by London Casey
“When I went to look for Chrys, she wasn’t in her room. Is she running from me?”
*Hoksila, you know I am not allowed to touch the thoughts of one who is not in my charge. I can only sense the emotions of others, however, with Chrysalyn I may be able to see somewhat deeper.*
“Mah, what are you getting at?” Rahn asked, his eyebrows bunched in question.
*If I answer your question, it would mean revealing a secret that is not mine.*
With a frustrated sigh, Rahn pushed out of the chair and paced in front of the corporeal body of his guide before flopping back into the cushions.
“You can trust me, Mah. You know that.”
*Yes, I know, but I am not the one who must trust you. It is someone else.*
“Chrys?”
*In a manner of speaking.*
“Is Chrys okay? Is everything all right?” He was no longer easing his hands along Mahpiya’s back, but sat ramrod straight, brow knotted with tension. If something was wrong with Chrys, he wanted to know about it.
*It is not what you think, hoksila. It is, in fact, a wondrous thing.*
“Then tell me, before I go out of my mind with worry, damn it,” he pressed. Rahn knew he was being less than polite with a female who tolerated no disrespect. But she did recognize that, while she was his spirit guide, he was all man. It was second nature to him to demand what was needed.
The lioness’s tawny-eyed stare bore into his. Rahn couldn’t have cared less.
“Tell me, Mah. Right this instant. What the hell is this secret that involves Chrys? You know I’m trustworthy, now out with it.”
*If you insist.*
Seconds ticked by. Felt more like eons as they sat, holding each other’s gaze. Suddenly, Mahpiya’s expression softened, and she grinned as only a feline could.
*I told you earlier Chrysalyn is your mate. What I did not tell you is that she has a spirit guide. An African lion, like me.*
“What?” Rahn couldn’t believe it. What were the odds of that? Of all the women he knew, the one he wanted more than anything had a spirit guide. But the realization raised more questions. If he and Chrys did get together, would the two spirit guides get along? Which one of the lionesses would lead their little pride? It was too amazing to conceive and sent his thoughts tumbling one over the other until they gelled enough to form a logical question.
“So what’s her spirit guide’s name?”
*Adonei,* Mahpiya said fondly. Rahn’s brows rose. Well, it was obvious Mah already got along with the other lioness. Strange name, though.
“Adonei? What kind of a name is Adonei for a female?” he queried. At her response, his mouth fell wide open and practically hit the carpet.
*Adonei is not a female. Adonei is a male, and he is my mate, as Chrysalyn is yours.*
“You have got to be shitting me!”
Mates? Mah and this Adonei lion? Finally, his faithful companion would have someone especially for her. She was such a good guide, she deserved another who would love her, hunt with her and maybe even give her little spirit babies, if there was such a thing. Wait a minute. How did he know this Adonei was a good spirit? Sure, Mahpiya could sense such things, but they’d been together for years and he wouldn’t just let anyone waltz into her life. After all, she deserved the best. Perhaps it was time for a little interview with Mr. Adonei.
“So,” Rahn said evenly. “When can I expect to meet this Adonei?” Fingers steepled under his chin, the tips tapped together as he pinned Mahpiya with a glare. “If he’s your mate, then as your only male relative, I demand to have a talk with him.”
*I appreciate your concern, hoksila. I love you as well.*
“Mah,” he growled impatiently when she didn’t answer his question. She laughed! And when he was totally serious too!
*You cannot speak directly with Adonei because you and Chrysalyn have not joined yet. But once your bond begins to form, you will be able to talk with him as easily as you speak with me. And there is more.*
“Hell, Mah, I don’t know if I can take any more news.”
*Adonei and I offer our assistance in securing your mate.*
“Huh?” he asked as his mind tried to wrap around what his spirit guide said.
*I said, we wish to help you win Chrysalyn.*
Boy, this just got better and better. He felt an idiotic grin spread across his lips, but couldn’t seem to control his facial muscles.
*If you want her, that is.*
“Of course I want her. I’ve always wanted her. What man in his right mind wouldn’t want a woman like Chrys?” Regret had been his constant companion since he’d blown his first chance with Chrys. The woman evoked such strong feelings in him, she was the only female he knew who made him feel so…unsteady. But like a fool, he’d allowed himself to be distracted by other things. By the time he’d figured out she was everything he’d ever wanted in a woman, she was engaged to what’s-his-butt.
So what happened between the two of them? Why hadn’t they gotten married?
*I know you have questions, but until Chrysalyn accepts you, spirit, soul and body, you must speak to Adonei through me. I will do my best to ensure we communicate well.*
“Thanks, Mah. I love you, you know that, you big beautiful cat?”
*Big cat? Humph!*
“Okay, you and Adonei fill me in.” A noticeable pep in his step, Rahn made his way to the kitchen, listening to Mah’s sultry voice. All this news about mates and spirit guides made him hungry. Not to mention the wonderfully intimate time he’d spent with Chrys early this morning.
After a bit of rummaging around, he found everything he needed to make a nutritious brunch. Slicing a sushi-grade filet of Ahi tuna, Rahn made a quick dish of Hawaiian poké, complete with fresh ginger, spicy soy sauce, fragrant green onions and a dash of sesame oil served up on a bed of crisp lettuce. He sat down at the dining room table, picked up a single bite of the delicacy and froze with his fork in midair.
Suddenly uncomfortable, his eyes immediately scanned the area for the source of the sensation, but it seemed to come from far off and was unfamiliar as it flowed down the psychic bond he shared with his spirit guide. His skin felt stretched tight and almost itchy. His gut churned until it felt pulled inside out. An air of deep disgust settled in, so strong he wanted to rip off his t-shirt and jeans, run back to the shower and scrub until he felt clean again.
“Mah, what the hell’s going on? What’s wrong?”
*It is not me, my charge. Adonei is uneasy with the company Chrysalyn is keeping.*
“Show me.” Understanding dawned the second he closed his eyes and Adonei shared the situation with Mahpiya, who then shared it with Rahn. A lovely image of Chrys filled his mind, so clear he could see each individual strand of her short wavy hair. Her cocoa skin was so flawless, it reminded him of a smooth river of milk chocolate. And he’d learned this morning that it was just as sweet. The need to touch her almost overwhelmed. But if he reached out, could he brush his fingers over the curve of her shoulder?
Then the vision shifted and the hair on the back of Rahn’s neck stood at full attention. He didn’t hear his fork clatter into his plate, then down to the tiled floor. A burst of adrenaline hit his bloodstream. The urge to take off at a dead run had him clenching his leg muscles as Mah sent the unfolding situation into his mind. He wasn’t sure he’d ever felt such apprehension, even when pursuing the nastiest of villains. And these feelings came from Chrysalyn’s spirit guide through Mahpiya? And so strong?
He was out the door in two shakes.
Once on the elevator, he wished he’d taken the stairs. The damned thing was moving too slow. Surely he could have run faster than this. The thoughts flowing into his mind gave a whole new meaning to the phrase slower than molasses.
Damn, he had to get a hold of himself. Dealing with the thoughts of three entities—Mahpiya, Adonei and himself—he’d be so worked up by the time he got to Chrys, he’d simply deck the man who was causing such concern. Then he’d
toss Chrys over his shoulder and carry her back to their apartment, caveman style.
The idea had merit, but it would certainly bring more attention than he wanted. Before he could say anything, Mahpiya once again proved why she was the spirit guide and he was her charge. The cat was one step ahead of him, as usual.
*I must cease sharing Adonei’s concern with you. We do not wish for you to behave irrationally when you arrive at your destination. Adonei and I wish to assist you in winning Chrysalyn, not make her angry.*
Thankful for the calm reassurance, Rahn took a deep breath and stilled himself.
‘Thanks, Mah,’ he whispered along their bond as the elevator doors opened with a quiet swish. ‘I’ll call if I need you, but before you stand down, ask Adonei one more question for me.’
*Yes?*
‘The name of the man with Chrys.’
*Adonei says his name is Eden Pall. They met shortly after Chrys boarded a few days ago. Something about him simply does not smell right to Adonei.*
‘Thanks, Mah. You can stand down now.’
*As you wish,* she whispered, retreating to the special little corner of his mind where she liked to nap.
Slowing his stride, he made his way into the restaurant. One look at Chrys’ beautiful self and his tongue stuck to the roof of his mouth. The woman was dressed in a formfitting sports bra and matching cropped workout pants. All curves and luscious skin, yet she screamed strength and ability. Damn, even her tennis shoes looked sexy. A glance at the man with whom she kept company stripped the slight smile from his face. His jaw began to hurt. Well, no wonder—he was grinding his teeth. The Eden fellow sat looking like he wanted to eat her up along with whatever he had on his breakfast plate. But not today. Or any other day, for that matter.
The second she spotted Rahn making a beeline for her table, she looked like a deer in the headlights. He hoped she’d close her mouth before something flew into it. But as for the dark look he received from her temporary partner, Rahn had seen it before, and always on someone up to no good. Oh yeah, that’s just what he was looking for and would make sure to call his boss, Geri, today to check this guy out. The man looked normal enough, but the veneer was too smooth. His pasted-on smile, too perfect. This guy was bad news. Rahn felt it down in his gut and, obviously, Chrys’ spirit guide did too. So why was she here? If Adonei had sent even half of what he’d shared with Mahpiya down his psychic link with Chrys, how in the world could she sit here looking so calm?
Rahn strolled right up to the couple, ignored the encroacher and leaned down to plant a kiss just at the corner of Chrys’ decadently tempting mouth.
“Hello, love. When I awoke, you were gone. I missed you. Everything all right?”
God, if Adonei didn’t quiet down, she was going to go bonkers. His displeasure at Eden popping up to share her brunch was beyond palpable. The lion’s anger and agitation, like the scraping of sharp claws across a chalkboard, filled the inside of her skull. Chrys’ teeth were set on edge and had her more than ready to plead a very real headache and flee the table. Something about her present company rubbed Adonei completely the wrong way.
Head down, pretending to study the breakfast menu, Chrys tried to get Adonei to talk to her. Her churning stomach made her queasy. Something made Adonei’s skin crawl. She felt it through the bond, as if a dark and demented presence traipsed a slimy finger up her arm leaving goose bumps in its wake. Oh god, she was going to be sick. Had she remembered to pack her migraine medicine? She sure as hell hoped so. And she couldn’t get mad at Adonei. He wasn’t trying to hurt her, but whatever had him ready to pounce swooshed down their psychic link and slammed into her mind like the pounding of waves against the sand in the middle of a storm.
“Chrysalyn, you seem ill.”
Eden’s thick accent was exotically sexy in her ears, but slid over her soul like rancid oil. When her company reached over and gently covered her hand with his, the sick swirl in her belly intensified and sweat broke out on her top lip.
She eased her hand from underneath his, swallowed the bile racing into her mouth and picked up the glass sitting in front of her. Chrys didn’t think she’d ever been so happy to see iced water in her life. Even the condensation dripping down the side of the crystal goblet called her name, invited her to cool the suddenly feverish skin on the inside of her palm.
God, the liquid felt so good sliding down her throat to calm her stomach.
“Chrysalyn, are you all right?” Eden asked again.
“Uh, sure, I’m fine,” she sputtered and forced a smile while waving down the waiter. She placed her order and then took another sip of water, followed by shallow breaths. Out of the corner of her eye, she caught sight of a tall, wide figure moving her way with a determined posture. The man, intimidating body language and all, wasn’t a danger to her. If he were, Adonei would have put up even more racket than he had since Eden sat down a few moments ago. God, and those moments felt like eternity.
Suddenly, Adonei went still. He continued to pad back and forth across the forefront of her mind, but other than that there wasn’t a single roar. Not even a sniff or a yawn. And her nausea, headache, goose bumps and shivering disappeared as if they’d never been. Strange.
She turned and locked gazes with one of the most beautiful men she’d ever known. Rahn. The second their eyes met, Chrys could have sworn she felt a light brush of relief against her thoughts from her spirit guide.
His long legs ate up the distance between them as he approached, all brawn, class and a nice tight ass. Oh, goodness, had she really thought up a poem in honor of Rahn’s backside? An unusual tightness encircled her tongue as she watched him come. Resisting the urge to roll her eyes at her own goofy line of thinking, she snapped closed the mouth she hadn’t realized was wide open. A heated blush crept up her neck.
Rahn’s dark hair, though tastefully cut, was slightly mussed, as if he’d taken a shower, dressed quickly and come straight to her. The sexy smirk that had always made her knees tremble was firmly in place. And the gleam in his golden brown eyes screamed to the world that he wanted nothing more than to get next to her.
There was no subtlety about his intent as he stepped to her side. A soft musky scent filled the scant space between them. God, he smelled good. Looked good. Felt good. Licked and sucked good.
She squeezed her eyes shut and tried to push the thoughts away. She couldn’t sit here with Eden and think about how deliciously Rahn had feasted on her still-throbbing pussy just after sunrise. It just wasn’t right. Chrys didn’t like Eden that way, but it felt naughty to think on such intimate details in the presence of another man.
And Rahn wasn’t making it easy on her. Especially when he leaned forward, his breath tickling her ear just before he dropped a kiss dangerously close to her lips. Her mouth almost fell open again when he started talking about how much he’d missed her when he woke to find her gone. And the man made no attempt to keep his voice down, either. Damn it, he’d have everyone thinking they were sleeping together! They were in the same apartment, but they weren’t sleeping together. Hot-tubbing maybe, but definitely not sleeping, though the idea was beginning to have merit.
God, she was really losing it.
Rahn eased into a pub chair. His thigh brushed against hers as he reached across the table and extended a friendly hand to Eden. A glance at her tablemate stilled the blood in her heart. She almost called his name to see if she could snap him out of his…whatever he was in. Lips set in a stern line, Eden didn’t move, didn’t blink, showed no expression at all. The man looked as if he were carved from stone.
“Hello,” Rahn said in as friendly a tone as she’d ever heard. “I’m Rahn. Traveling with Chrys for, ah, work.” The urge to kick him in the shin when he turned and winked at her almost overrode her common sense. There was no missing the implication as the knowing smirk reappeared, accompanied by a slyly arched brow. How did he pull that off without looking like a smart-ass? And now that he was seated next to her, his presence s
wirled around her, reached for her. Focusing on her spirit guide, she was surprised to find Adonei settled down, watching the byplay. The big cat had ceased pacing and now sat on his huge haunches, watching curiously to see what would happen between the two males sharing her table.
Hmm. What was going on here?
‘Adonei, is there something I should know? You’re awfully calm all of a sudden,’ she whispered in her mind, sneaking another peek at Rahn from underneath her lashes. Geesh, the man was gorgeous even when he ordered coffee. And if the big grin spread across the face of the perky little waitress was any indication, Chrys wasn’t the only one who thought so.
A bagel and cream cheese was hustled to the table along with a small bowl full of sweet, sliced melon. Chrys found her eyes glued to the sinewy play of muscle in Rahn’s forearm. Skilled fingers moved gracefully as he spread some strawberry cream cheese over the toasted bread. The lightly tanned skin exposed by his dark blue three-quarter-sleeved t-shirt was smooth, but heavily veined and stretched over thick ropy tendons. The bulge of biceps pushed against the fabric, hinting at the raw power of his honed body. Damn, he was sexy.
And could have anyone he wanted. So what the hell did he want with her? The answer lit her mind like a beacon.
Chrys sniffed and turned away. She was nobody’s fool. Rahn may have alluded that he was more to her than a coworker, but he was just posturing because Eden was there. Typical male. He might not want her, but he didn’t want anyone else to have her either. So what about the stint in the hot tub? Again, typical male. What man could resist a half naked woman in a hot tub?
Here we go, she thought with a silent snort. Two men all cocksure over a woman neither of them have any right to.
Eden hadn’t gotten anywhere near being intimate with her. And Rahn obviously thought a few perfectly placed licks of his talented tongue meant he could pick up with her where they’d left off three years ago. Now that pissed her off.