Chapter 8
Starving, Savon slipped her boots on and checked her makeup in the mirror. She’d worked her ass off to put everything away and ward her home. Enjoying the rest of the night was her reward. Grabbing her purse, she headed downstairs.
Nate’s sports car zoomed by as she locked the door. Shaking her head, she tried to ignore the questions rolling through her head. Like where was he headed in such a hurry? Was he going to see someone? Maybe Evangeline?
Not that Nate was any of her damned business.
Shit, she needed to stop thinking about him.
They weren’t together. They weren’t going to be. Serious wasn’t on the plate. And Nate had been everything to her once upon a damned time. She wasn’t even sure how to be friends with him now.
Plucking her ringing phone out of her purse left a sigh on her lips. Bran had called a dozen times throughout the day, offering to help. She eventually stopped answering. His motivation was to push her toward Nate. It was hard enough to resist the pull to her first heartbreak without her brother helping him out.
Besides, she was curious what Jay wanted.
There was a better question. What did she want? A roll in the sack? Or the attention?
Definitely the attention.
She needed a distraction from Nate and their past. Jay could provide that, hopefully. If not him, there would be plenty other men in the bar. Tormenting the jock-cocks would be fun. There was a good chance she wouldn’t pay for a single drink.
The cool wind pushed her hair across her shoulders. The air never became stagnant in Silvertail Ridge. The constant breeze always seemed charged. Magic flowed through the town in a way she couldn’t appreciate before leaving.
At least Nate’s car wasn’t outside Fang’n’Claw. She might turn her ass around, hop in her jeep, and drive away if that were the case.
Jay’s deep blue eyes locked on hers as she stepped inside and made her way to the bar. A warning bell went off in the back of her head as every set of eyes landed on her. Unwilling to let a bunch of wolves shake her confidence, she strode to the bar.
Lifting a bottle of Chase, Jay arched a single golden eyebrow.
She shook her head, a smirk on her lips. When she got there, she took a seat and leaned forward. “Let’s go with a mojito. I plan to enjoy my night, not drown out my annoyance.”
“Because Nate came over to help this morning?” Jay asked, a harsh note to his tone. Magenta swirled through his aura, making her pause.
Her eyes narrowed. “I think my brother made up for being a douchebag. Besides, Nate and I came to an understanding. One you and I should come to because I don’t like the possessive vibe coming off you.”
His expression softened, but the magenta flared brighter. “Don’t want to see him hurt you again.”
“I’m a big girl, Jay. And I’m not interested in having a man in my life right now. I like being single. I like playing. And I don’t need a man to watch over me. Let’s get this straight, shall we? If you’re interested in fun, then we can see what happens. If this is part of some game, then you need to find another pawn. And if you think I’m going to jump into something serious, I’m not.”
His aura grew brighter, shades of green for jealousy and red anger spearing through the orange of hope. He dropped his eyes and focused on the drink.
What the hell was going on?
Savon sat back. “This is a game, isn’t it?” Snorting, she stood and started for the door.
Before she made it halfway, Jay spun her around. A hiss left his lips as his head was yanked back by the friendly spirit in the habit of warning her.
Gold ringed Jay’s blue eyes as he spun around, rubbing at his head. “What the fuck was that?”
“You bit off more than you can chew. This was a bad idea.” Savon stepped away from Jay, not tearing her attention from him.
His head cocked as he sniffed the air.
There were a dozen entities in the place. Maybe more. And all but two didn’t particularly like Jay.
He took a step toward her and the spirits drew closer.
She held up one hand. “Word of advice, back off.”
A slow smile spread on his lips as he dropped to his knees, his hands raised in surrender. “What are you, Savon?”
“My own woman.”
He dipped his head in submission. “I’m sorry. I won’t make that mistake again. This isn’t a game. I’m genuinely interested in seeing where things go naturally. I won’t push.” His gaze lifted to meet hers.
“One chance, that’s it. Anything I don’t like, I walk out that door, Jay. One tiny thing.” Her tone was calm, simply laying down her cards.
Yellows burst across his colors, wiping out everything but lavender streaks. Curiosity, hope, and passion. Interesting.
Standing, Jay backed toward the counter with a devilish smirk. “You have my word. Give me a chance, Savon.”
For what, she wondered.
She took the empty seat at the counter and the woman to her left moved to a table. The man on her right scooted down a seat. Curious, but the spirits were riled more riled than they had been a moment ago. She may have missed them interfering.
That was the problem with her gifts. She could only do so much to control other entities without consequences. They had a mind of their own, and often reacted to her emotions.
Jay resumed making her drink. “Tell me something, Savon. Do you feel the chemistry between us?”
Her brow arched as she leaned forward. “Jay, you promised not to push. I’m attracted to you, but I plan to be single for a while. Right now, I want to enjoy my evening. If I have to fend you off all night, I’ll leave.”
* * * *
Jay took her words to heart. The fire in Savon’s eyes made his dick hard as steel. He had no doubt the rumored protection woven around Savon was unnecessary. Old magics surrounded her. Both Sylvan and something primal and unworldly.
Perhaps he needed to look into sorcerers and their abilities. He didn’t know enough. Not that the details would deter him. The craving for Savon grew every moment, but patience was something he knew well.
The door opened and in walked Bran and Nate.
Jay repressed a growl, forced a smile, and pushed the glass her way. “Savon, your drinks are on me. Just yours.”
She glanced over her shoulder and turned back with a curled lip. Leaning forward, she said, “Didn’t expect them to come.”
He believed her. She wasn’t happy with them there. The bridge wasn’t burned yet. He needed to relax and let things unfold on their own. Either way, he wanted more of the enigmatic woman before him.
“Hungry?” Jay asked. “We do have a full kitchen.”
“Bacon cheeseburger, skip the fries.”
“That’s on me too.”
She reached across the bar as he turned, grabbing his wrist. “No. Let me pay. I’m a customer, and I don’t want you thinking I owe you something other than money.”
“I won’t.”
“I’ll pay, or I’ll walk. Your choice, Jay.” Light danced through her eyes, but the challenge was there.
Her logic made sense. He smiled. “All right, you’ll pay.” He pulled away and put the order in as Bran and Nate took the seats on either side of her.
Turning to her brother with a glare, she whispered, “I don’t need a babysitter.”
Bran chuckled, nodding to the tables. “Thought I could challenge my little sister to a game of pool.”
She groaned. “After I eat and have a dance or two.” Her eyes swept through the bar as she licked her lips. “I came for fun.”
Nate dropped his gaze, his hands gripping the counter as his shoulders rose and fell in a steady rhythm.
Jay repressed the smirk as he continued to listen to the heated discussion.
“We had to eat,” Nate gently added. “Not much else to do in town.”
Savon sipped at her mojito as he turned to Nate and took his order, then Bran’s. He left long enough to place their order, and pour their beers.
Her drink was empty by the time he leaned against the counter. “Another?”
She ran her finger over the rim, then nodded. “Yes.”
Bran’s head whipped to him. “Don’t go overboard, Savon.”
Rolling her eyes, she turned to Bran. “Don’t be an asshole. I’ve had one. I plan to stay a few hours, dance, play some pool. A few drinks won’t kill me, and since you two are trying to ruin my night, I need another.”
Nate leaned closer to her. “Want us to leave?” The pain in his voice put a smile on Jay’s lips.
Sighing, she turned to look at Nate. “Didn’t say that. Just, let me have my fun.”
“Sure.” Nate glanced away.
Jay placed the second drink in front of her.
* * * *
Bad fucking idea, Nate.
He wanted to reach across the counter, grab Jay by the throat, and squeeze until his claws came out for real. Maybe then Savon would realize she was playing with fire.
But no, she was more likely to chase Jay just to spite Nate.
Both Fran and Bran thought Nate needed to be at the bar to protect her. He worried their presence would push her to do something crazier than she had planned.
He agreed he needed to give her the whole truth, but the bar wasn’t the place. Unfortunately, until she understood everything, they didn’t stand a chance.
Jay brought a burger to Savon and leaned over the counter, looking into her eyes as he licked his lips. “Enjoy.”
Her posture tensed as she met his gaze and pulled the plate toward her in a silent challenge.
At least Jay was pissing her off too.
Nate felt the same connection to Savon he always had. The only difference was that it was ten times stronger and she was fighting it.
Eventually she would have to admit they were tied together.
Savon picked up her burger and took a bite.
Nate nodded at Bran before sliding from the stool to walk to the jukebox. He picked every love song she used to play, hoping one would remind her of how good they’d been together.
He came back to the bar as she picked up her drink and moved to a pool table where one of the pricks from school joined her.
Nate took her vacated seat and wished he could say anything to Bran, but in a bar full of wolves, they would only overhear.
Jay walked back. “Why here? We all know you both avoid this place.”
Bran leaned forward, his eyes narrowed. “She was followed last night. Later, the same wolf tried to snoop around her place. We’re here to make sure no one else gets any stupid ideas.”
Jay gripped the counter, leaning closer with a snarl. “Who followed her?”
Nate didn’t expect the protective vibe rolling off Jay. Maybe the bastard hadn’t set that up. He answered simply, “Clay Weston.”
His jaw clenched and he scanned the bar. “That will stop or I’ll tear his head from his body,” Jay promised.
“You didn’t send the bastard after her?” Bran asked.
Gold rimmed his blue eyes, his beast rising to the surface. “My problem is with you two, not her. Doesn’t matter how she’s related to one of you, or her history with the other, I deal with my problems directly.”
Nate met his gaze straight on. “No one is making an accusation. You asked why we were here. He’s explaining.”
“As long as we understand each other. Seems you two killed her mood.” His brow arched.
“We came for food and pool. And to keep an eye on her. Take it or leave it, but until you can command us to leave, we’re staying.”
Jay leaned down and glared into his eyes. “Leave my bar.”
Nate smirked. “You’re not Alpha, Jay. Never will be.”
“We’ll see about that,” Jay answered.
Shrugging, Nate shook his head. “We didn’t come here for trouble. We came to ensure it didn’t follow Savon.”
“Sure you aren’t the problem?” Jay countered, his brow cocked.
Once again, Nate wrangled back the urge to reach across, grab the back of his head, and slam his face down on the counter. Shit, he hated the prick.
* * * *
Savon racked while sweeping her eyes through the bar. Cole, one of the basketball stars in school made his way over with a smirk. She remembered all the shit he said to her over the years and how she used to look straight through him.
He couldn’t take his eyes off her as he handed her an extra beer bottle. “Thirsty?”
She slung back her mojito and took the bottle.
The spirits murmured.
“Don’t drink it.”
“Something’s in it.”
“Poison.”
Biting her lip, she set the bottle aside and nodded to the table. She wouldn’t touch the beer again, but see if she could figure out why the bastard wanted to drug her. “Want to play?”
“Winner gets a dance?” he prompted.
She snorted. “Let’s see how good a sport you are.”
* * * *
Savon declined the dance with Cole. He didn’t like losing and was a baby.
Bran coerced her into a game of pool, and after she barely beat him, she opted for a dance. She grabbed the first guy she saw who wasn’t staring at her tits or ass.
One of the guys from her art class who had grown into an attractive witch smiled when she wrapped her arms around his neck. “How are you, Justin?”
His eyes lit up, he let out a happy sigh. “You remember my name.”
She held back the giggle. “I do, and I remember you had talent with a paintbrush. Do you still?”
He nodded. “I sell a few paintings here and there. Nothing like you. I’ve heard your name in the art community. I must say, your work is amazing.”
She shrugged. “I do all right. What have you been up to?”
“I run Craft Stop now. I’m sure I’ll be seeing you.”
She nodded. “Oh, you will. Probably enough to get tired of me.”
“Nah. It will be a pleasure. Maybe you can help me out.”
“Sure. I’ll need to restock soon.” She leaned closer. “Thank you, for the dance.”
“No, thank you. You’ve made my night.”
“You always were sweet.” She walked away as the song ended.
Yet another wolf stumbled to her with a drink and a cocky smile.
The warning spirit whispered, “Don’t drink it.”
She wouldn’t. The only two she had put to her lips were the first two Jay made her while she watched. He hadn’t attempted to slip anything into her drink, and he didn’t send any over.
The auras in Fang’n’Claw had grown too bright and mixed together in a way that made her head hurt. She needed to get away from them all.
She needed to uncover the real story with the wolf pack in Silvertail Ridge. Maybe she could call an old friend who might give her some real answers.
Some pretty wolf in a slinky dress swayed over to Nate. Savon walked to the counter and paid her bill.
“You don’t have to go,” Jay said softly.
“Too much tension in here tonight. Something will snap. I’d rather not be here when it does. But I’ll be back another night.”
“I hope you will.” He took her money with a smile.
She left a nice tip. “Good night, Jay.”
“See you soon.”
Savon ducked down the back hall and through the kitchen where she got a dirty look from the cook. She stepped out the back door and hurried to the street to get away from everyone.
She made it to the edge of the parking lot when Jay’s hand wrapped around her bicep, pulling her to a stop.
“Wait.” His voice was gentle and pleading. “Seems your brother and ex ruined your night.”
Spinning, she shook her head. “More than that. Two wolves tried to slip something into drinks they brought me.”
He lifted his hands, taking a step back, reds shooting through his aura. “Hey now, I’ll find out who attempted to drug you, but it sure as hell wasn’t me. I want my women eager and willing, not passed out.”
She believed him. Question was, who attempted to drug her?
“Savon, whoever tampered with your drink will pay.” He moved forward, looking into her eyes. “I swear it.”
Anger flashed through her. “I want to know who and why. Do me a favor. I know Cole was one. Never saw the second before tonight. Don’t know if someone else slipped something into the drinks, or if they did it of their own accord. Either way, when you do find out, even if you deal with them, I want to know what you learn.”
“You have my word. Now, since I didn’t get to make up for my previous mistake, why don’t you come by in the morning. We’ll leave town to have breakfast. We should talk. I doubt Nate or Bran will tell you everything you’ve missed while you were away. And by then, I’ll know who and why they spiked your drink.”
She didn’t expect all the answers, but she’d have another side to the story. “All right, be ready for me at eight in the morning.”
He reached out, gently caressing her arm. His blue eyes delved into hers. “I’ll be here, ready to go.”
“Night, Jay.” She walked away before she was tempted to lean up for a kiss. She needed more of the story before she made any kind of decision.
* * * *
Heads would roll. Someone attempted to drug Savon, and that asshole was going to pay dearly. He went through every drink he served and who brought drinks to Savon. He would start there, as soon as Fang’n’Claw closed.
He didn’t want to alarm Bran or Nate. He wanted the answers to give Savon in the morning. Without dipshit and douchebag getting in his way.
Her trust would go a long way to breaking Nate. Beyond that, he wanted her, all of her. The more she was around, the more he craved her. The building need was dangerous. After losing his mate, May, he never expected to find the burning craving of a potential mate.
The craving started as a smolder, but he was burning for Savon. Nate was his competition. Was it possible she was compatible with both? He’d only heard of that happening twice.
Savon needed the whole story. The longer she went in the dark, the more danger she was in. Canagan didn’t like competition. He understood she’d hated Savon’s mother. She wasn’t fond of Bran, though he hadn’t mastered his magic.
Savon was a force to be reckoned with. Clay had designs on taking the pack and had twice nearly beaten Killian. Savon knocked the shit out of him her first night back, and he was still trying to get information on her.
Perhaps Canagan had put him up to challenging the Alpha. He had no doubt she told him to fuck with Savon. Jay needed to know why.
Cole and Nolan stayed when asked. They probably thought they were doing him a favor by tampering with Savon’s drinks.
After locking the door, he moved across the bar with lightning speed, picking up a chair to smash against Nolan’s face, then Cole’s.
With both sprawled across the floor, Jay pulled on leather gloves and brought out coils of silver chain.
Lifting Nolan by the hair, he slammed him into a chair, tore his shirt open, and chained the fucker to the seat.
Then he turned his attention to Cole, who’d gone as far as to call Savon a frigid bitch when she didn’t dance after their game of pool. He tore the clothes from his body before winding chain around him and hanging him from the rafters by his feet.
Cole came to with a snarl, twisting and turning as Jay slammed his fist into his gut.
“Who put you up to drugging Savon? Or was that your stupid idea?” Jay snarled.
“You want her. Was ensuring she didn’t wind up with Nate,” he gasped out, twisting his body to try to wriggle free of the chains burning his bare skin.
Jay grabbed a length of chain and wrapped it around the asshole’s cock, yanking it tight. Cole’s screams rose in pitch and volume.
“Why would you drug her?”
“She’ll give in to Nate. You wanted a chance,” he gasped out between sobs.
Jay released the chain and walked around the idiot before crouching down to look into Cole’s eyes. “You’ve made a grave mistake. Never presume to know what I want.”
Cole went nuts when Jay shifted to his half-man form. Jay’s hand shot out, his claws sinking into Cole’s lower belly, then he yanked out a handful of intestines.
Nolan struggled so hard he knocked the chair over. Dumbfuck couldn’t get free at least.
Jay crossed the distance and kicked the ever-loving-shit out of Nolan’s gut.
“Shut up, do it now.”
Other than gasps and whimpers, he did.
Cole continued to scream, but he was bleeding out while his body attempted to repair the damage.
“Did Canagan put you up to drugging Savon?”
Nolan nodded, his eyes wide.
“What did she say?”
His eyes slammed shut. Jay grabbed the nipple ring and yanked it out, and Nolan screamed.
“Speak, now!” Jay warned.
He stammered, “Savon needed to fall into your bed. You need to claim her to take the pack. She told me to give her the potion.”
“What potion?” Jay growled.
“P-p-pocket…in my p-pocket.”
Jay pulled out a vial of clear liquid. He popped the cap and sniffed. The sweet scent of Fae flowers hit him. She’d told him about the Death’s Kiss flowers of her homeland and the toxin in the nectar. The effects were like that of a love potion initially, but soon the drinker’s cells would start attacking each other. The victim would die within forty-eight hours as their organs liquified and they bled from every orifice.
Anger rolled through Jay. He shoved his claws through Nolan’s belly and up into his chest, gripping his heart, then yanked the beating organ out.
Nolan screamed until the light drained from his eyes and the sound ended.
Jay spun and twisted Cole’s head so far the spine snapped and tore his head off.
Backing away, Jay shifted back to human, glaring at the mess. He needed to clean the bar, then decide what to do about Canagan.