by Rosalie Redd
The two women left his room, but didn’t go far, standing outside his doorway. Using his Gossum’s extra-sensory hearing, he listened to their conversation.
“All right, Liv. Yes, I was with a guy—”
“I knew it. Spill.”
Ram’s fist knotted tighter around the sheet.
Sheri lowered her voice. “I found a strange man in my shed. He was injured and I helped him…get better.”
“What? You took him in like one of your strays? You’re kidding, right?”
“No. He was really tall and muscular. His clothes were odd, different, handmade and he had a strange accent. He said he’d been in a fight and hid in my shed. I cleaned up the worst of his injuries.”
Ram’s stomach clenched. Odd clothes, strange accent, a fight. Was it possible? Had she run into a Stiyaha, his old enemy?
Olivia inhaled. “Were you scared?”
“Surprisingly, no.”
“Good looking? Nice package? Out with the details.”
“Blond hair, blue eyes, muscular. Yeah, a nice package.”
“Your cheeks are red. Oh, honey, did you sleep with him?”
Ram’s heart skipped a beat, and he held his breath.
“No, oh no, but…we kissed.”
Olivia squealed and her laughter grated on Ram’s nerves. He wanted to grab the male that had kissed his Sheri and beat him to a pulp. How he longed for his Gossum claws.
“What’s his name? When are you seeing him again?”
“Tanen, and I’m not seeing him again. He’s gone.”
“What? You let a cool drink of water like that get away?”
Sheri huffed. “It’s not like that…it’s complicated.”
“Uh-huh. If he’s a hot as you say, maybe he’ll come back for more of your special attention. Look, I gotta go, Matt’s giving me the evil eye from the nurses’ station, but I’m glad for you.” Olivia’s soft shoes swished on the tiled floor.
Sheri peered around the edge of Ram’s door. A chagrined smile crossed her face. The knot in his gut loosened. He remembered that look—he’d seen it when she was about to cave in to his demands. A slight, painful smile curled his lip.
She approached and picked up her tools. As she walked around the bed, her thin slacks hugged her sexy backside and her bottom jiggled ever so slightly with each step. He wanted to give her cheeks a gentle squeeze to see how she’d react, but he didn’t have the strength.
She threw away the empty bandage package and put the scissors and tape back in the drawer. When she was done, she glanced at him. “I’m sorry for the interruption.”
He opened his mouth, but the sincerity in her voice stalled the words in his throat. Their marriage had been filled with ups and downs. He was to blame. In many ways, he was surprised she’d stayed with him as long as she had. Perhaps this man she’d met, this Tanen, would make her happy in a way he never could. Maybe she’s better off without me. He fisted his hand. No…I won’t give up.
“Rest now.” With a quick smile, she ran her hand from his shoulder to his elbow. Static electricity popped loud in the room and his skin tingled. “I’ll come back in a bit to check on you.”
As she headed for the door, his need to keep her here with him burned in his gut. He forced the words from his mouth before he could stop himself. “I pr…promise t…to…make it…up…t…to you.”
Her back visibly tensed. She looked over her shoulder, her hazel eyes penetrating into him. “W…what did you say?”
He struggled to repeat his words, but his tongue seemed two sizes too big. “I…p…p…”
“I have to go, Michael.” She turned away and left him in her wake, abandoning him once again. A raw pain tightened his throat. He’d never felt so alone.
CHAPTER 18
M auree applied the last swipe of mascara and studied herself in the mirror. Gone were the dark circles and bags under her eyes. She pursed her lips and blew a kiss at her reflection. A sense of giddiness filled her chest, and a laugh bubbled up inside. The sound reverberated off the walls of her new bedroom, soaking into the king-sized bed as if she’d marked it as her own.
The chair creaked as she stood, almost in protest of having to bear her weight. A Stiyaha, she was a large female and damn proud of it. Her expanding lungs filled her with an odd sense of contentment. She headed into the hallway, her bare feet sinking into the plush carpet. After reaching the top of the circular staircase, she peered over the railing.
Jakar stood in the middle of the fancy living room, staring out the large picture windows. Several cushioned chairs and leather couches filled the space. The earlier storm clouds had dispersed, and the late afternoon sunlight cut a shaft of light onto the dark green carpet, turning the beam an emerald green. She huffed.
“Jakar, be a dear and close the blinds for me, would you?” Even to her ears, her voice sounded too sweet, but she was in a good mood. She’d savor the small comforts and enjoy herself while it lasted.
Jakar’s gaze tracked from her feet to her head, lingering on her thighs beneath her short skirt.
A sour taste filled her mouth. He’s so disgusting.
Turning quickly, he pulled the curtains shut. The rings racing across the bar rang like small chimes. He faced her once again, and his smile revealed his serrated teeth. “Do the clothing and makeup meet your expectations?”
“They’re adequate.” They were more than adequate, but she wouldn’t say that out loud, that would only encourage him. With purposeful strides, she descended the stairs.
He chuckled. “You look fabulous, for a Stiyaha.”
She pursed her lips. “Enough, Jakar. We agreed to be partners, nothing more.”
As she walked toward him, he studied her every move.
He smirked. “So, the clothing is acceptable. What of the house?”
Jakar had broken into the deserted home. Deep in the forest on the edge of a lake, the humans didn’t typically visit their resort houses until summer. They should be safe here, at least for a while. She stepped around him, careful to avoid the bits of light streaming between the gap in the curtain. “You’ve impressed me. That’s not easy to do.”
“I didn’t complete all your requests. Ran out of time. The new recruits will have to wait.”
Her stomach rumbled.
The skin on his bald head crinkled. “I acquired some groceries from a local market. Went through three stolen credit cards before I found one that worked, but you shall eat. Come, see what’s in the kitchen.”
She hadn’t eaten much in the past week and her stomach was so flat, her hip bones protruded. With a small skip in her step, she followed him, eager to satiate her hunger.
Pots, pans, and an assortment of utensils hung from a rack over the cooking island. A coffeemaker, toaster, and finely crafted ceramic canisters lined the counters. The tiles gleamed, reflecting the light from overhead spotlights. Through the north-facing window, deck chairs sat on the large patio. A slight breeze wafted in through the opening.
Against the far wall, the fridge stood out like a beacon, calling to her. She covered the distance in an instant and ran her fingers over the smooth handles. With a quick tug, she opened the doors. A waft of cool air caressed her cheeks.
Three solitary items sat on the top shelf—a head of lettuce, an apple, and a square carton of milk. Her mouth went dry. She grabbed a box from the frozen section. A round pizza with small chunks of some unnamed substance graced the picture. Jakar’s idea of a decent meal—so not up to par.
She held up the package. “You call this food?”
He cocked his head, and the hairless skin over his eyes furrowed. “Are the groceries not to your liking?”
Before she could respond, the temperature in the house plummeted. Their breaths formed into small clouds of steam.
“Oh, no.” Jakar’s already pale face grew more ashen.
Tiny pinpricks of fear crawled up her back as she closed the fridge doors. “What’s happening?”
“Zedro
n…”
A blue mist wafted through the open window. The haze grew larger, molding into the shape of a man. Brown, shoulder-length hair cascaded over his tailored jacket. Clean-shaven, his smooth jaw accentuated his full lips. His handsome features made him appear gentle, caring, until his gaze riveted on her. Cold blue eyes pierced into her, rooting her in place. A knot grew in her stomach, hardening under his scrutiny.
“Lord Zedron.” Jakar bent to one knee.
Mauree swallowed, her muscles stiff with tension.
A slow, predatory grin formed on Zedron’s face. “Mauree, so nice to meet you.”
Adrenaline pumped through her veins, and a bead of sweat moistened her upper lip. She opened her mouth to speak, but no words came out.
Zedron winked. “My dear, you don’t need to fear me. I am your new master.”
Her knees gave way, and she steadied herself against the kitchen island. “Wh…what did you say?”
A low chuckle eased from his throat. “I think you heard me, but a little explanation is in order.”
Zedron glanced at Jakar. “Stand, Gossum.”
Jakar rose, but kept his gaze on the floor.
The god refocused his attention on Mauree. She met his stare and raised her chin.
A smile crossed his face. “Very good. I think you will do well as my new leader.”
She blinked as the words sank in. “Leader?”
He waved a hand in the air. “Since Ram is no longer with us, I need someone with enough hatred, enough contempt, to continue this war against Alora and her minions. You seem more than qualified.”
Noeh…I should’ve been queen. Anger built to the point she wanted to scream, and she fisted her palms. “I seek vengeance against Noeh, but I’m a Stiyaha. Technically, I’m supposed to fight for Alora.”
“Not anymore. You’re on my team now.”
She frowned. “How is that possible?”
“Alora…erred in judgment, and…let’s just say the tide has shifted in the war. You now work for me.” Determination gleamed from his eyes, and his perfect white teeth accentuated the gemstone piercing in his nose.
“What do you want me to do?” Despite the tremble in her fingers, her words were forceful.
Jakar shuffled his feet. Zedron peered at him and curled his lip. When he returned his attention to her, his smile reappeared. “I have much for you to do.”
He scanned the kitchen and glanced into the large living room. “These accommodations will suffice. Expect a group of Ursus to arrive in the next day or so. They also work for me now.”
The tension in Mauree’s shoulders abated and new purpose steeled her resolve. “Ursus?”
“Bear shape-shifters. They come from the north and bring a band of Gossum with them.” He shrugged. “The two used to be enemies, but now, we’re all one big happy family. With the Ursus’s strength and the Gossum’s resilience, you shall have more than enough warriors to battle the Stiyaha and the residents of the Keep.”
“So, you want me to lead them?” Mauree licked her lips, giddiness and hope growing inside.
“I expect you will do a fine job.” The smile on his face didn’t quite reach his eyes. “Some of the Ursus may retain some misguided allegiance to Alora, but to ensure your success I’ve programmed into them the inherent need to protect you.”
Mauree bowed her head, but didn’t break eye contact. “As you wish, Lord Zedron.”
“A piece of advice, if you will.” He raised an eyebrow, and flecks of silver flashed through his irises. “Tanen’s blue sunstone—obtain it. Like many things in life, the crystal has both light and dark tendencies, depending on the user. If your heart is black enough, Mauree, you can ignite its penchant for evil.”
She blinked. “Is my heart black?”
Zedron’s mouth curved into a grin. “Perhaps not yet, but I suspect you’ll have the…opportunity to prove yourself worthy.”
Mauree had started down the dark path, and there was no going back for her now. Resolve hardened in her chest, darkening her soul. “Consider it done.”
He nodded his approval. “There is one other benefit for you and the Ursus. Unlike Alora, I have not been sanctioned by the council. Since you are now on my team, you can go out in the sun.”
Mauree’s chest expanded. She glanced out the window. To feel the warmth of the sun on her skin—what would that be like?
Jakar cleared his throat. “What of my role, my lord?”
Zedron placed his hand on Jakar’s shoulder. “You work for Mauree. Serve her as you did Ram. Just don’t disappoint me.”
Jakar bowed his head.
Zedron started to fade, his skin and clothing disintegrating into the air. The blue mist swirled between the pots and pans, moving them in an odd breeze before wafting out the window. Loud bangs reverberated around the room long after the god was gone.
A sudden rush of adrenaline lightened Mauree’s chest. This was the opportunity she needed to obtain revenge against Noeh, but first, she wanted to experience the sun. “Jakar, let’s go outside.”
CHAPTER 19
Sheri’s palm itched, and she scratched at the red welt that had worsened over the past couple of days. Before she could stop herself, she absently picked at her fingernail. Blood welled into the crevice of her cuticle, and a dull ache throbbed in her finger. “Perfect.”
She rummaged through the drawers at the nurses’ station until she found a box of bandages. After ripping open the paper, she wrapped the gauze around her finger. If only she could cover the wound in her heart so easily. After her divorce from Ram, she’d become wary of men. Did they all have a mean streak or did she just pick the rough ones?
She shook herself and logged on to the computer to check her email before leaving for the day. The security screen popped up, and she typed in her password. A long list of emails displayed on the monitor. She tried to focus on the words, but her previous encounter with Michael haunted her. A sour taste formed in her mouth. The way he’d drawn out the “I” in her name reminded her of Ram.
They’d met at Sam’s Hof Brau near Portland State University when they were both young—and ignorant. The place had become their regular hang out and during their college years they’d collected several “Eat at Sam’s” trinkets—mugs, glasses, ashtrays.
Ram had seemed so nice and had showered her with attention. She’d soaked it up like a dry weed, eager for any drop of water. It wasn’t until after she’d divorced him that she saw on the final decree he’d had a previous marriage and in fact, was married at the time they’d met.
She bunched the bottom of her shirt in her hand, and the words on the screen blurred through her moist eyes. She would’ve never dated a married man—to think she’d spent eight years of her life with him was a blemish she could never erase. He’d taken advantage of her kindness, using her. Good thing they didn’t have kids.
Originally, “Eat at Sam’s” had been a personal joke between them. Now, these items were a constant reminder of her bad choices and naivety. She refused to let them go for fear she’d make a similar mistake. A pang of guilt caused her throat to go dry. Maybe she was like her father, unreliable and shallow.
With a quick sniff, she tugged on her resilience, the toughness she’d needed to pull through her messy divorce. A bowl of candy with its brightly colored wrappers sat on the edge of the counter. Some sugar would do her good. She grabbed one of the small wrapped chocolates, removed the foil, and popped it into her mouth.
As she chewed, her jaw ached from the sugar rush, but the bittersweet taste eased some of her anxiety. Rolling the candy from one side of her mouth to the other, her teeth clamped down on the inside of her cheek.
“Ow!” Third time’s the charm. Her mother’s voice echoed in her mind.
Sheri swallowed what remained of the candy. Her tongue explored the raw gash in her mouth and she tasted blood. Great. Just perfect.
She stood and was about to head for Mrs. Alton’s room when her phone vibrated in her vest po
cket. Pausing, she pulled it out and glanced at the display. The number was a 206 area code—Seattle. A rush of adrenaline raced through her veins, quickening her heart.
She peered around, searching for a quiet place she could take this call, away from the other nurses and staff members. A small conference area was right next to Michael’s room. Before she could think of a better spot, she entered the space and closed the door.
She accepted the call and placed the phone next to her ear. “Hello?”
“May I speak with Sheri Lockwood, please?”
Sheri looked out the window. The sun peeked through what remained of the dark clouds. “Speaking.”
“This is Cam Newton, the manager at Firwood Estates in Seattle. You applied for a job with us.”
Her pulse rose, pounding loud in her ears. “Yes…yes…”
“The panel was very impressed with your interview. Your references gave you rave recommendations, and your background check came back clean. We’d like to offer you the job.”
She leaned her shoulder against the wall and rolled onto her back. Looking up at the ceiling, she blinked away tears. “Th…thank you. I’d love to work at your facility. I accept.”
“Perfect. We’ve had a few people retire sooner than expected. Would you be able to start Monday? I know it’s not much time, but we’re really in a bind.”
She bit her lip. Today was Thursday. A two-week notice was standard protocol, but she sensed the urgency in his voice. “I’ll see what I can do. Can I call you back at this number?”
“Of course, and welcome. I’m so happy to have you on board. Call me as soon as you know.”
“Thank you, I will. Bye.”
A soft click echoed through the line.
I got the job! A well of excitement expanded her chest and she let out a relieved breath. She could finally escape Portland and leave behind the sad memories of her mother…and the bad ones of Ram. A new lease on life was what she needed. With a renewed sense of purpose, she opened the door. Time to give notice.