Passing a closed door, Micah piped up from somewhere behind her. “You can see my room if you want.”
She smiled knowing from the way he’d said it that he wanted her to see.
Monroe brushed her shoulders as he reached down and pushed the door open. Unlike his too small room at home, this one was huge. No gamer posters adorned the walls or dirty clothes littered the floor. It was clean and very young-adult. The colors were black and gray with vibrant red used as accent on the bed and window coverings. The bed looked like it was King size and next to it sat a desk with a computer surrounded by scattered CD’s and magazines.
Eden swallowed at the lump that formed in her throat. It was more than she’d ever been able to provide. “Very nice room, Micah. Thank you for keeping it picked up.”
“Responsibility begets reward,” he stated but she knew the words were Monroe’s and not his own.
“Hmm,” her lips pursed in disapproval. How much teaching had Monroe done while she was down?
The chair started moving again and at the end of the hall, Monroe pushed her into a room that was larger than her entire cabin. The grandeur of the space was breathtaking. Dark, ornately carved wood lined the ceilings and was the same design and material used in the dresser, nightstands, and four-poster bed. A purple and white, satin, quilt covered the largest mattress she’d ever seen and even though the bed was huge, the space didn’t feel cramped. On the contrary, the room felt immense, almost too big.
A sound caught her attention and her gaze slid to her right where a fire burned invitingly in the large hearth and it was difficult to tear her eyes away from it to take in the rest of the room.
The plush carpet was a muted lavender and beautiful purple irises in expensive looking vases dotted the room. Sheer curtains covered what appeared to be French doors that led out to a balcony.
“Monroe, it’s…” There was no hiding the awe in her voice. It was the most beautiful room she’d ever seen.
“Bathroom’s through there,” he pointed to a closed door. “I had them put in handicap accessible doors so the chair can fit through if you need it.”
Eden’s eyes that were still sweeping the room stopped abruptly. She had to blink hard to get his words to register. “You had them put in doors?”
As if it were nothing, he left her side to cross to the French doors and peel back the curtains to allow some light to filter through. “Yes. This suite was actually two. I had them combined so there’d be enough space for you and the kids.”
Holy shit! Panic flared to life. She couldn’t afford this! It would mean several year’s worth of playing catch-up just to cover the damn hospital bills in town!
Monroe turned his attention from the slowly thawing grounds outside to see that Eden had paled dangerously.
“Shit!” he closed the distance between them in seconds. He was on his knees and grabbing her hand as he spoke, “Damn it Eden, I knew it was too soon! Don’t worry, Jenny’s on her way.”
How could Jenny be on her way? She pulled her hand back and blinked hard, “I-I’m fine.”
“Don’t lie to me, Eden. Any fool can see that something’s wrong.”
“It’s not… I’m fine,” her brows bunched. “it’s just.” Her words were covered over when Jenny dashed into the room.
“Where is she? What happened?”
Confusion hit hard. How could she…
“It must be the stress of the activity, she looks pale.”
Eden’s wane appearance vanished in an instant when angry color flooded her cheeks. “I’m fine,” she ground out again. “I was surprised is all!”
“Surprised?” Jenny clamped her fingers around Eden’s wrist to take her pulse. “Surprised by what?”
Rolling her eyes, Eden huffed out in frustration. “This! This room, this suite, the stay in the infirmary, the surgery in town. It’s all a bit…expensive!”
Jenny’s grip loosened and she peeked up at Monroe knowingly. “Uh-huh,” she cleared her throat. “You appear to be fine, I’ll just leave you two to…” she ducked her head and left the room closing the door behind her.
Monroe eyes darkened in impatience, “How can you be concerned with something as insignificant as money at a time like this?”
Eden’s mouth fell open, “As insignificant as money? Sorry, but it’s not insignificant to those of us that don’t have much of it.”
Crossing strong arms over his chest he watched her. “Your bills have been paid Eden. I took care of it.”
“Like hell you did!” She was pushing up from the chair and it took every ounce of Monroe’s strength to not rush to her aid. “I pay my own way!”
“Stop being so dramatic,” he chastised, inching closer, “it’s only money.”
“I’m not going to allow you to pay my bills. It’s not happening.”
His smile turned mocking as, unable to control himself any longer, he reached out to help her steady herself. “It’s already done.”
“Damn it Monroe! Why are you doing this?” She shrugged him off, hobbled to the bed, and sat. “I don’t want to be in anyone’s debt.”
“You’re not.”
“Yes, I’m in yours now!” Her eyes raked over him, “And I’m certain it’s a place I don’t want to be.”
“Afraid?” he challenged.
Her pride warred with logic. Hell yes she was afraid. She didn’t want to be in Monroe StoneCrow’s debt any more than she wanted to be in his home.
“Look, we should clear some things up right now,” chocolate eyes scanned the luxurious room. “I appreciate all you’ve done for me. You took in my kids and you saved my life, but this,” she waved at the room. “I’ve been cleared from medical. My kids and I need to return home.”
Monroe crossed his arms over his chest, “You’re right, we should clear some things up. First, you’ve been released from medical, not cleared. There’s a difference. Second, those kids have been traumatized enough by nearly losing their mother. I’ll not permit you to stress them further by leaving before you’re fully healed, or by wasting money on silly little bills when it could be better used to feed and clothe them. Finally,” he inched closer to her, “You do owe me.”
Eden’s cheeks flamed at the declaration.
“But not for the paid bills, angel. I could give a shit less about the money. You owe me for saving your life.” As if it had been decided he exhaled proudly, “You’re going to accept my hospitality and remain here at the estate until…”
“Until what?” she demanded, “Until you decide that I’m better?”
“No,” his lips twisted, “until the children decide that you’re ready to go.”
“That’s ridiculous,” she accused, “look at this place! If it’s up to them, we’ll never leave!”
Monroe smiled victoriously, “Then so be it.”
Damn you! Eden seethed as she glared at him, “Not above using my kids as leverage?”
He closed the distance between them so quickly that Eden was shocked. A firm hand gripped her chin as he dropped his head, his lips a mere breath away from her own as he studied her. “Just be satisfied, angel, that I don’t use your debt to get what I really want.”
The declaration had her stifling a shudder. What he really wants? There was no mistaking the look in his eyes. Lust!
Her eyes dropped to his lips, her own parting as she wondered if he was going to kiss her. Hoped he was going to kiss her.
He didn’t. He released her abruptly to stalk from the room.
***
By the gods, he wanted her! How had it happened? When? Monroe speared a hand through his hair as he strode determinedly back to his office. He had to put some distance between himself and Eden StCloud because if he stayed near her another second he would bend her over and paddle her sweet ass for thinking she could challenge him. The worst part was she had no idea what a turn on it was to be challenged by his female. His female? Shit, when had he started thinking of her that way?
Inside h
is office he dropped into his chair and ignored the work on his desk to frown at the door. He was calculating in his head the number of days until Eden healed and he’d be able to spread her legs wide and bury himself inside her. He wanted to fuck her more then he wanted to breathe. He ground his teeth together as he realized he shouldn’t want her so badly. She wasn’t his; there was no affliction. His expression darkened as he realized a part of him was disappointed with the fact that his halo hadn’t flashed and whined its signal that she was his angel. Still, he wanted her.
He’d been intrigued by her the moment they’d met. When she’d been injured, he’d taken advantage of the opportunity to get her and her family on his estate. Ever since then, he’d been sticking close. He had her guarded when he wasn’t around to protect her himself, but he tried to spend as much time with her as possible while not neglecting the children.
The children. The thought of them made him smile. They were great kids with excellent manners. Eden had done well in raising them and he felt a little jealous and annoyed at her ability to garner herself a family without the need for a mate. And Walker children nonetheless! All this time she’d been doing what he wanted for his own kind. She was living a peaceful existence out among the world with children who had such rare and unique gifts that the task should have been impossible for a surrogate mother who wasn’t of the kind.
He tried to ignore the pounding in his dick and the uncomfortable way his pants were suddenly too tight. Spearing a hand into his hair, he growled. Perhaps bringing Eden and the children here wasn’t such a good idea after all.
Chapter 12
Pacing just inside his office door, where he’d remained after Eden entered, Monroe eyed her walking cast with a frown. “Where’s your wheelchair,” he demanded gruffly.
“I wanted to build up my strength. Sitting on my ass doesn’t help.”
“Forcing your recovery won’t help either.”
Eden fought a smile. Why he was so against her recovery she had no clue, but it was evident that if it were up to him, she’d still be confined to the infirmary. It was the same argument they’d had for the past few weeks. She was determined to get back on her feet as soon as possible and he was determined to prevent it. Every day she felt stronger and was able to do more and more, and every day he grew more and more angry with her. It was confusing and a little deflating.
Monroe knew his attempt to pick a fight was just a stall tactic. He was worried about confronting Eden, but it was now or never. She was getting stronger everyday and he knew that soon she’d be asking to go home. He’d have to convince her to stay of her own accord or risk losing her. He wouldn’t allow it. Without preamble and in his typical CEO fashion, he shot straight to the heart of the matter. “Have you heard of Skin Walkers?” His tone was light.
Eden frowned. “I’m native. Of course I’ve heard of Skin Walkers.”
Monroe’s lips cocked in a half smile as he prompted, “And what do you think of them.”
“I don’t.” She hobbled toward the door when Monroe caught her arm. She’d tried to hide it but he hadn’t missed the haunted look that flashed through her eyes, and fear was pouring off her in waves. He knew why.
“Eden, I know about the children,” his tone was soft and imploring.
She tried to jerk her arm free and feigned nonchalance but her racing heart told another story. “What about them?”
He kept his grip on her arm firm and circled so he was facing her. “They’re different Eden. They are…special.”
Oh God, how does he know? How could he have possibly figured it out? She forced a calm smile but her heart was racing a mile-a-minute. She’d been certain she’d done everything to keep everyone at the estate from suspecting anything. Even Micah had confirmed that nothing had happened while she’d been in the infirmary. There were no slips, no incidence that she could recall, nothing that would make anyone suspect that her children were.... “Of course they’re different,” she turned from him and shook her head dismissively not even aware that the forced brittle tone betrayed her terror. “They’re kids.”
“They are Walkers.”
Her smile faltered a moment but was just as quickly replaced with one that didn’t quite reach her eyes. “Walkers? Don’t be absurd.” She waved a hand wildly in the air, “I admit Micah’s hair is a little crazy but…”
“Stop,” his tone was calm. “I can scent your fear, angel, and I know that you’re terrified of anyone finding out your secret…their secret.” His expression hardened, “I’m not anyone and you needn’t ever be terrified of, or hide anything from, me.”
Walkers? It couldn’t be. They were a legend, a myth, weren’t they? “No,” she shook her head, fighting the truth. “You’re wrong!”
“I know what they are.”
She was still shaking her head even as memories of the tales her parents had told her raced through her mind.
“Yes.” He said it with an air of authority that let her know he was fully aware of who and what they were.
Could it be? She began to tremble as she stood, slack jawed, and blinked rapidly attempting to process the possibility.
“I know they are Skin Walkers, and I know it with such great certainty because…”
Eden’s heart was beating so loudly that she knew that Monroe must be able to hear it. No matter what he said, or how he pried, she’d never admit to anything. She couldn’t! Admission would put her children at risk and she’d rather die than ever allow that to happen.
“I am a Skin Walker as well. I know what they are because we are the same.”
Eden’s knees buckled and Monroe was there instantly to catch her.
“Eden?”
“I’m fine,” she lied. She wasn’t fine; she doubted she’d be fine ever again. “I-I have to go.” Lifting a hand to her now pounding temple, she made to take a step but Monroe stopped her by tightening his hold on her.
“Look at me,” he demanded.
When she refused to meet his gaze he grabbed her chin, “Look at me, Eden!”
Dragging her eyes to meet his, she blinked rapidly in hopes of dispelling the tears that glistened there. She suddenly felt very alone and very vulnerable and she didn’t want him to look in her eyes and see the one other emotion that existed there that she knew she should be ashamed of…hope!
While she’d do anything to protect her children, some small part of her hoped he was telling the truth. She hoped he was like her children and that she could finally have someone to confide in, someone to share her burden. NO! She jerked free and turned from him, burying her face in her hands, My children are not a burden! She shook her head as tears slipped free in self-reproach, How could I even think that?
Strong arms enveloped her, “It’s alright, angel. I can protect them. I can, and will, protect all of you.” He knew he shouldn’t make the statement. She wasn’t his angel and if his true mate did come along, he wouldn’t be able to control his urge to claim her and where would that leave Eden and the children? He didn’t know, but he did know that he couldn’t let them go.
It’s alright? His words were astounding. Her world had just been turned upside down, and he was acting if it was the most common thing in the world. Her children were supposedly…Skin Walkers! God, what did that even mean? She knew they were special, had gifts, but this was too much.
She’d been told of the legends concerning Skin Walkers. All native children had heard the stories of their ancestors who donned the skins or furs of an animal and by doing so were able to transform into the creature’s shape. Unlike the tales though, that wasn't how it worked with her children. They shifted indiscriminately, typically at the worst possible or most inconvenient times, and when they did, it wasn’t a full transition. Sometimes, just their little faces would morph, or an arm or a leg would change shape. They couldn’t control it and worse, they were terrified of their differences. They knew they were unusual and they hated it. The partial shifts were followed by fits of hysteria and fear, an
d all Eden could do was comfort them while learning to accept what they were. She tried to teach them to accept their abilities as well while trying to gain some semblance of control. Micah was the best at controlling his skill, and she figured the other children would learn to manage their gifts as they grew.
Skin Walkers! She thought in dazed amazement. My children are Skin Walkers! To finally know what they were was both a relief and a curse. She could help them, guide them, and it was comforting to know there were others like them; yet, how could she ever console them when they discovered that they’d never outgrow this anomaly?
Just then a loud wail sounded and Eden jerked from Monroe’s arms, instantly recognizing the cry. “Ransum!”
Monroe steadied her before racing from the room. She followed much more slowly and when she arrived in the children’s room, she saw Ransum sitting on the floor crying and holding his elbow while Cole backed up guiltily and Peyton simply pointed accusatorily at Cole.
Before she got the chance, Monroe already had Ransum up off the floor and cradled in his arms. “What happened?” he demanded.
“C-C-Cole bit me!” Ransum wailed louder.
“Let me see,” Eden hurried to his side and pulled his elbow down to inspect the two half-crescents that welted on either side of his elbow. Still a little off kilter at Monroe’s confession, she tried her best to pin Cole with disapproving eyes. “Young man?”
“Well,” Cole began dropping his gaze and kicking at the carpet.
“Shhhh,” Monroe soothed as he crossed to the bed to sit with Ransum who was slowly quieting. Peyton climbed up on the bed next to the duo to kiss her brother’s arm with a wet smack of her lips.
“Come here,” Eden demanded in a firm tone.
Reluctantly, Cole paced toward her as she planted delicate hands on slender hips. “Look at me. Did you bite your brother?”
“Yes,” his lip trembled.
“Why?” She heard Monroe mumble something about cookies and the kitchen, and Ransum’s tears dried up as he dashed out of the room with Peyton fast on his heels.
Skin Walkers: Monroe Page 9