Nicole wanted to ask for more details but she knew it would have to wait until they were alone. Sure, she wasn’t getting anything from Kat’s head but that didn’t really mean anything. Kat may not be thinking about it right now so she wouldn’t be projecting thoughts for her to hear. Nicole let out a long frustrated sigh as she leaned back in her seat.
Kat reached over and put a hand over Nicole’s “Don’t worry, honey. I’m sure they will find him and this mess will be over soon.”
“She’s right.” said Luke. “You have me here to help you watch out and you have a loyal friend in Kat. Between the three of us I think we can figure this out.”
His words sent a twinge of relief through her heart. He must have been able to check Kat’s phone records and found nothing. A small smile played across her face as she processed his words. She met Luke’s eyes only to receive a cocky grin and a sly wink back. Maybe she could learn to like this guy after all.
Chapter 9
“Okay Dad, ease down on the bed slowly.” Nicole helped James get comfortable in his bed. She was glad to have him home. After almost a week of being locked up in that Birmingham hospital, she was missing the country air and tranquility of her small home town.
“I’m fine, baby, stop fussing over me,” James made a shooing motion with his hands. A mischievous glint sparkled in his eyes. “Go on, I’ll be all right. I’m gonna take a nap, then I’m going fishing.”
“Oh no you are not!” Nicole poked a finger in his direction and put her other hand on her hip. “You’re staying close to me until that crazy man is caught.”
“Easy girl, I’m sure your dad’s kidding.” Luke was standing in the doorway holding a suitcase in each hand. “Where do you want me to put these?”
“Just set them down,” she huffed crossing her arms over her chest. She knew she was overreacting to James’ joke but she didn’t care. Ronald was still lurking around somewhere. It is hard to relax when you have to be aware of everyone around you at all times. She wanted to strangle Luke for having such a casual attitude about everything. Sure, he was some kind of magical warrior but still, Ronald had already taken her dad once and managed to escape. There wasn’t going to be a round two if she could help it.
“Nicole, I’m fine. I want to rest a bit. When I wake up we’ll sit and talk everything out,” he leaned back into his pillows and closed his eyes. He shifted a few times to get into a comfortable position. The bandages bulged under his shirt as he moved.
Nicole took in James’ pale face. His color was only slightly better than the day he was stabbed. The lines around his eyes seemed much deeper than she remembered. Thinking of what he had been put through made her heart ache and her eyes start to prickle with tears. She reached down and pulled the sheet up around him. “If you need anything just holler. I’ll be in the living room.” She pushed by Luke who gave her an innocent look as she passed.
She walked into the living room and sat down heavily on the sofa. She laid her head back and closed her eyes, allowing herself a moment to forget all of her troubles. “Things will get better,” she told herself. The cushion depressed next to her as Luke sat down. She turned her head to the side and cracked her eyes open to glare at him through the slits.
“What?” he asked throwing his hands up in the air.
“You know you can go home now, right? You’ve been a wonderful friend but you don’t need to stay with us around the clock.”
“No, I’m not just your friend. I’m your warrior,” he said putting emphasis on the word “warrior”. “That doesn’t end. Plus I promised James I wouldn’t leave you alone,” he crossed his arms over his expansive chest.
Nicole’s anger began to boil inside. She wanted to be left alone. No bullshit about magical fairy warrior drama, no bossy man shadowing her every footstep, just plain, old, boring country life. Where did things go so damn wrong? she thought, rubbing her temples.
“Luke, you did your part. If the jerk shows up, well, I am a trained police officer. I’m sure I can handle him.”
“You need to rest. How are you going to sleep and watch out for Ronald?”
She was silent. How am I going to keep a watch? I’m so tired now I can barely hold my eyes open. Thinking this over, she watched as Luke’s face changed into a smug look of “I told you so”. He laced his fingers together behind his head and leaned back into the sofa. The cocky move was all it took to cause the cork to pop, allowing her anger to escape. Her body turned hot as she gritted her teeth together.
“You arrogant...”
“I think it’s about time I teach you how to get control over that temper of yours too. I don’t think James is gonna be happy when your tantrums burn his house down,” he nodded toward her hands.
Nicole glanced down and jumped up off the sofa. Two scorched spots on the cushion marked where her hands had been resting. She took a deep breath trying to push away the anger. “Damn it!” she yelled as she shook her hands trying to put them out like burning matches. “Why can’t things go back to normal? I’m sick of this shit! I didn’t ask for this.”
“Well, you better get used to the idea,” he stood up, looking her in the eyes. The muscles in his jaw were flexing with tension and his hands were clenched tight. “You are part of something ancient and important. Something your ancestors died trying to protect!” he reached his hand forward to touch her arm but stopped himself. His eyebrows drew together and he lifted his chin high so he was looking down at her. “Many of my brothers died protecting what you have inside of you. Do not act like your power is a burden!” He walked out the front door letting it slam behind him.
Nicole jumped as the door banged against its frame. Confusion and frustration jumped to the front of her mind along with a large slice of guilt. “Wonderful, now Luke’s pissed at me. How much better could I make things? Nice job Nicole, way to go!” she stood staring at the closed door with one hand on her hip.
“Way to go you stubborn ass. What’s your plan now?
Nicole turned around to see her dad holding onto the door frame with one arm wrapped around his stomach. She dashed over to help him, guiding him to a worn, oversized recliner.
“So you plan on learning all this on your own or are you going to keep ignoring your gift and hope it goes away? Neither one has been a good strategy so far but hey, if you think being an ass to the only person who can help you is a good thing, then do continue,” he gave her that wise and sarcastic parental stare she had always hated growing up. Then he waited, letting the silence stretch between them as he settled into his chair.
“Dad, I don’t think you understand what’s going on here. Did you hear the line of bull Luke told me? Fairies, warriors and ancient grudges,” she snorted, “sounds a little too fictional for any sane person to believe.” She began to pace the hardwood floor again as frustration started to cause her to shake.
“Baby, it should be perfectly clear to you now. You just don’t want to believe.” he cocked his head to the side and pointed to the singed spots on the sofa. “How much more evidence do you need?”
Nicole looked at him as a sly smile crept across his tired face. She knew he had won. She looked down at her hands as she thought over his words. She could hear Luke walking around on the front porch and she wondered if he was listening to the conversation between her and James. After a few quiet moments, she nodded her head and went out the front door.
Luke stood at the far end of the porch looking out across the green pasture. The porch spanned the front of the house. Large potted ferns in wicker baskets hung in several openings. The plants were some of her mother’s touches that had remained in place over the years. Behind Luke a white swing, big enough for two people, swayed gently in the summer breeze. Nicole walked to the swing and sat down. Her stomach was churning as she dug for the right words. She hated to be wrong and she hated apologizing even more.
“Luke, umm, I didn’t mean to be such an ass to you. I know you’re trying to help me. I’m having trouble wra
pping my head around everything,” she peeked behind her, curious to see if he was paying attention. His back was to her and he remained silent. “I don’t know what you’re expecting from me Luke,” she paused, again listening for the slightest movement. Her heart sped up as she waited for some kind of response.
“What the hell?” said Luke through gritted teeth.
“What did I say? Dang it, Luke, I’m trying to say I’m sorry.” Turning her head around she was instantly upset that Luke was still not facing her. She stared as he jumped the porch railing and walked toward the pasture. Nicole stood up and walked to the railing. “Hey, where do you think-” She stopped mid-sentence as a tall figure walking across the pasture caught her attention. She observed Luke approaching the person, his shoulders stiff and his hands flexing open and closed at his sides. She didn’t need her police training to know a fight was on the horizon. Nicole jumped the railing and ran toward the commotion.
“What the hell are you doing here?” asked Luke with his chest heaving and his jaw set high.
Nicole moved around Luke so she could see the intruder. Her eyes widened when she saw his slim, chiseled body was only covered by a kilt. His darkly tanned skin struck her next, her eyes tracing the toned creases of his firm arms then across to his defined pecs and rippling abs. Her gaze drifted up to his broad chin and strong jaw line to his light green eyes. She held her gaze for what felt like an eternity, unable to look away. His eyes returned her stare, tracing her face like a soft caress.
“Answer me, Rhys! Why are you here and why must you walk around half naked? I mean damn, man, times have changed. You can’t stride around like that.”
“Liam, me ould segita. Still got a burr under ye arse I see.”
Nicole was mesmerized by the stranger’s thick Irish accent even though she barely understood what he said. She had an image dance across her eyes of the warrior from her vision. The scarred chest was the only thing missing from the man in front of her. The sense of power was thick in the air and his broad stance added to his ancient aura.
“I’m not your friend and I go by Luke now,” he shifted his stance so he was standing between Nicole and Rhys.
“Luke, what is going on? Who is this man?” She moved to Luke’s side, frustrated that he was trying to keep her in the shadows.
“Ahhh, aren’t ye a qweer bit of a skirt.” Rhys’ eyes drifted down her body and slowly back up, pausing at her chest. “Liam, you’ve got yourself a nice ride. Firm thruppenny bits and that face-”
Before Nicole had time to blink, Luke was toe to toe with Rhys. Their foreheads butted together reminding her of two rams sizing each other up. Luke reached forward and gave a powerful shove, causing Rhys to take a step back. “You better tell me why you’re here before I rip your bloody yonkers off and put them in that manky mouth of yours.”
Nicole was shocked to hear the Irish accent flowing so easily out of Luke’s mouth. She stared between the two men, her mouth agape, so many questions banging around in her head but she couldn’t push one out.
Rhys raised his hands up “Come on Liam, sorry… Luke is what ye wish ta be called now. I’m only slagging with ye. All in good fun, brother.” He gave a sly grin as he glanced past Luke to Nicole. “I have been sent ta help ye protect the gersha. Word has gotten ot about her power and it seems ye let a wojus warrior slip away from ye.”
“There was nothing I could do to stop him. I don’t need your god damned help, Rhys so you can turn your arse around and head straight back to Ireland.”
“Bloody good thing I don’t get my orders from ye brother. I’d hate fer this trip to be fer naught.” Rhys let his steamy eyes roam Nicole’s body. “This country has sich beautiful scenery too.”
A heat started to build from deep inside her belly. Rhys may be a cocky ass but he was damn sexy. His eyes were captivating and his full lips were begging to be kissed. She bit down on her own lip trying to snap herself out of the trance. Calm down before you jump him right here in front of Luke! She managed to pull her eyes away as the heat rushed to her cheeks.
“Just wonderful!” Luke turned around to face Nicole. “Come on, let’s get back to the house,” he held out his arm in a “ladies first” gesture and waited for Nicole to start moving.
“How much power do ye wield, lass?”
A large callused hand grabbed Nicole’s arm and spun her around. She gasped at the sudden contact as Rhys pulled her to his chest. The warmth of his breath danced across her earlobe and down her neck. “Let go of me, you jerk!” she pressed her free hand up against him trying to put some space between their bodies.
“Come now, princess, ye can do better than that.” He let loose of her arm, sliding his massive hands around her waist, pulling her tighter against his rock hard body.
Anger started to burn in her veins causing her vision to turn red. The familiar fire shot throughout her body causing her palms to glow. “Stop calling me princess!” She pressed her hands against his bare chest and focused on pushing as hard as she could. Suddenly she was falling. She fought to catch her balance before she hit the ground. She stumbled awkwardly regaining her control. Nicole glared as a big smile stretched across Rhys’ full lips. “What?” she asked through gritted teeth.
“You almost killed him, that’s what,” laughed Luke from behind her. “If he hadn’t let go when he did, the amount of power you used would have annihilated him.” Luke walked up to her side.
“Would’ve served you right! There’s a rule around here about touching me. You don’t lay a single finger on me unless I ask! Do you understand?” Her body was shaking and her mind was still a jumble of confusion.
“Aye princess, I won’t be testing ye anymore,” he paused to give her a quick wink. “I will be teaching ye how to use that power of yours so I might have to touch ye a bit.”
“Great, I’m looking forward to it.” she said wide-eyed before turning to Luke and mouthing “Save me!”
Luke rolled his eyes at her and whispered “You shouldn’t have been such a stubborn mule when I offered to train you,” his lips curled up into a smirk as she turned white.
*****
After awkward introductions were made to her dad, Nicole cooked supper for herself and the three men. She cleaned up the dishes, then settled in the living room with the group. They were chatting about fishing and football, typical guy stuff. Nicole couldn’t help but giggle at the scene. Her dad and Luke sitting in the same room as a sex god in a kilt. The image could inspire any number of “Three men walk into a bar” jokes.
Soon, the stress of the day started to tug at her eyes. It had been so long since she had a good night’s sleep. She did not think anyone would notice if she left. The guys were wrapped up in explaining American football to Rhys. She was sure they wouldn’t even realize if she were running around completely on fire. Thoughts of a hot shower and a warm soft bed made her want to sprint upstairs.
“Okay guys, I’m turning in for the night,” a yawn escaped her mouth mid-sentence. “The spare room is made up and there’s a blanket over there for one of you to sleep on the couch. I’ll let you two fight that battle out.” she smirked as Luke and Rhys stared at each other. She walked over to James and kissed his cheek. “Are you going to be okay getting yourself in bed?”
“Yeah, I think I can manage fine. You get some rest, baby.”
Nicole liked that her dad was in much better spirits tonight. His cheeks had some pink in them again and he was smiling. It made her heart lighter seeing him this way. Guess having two warriors hanging around was useful after all. She thought as she left the room.
After a nice long shower, Nicole settled under her bright pink blanket without any complaints over the childhood décor. It felt so damn good to lie down on a soft bed. This was a little piece of heaven and nowhere felt better right now.
The silence of sleep started to fill with sounds of birds chirping and the smell of salty sea water. The darkness turned into veritable shades of green grass and the image of a
giant weeping willow took shape above her. Nicole sat up from her bed of soft moss. She looked past the swaying limbs of the willow into the ancient grave yard surrounding her. Soon she spotted the familiar figure moving about.
“Hello dear, I wondered when you would visit me again,” the old woman said in a gentle voice.
Nicole stepped from under the tree and moved out among the bright yellow flowers carpeting the ground. “Things were crazy for a while,” she said.
“I know, dear, I’m glad you saved your father. You are stronger than anyone expected and their arrogance will be their undoing,” she laughed.
“I don’t know what to do anymore, Grandmother. I’m afraid this power is too much for me to handle.”
Her grandmother turned to face her. Eyes full of wisdom and beauty as she moved closer to Nicole. “My dear granddaughter, you must first learn to trust your warriors. They will teach you how to control your power but only you can discover how deep that power runs.”
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