by L. A. Boruff
“What the fuck is she thinking, going somewhere like this?”
Zane took his place beside Jaxson. “This is going to be harder than I thought,” he said.
“Keeping her safe?” Jaxson asked, still staring at the dark buildings around them.
Yes, it will be.
Zane shook his head. “We’re shifters and demons. Our instincts are to protect what’s ours. I don’t know about you, but my dragon thinks she belongs to us. The problem is that she's different from any other woman I've dated. She puts herself in danger, not for the fun of it, but because she believes in what she’s doing. We can’t take that away from her, but we also have to keep our animal-sides from going insane.”
Ian laughed.
They both turned to look at him. “What?”
Ian’s eyes twinkled. “That was just… very astute.”
Zane grinned. “You’re not the only one who can be all deep and shit.”
Jaxson almost smiled, but Ian was quick to kill his good spirits. “She might be in a dangerous situation. We can’t just go in, guns blazing.”
“What’s your plan then, genius?”
Ian frowned for a long minute. “Our animals are quieter than we are, so I’m thinking we shift and sneak in.” Then, his gazed moved to Zane. “Except you. Your dragon isn’t exactly quiet and unnoticeable, you’ll have to do your best in your human form.”
“I can be quiet!” Zane said, sounding annoyed.
“Yeah, but a giant dragon might give us away…”
Zane pouted for another second. “Fine, but tomorrow I’m glamouring the shit out of myself and going for a long flight.”
Only a dragon would be so prideful in a situation like this…
Inhaling again, Jaxson walked slowly until he picked up her scent again. They followed the sweet smell a little longer until they reached the outside of a particularly rough looking building. Slinking to the shadows, they were about to shift, when some instinct made every hair on Jaxson’s body stand on end.
“I think she might be in trouble.”
Not bothering to shift, he ran straight for a door at the side of the building. Ian and Zane were at his heel. He pulled on the handle, and when he found it locked, anger rushed through him. He took a deep breath and yanked, snapping the lock as quietly as possible.
He slipped inside, with Ian and Zane at his heel. Drab yellowish bulbs hung in the center of the room, casting shadows around massive stacks of boxes. He started forward quietly, using the boxes as cover.
“Nowhere left to run!”
They froze at the sound of Lily’s voice.
“Who said I’m going to run?” The strange man’s words were quiet, threatening.
Gritting his teeth, Jaxson moved closer to the voices and peeked between the boxes. In the center of the room, Lily squared off with a man.
Every protective instinct within him roared to life. Zane started forward, but Jaxson caught his arm, without taking his eyes off the man. The same instinct was running through all of them, but they needed to find a better position before they could strike.
“The game’s over! I caught you. You tried your little tricks, and they failed terribly. So now we’re left with the only possibility… you need to trust me, which means coming with me.” Lily’s voice rang out in command, leaving no room for arguments.
The man shook his head. “Like hell I’m going with a Hunter!” He paused, studying her. “No matter how much I’ve enjoyed our games.”
Lily put her hands on her hip. “I’m getting tired of this shit. I mean, different day, but same story, right? I try to help someone, but they don’t have the common sense to realize it.” The man opened his mouth to respond, but she kept talking. “But listen up, because whether you believe it or not, I’m trying to save your life. The Hunters have noticed exactly what you’re doing around here, and they’re waiting to spring their trap. If I was a betting person, and I am, I’m guessing they’ll act tonight when your powers are strongest. And if that happens, well, you’re going to notice really quickly the difference between me having a frank conversation with you and what the real Hunters are going to do when they catch you.”
This guy has powers? That means he can attack from afar. We need to reach him. Fast!
Jaxson made the slightest gesture to Ian and Zane and then they moved slowly away from Lily, toward the unknown man, slipping behind the boxes quickly and silently. All of them understanding what needed to be done, without speaking the words.
Jaxson’s thoughts raced. He didn’t like this one bit. When attacking an opponent, it was wise to know their strengths and weaknesses, but this tiny man didn’t feel like a dangerous magical creature. His hands twitched around him like a mage who didn’t know how to use his powers. And he was petite, even compared to Lily. Yet, he was inching closer to her with each passing second.
He wants to hurt her. And if he’s drawing closer, it’s because he knows he can.
When the three of them reached the boxes beside the strange man, they lingered, watching for their moment to attack.
The man inched a little closer to Lily.
She raised a brow. “You really going to try it? I mean, come on. I won’t let you hurt me.”
The man smiled, but it didn’t reach his eyes. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
She sighed. “Fine then, if you don’t want to trust me, at least get yourself to safety. Leave. Find another town. And this time, don’t use your powers like a spoiled child running wild in a candy shop.”
He froze, raising a brow. “You’re not going to force me to go with you?”
She shrugged. “I want to help. But I can’t if you won’t let me. So yeah, I’ll let you go. Even if I know you’ll end up dead.”
He looked uneasy as he ran a hand through his dark hair. “I’m not admitting anything… but why do you care what I do?”
Her mouth curled into a smile. “I don’t know. Maybe I have a soft spot for idiots.”
To Jaxson’s surprise, the man laughed. “Even if you’re a liar trying to trap me, I think I like you.”
She winked. “I have a way of growing on people.” Then, her smile faltered. “So, are you going to take my advice?”
“I wish I could, but I have this energy to spend. And it’s driving me crazy… crawling beneath my skin like a thousand bees. I got to let it out, and then I’ll go. Promise.”
She frowned, her stance widening. “Damn it. I really want to let you walk away. You have no idea how bad. But if I do, you’re dead.”
Jaxson saw the muscles in the man’s legs tense, as he prepared to jump. Like hell! Jaxson leapt forward, knocking him to the ground.
Ian and Zane were beside him in an instant, the three of them pinning the little man to the ground.
“Who the hell are you?” The strange man asked. “Hunters?”
Lily’s voice came from behind him. “No, they’re demons! Dumbasses who thought they were protecting me!”
“Really?” The man’s expression changed to the strangest look of curiosity.
“Guys, get away from him! Now!” Lily sounded… almost scared.
Jaxson frowned. “We’ve already got him."
The little man’s mouth widened into a smile. “Or do I have you?”
Green light flashed from the man, flooding the room and temporarily blinding him.
He heard Lily swear right before he was struck by something. In a blink, he found himself lying on the concrete floor with Lily sprawled on top of him.
“Did he get you?” she asked, grabbing his face. He blinked slowly and looked up, suddenly awkward when he realized she was looking directly into his eyes. She let loose a string of curses that would make a sailor blush. “Of course he did! Son of a bitch!”
Jaxson watched, still confused, as she turned to look behind her where Ian and Zane were lying on the ground. An eerie green light shimmered around the two demons’ pupils before it vanished. The little man was gone, but wh
at had he done to them? “What happened? Where—?”
She cut Jaxon off before he could ask. “He expelled enough magic to get himself out of here.”
So, I guess she’s safe. Jaxson's muscles relaxed. Whatever happened to the three of them, they could handle, as long as they’d protected her.
And whatever the little man did didn’t exactly hurt. All in all, it wasn’t their worse encounter with a magical being.
Lily moved against him and suddenly Jaxson was horribly aware that every delicious inch of her body was touching him. He was surrounded by her soft skin, her generous curves, and her sweet scent. Despite his best intentions, he felt his blood rush below his belt.
Her expression was irritated as she stared at Zane and Ian. She struggled to sit up, and then moved so that she was straddling him. When her gaze jerked back to Jaxson, he knew she felt his arousal.
Energy arced between them as his breathing increased and his heartbeat raced. If she leaned down right now, if she kissed him, touched him, or gave him the slightest sign that she wanted him, it’d be over.
It’ll be worth anything to touch her again.
“What did that asshole do to us exactly?” Zane asked. “I feel… different. Kind of tingly.”
Jaxson frowned. Was the way he was feeling because of the strange man’s magic? Or because every nerve in his body was begging to fuck the beautiful blonde?
Her gaze jerked away from his, and she stood. “What do you think he did, you morons?” With each word, her voice sounded less husky and more angry.
Jaxson climbed to his feet, ignoring the way his body hummed with need. “He was going to attack you!”
Her glare swung to him. “He was just trying to touch me, which I never would’ve been dumb enough to allow.”
Ian stood, his expression troubled. “Why, Lily? What did he do to us?”
She threw her hands in the air. “What all leprechauns do! The little bugger played with your luck! And if what he’s been doing lately is any indication, you three are about to have a very dangerous next twenty-four hours. In fact, you might not even live that long.”
“This is a joke, right?” Zane asked, staring between her and Jaxon. “Leprechauns can’t possibly be real.”
She rolled her eyes. “Says the dragon-shifter who also happens to be a demon.”
Jaxson’s brain finally started spinning. “So this means…”
For the first time, Lily’s anger slipped. “That this might be your last night on Earth.”
She’s actually worried…
“Is it really that dangerous?” Zane looked unconvinced.
She looked at each of them, her big eyes filled with concern. “Worse.”
So a demon who secretly works as a double-agent for the Hunters thinks this is bad?
Damn it. Then it probably is bad.
Saint Patrick’s Day was supposed to be about liquor and sex. Not magic. Not danger. And certainly not leprechauns or bad luck.
At least it didn’t used to be. Does everything have to be worse as a demon?
Fucking Saint Patrick’s Day…
3
The foursome crept through the streets, each of them searching for danger with every step.
“Man One died when a bus plowed into him,” Lily whispered.
A bus sped passed them, and everyone tensed.
“Man Two died when a robber shot him from an alley.”
They slowed as they inched by the alley, scanning the darkness for danger.
“Man Three was crushed by a shop sign.”
Their gazes moved up, and they gave the neon sign over the club a wide berth.
“Man Four—“
“Do you have to keep talking?” Jaxson hissed.
She continued. “Man Four suffocated on a giant dick.”
The three demons froze, but Lily looked back at them and grinned.
Zane laughed. “Okay, well, at least we don’t have to watch out for that.”
“Well, Magnus does like to hang out on the next street corner, and the three of you are just his types.” She continued ahead of them.
Jaxson glanced at Ian and Zane.
Ian lowered his voice. “She’s joking, right?”
Zane started after her. “All I know is if I see a big guy hanging out ahead of us, I’m jumping in front of a bus.”
None of them laughed, or even slowed their pace until they’d reached Lily’s building.
“Inside,” she waved them to the door.
“We should go to our place,” Jaxson said, sweat crawling down his spine. “It isn’t fair to bring bad luck to your doorstep.”
She sighed. “Yet again I’m reminded of how little you three idiots know about the paranormal world. Your entire apartment is laced with things you’ve touched and left your scents on. You’ll be lucky if your entire building doesn’t crumble to the ground. My place on the other hand… it’s your best bet, so let’s go.”
Jaxson hesitated.
“Aren’t you supposed to protect little old me for my dear old daddy? What would he say if he knew you abandoned me after I've had such a traumatic night?”
“That’s a load of shit,” Jaxson muttered.
But when Ian and Zane followed her inside, he stomped after them. He’d go with the little troublemaker, but if one thing seemed out of place, they were out of there.
Inside her tiny apartment, the three of them stood frozen in her doorway. To say it was messy was an understatement.
“You’re a pig!” Zane said.
She whirled on them. “Oh, I’m so sorry! Between hunting a leprechaun and saving your asses, I didn’t have time to dust my good china.”
Zane looked at the overflowing trash can. “How many months have you been hunting him?”
She threw a plastic cup at him, but he didn’t react when it hit him in the chest and rolled onto the ground. “Just close the door and shut your trap." They did as she asked, closing and locking every lock one after another. Then, they stood awkwardly as she threw her jacket onto the clothes-covered couch and tossed her boots to land beside the door.
“No need to be polite. Come on in and take a load off.”
Ian shrugged and took his shoes off, then wordlessly went and grabbed her empty clothes basket and started collecting things off the floor and couch.
She grinned. “There’s a sink full of dirty dishes too.”
“What a surprise,” Zane said, his tone dry. “Since it looks like most of what you use is plastic.”
Her grin widened. “Who knew you were such a neat-freak? May I suggest staying away from the garbage disposal tonight? Wouldn’t want you to lose your pretty little hand.”
While Ian worked his way through cleaning every inch of her studio apartment, Lily ordered pizza.
When she hung up, she wrinkled her nose. “What the hell is that smell?”
They sniffed. There was something nasty in the air.
She continued to sniff, moved closer to them, and made a gagging sound. “Did you guys actually go into the sewers?”
Jaxson tensed. “We were following you!”
She laughed. “Oh man, that’s awesome!”
The three of them glared at her.
Her laughter only grew. “Better toss your shoes and clothes out the door, before this whole place starts to stink like high-heaven.”
They grumbled but did as they were told. Even still, the stench of the sewers was almost overwhelming by the time they threw their stuff into the hallway.
“The bad luck’s already begun,” Zane muttered.
Jaxson stiffened. Fuck, he’s right.
Standing around in nothing but their boxers, they felt awkward.
She wrinkled her nose. “No offense, but I don’t think that was enough. You might need a shower.”
Jaxson glared, but as he went to retort, he inhaled. Damn it, she’s right. “Alright, point us to the shower.”
She grinned, her horrible little grin, and led them to the only
doorway in the tiny apartment. She turned on the water in an equally tiny shower.
Jaxson stared at it. “We may have to go one at a time.”
She rolled her eyes. “Just jump in. I think I’m going to hurl if you don’t get clean fast.”
He looked back at Zane and Ian. “If I feel a single dick in there, I’m done.”
They all gave solemn nods and squeezed into the bathroom, closing the door behind them. Shedding their boxers, they stepped into the water, squeezing together in the tight space.
Jaxson grabbed a purple bottle of body-wash and squirted a generous amount for each of them in their hands. Immediately, he recognized the scent. Lily. The thought distracted him for a long minute. There was just something arousing about being covered in her scent.
“Do not get hard in here.”
Jaxson’s gaze jerked to meet Zane’s, and he hoped like hell he wasn’t blushing. The dragon shifter knew exactly what he’d been thinking about.
Just get clean and get out!
Clenching his teeth, he willed himself to focus on the task at hand. He covered himself in her soap, trying to ignore the images of her that played in his mind as he did so. When Jaxson was sure he’d scrubbed every inch of his flesh, he began to shower the very sweet smelling soap off. He needed to get out of the shower… and as far from everything that reminded him of Lily as possible.
The bathroom door opened with a bang and he heard Lily cursing again.
“Fucking delivery man!”
Jaxson yanked the curtain open, panic catching his breath. Was she okay? Had the bad luck spread to her?
The entire front of her clothes was covered in red sauce. She promptly shed her clothes, tossing them onto the floor and squeezed into the shower with them.
Somehow she shoved the three of them back to move under the stream of water and started to rub at her pink chest. “That sauce was hot as fuck! And now my favorite shirt is ruined!"
Jaxson heard her as if she were far away. He stared at her as she rubbed at her breasts and moved down over her belly. Her hairless pussy and the generous curves of her ass had him transfixed.
His dick hardened, and his breathing becoming labored.
She spun to face them more fully, leaning her head back to allow the water to run over her stunning body. “Of all the bad luck!”