“Why is someone trying to hurt me?” Reika asked. “Although, the fires seem to be more of a warning, since they keep occurring when I’m not around.”
Bevin nodded. “She has a point. But warning you away from what?”
“My life has been pretty dull until recently. The only thing that’s changed is my relationship with Jax,” Reika said.
“Yeah, but I wasn’t dating anyone seriously, and I have a hard time imagining any of the women I’ve dated setting fires. Plus, there’s the whole scent factor… if someone from my past were setting the fires, don’t you think I’d have smelled them? The only familiar scent in the garage that I could attach to someone is Reika’s.”
Reika frowned. “Mine should’ve been the only scent you found in the garage.”
Jax shook his head. “There was a man in there. I can’t tell if it was today or a few weeks ago, but the scent is there.”
Bevin frowned. “How do you know it’s a man?”
Jax snorted. “Do you know any women who wear Old Spice?”
Reika bit her lip and shook her head. “I don’t know anyone at all who wears that. And I seriously can’t see any of my dating disasters coming back to burn down my house, especially this late in the game. So where does that leave us?”
“Clueless,” Jax said. “I don’t like leaving you alone after this. Could Maya maybe stay the night with you?”
Maya’s eyebrows lifted.
“Maya happens to have a date tonight, and while I know she loves me dearly, Rhi only comes to this realm every so often. If she misses her date with him now, she’ll have to go to Fairy to see him again,” Reika explained.
“Don’t you have any other friends?” Bevin asked. “Anyone who might stay the night with you?”
Reika flushed and shook her head. “No, Maya’s really my only friend. Don’t get me wrong, I’m friendly with everyone, but I don’t consider any of my female acquaintances friends. They’re merely women I know and talk with on occasion.”
“What about Blossom?” Jax asked.
“She works for me and she’s super nice, but she would probably think it odd if I called her and asked her to stay the night with me. Besides, she’s already been through one fire, I don’t want to drag her into another one.”
Bevin tilted his head. “You know, you have a ton of vacation time set aside. If you want the rest of the night off, I can always call in someone else. I’m sure one of the guys on the other shift will want some overtime.”
“I don’t want to put you to the trouble of replacing me in the middle of a shift,” Jax said.
Bevin smiled. “It’s no trouble. Just have Reika follow us back to the station and she can stay there until your replacement shows up.”
Maya glanced at her watch. “I have time to drop her off, if she can ride home with you, Jax?”
Jax nodded.
“Then that’s settled. We’ll see you ladies back at the station. Reika, you might want to make sure your home is secure before driving away, since the garage door had to be broken to put out the fire.”
“Is it safe to go in the garage, or should I go through the house?” she asked.
“You might want to go through the house and check all of your doors and windows,” Maya suggested.
“Very well. Give me a few minutes.” Reika pulled her keys from her purse and set about the task of securing her home.
While Reika was in the house, another call came through. Jax cast a worried glance at his mate’s home.
“Tell Reika I had to go on another call, but I’ll see her at the station. She shouldn’t stay there alone, though. If you have time to do so, stay with her until we get back,” Jax told Maya. “I’d rather not worry about her while I’m putting out a fire.”
Maya smiled. “Consider it done. Maybe I’ll take her by my place first, so I can get ready for my date.”
“No, go straight to the station. I don’t want to take any chances with her safety. If someone is setting fires, trying to scare her, there’s a good chance they’re watching her.”
“And you’re worried they may try something?”
“It’s a good possibility.”
Maya sighed. “All right. Straight to the station, then. We’ll sit in the parking lot and wait on your return.”
“Thank you, Maya. If you see anything unusual, or feel like you’ve been followed, leave. I don’t care if you drive around in circles, just don’t put my mate in harm’s way.”
“You know, she is a fairy. It’s quite possible for her to protect herself with magick.”
Jax snorted. “I’ve seen the results of Reika’s magick. She’d probably end up hexing herself instead of attacking her opponent.”
Maya frowned at him. “You don’t seem to have a lot of confidence in the woman you’re destined to be with. Do you really think so little of her?”
“I think Reika is wonderful, but I’m not blind to her faults. I’d rather be safe than sorry. We don’t know who’s starting these fires. What if it’s another fairy, a more powerful one? Even worse, what if a vampire is behind the attacks? He could capture her and drain her before she could utter a word of protest.”
“I highly doubt it’s a vampire since both fires were set during the day.”
“Maybe not, but you can’t deny the arsonist could be fae.” He sighed. “As much as I hate to admit it, it’s even possible a werewolf could be starting the fires. I have a hard time picturing my fellow pack mates doing something so cruel or dangerous, but it wasn’t long ago that a female in the pack tried to kill the mate of another wolf. I don’t have any romantic entanglements in the pack, but that doesn’t rule out the possibility of it being a crazed female wolf.”
“Well, whoever it is has to be crazy to go up against a werewolf’s mate. Surely they know that she has not only your protection, but the protection of the pack, as well. It’s a suicide mission. Maybe, like Reika suggested, it’s a warning.”
“I still think it’s someone from your past,” Maya said. “Can’t you think of anyone who might take offense to your recent mating?”
“Not really. I haven’t dated anyone for months, and the last one wasn’t really a girlfriend, just someone I went on a few dates with. I haven’t had an actual girlfriend in… well, I don’t know. I’ve never considered anyone my girlfriend, in truth, just women I enjoyed spending time with on my off days.”
“Ouch! Makes me feel sorry for your exes. Oh that’s right, you don’t have those, just dalliances. Although, there was that woman at the fire station the other day.” She gave him a scathing look. “Does Reika know about your past conquests?”
“We didn’t really discuss it. And I seriously doubt Abra would do anything like this. The woman might be a bit clingy, but I don’t think she’d do anything that would harm someone. I do know that Reika’s never dated anyone other than Turrin though so if it isn’t him we’re at a dead end.”
“Speaking of Turrin… I think he’s following her.”
He scowled. “And I’m just now hearing this? If he’s following her, it’s possible he’s setting the fires.”
Maya shook her head. “I don’t think fire is Turrin’s way of doing things. But, I wouldn’t put it past him to put a locator spell on her. He seems to pop up at the oddest times, and she mentioned that she’s seen him off and on this past year and he’s always watching her.”
“She never said anything to me.”
“Well, make sure you bring it up, somehow.”
Jax glanced at the house. “I will. I don’t like the idea of her having a stalker, especially if that’s a separate issue from the fires.”
“Go. Answer your call and we’ll be waiting for you when you return to the station.”
With a smile Jax climbed onto the fire truck with his fellow firemen. With a blare of sirens, they were gone.
Chapter Eight
When Reika came out of the house, she was surprised to see the fire truck had left, and Jax along with it. Meetin
g Maya by the convertible, she gave her a questioning look.
“Where’s Jax?”
“He was called away to another fire. We’re supposed to meet him at the station, though.”
“We won’t be able to get inside.”
“We’re waiting in the car,” Maya said. “Hopefully he won’t be too long.”
Reika got in the car and buckled her seatbelt. She didn’t have a problem with Jax going to another fire, it was his job, after all. Was she disappointed that she had to wait on him? Yes. But she understood.
For once, Maya took her time driving, taking the scenic route to the fire station. They still arrived before the guys and Reika knew that depending on the size of the fire, it could be a while before they returned. She also knew Maya had a date and she hoped her friend wouldn’t be late meeting Rhi just because Jax had put her on babysitting duty, and she had little doubt that that’s what he’d done. Otherwise, Maya would’ve dropped her off and left her waiting on the park bench outside.
“You know, Maya, you can leave me here. I’m sure the guys will arrive before too long.”
Maya shook her head. “I told Jax I’d wait with you and that’s what I’m going to do. Besides, Turrin isn’t as likely to show up while we’re sitting in the car.”
Reika snorted. “Did you forget he showed up at the mall when I was with you? I don’t think he sees you as a deterrent.”
“Personally, I don’t think you have to worry about him showing up twice in one day. He hasn’t so far, has he?”
“I wouldn’t know. I don’t know how long he followed me or watched me in the past. Now that I’m aware of that, I’ve been keeping my eyes open. I didn’t see him in the mall, which means he teleported himself straight to your car, or he was just very sneaky.”
“I still don’t trust him. Besides, I gave Jax my word and when have you known me to go back on my word? If I say I’m going to do something, I do it.”
Reika sighed. “All right, but don’t blame me if you leave Rhi waiting on you.”
It seemed like they waited forever, but forty-five minutes later, the fire truck pulled into the lot. It looked like Bevin was driving and he stopped just outside of the garage. As the men jumped off the truck, Reika opened her door and went to find Jax. They all looked like they were covered in soot so she knew whatever fire they’d gone to must have been bad.
Maya waved as she pulled out of the lot. Reika waved back then made her way over to Jax, who was patiently waiting on her.
“Sorry you had to wait so long,” Jax said. “Larkin Mathers nearly lost her home. As it is, there was enough damage that she’ll have to stay with someone else while her kitchen is rebuilt.”
“Oh no! At least you were able to save the rest of the house.”
“Yeah. The guys and I were talking and we might take up a donation for her. She had insurance, but she lost her dishes and pots and stuff. I don’t know if insurance will cover all of that.”
Reika smiled. “That’s awfully nice of you. Maybe you could do a bake sale, too. I’d donate some pies and a cake or two. Maya isn’t much of a cook, but I’m sure even she wouldn’t burn cookies or brownies. At least, I think she can manage that. And I know Falan would pitch in, and probably a few others around town.”
“I tell you what. If you can gather enough donations for a bake sale, we’ll hold one and take donations at the same time.”
“Don’t you have to run it by Bevin first? Isn’t he the captain?”
“I’ll talk to Bevin about it tomorrow when I come back for my next shift.”
Reika began walking into the fire station. “Come on. The sooner you get cleaned up the sooner we can go home. I think it’s time we had a talk.”
“Is this about Turrin?”
“Yes.”
“All right. You go wait on one of the sofas and I’ll go shower and change.” He grinned. “I’d kiss you right now, but then you’d end up just as dirty as I am.”
“You can kiss me all you want after your shower.”
Reika hurried into the station and down the hall. When she reached the living area, it was deserted. She figured everyone must be taking a shower. While she didn’t know what the bathroom looked like, she figured there had to be more than one shower. Otherwise, it would take the men forever to get cleaned up.
She didn’t have to wait too long before Jax reappeared, clean and in his street clothes. Reika tried not to laugh, she really did, but the sight of him in a Hawaiian shirt was just too much. A giggle erupted, and then another.
“What?” Jax asked, rubbing his face. “Did I miss a spot or something?”
Reika shook her head. “It’s that shirt. What on earth possessed you to wear that shirt?”
He ran a hand down the shirt in question. “I happen to like this shirt.”
“You look like you’re about to depart for the beach.”
“Hey, love me, love my shirt.”
Her eyes widened in mock surprise. “Yes, I’ve fallen madly, desperately in love with you. How did you know?”
He snickered.
“Come on. Let’s go home and I’ll fix dinner,” Reika said.
“I have a better idea. Let’s stop at the New Moon Café on the way home.”
“That’s where Maya and I had lunch today.”
“Okay, then what about Bad Barton’s?” Jax asked.
“Aren’t we dressed a little casually for Barton’s?”
“Nah. We’ll be fine.”
“Then Barton’s it is.”
* * *
After dinner, Jax took Reika home. They’d avoided serious discussions while they’d eaten, but now it was time to find out more about this Turrin character. He didn’t like the idea of someone following Reika. Despite the fact that their relationship was new, he already felt a bond growing between them. No one was going to scare her or harm her, not if he had anything to say about it.
Jax sat on the sofa and pulled Reika down onto his lap. Running his fingers through her hair, he pulled her closer for a kiss, his lips softly caressing hers. If he didn’t stop now, he’d lose his head and they’d never have that discussion. Instead they’d end up in the bedroom again, where they’d spent a great deal of time on his days off. He wanted their relationship to be based on something other than sex.
“You wanted to talk about Turrin,” she said. “I’m guessing Maya told you that he’s been stalking me.”
“She mentioned it, but we didn’t get into the details of it.”
“I didn’t realize he was stalking me until today. I’ve seen him several times over the past year, always watching me. And then today, at the mall, he was waiting for us outside by the car. Turrin has the ability to transport himself anywhere he wishes simply by focusing on a person or location. I figured he transported himself to Maya’s car and decided to lie in wait for me. And after watching him disappear in the parking lot, I’m convinced that’s what he did.”
“So, want me to go kick his ass?”
Reika laughed. “I don’t think it would be a fair fight. He may not look like much compared to you, but he can hold his own with magick.”
Jax scowled. “You think one pesky fairy is going to best me?”
The smile slipped from Reika’s face. “Pesky fairy? Is that how you see me, too?”
He cupped her cheek with his large palm. “No, sweetheart. You’re my fairy. You and Maya have shown me that not all fairies are alike.”
She trailed a finger down his chest. “Care to prove that?”
“Just what did you have in mind?” he asked with a grin.
Reika leaned in close and kissed him softly. “I thought maybe you’d carry me off to the bedroom.”
Jax rose with her in his arms. “You don’t have to ask twice.”
With purposeful strides, he carried to her the bedroom, a room he was starting to think of as theirs. Other than picking up clothes, he hadn’t been back to his apartment since his first date with Reika, and he honestly didn’t
miss it.
Laying her down on the bed, he slowly stripped her clothes off, letting them fall in a puddle on the floor. Then he removed his with lightning speed, sure he was breaking a world record, but he needed to feel Reika pressed again him, her skin touching his. Every time they were together he wanted her more than the last.
He kissed her from head to toe and back again, paying special attention to her breasts, delicious mounds that he cupped in his hands. He latched onto one of her nipples, tonguing the hardened nub until she squirmed beneath him. Sliding his hand down her body, he cupped her pussy, delving his fingers into her wet heat.
Reika threaded her fingers through his hair, holding him to her. His body warmed, his cock begging to be inside of her. He lavished attention on her breasts as his fingers pumped in and out of her, taking her higher and higher. Jax felt her body tightening and knew she was close.
Kissing his way down her body, he settled between her legs, breathing in her scent. He tasted her, dragging his tongue up her slit. Slipping his tongue between the lips of her pussy, he lapped at her. He skirted her clit, circling it. Reika’s hands gripped the sheets as her hips strained to get closer to him. Jax knew what she wanted; he pressed his thumb against her clit, rubbing in slow circles. He slid up her body and claimed her lips in a searing kiss as his fingers fucked her relentlessly. She bucked against him and then she was coming, her cream coating his hand.
Lining his hips up with hers, he plunged his cock into her sweet warmth. She felt like silk wrapped around him. Her heat drove him wild. Unable to hold back, he gave her everything he had, thrusting into her harder and faster with each stroke. A fine sheen of sweat coated his body. As he looked down at her, drinking her in, he noticed something was off about his body. His skin was turning blue! Jax only let it distract him for a moment. Reika felt too damn good to stop now.
Plunging into her again, filling her completely, he triggered both of their orgasms. Her pussy convulsed around him, as his cock pumped her full of his seed. A little late, he realized he should’ve used a condom until they’d discussed whether or not she was ready to carry their child. He hadn’t forgotten about using one in all the times they’d been together. Well, except for that first time. He’d have to remember it during their next encounter.
Romance in Moonspell Page 14