Enigma, Maine, Bundle 2

by Iris Abbott

  “Interesting, I thought the exact same thing,” Lucian interjected. “I know I’ve never met her before.” Nope, you didn’t forget a woman like that, no matter how many centuries you lived.

  Lucian glanced back at the stranger. She was lovingly running a hand over the intricately carved staircase. He shuddered. He could imagine those hands on his body: touching, rubbing, and loving. And in return, he would thoroughly caress every inch of her body until she was screaming his name in a blind haze of want and need.

  Yes. She was utterly unforgettable. No way she ever crossed his path before.

  Lucian was snapped out of the lust-filled trance by the arrival of Justin Gannon. The wolf shifter had a slight frown on his face. The invitation was held tightly in the wolf shifter’s hands. He nodded a greeting when Justin joined the group and waited for him to share what he found out about their mystery guest.

  “Well, I was able to trace the invitation. It was originally sent to Brianna Sheldon.”

  “Brittany’s grandmother?” Julie snapped her fingers. “That’s it! She reminds me of Brittany!”

  “Darken the hair to a deep auburn, cut it and shape it into an elegant bob, and you could be looking at Brittany’s twin!” This pronouncement came from a very excited Selena.

  Alessandro frowned. “I don’t think she looks anything like your friend Brittany. Just because they both have red hair doesn’t make them look alike.”

  “No, it doesn’t,” Julie agreed. “It’s not just the red hair. It’s the way she moves, her mannerisms.”

  Lucian already had his phone out and was pressing buttons. He waited until Brianna answered. “I’m at the Halloween party you practically begged me to attend. So imagine my surprise when a stranger shows up in possession of your invitation.”

  “Oh you found out about that little trick did you?” Good. She wasn’t going to pretend or play stupid.

  “Quite by accident I assure you. I found your friend hiking up the driveway and gave her a lift.” He remembered what Julie and Selena said. “Is she related to you Brianna?”

  “I don’t know, maybe.”

  That was a surprising answer. “Explain?” The one-word command was enough, and Brianna launched into an explanation.

  “She has the aura of a very powerful witch, but I don’t sense any magic about her. My niece and her family were killed several years ago. There was one baby, a female. Even though the body was never found, she was presumed to be dead just like her parents. I’m beginning to wonder if the stranger and the long-lost baby are one and the same.”

  Lucian could not believe what he heard. Things were getting more and more complicated as time ticked by. He remembered the horrifying incident and how upset Brianna was by losing part of her family in such a way. He ran a hand through his close-cropped hair. “Is she the reason you wanted me here?”

  “Yes, she needs protection. She is surrounded by fear, and she’s been marked for death. No one gets the best of you, Lucian. I’m almost positive this woman is my great niece, and I need you to keep her alive for me.”

  Lucian almost snorted. He and Brianna were close friends and had been for decades. She knew he’d do nearly anything for her. “I was interested in her before this, but now I’m downright intrigued. You have my word that no harm will come to her. I won’t leave her side until we figure out what exactly is going on.” He couldn’t keep calling her this woman or the stranger. “Do you happen to know her name?”

  Brianna laughed so hard she was cackling. “Lucian you must be losing your touch. Loosen up a little. Try not to be so taciturn.” She sobered suddenly.

  “I’m just teasing you, my old friend. She wouldn’t introduce herself to me either. She came into the shop to get her Halloween costume,” she explained. “The good news is that I managed to snag a few strands of her hair. I’ve already sent a sample along with my own hair to a friend at the hospital. She put a rush on the DNA test, and I should have the results soon.”

  “What are you going to do if she’s related to you?”

  “I’m going to confess to her about the DNA test. I’ll tell her everything I know about her family and her disappearance. Then I’m going to try to build a relationship with her.” She paused for a second.

  “Lucian, if you see Brittany, please do not tell her about this. She was three years old when this happened. I doubt if she even remembers. It hasn’t been spoken of in years. I don’t want Brittany to put herself in the middle of whatever is coming, because I know there is danger, grave danger on its way. I feel it. It’s a thick, suffocating black cloud of toxin bearing down on us and chocking the life out of everything in its path.”

  “I understand. Let me know when you get the test results. I’ll keep you informed, and I’ll let you know if I find out why she’s in danger.” Lucian ended the call and turned to the other people standing around him. “Thanks, Justin. Apparently, Brianna is the one who slipped the invitation under our mystery guest’s door.”

  Relieved that nothing seemed to be amiss, Justin returned the invitation. “I’ll make my rounds then.”

  “Justin, you need to be extra vigilant tonight,” Lucian ordered. “It’s not the redhead, but trouble is coming.”

  Justin nodded. “Good night everyone,” he turned and blended with the crowd.

  “Is she related to Brittany?” Julie and Selena both asked at the same time.

  “We don’t know yet.” His eyes narrowed, and he used his most commanding voice. “Say nothing about this to Brittany. Whoever the stranger is, it’s Brianna’s place to discuss the possibilities with her granddaughter.”

  Julie pursed her lips, and Selena put her hands on her hips in a defensive stance. The three witches were close, like sisters. They both had sense enough, however, to realize it wouldn’t do to upset Brianna or Lucian. Both of them were powerful beings used to getting their own way. They looked at each other and by silent communication agreed to lie to their friend by omission. What other choice did they have?

  That didn’t mean Julie couldn’t tell Lucian what they thought about it. “We don’t like it, but you’re right. We promise not to say anything. And if for some reason Brittany asks questions, Selena and I will send her your way.”

  That was good enough for Lucian. He nodded his agreement. “Even though we know why she’s here, she’s still shrouded in secrecy and danger. It’s probably a good idea to keep her out of Brittany’s sight. I think the private tour is the best way to proceed,” he informed Alessandro and Julie.

  “I’ll do it,” Julie offered. “At least one of us should mingle with the guests and greet newcomers.” When her husband looked like he was about to argue, she stopped him. “Selena can go with me. And Lucian will be there. I’m pretty sure two strong witches and the most powerful paranormal being known to exist will be safe with one little redhead.”

  Glad that was finally settled, Lucian agreed and hurried back to his mystery woman with Julie and Selena in tow. He placed a hand on her shoulder to get her attention. “This is Julie Russo and Selena Saint John. They’ve agreed to give us a tour. Julie and her husband own this monstrosity that you are so enamored with.”

  ****

  Jessica couldn’t contain her excitement. She stuck out a hand and vigorously shook the one that Selena and then Julie offered. “Thank you so much! You have such a wonderful home from both an architectural and artistic standpoint. I’m Jessica by the way.”

  “Jessica,” Lucian let the name roll off his tongue. “I like it,” he pronounced.

  The smile faded from her face. In her excitement over the tour, she inadvertently used her real name. This was not good, not good at all.

  Julie and Selena looked at each other. They linked arms with her, and she immediately felt at ease.

  “I’ve actually lived here less than a year, but this is my husband’s ancestral home,” Julie said. “I’m sure he’s shown me every nook and cranny by now. I’d be more than happy to share it with you and Lucian.”
>
  Jessica could have sworn she heard a hiss. She looked under her feet and all around, expecting to see a cat. She didn’t spot one anywhere nearby.

  Selena burst into laughter. “Jessica, I think we’re all going to be fast friends. Welcome to Enigma by the way.”

  Jessica let the women lead her away. The castle and people felt safe. Just this one time she was going to let her guard down and enjoy the beauty around her. With Julie on one side, Selena on the other, and Luc standing guard behind they explored almost every inch of the castle. She asked way too many questions and took in every glorious detail. This was the first time in a long time she actually felt happy. She hoped she could remember this moment later on down the road. It would bring her comfort if she were still on the run.

  THREE

  Jessica tugged slightly, but she couldn’t pull free from Luc’s iron grip. It was midnight, and the party was ending, time for everyone to leave. “I’ll call a cab. You really don’t need to take me home.” She didn’t want to get in any deeper with this man. He just drew her in, and she wanted to soak up his essence. That wasn’t a good idea for either one of them.

  “You aren’t going to get a cab to come this far from the city center this late at night.”

  Thinking of the taxi driver who dropped her off at the bottom of the drive, Jessica knew he was right. She hadn’t planned to stay so late, but she’d been engrossed in the tour and Julie’s tales about the castle. She lost all track of time. “Okay, I admit you’re probably right.”

  Lucian raised a brow. “I know I’m right, I usually am,” he smugly added.

  “Umm, modest much?” She couldn’t help but smile when she said it. Lucian seemed detached, almost cold to the people around them tonight. She didn’t feel that coldness when he dealt with her though. He had that tall, dark, and deadly look about him. She almost wanted to confide her trouble to him, because he looked like someone who could take care of himself and anything that came his way.

  The truth was she didn’t really know enough about him to bare her soul and in the process put him in danger. She’d let him drop her off at the inn, and that would be goodbye. She felt a pang of longing and regret. Under normal circumstances, she would have really liked to get to know this man better. Nothing about her life right now was normal, and she couldn’t forget it.

  “I’m staying at Inn Enigma. You know the one on Main Street with the cute apple green door and royal purple awning.”

  “I know where it is. Let’s go.” He didn’t let go of her arm, and she had no choice but to follow him to the valet area. His car was already there waiting for them with the keys in the ignition.

  “Wow, now that’s service,” Jessica mumbled under her breath.

  Lucian gave her a small smile as he opened the door, but he didn’t comment. She learned that he was a man of few words.

  The trip to Enigma’s town square happened in relative silence. Luc seemed deep in thought, and she was loath to disturb him. She tried to look straight ahead to see where they were going but spent most of the time sneaking peeks at him from underneath her lowered lashes. She knew it was silly. She wanted to look her fill, but she didn’t want to get caught doing it.

  Lucian neatly parallel parked the car in a convenient spot just right of the inn’s main entrance. Jessica shook her head. That space would have never been open if she’d been driving. She turned in her seat and faced him head-on. “Thanks for everything, Luc.”

  He started to say something, but she put up a hand to stop him. “No, I mean it. You made this night special for me, and I’m truly grateful for everything: the lift up the drive, the tour, the ride home, but most especially your kindness.”

  Lucian snorted. “No one’s ever called me kind before,” he muttered.

  Jessica leaned close and placed a tentative kiss on his cheek. “I guess this is goodbye.” It had to be. She opened the door and climbed out of the car without a second glance. Every step she took away from Luc made her heart feel heavier. Boy did she have it bad. She gritted her teeth in a show of determination and walked faster.

  ****

  Lucian watched her try to make her get away for a full three seconds before he snapped out of the self-imposed trance. He’d been watching the sway of her hips and admiring the little glimpse of creamy skin he caught here and there when her costume shifted. Now his mind was back in working order. He jumped out of the car in hot pursuit.

  He caught up to her and wrapped a possessive arm around her waist. “Luc, I’m perfectly capable of making it to my room on my own. I’m a big girl, and I’ve been alone for a while now.” Her voice trembled.

  Not in the mood for an argument he refused to lose, Lucian just took the old-fashioned skeleton key from her hand. He glanced at the room number engraved on the key and headed for the stairs. He tightened the grip on her waist so that her only choice was to keep walking. They climbed the single flight of stairs quickly. In fact, Lucian didn’t stop his brisk pace until they were standing outside her door.

  “I’m going to talk to the manager. These keys may be quaint, but if you ask me, they’re a security hazard. Anybody familiar with the town would know exactly what hotel and room to find you in with just a glance.” Lucian slid the key into the lock, but before he turned it, he glanced down both ends of the hall. It was empty, so he turned back to Jessica. “Stay here while I check your room.”

  “This is silly,” she protested. “I’m capable of doing that myself. You really didn’t need to come up here.”

  Lucian ignored her. He turned the key, pushed open the door, and stepped inside. The room was neat, everything in place. It was another piece to the puzzle that was Jessica. She was meticulous and detail oriented. He was convinced she was an engineer or more than likely an architect.

  He had heightened senses including sight, smell, and hearing. Her room appeared to be empty and in order. He opened the door wider and finally allowed her inside. “It’s safe, come on in.”

  Jessica pushed past him, closing the door at the same time. “I wasn’t expecting trouble, were you?” Lucian didn’t answer. She let out an irritated sigh.

  “Would you like a drink? I haven’t looked, but I’m sure there’s something in the mini-bar if you want it.”

  “Whatever you’re having is fine.” He wasn’t in the mood for cheap alcohol, but he wanted more time with Jessica. He was still trying to figure her out, and he could be quite single-minded when he wanted to get to the bottom of something.

  He sat down on the small sofa closest to the door and waited for her to join him. He watched her take out two small glass bottles from the mini fridge. She disappeared into a room he assumed was the bathroom. She returned with two small glasses. “I’ve got rum, and there’s a cola in the refrigerator. How do coke and rum sound?”

  Lucian nodded. She grabbed the can of soda, pulled the tab, and split the dark fizzy liquid between the two glasses. She sat one glass down on the table and handed the other one to Lucian. Then she offered him the small bottle of amber liquid. “I’ll let you pour the alcohol yourself.”

  Lucian screwed open the top and poured about half of the tiny bottle into the soda. He waited until Jessica did the same. He settled back into the sofa cushions and tried to get comfortable.

  ****

  Jessica swirled the glass, trying to get the two different liquids to mix. Lucian looked like he was settling in for the long haul. The possibility sent little jolts of desire zinging through her body. She crossed and uncrossed her legs. His presence was really making it hard for her to get comfortable. Sexual tension zinged through her body.

  In an attempt to soothe a bad case of nervous energy, she gulped her drink. It went down the wrong way, and she started coughing. When she finally caught her breath, she gave Lucian a horrified look. “Sorry about that.”

  “You seem unusually skittish. Why is that, Jessica?”

  She tried to deflect him. “I don’t normally invite strangers into my hotel room. Maybe th
is wasn’t such a good idea after all. Let’s call it a night.”

  Lucian slid to the edge of the couch and turned toward her. “No, I’ve been observing you all evening. I don’t think this has anything to do with me.”

  “Then you underestimate the effect you have on women.”

  “On the contrary, but I know there’s something else going on with you, and I’m not leaving until I know what it is.”

  Jessica’s back stiffened so that it was ramrod straight. She crossed her arms in front of her. “Is that a threat?”

  She abruptly stood and moved to the other side of the room. It was imperative she put more space between them. She couldn’t think when she got too close to Luc! He infuriated and intrigued her all at once.

  “No, but keeping Enigma safe is my job. If you’ve got trouble breathing down your neck, I need to know about it and the sooner, the better.”

  Oh, she should have known. She berated herself and cursed her rotten luck. Leave it to her to attach herself to someone in law enforcement. Was the United States Marshals Service looking for her? “I haven’t broken the law if that’s what you want to know. It’s been a long day, and I really want you to leave now.” She started walking toward the door.

  ****

  Lucian noted she was careful to keep furniture between them the whole time. It bothered him that she was more wary of him now. He thought he’d fish a little and see if she bit. He made no move to get up but continued to sit on the edge of the couch watching Jessica’s every move. “I know you’re on the run. They’re looking for you. Now I want to know why.”

  She paced in the small area by the door. Jessica twisted her fingers together. Finally, she took a deep breath and stopped to face him.

  “Look, I promise to leave town first thing in the morning, but I’m not going back into witness protection. I nearly got killed last time. Why do you think I struck out on my own? You can’t send me back!” Her eyes begged him to understand.

  Lucian couldn’t stand it anymore. He went to her and wrapped his arms around her trembling body. “Here in Enigma, we protect our own.” He squeezed her as hard as he dared without crushing her.