Shiela Stewart - [Darkness 08]

by Surviving theDarkness (epub)

  She touched her face. “Black. I like the shampoo you have. Your girlfriend has good taste.” Taking the cup, she sat at the table.

  “I don’t have a girlfriend.” He set a plate heaping full of scrambled eggs with bits of green onions and ham in it topped with cheddar. It smelled divine.

  “Oh…I just thought. There are a lot of feminine products in the washroom and well…I guess I just assumed with that waitress…never mind.” She was babbling now. It had been foolish of her to assume.

  He sat across from her with his own plate. “Simone is a close friend. I’ve been helping her deal with a messy divorce from an abusive jerk who did more than bruise her on the outside. But we’re not intimate. She stays here on occasion when she’s had a rough day, and my sisters stay here as well sometimes when they’re in the city. I like to keep the cabinets stocked for them. I have my own shower just off of my bedroom,” he explained as he scooped up some eggs.

  “I see.” She took a forkful of eggs, and the flavor burst in her mouth. “Oh…wow.” It had a zing to it, not spicy but crisp. “These are great.”

  “Thanks. It’s an old family recipe.”

  “Does your family live here?” She enjoyed the eggs and wondered if she could manage to get the recipe from him before she left.

  “My parents and my youngest brother do. They just moved back a few months ago. They decided to head to my aunt’s when the darkness took over.”

  “I still can’t believe that the city was deserted and run by vampires. Ginny told me all about it, but I really didn’t grasp it until I came home. They did a lot of damage.”

  “This is nothing. A good portion of the city’s been remodeled since it all happened. You should have been here while it was happening.” Zach shook his head then took a quick sip from his coffee before continuing. “I suppose I should give credit where it’s due despite my dislike for the mayor and chief of police, but the Hawthorn’s have done wonders so far.”

  “You didn’t vote for them I take it?” she grinned, lifting a forkful of eggs to her mouth.

  “There was no voting. They took charge and began rebuilding the city. My problem with them is that they keep harassing my business. I run a clean establishment but that doesn’t stop them from sending their cops in to check me out every week.” He waved his hand, shook his head. “Don’t get me started.”

  “That doesn’t seem right, but I must admit, when Ginny first told me where she worked I was concerned. I didn’t like her working in a place where creatures drank from one another without consequences. I won’t say I‘m comfortable with it now, but It’s not as horrible as I once thought it was.”

  The left side of his mouth curved up in a quirky grin. “I’m not sure how to take that.”

  “Oh no…I didn’t mean it as an insult, but of course it came out that way. I’m sorry. It’s a nice place and I’m warming up to it and that doesn’t sound any better.” With a heavy sigh, she lifted her cup and drank. It was better to keep her mouth occupied before she said something else to offend him.

  Laughing, Zach reached across the table and placed his hand over hers. “No need to apologize. I knew going in that I would come up against nay-sayers and controversy but I also knew that opening a place like this was the best thing for the city. Rather than having the blood suckers out and about grabbing innocent victims off the street, they can come here and enjoy themselves without worrying about being captured by the authorities. They also know though, that I have rules and anyone who doesn’t abide by them will receive a penalty. Plus, it makes it easier on them knowing I’m one of them.”

  “You’re a vampire?” He didn’t have fangs, or yellow eyes, then again, he could be wearing contacts…but the fangs…

  “I’m a shape shifter.” He smiled as he lifted the fork to his mouth.

  “A what?”

  “Shape shifter. I can transform into practically anything. Like this.”

  She gasped when before her eyes he changed into…her. His body just seemed to fade then transform slowly into her likeness. Everything from the color of her hair to the shape of her nose to the clothes she was wearing. It was absolutely bizarre. “What the hell…?”

  He changed back in as seamless a motion as he had becoming her. “Humans and animals are the easiest. But changing into objects takes a great deal of energy and tends to zap everything out of me. I try not to do it very often for obvious reasons.”

  “You changed into me….me, and I look terrible.” Lowering her head, she frowned into her plate. Her hair was a mess and her face was plain without her make-up. She should have put on the mascara. When his hand touched her chin, she flinched. Looking up, she was surprised that he sat directly beside her. She hadn’t even heard him move.

  “You’re beautiful just the way you are.”

  His lips brushed over hers in a surprising move that left her speechless. When he released her and stood, she simply watched him moving. He was so graceful.

  “I have some errands to run this morning. You’re welcome to stay here as long as you like.”

  She swallowed, reminded herself she was an adult and such a move shouldn’t leave her stunned. “I should get back to Ginny’s.”

  “Then I’ll drop you off on my way out. Take your time finishing your breakfast. I have some calls to make before we leave.”

  She sat at the table, alone after he left the room. Licking her lips, rubbing them together, she could taste him, feel him, and it left an interesting tingle inside her belly.

  It was the first time she’d felt something akin to happiness since her ordeal.

  ***

  While Deborah finished her breakfast, Zach sat in his office searching the computer for anything and everything on Deborah’s ordeal. What he found was rather surprising. Not only was it broadcasted that she’d been abducted but the entire ordeal was being disclosed for anyone to read. Including the sexual assault.

  It was appalling.

  He wondered if she knew about this.

  Her abductor’s name was Peter Milligan.

  Pulling his hands back, Zach stared at the computer screen. He could make things so simple and end Deborah’s fears by snuffing out the worthless bastard who hurt her. It wouldn’t take much and no one would ever know who had killed the slime. He could wait for the bastard some night, morphed into a wolf. The instant he stepped out of his house, Zach would be on him in a flash, ripping his throat open.

  No more Peter Milligan. No more fear for Deborah.

  It would be so simple.

  Shutting off the computer, he pushed from his chair and left the office.

  Chapter Eighteen

  Sitting outside, enjoying another gloriously warm day, Deborah felt energized. Which was odd, she thought, considering she’d barely slept three hours. Maybe the crying jag she’d had the night before had helped. She definitely felt better inside and the ball of pressure that had been clinging to her gut didn’t seem to be there today.

  Not that she was proud of her crying jag or that she’d spilled everything to Zach, but at least she felt better. She licked her lips, remembering the feel of his and how he’d tasted. It had been such a sweet kiss, his lips sweeping over hers so delicately as if to whisper the need. When he touched her, it felt the same. Only a whisper, but he left behind a great deal of sensation.

  When the patio doors opened, Deborah noticed she hadn’t flinched as she might have before. Wasn’t it odd that she hadn’t felt the usual skittishness she had only the day before.

  Shielding her eyes from the sun, Deborah looked up at her tousle-haired friend. “Good morning, sunshine. What are you doing up already?”

  “I had to pee and when I checked your room and found it empty I decided to call Zach’s and see how you were doing.”

  “I’m not at Zach’s any longer.”

/>   Ginny frowned. “No, really? I hadn’t noticed. When did you get home?” She took the cup out of Deborah’s hand before sitting beside her in the adjacent lounger.

  “Help yourself. About three hours ago. You don’t need to worry about me, Ginny.” The look her friend gave her said it all. “Go back to bed.”

  “I’m awake now. So…how are you doing?”

  “Zach told you, didn’t he?”

  Ginny shrugged as she sipped Deborah’s coffee.

  She wasn’t sure if she was annoyed that he’d told Ginny or not. “Strangely…better. Despite being embarrassed at blubbering to Zach. Give me back my coffee and get your own.” She took the cup from Ginny.

  “Zach’s a great guy. He has a way with women. You even look better. More color in your cheeks.”

  Deborah touched her face, recalling Zach saying nearly the same thing. “It’s the sun. He kissed me.”

  Ginny sat straight up in her chair, eyes wide. “Really? What was it like? I bet he’s a great kisser.”

  Deborah fought the smile attempting to escape. “It was just a brief brush of lips. One kiss.”

  “And…?

  “And what?” She drank from her cup.

  “How was it? Did you like it? Do you want him to do it again?” Ginny took the cup from Deborah again, sipping while her eyes stayed glued to her friend.

  “It was brief, like I said but, yes, I liked it.” He had nice lips, smooth.

  “And you want him to do it again. That’s great, Deb. I’m so happy for you.”

  “It was a kiss, Ginny. A brief kiss.” Did she want him to do it again? Yes.

  “If I know Zach and I do, he won’t leave it with one brief kiss. I want all the deets when it happens.”

  Deborah frowned at her friend. “What do you mean by that? Is he a lady’s man? Is he the kind to—what am I saying?” She shook it off, feeling foolish.

  “You’re feeling something for him. Aw, that’s great.”

  “I am not. But I certainly don’t want a man making advances toward me one minute then turning to another woman the next.”

  “Zach isn’t like that. He’s loyal.”

  “Hm…” When the cat jumped up on the deck, Deborah felt awash with joy. “Well hello there.”

  “Shoo, kitty. Shoo.” Deborah waved at the cat.

  “Don’t, you’ll scare him off. It’s okay, pretty boy, she’s just not animal friendly.” Scooping the cat up, Deborah nuzzled his head. “He’s fine. He visited with me the other day.”

  “Just don’t go getting any ideas about bringing him inside.”

  Deborah shot Ginny a stern look. “I won’t bring him in the house. I just wish I knew who his owners were. He looks well cared for.” When the cat curled up on her lap, Deborah scratched behind his ear. She’d never had any pets, never was allowed any. It was hard keeping a pet when you were on the road all the time and she had been most of her life.

  “He probably lives around here, though I’ve never seen him before. So…let’s get back to our conversation about you and Zach.”

  “There is no me and Zach. He kissed me, once, lightly. It doesn’t mean anything.”

  Ginny snorted. “If Zach kissed you, it means something. He doesn’t lead people on, especially women. He’s probably just being cautious with you because of your ordeal.”

  “I don’t want people being cautious around me. I hate the way people look at me and now that my entire ordeal had been leaked, people are going to be looking at me even more. I hate that.” That had grated on her when Bruce had called to inform her. “I just want to go back to the way things were before— I need more coffee.” Lifting the cat, Deborah slid off the lounger, placed him in the spot she’d just vacated then hurried into the kitchen before Ginny could see the tears welling up in her eyes.

  ***

  Jumping off his chair, Zach pounced up onto Ginny.

  “No way, fur-ball. She may like cat hair on her but I don’t. Shoo now.”

  “It’s me, Ginny. Chill out.”

  “Jesus, Zach,” she gasped, then narrowed her eyes at him. “Oh…that is so not nice, and sneaky.”

  “I just want to make sure she’s okay.”

  “Like this? Like a cat? Why don’t you just show up and see how she’s doing instead of lying to her.”

  “Because she’d just do what she did now and walk away, pretend she’s fine. She needs to open up, to know she can trust someone and she feels comfortable with me like this.”

  “It’s still not right.”

  “Is she talking to you about how she really feels?”

  Ginny frowned. “A little.” Zach tilted his head, gave her a look. “Okay, fine, she isn’t opening up completely but she’s getting there.”

  “She had a meltdown last night but she still didn’t open up all the way. She’s not talking about it and until she does, she won’t heal.”

  “And you think by posing as a cat she’ll open up to you?” Ginny snorted again.

  “In my animal form she feels safe to talk because she knows I won’t look at her differently or treat her differently. If she feels comfortable opening up to me like this, then it’s a step forward and hopefully, eventually, she’ll let us both in. Here she comes.” He scurried off Ginny’s lounger and met Deborah at the door. He could clearly see she’d been crying.

  “Did you miss me?” Deborah asked as she knelt down and ruffled his fur.

  “I’m going to go take a shower. Do not let him in the house,” Ginny warned, sending Zach a narrowed look.

  His response was to turn his backside to her, flick his tail in the air to tell her in a not so polite way to kiss his ass.

  “Go take your shower and stop worrying about the cat.” Scooping him up, Deborah took her seat, coffee in one hand. “We’re going to enjoy the sun.”

  Zach wiggled his brow, gave her a smug cat like smile and nearly burst out laughing when Ginny scratched her cheek with her middle finger.

  ***

  “She’s never been an animal lover,” Deborah explained after Ginny had left, scratching the cat’s fur. “I’ve always loved animals, of every kind. I always wanted a cat or a dog, but my parents didn’t allow it and then when I started touring it was just too difficult to take a pet along or leave it with someone for long periods of time. Maybe I should get one now, since I don’t plan on going back out on the road. But that’s our little secret,” she whispered to the cat.

  She set her cup down on the tiny glass table beside her and settled down on the lounger, enjoying both the warm sun and the cat’s company. “I just don’t think I can do it anymore. It’s not just because of what happened to me but I know everyone will assume that. I miss having a home, a place to call my own. I miss being able to work in the garden, or to just spend an evening lounging on the sofa watching TV. I haven’t been able to do any of that in far too long. Living in a tour bus or hotels is not as much fun as most people think,” she ruffled the cat’s fur, smiling down at him. He really was a pretty kitty.

  “If my father was alive I know he’d pitch a fit and mom…well…she doesn’t even remember me most of the time. Bruce is going to be upset and I know Gary will do everything in his power to convince me otherwise. Bruce is my bodyguard and Gary is my manager,” she informed the cat though she knew he didn’t understand her.

  “This ordeal I went through was just the clincher in my decision. I’ve wanted to quit for some time now, but I just didn’t know how to do it. Don’t get me wrong; I love to play piano, and I won’t quit entirely. Just no more crazy tours. I want a life.” Sighing, she rested her head on the cat’s and to her surprise he didn’t try to move out of her reach.

  “You are the sweetest thing. I wish I knew who you belonged to.” Sliding down on the chair, the cat came right up to her che
st and settled in. She scratched his head, smiling.

  Laying out in the sun, cat on her chest, Deborah wondered if it would be so bad to keep him.

  Chapter Nineteen

  Zach hated letting her go, but jumping into her car and tagging along on her shopping spree wasn’t an option. Most stores didn’t allow animals and unless he was ready to show her he was the cat she was growing attached to, he had no choice but to let her go. So he sat on the front step of Ginny’s home and watched Deborah drive off.

  She’d been so relaxed with him—he only wished she could feel the same for him in his human form. There was time. At least she was talking to someone, even if he couldn’t respond to her.

  He’d given her some comfort though, and he was glad she’d taken it. He hadn’t been sure at first if showing up to her as a cat would work, but something inside told him she was an animal lover. He’d been right and being a cat was much better than a dog. For reasons he didn’t know, people seemed to warm up to cats and they generally liked to cuddle with them over dogs. So he’d sat with her, resting on her chest while she’d enjoyed the sun.

  It rather surprised him to find out she wanted to quit touring. She was such a gifted pianist; it was a shame for her not to allow others to benefit from her talent. Still, he could understand why she wanted to stop. Travelling was nice unless it was all you did. He knew that all too well. Before settling in Jacob’s Cove a few months back, he’d moved from place to place, running his businesses, never settling down for more than a few months. But he was here to stay now. Both Simone and Eli had convinced him it was time he settled in one spot. Eli was young enough that he could still work with him and that was what Zach was trying to do. The boy had no direction in life. His main priority was to have fun by any means possible. Zach was determined to prevent his brother’s fun from becoming dangerous, as it had before.

  Simone…he regretted not helping her sooner. He should have known her marriage to Bob would end up where it had. Bob was a controller, had to have things his way and with Simone having a mind of her own, the two clashed. Usually it ended with Bob’s fist in her face. He’d beaten Simone down until she’d found her escape in drugs. If it hadn’t been for Wade, Zach might not have known how serious it had become.