by Iris Abbott
After the adrenaline crash, she hadn’t had the time or energy to make it to Enigma. She’d been resigned to spending the holiday alone in her hotel room. Of course, that was before Alexander showed up at the door, bringing food, wine, and good cheer. That’s when she discovered the guardian was keeping tabs on her, watching over her, making sure she stayed safe. She’d been irritated at the time, but now the memory made her smile and filled her with warmth.
“So, what do we do first?” Zoe asked, bringing her thoughts back to her sisters and the festival.
“It’s too hard to choose,” Tara said
“Let’s just soak up the atmosphere for a minute,” Kara insisted. She stared at the rows and tables that lined both sides of the street. The predominant colors were orange, yellow, and brown, with splashes of red thrown into the mix. Gorgeous potted chrysanthemums in the colors of the season lined the sidewalks. Pumpkins, apples, jars of honey, beautiful handmade wreaths, and knitted scarves were just a few of the goods she could spot from where they stood.
She closed her eyes and listened. Somewhere a live band played music, and she imagined people dancing in the middle of the town square. Announcements about upcoming events were made over a microphone, reminding them that hayrides departed from the north side of the square every hour on the hour. Voices sounded all around them. Adults haggled over prices, and children laughed.
The smells were heavenly. The scents of apples, sugar, and pumpkin teased Kara’s nostrils and tempted her taste buds. She could almost taste the sweet but tart fruit of a crunchy apple and feel its juice slide down her chin. The fresh, crisp scent of flowers, herbs, and pine mingled with each other, fashioning a perfume befitting of autumn in Maine.
It was no wonder that fall was her favorite time of year. The sweltering heat of summer faded away to cooler temps meant for snuggling. That is if you were lucky enough to have someone to cuddle with. She instantly thought of Alexander. No doubt about it, the guardian was under her skin and working his way into her heart.
He’d been chasing her around the country for almost a year, showing up when she least expected it. If she were completely honest with herself, she liked it. Every time she went on a hunt whether it be for a rogue creature or someone’s lost loved one, she felt his presence. She knew he was there, watching over her and keeping her safe, even if he didn’t engage. And he never did unless she was in trouble like with the cult the other night.
She opened her eyes and breathed deep. “Time to explore,” she said with a big smile.
The sisters eagerly started forward.
“Oh look!” Zoe shouted out. “There’s Scarlet. Let’s go see what she’s up to.”
Kara remembered meeting Scarlet Gannon last year. The lady was married to Mitch Gannon, Drew’s cousin, and the head of Gannon Security. She looked around and was surprised Mitch was nowhere to be seen. Then she remembered he handled security during the filming of the commercial and was probably still at work.
“Hey!” Scarlet greeted them when they neared her table. “I’m raising money for the local elementary school,” the graphic artist and web designer waved a hand at several shades of paints and brushes. “I could use a little practice,” she looked at them with imploring eyes. “It’s been a slow day.”
Kara looked at the brightly colored sign promoting face paintings. She wasn’t sure about walking around with a painted face at her age, but Zoe volunteered, and there was no way she was going to let her big sister show her up. “Oh, why not, I will too,” she heard herself saying.
Tara clapped her hands together. “Count me in.”
Scarlet took their money and smiled. “Face painting might be a bit much, how about a temporary tattoo?”
Kara breathed a sigh of relief. “Sounds perfect.”
“I’ll do Zoe first. I already know what to paint on her. I have to think about you two for a minute,” she said nodding at Kara and her twin.
Tara sniffed. “The apple cider across the street smells mighty tempting.”
After promising to bring back cups for the other two women, Kara linked arms with her twin. They sauntered across the street, happily chatting about any and everything. “I didn’t get a chance to say so last night, but you’re the happiest I’ve ever seen you. I have to admit that the bloodsucker may not be so bad after all. At least not for you.”
Tara slapped her on the arm. “Really, stop with the stupid nicknames already,” she demanded with a roll of her eyes. “Raphael is good for me. We make each other happy, and we love each other.”
“It shows,” and Kara couldn’t hide her smile. She was genuinely happy for her sisters and the love they found. A voice inside her head that sounded an awful lot like Alexander whispered she could have it too if she’d stop playing hard to get. She had to admit, she half expected him to give up on her long before now. Maybe she should stop running, let him catch her, and see what happens.
They bought four cups of cider and crossed the street. Zoe enthusiastically showed off Scarlet’s work. She lowered her shoulder, giving them a look at the paw print that included the eyes and nose of a wolf. “I love it and can’t wait to show Drew.”
“It’s perfect for you,” Kara and Tara both agreed.
“My turn!” Tara plopped down on the stool and held out her arm. “Do my inner wrist,” she requested.
While Scarlet painted on Tara, Kara used her phone to snap a quick photo of Zoe’s shoulder. “I’m gonna post this to the festival’s social media page.”
Zoe hugged her. “Great idea, I should’ve thought of it. Scarlet’s talented, and she’s donating all the money to the school. I can’t believe there isn’t a line at least a block long.”
“There’s so much to see, and it’s hard to compete with food. Maybe my post will help.” She took a photo of Scarlet painting on Tara’s wrist and posted that too. She made sure to mention that the local elementary school benefited from the proceeds.
A couple of minutes later, Scarlet finished with Tara. She and Zoe glanced over, and both of them burst into laughter.
Tara gave them an offended look. “What?” She narrowed her eyes and glared. “I love it!” It, was a blood red heart with bat wings, presumably those of a vampire bat.
“It suits you,” Zoe agreed.
“Yeah, but she should have given it fangs,” Kara teased.
A small crowd was beginning to gather around them.
“Guess your post is working,” Zoe gave her a pat on the back.
Suddenly worried about what Scarlet might have planned for her, Kara saw a way out, and she grabbed it. “Business is starting to pick up, guess we’ll go and let you get to it,” she announced before taking a step backward.
“Not so fast!” Tara exclaimed. “You already paid, and besides, Scarlet is a fast worker.”
Kara took a deep breath. All of what her twin said was true. “Okay, then.” She sat on the stool Tara recently vacated and started to slip out of the plaid shirt, but Scarlet stopped her.
“Wait! I have an idea. No need to take off your shirt, just push the collar aside.”
“Um, okay.” She did as the other woman asked then rubbed her palms down the legs of her jeans. Kara tried to swallow with her suddenly dry mouth.
Scarlet rubbed a finger over her neck, very near Alexander’s bite. Kara opened her mouth but before she could object the other woman picked up a small, delicate brush tipped in black and began to paint.
A few minutes later an appreciative murmur rose from the growing crowd.
“It’s perfect,” Tara said, clapping her hands together.
Zoe flashed her a gleeful smile. “Agreed.”
Scarlet finished the final touches and started to hand Kara a mirror, but she waved it off. “Thanks, I’m sure it’s beautiful, but it’s time we got out of your hair.”
Scarlet grinned at her. “Thanks for stopping by. It was great to see you again. Don’t be such a stranger.”
“I’ll try not to be,” Kara called bac
k as she and her sisters walked off.
She lifted her hand to her neck but thought better of it and dropped her arm.
“You’ve got much better willpower than me,” her twin piped up. “There’s no way I’d have walked away without taking a look.”
Kara shrugged. “I’m sure it’s fine. Besides, I know it’s a cat.”
“Really?” Zoe asked. “How can you be so sure?”
“Easily. You got a wolf, and Tara got a vampire bat. Everyone in Enigma who’s in the know, including the Gannons, are aware that Alexander is a guardian and he’s been chasing me since last Halloween.”
“There is that,” Zoe agreed with a laugh. “Though, it really is cute.”
Kara sniffed and lifted her chin a notch. “I’m sure it is. But I’m washing off the paint before Alexander sees it. Wouldn’t want it going to his head.”
The tingling bite mark gave her a few seconds warning before she heard Alexander’s deep voice right next to her ear. “Too late, already saw it.”
She uttered a curse under her breath. Now she was dying to see the artwork for herself, but she would have to wait until she could find a mirror. She stiffened her spine and cleared her throat. “I saw you with Lucian earlier. I take it the council’s up to date?” she asked with arched brows.
He nodded. “Everyone that needs to know about the cult leader’s been notified. The council, Gannon Security, our contacts in the police department, and a coven of witches are all on the lookout. Hopefully, someone on our side will spot him as soon as he enters the town limits.”
Kara breathed a sigh of relief. Coming to Enigma was the right decision.
“Yes, it was,” Alexander agreed.
She stopped walking and stared at him.
“No, I’m not a mind reader, but you’re easy to read, at least for me anyway.”
Growing clouds partly obscured the lowering sun, and a brisk breeze added a chill to the late afternoon. He loosely wrapped an arm around her shoulders and fell into step next to her. Instead of shrugging him off, Kara stepped closer. She told herself it was to throw Alexander off his game and keep him guessing, but warmth pooled in her belly from his nearness. Still, she didn’t shake him off.
“Ladies,” he looked at her sisters. “I’m going to steal Kara away so we can explore together.”
Zoe and Tara grinned and nodded like fools. Before she thought to utter a protest, her sisters were gone. She narrowed her eyes at Alexander. “Today was going to be a sister kind of day,” she informed him.
“You’ve had time with them, and I think Drew and Raphael have other ideas.”
She glanced at her sisters and saw that her brothers-in-law had joined them. The two couples were holding hands, smiling, and laughing. She bit back a wistful sigh. “Good call,” she admitted out loud. Besides, it would be fun, she thought, to spend time with Alexander doing something normal, and not just when they were chasing and battling bad guys.
“Ideas?” She pulled down the hem of the tank top she wore, sucked her bottom lip into her mouth, and lightly nipped at it.
“Food! I’m starving, and nothing tastes as good as fair food.” He winked at her. “Well, almost nothing.”
Heat pooled inside her, and she clenched her thighs together. A distraction was needed. “Been to many festivals or fairs?” She was intrigued by the idea of the always serious and deadly guardian enjoying something as commonplace as a fair or festival.
“Not recently, but I’ve been to a few, especially during the Renaissance era.”
She missed a step, but luckily Alexander grabbed her elbow and kept her from tripping. “Thanks,” she flashed him a distracted smile. Sometimes she forgot precisely how old some of the paranormal beings really were. Centuries. She pressed her free hand to her cheek.
“Some time I want to hear all about it,” she told him and found the words to be true. She bet he had many a story to tell. “Soon,” she added. “When there’s not a crazy cult leader wanting to bathe in my blood.”
Alexander stiffened next to her. “Not going to happen,” he declared with a hiss.
Kara rubbed the top of his head like she would Onyx. “Damn right it’s not gonna happen.” She felt his body relax, and she was pretty sure he purred. She rubbed her palm down his overlong hair, barely resisting the urge to run her fingers through it. Once clear of the temptation, she reached for his hand, lacing her fingers with his.
He squeezed her hand. “Where to start?”
She rarely indulged in pastries and desserts, but she loved them, too much. “Anything sweet,” she suggested with a hopeful look.
He winked at her. “I know the perfect place. The local bakery just off the square has a large booth set up. They have the best seasonal desserts in Enigma. It’s owned by a friend of Brianna’s, and I swear she must put a little bit of magic in everything she bakes.”
Kara raised a brow. “That good, huh?” They must be getting close. Her excellent sense of smell picked up the mingled scents of cinnamon, caramelized sugar, nutmeg, and too many fruits to name. Her mouth watered.
Her eyes widened as they neared the booth, and she got a look at everything on offer. Four large tables were covered with enough variety of baked goods to please any and everybody. “Decisions, decisions, decisions,” she mumbled.
He leaned into her, closing the distance between them. “Maybe for you, but I already know what I want to taste,” he said in a lowered voice.
Her heart quickened. Her lips parted. She held her breath and waited. Alexander’s lips brushed hers, and she shivered from the pleasure. Her eyes fluttered closed, and Kara relaxed into his body.
The kiss deepened. She was lost in touch when they were suddenly jostled from behind. She snapped her eyes open and took a step backward. Her cheeks burned with the heat of embarrassment.
“Sorry ‘bout that,” an equally embarrassed and giggling teenager muttered under her breath.
Kara smiled at her and turned her attention to the offerings on the table. Alexander still had hold of her hand, and she felt his breath on her ear. “Interruptions suck. Soon, it’ll be you and me with nothing and no one between us.”
Her body tingled. “Promises, promises,” she whispered and winked at him. She heard the deep rumble of a purr again, and she could have sworn his eyes glowed bright yellow.
Kara thought it prudent to focus their attention elsewhere. “Mmm,” she mumbled while reading labels. “Maple cheesecake with roasted pears, whoopie pies, cranberry bars, apple-cranberry pie, cranberry nut bread, cranberry upside-down cake, pumpkin cranberry Bundt cake, pumpkin snickerdoodles, and pumpkin pie.” She crinkled her forehead. “How am I supposed to choose just one? That would be harder than staking a vampire,” she whispered for Alexander’s ears only.
“At least you didn’t say harder than skinning a cat,” he chuckled.
She bumped him with her hip. “Some help here,” she implored.
“Fine. Let’s make it a dessert only kind of day, buy several, and split them,” he suggested.
“Works for me. The Bundt cake looks divine, and I’ve gotta have fresh whoopie pies whenever I’m in Maine.”
“The pumpkin snickerdoodles smell almost as good as you do, and the cheesecake would round things out nicely.” He smiled like a cat that got the cream.
Kara shook her head, but she couldn’t hide her growing grin. She loved this playful side of Alexander and wanted to explore it more. “Perfect! Let’s order. I can’t wait to sink my teeth into the goodies.”
“Ditto,” Alexander replied with a wicked grin and a wink that sent shivers of anticipation up and down her body.
SIX
He held the plastic fork to her mouth and watched her luscious, red lips close around the last bite of cheesecake. “Mmm,” she hummed her appreciation. He felt the vibration from his fingers all the way to his rapidly hardening sex.
He abruptly stood and discreetly adjusted his jeans. He gathered up their trash. “Be right back,” he prom
ised before stalking off to the nearest trashcan. He wanted to drag her back to his penthouse apartment and ravish her, but after months of playing cat and mouse with Kara, he knew seduction was the way to go. Time to turn on the charm and up the heat.
He sauntered back to her and held out a hand. He released a breath when she reached up and took it without hesitation. They spent the next couple of hours walking around, soaking in the sounds, sights, and smells of the season.
Kara spent the most time at a jeweler’s table. He watched her put together three bracelets, he presumed one for each sister. There was a good selection of fall and Halloween charms. He couldn’t help but chuckle when he saw her choice of charms, the state of Maine, a black cat with an arched back, a bat, and a howling wolf.
She glanced at him when she picked out the cat charms, and he could see the twinkle of mischief in her eyes. He breathed in a deep, satisfied breath and grinned at her. He believed the legend that hunters are descendants of witches. Kara cast a spell on him the first time they met. He was still in her thrall and was in no hurry to break loose.
He watched her glance in the mirror and peek at the temporary tattoo Scarlet painted on her. “I knew it had something to do with a cat,” she said with a laugh. She delicately traced the outline of the yellow cat eyes lined in black that decorated her neck. “Never thought I’d want a tattoo, but I kinda like it.”
“Afraid that’s as close as you’re going to get. The healing agents in my saliva would attack the tattoo, push out the ink, and heal it.”
She shrugged. “Oh, well, a hunter shouldn’t have identifying marks anyway.”
He barely managed to refrain from baring his teeth at the reminder of her dangerous job. He took a deep breath and reminded himself of the offer Lucian made that morning. He needed to discuss it with Kara as soon as he got the nerve. Alexander shook his head and winced. It wasn’t a conversation he was looking forward to, and if she said no and continued to hunt on her own, he had no idea what he’d do.
