Wolfsbane

by Ronie Kendig

  “When I pushed, you stepped with your left foot to regain your balance. Tells me how to instruct you on the board. Now, watch. I’ll demonstrate, then it’s up to you.” Canyon pressed his gut to the fiberboard and gripped the rails. “You’ll ride it out like this to get into position. When you’re ready, push your shoulders up and arch your back. Make sure your hands are under your chest and then raise up.

  “Push upward from your toes and hands.” He mimicked as he instructed. “Bring your back foot up, front foot forward, level with your hands. Then stand with your knees bent, arms apart, looking toward the nose.”

  After tying her hair back, Roark spent the next twenty minutes perfecting her technique. He kept a watch on Azzan still riding the smaller waves. Chicken. Canyon had a feeling Roark’s competitive edge would push the two into a silent contest.

  “I think you’re ready to show Aladdin there a thing or two.”

  Roark eyed him. “I’m not here to compete.”

  “Why are you here?”

  She dipped her head and though the sunburn made it hard to tell, it seemed more color infused her cheeks. The noble thing to do was to tell her to go home, wait for Range to call. Spending so much time with her certainly wouldn’t help his sibling rivalry or relationship. But the fact that she’d come, sought him out, when she withdrew from every other male he’d seen around her …

  “Come on.” BZ in hand, he plodded the shoreline to a clear spot. “Okay. Hold the rails and walk it out until you’re waist deep. Then hop on and paddle out.”

  “You want me to go out there already—alone?”

  “I’m not leaving. You aren’t ready.” He motioned to the board. “Take ’er out.”

  With a nervous glance at him, she positioned her board into the water. He monitored the water depth, noting he stood at least a foot taller than Roark. When the ocean encircled the top of her board shorts, he stopped her. “Okay, lay on it so the nose rises out of the water. Not a lot, but enough.”

  Complying, she moved with expertise.

  “Okay, good. Good.” Wasn’t this her first time? As he waded out, hands still on her board, he noticed the determination gouged into her face. “Roark.”

  Her gaze darted to his.

  “Relax. Enjoy it.”

  A sharp nod.

  “If you tense up, you’re going to make yourself sick out here or get wicked cramps.” Chest deep, he paused and held her board. His words seemed to have worked because she blew out a short breath. “Now, get your feet on the board like you practiced on the beach.”

  As she shifted from belly position to feet position, the board wobbled. “Keep it nice and fluid. Try again.” Canyon waited as she repeated the maneuver. “Okay, good!” He searched the surfers and found Azzan coming off another small wave. “Hey, Aladdin! You’d better pony up to a big wave or Roark’s going to wipe you out!”

  “Bring it,” Azzan said just seconds before he flipped into the water.

  After an hour of more lessons, Roark had grown comfortable enough to attempt a decent wave. Canyon stood at the shoreline monitoring her as she tackled it.

  Azzan sloughed through the water, board under his arm. For a minute or two, he watched Roark. “She’s good.”

  “Yeah.” Canyon folded his arms over his chest.

  “I need to bug out. After this morning’s exercise, I’m feeling a bit worse for the wear.”

  Canyon chuckled. “It’ll take time. Don’t let Legend get to you.”

  “His fist sure got to me a couple of weeks ago.”

  “At least you’ve haven’t made that mistake since.”

  “I don’t want to go through that again.” Azzan handed off the board. “Next week?”

  Canyon nodded. “Yep.”

  As his teammate took off, he turned his attention back to Roark. In the water, she’d apparently fallen off but was already climbing back up. Atta girl. She lay on the board and started toward shore.

  At the moment she waved to him, grinning, he saw the dark, discolored water. Choppy and rippling. “Oh no.” He hurried to the water’s edge and cupped his hands over his mouth. “Go with it! Don’t fight the pull.”

  Too late.

  Her brows knitted. She paddled harder.

  Canyon grabbed his board, secured the leash to his ankle, and rushed into the water. Long, determined strides pushed him into the rip. The board struggled beneath him. “Roark, paddle into the pull. Don’t fight it.”

  Brown eyes hit his. Wide. Panicked.

  He pointed a couple of yards out. “Aim that way.”

  She glanced in the direction, then nodded. The water writhed beneath them. Canyon finally made it to her. “Keep going. You’re doing fine.”

  Minutes later, they eased along a diagonal path and made it out of the riptide. Roark slumped against the foam base with a groan. Face partially flattened against the board, she looked at him. A half grin made its way into her face.

  “You’re not a beginner.”

  She shrugged.

  “But you’re not a pro.”

  “Hardly.” She sat up on the board and straddled it. “My dad and Abby got married in Hawaii. I learned the basics while they were honeymooning.”

  Canyon grinned. “Promise me one thing.”

  Squinting against the setting sun, she smiled at him. “What?”

  “Don’t tell Aladdin.”

  CHAPTER 9

  Metcalfe Residence, Virginia

  18 April

  Danielle, you look absolutely stunning, my dear!” Mrs. Metcalfe took her hands and held them out to the side. “My, my. Look at this dress.” She arched an eyebrow at Dani, making her feel self-conscious in the satiny navy dress with sequined bodice. Her gaze shifted to the long sleeve of the lightweight sweater that concealed the marks the stitches—long since dissolved—left. “Never mind the dress, look at you in the dress. I think I might need to chaperone you two to this spring ball.”

  “Mom, you’re embarrassing her!” Willow laughed. “Come on, everyone. Out back for pictures.”

  Range inserted himself, tucking Dani’s hand into the crook of his arm as he smiled down at her. “You look beautiful.”

  Nerves and nausea swirled through her stomach. She appreciated his attention, but her mind kept racing back to Venezuela, to a similar look far too many men had given her. She had to mentally dissect the look, reminding herself that Range had more honor in his little finger than Bruzon’s men had in their whole bodies.

  A series of photographs took close to a half hour, but Dani was glad for the company of his sister and mother, grateful she wasn’t alone with Range. But the padding of their presence wouldn’t last forever. She and Range posed this way. That way. Always his hands on her, whether at the small of her back, her shoulders, her waist. Dani fought the urge to squirm away from him. Out of his reach.

  “We need to get going.” Range led her back into the house and patted down his pockets. “I think I left my house keys upstairs. I’ll be right back.”

  Willow’s lighthearted laugh seemed to mingle with the rose-patterned wallpaper and nostalgic photos. “You might want to hold the keys for him tonight. He’s notorious for losing them.”

  The front door jerked open. “What’s with the—?”

  Dani’s breath jammed into her throat as Canyon stopped in the foyer. His gaze fell on her. Though she thought she saw appreciation in his expression at her appearance, a stronger emotion crowded it out: irritation. Or anger. Either way, his mouth clamped shut and he didn’t move.

  “Just in time, Canyon,” their mother said. “Doesn’t Danielle look amazing? She’ll be the belle of the ball.”

  Canyon’s jaw muscle popped. He gave a curt nod. Stalked down the hall to the kitchen, taking her heart with him.

  Why did he have to show up? She didn’t want him to see her like this—all dressed up and going out with his brother.

  “Okay, we’re good to go.” Range hustled back down the stairs.

  Sultry a
nd blue, evening welcomed them. A cool breeze mingled with the thickness of an impending storm. As she turned toward the drive, gravel crunching beneath her feet, she froze.

  A sleek black limousine waited.

  Impressed, Dani couldn’t help but smile at Range. But as she did, she saw in his eyes the hope of something more … of a future. Oh no. A limo like that meant Range wanted to express a promise of things to come. Things she wasn’t interested in seeing fulfilled. Clearly this was his attempt to woo her.

  But maybe that wasn’t so bad. Handsome in his own right, Range Metcalfe had a heart of gold. Gentle manners. Almost shy in a charming sort of way. Really, she shouldn’t rebuff his attention. A man like him outshone every date her father had pushed on her over the last five years, trying to marry her off. She could get used to the treatment, especially since it was obvious Canyon didn’t have an interest.

  They arrived at the Marriott Resort amid a flurry of dress whites and glittering gowns. Their limo pulled to the porte cochere and a valet opened the door. Range climbed out first and once again offered his hand.

  Dani accepted it, glad to have his protection against the crowds and pomp of the evening. How her mother had ever borne up under it, she didn’t know. They’d shared everything—characteristics, appearance, and sentiments. Then her mother died.

  A wretched thought rammed into her, shoving a steel rod down her spine. If Range was here and he’d rescued her, wouldn’t there be more of the Coasties who’d rescued her as well? She slowed.

  “You okay?” Range asked as they entered the resort.

  “Yeah.” It seemed not only possible but a grim reality. And the last thing she wanted was to have some officer or Coastie staring at her, remembering her naked broken body laid out in that basket.

  “Why, Chief Metcalfe,” an older officer with more medals and ribbons than most of the Coasties approached them with a perfectly coiffed woman. “Who is this beauty you’ve brought with you?”

  Was it her imagination or did Range’s chest just puff out?

  “Lieutenant Commander Greene, this is Danielle Roark, my date,” Range said. His blue eyes—so much like Canyon’s—sparkled against his tanned face. Another thing like Canyon.

  Stop comparing them!

  “Miss Roark, it’s a pleasure. I’ve always wondered what kind of woman it would take to ensnare this officer.” Commander Greene laughed and shook her hand. “May I introduce my wife, Elizabeth?”

  Dani shook the woman’s hand, surprised at the tight, firm grasp. “Mrs. Greene, it’s nice to meet you.”

  “Thank you, Miss Roark.” She rolled her expressive eyes to Range. “Chief, I’d say you’ve outdone yourself with your date, but we’ve been waiting so long for this night.”

  “Well, we won’t keep you two. The dance floor’s that way,” the commander said with a laugh. He patted Range’s shoulder with a “well done” and vanished into the crowd forming behind them.

  Blushing—was he really blushing?—Range tilted his head toward her as they crossed the patterned floors. “He was one of my dad’s good friends.” He led her through another set of doors and paused. “Shall we?”

  With a mustered smile, she allowed him to guide her onto the dance floor. Dani turned into his arms. She needed to put her mind elsewhere, away from the fact that he had his arm around her waist and was holding her hand.

  Get the small talk going. “Why’d you get into the Coast Guard?”

  “I wanted something water based but knew I didn’t want to go through BUD/S or special ops, like Canyon.” His gaze pinged off hers, and he gave a halfhearted smile.

  She’d ignore the temptation to ask about his brother. Even she knew better than that. Tonight was Range’s night. And he had treated her with respect and courtesy. She could certainly return that favor. “Do you like being a Coastie?”

  “Yeah, I do. It’s fulfilling and keeps me challenged. I protect the borders of our country, I’ve saved a few lives, and I get to be out on the water.”

  “You know.” Dani wet her lips and stared at the brass buttons on his navy blazer. If she met his gaze, she probably wouldn’t be able to voice this. “I never thanked you … for …” Why had she even brought it up? She dropped her gaze as a stinging awareness of what she’d looked like, what he’d seen that fateful night, washed over her.

  Range squeezed her hand. “You’re welcome.” He craned his neck to see into her eyes. “Let’s make a deal.”

  Dani braved a glance at him.

  “We don’t mention it again. Let’s leave it where it belongs.”

  Acute relief cleansed the nausea. “Thanks.” She relaxed. “That means a lot.”

  “So do you.” Range straightened almost immediately and peered out over the dance floor, as if afraid to see her reaction to his words. With subtle pressure on her back, he drew her closer. The knots in her stomach tightened.

  After two more dances, Dani begged off. “Maybe we could get a drink or something.”

  “Sure.” Range led her to their table and pulled her chair out for her. “What’s your flavor?” He sat sideways in the chair, a hand over hers.

  “Water.”

  He nodded, then made his way through the crowd and disappeared.

  “Hey,” a guy in full dress said as he slipped into the seat beside her. “You look familiar.”

  Her palms grew slick. “I’m not sure why.” Oh please don’t be one of the Coasties who rescued me. Please don’t. “I don’t recall meeting you.”

  “No.” He shook a finger at her. “I’ve seen you …”

  Hopefully he hadn’t seen more of her than he should’ve. The knots tightened even more.

  “Hey, Moore, bug off.”

  A roar of laughter shot past Dani as the guy stood. “Metcalfe!” He winked at Dani. “Wait.” His smile dropped. “Are you—?” He glanced at Range. “You’re the girl we picked up out of the Gulf.”

  “Leave off, Moore.” Range’s tone bore a sharpness she’d never heard from him before.

  “Hah, this is cool.” His friend patted his shoulder. “Way to go, Metcalfe. Take advantage of Stockholm. Know what I mean?” The sickening laugh seemed to push Range over the edge.

  “To be Stockholm, I’d have to be her captor. You’re drunk, Moore. Leave off.” The punch sloshed over the cups, and he dropped them on the table and drew up straight.

  Dani shoved to her feet. “I’m ready to leave.”

  Moore gaped at her, then quickly diverted his humor and attention to another couple nearby. He glanced back at her and Range and smirked. The expression on the man’s face cracked her resolve to enjoy this evening.

  The burst of strength and fortitude slid through that crack. Her courage and willingness went with them. And through that opening came a swift squall of memories. Foul breath … near-rabid dogs … leaping from the cliff …

  “Dani?” Range’s soft voice came very close, almost against her ear.

  She closed her eyes and tried to squeeze away the memories. But even with his comforting tone, she felt herself caving. “I want to leave.”

  “Sure, no problem. Let’s go.” Range took her elbow. Helped her to her feet. Directed her out of the building with swiftness. “I’m sorry.”

  She should be strong. Shove this very far away from her mind. But the humiliation of that nightmare coming back to life …

  “I’m really sorry that happened. Moore is a loser. Ignore him.” Range eased his arm around her shoulder and pulled her against himself. “Please don’t cry.”

  Only at his words did she feel the warmth of the tear slipping down her cheek.

  Inside the car, she burrowed into the darkness, wrapped her arms around herself.

  “I’m sorry,” he said as he hovered next to her. “It was a bad idea to take you there. I had no idea …”

  She couldn’t argue. Though she knew propriety would dictate she exonerate him from guilt, remove the weight he felt for what happened, she couldn’t. As if standing on the e
dge of a dark precipice, she felt ready—no, willing—to fall into the dark fathoms of despair. Why did she think she could survive this, beat it? It’d haunt her for the rest of her life.

  “We’re here.”

  Dani lifted her head, surprised to find the limo snuggling up to the home. Seconds later, they emerged into the warm, sticky night.

  “Hey, you two,” Willow’s singsong voice rang out. “You’re back early.”

  Unable to look up at the question in Willow’s statement, Dani shuffled around, trying to hide her face. Looked toward her car.

  “Everything all right?”

  Canyon. A piece of her wanted to spin and rush into his arms. Insane. But that’s what she could see herself doing. Yeah, that’d go over well with Range.

  “Want to go inside?”

  She looked up … but stopped at Range’s shoulder. “Thanks for the evening. Really, I did have a good time.” But she couldn’t stay. Not with Canyon. He’d know. “I should get home.” Again, she managed that weak smile and started toward the car. Fumbling with her bag as she plodded down the flower-strewn path, she dug for the keys.

  Behind her, she heard the siblings mumbling. A terse word here and there. No doubt Range relaying the events. Embarrassment chased her to the car, but not before Willow glided up on her right. “Here, let me help you.” She reached for the key.

  Numb, Dani let her take it. “Thanks.”

  “Sure thing.” With a smile that held both understanding and pity, Willow looked over her shoulder and tossed the key in that direction.

  Dani whirled just in time to see Canyon snag the keys from the air, then pivot and walk back up to the house. Turning back to Willow, she felt the cloud of confusion descend. “Wha—why did you do that?”

  With a shrug, Willow smiled. “I guess we’re having a sleepover.”

  Metcalfe Residence 19 April

  Am I my brother’s keeper?

  Cain had killed Abel. For a split second, Canyon understood. The feelings churning through his gut at the sight of Range with Roark last night … She’d looked ethereal. Sexy. Sultry. Jealousy was one thing, but seeing them together last night and then this morning, the green-eyed monster had fanned the flames of his anger that Range claimed her first. And she sure didn’t seem to mind being Range’s date. Maybe she had more politician’s blood than he’d thought.