Seer Protector

by Roxanne Witherell

  “Understandable, but you’re safe with me,” he assured her and pulled her to him again. “I promise I won’t let anything happen to you. I’ll be your protector.” He kissed the tip of her nose. “Right now, I’ll be your server. Where’s your wine?”

  “Wine is on the counter by the fridge and the wine glasses are in the cabinet above it,” she told him as he went into the kitchen.

  While he was in the kitchen pouring wine, she glanced around to make sure everything was in order. As she made her way around the couch, she noticed a pair of hot pink socks on the floor. With Heath on his way back into the room, she pushed the socks underneath the couch with her foot.

  “Here you go.” He handed her one of the glasses. “To beginnings.”

  They took a sip of wine then Heath took her glass and set it down on the coffee table. He stepped closer to her and his lips found hers. Her skin began to warm as his finger drew a light line down her jaw, slowly tracing the pulse on her neck. His finger mover lower to her chest. Her heart rate quickened. He broke the kiss and gazed into her eyes. He slowly moved his hand lower to her breast.

  As she took a deep breath, he asked, “Do I need to stop, Cupcake?”

  Shivering she replied, “I hope not. Let’s see what you got.”

  He chuckled. “Sounds good to me.”

  She slipped off her shoes and sat down on the couch. He sat next to her then pulled her into his lap. Once she was on his lap, there was no hiding his erection from her.

  “Is that a banana in your pocket, or you just happy to see me?” she asked as she smiled nervously. The butterflies were in a panic in her stomach.

  “Cupcake, this is not the time to make me laugh. I’m trying to be sexy here.”

  “You’re doing a fine job.” She kissed his forehead. “It has just been a long time since I have been close to someone, and I’m afraid that I’ll screw it up.”

  “As long as you let me love you and take care of you, you won’t screw this up.” His cock sprung up, hitting her ass. “See? Part of me already wants to play.” She giggled as he scooped her up in his arms and stood up. “Where’s your bedroom? I need room to work.”

  She pointed upstairs and he headed that way. When he reached the top of the stairs she pointed to the door on the end. He pushed the door open with his foot. When he reached the bed, he stood her beside it and slowly began to undress her. Slipping her top over her head, his lips found their way to her breast. His fingers reached around and unfastened her bra. It fell to the floor beside her top. He paused, gazing at her nipples.

  The next thing she knew, he had his mouth around her nipple and was gently licking it. Her nipples stood at attention for him, begging to be touched. With one hand on her breast, his other hand traced the edge of her pants. A quick flip of his fingers and her pants came unbuttoned. After easing the zipper down, he slid her pants down, over her hips.

  Chill bumps rolled suddenly along her belly. Her breath quickened as his tongue began to slide over her breast to her belly, then maneuvered further down her mound. She instinctively spread her legs to give him access. Her hands ran through his hair as his tongue licked between her folds, teasing her clit.

  “God…” she moaned as he continued to arouse her.

  He slowly moved her to the bed and laid her down. He continued to lavish her privates with kisses and nips. Her hips came off the bed as he slid a finger inside her, then another. As he spread her open, her juices began to flow.

  “Damn, you taste so good,” he said, then circled his tongue around her clit.

  “I need to see you. Take your clothes off and come here,” she spoke urgently.

  “Yes, ma’am.” He stood and began to undress. When his pants landed on the floor, her eyes widened at the sight of what he had to offer. He knelt between her legs. “I want you, Ciara. I don’t think I can wait any longer.”

  “Yes, don’t make me wait.” Her knees spread wider to allow him entrance to her body. She pulled him, bringing him closer to her as he moved up her body.

  “Are you sure?” He paused at her entrance, the head of his cock just teased her, sliding against her slickness.

  “More sure than anything else in my life,” her reply came between fast breaths.

  She inhaled deeply as he moved deeper inside her. Slowly, he pushed inside of her until his balls pressed against her ass. As he moved, each thrust was harder and faster. She pushed back, matching his rhythm. Each thrust caused her to moan out. She moaned his name as her climax drew near. He reached between them and pinched her nub which threw her over the top. Bringing her climax to the greatest height, she screamed his name as he followed in bliss. His release matched hers as they came together.

  As he rolled over, he brought her with him, settling her on top of him. “Can we stay like this for just a little while? It feels right to be here like this with you,” she asked settling in on his chest.

  “We can stay like this for an eternity as far as I’m concerned.” He kissed her forehead. “Sleep now. It’s been a long day.” She kissed his chest and closed her eyes.

  Chapter Twelve

  The next morning, Heath woke to his phone buzzing on the nightstand. Ciara was still snuggled against him. Her arm draped across his chest. She fit perfect next to him. It was unethical for him to have sex with a witness, but with Ciara, there was no way he couldn’t. She was his mate. Any other shifter would understand the mate’s call. When you find your mate, you can’t resist wanting to be with them. He kissed her forehead before moving to reach his phone.

  “Agent Cooper,” he answered without looking at the screen.

  “Get your lover boy ass up,” Heather demanded with a laugh. “I think it’s safe to assume since you weren’t in your hotel room, that you spent the night at Ciara’s house.”

  “You said to continue our date, so that’s what we did.”

  “You did a lot more than finish your date. Director Normandy will have your ass if he finds out you’re sleeping with the witness.”

  “Only if you tell him. Which you won’t because you love me so much.”

  “Yeah, yeah, yeah. Get dressed, I’m on my way over to pick you up.”

  “Was there another body found?” he asked as he tried to slide out of the bed without waking Ciara.

  “No, but Gunner called. He was able to enlarge the photo and should be sending it over to us now. He’s running it through facial recognition.”

  “Do I have time for a shower?”

  “Yeah, I thought you would ask that, so I brought you a change of clothes.”

  “You’re the best.” He grabbed his clothes off the floor and snuck out of the bedroom. “Ciara is still asleep, so just call me when you get here.”

  “You got it. Now hurry up.” Heather ended the call before he could get another word out.

  Heath eased the door to the bathroom shut so he didn’t disturb Ciara. She looked peaceful as she slept, and he didn’t want to ruin it. She had told him about her night terrors since the killer had started his murdering spree. Best to let her sleep while she could.

  His shower was hot but quick. He wanted to make it downstairs before Heather came up. He didn’t trust her not to knock or ring the doorbell. Once he pulled his clothes on from the night before, he quietly left the bathroom. Not wanting to leave without saying a word, he went to the bedroom hoping to find some paper and a pen. Instead, he found the bed empty. There went his chance of letting her sleep in. Laughter could be heard from downstairs. The scent of fresh brewed coffee assaulted his nose as he came down the stairs.

  “Good morning,” Ciara and Heather said in unison.

  “Good morning to you both.” He glared over to Heather. “You’re early.”

  “I was closer than I thought. It’s not like I’m from around here.” Heather shrugged. “Your clothes are on the counter.” She nodded toward the counter on his left.

  “Would you like some coffee?” Ciara held up a purple mug with flowers on it.

&
nbsp; “Flowers?” He inspected the girly cup. He didn’t really care what the cup had on it, as long as it had the hot bitter bite of greatness in it.

  “Oh, you need a manly cup?” She grinned and opened the cabinet where the mugs were stashed.

  “I was only messing with you. What man doesn’t like tulips?” He came up behind her and kissed the side of her neck.

  “How about this one?” She held out a white mug.

  He took the mug and turned it around. A burst of laughter came out when he saw the silhouette of a naked woman laying on a handgun.

  “Now, this is a mug made for a man.” He gladly accepted the mug.

  “It’s a mug from one of my favorite authors.” Ciara grabbed the coffee carafe and poured the dark, hot liquid into his mug.

  “I hate to break it up, but we need to get going,” Heather interrupted.

  “Alright, let me get changed.” He took a sip of his black coffee and grabbed his clothes off the counter. “You two behave while I’m gone.”

  “Oh, I have loads of embarrassing stories to tell her while you’re gone.” Heather grinned and winked at Ciara.

  “You wouldn’t dare.” He narrowed his eyes at Heather.

  “I will if you don’t hurry your ass up.” Heather raised her coffee mug to take a sip.

  “Alright, I’m going.”

  With his clothes in one hand and his coffee in the other, he headed upstairs to change. He was only gone a few minutes. The laughter coming from downstairs had him wondering what stories Heather was telling Ciara. While he was pulling on his shirt, his phone buzzed with a message. On his way back down the stairs, he looked at the message.

  Still running facial recognition.

  Attached was a picture of the last woman from the photo they had him enlarge.

  The woman staring back at him was a redhead with wild curly hair that reminded him of Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman. They’d ask around at the sheriff’s department and see if anyone recognized her. With his phone in hand, he came into the kitchen. Maybe Ciara will recognize her.

  “Ciara, I want to show you a picture. Tell me if you know the woman.” He went over toward her with his phone held out.

  “Is it the woman from the photo?” she asked as he drew near.

  “Yeah, Gunner just sent it over.”

  “Hey, I didn’t get the message,” Heather complained.

  “Probably because you’re standing in a dead spot. I don’t know why, but that corner of the kitchen doesn’t get a signal.” Ciara shrugged then looked at Heath’s phone. “Oh, I’ve seen her. That’s, um, Amy. Yeah, Amy, she works at AJ’s. She’s one of their bartenders. I can’t remember her real name. Amy is her nickname.”

  “It’s okay,” Heath assured her. “Now that we know where she works, we can get to her before he does.”

  “If he hasn’t already.” Heather set her empty mug down on the counter. “He’s escalating. I don’t think he’ll wait two days to snatch her up. Once he finds out where she is, he’ll move in.”

  “Then let’s hope we found her first.” Heath finished the last of his coffee and placed the mug in the sink. “Thank you for all your help.” He kissed her lips. “I’ll give you a call later.”

  “That’s fine. Go do what you have to do.” She gave him another kiss before he turned to leave.

  “It was nice chatting with you,” Heather told Ciara as they left the kitchen.

  Heath eyed Heather as they went out the door. “What stories did you tell her?”

  “Nothing,” Heather said while trying her best innocent face.

  “Now, I know you’re lying.” Heath laughed as he got into the SUV.

  While Heather drove to the sheriff’s department, Heath called Gunner. With a place of employment, Gunner was able to narrow it down to one employee. Amethyst Greystone only worked Mondays through Thursdays. Which is why they didn’t see her when they went in over the weekend.

  “I got an idea. Instead of going to the station, let’s go to Ms. Greystone’s house. Gunner gave me the address from her work records. The sooner we get her into custody the safer she’ll be.”

  “Yeah, he’s proved he doesn’t mind killing them in their homes.” She pulled over to enter the address in the SUV’s GPS.

  “I’ll let the sheriff know we’re picking her up.”

  Heath sent the sheriff a message telling him they found the identity of the woman in the photograph and were on their way to her house to bring her in. Fifteen minutes later, they were pulling into Ms. Greystone’s driveway. On the way up to the door, Heath hoped they weren’t too late. He knocked loudly on the door. When no one answered, he knocked louder. Finally, they heard someone scream out for them to hold on and footsteps pounding through the house. The door was yanked open. Amethyst Greystone stood in the doorway in her plaid pajamas. Her hair was in a disarray mess, curls flying in all directions.

  “You better not be selling anything.” She scanned them both.

  “Ms. Amethyst Greystone?” he asked for confirmation.

  “Who wants to know?” She peered around them to see if they were alone.

  “We’re working the case of the missing and murdered women.” Heath flashed her his badge. “We have reason to believe you’re in danger. Please come with us down to the station.”

  “Sure, let me get some clothes on.” She closed the door with them on the outside.

  “Think she’s going to make a run for it?” Heath asked Heather.

  “I doubt it. Not if she knows what’s good for her,” she replied and leaned against the house.

  Five minutes later, Amethyst came outside with her purse slung over her shoulder. Her hair was now pulled into a low ponytail. She got in the back of the SUV and they escorted her to the station. She didn’t ask any questions like Heath thought she would. Instead, she rode in silence and stared out the window. Heath could tell she had a growing sadness inside her. Maybe the loss of her friends was finally setting in.

  They brought her into the station and into one of the interview rooms. She sat in one of the armchairs and placed her purse beside her on the floor. Straightening her shoulder, she tried to exude a sense of confidence, though her emotions gave off that she was sad and frightened.

  “They’re all dead, aren’t they?” she asked in a shaken voice.

  “Who are they?” Heath asked, wanting to know if they were more.

  “You know who or I wouldn’t be here.” Her bottom lip quivered. She was on the verge of tears.

  “Do you know who’s after you?” Heather asked, taking a seat next to her.

  “I have no clue, or I would have gone to the sheriff.”

  “You’ve known the whole time that someone was after your group. Why didn’t you go to the sheriff before?”

  “And say what? That the serial killer is on a witch hunt? Yeah, that would get me somewhere… in the nuthouse.” She wrung her hands together. “Nevada told us not to say anything to anyone. I haven’t been able to get in touch with her. She was supposed to call me yesterday.”

  “She was found yesterday, along with Ms. Tasha Sutton.”

  “Oh no, Tasha!” She wept into her hands and Heather passed her a tissue box.

  “Are there anymore in your coven?” Heath asked from in front of her.

  “No, I’m the last one.” She sobbed. “It’s funny because we’re not really witches.”

  “You don’t say,” Heather said, sarcastically. Heath cut his eyes at her to stop.

  “We all went to school together and used to pretend to be witches. Nevada was the only one with any real power. The rest of us were just destressing, using herbs and friendship. Yeah, we tried love potions and money spells. It was all just for fun. Nothing for anyone to get killed over.”

  “Where did you get your ring?” Heath noticed her ring had the same design as the others.

  “Adelinda found a jewelry box at a yard sale years ago. When she took it home, she dropped it on the steps, and heard it rattle. The jewe
lry was in a hidden compartment in the bottom. She loved the design and got it tattooed on her shoulder. I wasn’t brave enough for all that. We all got to pick a piece from the set. It was our own little talisman. No one knew about it but us. So how could it get them killed?”

  “Apparently, the symbol is a real coven’s talisman,” Heath told her, and her eyes widened.

  “Here, take it. It must be cursed.” Amethyst took off the ring and set it down on the table.

  “Excuse us for a few minutes.” He grabbed the ring off the table and motioned for Heather to follow him outside.

  “You questioned her already?” Sheriff Logan strolled up to them.

  “Yes,” Heather said bluntly.

  “We need to get ahead of this guy and time is of the essence,” Heath told him.

  “Did you get anything useful?” he asked, looking at each of them.

  “I have a plan.” He held up the ring. “We use bait and trap him.”

  “I don’t know how you do things in your department but here we don’t use civilians as bait.” He crossed his arms over his chest.

  “I wasn’t planning on it.” He shook his head. “However, I did notice that one of your deputies is about the same build as Ms. Greystone. I would suggest Agent Rockfell, but she’s a considerable amount taller. She wouldn’t be able to pass for Ms. Greystone.”

  “Deputy Carringure would be a better fit,” Sheriff Logan agreed. “When do you want to do this?”

  “Ms. Greystone is scheduled to work this evening. I say we do it then. Your deputy could wear the same clothes and pretend to be Ms. Greystone going in and coming out. Of course, we’ll sneak Ms. Greystone in for her to work her shift in case the killer does go in to check if she’s there. Agent Rockfell will wait on a nearby rooftop in case something goes wrong,” Heath explained his plan.

  “I’ll get Deputy Carringure in on it.” He glanced down at his watch. “She’s due back into the office any minute now.

  “Alright then, it’s a plan.” Heath shook the sheriff’s hand. “I’m going to make a couple calls then we can work out the details when your deputy gets here.”