Indigo Spell

by Rachel Carrington

  “Jaxon, I have given my life in service of the Assembly. We are a powerful people and with our power come certain responsibilities. We cannot force our way of life on the mortals. They would not, they could not, understand.”

  Turning his back on his mentor, Jaxon walked toward the door. “Times like these make me wish I was mortal.”

  “But you are not and no amount of wishing can change that.”

  “Would you have me turn my back on this chance?”

  “You can have no proper chance with a mortal.”

  “That is for me to decide.”

  Breath hissed out of clenched teeth as Falcon absorbed the information. “Then I have no choice but to call the Assembly together.”

  “Do as you must. I will answer the summons.” He knew he could do no other.

  * * * * *

  “Jesus. Another fucking hurricane.” Belinda switched off the television atop the armoire in Tess’ bedroom. The monster storm was approaching the coastline, drawing closer with each passing minute.

  “I’ve already started packing,” Tess said around a mouthful of toothpaste as she stood in the doorway of her bathroom.

  “Ed and I are heading to Tennessee. You’re more than welcome to come along.” Belinda assumed a lotus position in the center of Tess’ bed and stuffed her hand into the bag of caramel popcorn.

  Tess smiled even as her thoughts strayed. She searched for some unknown connection with Jaxon. She didn’t think she’d actually be able to touch him, to reach him in her mind but there was always something there, a soft whisper telling her of his safety. The mental contact should have bothered her. Instead it reassured her. “I’m not sure where I’m going this time.”

  Bringing her knees up to her chest, Belinda grinned. “Oh, I think you know. I wouldn’t be surprised if your luscious contractor whisks you away to some fantasy island.”

  “Please.” Though she tried to appear nonchalant, Tess couldn’t hide the chill that danced along her shoulders.

  “From what you’ve told me, it wouldn’t come as a surprise.”

  Nothing would surprise her when it came to Jaxon. “I think I’ve told you too much.”

  “Hey, I’m not judging. He sounds like one hell of a guy and from what I’ve seen, well…” Belinda faked a shiver. “Anyway, do you think he’s going to evacuate too or is he one of those macho types who will stick it out no matter what approaches? I hate that.”

  “We haven’t talked about it since the warnings were just issued a couple of hours ago.”

  “Well, you’d better get cracking. This storm is a doozie and I, for one, intend to be sitting on a mountaintop slurping on a margarita when this thing blows in. You would do well to be thinking along those same lines.”

  Tess snapped her suitcase shut and tugged it off the bed. “I don’t need to be reminded, thanks. But I don’t intend to go anywhere until I know what Jaxon’s going to do.”

  Belinda swung her legs over the side of the bed and hopped to her feet. “Are the two of you really that serious? I mean I know the sex is pretty serious but now you’re talking about waiting to find out his itinerary before you think about saving your own ass. Sounds pretty dedicated to me.”

  “I’m not sure. Sometimes I think we are but then I remember it’s only been a few weeks. I shouldn’t rush into anything but…he’s different, Belle.”

  “Different as in he brings you flowers and chocolates every day or different as in he has a laboratory beneath his house with a potential Frankenstein on the table?”

  Tess laughed out loud. “Your imagination works overtime.”

  “Usually. It’s what makes me a good writer. I really would like to meet this guy close up, face-to-face.”

  “I’m sure you will. It’s still kind of new.”

  Belinda strolled toward the door. “Well, Ed and I are heading out at first light so give me a call on my cell when you get to where you’re going. And please don’t even think about staying here.”

  Tess waved away her friend’s concern. “That’s not going to happen. I’ll be leaving soon. According to the forecast, we’ve got at least twenty-four hours before we’ll actually know where this thing is going to land. And there’s still a good chance it will turn but either way I’ll be long gone by then.”

  And hopefully on a different mountaintop with Jaxon.

  After a long hot bath that left her skin tingling, Tess crawled beneath fresh cotton sheets. She closed her eyes only to open them a second later when she caught the scent of Jaxon’s cologne.

  Had he returned to her again? Propping up on her elbows, she searched the room, almost relieved to see nothing but the usual furniture and decorations. Chalking it up to another mental invention, she collapsed back against the pillow.

  But she could still see Jaxon’s face, feel the touch of his fingers as they slipped between the lips of her crease. Her legs moved underneath the sheets, as restless as the night winds.

  She didn’t know whether to curse or thank Jaxon for reawakening her sensuality. She’d been content with her life before he’d arrived…hadn’t she? Sure, she made occasional use of her trusty vibrator but now it paled in comparison to even the slightest touch of Jaxon’s lips. Her body humming, nipples peaking, Tess shivered in agony.

  She wanted him. Right here. Right now. So where in the hell was he? Surely her imagination could conjure him again. With a groan of regret, she slipped her hand beneath the covers, lifting the edge of the worn cotton T-shirt she wore.

  Her nipples were pebble-hard, aching almost. She gave them a hard pinch, wincing at the quick bite of pain. Her breaths became shallow as the excitement increased. With frenzied movements, she yanked her panties down over her hips, kicking them to her ankles. Allowing her legs to fall open, she sought the wetness of her cunt.

  Her clit pulsated, engorged with blood, and Tess knew her fingers wouldn’t be enough to assuage the ache. Inside the top drawer of the bedside table, she kept her stash of toys but that knowledge only frustrated her. They would be inadequate. Nothing compared to what Jaxon could do to her body.

  What in the hell had he done to her?

  Feeling almost deflated that she would have to settle, she tugged open the drawer, leaning over to search the contents. Her eyes widened and her hands began to shake. A long black velvet box lay nestled in amongst her old toys, a note taped to the top. As her fingers curled around the softness, her heart beat a faster rhythm.

  The note was simple. Enjoy.

  Heat rushed to her face as she opened the lid. A vast array of sex toys lay arranged in artistic fashion, some of which she’d never even seen before. Her fingertips glided over each one. Excitement built as she lifted a long, silver clamp with glittering diamonds hanging from white ribbons.

  She didn’t know where the knowledge had come from but she knew how to use these toys and use them she would! Digging back into the box, she retrieved a small round mirror with curved feet. She set it on the bed, angling it so she could see her pussy.

  Almost quivering with delight now, she slid the clamp around the outer edges of her clit and watched the tiny nubbin fill with even more blood. Had Jaxon searched inside her drawer, saw that her toys were woefully inadequate or had he merely gifted her with such treasures so she would think of him? She didn’t care right now. Right now only one thing mattered.

  Widening the gap between her legs, she scooted the mirror closer. It seemed to grow larger, allowing her to see the full length of her pussy, the slick walls and her pulsing clit.

  At the first touch of her fingertip to the nub, she bounced her hips off the bed. Sweet Jesus! The sensations were exquisite, so powerful. She rubbed back and forth, as soft as melted butter, but the blood had filled her clit, making it extremely sensitive.

  One hand plucked at her nipples while the index finger of the other swirled over and around her clit. Ecstasy was right around the corner. The soles of her feet began to tingle and she gulped, her thighs twitching.

 
Just let it build.

  The words should have startled her but instead they only heightened the moment. “Oh God,” she whispered as her body began to shake. Climbing higher and higher, she rubbed faster, harder, grinding the tip of her finger against her clit until she cried out, pleading in the night for Jaxon.

  I’m here. Let go.

  The instruction reassured her and, with one final flick on her clit, she came. So hard, so gloriously perfect that her ass lifted off the mattress, her hips rocking back and forth while she almost sobbed.

  As she fell back against the bed, perspiration coating her body, she felt the energy recede as if Jaxon had physically left the room. Removing the clamp with fumbling fingers, she climbed from the bed, surprised to find that her legs would barely hold her.

  After cleaning herself and the clamp, she returned to the bed, switching off the lamp before she climbed beneath the sheets once more.

  And before she drifted off, she swore a strong, masculine arm slid around her waist.

  “Tess, wake up. The storm has turned. You need to wake up.” A strong, insistent voice pulled her from a sound sleep. Disoriented and confused, she blinked around the darkness of her bedroom, her thoughts scattered. She could have sworn she’d heard Jaxon’s voice but that was impossible considering it was the middle of the night and he wasn’t anywhere around. Or was he?

  The curtains blew wildly, whipped about by the force of the wind coming in off the ocean. She pushed herself to a sitting position and brushed the hair away from her face. She didn’t need instinct to know something was wrong. Something, or rather, someone had awakened her. And dread settled into the pit of her stomach.

  Thunder growled long and low in the distance and Tess climbed from her four-poster bed, padding to her window on bare feet. One look outside sent her stomach dropping to her knees. The waves roiled in a tumultuous rhythm and the sky had darkened to angry black. Jagged slices of lightning scarred the inky terrain and as the winds kept up a violent pace, Tess knew the hurricane had turned, directing its violence toward the coast of South Carolina more rapidly than the forecasters had anticipated.

  The digital clock on her bedside read three a.m. According to the eleven o’clock news, she should have had at least eighteen more hours. But the storm had increased in forward velocity, arriving without warning. How could it have moved so fast? As she stared at her window a second longer, she could see the headlights of approaching vehicles. The National Guard had arrived to assist with mandatory evacuations.

  This was impossible. The storm would have had to increase to at least seventy-five miles an hour to be this close to the coast! Tess swallowed her fear as she threw on a pair of jeans and a light cotton shirt. In a beach house, there would be nowhere to hide. She prayed she could make it to the mainland before the full fury of the hurricane hit. Her hands shook as she thrust her hair into a ponytail and she cursed her decision to leave at first light. But it was simply unheard of that a hurricane could gain that much speed in four hours. She’d thought she had time.

  Gathering her suitcase and overnight bag, she dashed down the stairs, toward the sanctuary of her car. The wind drowned out any remaining night sounds and pounded against her ears as she pulled against the door barring her from the outdoor elements. The rain slapped the shore while the waves crept closer to her home. A loud scream, like a woman’s voice, rent the air as Tess managed to grapple the door open. Her heart racing within her chest, she slammed it shut again before the winds could tear it from her grasp.

  There was no escape. The storm had already moved onto the coast and the trap closed in around her. Caught like an animal in a cage, she gave a quick, desperate look around the room, which offered no respite from the onslaught. The expensive furnishings wouldn’t provide enough coverage against a hurricane of this magnitude. Cursing her own stupidity, Tess dropped her suitcases and raced down the hallway, seeking shelter in the bathroom.

  Packing winds of up to one hundred thirty miles per hour. The meteorologist’s words resonated in her mind as she shrank down against the side of the tub. The house creaked and groaned with each blast of wind against the wooden structure. The foundation trembled and Tess squeezed her eyes shut. She prayed for safety while the beat of her heart competed with the heavy drumming of the rain on the roof. Her blood roared in her ears as her entire body shook with terror. And then the gurgling came, a forceful rush of water as the surf advanced, threatening to overtake the house and its occupant.

  Tess got to her feet slowly, took one step outside the bathroom and looked to her right. Even through the blackness of the night, she could see the horrors awaiting her just outside the windows of the spare bedroom. She didn’t try to stifle the scream welling up inside her throat.

  The water lapped against the side panels of her house, smacked against the glass. In a matter of seconds, the house would be afloat or destroyed. And she would die with it. She sank to her knees. Tears raced down her cheeks but her sobs were silent. She tried to fight back the panic, a useless endeavor. Hopeless. She couldn’t be expected to remain calm when the minutes were ticking on her mortality clock. She wasn’t a soldier and she wouldn’t die like a hero. Terror wrapped its icy claws around her throat.

  As tears coursed down her cheeks and the sobs shook her body, she became aware of the sudden stillness. The rush quieted. Even the rains ceased and for a moment the world around her hushed. She held her breath. Was it the eye of the storm? Would she have enough time to escape now? She couldn’t remember how long an eye lasted.

  The silence settled around the weakened structure of the house and Tess slid up along the wall, her knees too weak to hold her completely aloft. Through eyes clouded with tears, she searched the inky interior.

  Before she could make a move to the front door, it crashed open against the wall and, in a whirl of black leather, she saw her savior.

  Chapter Four

  Jaxon crossed the threshold, scanned the living room before directing his gaze down the hallway and finding her. Their eyes locked. Fear radiated from her shaking body. In two strides, he made it to her side and lifted her in his arms. “We have to get out of here.”

  “The rain, everything’s stopped.” Wide-eyed with wonder, Tess looked around.

  “It won’t hold off for long.” He sheltered her against his chest and headed back toward the door.

  “Is this the eye of the hurri—” She stopped talking the second he carried her across the threshold and out into the early morning.

  Suspended in dead air was a wall of water, its watery grasp reaching out, barred from capturing its intended victim. Black mists swirled around them as the wind fought to free itself from a grip more powerful than its own. And the rain hung halfway between the sky and the ground, held aloft by an otherworldly force.

  Bathed in the harshness of the hurricane’s fury, the sky simmered above them. The oppressive heat pushed against their clothes. Even the thin, cotton material of Tess’ shirt clung to her as perspiration coated her skin.

  Silence descended, except for a few rumbles of thunder. A few steps ahead, a watery tunnel opened up and Jaxon heard Tess’ indrawn breath. “Jaxon, what’s going on?”

  “We’ll talk later. Now close your eyes.” He didn’t wait to see if she had followed his command.

  She hadn’t. She wanted to be aware of what happened around her, needed to see what was going on but the second the air began to contort around them, her eyelids slammed shut in a gesture of self-preservation. She felt her body evaporating, swirling through time and space and then a warm finger tapped her face and Jaxon instructed her to open her eyes.

  Her eyelids blinked open, acclimating to her surroundings. Jaxon still held her but only now he was standing in the middle of a large room with a leather sofa, fire burning in the fireplace and a plush Oriental rug in front of the hearth. And he smiled at her like Tess had no reason to be concerned at all. “Are you okay?”

  “Am I okay?” Her voice came out as a strangled gas
p. “You just beamed me here and you’re asking me if I’m okay? No. I am a lot of things right now but okay is not one of them.”

  He carried her to the sofa and placed her gently against the leather. He squatted down beside her, taking one of her hands in both of his, chafing her palm gently. “I’m sorry. I didn’t have time to warn you. The hurricane was coming and—”

  “The hurricane wasn’t coming. It was there. I was there. And—” Tess pushed herself up, her eyes scanning the room. “Why isn’t it here? You live in Mount Pleasant. Why isn’t the hurricane here, Jaxon?”

  He sat back on his haunches and watched the emotions flicker over her face. “We aren’t in Mount Pleasant, Tess. We aren’t even in South Carolina right now.”