A man stood on her doorstep, his uncertain smile achingly familiar in his handsome rugged face. His hazel eyes blazed with emotion. At first, she could only stare, not entirely sure of what she might actually be seeing.
Was it possible? Could it be? Reaching out, she braced herself. When her hand connected with his muscular arm and warm skin, she actually gasped out loud.
“Tyler?”
“Yes.” His smile spread. “It’s me.”
Even his voice sounded deeper. Richer. More...alive.
Still gripping his arm—his reassuringly solid arm—she tried to tear her gaze away from him. “How is this possible? You’re even more real than you were when we—” Breaking off, she felt her face heat.
“I’ve been granted an indulgence.”
Again, she couldn’t seem to stop staring. “A what?”
“It’s like a favor. I get to be human for as long as it takes to save my sister.” His gaze locked on hers. “And to keep you safe.”
Normally, she would have bristled, but seeing this, this Tyler, this nonghostly Tyler, was the closest to a miracle she’d ever come.
“You’re alive,” she said, just to make sure she understood correctly.
“Temporarily. And I’ve been wanting to do this for a long time.” He pulled her closer.
Aching, she allowed him to. Truth be told, she helped. As his strong arms wrapped around her, she realized just how much she’d longed to feel him like this. Exactly like this.
He kissed her then. Capturing her mouth with his, demanding a response. A blaze of need roared through her, making her dizzy even as she continued to kiss him back.
Just as quickly as it began, it ended. Breathing as heavily as she, Tyler stepped back. “I swear to you, once, just once before I give up this form, we will make love.”
Ducking her head, she didn’t protest. Her entire body screamed assent, but she kept her mouth shut.
“Now tell me what happened in town,” he said.
Speaking quickly, she told him what had transpired at the city-council meeting. “He’s trying to get people afraid of me again.” And then she relayed what Denise had said.
“He’s going to use her somehow.” Tyler frowned. “I don’t know exactly how, but he’ll figure out a way to use her to get close to you.”
“That’s what I’m afraid of.” She didn’t bother to try and hide the glumness from her tone. “And worse, Denise acts like she thinks I’m jealous. Any words of caution I tried to relay, she brushed away with anger.”
“You don’t have a choice. Just keep an eye on things, I guess. You can’t keep her from going.”
He began to pace, his form solid and masculine, making her mouth go dry and her arms ache. “I wouldn’t worry too much about the town. From what you’ve told me, he’s only managed to get people thinking he’s the one that’s crazy.”
How had she not noticed how broad his shoulders were or how narrow his waist? Clearly, he’d worked out when he was alive, judging by the toned muscles on his arms and the way his shirt strained over his chest.
She forced away her decidedly sexual thoughts and tried to concentrate on the conversation at hand.
Tyler didn’t make thinking any easier. He perched on the edge of her couch and gazed at her, his hazel eyes glowing in the soft light. It took every bit of restraint she possessed not to jump his bones.
Her gaze fell on the book she’d been reading. “I found something out about the Drakkors,” she said. “I think I know why Polacek is capturing women. The reason none of us have heard of them is that they’re becoming extinct. I’m not sure how many actually remain—for all we know, he might be the last. I think he’s trying to find someone he can mate with, someone who is strong enough to carry his child.”
Tyler’s tanned complexion turned ashen. “You think that’s what he did to Dena?”
She didn’t answer. How could she? Though she’d given him what she believed was the truth, doing so felt as if she’d ripped out her own heart.
Instead she went to him and pulled him close. Not speaking, she held him, stroking his hair and hoping her touch could offer some comfort. Amazing how good his being alive felt. She still had trouble believing it. Touching him turned her on. Aware now was the worst possible time, she made herself move away.
Deep breath. “How will this help?” she finally asked, as soon as she could think clearly. “You being human. How will it help us save your sister?”
Strolling over to her couch, he sat on the edge of one arm, looking way too ruggedly sexy for her peace of mind. “It’s like this. You were right, apparently. I believe I have magic too. Even as a ghost, I could feel it. Now, in this human form, my magic will be stronger, more of a complement to yours. Together, we can use our magic to fight the warlock, who also happens to be a Drakkor.”
Though she hated to ask, she knew she had to know. “And then what? Once Dena is free?”
His smile dimmed slightly, tinged with a hint of sadness.
“Then I go back where I belong. But I won’t forget my promise to you. I’ll make sure no ghosts ever bother you again. And I’ll find Dave and make sure he goes to you.”
Though hearing him say this made her want to cry, she kept her expression serene and nodded instead. “Then let’s get your sister out. I have a plan.”
He shook his head before she could elaborate. “If your plan involves you being some sort of sacrificial offering, then no.”
“What?” She stood up straight, pulling her inner strength and that intangible something that made her magic powerful into her core. “You forget what I am. What you are. Together, we can win.”
Though he crossed his arms, he nodded. “I’m listening. Tell me what you’ve got.”
* * *
One thing Tyler had managed to forget about being human was how much more intensely people felt when they were alive. Sensations were everywhere. Emotions too. The instant his gaze locked on Anabel’s whiskey-colored eyes, desire slammed into him. If he hadn’t been prepared, the force of it would have sent him to his knees.
He managed—somehow—to continue to breathe and act normally, except for his body’s violent reaction. This woman, whom he’d known just shy of a week, had rapidly become his everything. Looking at her, he knew he could drown in her gaze.
As he tried to unscramble his brain enough to formulate words, Anabel sniffed and held up her hand.
“What are you cooking?” she asked. “It smells like it’s burning.”
Puzzled, he frowned. “Cooking? I’m not.”
“Sorry.” She gave a sheepish smile. “I swear, I smell smoke. I asked out of habit. David used to love to whip up various concoctions whenever the mood struck him. He was terrible at it, and everything always burned.”
Her mention of David—her deceased husband and love of her life—helped him get his thoughts back on track. Except she was right. Now he smelled it too. Acrid. “That does smell like smoke. Something is burning.” For a split second, he wondered if this was David’s way of popping in from the spirit world.
“Look.” She pointed. Gray smoke seeped out from under the closed door to her spare bedroom.
His heart stuttered. “Something’s on fire.”
“Nothing’s in there but furniture. Nothing that could possibly catch on fire at least.”
He hurried to the door, reached for the knob and then cursed and let go. “It’s hot. Call 911, find Leroy and you wait outside.”
She’d already hustled over to snatch up her cat, who’d been sleeping on the top of the couch. With her other hand, she grabbed the books Juliet had lent her and stuffed them into her tote bag. Slinging this over her shoulder while struggling with her irate cat, she punched the numbers into her phone, moving toward the front door at the same time.
&
nbsp; Confident that she’d be safe, he headed toward the garage.
“Wait,” Anabel called after him. “What are you doing?”
“Going to grab your fire extinguisher. I remember seeing one in the garage.” As he reached for the knob, he didn’t hear whatever she shouted in response.
Already too far into the motion, he registered the knob’s heat a second too late. As he yanked the door open, a wall of flame roared at him.
Cursing, he jumped back, trying to shut the door on the orange monster.
But once given entrance, the inferno would not be denied. Flames leaped into the room, a ball of fire. Reaching out and catching hold of her drapes, he knew that soon the entire living room would be ablaze.
“Get out now,” he hollered at her, still standing frozen in the hallway. “Go!” He ran toward her, even as she took off for the door.
They both made it outside before the roof caught. As it did, the fire took hold with a loud crackle. Inside, something crashed, sending up an array of sparks into the night sky.
Leroy yowled, squirming in her arms. She held on to him, almost too tightly.
“You have a death grip on that poor cat,” Tyler pointed out, putting his arm around her shoulders.
“Sorry. I don’t want him to escape. I should have grabbed his carrier. But it was in the garage.” Which now was totally engulfed in flames.
In the distance, they could hear the siren wail as the fire engine approached. As the seconds ticked by, Tyler thought everything seemed to be moving in slow motion.
“It’s going to be a total loss,” Anabel moaned, standing rigid in his arms while clutching her cat. “My house. All I have left of David.”
Though the words cut through him like a knife, he made sure that didn’t show. Not only did he have no business feeling jealous of a dead man, but poor Anabel really had more than enough on her plate.
“You know who did this, don’t you?” she said, twisting out from under his arm to face him, eyes blazing. “Doug Polacek. It’s another one of his scare tactics, to force me into a decision.”
“You might be right,” he allowed. “Though how’d he do this so quickly?”
“He’s a dragon. All he had to do was change and then open his mouth and breathe fire.”
He shot her a quick look but didn’t argue.
Lights flashing, the fire truck pulled up in front of the house. Right behind came an ambulance, followed by two police cars, all with lights on.
The next hour passed in a blur. Firefighters, hoses spraying water, stubborn hot spots refusing to go out. A man came up to Anabel and introduced himself as an arson investigator.
Nodding, she didn’t bother to even try to act shocked. “I’m glad you’re here. I happen to think this fire was deliberately set.”
The man narrowed his eyes. “Are you insured, Ms. Lee?”
“Of course. What does that have to do with—”
Tyler saw the second she realized what he meant.
“I can assure you that I’m not the one who set this fire. I believe Doug Polacek did.”
Stony-faced, the fire investigator stared her down. “Doug Polacek?”
“Yes. He’s an attorney in town. Earlier, he accused me of being a witch.”
“I see.” Clearly, he didn’t. Touching a finger to his forehead, he dipped his chin. “If you’ll excuse me, I have work to do.”
Watching him stride off, Anabel turned to face Tyler. “I didn’t think of that,” she said, her voice hoarse. “Of course Polacek knew people would think I did it. Almost everyone in town already thinks I’m crazy.”
“Not almost everyone,” he corrected her. “You said you had quite a few people stand up for you at the city-council meeting.”
“True. But there are still plenty of others.”
Again he put his arm around her, unable to shake the crazy thrill—even now—at actually being able to do it. “First they have to prove it. And since we both know you didn’t set the fire, you don’t have anything to worry about.”
Leroy let out a yowl, almost as if he were trying to tell them something. “Shhh.” Anabel stroked his fur with her free hand. “Don’t worry, boy. We’ll figure out someplace to live.”
“Wolf Hollow Motor Court Resort,” he said. “I used to know the McGraws. They’re good people.”
She winced. And then he remembered.
“I take it they haven’t forgiven you.”
“I don’t know,” she replied. “Even if they have, it would be really awkward staying with them.” Expression miserable, she turned her gaze back to the smoldering ruins of her house.
He wished he could fix everything for her, make the fire and Polacek and all of her problems disappear. Since he couldn’t, all he could do was distract her. “But theirs is one of the only hotels in town.”
She turned her gaze back to his. “There’s the Value Five Motel, out near the thruway. Muriel Redstone has always been kind to me. And I’m pretty sure she wouldn’t have a problem with Leroy staying with me.”
Inwardly he winced. Built in the late seventies, the Value Five was one of those cheaply constructed budget motels with no personality to speak of. The last time he’d driven by there was right after high school. He could only imagine how the place had held up over time.
“At least it’s not expensive,” she said, almost as if she knew his thoughts. “Especially since I’ve been off work all this time with no income.”
Clearly his fault. “I’m sorry.” He waved at the ruins of her home. “I had no idea this would take so long. Or be so dangerous.”
Now she shot him a look that clearly said she didn’t believe him. “Warlocks, magic and ghosts. What could possibly be easy about that?”
She had a point.
A shout from the firefighters drew both their attention. A huge shower of sparks came to life with a roar, sending a fresh round of flames skyward as the roof collapsed.
“That’s it,” Anabel said. “I can’t stand to watch any more. My house is gone, along with everything I own. I’m going to head over to the motel and see if I can book a room. Are you coming?”
He nodded. “Wherever you go, I go too.” Though he kept his tone light, he had never been more serious.
On the way to the motel, they stopped at Walmart. She asked him if he’d mind waiting in the car with Leroy while she picked up a few things. Of course he didn’t mind.
When she returned, she had a litter box, cat litter and cat food and a few items of clothing for herself. As she slid into the driver’s seat, she tossed the bag in the back.
“I got underwear too,” she said, then looked stricken. “I’m sorry. I didn’t think about asking you if you needed anything. Would you like me to go back in and get you a few things?”
He hadn’t thought of that at all. Yet the thought of Anabel selecting his underwear made him feel...weird.
Something in his expression must have clued her in.
“How about I give you some money and you can run in and buy whatever you need?” she offered.
Though he also hated taking money from her, he didn’t have any other options. When she tried to hand him fifty dollars, he took only a twenty. “I don’t need much,” he said.
Her smile looked like a shadow of her normal self. “That’s good,” she said. “Because twenty bucks won’t buy much.”
Inside the store, he bought the most inexpensive packet of underwear he could find, a couple of T-shirts that had been marked down to three dollars and a pair of shorts. With tax, he figured the total would come in just under twenty dollars.
As he got back into the car, he tossed his bag next to hers. “Thank you. If I can ever find a way to repay you, I promise I will.”
“No worries,” she said, starting the engine.
“Let’s go take a look at my new temporary home.”
The Value Five Motel looked better than he remembered it. The place had clearly undergone a renovation. “Wow,” he said out loud.
“I know.” Her tired smile spoke of her weariness as she parked. “Let’s see what I can get. I hope it won’t be too expensive. My savings are rapidly dwindling.”
According to Muriel Redstone, there were only three other guests staying at the Value Five. She let Anabel have her pick of rooms, her curious gaze locked on Tyler.
He simply gave her a friendly smile back.
Once Anabel had selected a room, paid the discounted long-term monthly rate, he followed her to the one she’d chosen. It was in the back of the motel, out of sight from the road, and the window looked out onto a large field and lushly wooded expanse of forest.
“It feels a little less like a motel this way,” she said, catching him gazing out into the woods.
“And an easy route to go if you needed to change.”
Her dark look lightened. “That’s a great idea. Let me get Leroy settled in and then we will. I think being wolf for a while will really help take my mind off things.”
Once inside, he saw that the interior rooms had also been redone. “This isn’t bad at all,” he said.
Clearly distracted, she set Leroy down. Tail held high, the cat promptly stalked off to explore. They unpacked their meager belongings. All he could think about was running in the woods as wolf with her. The experience had been indescribable when he’d done it before as a ghost. He couldn’t wait to hunt with her as a flesh-and-blood wolf.
Mate. The word echoed inside him. Sadly, he knew it was true. He and Anabel were mates, even though such a thing had become an exercise in futility. He didn’t know what had happened with Dave or why she’d believed the other man to be her mate. All he knew was the truth of the here and now. By all that was right and holy, Anabel should have been his.
“Okay.” Dusting her hands on her jeans, she turned to face him. “Let’s get out there and hunt.”
As he opened his mouth to respond, her cell phone rang.
She glanced at it, and her composure cracked. “It’s Polacek.” She sounded miserable.
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