His anger faded away, only to be replaced by a roaring lust that left him hard as steel. Thankfully, he had the bag in his lap. “I was just on my way to pick up my Harley. Do you ever ride?”
Amethyst laughed, “I’ve ridden with Fallon. You’ve probably noticed that I’m short. I don’t know that they make a motorcycle in my size.” But then her grin fell off her face and her eyes darted to the front windows.
“What is it? What’s wrong?” Hayden asked, instantly concerned.
She shook her head. “That creep Zack keeps showing up. I just have a bad feeling about him. He hasn’t come in, but… I don’t know. I just don’t trust him.”
“No one does, but I will keep an eye out for him. I need to get going. I’ll see you later.” What he needed was to see if he could find that little punk and make sure he wouldn’t go near Amethyst again.
“Sure.” She licked her lips and smiled up at him. “I’m looking forward to tonight.”
“I’ll be there.” Hayden glanced back as he stepped outside. Amethyst was already talking to Tomahawk but she waved goodbye.
* * * *
Amethyst fought off her grin as Hayden walked out of her line of vision. She still felt like she was being watched, but Zack had just disappeared.
That punk was so creepy. There was something so very wrong with him. She wasn’t looking forward to running into him by herself. Every time he was near, her instincts screamed at her not to touch him.
“Hey, are you listening?” Tom nudged her shoulder.
“Sorry.” She shook her head and sighed. “I was distracted.
“That kid really does freak you out, doesn’t he?”
Amethyst nodded as Fallon came back in with a few coffees and a cherry orange smoothie. She said, “I warded the shop against Zack. He can’t get in here, your apartment, or the house. Just thought I should let you know.”
“Thanks.” Amethyst grinned at Tomahawk. “So, what were you saying?”
He smirked. “Just that Hayden sure likes to visit you. Two days in a row he’s brought you some little goodie, and yesterday he brought you Sushi. He’s not even gruff around you.”
She folded her arms over her chest. “You took me to lunch today.”
“Because you were going to try to pass off a donut as a meal,” he squawked.
“Your point?” One brow arched.
Fallon laughed because Tomahawk clammed up. “He’s leaving out the part that he thinks of you as a kid sister already. Hayden sure as hell doesn’t.”
“Tom just told me how juicy my ass was.” Amethyst shot him a playful glare before looking back at Fallon.
“Like a kid sister, not my kid sister.” Tomahawk pointed out. “I still have eyeballs and you are not related, so I can look all I want, even flirt a tiny bit, but I’m not going to go there because I love Darla. Hayden, on the other hand, would go there in a heartbeat.”
Fallon shook her head at Tom before asking Amethyst, “What did he bring you this time?”
“Cherry tart. It was really yummy too,” she licked her lips, thinking about the sheriff and that delicious smile of his.
“You are such a whore for sweets.” Fallon teased.
“Fine,” she grumbled, “When is your man going to be here? I thought you convinced him to have a nipple done.”
Fallon shook her head, her eyes sparkling. “Both actually. You don’t mind, do you?”
“Of course not. Just don’t get all snarly with me. I’m only doing this at your request.”
“Please, I know you well enough to know you don’t want Brody.” Fallon winked. “Besides, you just want a great big taste of Sheriff Eyeball.” Fallon leaped out of the way when Amethyst swatted at her. “You know it’s true.
Amethyst could feel the heat in her face, and she knew it was no use denying it. “Uh, yeah. You’ve seen him, right?”
Both Tomahawk and Fallon burst out laughing.
* * * *
Zack hid among the shadows without a form. He floated in the alley across from Inktastic. Impressive wards were woven around the building. The magic was foreign to him, but it prevented his advance regardless.
Her apartment was the same way, and it all had started that morning. He was beginning to think he should have gone after her sooner but he still wasn’t at full power. He needed more strength that could only be gained from the chaos he stirred.
Amethyst would be such a sweet feast if he could just get close enough to her. First he needed to find out what was blocking him from influencing so many people. He could feed from the residual energy of emotions, but it wasn’t as sweet as when he amplified their darker instincts. He’d never met such resistance.
He watched as Amethyst smiled and laughed with the sheriff who was so much like one of his greatest enemies. Zack was willing to bet this man was kin to Xenu, who had helped Sapphire destroy his people and lock the last few away in the soul prison. He would still take pleasure in destroying the proud Earth fae.
He reached out with his essence to push at the prickly sheriff but was met with a wall of resistance. When he pushed harder, he was flung back and almost took shape.
He hissed as he floated through one wall and then another.
Zack flew back out to see a pissed off sheriff searching the alley for a sign with a snarl. He moved closer but saw a shimmering shield surrounding him unlike anything he had ever seen, but it had the feel of Sapphire’s water magic.
* * * *
There was no one there, and Hayden had searched everywhere, but he didn’t find Zack. He did find more of those eerie smudges of shadow in the alley across from Inktastic. All week long, people were falling prey to darker behavior than what was normal, and always when Zack showed up.
Hayden hadn’t even considered Zack a true threat until he saw the fear in Amethyst’s eyes just seconds after laughing and smiling. Why was Zack following her? He’d shown up a couple of days before Amethyst.
It was time to do a background check on Zack and find out where he came from. He hoped he hadn’t made a huge mistake when he threw the punk out of Inktastic instead of dragging him down for questioning. Technically, he hadn’t done enough to lock him up, but in Edenton, the normal rules didn’t always apply.
The more he thought about it though, the more he thought it was likely he had something to do with the Shadow Fae. Maybe he would have some information back about Carl Umbra and he could find a connection. Right now, he didn’t have shit and it was enough to drive him crazy.
Chapter 9
Amethyst was done with her appointments and couldn’t shake the feeling of being watched by Zack, who managed to remind her of Carl. She was so unnerved that she decided to take off early.
A swim would do her good. She could find her center, and just let go of all of her worries. Being in the water was the one place she didn’t mind being a nymph, the one place she didn’t feel like a freak.
She made her way to the dock and pulled her shirt off as she went. Then she shimmied her jeans and leggings down and kicked them off with her shoes. The sun felt good on her naked skin.
Tipping her head back, she closed her eyes and relished the warmth a moment before stepping to the edge of the dock and diving in. Just before the cool water enveloped her body, she felt Hayden’s eyes slide over her in a secret caress.
His gaze felt so good that she immediately twisted in the water to swim to where she knew he was hiding. If he wanted to watch, she was going to give him a show to remember. She came to a stop and floated up to the surface with her eyes closed.
The sun warmed her skin, and she could feel Hayden’s eyes move over her body like a sensual tease. That familiar ache started between her legs and she moaned low. She’d never been turned on so much from watching eyes.
Did he not know that a nymph could sense desire among other things? His eyes traced up her thighs, over her hips. She brought her fingers to follow the path his gaze took to her breasts. His desire kicked into overdrive and his gaze b
ecame more tangible, more like a light squeeze.
She plucked at her already tightened buds and gasped when she heard him suck in a breath. Her hearing might not be as strong as his, but she still caught it on the wind. Her back arched as she twisted and tugged her nipples, imagining his teeth lightly scraping against her sensitive flesh before his hot mouth closed over her pebbled tip.
He wanted her, and she could feel his need pounding just under the surface, urging him to tear his clothes from his hard body and stomp into the lake to lay claim on her. Damn her to the Abyss and back, but she wanted him to.
Amethyst could almost hear him panting as his eyes caressed back down to where she ached for him. Her fingers followed his gaze and parted her folds to glide over her sensitized bundle of nerves.
Oh boy, could she feel him now. She whimpered as she pressed harder and teased herself into a frenzy. This was a dangerous game and she was so close to losing control of herself and calling Hayden to her.
She slid her fingers into her depths and her hips bucked. She needed more, she needed him, she wanted him. It took no time at all to bring herself over the edge and tumble into ecstasy. His name was on her lips as she let herself sink to the bottom of the lake to hide that from him.
It took a long moment for her to calm herself. Guilt started to dance around her head. Should she tell him she knew? He would only feel guilty and she didn’t want that. She didn’t want to lie either. There were too many questions so she didn’t bother to surface until she had the dock before her.
Fallon startled the hell out of her as she pulled herself out of the lake. “Amethyst, you out here?”
“Yes,” she gasped, and quickly scrambled onto the dock. “You’re early.” Crap, she was breathless from the pleasure still ringing through her body. She still felt his eyes on her.
One of Fallon’s scarlet eyebrows arched as Amethyst hastily yanked her clothes on.
Fallon smirked. “I’m not even going to ask.”
Oh thank you. Amethyst glanced away. “I didn’t expect you out here.”
“Next time, I’ll yell sooner.”
Amethyst couldn’t help blushing, “Sorry, I uh….” She didn’t have a clue what to say.
“Don’t apologize. I’ll give you more warning next time.” Fallon rubbed the back of her neck. “I’m sure I know who was on your mind anyway.”
“Why’s that?” She pouted.
“Oh, let’s see, the way you lit up when he walked into the shop with dessert just for you.”
Will I ever stop blushing? “He’s sweet, and patient, and he’s not pressuring me, letting me decide.” Amethyst sighed, he was just spying on her, and it shouldn’t turn her on, but obviously she was a freak.
“What are you going to do?”
She lowered her voice. “Oh, I’m going to make my move tonight. I thought it would take me longer to be ready, but I was wrong.” She bit her lip before adding. “I’m just a little nervous. He’s so Big-and-Grr that I’m just not sure I can handle all of him.”
Fallon laughed out loud, “You’re a nymph, sweetie. You would be enough for any creature out there, besides maybe satyr, and then you might have your work cut out for you. Horny devils, every one of them.”
“I can deal with the horns, but they have fur from the waist down and goat legs. Eww. No thanks.” She giggled and followed Fallon back down the path.
* * * *
Hayden was frustrated beyond anything he could imagine. After leaving the shop he had gone home to see if his background check on Zack had come back with anything. There was nothing prior to him showing up in Edenton. Nada. He didn’t get much back on Carl, but it looked like the council had pulled some strings to lock most of the info down. That was typical, but if he dug hard enough he would get some kind of an answer in the next few days.
Then he went for a run. On his way back he heard someone on the dock. He stepped behind a tree and watched as Amethyst dove into the water.
Like the ass he knew he was, he moved as close to the lake’s edge as he could get and stay hidden. It was like she knew and was purposefully taunting him. She had swum right to the edge and unknowingly showed him what she liked.
Fuck, he was the worst kind of prick for that. He should have said something, should have let her know he was there so she could cover up but he was frozen, rooted there and unable to tear his gaze from her.
The thing that drove his guilt deeper was that he was sure it was his name she’d called as she went under. If she ever found out she would hate him. He was sure of it.
He slammed his hand against the door of his SUV before making his way into In 2 Deep. He wasn’t sure how he was going to keep himself from chasing her at this point, but he wouldn’t bail on her again. Not without work interfering.
The second he stepped inside, his eyes were drawn to Amethyst whose hair fell against the pool table when she leaned over and drew her cue back. His breath caught in his throat as she paused and looked over her shoulder, locking gazes with him.
A seductive smile twisted her lips. She gave him a slight nod and turned back to take her shot.
Tomahawk shook his head, and gave Brody a smirk. His voice carried across the room. “Why is it we always lose to beautiful women?”
“Hey, you just going to stand there?” Slater slapped him on the back and let out a chuckle.
Hayden shook his head as he looked over at his old friend. “Sorry.”
“Come on, I’ll buy you a drink, and you can tell me why you’re standing there like you’ve just found the meaning of life.”
His eyes narrowed and he grunted, but he followed and even took a seat next to Slater.
“Amethyst just got started, and it doesn’t look like she’s done clearing the table just yet. I know she can hold her own against Fallon so there’s no telling how long before she’s up here.”
One brow arched as Hayden glanced back over at Amethyst who was setting up another shot. He already knew she was good and had no doubt that she was just as good as Fallon, who always kicked his ass.
Amethyst was facing him this time. She looked up. Her grin shot through him like quicksilver, and then she licked her lips and he groaned. Her dimple only got deeper before she dropped her gaze to take another shot.
Slater laughed out loud. “I have never seen you like this. Ever.”
Jess slid a Guinness his way. “Ame was sort of mopey until you walked in. Looks like you cheered her up.”
Hayden’s eyes snapped to Jess, but then he remembered the lake, and he didn’t know what to say. Her eyes went wide before she moved down the bar. He had to wonder what in the Abyss she saw, and if it was going to come back to bite him in the ass.
“So, are you going to tell me what’s up?” Slater asked.
He shook his head. “What am I supposed to say?”
“I don’t know, but you best think of something because she’s headed this way with her sights set on you.” Slater turned back to his beer and hastily drank half down.
Amethyst stepped close, but not quite touching. “Are we still on for that game of pool?” Her voice had a sensual quality to it, more so than normal.
He turned toward her and struggled to take a real breath as he took in her appearance. Her hair fell in tumbled waves around her shoulders, and her subtle makeup only enhanced her features. Her black wrap dress was sleeveless and clung to her body until just past her hips where it flared to her knees. There was a hint of cleavage but it left most of her body to the imagination in a classy and very sexy way. She stood taller with a pair of peep toe heels.
Her dimples deepened as one brow arched. “Should I take that as a compliment?”
He nodded dumbly, and Slater laughed out loud. Hayden cleared his throat and managed to get his eyes back on hers. “You’re breathtaking.”
She never broke his gaze, and amusement made her eyes sparkle. “Thank you. So, about that game?”
“You’re on.” He stood and she started for the table.
>
Slater caught his arm. “Good luck. You’re going to need it.”
“Yeah. I’m not sure how I’m supposed to give her space with the way she is tonight.” Hayden swallowed hard.
“Space?” Jamie quipped as she butted into the conversation. “Honey, she doesn’t want space. Trust me, she’s getting her flirt on with you because she wants you.”
He hoped so. “That’s not what she said the other day.” And if she knew about him watching she would change her mind in a hurry. Without waiting for a response, he walked over to their table and joined the whole group. She had stopped to take a drink of something fruity and smiled back at him.
“Should I throw the game for you? Let you win once?” Her tongue swept across her lips.
Hayden nodded before shaking his head. He couldn’t remember ever being this speechless before. “Oh no, I don’t mind. You take your turn.”
Her face lit up as she spun around to break. He was mesmerized. The night before had been light and easy, tonight she seemed to be aggressively taunting him.
Brody nudged him. “Never thought I’d see you like this.”
Hayden looked back at Brody. “I remember thinking that about you not so long ago.”
“This is true.”
He nodded, and noticed the outline of a new tattoo covering Brody’s right arm. He waved his hand at it with a smirk. “When did that happen?”
“Today. Fallon will color it in tomorrow.”
Hayden shrugged. “You told me that you wanted full sleeves on both arms over a decade ago. Why are you just now going through with one?”
“It was one of those, sounded like a good idea, but didn’t have any true motivation. Adam wasn’t up here yet. He didn’t open up the shop until just after I was a werewolf. You know I can’t draw for shit, so without an artist to draw what I wanted, I just didn’t.” Fallon dropped into Brody’s lap and kissed him deep.
Shadows of the Past Page 12