consumed

by Sandra Sookoo

  She shrugged. “Alone is a relative term with me.” She darted a look around the still empty parlor, then leaned closer to him. Their knees almost touched from this angle. “Are you trustworthy?”

  Never had anyone asked him that before. “I would say unequivocally. I am a banker. This would necessitate trust, wouldn’t you think?”

  “Not always, especially in my time.” Her eyes narrowed, and she cocked her head as if listening to an internal voice. “I’ll chance it because I really need someone to talk to besides my wolf.”

  “Your wolf? You brought an animal with you?” He glanced about the room, not spying such a beast.

  “No, you ass. I’m a latent wolf-shifter. Do you think that sounds weird? I kinda get the feeling Destiny is full of folks who are beyond the norm, but saying it out loud makes me look crazy.”

  Ah, that would explain the appearance of talking to herself. “I don’t find it weird.”

  He risked the older woman’s wrath by edging close enough to Ava that her musky, vanilla scent wafted into his nostrils. “Many residents here claim paranormal roots. If you have met Thelonious, he may have mentioned that outcasts are welcome here.”

  “He did say that, yes, but he never explained what I was doing here, let alone in this timeline.” A frown marred her strawberries-and-cream complexion. “When I left, it was the year 2010.” She stuck out a hand. “Hi. Again, I’m Ava. In my old life, I used to sell pharmaceutical supplies to medical companies.”

  Her way of turning a phrase continued to charm him, yet he reeled from her mention of the date. She came backward over a hundred years? For what purpose? He had to know more. Sam clasped her hand. Tiny pricks of shock danced up his arm, broken only when he released her fingers. Too bad he wore gloves. He’d give up a remaining day to feel her skin on his. “I am Samuel Tremaine.”

  “Hi, Sam.”

  “Actually, it’s Samuel. No one shortens the name.” Well, he did, and often, but for reasons he refused to identify, he wanted to hear her say his full, given name.

  She cocked her head, definitely listening. “Samuel’s too stuffy. You’ll always be Sam to me.”

  “Very well.” The announcement warmed his chest in ways that went beyond the physical. Perhaps the shortened moniker wouldn’t be so terrible. “What is a pharm—I apologize. I did not catch all of your statement.”

  “Oh, I represent a drug-making company and try to convince retail stores to buy my products.”

  “Ah. You work for an apothecary.” It would seem not much had changed in a hundred years.

  “Yeah, I guess I do.” Ava’s smile returned, but it didn’t light her eyes. “Let me ask you this. Are you of the paranormal persuasion? I get the feeling you’re not fully human, even though you’re hot.”

  “On the contrary, I am feeling very temperate.”

  She snorted with laughter. “No, I mean your physical appearance is pleasing; you’re handsome. Sometimes we say ‘hot’ in my time period.” Another round of blushing colored her cheeks.

  “Ah, I see.” He couldn’t stop his grin. She found him attractive. “Yes, I am a paranormal. I am a phoenix. The last of my kind, actually, and—”

  The arrival of the elderly woman—bearing a strong resemblance to a dragon if her charging stride and frightful expression was an indication—broke into his answer. “Time to leave, Mr. Tremaine. Miss Lesarris must be fitted for proper clothes and be conditioned to the way of respectable females.”

  When the stout guard dog placed her hands on her hips, Sam stood, making soft apologies to Ava. “I would like to secure a place of residence for Miss Lesarris. At the very least, I feel I should look after her until she becomes settled.” Also, I want to ask about her life from the alleged future and ascertain why she’s arrived back in time.

  “She is alone, abandoned, Mr. Tremaine. Out of the goodness of my heart, I have decided to give her shelter in my home. I will be her constant companion and make certain she is protected from men like you.”

  Men like me. Sam chuckled to himself. At his peak, he’d done his fair share of ruining reputations. Not anymore, yet he’d make a deal with the devil to be alone with Ava at the moment. He cut a glance at her. Her mouth fell open, but she didn’t speak.

  The woman cleared her throat. “Good day, sir.”

  Recalling the matron’s hideous pink-and-white house on the corner of one of the more quiet streets, he stifled another chuckle. Poor girl. As he suspected, Ava didn’t care for the highhanded treatment. She shot to her feet, her cheeks dark with rosy color.

  “I’ll do just fine by myself.”

  The older woman sniffed. “You need a companion. Unattached women cannot be alone in these times. Even in Destiny, there are too many interested males prowling the streets. We must think of your reputation.”

  “My what? Is that an insult?”

  When it became apparent the two women would head off into a sparring contest right there in the dainty parlor, Sam stepped between them. “Let’s compromise.” He turned to the seething matron, gently taking possession of one of her hands. “What shall I call you?” The best way to calm a dragon was with soothing words.

  Her free hand fluttered at her throat. “Mrs. Altier.”

  “Thank you.” He patted her hand and released it. “Give Miss Lesarris whatever garments she needs and send the bill to me. Deny her nothing. I will cover the expense.” He then slid his gaze to Ava. “Once you’re fully outfitted, stop by the bank, and I will escort you to dinner.” When Mrs. Altier clucked a protest, he rolled his eyes, knowing only Ava could see. “Not to worry. I will see your charge is brought no farther than your doorstep before eight o’clock. I will be a gentleman—this time.”

  She mumbled an agreement, grabbed Ava’s hand despite that lady’s protests, and pulled her into the adjoining room.

  Sam stared after them. Why did Ava show up in Destiny, in this year of all times? Why did he feel compelled to spirit her away from everyone and spend the last days of his life kissing her senseless?

  Chapter Three

  Ava tried to take a deep breath, but the unfamiliar corset prohibited that action. Relying on short, shallow gasps, she lengthened her stride, then was reeled back to Sam’s side by his strong grasp. At this rate, she’d pass out from oxygen deprivation.

  “We are walking, Miss Lesarris, not running a race.” His baritone caress of her name warmed her all the way to her toes. “If you hasten to your new home, we will not be able to get to know each other.” He tucked her hand more firmly into the crook of his elbow. “The woman who has appointed herself your guardian is very much a dragon. No one gets past her front door if she hasn’t issued an invite.”

  This conventional time period isn’t going to work for me.

  She nodded, as much for her inner wolf as for Sam’s benefit. You and me both.

  They’d eaten dinner in a charming teashop that seemed more suited for afternoon gab sessions with girlfriends than a cozy evening meal in mixed company. Not many men frequented the business, yet Sam hadn’t seemed to mind or even notice. Ava didn’t have much of an appetite anyway. Of course, trying to consume any type of nourishment while strapped into the torture device had been a challenge. She only hoped she could convince her hostess she needed a midnight snack.

  “Listen, Sam, I’ve got to tell you the truth before you and I can go any further.” When she attempted to tug her hand away, he tightened his grip. Ava gave up with a slight growl. One corner of his mouth twitched at the sound. “This whole women-should-be-subservient thing won’t cut it for me. I’m used to doing whatever I want whenever I want.” The added fabric of her long skirts kept becoming twisted around her feet. “Apparently there’s a trick to dealing with all this damn clothing too.”

  “I rather doubt the time period will prohibit your already ingrained habits.” His laughter erupted in a rich stream that wrapped around her like the softest cashmere sweater. “The key with the skirts is to take dainty steps. Men of this ti
me do not care for their women to take galumphing strides. Females are fragile, after all, and need to sit behind a tea tray looking pretty, content to raise a family and manage their households, which is why they need male protection.”

  “Oh, tell me you did not just say that.” This time, she managed to wrench her arm from his grasp and rounded on him, her hands propped on silk-covered hips. “I’m perfectly capable of taking care of myself, and—”

  He stepped into her personal space, so close she caught a whiff of the spicy scent he wore. “Do you have a job, Miss Lesarris? Are you able to provide the basic human necessities for yourself? In this time, do you even have a clue of how to procure food or money? Are you aware of what exactly it means to be a woman in this period?”

  “I’m sure I could figure it out.” She hadn’t noticed before how imposing he appeared, yet standing six inches from him, with the heat from his body seeping into hers, she had to acknowledge him as he was—powerful and very much an annoyed male. Internally, her wolf whined and laid down, front paws over her eyes. You’ve got to be kidding me. Of course, her smartass wolf had no answer. He’s not even a wolf. If he had been, she would have felt it.

  Sam leaned a few more inches toward her. Tiny reddish hairs interspersed with gray shadowed his jawline and gave him a devil-may-care appearance. “For me, I welcome a spirited woman. Too often, females of my acquaintance are too skittish and fearful. When I encounter one who has a backbone, I want to know more about her. It is refreshing to know exactly where I stand in a woman’s estimation. Especially now.”

  During his speech, he’d steadily advanced, while she’d had no choice except to retreat. The backs of her knees connected with a wrought iron bench, and she collapsed onto it with no pretense of ladylike balance. Her skirts twisted beneath her, effectively rendering her immobile. “Somehow I get the feeling you’ve intimidated women before, Mr. Tremaine.”

  He sat down, and as he turned slightly toward her, his leg brushed hers. A jolt shot up her spine as if she’d touched a light switch on a dry winter’s day. “I wouldn’t say intimidate, Miss Lesarris, only convince them to my way of thinking.” His grin, in the fading light, had the power to make her blood heat and her pulse slam through her veins. But it was his fiery red hair that captured her imagination and played havoc with her libido. Here and there, an errant gray hair frosted his locks. The urge to run her fingers through the thick waves nearly overcame her, but she beat it back.

  Caution was needed.

  He narrowed his gaze as if assessing her. “Of course, it’s been years since I had anything to do with a woman, for intimidation purposes or otherwise.”

  “I’m sorry to hear that. Men like you should always have an interesting woman on their arm.” She mentally smacked herself for flirting with a stranger, yet something about him resonated within her soul. Staring into his brown eyes that held a flash of brandy richness, she gave him a tentative smile. I wouldn’t mind being dominated by a guy like him.

  Her wolf nodded. He would be a good match in strength and intelligence. Too bad you have attached us to Mike.

  Ava forced that thought away. We’re not attached to him. He’s just sort of…there sometimes. Mike was nothing more than a placeholder. Except the thought of him worrying over her whereabouts and missing their Thanksgiving plans made her stomach clench. What would he think? Would he come looking for her? Did she want him to? It’s not like I can deal with it now. Not knowing how to deal with the problem of her kinda- sorta boyfriend, she moistened her dry lips. When Sam’s gaze darkened and followed the movement, she stifled a groan. “Maybe you should tell me about yourself. Are you married? Seeing anyone? I’ve never heard of a phoenix existing outside of myths before.”

  Yeah, I’ll keep him talking so I can fantasize about his voice.

  Where, in some old woman’s musty spare bedroom? Her wolf didn’t sound amused. Just ask him if he’d mind a roommate. I bet he can make you forget about Mike.

  At the last second, she stifled a sigh. He probably can… Shaking away thoughts of Mike or what she’d like to do with Sam, she focused her attention on him.

  “I am not married and never have been. A woman has never intrigued me enough to make the offer.” His easy grin sent heat careening through her veins. “And no, I am not currently involved.”

  “Great.” Ava scrambled to breathe normally. “Are there others of your kind here in Destiny?”

  “Unfortunately, no.” He slid an arm along the back of the bench, his sleeve touching her shoulders. “There can only be one living male phoenix at any one time. I never knew my father, and he never knew his before him. They died as soon as their boy child came into the world. This is the way of things with my race.”

  Ava frowned, trying to work out the puzzle in her mind. “What about your mother and relatives? Didn’t you grow up with others like you?”

  “Only the males are true phoenixes. The females, like my mother, are generally human or a half-caste of another paranormal breed. That’s how it has always worked.” His eyes took on a faraway expression as if he were reaching into his past. “While they may bear female children, there is only one full-blooded male child born in each generation.”

  “So, it’s like a genetic lottery?” She couldn’t imagine a generation with only one male of that specific race.

  “It is selective breeding, I suppose.”

  “Why?” Wow, only one guy per generation. “What about the females of the population? Why are they not considered full-blooded?”

  A grin crept over Sam’s mouth, the same one that was devastating to her peace of mind. “Your questions mean you show a genuine interest in my race. This gives me hope.” He brushed his fingers over her right shoulder. Showers of tingles danced over her skin. “Only the males are considered strong enough to withstand the trials associated with being a true phoenix. As for why there is only one, it is still much a mystery and one I’ve not thought on.”

  “Why?”

  He shrugged. “There were always other male relatives in my family, but they have since passed away, as they were only of human stock and not given the gift of long life. It would seem, outside of providing the hope of rebirth to the world, a phoenix doesn’t have a specific purpose. I suppose it is one of the mysteries of my secretive species.”

  Just how old was this guy? He sounded ancient and…tired. Shadows lengthened over the stretch of parkland where they sat. In the distance, the musical sound of laughter lingered on the air, carried by the gentle breeze. Ava shivered and slid a tad closer to Sam’s warmth. “Is there a danger of being the only one of your kind?” We really should read about the myths and legends more, she admonished her wolf. Her ignorance about other paranormal cultures made her cheeks burn with embarrassment.

  True, but I already know all I need to of this man. He tells the truth and is honorable, and he’s single and looking. He’s for us. I can feel it. Internally, the wolf paced back and forth before lying down in a tight ball. Trust him.

  She rolled her eyes. “We’ll see.” The thought of trusting a guy at first sight because he was polite and kind went against everything she stood for. People had to earn trust; it wasn’t freely given. Hadn’t she fought her way through ego-puffed males at every job she’d ever held?

  Sam cocked his head to one side. “Are you speaking to me or to your wolf companion?”

  “Both. My wolf has no filter sometimes.” Another wave of heat swept into her cheeks. What was it about this guy that made her feel so unbalanced yet comfortable at the same time? “It’s also a problem when trying to blend with my highly opinionated human half. My pack kicked me out because I have a problem with obeying authority figures.”

  “Do you think you should be in charge?” One of his red eyebrows rose.

  “No.”

  Yes, her wolf injected.

  Ava sighed. “Look, it doesn’t matter. My leaving the pack was mutual. They didn’t like me questioning their leadership and the whole ‘men are in
fallible and always right’ thing. I didn’t like being dictated to or ordered how to live my life. I left. End of story. Now I’m here and apparently around a bunch of other half-breed or damaged paranormals.” She glanced at the peaceful setting. “It’s a lot like the Island of Misfit Toys in that Christmas cartoon on television.”

  “Pardon? I do not know what you refer to.” Questions clouded his eyes.

  “Never mind.” Of course he wouldn’t. It’s not like they have television here.

  “You will need to explain what television is at a later date.” He cleared his throat. “Can I assume from your story you are also not promised to another?”

  His weird way of talking tripped her up for a second before she got the gist of it. “Let’s just say it’s complicated. The guy I thought I was seeing isn’t working out. I’ll probably have to end things when, if, I get back…” She trailed off in confusion. Had she just shot her chances with Sam in the foot?

  “Understandable. If there is no fire, there cannot be a successful relationship.”

  “Exactly.” Mike didn’t bring the fire, for sure.

  Sam’s grin returned. “I have heard of latent shifters before. There are a few that live in Destiny. Perhaps if you stay here, you will meet them.”

  Oh no! “I can’t stay here.” She shot to her feet, wobbling as her foot tangled in the long skirts. Recovering, Ava walked through the grass. When he caught up to her, she sighed. “I don’t belong here. I’m not a roughing-it kind of girl. I like depending on electricity, running water, and pizza delivery, you know?” Panic took hold and wouldn’t let go.

  “Outside of your mention of water, I am afraid I have no idea what you speak of.” Sam touched her arm, and she slowed her determined stride. “Perhaps if you share a bit about your world, I can begin to understand. It sounds like a strange and wonderful place.”

  Ava glanced at him, wondering why he seemed so interested. “Do you think it’s weird I come from a different time period? Does it happen often around here?”