by J. A. Saare
I watched Caleb's back. His arms slowly receded, muscles returning to normal. His frame shifted and his bones cracked into place. I envisioned him closing his eyes, taking deep and measured breaths as he fought that struggle within. He lifted his arms, raking hands through his thick hair. He turned around, brushing the sand free from his shirt and keeping his eyes downcast as he approached.
He was embarrassed. For some reason, having me witness this upset him.
"Thank you,” I whispered.
Emotion strained my voice and I smiled at him, crossing the space between us. He lifted his chin, gazing at me, shimmering ice blue staring back. It was different than the indigo I'd grown used to, but lovely nonetheless.
He waited until I was inches away and he reached for me, lightly touching my arm.
His voice was thick and hoarse. “We should make this look legitimate."
He didn't give me the opportunity to consider his words as he bent down, wrapping his arm around my waist and lifting me against his chest. His head bent as his mouth found my own.
If I thought Caleb smelled delicious, he tasted even better. His lips were full and soft as they brushed against mine, and my reserve melted away.
I lifted my arms around his shoulders, hands entwining in silken hair. I lost myself in the strange and irresistible pull that existed between us. I had only kissed one other person in my life, and the experience didn't even compare.
Everything but Caleb fell away in that moment. It was just him and I, our bodies impossibly close together.
"That a girl.” Billy's voice barely registered in my ears. “I'd say he earned it."
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Chapter 6—Fragile
A throat cleared and Caleb turned, keeping me nestled against his amazingly warm and solid chest as he lifted his head.
Haven had changed into a green polo and blue jeans, his hair pulled into a low ponytail. He was shaking his head at us, smiling just the same.
I blushed, cheeks burning red, and Caleb leaned down, holding me until my feet were steady on the uneven sandy turf. I peered up to see the circle had disbursed—save for one person. The lanky blonde was positively seething, glaring down at us with arms crossed over her chest.
"Sam can't make it, dude. Change of plans.” Haven motioned with his hand, indicting we should follow him to the ladder.
Billy crossed to the wooden boards first and I waited, fully expecting him to climb up. He paused, squatting down for a moment and then leaping into the air. His feet landed with a dull thud on the wooden floor and he rose to his full height, smiling down at me.
"Show off,” I muttered under my breath, impressed.
I went next, carefully maneuvering each slat until Billy reached down and helped me to my feet. I gazed down into the pit where Caleb stood watching. He motioned for me to step back, cocking an eyebrow and lifting his lip in a devious smile. Billy and I moved out of the way just as he bounded into the air, landing directly in front of me.
"Jeez,” I teased playfully, “Can you fly as well?"
"Maybe.” He glanced over at me and grinned.
Haven joined us, his feet landing just inches away. He bent at the knees on impact then stood straight. A few wisps of hair escaped the ponytail, falling around his face, and he pushed them back.
The room was crowded and smoky, with the distinctive odor of cigar tobacco clinging in the air. A thick fog hovered over the overhanging lamps, shrouding people in the room with particles of gray. I felt Caleb's steely arm come around my back, gently prodding me in the right direction.
Haven moved across the room to a booth I hadn't seen. The seats, which wrapped completely around, were made of an ebony wood that blended beautifully against the intricate red leather. The rows of black stitching created an alternating thick and thin flame design. An enormous black marble table sat in the middle; the shining stone surface reflecting the stained glass lamp hanging overhead.
Haven slid in first, gliding against the leather until he was seated at the very back. He produced a cigar, running the length of tobacco under his nose and inhaling.
Caleb waited as I sat down. I scooted away to allow him extra room, which he ignored, eclipsing the space between us. Derek appeared out of nowhere, squeezing in next to Caleb. Billy closed the circle, taking the open spot beside Haven.
I'm sitting at a table full of werewolves—a table full of freaking werewolves.
Surreal didn't begin to cover what I was experiencing.
"What happened to Sam?” Caleb asked, shifting back and getting comfortable.
"Shit, bro.” Haven shook his head and lit the cigar. He puffed on the end, stoking the flame, releasing a puff of smoke into the air and watching the expanding cloud billow toward the ceiling. “Luca had to call Sam back. They got a lead."
"Damn it!” Derek snapped.
"I know, bro.” Haven lounged back, resting his arms along the back of the booth. “But there is some good news coming out of all of this."
"And that is?” Caleb's body was rigid but his face was calm.
"Your boy didn't shift. They didn't make him as one of us." Haven grinned at Billy who held up his hand, obviously embarrassed. “He made it out without spilling the beans."
Caleb raised his eyebrows in disbelief.
"You dumb ass!” Derek shook his head, allowing laughter to spill free. “Do you have a death wish or something?"
"No, sir.” Billy shook his head, turning to the woman approaching the table. “I'll have two shots of Jack, ma'am."
She nodded, turning to Haven.
He toked on the cigar and said, “The usual."
She nodded again, turning to Derek, Caleb and me.
"Guinness."
"Bottle or tap?” She rested a hand on her hip impatiently.
"There's only one way to drink a Guinness, sweetheart,” Derek drawled.
She purposely ignored him and her eyes rested on me. I watched her nostrils flare for a moment before she looked at Caleb.
"Killian's on tap, and a coke."
She nodded and walked back to the bar.
"So, that good news.” Haven leaned across the table, cigar pointing at me. I looked away from his attentive face, staring at the table nervously. “Your girl is in the clear. They don't know Sam's involved, so they won't start by looking here."
"When did Sam contact you?” Caleb asked in obvious relief. His entire body relaxed.
"Not long after you arrived, he was en route when the call came in. He said to lay low until they get it all sorted. Luca got the lowdown on a hideout and had them tailed. If they can find the nest, they'll end all of this."
"Freak bastards,” Derek muttered in disgust.
The waitress returned with a tray full of drinks, placing them in front of us. Caleb grabbed his mug and my glass, handing the coke to me. I pulled off the paper tip covering the straw while he brought the beer to his lips, drinking it down in several gulps. Derek followed suit, and Billy tossed back his shots, one right after the other. Haven was more reserved, drinking his red concoction leisurely.
"Another round?” the waitress asked. Everyone except for Haven nodded, and she walked away again.
"We're going to need to stay at the cabin,” Caleb announced.
"I'm already ahead of you. Good thing you left these here.” Haven tossed keys onto the table. They skidded to a halt in front of us and Caleb reached over to grab them, shifting his hips up to place the metal ring inside his pocket.
"Tristan is shitting bricks right about now. He doesn't have the time or the means to look for her.” Haven puffed his cigar again. “Just sit back and relax, Sam will be in touch.
The waitress returned with fresh drinks, placing them in the center of the table. She didn't stick around when everyone indicated they were set, pivoting around and walking away. I watched her prowl over to the bar in her skin tight red leather pants. The crowd quickly surrounded her, leaving only the tray she held aloft visible.
/> "Well, gentlemen.” Haven finished his drink, tossing it back and swallowing. “It's been fun, but I have a business to run.” He notched his chin and Billy stood, allowing him to squeeze past.
He stopped at the edge of the table. “Stay as long as you like, mi casa su casa. Consider it a way of showing my appreciation. They've missed you around here.” He reached out to Caleb, shaking his hand quickly before vanishing around the corner.
"When do I go back home,” I asked in evident relief.
This was good news—excellent news. No more crazy people chasing me around in places I could very easily find myself killed.
Billy focused on an empty shot glass, twisting the thick container with his fingers, avoiding my eyes. Derek leaned back, blocked by Caleb's body. I felt their tension as they quietly ignored my question.
Didn't they hear a word Haven said?
"He just said not to worry, right?"
"Billy, Derek, would you give us a minute?” Caleb asked and they both slid free from the booth, standing and hurrying to the bar, relieved to be off the hook.
"What?” I turned to Caleb, putting space between us so I could see his face. I hoped he would be less likely to lie if I could look him in the eye.
"You can't ever go back home, Emma,” he answered quietly, meeting my eyes.
"What? Never?” The last word rang in my ears.
I would never go home again.
That truth was harder to accept than I imagined. I believed the house was just a shell before, an empty reminder of how things were before the unthinkable marred my life.
But now...the house represented all the things I'd ever known. From the kitchen I ate breakfast in every morning, to the living room where Grandma and I enjoyed old sappy romantic movies, and my bedroom, where I tried to recall my Mother, shedding unrequited tears of frustration and loss.
All of those rooms were like chambers of my heart, my only remaining link to the things I loved most.
"We'll get someone to retrieve your things,” Caleb offered.
"I just...” I couldn't speak as I tried to keep it together. I didn't want to believe him.
Caleb's hands reached around, pulling me into the shelter of his arms. I relaxed and leaned on his strength, resting my face against his chest and accepting the significant comfort he offered. The smell of pine and forest was soothing and he swayed gently back and forth, consoling me.
"I know how it feels when one life ends,” he whispered tenderly, the words vibrating against my ear, “But you have to look for good things in your new life to balance it out."
"How would you know?” I sniffed miserably and he chuckled.
"Because I wasn't always what I am."
I pulled away from his embrace, meeting his eyes. Dark liquid blue warmed me as his lips lifted in a comforting smile. I brought my left hand to his jaw, touching his cheek. My fingers traced the soft stubble that slowly appeared throughout the day, caressing the velvety smoothness. The attraction was there, entreating and enticing.
I bit my bottom lip, a nervous habit I had almost broken resurfacing. “Will you tell me about it?” I asked quietly.
"If you want."
The distance between us disappeared. I fought back shock, eyes closing at the last possible moment as our lips met.
The kiss was different than before. His hand nestled in my hair, drawing me forward. His tongue traced my bottom lip and I tasted the dark beer he'd enjoyed.
He kissed my lips softly before he pulled away, breathing against my mouth. I lifted my eyelids, breaths coming out in gasps, my heart pounding in my chest. Lungs full of air felt as if they were full of water.
"You're so beautiful,” he murmured. His eyes traveled over my face, returning to my eyes as he stroked my hair.
"Caleb."
The sharp voice intruded, splashing over my skin like a bucket of freezing water. I stared up at the same girl who had carelessly knocked me into the pit and my face reddened with anger.
"What can I do for you, Brigette?” Caleb didn't look away, blue eyes traveling across the planes of my nose and mouth.
"You have a lot of nerve, Caleb."
"What is your problem?” I snapped sharply, glaring back at her.
Her eyes changed, the light blue turning an ominous white. “Don't talk to me human. It's insulting even having you here."
I tried not to wince.
She said human like it was a disease.
"Back off, Brigette,” Caleb growled. He lifted a lock of my hair, rubbing the thick strand between his fingers.
"He doesn't want a mate you know,” she informed me haughtily. “He's too superior, even for his own kind."
Caleb's dense lashes fluttered against his cheeks and I sensed his unease as he played with my hair. He lifted his eyes and met mine. His irises were light blue in the center and dark around the edge, creating a totally breathtaking effect. I stared into the glistening pools of blue, utterly transfixed.
His large hand clasped my neck, pulling me forward unexpectedly. I inhaled audibly as our lips met for the third time, in yet another type of kiss.
My breath caught as I felt my skin heat.
I smelled wood, forest, trees and grass—his scent growing stronger in my nose. Energy rolled off of him in waves, crashing into me. My skin rippled softly, prickling along the surface, humming.
"It can't be,” Brigette murmured in disbelief.
"Obviously, it can, Brig.” Derek sounded amused.
I blushed and pulled my lips away. Caleb was staring at me with the oddest gleam in his eyes. He brushed a tendril of hair behind my ear and placed his hand over my own, turning and facing Brigette. Derek slid into the booth across from us, watching with a curious expression.
"I'm not superior, Brigette.” Caleb's voice was level and cold. “I'm just the first one that didn't want you."
Derek laughed under his breath.
"That's fine, Caleb. But she isn't one of us. Not unless...” She laughed, tossing her hair over her shoulder and placing her hands on her hips. “No, you wouldn't allow that, would you? Creating something in someone else that you can't even stand within yourself? But if you can't do it..."
She looked at me, tilting her head to the side as she leaned in close, venom seeping from her tongue. “We both know what happens when your wolf wants control. And humans, well, they are so very frail, aren't they?"
"You are such a bitch,” Derek snarled, voice laced with animosity, his amber eyes gleaming.
She stood straight, smirking at him, and turned to stare at me long and hard before she vanished into the crowd.
"I'm sorry about that,” Caleb rasped.
"I attended high school. I know all about jealous girl drama.” I was equally angry and my body was still trembling from the confrontation.
The lights dimmed and I lifted my furious gaze, peering around the room. A buzz saturated the air, heightening the growing excitement. Everyone focused their attention to the center of the room, bodies pressing closer to the railing. I tried to slide next to Derek for a better look.
"Don't.” Caleb's hand grabbed my arm and I frowned at him, uncertain at his tone. “It's time to go."
Caleb slid out of the booth and reached for my hand, helping me stand. He brought his large body around, intentionally blocking my view of the pit. Then he glanced at Derek and said, “Get Billy, I'll meet you outside."
Derek nodded, rising from the booth and stalking toward the bar.
Caleb pushed through the crowd, past the surging bodies that blocked our path, making our way to the small elevator shaft. His hand held me upright, keeping me from tumbling over when I nearly stumbled.
The energy inside the room returned, burning across my skin, causing my eyes to water. Voices deepened, turning into angry snarls. I flinched at the sounds of flesh meeting flesh, bones popping and snapping as hard blows landed.
Caleb ushered me inside the cramped space, pushing a button and closing the doors. Before they slid shu
t I heard a horrendous sound, as if thick plastic was being ripped apart. It was followed by loud growls and an ear piercing howl. The elevator took us up and the noises eventually vanished.
I stepped out of the tiny elevator when the door opened and Caleb pushed the door shut, releasing my hand. He started pacing around the room erratically, clearly agitated. I didn't say anything, remaining completely still and waiting patiently.
He stopped and turned, his eyes were bright blue again, the whitish color so much clearer in the well lit room.
"I shouldn't have brought you to this place.” His voice was brash and coarse. He ran a trembling hand through his hair as he paced the small room, back and forth, side to side.
"It's okay, let's just go now,” I said, trying to disguise just how unnerved he was making me.
He couldn't stand still, moving in frenzied movements around the confined space, like a caged animal. I heard the elevator behind us and moved to the door, giving Caleb room. The hidden wall swung open, and Derek walked out. He glanced at us mischievously, his smile fading as he took a look at Caleb.
"Emma.” Derek stepped to me. “Let's get some fresh air.” He opened the door and ushered me outside, speaking quietly to Caleb as he shut the door, “Take as long as you need. I've got her."
Derek led me down the hallway, the hand at my back never making contact. I could see the dance floor, the rotating mirror ball spilling rainbow slivers across the wood below. Music continued to blare but there were no voices. I knew why when we cleared the hall. Other than the tattooed cowboy at the bar, the place was totally empty.
Derek opened the door and I stepped onto the porch. The rain had come while we were inside, the heavy wetness lingering in the air. I drew in a deep breath, filling my lungs with the outdoor smells while clutching Caleb's jacket around my shoulders. I envisioned the look in his face inside that room. I didn't understand what he was experiencing, but whatever it was, it had the power to unnerve Derek.
"You're into him, right?” Derek asked, gazing into the dark. His eyes focused on something only he could see in the distance, following it as he asked the question.
"Yeah,” I stuttered lamely, blushing in embarrassment, “I don't know how to describe it."
