by Vella Day
“The official title is Lore and Legends of the Ancient World, but much of what I study is more than a legend, it’s real—especially when the tales are about men who can shift into animals. Vinea was a goddess, and you certainly can attest that shifters exist.”
“What do you hope to accomplish with your research? Are you planning on exposing us?” While she kept her tone even, it was tinged with fear.
“No! I’ll only discuss what is already written in the literature about shifters. I’d never state that my bodyguard is one or that my best friend was a goddess. Not only would they boot me out for being a kook, leaking firsthand information would scare people.”
Her shoulders relaxed. “Then what will you do with it?”
“Defend my thesis, which focuses on dragon shifters.” She held up a hand. “Before you tell me they don’t exist, let me say you might be right. I just like learning what research has been done on them. If they don’t exist, then I can’t harm anyone by writing about them.”
Lexi smiled. “Thank you for not giving the world proof we exist, but it must be so frustrating to know the truth but not tell people.”
EmmaLee shrugged. “It is.”
“How did you get interested in the topic?”
As much as EmmaLee wanted to tell someone the real reason for her passion, she wasn’t ready to dredge up the memory. “Growing up, I was fascinated by witches, fairies, and stuff like that. I was a very curious child. Hell, I still am.”
“Fairies? Do you think they are real?”
EmmaLee almost laughed at the look of surprise on her face. “Witches, or rather Wendayans are real, so why not other types of beings?”
Lexi held up her hands. “You’re right. Who am I to say they don’t exist? If I weren’t a werewolf and a Wendayan, I probably wouldn’t believe in any of it.”
Excitement raced through her. “Exactly. I’m glad you’re open-minded, unlike your boss.”
“Connor doesn’t believe too much in heresay.”
“So I’ve found out.” EmmaLee leaned forward to rest her elbows on her knees, then winced and sat up straight. How quickly she’d forgotten about her sore back. “I’m really close to learning whether dragon shifters exist, but Connor thinks I’m quite the eccentric.” Lexi’s mouth curled downward. “You haven’t met one, have you?” Her pulse hammered.
“No, but my brother Ronan is a bounty hunter—a shifter bounty hunter—and he’s made mention of them a time or two.”
“For real?” This was too good to be true.
“Yes. He’s talking with Connor right now. You should meet him. I bet he’d share what information he’s found.”
She grinned. “I’d love that.” Assuming Connor would let her. Her cheer then evaporated. “Connor would have to drive me to the office, and I doubt he’d want me to bother your brother.”
Lexi tapped her foot then snapped her fingers. “I got it. Tell Connor that you need to do research, and that I told you how McKinnon and Associates has access to a lot of databases. If Jackson is free, he could help you. He’s into the existence of other realms and things like that.”
EmmaLee’s throat almost closed up. “Other realms? Are you kidding me? Okay, I know there’s the dark and the light realms, but are you saying other ones exist?”
Lexi planted a hand on her chest. “You need to speak with him.”
There was something she wasn’t saying, but that was okay. EmmaLee would find out from Jackson. All of this was too good to be true. “How far away is your office?”
“Maybe two miles.” Her eyes widened. “You don’t have a car?”
“No. Connor didn’t want me to have a lot of freedom. Given the circumstances I can understand why.”
She nodded. “He lives only a few streets away. Ask him to drive you to work.”
EmmaLee almost laughed. “I think Connor is trying to avoid me.”
She shook her head. “He’s too professional.”
“I still don’t think he wants me around.”
“I doubt that, but what if I pick you up tomorrow morning? It would have to be early since I would have to hook you up with a computer before I start my day. You can do your research there. When Connor comes in and sees you, I doubt he’ll insist you leave.”
EmmaLee wanted to hug her. “That would be fantastic. If I run into Ronan or Jackson that would be even better.”
“I’ll see what I can do.”
Someone knocked on the door, and Lexi jumped up. “That must be Connor. Remember, what was said here, stays here,” her new friend announced.
She liked Lexi. “You don’t have to worry about me!”
When Lexi let Connor in, it was as if the air evaporated from the room. His facial hair had thickened from not having shaven today, but she liked the rugged look. EmmaLee also appreciated how his tight jeans hugged his ass.
Stop staring. “Hi.” EmmaLee stood, not knowing what else to say.
He looked straight at her—or rather straight through her. “EmmaLee, everything go okay today?”
Given Slater hadn’t shown up, why wouldn’t it have? “Great. Thanks for sending over Lexi.”
Her friend placed a hand on Connor’s arm. “I need to get home.” She turned back around. “Nice meeting you. Hope to see you soon!”
“You too.”
Once the door closed, Connor moved closer. “What did you do today?” His voice sounded forced as if he felt obligated to ask.
“I read. I tried doing some research, but the Internet is spotty here. I got frustrated.”
“The signal doesn’t always reach from the main house. I’ll see if we can hook you up with something better.”
“I appreciate it. As long as you’re here, we should talk.”
“About what?” She couldn’t tell if he sounded afraid or concerned.
“I know it’s only been a day, but I’d really like to be able to get out. I’m a people person. I need to talk to others.”
“You talked to Lexi.”
“That was for maybe an hour. What should I do for the rest of the time? Do you expect me to stay holed up here forever? What if Slater is never caught?” EmmaLee moved closer to drive home her point, and she swore his eyes lightened. “Do you have any evidence he knows where I am?”
He had the courtesy to look away. “No.”
“So why not let me loose? It can’t be fun for your parents to have to watch me all the time, or you for that matter. Besides, I’m not the same person I was before. I am smarter and can protect myself against Slater.” She gave him a finalizing poke in the chest. There. She told him.
A small smile lifted his lips but only for a moment. “Is that right?” He strode over to the refrigerator and retrieved a beer. She hadn’t even noticed his mom had brought any over.
“Yes. Vinea gave me the power to wrap myself in some kind of force field thing that will repel Slater or anyone else who attacks me.”
He thumbed off the lid and tossed back a good portion of the drink. “Interesting. Show me.”
Damn, she figured he’d say that. “I have to be frightened for it to work. Vinea said if I’m threatened this bubble of protection will appear around me.”
One eyebrow rose. “Hmmm. So this bubble wrap is merely speculative? You can’t be certain it will work, can you?”
“Why are you always such a skeptic?” She hadn’t meant her words to come out so sharp, but she was tired of being doubted all the time. It didn’t matter she’d wondered the same thing.
He set down his bottle on the counter and strode toward her. With each step, her pulse rose. She really wished she could get a spell to make her immune to his…his…charms. Not that he was charming in any way. There was just something about him that made her want him. Damn. Heartbreak, here I come.
“I don’t want you hurt again. Is that so difficult to understand?” This time his voice had softened.
“No, but I’ll go crazy if I can’t leave this place.”
He held up
his hands. “Fine. You can be free.”
She didn’t believe him. “Free as in I can go where I want?”
“Yes.”
Something was up. “Will you lend me a bike or something?” She couldn’t afford to rent a car. While it would be chilly being outside, she’d deal. If nothing else, EmmaLee was used to adversity.
“I can do that.” He sat down on the sofa and clicked on the television, acting as if they hadn’t had the conversation.
She crossed her arms. “You don’t have to stay, you know.”
He placed the remote on the coffee table and jumped up. “Are you sure?”
From his tone, he was challenging her. “Yes.”
“Then have a good night. Don’t forget to lock your door.”
With that he left.
It took her a few minutes to believe he’d actually walked out on her. Why the sudden change of heart, especially since he didn’t believe she possessed this extra talent? What wasn’t he telling her?
She’d thought about asking him to pretend to attack her to see if this bubble thing would appear, but since she could never be afraid of Connor, it would only prove to him that she was making it up.
EmmaLee paced her tiny living room, trying to figure out why he had caved. For the first time in a long while, she needed a drink.
Chapter Seven
‡
Because EmmaLee seemed to be at her wits end, Connor had decided to let her believe she could have free run of the town. Little did she know that either he’d be watching her or someone else would be if he had to attend to business. He’d slipped a tracking device into her purse tonight, but he understood that wouldn’t be enough to keep her safe. It was merely a precaution in case Slater nabbed her.
That thought almost made him turn around and insist she move in with him. He wouldn’t because he wanted EmmaLee to get to know his better side and not think he had no control around her.
Then tell her she is your mate, his wolf urged. She’ll understand why you’re so protective.
Connor couldn’t do that yet. It was why he always acted so standoffish around her and worked hard to put some emotional distance between them. He feared that with one touch, he’d combust. Making love with her was totally out of the question. His wolf would insist on biting her, and he couldn’t let that happen yet—at least not until this Slater business was settled. He’d die if anything happened to his mate.
Because she’d never met his father, his dad could follow her for a day or two while Connor figured things out.
Connor reached his house and headed inside. Needing to stop thinking about her, he grabbed a beer and settled in front of his television. She’d be safe for the night.
Or would she?
He lasted about an hour before he admitted he wouldn’t get much sleep tonight if he didn’t make sure EmmaLee was figuratively tucked in for the night. Connor would check up on her while giving his horny wolf a chance to let loose. After undressing, he stepped out of his house and then shifted. Once in his animal form, he ran toward EmmaLee’s house, enjoying the strain on his muscles and letting the endorphins build. He had no intention of changing back into his human form when he reached his destination. If he did, he’d be naked, and that would really freak her out. She’d stare at his erection, and if she came too close, he would have to claim her. No, this was all about keeping her safe, which meant once he was certain she was okay, he’d leave.
As he neared her home, he didn’t detect any other shifter signature looming nearby and his muscles relaxed. Connor should probably turn around and sprint home, but it wouldn’t hurt to edge a bit closer—just to have visual confirmation she was okay.
Light lit the living room and all seemed calm. Not that he could smell her alluring scent from outside, but he could sense her essence. After circling her property a few times, his wolf began to whine.
One look is all I need, his wolf said.
You can’t see inside from this close to the ground. The problem was that Connor wanted to look inside too.
Then shift.
Even though it was cold, he moved to the side of the living room window and did as his wolf suggested. One peek was all he required.
Oh, shit. Big mistake. She was on the sofa with an e-reader in her hand. That part was all well and good. The problem was that she was wearing a camisole, and her nipples were protruding. If that wasn’t bad enough, her tiny panties made his mouth salivate and his cock harden.
Knock on the door, his wolf urged.
Are you crazy? I’m naked. No, you got your peep show. Now it’s time to go back.
Let’s watch a little longer.
Before he gave into his horny wolf, Connor shifted, and then high-tailed it out of there.
*
The next morning, Connor was slow to rise. Sleep had been a long time coming. It didn’t seem to matter that he’d taken care of his sexual urges before hitting the hay. The moment he fell asleep, he dreamed of EmmaLee—and the desire and need for her returned with a vengeance. This constant edginess wasn’t good for his health or for those he worked with. Something had to give—and soon.
The only antidote was to delve into work and try to forget about EmmaLee Donovan for a bit—assuming that was even possible. There was certainly enough to do at the office, especially since he needed to show Ronan the ropes, but concentrating would take all of his control.
Connor showered, shaved, and dressed. After he ate breakfast, he touched base with his dad to make sure he had an eye on EmmaLee.
“Don’t worry. I’ll be extra aware for any shifter signatures,” his father said. “Are you certain this Coghill guy will come after her?”
“No, but I’m not taking any chances.”
“That’s good. Don’t worry; she’ll stay safe. Your mom’s calling me to breakfast. I need to go.”
Once at work, Connor parked in front with the rest of the crew, and then headed inside. Lexi barely glanced up as he walked by, which wasn’t her usual style. Just as he was about to ask if something was wrong, a heavenly scent invaded his body—the same scent he’d tried to forget all last night in his dreams.
Connor spun around and faced Lexi. “EmmaLee is here?”
She lifted her chin. “Yes.”
“Why?” He’d never be able to concentrate with her around. It was one of the reasons why he hadn’t suggested she remain at the office in the first place. That and the fact the safe room was occupied at the time.
“When I told her that McKinnon and Associates had these amazing databases, she asked if she could come in and access them. I figured that since you want her protected, what better way than to have her here?”
Connor couldn’t argue with her logic or admit why he didn’t need EmmaLee there. “Good thinking.”
As soon as he entered the large break room, he spotted EmmaLee’s back, her blonde head bent over a computer. He wanted to walk on by, but he couldn’t ignore her.
We want her, so be nice, his wolf whined.
I’m always nice.
His wolf chuffed at him. You can be a jerk. Please don’t piss off our mate.
His wolf said the last part on a growl and Connor pictured him baring his teeth. As hard as it was to admit, his wolf was right for a change.
“EmmaLee!” Connor said with as much cheer as he could muster, trying not to let his eyes betray him.
She spun around and smiled, and not merely a friendly type of smile, but one that looked like she wanted to eat him. And here, he thought he was the wolf.
“Connor, I was beginning to worry that you weren’t coming in today.”
“I slept in.” He wasn’t about to say her face kept invading his dreams and prevented a restful night. He moved closer and instantly realized his mistake. “What are you doing here?” Thankfully, he didn’t sound too accusatory.
It didn’t matter that Lexi had already explained it to him. He wanted to hear what EmmaLee had to say. He also needed to ask his dad why he hadn’t let
him know EmmaLee had left the compound.
“Lexi offered me a ride in this morning. She thought I’d be safer being surrounded by you all. Besides, you have much better Internet service.”
His father must have spotted Lexi’s car and figured it out. “I thought you wanted your freedom.”
If he’d suggested she come here—which he never would have—she would have balked, believing he wanted to imprison her.
“This is freedom to me. I like being around people.”
“Great. Let me know if you need anything.”
He spun on his heels and strode off, hoping she didn’t call his name. Her scent was swirling inside him, causing all sorts of things to happen to his body. He didn’t need her seeing his teeth sharpen or the hair on his arms sprout. If she made a comment about his reaction, he hoped he could tell her it was because he just wanted to protect her and not because he wanted to ravish her until she became his.
*
When Connor walked off without any further discussion, EmmaLee’s heart turned heavy. What had she said to make him run away this time? Yes, he needed to get to work. She got that, but he could have asked what she was working on. EmmaLee mentally shrugged. Maybe it was for the best. He probably would have scoffed at her anyway. It wouldn’t matter that Jackson, his best friend, had shown her some research he’d uncovered. It addressed a realm called Cargonia that mimicked the Earth. She had to say it was a little out there even for her, but Jackson assured her this place really existed.
Pushing Connor’s less than welcoming response aside, she continued reading the article Jackson had shown her. If she thought the first half was hard to swallow, the rest was really strange. But if dragons did exist, why couldn’t this other realm? Cargonia had demons, witches, shifters, gods, goddesses, and a portal connecting it to earth.
“Enjoying the article?”
EmmaLee nearly leapt off her chair at the intrusion. It was Jackson. She swiveled around to face him. “It’s unbelievable.” Literally.
“I thought so at first too, but a man by the name of Zane Barons is from Cargonia. He works over at the firehouse, or at least he will for the next few months.”