Jagger sighed heavily, then gave a curt nod. “You’re right, of course. What a shitty start to your stay here.”
Asher grinned, shaking his head. “Hey, I’ve not been shot at, not been blown up, or been cursed and spat at. I’m having dinner cooked for me, and I’ll be in the company of a friend and two gorgeous women. Hell, that’s a great day in my book.”
“Excuse me? Two gorgeous women? I’m allowed to say that about Storm, lay off or I’ll get all Alpha mate on you. Now, calling Savannah gorgeous is another thing entirely. I saw how you looked at her, and how she looked back…”
“Quiet down, Jag. Don’t start trying to hook me up. I’m a lone wolf, always have been and always will be. Away with you, they’ll be waiting for you, or worse, they’ll be walking down the road alone, and I’m sure you don’t want them out there without you with Nash on the loose.”
“What?” Jagger’s face whitened, his eyes swung to the door before he rushed toward it. “Shit, I’ve gotta go. See you later, and don’t be late or Storm will kick your ass.”
Asher only saw a blur as his friend disappeared, and finally, he was alone. Alone in his own place for the first time … ever. A new job, a pack to belong to, and finally, a place to call home. Home. One word, but it meant the world to him. A word he never thought he’d have, not properly, not happily, not where he’d belong … or not one where he’d not have to fight tooth and claw every damn day.
Home. Yes, he’d finally found a home in Dark Moon Falls. Now all he had to do was ensure this damn rogue didn’t hurt anyone. Especially not Savannah.
Chapter Seven
“In a minute!” Savannah shouted. “For goodness’ sake, I’ll be there in a minute. Stop banging on the door.”
She sounded pissed while Asher stood outside. “I’ve been waiting for more than a minute. What’s taking you so long?”
He’d been right on time, yet here he was still waiting.
“I’m getting dressed!” Savannah roared back, sounding even more upset. “Can’t you just shush and gimme a few minutes?”
Asher sighed, turned away and paced back and forth for several more minutes before returning to the door and knocking on it again. “Time’s up. We’re going to be late, so get your ass out here.”
His enhanced hearing picked up a few choice cuss words, then the click clacking of heels heading toward him, then finally a key turned in the lock. He stepped away just as the door opened, her scent hitting him first. Falling over him like a warm blanket in winter, it was masked by a sweet perfume she wore, but his senses blocked it out immediately. He tasted her on his tongue and in his nostrils that flared open to inhale her fully inside. Savannah smelled like … nature. What the hell? Nature? And the woods, trees, flowers … everything to do with the forest. Everything to do with his first thought, nature. It was the only way to describe her. It was glorious and calling to him on a base level he couldn’t understand.
His eyes roamed over her … now dressed in a strappy dress, tight on the top, pinched at the waist, but then it flowed out around her like gossamer. It was flowery, stopping just above her knees, and she wore sandals with heels and straps wrapping around her ankles and tying in front. She’d left her hair loose, but it was curled in places, and held back at the sides with silver clasps, which accented her cheekbones. Then he noticed her make-up, understated apart from her ruby-red lips, shining bright and plump. Lips he felt sure would melt beneath his…
“Shouldn’t we get going?” Savannah asked with a raised brow. “Or do you want me to turn around so you can get a view from the back too?”
Caught in the act but he wouldn’t apologize. Not when he was staring at the most beautiful woman he’d ever set eyes on. “We should get going, yes, but I have to say you look stunning, Savannah. Absolutely gorgeous, and you don’t need to turn around. I’m sure I’ll catch that view at some point tonight.”
She inhaled, her cheeks pinked up, and he saw her shock at his forthrightness. What? Did she expect him to be embarrassed at her calling him out?
“You’re not shy, are you?”
“No, why? Are you?” he asked quickly.
“I’m not, but it’s rare for a guy to stand up to my … standards, or be able to handle my, how do I put this?” She tapped her chin, frowning.
He stepped up to her, staring down into her face. “Your forthrightness? Bullheadedness? Willfulness? Or is there something else I’m not aware of?”
“Bullheaded?” she shot back. “I’m not bullheaded.”
“Really?”
“Maybe a little,” she relented.
“Here.” He held his arm out. “You better take this if we’re walking through the forest and you’re wearing heels. I don’t want you falling or hurting yourself.”
Savannah lifted her chin haughtily, then snorted. “Excuse me, but I can walk just fine in these. I was almost born with heels on. I’ve worn higher ones than these in the middle of winter, in snow and ice, on a night out. I’m certain a walk in the woods isn’t going to do me any harm.”
“I’m sure you can, but still, it’ll make me feel better. I’d rather not tell Storm you hurt yourself because I wasn’t a gentleman.”
Savannah looked him up and down, smirking. “A gentleman? Hmm, I’m not sure you’d get away with that … and I’m not sure if I’d want you to.”
Then she sashayed away, swinging her hips as she did. Asher wasn’t sure if she put extra effort into it for effect or not, but it sure as hell worked. Her dress swung out around her, floating like sheets of flowers in the wind … it was beautiful. He stayed where he was for several heartbeats, then followed slowly behind her, with his eyes glued to the vision in front of him. He kept pace with her, ensuring she was only a few steps in front of him, but didn’t move to her side. If he did, he’d lose the perfect view of her swaying hips, and also when her dress caught the wind it flew up higher on her thighs, giving him a glimpse of skin he longed to run his hand…
“Aren’t you going to join me?” Savannah threw over her shoulder.
Asher didn’t respond immediately, thinking of his answer before chuckling and replying, “I’m enjoying the view.”
She didn’t seem fazed by his comment, continuing for a few steps. “I bet you are, but…”
Then she faltered, her arms going out to spin in the air, and he saw her heel disappear into the ground. Savannah let out a squeak, but he was already moving … fast … his legs propelling him forward so quickly he was nothing but a blur. He saw her body starting to fall, and her futile attempt to keep herself upright, but knew she’d fail. Her heel was now caught down a hole and she had no purchase on the ground, and if he didn’t catch her … her ankle would snap in two like a twig.
Seconds, it’s all he had before he’d hear bones break. Savannah’s bones. He couldn’t bear the thought of hearing the crack as they snapped apart … followed by the howl of pain she’d be sure to scream into the sky. No. He couldn’t allow her to feel such agony. He had to reach her. Had to spare her the torture.
“Savannah!” he yelled, leaping the last few feet to catch her in his arms and hauling her to his chest. “I’ve got you.”
She exhaled, tugging her foot free, then turned to grab onto him, her face a few shades whiter than it was earlier. “My knight in shining armor. Thanks. It could’ve been nasty if you didn’t catch me. Pesky rabbit holes, they really should put up signs to alert people. Safety and all that, you know?”
He heard her heart stammering in her chest and knew she was rattled, even if she was attempting to hide it with bravado. He’d play along, just to save her face. “I’ve said so myself before. We should fine them for not being good neighbors in my opinion.”
“I absolutely concur. Where do I sign up for that?”
Her breathing was slowing down, coming back to near normal, but she remained in his arms and staring up into his eyes. Ash didn’t release her either, he liked the feel of her in his arms, the soft curve of her against him, and t
he smell of her skin when he took a breath in. Damn, she felt good…
“I think we should move on, we’re already late, and Storm will be waiting.” She smiled at him, then leaned in to peck him on the side of his mouth. “Thanks again for saving me. I’m certain it would’ve ended far worse if you hadn’t been here, Ash.”
When her skin touched his, it was like sparks igniting inside him. As if something came alive at that moment and he wasn’t sure what was happening, it left him breathless as he tried to process it. Then he saw Savannah staring up at him with wonder shining in her eyes and he knew she felt it, too. What the hell was it? He didn’t know yet, maybe he was starstruck because he’d not seen anyone as gorgeous as Savannah in such a long time. Or because he’d been stuck with a group of smelly guys on his last assignment before he left for good. Or … shoot, he had no damn clue, but he’d figure it out. But right now, he had to say something, anything, because he was standing there like an idiot, and the seconds were ticking by into an awkward silence.
“I’m glad I could help, couldn’t have you arriving all beat up. It wouldn’t have looked good, now, would it? Not after I said I would escort you and look out for you.” Taking a deep breath to steady himself, he held his arm out. “But I think you should take this for the rest of the way, just in case.”
“Hmmf,” she snorted, taking his arm. “I guess not.”
They carried on, and as they walked, he took the opportunity to take in his surroundings. For the first time in years, he walked slowly through a forest just for pleasure. He wasn’t hiding out for his safety, like he’d done in his youth, or what he’d had to do while in the service. No, this time he could take the time to glory in the beauty surrounding him … and it wasn’t just the magnificent trees, flowers, or wildlife around him he loved so much. Now he was walking with another, more stunning creature beside him: Savannah.
He felt her presence with every step he took, every breath he inhaled, every heartbeat in his chest. Like a wondrous awakening inside him, as if he’d been asleep like Sleeping fucking Beauty and her brief kiss woke something buried deep within him. What though? He still hadn’t figured it out yet, but he would. All he knew was walking with her next to him felt … right.
“So, Savannah, where’s your family from? Do you have any siblings? And how long have you worked for Storm?” He suddenly felt the need to know everything about her, hell, he didn’t even know her surname yet, but he’d start with a few basics.
Silence. She didn’t respond immediately, her hand tightening on his arm as they walked for a few more steps before he looked down at her. She turned her face up to him, with her eyes twinkling, but it seemed somehow forced to him. His years of interrogation coming to the fore, and he knew she wasn’t happy at his questions. Why? It was basic interaction between two people.
“I’ve worked for Storm for a while now, several years, and I love my job. She’s great to work with and we have a good relationship,” Savannah gushed … gushed?
Yeah, that’s the word, and it seemed forced too. He didn’t think she was lying per se, but he also thought she was trying to put him off about something … her family perhaps?
“It’s always better if you enjoy what you do,” he said back, trying to put her at ease. “And your family? Have they met her?”
Silence. Again. Only this time he felt her bristle against him. Her family appeared to be definitely not something she wanted to talk about. Was she estranged from them? Why? What happened? Damn it. He couldn’t help himself, his years of being an officer in the Military Police, interrogating so many people, investigation upon investigation … his mind just didn’t stop.
“No, they haven’t.” Her lips pursed closed and she didn’t say another word.
It was obvious she wasn’t going to either. Her face closed down, then her body stiffened … if ever there was body language that said, Fuck the hell off, it was right there and in Savannah’s.
“I’m not in touch with my father, and my mother died when I was small,” he said softly. “After that, my dad drank like a skunk and I was left pretty much on my own. I tend to stand up for others, especially if they’re being beat on, so as I grew older, I had problems in the shit pack I was in. It’s why I left so young and joined up. It’s where I met Jagger, and he helped me because I was still a bit of a hothead. When I went back to my pack, well, let’s just say I didn’t settle in too well, and the Beta and I had a misunderstanding … and again, Jag helped, and here I am.”
Savannah remained quiet for a few moments before she stopped walking, forcing him to as well. When he turned to look down at her, she looked unhappy, then shook her head at him, her mouth a thin, straight line.
“I get what you’re trying to do. You’re telling me your shit so I’ll tell you mine. It won’t work. I’m sorry you had a tough time and I’m happy Jagger helped you. I’m also glad you’re here right now, but I refuse to be blackmailed with tales of your crappy childhood into telling you anything I don’t want to.”
Savannah pulled her arm free, turned and strode away, with her head high and those dang hips swaying. He watched as she pulled away, her slim figure a beacon, luring him to follow, but he stalled for a moment more just to take in the view. The way the material of her dress floated around her like gossamer reminded him of … what? A memory tucked away inside him, locked up tight, from … when?
He couldn’t pluck it out, but it was there all right. He sensed it hiding in the dark recesses of his mind. His childhood? Later? Where? When? What the hell? Why couldn’t he remember? He always remembered facts, places, and yet something was stopping him from pulling this one out. As if, as if … it was blocked somehow. How, but more importantly … why?
“We’re here.” Savannah turned, held her hand out, and gave him a dazzling smile as if she hadn’t just strode away angrily from him mere moments before.
All thoughts left him when he looked at her, at the smile on her face … he sped up, wrapped his fingers with hers while she continued to smile. “I hope she has wine, lots and lots of wine.”
Savannah laughed, a high tinkling sound that filled him with an emotion he’d never encountered before. One he was sure he’d be laughed at for if he mentioned it to the guys … pure happiness. He felt it when he heard her, and he had no idea why, or what the hell was happening to him while he allowed Savannah to lead him away…
Chapter Eight
“Late as usual, Savannah.” Storm shook her head before she gave them both a smile. “Just as well, I planned for it.”
Savannah had released his hand when they’d arrived at the porch, and now he felt like his fingers were cold as ice. Her warmth gone and he missed it more than he cared to admit. Jagger looked at him strangely … was he showing his feelings? Or did his friend have some information regarding the rogue he wanted to tell him?
“Want a beer?” Jag asked, nodding back to the porch. “We’re eating outside and there’s some in the cooler.”
“Sure. Is there anything I can do to help?” Asher asked while Savannah walker over to the kitchen where Storm was moving around like the proverbial worker bee. Whizzing around so fast he was sure she wouldn’t welcome anyone getting in her way.
“No, absolutely not.” Storm waved a hand at him. “You’re a guest, so go and relax.”
Jagger led the way outside, leading him to a table set up at the far end of the porch. His friend checked they were alone, opened the cooler to hand him a cold one, then carried on farther away from the door, stopping to pop his drink before he finally said what he’d obviously been waiting to.
“I sensed the twins earlier…”
“The twins?” Asher interrupted him.
“Yeah, Luca and Samira, or Sam as she prefers, they’re twins and part of Levi’s team. I sensed them earlier. I guess Levi sent them to check for Nash. They’re not here now, haven’t been for a while, so they couldn’t have found anything of note or they would’ve let me know.”
“Not good. I wa
s hoping this would be over quickly. I don’t like the idea of him being out there, and we have no clue where he is or what he’s up to.”
Jagger’s lips drew together in a tight line, his eyes squinting off into the forest. “I agree, however, he could be gone. If he knows Levi and his team are after him, then he knows he’s in trouble. He’s fully aware of what they’re capable of. He might be an ass, but he’s not stupid. Nash can’t take them on, not even one on one, and if there’s one thing he’ll always do, it’s look out for his own skin. He’s a bully, and we know what they’re like, Ash. When faced with true power, they back the fuck down.”
Asher did know. However, he also knew guys who were blinded with their goals and who’d go to any lengths to make them happen. Did it pertain to this Nash guy or not? Having no direct knowledge of the man, he couldn’t make a full or proper judgment. Not yet anyway. He’d have to wait and see what happened. If he didn’t show up again, then Nash obviously ran. If Nash appeared again … he was more dangerous than Jagger seemed to think.
“We’ll have to wait and see what happens. I’m not letting my guard down just yet.” Asher shrugged, taking a slug of his beer then carried on. “This guy’s been away from the pack for a while and we’ve no idea what’s happened in the time he’s been away, or why he’s returned, or why he went after Savannah in the first place. There are too many variables at play here for me to make an informed decision just yet. I know the pack hunters are on this, but I’ll still be doing my job, and it’s keeping everyone safe from any and all threats, Jag. As far as I’m concerned, this guy is exactly that, and until I know for certain he’s gone, or been taken care of by the pack, he’s still a threat.”
Jagger’s jaw ticked, his hand tightening around the can he held, and his eyes darkened. Asher felt him … wait. What? Yes, he sensed his friend’s growing unease and anger. Pack. It must be the pack link growing. He didn’t know what he was thinking or anything like that, but he felt something rolling from Jagger. More than his usual shifter senses, more than his usual abilities, it was disconcerting because he was always apart from his previous pack. Never fully integrated because of his issues with authority and his failure to comply with their rules. He’d never fully been part of them, or maybe he’d just blocked them out. Whatever, he’d never felt them as he was feeling his friend now.
Dark Moon Falls: Volume 2 Page 14