by J. A. Saare
"So that rush that happens...” Words escaped me as I remembered the heat that ran along my skin at his nearness, my heart thundering inside my chest.
Caleb moved across the bed, arms resting on either side of my body.
"This?” he asked, leaning close, brushing his nose along my cheek, down my jaw, and to my neck.
I felt the warm haze spread over me and smelled that intoxicating mixture of grass, wood and earth. I closed my eyes as my skin erupted in diminutive tremors. The world shifted beneath me and I resisted the urge to reach for him—to bring his face toward my own.
"This,” I breathed in acknowledgment, nodding my head slowly, dazed. He backed off, perching on the edge of the bed, watching as I tried to clear my head. I blushed, meeting his understanding eyes. “What is that amazing smell?"
He cocked an eyebrow and grinned. “Pheromones, they're released when we bond."
"So you can control my emotions?” The thought terrified me and it resounded in my voice.
"No, Emma. Don't even think that.” He shook his head and inched closer, “The pheromones will bring emotions to the surface, but only if they are already there in the first place."
"And you can't control my reactions either?” I asked, not totally convinced.
"You didn't respond to Derek,” he replied calmly.
"There wasn't anything to respond to but Tide!” I argued adamantly, “I would know. I sniffed the shirt!"
"Trust me, even when you took it off, his scent was all over you,” Caleb growled softly.
"So I wouldn't react to yours—” I considered what he was saying.
"Unless the underlying feeling is already there,” he finished for me, undoubtedly confident.
"And what about you, how is this for you?"
"More difficult than I imagined,” he conceded, sighing, “My protective nature has never been this strong."
"Is that what happened downstairs?” I thought about Derek's laughter, appreciating the joke even if what he did wasn't entirely funny.
"Having his scent on you, I didn't like it at all,” Caleb confessed, smiling rakishly.
"Does he always cause so much trouble?"
"Always, that's Derek.” He nodded and grinned. “Otherwise, I'd have thrown him through the wall."
I laughed, “He deserves serious payback."
"Don't worry, I'll tell Sarah.” His eyes glinted in anticipation.
"Sarah?"
"Sarah is Derek's girlfriend."
"Derek has a girlfriend?"
I couldn't believe it. Anyone who could put up with the practical jokes and those table manners had to be a saint. I remembered Derek approaching me outside the Pit, telling me they were equally fragile on the inside. Maybe he was more than the jokes, big mouth, and brawn.
"Where is she?” I asked.
"They're taking a break.” Caleb's voice dropped and I had to listen closely to catch the words.
"Why?"
"Because.” He leaned over me, voice hushed. “Derek hasn't bonded with her, and it's been months now."
I frowned. “But you said if the emotions were there it intensifies them."
"It does,” he whispered, adding solemnly, “If our wolf recognizes it and accepts it."
I tried to imagine loving someone that a part of you refused to love as well, only to wait and hope that given time, things might change. The amount of pain something like that would exert on someone was something I didn't want to comprehend.
"What about her?” I asked, positive she was experiencing the same heartache Derek was.
His lips lifted into a knowing smile. “Women, as you know, are fickle creatures."
"Hey, pal.” I gave him my most stern face but couldn't hold it, breaking into a smile. “Will his wolf accept her eventually?"
He shrugged. “I don't know, honestly. Since she's a werewolf, too, that's usually all it takes—if the attraction is there to start. Maybe deep inside the wolf knows something Derek doesn't."
"It's funny,” I said thoughtfully. “You refer to the wolf like it's a different person."
"In a way, it's both.” He considered it for a moment. “It's like a partnership, two sides working together but taking different stances on certain things. You can try to sway one side, but it doesn't always listen."
"Caleb?” I glanced up at him shyly. “You keep saying wolf, like, I don't know, an actual wolf. But at Haven's...Why do you call it a wolf?"
"I'll show you,” he promised with a grin.
"When?"
"I'll surprise you."
I reclined against the pillows and yawned. I wasn't sure what time it was, but I knew it was late.
The feathers surrounded my shoulders in an enticing softness and I let out an exhausted sigh. The bed wasn't only large and plush; it was also incredibly warm, inviting me to close my eyes. I resisted the temptation, forcing my heavy lids to remain open.
"You need to rest. You've had one hell of a day."
Caleb stood, walking to the bedside and pulling back the comforter. “Here, climb in."
"Wait.” I sat up, blushing. “Turn around."
He lifted an eyebrow but dutifully turned his body, facing the wall. I quickly stripped off my jeans and slipped underneath the blankets.
"Okay, you can look."
His grin was visible from his profile as he walked to the night stand and rotated the switch on the lamp. A soft glow warmed the wall, creating a tiny round halo just above. He straightened and walked to door, turning off the light in the room.
"Sweet dreams, Emma."
"Wait.” I leaned up on my elbows.
"What's wrong?"
"Where will you sleep?"
"I'll be right outside,” he answered evasively.
"Caleb.” I hesitated, asking nervously, “Will you stay?"
He froze, standing perfectly still. Then he turned, walking quietly to the bed and laying on top of the blankets. He rested his head on the pillow, facing me.
"May I?” His hand gently caressed my hair, careful fingers brushing along my temple and down my back.
"That feels wonderful,” I murmured, eyes growing heavy.
His fingers lulled me toward sleep, each tantalizing brush sending me under. The last thing I remembered before the world went dark was Caleb leaning in, kissing my nose, and wrapping his arm around me.
[Back to Table of Contents]
Chapter 9—Payback
When I woke my first thought was—it's too early, go back to sleep. Then everything came crashing back and my eyes flew open.
Caleb was gone.
I reached to his side of the bed and the blanket was cool to the touch. I didn't know what time it was, but I was sure it was early. Sunlight filtered through windows in the walls. I didn't notice them before as they were covered, but now I could clearly make out the pair framing each side of the bed.
I stretched, groaning. My body was sore all over, like I'd worked out all day before venturing into a ring and being beaten into a bloody pulp. I draped my torso over the side of the mattress and felt along the floor for my blue jeans, stifling a wince. When I had them in hand, I peered at the door and took my chances.
I pushed back the blankets and stood, grabbing the jeans and quickly shoving them on one leg at a time. I'd just gotten them buttoned when I heard someone coming up the stairs.
Caleb was barefoot, wearing nothing more than blue jeans. His chest, shoulders, and stomach were bare, smooth tanned skin with a slight slathering of dark hair rippling with every movement of the muscle along his stomach and arms.
I forced myself to look into his face. He'd shaven, the stubble from yesterday gone. He grinned and I blushed, knowing he caught me staring.
"Sleep well?” he asked, chuckling softly.
"Yeah, actually, thanks,” I stammered unevenly. Shy for some odd reason, unable to stop staring at his impeccable body and face.
Get a grip before you make a total fool of yourself!
"Are you o
kay?” he asked, tilting his head to the side.
"I—I just,” I stammered like an idiot, “I just need to visit the restroom."
"Okay?” He moved out of the doorway and I tried not to stare as I walked by, but it was hard. It was impossible not to admire him.
I shuffled past into the hallway, hurrying to the restroom. I shut the door, leaning against the frame. Of everything I had to deal with in the last twenty-four hours, this was without a doubt the hardest. I never imagined I would feel this way about someone, especially so soon after meeting him.
Was it bonding? That had to explain it.
But then again...His hair was so soft and dark, and those indigo eyes seemed to stare into my mind, knowing more than I was ready to share. I wasn't even going to think about how his body affected me. If the bonding weren't there, I'd still be attracted to him, and I knew it.
It doesn't help when he walks around without a shirt like a Greek God!
I sighed and walked to the sink, reaching for my toothbrush placed in a little blue holder. I scrubbed my teeth longer than I really needed to while my thoughts raced. When I finished, I brushed out my hair. The strands were difficult and I had to wet them slightly to tame the waves.
I finished and opened the door, gaping at Caleb who waited at the top of the stairs. He'd gotten dressed. The dark polo shirt matched his eyes, bringing them further into focus—as if that were even possible...or necessary.
I caught myself staring again and my cheeks started to burn.
Today was different for several reasons. I knew why I felt the way I did, and that knowledge made me feel exposed.
"Are you sure you're okay?” he asked again, smile vanishing and concern appearing in its place.
"Yeah, I am,” I said evenly, clearing my throat and displaying false bravado. “I'm just not a morning person."
"Not a morning person, huh?” he asked, unconvinced.
"Definitely not a morning person.” I was only telling a little white lie. I wasn't a morning person unless I had a morning cup of coffee. “I live for the nightlife."
He smiled, shaking his head and motioning downstairs. “Are you hungry?"
He couldn't have planned it better if he'd tried. My stomach rumbled at the thought of food. I had only eaten once yesterday.
"I'll take that as a yes. Let's get you something to eat."
He led the way down the stairs and into the kitchen, walking to a cabinet and pulling out a bowl before reaching into the drawer below for a spoon. He turned and handed them to me before opening another cabinet, standing aside to let me see inside.
"Pick your poison.” He pointed at the shelves.
I never thought I'd ever be overwhelmed by cereal, but here I was, facing three shelves full of sugary goodness, trying to decide which would taste the best this morning. It didn't help that several favorites were present; Captain Crunch, Frosted Flakes, and of course, the one I finally chose.
"The Fruity Pebbles.” I pointed at the red box and he snagged it for me. He closed the cabinet and walked to a table in the far left of the room.
I stopped, momentarily puzzled. “Was that there before?"
"No.” He pulled out a chair, holding it for me, “Derek brought it in from the barn this morning."
"Whew, I was worried my mind had finally started to slip,” I joked, sitting down.
"We keep it out of the house usually. People don't normally come here to eat.” He snapped his mouth shut as soon as the words escaped his mouth.
"And what is it they come here for?” I asked teasingly.
"Let's just say, with the exception of my room, which is off limits to everyone, the other bedrooms have seen some pretty crazy things.” He pulled out the chair next to me and sat down.
"Why is that? Are you the only one with a room here?” I tried to pace myself, eating small bites. It was a challenge. I felt like a bottomless pit.
"This is where I stay when I'm not working for Sam,” he answered, leaning on his elbows to watch as I ate.
"Are you not hungry?” I stopped mid bite. I felt awkward eating alone and having him watch me.
"I already ate,” he admitted.
I chewed on my cereal, trying to eat as quickly and neatly as possible. Caleb stretched back, leaning in the chair. I caught myself staring again—admiring how the shirt made his eyes deeper, the blue like crushed velvet.
Stop it for Christ sakes! I forced myself to concentrate on my food.
"So.” He glanced toward the door. “Derek and I have to take a quick trip into town and get a few things. It looks like we may be here awhile, and we might as well enjoy the cabin. Billy's going to stay behind with you. Is that okay?"
"Uh, sure.” I pushed aside images of fanged teeth. I didn't like the idea of being here without him, but Caleb promised we were safe, and who could be scared with Billy around.
"I'm about to break a huge girl rule.” He pretended to wince. “I need to know what size you wear, as well as a list of the things you need."
I stopped chewing. “You're going to pick out clothes for me?"
A part of me thought the idea was incredibly sweet and another part rebelled against the entire concept. What if he came back with corduroy overalls and a straw hat? I hoped he wouldn't do that to me.
But Derek would—that would be right up his alley.
"Only a few things, until you can pick things out yourself,” he explained, trying to pacify me no doubt.
"As long as you don't bring back cowboy boots or overalls.” My eyes narrowed in warning.
"No boots,” he promised, “But I will need a list of the small things you might need."
He stood and walked to a drawer, pulling out a pen and piece of paper. He brought it back to the table, placing it next to me.
Suddenly, I had revenge on my mind. I knew exactly what I needed from the store. “I have two questions,” I said, the devious grin spreading across my face. “Where is the coffee, and did you say Derek was going with you?"
"The coffee is in the fridge,” he said, worry creasing his brow, “And yes, Derek is going with me. Why?"
"You'll see.” I took another bite of cereal, writing the list inside my head with each chew.
About an hour later, Derek and Caleb were off, leaving me and Billy behind in the cabin. I instructed Caleb to make Derek do my list shopping. He tried to sway me into allowing him to do it himself, but I was determined. He eventually agreed, but only if I promised to explain later. I knew Derek would spill the beans before I could, but I gave him my word anyway. In the meantime, he wasn't to so much as take a peep at what I'd written.
The suspense was killing him. I could tell.
When they were gone, I decided to take a walk around. It was delightful outside, the leaves beginning to change colors and the sun just warm enough that I didn't need a jacket. A wispy breeze came and went, like a silky caress across my skin when the temperature became overmuch.
The first place I ventured was the barn, which was erected to the left of the cabin. I walked in and immediately found Haven's love—his Chevy's.
There were several parked inside, the biggest displayed proudly in the middle. It was a mammoth red monster with wheels taller than me. Two thick black racing stripes ran up the hood and down the back. The metal frame was lifted high into the air and I wondered how in the world a regular person would even get inside.
I found a ladder that led to the loft and climbed up. There were different pieces of furniture, some tables and chairs, as well as several labeled plastic bins. A few were marked with names, including Caleb's. I walked up to them and touched the outside, wondering what he had hidden up here. I resisted the temptation to take a peek, forcing myself to climb back down.
I walked outside and around the side of the cabin. The water was gorgeous, shining as the sun reflected the ripples scattering across it.
"Hello, darlin',” Billy said from across the pond. He was sitting atop a large white overturned bucket with a fishing p
ole in hand. The breeze ruffled the curls at his neck, sending them around his face.
"Fishing?"
"There ain't no better way to spend a Sunday morning."
He snared the rod, pulling the line quickly and reeling it in. I could see the fish as it approached the surface, thrashing wildly against the water. Billy lifted the rod and fish into the air, grasping its mouth between his fingers. He removed the hook and tossed it back into the water, winding the line through the tiny metal circles on the pole, twisting the crank.
I laughed softly and asked, “Doesn't that defeat the entire purpose?"
"No, ma'am.” He threw the line back out and perched on the bucket. “I figure they'll let me off for catchin’ em’ if I let em’ off in kind."
I grinned and walked over, plopping down on the grass beside him. He truly was a gentle giant.
He waited a minute or so, reeling the line back in and tossing it out. It was peaceful, watching him fish. The natural sounds all around us were anything but quiet, yet somehow we managed to share a comfortable silence together. It was refreshing.
"Billy?” I asked, my voice breaking the stillness.
"Hmm?"
"Are you married?” He seemed like someone with a family. I could easily picture him with a wife and children. He gave off a strong paternal vibe. But I didn't see any wedding band.
"Yes, Ma'am.” He reeled in the line again, tossing it back into the water. “Right now she's in Canada, with our boy."
"Canada?” I looked at him questioningly. His face was relaxed as ever. “Why so far away?"
"Marcus came into his change early and we're trying to give him room to sort things out.” He caught another fish and reeled in the line, releasing it and starting over again.
"I'm sorry, I didn't realize."
"Of course you didn't, you had no way of knowin’ that.” He looked down and smiled, tossing the line back out.
"You must miss them."
He nodded, gazing at the water. “I'm going back up as soon as you're safe and sound."
"So how does this work, anyway?” I motioned toward the rod, perching over to look at the reel.
