by Lily Harlem
She set about serving the meal, aware of him watching her.
“You said mate,” she said, concentrating on spooning chili onto the potatoes. “What did you mean by that?”
He was quiet.
“Seth?”
He folded his arms, the way she’d noticed he did when keeping something back. “Does it matter?”
“It’s an unusual word, that’s all.”
“I’m an unusual guy.”
“Well, I know that.” She set the pan aside. Unusual didn’t even begin to cover it. He could change into a damn wolf for heaven’s sake!
“Can we just let it go? For now?” he asked with a frown.
She studied him. “Okay. For now.”
“Good.” He turned. “I’ll go and light the fire.”
They ate the chili in front of a roaring fire. The candles on the mantel were lit and Seth had put a vinyl on the record player. A melancholy piano tune was filling the room. It would have been a dream evening, if the situation wasn’t such a nightmare.
Megan sipped a glass of red and looked at her empty plate. She’d been hungrier than she’d thought, but now she was also exhausted.
Seth finished his last mouthful. He gave a contented sigh. “That was delicious.”
“I know. Good, eh.” She smiled and curled her feet up under herself. “What time is it?”
“Late.” He set his plate on the table next to hers. “I’m going to have a quick check around. The windows and all that. Also, I’ll pop down and see Nia, make sure she hasn’t picked up any scents on the wind.”
“Okay. You won’t be long, will you?”
“No. I promise.” He stood and pressed a kiss to the top of her head.
She smiled sleepily.
“Try and rest,” he said, scooping up the plates with a clatter.
“Okay.” She propped her head back onto a cushion that had an embroidered fox on its front.
She stared at the fire. The flames licked and danced in a gentle rhythm and the logs sparkled and glowed. She became mesmerized by it, and her body melted against the soft, spongy sofa. Her limbs were heavy, her eyelids heavier. Soon, she found herself lost in the music, the gentle lilting tune taking her away from everything. Her thoughts were mellow, Seth dominating them. His smile, his voice, his body moving in time with hers. Had she ever met a more perfect man? She knew the answer to that question already.
No.
He was the one. If not forever, then certainly for now. For the foreseeable future. She had a flight the next day, from Dublin to Liverpool. She had no idea if she’d make it, no idea if she even wanted to.
She sighed, giving into the sleep that had wrapped around her like a warm, welcome cloak. A log shifted on the fire but she ignored it. All she wanted was to drift off into the land of dreams, safe in the knowledge that Seth was looking out for her. Seth and his pack.
“Hey sleepy head.”
Thick arms slid beneath her.
She was aware of being lifted. Of Seth’s scent drifting into her nose and his hot body pressing against hers.
“Let’s get you into bed,” he murmured against her ear.
“Mmm…”
He carried her into the bedroom and gently lay her down. He helped her out of the robe.
She stretched on the cool sheets then retracted, seeking warmth.
He chuckled quietly and slid in beside her, pulling up the covers until they were over her shoulders.
“Is everything okay?” she managed. “No sign of Bennington?”
“Everything is fine. Sleep.” He kissed her head. “I’ve got you.”
She snuggled closer, his heat embracing her, the way his arms were. “Thank you.”
Megan slept well. No dreams the way there had been at Rose’s house. It was just deep, dark sleep that was void of anything, like falling into an abyss for a number of hours.
When she woke, she could see it was morning, though the light seeping from around the heavy curtains was light and silvery so she guessed it was still early.
Seth’s limbs were tangled with hers. He was breathing slow and quiet, his long hair messy around his face.
She slipped from his arms and stood. The bathroom was calling her.
After washing up and pulling on the robe, she went into the kitchen. She flicked the kettle on and ran her hands through her hair. It was super messy and frizzy, a combination of no conditioner and air-drying before bed. She’d go and sort it out soon, see if she could get it back under control before Seth woke up.
Reaching into the bread bin, she found a slice of fresh seeded bread. She popped it into the toaster and pressed it down.
The curtains in the kitchen were still closed so, rather than turning on the overhead light—it was over-bright—she decided to let in the morning sunshine.
If there were any.
She drew the curtains open. The manicured lawns that led to the stone walls and the lake with the winged horses had a coating of mist hovering over them.
She clutched the robe at her chest. It was pretty damn creepy.
Studying the shadows, she wondered if she’d see a wolf—Abraham or one of the twins patrolling. But there was nothing. No movement. It was as if the garden were an oil painting it was so still. She hoped the sun would be able to burn the mist away when it eventually rose in the sky.
Suddenly, a figure in the distance caught her attention.
She gasped.
It was a man. In a smart suit. He had dark hair and was staring straight at her.
It couldn’t be. It wouldn’t be, surely. Not standing so brazen in the middle of the lawn staring up at her.
She blinked, really squashed her eyelids together. It was her brain playing tricks.
But when she opened them again, the man was still there. Not only that, he’d moved even closer, though he’d left no tracks in the dewy grass.
She pressed her hand to her mouth. “No.” Fuck. It was him. She’d recognize him anywhere.
Bennington.
Fear ripped through her. She felt sick.
“Seth!” She turned to the bedroom. “Seth. Come quick.” Her voice was loud and panicked, though trembling too. “Seth.”
Her whole body began to shake as she faced the window again.
She screamed and staggered backward.
He was even closer now. Each time she’d glanced away or blinked he’d gained on the house without seeming to move.
“What is it?” Seth raced into the kitchen, naked.
She glanced at him. “He…he’s out there.” She pointed at the fog-filled garden.
“Bennington?” He rushed to the window.
“Yes. Look there.”
“Where?”
He’d gone!
“On the lawn.” She peered at where she’d last seen him. “He was right there, I swear. Staring up at me, wearing his suit. And he moved, fast, like, too fast to see.”
“I don’t see him.”
“No, neither do I now.” She gripped his arm. “But I did. I promise. He was there, in the mist, waiting for me.”
“It’s okay.” He cupped her cheeks. “Just stay here. I’ll go and alert the others. They’ll do a search, sniff him out. If he’s here, they’ll find him.”
She clung to his forearms. “Don’t leave me.”
“I have to go and tell Nia. I’ll be back in a second. You’re safe in here.”
She swallowed and hoped the tears that were threatening wouldn’t burst free. She wanted to be brave, really she did.
Seth pressed a kiss to her lips, then rushed from the room, still naked.
Megan wrapped her arms around herself, and stared into the garden at the mist-laden spot she’d last seen Bennington. Yes. She was sure she’d seen him. It wasn’t her imagination. She was compos mentis, awake, her eyes wouldn’t deceive her, would they?
The thick smell of burning filled her nostrils. “Shit.” She turned to the toaster. The antiquated old thing had clearly given up on poppin
g the bread out when done. Black smoke was pouring from it and billowing into the room.
“Fuck. Fuck.” She tugged the toast out and tossed the blackened slice to one side, a small flickering flame licking from the base. “Shit.” Coughing, she knocked the hot cinder into the sink and turned on the tap.
The surface fizzed and the flame went out.
The air was thick and full of smoke. She spluttered and tried to waft it from her face. Above her was a smoke alarm. Any second now it would go off.
Quickly, she rushed to the window. She lifted the latch and pushed it open.
A steel cold hand gripped her wrist.
“What?” She tugged but it did nothing. Someone had hold of her. Tight.
Her heart rate rocketed as she stared at the long pale fingers and the square nails. Deep in her soul she knew who it was, even before Bennington’s face appeared at the window.
She screamed—a shrill noise that pained her own eardrums and burned her throat.
Bennington’s eyes were now black and flashing with murder and menace. She didn’t know how he was at the first floor window but he was. And he had a firm hold of her.
She yanked and pulled but it was no good. It was as if she weren’t even struggling.
He was grinning maniacally, his fangs on display. He’d won, he’d gotten her. His triumph was written all over his face.
“Get off me.” She pressed one foot on the wall, shoved, and put all her weight into getting free.
But her wild movement only served to drag him through the open window. It was only just big enough for him but he managed, much to her horror.
Within a second, he stood before her, still gripping her wrist.
“Hello, Miss Sanders. I’ve been looking for you.”
“No, go away. Get the fuck off me.” She turned, looking for Seth. “Help! Help!”
“He’s not here. None of those wretched mutts are here to help you. They think they can stop us. That they have power over us. It’s crazy. We are unstoppable.” He threw his head back and laughed. The tendons in his neck strained, his Adam’s apple visible. “Stupid dogs.”
His words jumbled in Megan’s mind. What the hell was he saying? She didn’t care. All she knew was this man, this creature, standing before her in the kitchen, would soon murder her.
“Seth!” she yelled, writhing and tugging, panic making her both strong and blind to everything other than escape.
“Shut it.” He clamped his hand over her mouth and dragged her close, his other arm a vice around her body. “You are making it harder on yourself.”
She shook her head, wriggled. Terror was like a fire raging in her, burning her veins, scorching her insides.
“That’s it,” he said, pinning her tighter, “Just relax. I told you before, you might even enjoy it.” He licked his lips. “There are worse ways to go.”
“Mppf…” She spluttered against his hand. His eyes were cold and evil, his voice like nails down a chalkboard. She was trembling, adrenaline stacking up inside her. She needed to get the hell away from him.
Now.
Chapter Eight
Suddenly a huge roar filled the kitchen.
Bennington looked past her, at the doorway. His expression switched from one of delight, of pure pleasure, to one of fury. “You! Again.”
Megan pushed and writhed, desperate to get out of his grip. To her surprise, it worked. Bennington released her. Then he stooped and snarled, his lips peeling back and showing his pale gums and fangs.
A rush of air at her side sent Megan careering into the kitchen dresser. She gasped and clung to the counter as her knees gave way and she sank into a slumped state.
A huge black wolf, one she’d already seen, one she knew, hurtled itself at Bennington. Its fur was sleeked back, its teeth bared, and its huge paws slapped against the hard floor.
But Bennington was fast. Very fast. He was out of the window in a flash, his suit jacket flapping and a hiss of anger following him.
The wolf snarled, saliva caught between its teeth. It then raised its head, shut its eyes and howled.
It was one of the most earthy yet surreal things Megan had ever heard. Long and low, yet ear-piercingly loud, it came right from the very core of the creature’s soul.
“Seth,” she gasped, then touched her neck, fearing a puncture wound.
The howling stopped.
He turned, then in one bound was over Megan. He sniffed, loudly, as though smelling her, his dark eyes wide and bright.
She reached out, hesitantly, and touched the fur at its neck.
It growled and she snatched her hand back.
He was angry, disturbed…he could bite her head off as easily as the vampire could drain her blood.
She swallowed, a tight sob bursting free from her chest.
Suddenly, the creature pulled back. He glanced at the window, then at her.
“Yes.” She stood though her legs were shaking. “Yes, of course.”
She rushed to the window and drew it closed. She flicked the latch.
When she turned around, Seth was already heading for the door. Two big galloping bounds and he was gone.
She raced after him, saw him leave the main entrance to the apartment and quickly rushed up to lock it. She knew what she’d done wrong. She’d opened the window, allowed the vampire access, opportunity—that’s what he was after all, an opportunist.
Falling onto the sofa, she allowed the tears to fall. Seth had raced to save her from her own stupidity and now he was out there with his pack hunting a killer. They were all putting themselves at risk. How could this be happening? What had she done to deserve this?
She sobbed, a mass of pathetic self-pity, for all of thirty seconds then she stood. Straightening her robe, she moved to the window in the living area. She peeked through the curtain.
“Oh my God!” She clasped her hand over her mouth.
The wolves had cornered Bennington against the wall. Nia stood on top of the stonework, meaning climbing wasn’t an option for Bennington’s escape. The other four wolves were closing in. Their big bodies shrouded in mist and their huge shoulders angled low. Even from this distance, she could see their teeth bared.
Bennington looked left and right, his body language no longer that of a confident murderer.
Megan shook, her spine was weak. Was this it? Were the wolves going to take out their enemy? Her enemy?
She concentrated on Seth. He was easily the biggest of the pack, his feet huge and his ears pricked forward.
Nia howled then looked down and snapped at Bennington, as though warning him not to come upward.
The mist floated past the menacing scene, eerie and vaporous. The next thing happened fast but also in slow motion. Seth pounced. The other wolves followed.
A furious, shrill scream filled the air, followed by snarling, snapping and barking.
Megan turned away.
They’d got him.
The vampire who’d craved her blood, who’d wanted the very essence of her life, was dead.
She pressed her hands over her cheeks and shut her eyes, not wanting to bear witness to the killing, even though she was glad it was happening. It was for the best. It was the only thing that could happen.
“Oh God, Oh God,” she muttered, clenching her fists and putting them against her eyes. Her heart was thumping, her breaths coming shallow and fast.
She didn’t know how long she stood there like that. But, eventually, the snarling and yelping faded and silence descended. She wished the fire was on the way it had been the night before, all cozy and comforting. She wished Seth were there to hold her.
A knock at the door made her jump. “Yes? Who is it?”
“It’s me. Open up.”
“Seth?”
“Yes.”
Oh thank goodness. She rushed for the door, quickly undid the bolt and turned the lock. She flung it open.
Seth stood before her. He had a gash on his cheek and his bare chest was swiped wit
h several streaks of mud. He’d put on a pair of low-slung jeans.
“Are you okay?” he asked.
“Yes. Are you?”
He nodded.
She flung herself at him. The tears came, she couldn’t hold them back a moment longer. Her chest ached with the enormity of the sobs stacking up to be released.
“Hey, hey. Baby, we got him. He’s gone. Being burned with a stake through his chest as we speak.”
“B…burned?”
“Yes, that’s the only way to get rid of them. He was a fool to come here and he’s paid the highest price.” He smoothed her hair from her face. “Are you okay? Did he hurt you?”
She shook her head. “No, but he was going to. Seconds away from it. If you hadn’t…”
“But I did. And you’re okay.” He pulled in a deep breath. “And now he’ll never hurt you or anyone else again.”
“Thank you. Thank you so much.”
“Don’t thank me.”
“You saved my life.”
“I saved my own. Can you imagine what kind of state I’d be in if anything had happened to you?”
She shook her head, just a little, hardly able to believe the depth of emotion she was seeing in his eyes.
“Oh, Seth.” She stroked his cheek, the one without the gash. “What are we going to do?”
“I don’t know.”
“Fuck. That was grand.”
Megan turned at the sound of a high-pitched voice to her left.
“Hey Nia,” Seth said, not releasing his hold on Megan.
Nia strode into the room. She was short with spiky blonde hair and a pixie face. “I mean really, did the eejit think he’d get away with coming here, trying to get in the window?” She flung her head back and laughed, showing off a tongue piercing. “As if we wouldn’t get his sorry ass.”
Megan shivered.
“It was too close for comfort,” Seth said, rubbing a circle on Megan’s back.
“Yeah, that’s how we get them, though, a bit of sexy bait…” She wriggled her hips then stopped herself. “Sorry, Megan, you probably don’t like that idea, but it works to tempt them in and now you’re free to go.”
“Free to go?” Megan repeated.
“Yes.” Seth pulled in a deep breath, his chest expanding against hers. “You’re free to go, there is no reason for you to be here anymore.”