Chapter 3
Savon should have known her brother had set something up.
But no, she wanted to believe it was all in her head, her imagination playing tricks on her. Not the asshole sneaking in to rip her open all over again.
Leaning over the sink, she cranked the water on, hoping everyone would think she was busy. She needed an escape. Anything to get away from Nate.
The door opened.
“I locked that for a reason,” Savon bit out.
“Savon, I apologize for my attitude. Nathan is a close friend and has been for years. Bran never mentioned you didn’t know the whole story.”
“Try none of the story.” She shut off the water and faced Evangeline. God, she was beautiful. Her imagination provided images of Evangeline’s long legs wrapped around Nate’s hips.
She attempted to push down the jealousy boiling. Twelve years, no contact, she had no reason to be jealous. He wasn’t hers anymore. Besides, Savon didn’t need the spirits to overreact with her unchecked emotions.
Evangeline spoke with her classy and sexy accent. “He was in a coma for two months. He was locked down by his father for several more weeks to make sure he adapted to life as a werewolf. Killian turned Nate, hoping our accelerated healing would provide a solution to the coma. When that didn’t work, he called me to help Nate find his way back. Nathan had every reason not to come to you. He woke up screaming your name, and Killian promised to gut you if he ever went after you.”
Pain rolled through Savon. “Killian hated me. He refused to even tell me Nate was alive. And when Nate finally did come back to town, Bran only said Nate couldn’t come to me. Nothing else. Killian may have kept him from me initially, but if he loved me, he could have found a way. You don’t have any idea what I went through. Nate had twelve years to call and say he was sorry, to explain, to give me a reason why he broke my fucking heart. He never bothered. That’s all on Nate.”
Evangeline’s head tipped, her mouth quirking. “He tried in his own way. How can you not know?”
A tiny thread of curiosity wound through her, but anger washed away everything. “If you’re so interested, why don’t you comfort him?” Savon slipped past Evangeline and ducked out the back door.
Going back to the table would only result in a fight. She didn’t have words for Bran. And an apology from Nate was so far overdue it couldn’t change things now. And having him in front of her tore her open all over again.
She wanted to fall into those chocolate eyes and let him wrap his arms around her, take away all the mess in her head. Since he’d disappeared, he’d only brought chaos, and she needed balance.
Savon made it three blocks down the road before someone caught her arm, sending tingles dancing along her nerves. She was spun toward Nate, who looked like someone punched him in the gut.
“Sav, there are so many things I want to say and I don’t know where to begin.”
“Don’t bother. You moved on, became a surgeon. There’s nothing left to say.”
“You’re wrong. I never moved past you. You were always standing in my way.”
She flinched before anger flowed. “Oh, fuck off, Nate. You never tried to find me after your coma.”
“You don’t know the whole story.”
“Too late for that. I don’t care.” She pulled away, taking two steps back.
He dropped his hand but stared into her eyes, pleading. “At least let me give you a ride.”
“No. Go back to Bran and Evangeline.”
“We need to talk.”
Her eyes slid closed. The streetlamps flickered on and off. It was too early and light out for them to be on. The spirits were latching onto her emotions, acting up.
She strangled back a frustrated cry. “Maybe later, when this doesn’t hurt so damned bad, I’ll be able to listen, but right now…” She didn’t finish that statement. He didn’t deserve a chance and she needed to remember that.
Turning, she continued on her way.
“Later then,” Nate promised. “Be careful. There are dangerous people in Silvertail Ridge.”
Savon tossed him the bird and kept going, wishing she had the strength to hear him out. Nope, she didn’t. A few more of the right words and she might shatter.
Besides, she knew what lurked in town. Werewolves, witches, and other casters. All of which she knew how to handle.
A new sign caught her attention. Fang’n’Claw. The bar hadn’t been there when she left town. Considering Silvertail held the second largest werewolf pack in the Pacific Northwest, she had to assume one owned the bar. Perhaps a new one.
In need of a drink, she moved through the room, taking in the wild energy. Mostly werewolves and a few casters sprinkled throughout, but the spirits were feistier inside the building.
A gorgeous statue of a man tended the bar in a white tank top that molded to one impressive chest. His sun-kissed hair was tied back in a ponytail. Scruff adorned his chiseled face. Brilliant blue eyes latched onto hers as a devilish smile pulled at his full mouth.
Talk about a gorgeous distraction.
“Haven’t seen your stunning self around here. I’m assuming you’re Savon Roantree, the sheriff’s sister. Now, there’s a wager that needs satisfying. Are you still hung up on some douchebag doctor?” His voice was low, deep, and rolled with an Australian accent.
Licking her lips, Savon leaned forward. “Oh, I was over him long before he became a doctor.”
He nodded slowly, one corner of that full mouth quirking. “Good to hear. One more question. You here on your brother’s behalf, looking for trouble?”
“Oh, I’d rather be starting trouble than scouting it.”
Brilliant red desire swirled through the orange of curiosity as his gaze traveled down her dress and caught on her cleavage. He held out a hand. “I’m Jay Walker.”
“Hello, Jay.”
“What are you drinking, gorgeous?”
She scanned the shelf and tipped her head. “Chase.”
“Vodka. Ice?”
“Straight.”
Grinning, he whipped out a tall glass and started pouring. “You look like you could use a bit more.”
“That’s what happens when you come face to face with a ghost. I was starting to think moving back here was a really bad idea.” Taking the glass, she leaned forward and took a long sip while watching Jay. “Not so much now.”
He leaned closer. “Moved today, didn’t you?”
Fuck, that accent was sexy.
“Mmm, which means I shouldn’t stay long. The movers are coming bright and early to unload all my stuff.” She motioned around the place. “Now which one told you about me?”
He nodded down the bar. Three guys from high school stared her way. The jock-cocks. Name a sport, and they played it. They taught her to ignore most of the assholes and they’d lose interest.
They couldn’t stare hard enough now.
“You can tell John, Tommy, and Brad that karma’s a bitch.”
One golden brow arched. “Oh, I really like you.”
Savon laughed and drank the rest down. “You new in town?”
“Moved in five years ago. Built the bar. Stirred up a little trouble.” He filled her glass.
“My kind of guy.” She took another swig.
“Your brother doesn’t like me much.”
She shrugged. “He landed himself on my shit list tonight.”
“Why is that?”
After another long drink, she blew out a breath. “Seems he has an ulterior motive to want me back in town.”
“What happened?”
“Ran into the asshole doctor.” Leaning back, she gulped the rest of the glass down.
He moved to fill it, and she covered the glass with a raised brow. “No?” Jay asked.
“Tempting, but I’m not a morning person and I expect the movers at seven. Last thing I need is a hangover.” Not to mention, she was a lightweight and the buzz had already set in, making auras burn brighter. Too much more and the spirits she could usually only hear would start to appear. Not a ghost, but an entity caught between realms. Most didn’t look anything like humans. Spirits were generally benign, sometimes good. The evil version were typically called demons. They all spoke to her, sometimes even helped. She’d learned to be careful which she listened to.
“Then come back tomorrow night,” he purred.
“You got it. Now, how much do I owe you?”
“Nothing,” he answered as Savon stood. He took her hand. “It’s been a pleasure. Sweet dreams, gorgeous.” He placed a kiss on her knuckles, and she laid down a twenty.
“Good night, Jay.” She started for the door.
Halfway there a hand wrapped around her waist as he pulled her back against his chest. His lips brushed the spot below her ear, his breath fanning the sensitized skin. “I mean it, Savon. I don’t want a dime.” He pushed the bill into her purse and caught the lobe of her ear between his teeth. “Just come back tomorrow night.”
Desire pulsed through her, and she was tempted to play with fire. Maybe if she hadn’t been burned too recently. Still, she couldn’t completely resist.
“I’ll be here,” she promised, then pulled away, walking through the door without looking back.
The streetlights blurred and stretched, colors seeped off the rooftops, as she made her way down the street. It had been a long time since she’d drunk that much away from home. Inebriation always released her hold on her Other senses. She preferred to be alone when her powers came out that strong.
“Someone’s coming,” a friendly spirit whispered. This one had been with her since childhood. Oftentimes, she offered energy when she needed a boost in power. Other times, she was an extra set of eyes.
The glow of deep orange brown wafted in front of her. Savon smirked. A threat loomed from the man behind her. “Hmm, another wolf. This one’s mean.” She spun around and shot a pulse of energy at a man who was easily twice her size.
A growl erupted from the beast as he landed on his ass.
“Word of warning,” Savon calmly stated, “don’t keep following me. I’ll do a lot worse than put you on your back.” She sent another pulse of energy, this one knocking him end over end before she turned and swayed onto her street.
Warmth washed over Savon as someone’s eyes caressed over every inch of her body while she walked to the door.
Nate.
His nearness made her skin tingle with anticipation. She wanted to turn, to confront him, but she pushed on, digging around in her tiny purse to find her keys. Then she tried to open the door.
Her fingers fumbled. The keys fell.
They didn’t hit the ground as someone caught them. She spun to find Nate inches away. So many emotions played over his regal features. Her heart thumped harder as she reached out with her senses, trying to discern what he wanted, or what he felt.
Dancing colors surrounded him, too many to read his aura.
His hand landed on the door behind her as he leaned closer, running his nose millimeters from the column of her throat. The heat of his body provided a sensual tease.
Red burst through his aura. “Mmm, you smell of magic, arousal, and alcohol.” His breath danced over her ear and she held back the whimper.
“Why do you care?” she whispered in a harsh tone.
“Never stopped caring.”
“You’re full of shit,” she hissed.
Pushing back, he searched her face. He breathed in, his nose wrinkling. The agony in those brown eyes twisted a knife through her. “Where were you?” His voice cracked.
She let out a frustrated huff. “None of your damned business.”
“Sav, you don’t understand. The pack is shifting without a leader. It’s dangerous right now. You have no idea what the worst of them would do to you.”
Her eyes closed as she leaned back against the door. “The most terrifying werewolves don’t scare me. You don’t understand what I am, what I’m capable of. I’m not afraid of a few stray dogs—or you.”
“Never want to scare you. Never wanted to hurt you.”
A cry escaped. “You broke me, Nate. You shattered every last bit of me.”
His fingers drifted across her cheek, into her hair as he pulled her face up. “Look at me, Sav.” His voice vibrated with a low growl.
Savon got her eyes opened and stared up into molten chocolate orbs ringed in bronze. “What?”
“Did he drug you?”
She blinked. “Who?”
“Jay. I smell traces of him on you.”
“I had a couple drinks. Needed to get you out of my head.” Sighing, she reached for her keys.
He moved them away while closing the distance. Heat radiated from his body, making her far too cozy. She wanted to press tight, rub her face against his neck, breathe in his scent.
He leaned down to whisper against her ear. “I worried when you didn’t come straight home. Jay is trouble. I need you safe.”
A bitter laugh escaped. “Jealous another man wants me?”
“Yes,” he growled, his hands curling around her sides, millimeters below her breasts. “I need you to listen to me. I tried a million times to tell you what happened, and you always ran from me.”
A short laugh burst free. “You never came to me.”
“Not in person, but I was still there, in your head. You always run, just like you want to now.” His voice was a purr that washed over her.
“Damn you, Nate. You’re so full of shit.” She slammed her hands against his chest.
He caught her wrists, dragging them over her head as he pinned her against the door.
“I reach out to you every single night, Savon. I can’t stop myself. The pull is too damned strong. And having you here, in the flesh,” he groaned, his lips pressing below her ear.
Her breath caught. “Nate,” she gasped.
One hand dragged down her arm and along her neck, his other fingers delving into her hair. “Have to find a way to right this.” His mouth closed over hers, his tongue sliding into her mouth, teasing her senses.
The other colors melted away, leaving the red of passion and blue of sadness to fuse into purple as he stole her breath. His other hand caressed down, over the side of her breast.
Her hands dropped to his hair, her fingers combing through the silken mess.
He kissed down her throat, and she forgot everything but the feel of his touch. His mouth closed over the fabric of her dress, finding her tight peak.
Reality snapped back and she shoved at him. “No, get away from me!” she screamed.
He stumbled backward, falling on his ass at the other end of the porch. “Shit, I’m sorry, Savon. Damn it, I’m sorry. I needed to make sure you were all right and I got carried away.”
She slid down the door, dropping her head into her hands. “I can’t do this.” Her heart splintered, pain throbbing through her.
“You don’t know what you feel for me, do you?” His voice broke several times getting the question out.
“No. Every time I close my eyes, you’re there, taunting me, chasing me, driving me fucking crazy.” She pushed her way up the door.
Nate moved closer, holding out her keys. “I’m sorry. I’ll make this right.”
Snatching them from his hand, she spun and tried to jam the key into the lock. She dropped them again with a curse.
He caught them, placing one hand on the door in front of her, caging her in. The other slid the key in and turned. “Let me help tonight.”
A sniffle escaped as she started for her room. “Go to hell,” she whispered.
She tripped on the second stair, and he scooped her into his arms. His warmth enveloped her, his scent comforting her. She gave in to the exhaustion that came with too much alcohol.