by Sadie Sears
I parked my bike properly and shut the engine off, watching the back of the detective as she strolled toward her car. She’d need to watch herself around Saul. I didn’t know his taste in women, but disposable was probably pretty close to the mark, and she’d definitely attract his attention with those eyes and long, dark hair.
As she slid into the driver’s seat, I pressed the button to access the intercom to the house.
Once inside Saul’s place, two of his goons led me to his room. Seriously? This guy. It was like some kind of audience with a king, only Saul wasn’t truly the one in charge. That same rune of ownership that Saul wore so proudly graced every available surface, like Saul was proudly proclaiming his status as a kept man.
I almost snorted. He just looked like someone owned him. But my demon didn’t like my thoughts, and I gasped at the not-so-gentle reminder that I needed to think only respectful things about Saul, even if my demon was free to roll his eyes as he pleased. Fickle bastard.
Eventually, I sat in front of a desk, and Saul watched me from the other side, his fingers steepled as he smiled malevolently at me.
“Is your newest assignment underway?” He pinned me with his dead-eyed stare.
I stifled a shudder. There was no soul in there. But had he lost it or willingly surrendered it? From all Chloe had said, that was also my choice.
It was really no choice at all, though.
“I’ve started my inquiries, but no luck yet. She’s in the wind, but I’ll keep trying.” I sounded pretty genuine, even to me.
“Good.” Saul’s raspy voice grated across every one of my nerves. “Keep trying because she’s important.”
She is. Mate. It was the most my dragon had said to me at one time, and for once my demon didn’t retaliate with pain. He was far too busy listening to every word Saul said.
“Important?” I shifted forward. “I live for those assignments. How so?”
Saul waved his hand, dismissing my sudden fake enthusiasm. “Oh, nothing too worrying. She saw something she shouldn’t have, so I need her taken care of. Preferably where taken care of means dead.” His laugh rasped from him, filling the space with ugly sound.
I nodded. “I’m familiar with the term.” But my stomach roiled.
Mae really was in a lot of danger.
He waved his hand again. “I don’t care if you kill her yourself. You just need to bring her to me. The terms we discussed still stand. I want her out of the way.”
My chest hollowed, and my dragon rumbled his anger. I stood and stretched to try to disguise the sound. Then I paced, trying to look like I was thinking.
Saul had just provided me the last piece of information I needed to know to decide what to do with Mae. It wasn’t safe for her to go home, and it certainly wasn’t safe for her to reveal herself by writing any articles. And according to what Chloe said, the only safe place was with me. So, that was where she’d stay. By my side.
Nice and safe.
I could protect her completely from Saul and resist my demon. Those were the two things in my life I absolutely had to do. Anything else could wait.
And if protecting Mae killed me, I’d… I paused, surprised. I’d have no regrets.
I made a mental note to contact Ash as soon as my brain slowed enough to remember how to use my phone. I couldn’t be with Mae around the clock, and he was the one guy I trusted with her safety. I needed him to meet me at home.
I swallowed my anger down and grimaced. “Thank you for your time.” I didn’t offer him my hand—the idea of his skin pressing against mine made me want to puke.
“Hopefully next time you’ll have better news.” He lifted one sleek eyebrow, and I nodded woodenly.
I left the house at record speed, Saul’s henchmen trailing behind me. Once outside the gates, I drew in a huge breath, hoping to calm my mood, but it didn’t help. I slid out my phone and dialed Ash, our conversation short and urgent before I climbed onto my bike and started it angrily, taking that emotion and using it to power my ride the rest of the way home.
9
Mae
The house was empty without Draven in it. Well, that much was obvious, but the life had gone out of it somehow. Although, if he was three people, or three essences, or three spirits as he seemed to have said, maybe Draven brought a crowd into the house simply by existing in it.
I wandered around the rooms I already knew and straightened the few things he’d brought into the house for me. I no longer needed to drown in his clothing, so that was good… And kind of bad because there was something reassuring about being surrounded by his masculine scent, warm like woodsmoke in autumn.
We’d hit a brick wall in our Saul research on the internet, although Draven insisted he knew a guy who could find out more. Maybe he did, but my ego smarted just a little bit. Usually, information had few places to hide from my investigative skills.
I returned to the kitchen and my cooling coffee, and I opened the laptop. I didn’t know where to look next. I’d overturned just about every stone I’d ever heard of, found some new places to look, and even ventured a short way onto the dark web, but that shit turned my stomach.
There was nothing left for me to do. I sat quietly for a moment, listening to a clock in the hallway tick away the seconds until Draven came home and watching my coffee give up its last few wisps of steam. But I couldn’t even think of one more thing to help find out information on Saul, and I wasn’t familiar with feeling useless.
I made my own way in life, plowed my own path, used my other talents Grandma was so fond of.
Grandma.
At the thought of her, I pulled up my web-based email. Usually I’d text her, but my smashed phone was sitting in a drawer in Draven’s desk. I hadn’t let him throw it away, so we could still recover the video somehow if the opportunity presented itself.
I typed in her email address and watched the flashing curser for a moment before I began to type my white lie.
Hi Grandma,
I just wanted to let you know I’m staying with a friend and waiting for a replacement phone because mine has broken.
I shrugged. That was pretty much true. Close enough that it didn’t feel like a lie, anyway. And that was good because Grandma could most definitely sniff out a lie at fifty paces.
Having a great time, and I’ll be in contact really soon.
I signed off with some hugs and kisses and pressed send. Even with everything going on, I didn’t want to cause her any worry—although her life was pretty busy, so she wouldn’t have been worrying about me just yet, anyway. I just wanted the connection with her.
Sure, Draven said my life was in danger, but he’d fix it. I didn’t even have to try to trust him. The knowledge that I could nestled in my heart like a warm secret. Not that I wanted to examine that instinct too closely. I didn’t understand the trust I had for him. I just had it.
I shook off my sudden melancholy and closed the laptop, not even wanting to stare at an empty search box on the most popular search engines. For the record, they weren’t all that thorough. I scoffed loudly for good measure, certain they’d feel my displeasure and stood up to straighten the already tidy kitchen. Then I did the same with the immaculate living room. Seriously, it was almost like no one actually lived here. Where the hell did Draven spend all of his time?
After I ran out of things to do, I walked upstairs for a nap in my room—when I was bored, I could always nap. But the view outside the balcony window stole my attention, and I unlocked the door and stepped outside.
The sun peeked through thin tendrils of cloud, and waves crashed against the rocks at the base of the cliffs below. I peered over the edge of the balcony, trying to see the entrance to the house Draven had used when he returned from his flight the other day. My cheeks burned at the memory of him walking naked across the grass, and I tried to fan away my reaction with a rapid flutter of my hand.
It was no use, though. I couldn’t see anything below me. But I could still find out—if I
went through that door in the kitchen, the one Draven had used to come back inside.
Once in the kitchen, I hesitated, but only for a moment. I hadn’t pried or poked my nose around his home at all. Not even to glance inside his bedroom, and I’d been tempted to open that particular door many times. I wanted to go and roll across his bed, wrapping myself in his sheets, if I was honest, but my desire to not be a crazy houseguest was stronger. Or perhaps it was that I didn’t trust my desire to be stronger.
Either way, I avoided the room.
Mate.
The word drifted through my mind in a voice I didn’t recognize, and I shivered.
I cracked the door open and searched for a light switch before walking down the narrow steps. My stomach clenched at the idea I was going somewhere forbidden, and my nose twitched at the musty smell of damp stone and sea salt. About halfway down, there was a small landing, and the remaining steps were all carved from solid rock, leading into a large cave-like space. It was almost a cavern. Gym equipment filled most of the room, some small enough for me to comfortably use, and other pieces huge.
Big enough for Draven’s dragon, it looked like, but I’d never known a dragon use the gym. Not in any of the stories I’d ever read, anyway.
I touched some of the massive weights. They were as big as tractor tires. Then I jumped up to grab some enormous hoops that were hanging from the ceiling, but even with my arms outstretched, I couldn’t reach.
“Lookin’ good. Working out, angel?”
I landed heavily and froze in a half-crouch at the unfamiliar voice, but the chuckle that followed the words was relaxed and musical rather than menacing, and I cast a hesitant glance over my shoulder.
The guy had dark blue hair and gentle brown eyes. And I wouldn’t have wanted to pick a fight with him. My gaze drifted to his hair again, and I fought not to appear rude as his grin widened.
Draven stepped in front of the guy at his side. “Cool it, Ash.”
I straightened and stepped behind one of the huge weights, putting the obstacle between us. “Hello.” My voice was cool, frosty even—and guarded—but Draven wasn’t supposed to bring anyone back. I’d expected him to return home alone. “What’s this? Is hiding out a spectator sport now? Anyone can come along and watch me doing it?”
Ash chuckled again. “I like her,” he said.
“She’s mine.” Draven’s retort came so quickly, I’d barely registered Ash’s words.
I choked on a gasp as my chest tightened at his territorial tone. His. Hell, yes. My entire body warmed as the knowledge of safety and being home claimed me—even with the stranger here.
Mate. The word floated through my head again, still in that same voice, but louder now.
I folded my arms. “Who keeps talking to me?”
“Well, I tried, but Draven cut me off. I’m Ash.” He extended his hand, and I leaned over the weights to take it.
Draven’s eyes narrowed as he watched us, and his body tensed. A low growl rumbled from him, and Ash released my hand.
Small satisfaction rolled through me at the protectiveness Draven displayed, even against his friend.
“Sorry, dude.” He cast a quick glance at Draven. “I just can’t resist a beautiful woman.”
My skin heated, and I was sure I was bright red. How dumb was I for thinking both of these men found me beautiful or worthy? I had other talents.
Draven growled again, but shame beat down any other thoughts. I wasn’t stupid. I knew I wasn’t beautiful. Mirrors told me that truth every day, and I didn’t appreciate being the object of someone’s fun.
I stood straighter, adopting the confident pose I’d mastered for when I was trying not to let something bother me.
“What do you think of my gym?” Draven’s subject change was awkward, but the light in his eyes was hopeful, like my opinion on his space somehow mattered.
But his question reminded me that I didn’t belong in any gym, anywhere, any time. I glanced around again. “Uh, I’m actually going to leave you guys to it.” As his brows creased down and his hope turned into disappointment, I relented. “It’s great. It’s a very nice gym. I’m impressed.” The praise tripped off my tongue, and a proud smile claimed his mouth.
He almost puffed up his chest at my words.
“But I really don’t belong here. I’ve never been a gym bunny. I just don’t fit in.” As I spoke my last words, I stepped out from behind the weight and tried to slip by him, pressing my back to the wall, but he threw his arm out, and when I looked to my right, his other arm was there, too, as he caged me in place.
“I should leave.” But my voice was small, my protest weak. I wanted to stand just like this… Just like this and more—for a whole lot longer.
I glanced at Ash over Draven’s shoulder, but Ash simply winked before turning away, apparently finding the cross trainer far more interesting than the fact I was trying to leave.
Draven stepped closer, and his body heat warmed me.
Mate. The voice spoke in my head again, and I glanced at Draven, but he just looked back, his gaze firmly on my lips.
I skimmed the tip of my tongue over them, and his mouth parted as he tracked the movement.
Mate.
“Why do you keep saying that?” I whispered.
“Keep saying what?” He sounded genuinely puzzled, and I shook my head, unsure whether to confess I’d started hearing things.
“It doesn’t matter.” I glanced pointedly at his arm then back to him. “Now, do you mind? I was trying to leave.”
He stepped forward, his chest brushing against my breasts, and warmth flooded me. As I met his gaze, his breathing hitched.
Want. The voice definitely wasn’t Draven’s, but he seemed to respond to it, moving slowly forward to capture my lips with his, the kiss lingering and sweet.
“Dray?”
Draven jerked his head back as Ash called his name, leaving me feeling exposed and a little bit vulnerable without the warmth of his focus, but he didn’t move away from me completely, and the hard ridge of his erection rested against my hip.
A thrill claimed me. He actually wanted me. It had been a long time since anyone had desired me. A long time since I’d wanted anyone at all. And the two desires didn’t usually collide, but while I stood so close to Draven, the undeniable crackled in the air between us.
Want.
Conflict marred his features, and he grimaced as though against a flare of pain, but I cupped his face.
“Me, too,” I whispered as I met his eyes.
I couldn’t even explain it. I never opened myself up to anyone like this. The urge was almost animalistic. Instinctive. And if the merest touch was like this, surely anything more would be explosive. My mind didn’t usually automatically go to the bedroom, but it was there already. In my head, I was already writhing beneath Draven, and my cheeks heated as though he’d be able to read my mind.
His eyelids fluttered closed, and he groaned before he drew away, each of his movements stuttered and carefully controlled, but his palms remained on the rough stone on either side of me.
“I… Uh.” He paused. “I brought Ash.” He turned and gestured at his friend.
Draven’s groan lingered inside my head, sending a wave of heat low to my belly. I wasn’t sure he even knew he’d made a noise. But I had to shake it off. Maybe pretend he hadn’t made any noise at all.
“I see that.” I arched an eyebrow and chuckled. “And did you bring him just to view me?”
Draven shook his head.
Ash bellowed a sudden laugh. “Get a grip, man.”
I peered around Draven and addressed Ash directly. “Can I at least get you a coffee while we wait for Draven to remember why you’re here?”
Ash nodded. “Sure. Maybe I’ll just fill you in myself. Might be quicker.”
I nodded. “Okay. I’ll listen.”
Draven didn’t move as Ash started toward the staircase, so I tugged Draven’s hand, and he fell into step behind me, but h
e didn’t let go. His fingers wound tighter around mine, and I welcomed the grip, although I didn’t know who was keeping who anchored.
He suddenly seemed so adrift.
When we reached the kitchen, he recovered himself and drew out a barstool, taking his usual seat at the counter.
“White with one.” I directed my words at him.
He looked at me, his confused frown in place.
“My coffee,” I clarified as I sat on a second stool.
A laugh echoed through my head, and I chuckled along with it.
Ash shot me an amused glance. “What’s so funny?”
“Oh, nothing.” Hell, what was I doing? Laughing along with the voices in my head? “Just pointing out that Draven never makes the coffee.”
Ash laughed and winked at me before directing his words at Draven. “Better get to it, dude.”
Draven sighed and stood, then made his way around the counter. “Okay.” He took three mugs from the cupboard and they clinked as they hit the counter with more force than I usually moved them. “Ash and I know for sure that Saul is the one behind the attack at the party.”
I refrained from rolling my eyes at his back. “I know that. I watched his change live, right in front of me. I pretty much had a front row seat.”
“Well, we both believe you.” Ash touched my hand but retracted quickly at a low growl from Draven.
I glanced up to find him handing me a coffee.
“I’m his best friend, really.” Ash pretended to confide in me, leaning closer and lowering his voice to do so.
Draven huffed out a grumbled chuckle and pushed his hand through his hair. “Bottom line is Ash is helping us now, too.”
I glanced at his friend, and Ash flinched a little before he grinned wide.
“See this?” He pointed to his mouth. “It’s my winning smile.” He flashed it again. “And it’s all yours.” Then he caught himself and looked at Draven. “And yours too, of course.”
“Yeah, yeah,” Draven grumbled before he took a short sip of his coffee.