color would you like it to be?”

  Ella smiled knowing the answer before it was given.

  “Pink!” Alysa exclaimed.

  “Pink it is!” Brooklyn stood and took more notes on her e-pad. “Thanks so much for your time this morning. I hope to have the dresses to you by Thursday so we have time for any needed alterations.”

  Ella simply nodded, knowing that she and Alysa wouldn’t be attending any party. She felt a little guilty at Brooklyn’s wasted effort.

  “Well, before you do anything, I’d double check with Gauge to make sure you’ve got the facts right.” She looked apologetic, “I haven’t heard anything about a party and I’m pretty sure you’ve got the wrong people here.” She waved a hand between herself and Alysa.

  Brooklyn simply smiled. “Well, if I know one thing about Mr. Alexander it’s that he always does the math and if he sent me to get your measurements, then that’s what he wants.”

  Ella shrugged negligently, “Okay.” She escorted Brooklyn to the door and bid farewell before setting upon the task of searching Gauge’s kitchen to put a breakfast together for Alysa.

  Fifteen minutes later, she had Alysa settled at the table with a cheese omelet, jelly toast, and orange juice. With her nerves shot, she settled on just coffee for herself. She was pacing the sitting room while Alysa ate when Gauge returned.

  His eyes touched briefly on Ella’s and she felt her heart constrict, then he beamed a warm smile at Alysa, “Good morning, pretty girl.”

  The child looked up with jelly smeared lips. “Wanna bite?”

  To her surprise, Ella watched as Gauge tossed his suit coat on a table near the door before he crossed to the kitchen and pulled out a chair next to Alysa. “Yes, please.” When she held her toast up to him, he took a bite and grinned as he chewed. “Mmmm.”

  “Momma cooks good!”

  Gauge swallowed and turned serious eyes on Ella. “I bet she does.” He eyed the table and then twisted to look in the sink before addressing Ella. “You aren’t eating?”

  She shook her head once, “Not hungry.”

  “Momma never eats!”

  Gauge stood and unbuttoned his sleeves before rolling them to his elbows, “Maybe that’s ‘cause no one ever cooks for her. Shall we make momma breakfast?”

  Alysa stared at her toast and nodded excitedly.

  “That’s not necessary,” Ella held up a hand.

  “As long as you’re in my home, you will be cared for.” Warm hazel eyes sought her out.

  Ella was relieved that his anger from the night before had dissipated, yet she was still unsure about her and Alysa’s future.

  “There was a woman here when we woke up.”

  “Brooklyn,” Gauge supplied without looking up from his task of cracking an egg into a bowl.

  “Yes, Brooklyn. I think she was confused, she…”

  Gauge looked up, “She took your measurements correct?”

  “Yes, but what for?”

  He didn’t look up as he continued to work. “It’s the annual Christmas celebration.”

  “I haven’t agreed to stay, Gauge.”

  His tone carried a hint of impatience, “And you can’t leave.” He stopped working to stare pointedly at Alysa before turning to frown at Ella, conveying without words that Ella wouldn’t be put at risk.

  Chewing her bottom lip, Ella decided to let him win the battle…for now.

  Chapter 20

  A few days later and it was the day of the Christmas Celebration. Ella and Alysa stared in delight at the two dresses that were laid out on the dining room table as they entered the suite.

  Alysa screeched and clapped her hands, while Ella simply stared in awe. Not one to typically wear gowns, the silky white fabric and high beaded bodice with billowy sleeves had Ella eager to try it on. Resting on the table beside the gowns was a red envelope. Ella quickly opened it and read,

  The tailor promised this would fit to perfection.

  Can’t wait to see you both at the celebration.

  Congratulations and best of wishes for the future. –Brooklyn Ami.

  Congratulations? Ella’s face scrunched in confusion. She thought for a moment that perhaps the card had been intended for Gauge. Maybe ‘can’t wait to see you both’, means me and Gauge? Shrugging, she replaced the card and set the envelope out where Gauge could easily find it.

  “Momma, can I put it on?”

  Ella smiled, “A bath first, young lady.” She led an excited Alysa to Gauge’s guest bathroom, it was the only one in the suite with a tub. She turned on the taps as Alysa undressed, tossing her clothes all over the bathroom.

  “I’m gonna grab you some clean underclothes. Stay out of the tub until I get back.”

  Alyssa nodded as she fought to jerk one socked foot free of her jeans.

  Passing the dining room table, Ella smiled at her gown. For the first time in years, she was excited. She was very much looking forward to the party and bit her lip as she thought of ways to do her hair and make-up that would get the best reaction from Gauge. Gauge. Her heart gave an involuntary squeeze at the mere thought of him. It’d been doing that a lot lately and it worried her that she and Alysa might be getting too attached.

  After their heated exchange she’d gone out of her way to make things work between them and Gauge had apparently decided to do the same. It had become so easy that she couldn’t help but wonder how it would be if she gave Gauge her full trust. If she asked, would he protect them? Could she ask such a thing of him?

  Ella stepped into Gauge’s room, to retrieve some clothes. She instantly froze at the sight that met her.

  Gauge stood on the far side of the bed massaging a towel into his wet hair. A second white towel hung low on his lean hips and his eyes were closed as he moved the towel in his powerful hands to scrub it over his face.

  Ella seized the opportunity to rake her eyes down his lithe frame. She’d guessed he was sexy as hell beneath his clothes, but her imagination hadn’t done him justice. There wasn’t an ounce of fat on him. The thick corded muscle of his arms bunched and flexed as he worked. His chest was thick and her eyes flitted over his firm abs and locked on the smooth plane just below his navel. A thick vein stood out in relief and disappeared beneath the towel.

  She licked her lips as she imagined blood rushing through it and the results that would ensue. Heat pooled between her legs and she felt an unfamiliar yearning center in her womb. She sucked her bottom lip between her teeth as she imagined her fingers gentling over the vein and following it down to where it hid from her view. She moaned and the action had her jerking out of her reverie.

  She watched his body tense, each muscle suddenly sharply delineated. Her eyes snapped up and collided with Gauge’s. He’d been watching her watch him! Heat singed her cheeks.

  “Aaah, sorry. I was uhh…,” she eyed the room trying to remember what it was she’d been doing before she had stopped to drool over Gauge. She heard him sniff and winced, knowing what he’d scent.

  “Sorry,” she offered lamely a second time as she backed toward the door and spoke rapidly. “Highly inappropriate, I know!” She held her hands up. “I should have knocked. Won’t happen again.” When Gauge dropped the towel he held and took a step toward her, she quickly backed out of the room and slammed the door.

&nb
sp; Turning she flattened her back against the door and used a hand to fan herself as she fought to slow her heart and her breathing. God, what have I ever done to deserve this torture?

  In his room, Gauge strode to the door and placed a flat palm against it as he leaned into it. He closed his eyes and inhaled slowly. The scent of Ella’s heat lingered and had a growl vibrating in his chest. The corners of his mouth lifted when he remembered the look on her face when he’d opened his eyes and caught her watching him. Her female appreciation of him was so apparent that it’s a good thing she’d run out of the room. Knowing she wanted him as badly as he wanted her did funny things to his stomach.

  His hearing picked up movement and he knew she was still outside his door. The hand braced on the door curled into a tight fist as he fought the urge to jerk the door open, drag Ella into the room, and fuck her to completion. Instead he opted for a warning. “Ella,” he was surprised at how deep and animalistic his voice sounded. “Go and get dressed now, or I’m coming out to get you.”

  He had to smile, ignoring the bite of rejection, when he heard feet scurrying away from his door.

  Turning back to his task, he was just about to don his tux when Marko’s alarm carried to him through the mist in a clouded buzz that told him that the Walker Sentry was attempting to contact more than one Walker at a time. “We’re under attack!”

  Gauge’s heart seized as fury swept through him only to be replaced by fear for his females. “Megalya?” He grabbed his discarded jeans and crammed his legs into them.

  “No. One man.” Marko’s words were more clear, this response was for Gauge alone. “He’s crashed the gate. The scent you gave us…. It’s him!”

  Ignoring his shirt, Gauge turned to eye the door before calling to his unmated Walker neighbor, “Haka! Guard my family. Do NOT leave them unattended.”

  “On my way!”

  Gauge rushed to the window and thrust it open. Bracing a hand on the sill he vaulted himself out and shifted mid-drop. His heart pounded and his blood surged through his veins. He was about to exact revenge on the man who’d beat his Ella to within an inch of her life. He had every intention of showing the bastard how to finish a job.