“Yes, we will. Are you going to introduce me to this lovely lady?” Dracula asked, moving toward Saxon’s mate, which made him nervous, and a small growl slipped out.
Without even turning around, the master said. “Relax, Saxon, your little lady is safe with us. It would seem my woman has taken a personal interest in her. She is now family as far as I’m concerned.” Dracula turned his head, smiling, his fangs showing. “Welcome to the family, son.”
“You mean I have to have that ugly mug as a family member?” Matty frowned, but Saxon new he was teasing.
“Wait, what are you all talking about? I just met him, and why would you consider me family?” She shook her head and went to step away from Darla, but Darla was not about to let her slip away.
“GSP,” Darla whispered, and at once, all the blood seemed to drain from Nava’s face as she started to shake.
Saxon was at her side before Nava could form any thought, holding her in his arms. At first, she just stood there then Nava was shaking her head. “This can’t be happening, how?” she asked, looking at Darla, who growled.
“I thought we took care of them,” Darla looked to her mate who wrapped his arm around her, kissing the side of her face.
“It’s obvious we didn’t get them all. But now that we know they have started back up, we can finish this.” He hugged Darla who was as truly upset, as was Nava.
Dracula turned to Nava, still holding on tight to Darla. “Tell me, Nava, where were you kept? Oh, and you can call me Drake, dear. I know why my mate has claimed you as her daughter. You see, she, too, was held by this group a while ago. They are not a government group though, Nava, as they have claimed. They are run by an extreme group of nutcases wanting to breed with us, creating a so-called superior race. It’s where I found my Darla so many years ago.”
“Really? You were held by them, too? Did they kill your parents?” Nava asked as a tear rolled down her cheek.
“Oh, child, I’m so sorry,” Darla said and reached out, pulling her back into her arms, hugging her tight. “I was already an orphan when they found me. So that was a good thing.” Darla pulled back and looked down at Nava. “How long have they been after you?”
“My parents got me out a year after they found out what this place was all about. We went into hiding for at least ten years, but then, six months ago, they found us. My parents didn’t make it. I ran and made it to the next city, where they found me. But I was lucky the biker group Knockers heard me, but they weren’t so lucky. One of theirs, Flash, was killed in the process of trying to protect me. They helped me finally come here. My mom had heard of this town and thought it would be safe for us here. I’m just sorry that we didn’t make it here instead of settling somewhere else.” Nava frowned and glanced at Darla. “Okay, what kind of spell did you put on me? Why am I telling you all of this?”
Saxon snorted. “Nava, they’re vampires. When they ask a question, it’s like you can’t help but answer them, even I have trouble ignoring them,” Saxon said, reaching out and taking her hand, needing to connect again with his woman.
“And when have you tried to resist us?” Drake asked him, giving him one of those looks.
“There are some things that shouldn’t be shared,” Saxon mumbled, feeling like a child in the presence of Drake, even though he was over five hundred years old, which was nothing to Drake. To this day, no one knew for certain hold old Drake was, not even his sons. “What do I need to know about this group?” Saxon asked.
Drake glanced down at his wife, and she nodded. “You know they’ll put in an appearance since it’s obvious they are chasing his mate.” Darla cocked her head to the side. “There must be something else we are missing, too. Usually, they gave up after a year or two. You must be very special to them, Nava.”
“Mate? Whose mate, and I have no idea why they are interested in me. As I said, the only thing I can do is the fire thing; well, and I can usually tell if someone is something else or other species, too.” Nava glanced at him then at Darla.
“You’re mine. I knew it when you ran into me back there on the street,” Saxon said, waiting for her to freak out or deny it.
Chapter Three
Nava stood there stunned, letting all that had been said sink into her head. Her world just flipped itself upside down. The only thing she could do right then was leave. She needed time to think, and what better way to do that than over a plate of hot food. Her stomach seemed to agree with her as it chose that time to make an embarrassing growl.
Reminding her she hadn’t eaten since the afternoon the day before. “If you’ll excuse me. Darla, I’ll be home in the next two hours. I still need to hit a few places.” She looked up at the woman. “Give me time to take this all in. We’ll talk, I promise, but right now, all I want to do is settle in my own space.” She glanced down at Saxon’s hand twined with hers. It felt right inside, but could she allow him close to her knowing what the GSP would do to him if they got their hands on him. “You really shouldn’t be close to me. As I said before, you’ll get hurt.” Nava met his gaze, and she knew. “You’re not going to let go, are you?” she asked, raising their conjoined hands.
“Nope. Already have my team coming in; we’ll be ready for this threat. What’s the next stop?”
She shook her head and sighed, remembering what her mother had told her a long time ago. “Once you find the right one, you’ll know. It’s like your insides burn, your stomach will knot and thought of not seeing him again will bring tears to your eyes.” Not bothering to look up at him, knowing he’d see the pain there, she muttered. “Fine, but if you get hurt...”
Behind her, the brothers snorted. “You don’t know who you are dealing with, little sister. Trust your mate.”
“He’s not my mate yet,” she grumbled but still holding onto his hand.
“Nava, why don’t you and Saxon join us for dinner tomorrow night? I’m also going to invite the sheriff. He needs to know what to expect, to warn the others since this town is filled with people this crazy group would love to get hold of. Could you imagine them getting hold of the twins?”
Darla sucked in her breath, her hand going to her neck, but then, a slow smile formed on her lips. “But then again, think of all the damage they could do to the group.”
Saxon snorted, and Drake shook his head. “No, with our luck, they would unleash the Crackling, and no one would be safe.”
“Shhh, they’ll hear you. I already need to speak with their parents. They heard me talking about Hitler earlier,” Saxon grumbled.
“Oh, that would be bad. Has Calamity Jane shown herself yet?” Darla asked, walking them to the door.
“No, and that has all of us worried. She was furious at the twins when they brought her back, but seeing their faces and realizing how old they were, well, she didn’t have the heart to kill the twins,” Drake said, reaching out and touching Nava’s arm. “I meant what I said. You need anything, you call us. You are family now, Nava, and we protect our family.”
“Thank you. It’s so weird. Since I stepped into this town, it was as if I was coming home. You want to know something else that is weird?” she asked, looking up at the man who was Darla’s husband. “Mom used to tell me stories about Calamity Jane. Mom was heavy into genealogy, trying to find out where my so-called gifts come from, and she swore there was a link between us.” Nava shrugged. “It was fun believing it. When I was locked up in that place, I’d dream Jane would come shooting her way in to free me, and Mom would be right behind her. A little déjà vu, no?”
Darla glanced at her husband. “Do you think?” she asked.
“I’m sure we’ll find out soon enough when Jane decides to show herself again, but if what you say is true, be expecting a visit from her. Now, go take your mate to the dinner before she falls over with hunger. I’ll have the boys take over the furniture and install it, and don’t worry we know the owner, he’ll help set it up for you,” Drake said, opening the door for them.
Once outside,
Nava took a deep breath and again scanned her surrounding, making sure there was nothing around when she noticed Saxon’s friends coming down the street with a few other men. She shook her head. “You talk with your friends; I’m going to the diner.” She went to step forward when Saxon wrapped his arm around her, stopping her.
“We’ll go there in a minute. Let me just give them some orders; it won’t take me long, okay?” he asked, kind of.
“Five minutes, I have plans for this day all lined up.”
“Why do I get the feeling you are one of those planner people who have her life scheduled by the minute,” he teased her.
She laughed. “Because I do. If you are lucky, I’ll show you my planner,” she told him as his friend move around them.
“Report,” he said, smiling down at her.
“The rest of the team will be here by tonight. Her place has been secured; we’ve added extra protection to the doors and windows, and the Adams sisters will be over tonight and cover the whole apartment building, also,” Kaylen reported, looking from Saxon to Nava.
“Good. It would also appear that Darla has formed a bond with Nava. I have added protection from her new family,” Saxon announced, earning whistles from all of his friends.
“Damn, even we know not to mess with the master. Kind of feel sorry for those that might show up,” Tadi said. “So, we heading to the diner?”
“We are, you aren’t. Kaylen, will you bring my car around and park it in the front. I have a feeling my mate needs to go somewhere else after I feed her?” he asked, and she nodded her head.
“But I can take a cab just as I planned to do. I have major shopping to do there.” She smiled and pulled out a long list. “I even made a nice list, so I wouldn’t forget all the things I need.”
She laughed hearing Saxon groan.
“And she likes lists. I’m doomed.” He groaned again.
“But you like lists,” Jonah said, as he and his twin squeezed into the middle of the circle of his friends with his brother.
“You, little wolf, shouldn’t be butting into other’s business.” He went to grab to the little boy, and the boy squealed, ducking away from Saxon, laughing and teasing him.
The boys giggled, running around the group of them teasing Saxon, which only made his mate laugh. “Okay, you two, off with you. I need to take my woman to eat before she falls over. Her stomach is yelling at everyone here, saying feed me.” He once more wrapped his arm around Nava and escorted her across the street toward the diner.
Joseph moved up to Nava’s side, staring at her. “You’ll be a good addition to our town.” Joseph’s eyes got big. “Oh my, you’re family to Jane!” the boy said, looking from Saxon to her.
Nava stopped in the middle of the street, frowning. “Okay, now, how does he know this?”
Saxon moved them to the other side of the street and gave the boys a look. “Go and make sure your aunts are meeting us later at Nava’s apartment.” Saxon gave them a job just to give them something to do. Turning Nava to face him, Saxon stared down at the beauty in his arms. “You aren’t protesting my claims, and for a human, you are taking all of this very well.”
“I’m not accepting the mate thing, we’ll see on that. But I’ve heard of mates and others from my mother and father. Now, if you are coming with me, let’s get moving. I’m behind schedule,” Nava said, smiling up at him. “And if I’m correct, you hate to be behind on things.”
He couldn’t help it, Saxon threw his head back, laughing. People stopped and smiled at them as his men dispersed, except for two of them following, watching their backs. “Then, by all means, my woman, let’s get some food and move on.” Saxon opened the door to the Krazy Kettle, and at once, Susanna looked up, meeting his gaze, smiling as if she already knew he’d found his mate. Still to this day, Saxon couldn’t figure out what the woman was, but one thing he did know, she could cook up a storm. Her homemade food was a highlight of his evening.
“You’re going to love the food here. Susanna is one of the best cooks around, and her empathic ability to know what you are craving before you do is amazing,” he told Nava as they were ushered to a corner table looking outside by one of the many pixies that floated around along with carts carrying food. Pulling out Nava’s chair, Saxon could see the diner had Nava’s full attention by the expressions on her face.
“My god, this place is amazing. It’s right out of a fantasy book.” She leaned over as he sat down next to her. “I wonder what food we will be sent?” she teased and he smiled.
“Wait and see, but I’m afraid they can’t give me what I want.” He held her gaze; the color of her skin turned a slight pink color, and she looked down.
“Saxon, we just met, slow down, please,” she said, looking up at him quickly before two glasses of water, coffee and cream were placed on their table.
“I take it you wanted coffee and cream?” Saxon asked.
She smiled, reaching over and fixing her coffee. “Yep, haven’t had any all day.” She moaned, taking a drink of the nasty stuff.
“Never understood how anyone can drink that stuff; it’s nasty,” he said and took a drink of his water as two dishes of appetizers were laid down on their table. “Excellent, I think you will love these. My team and I come in here for lunch just for these. The cheese balls and potato skins are top notch, along with the stuffed mushrooms. Eat some,” he said, popping a mushroom into his mouth and pushing the plate between them.
Nava stared at the plate, sighing. “I wish I could, but I’m allergic to mushrooms.” She grinned. “Guess that means you won’t be kissing me for a while.” Nava teased, taking one of the cheese balls and popping it in her mouth.
At once, the mushrooms disappeared, and Saxon downed her water and his. “I’ll brush my teeth and mouth. You’re not getting away from me that quick,” he grumbled as another two glasses of water with lemon showed up as if the owner of the establishment knew what had happened.
Chapter Four
Never had she seen so much going on in a small place. Even at the so-called school, she had been held captive, nothing could compare to this. Pixies, who knew there were actual pixies, not to mention other beings all around her. Yes, Nava was finally at a place she could relax. She peeked back at the muscular, more solid man sitting next to her and smiled as he drank down the water.
The man was tall, muscular but not to a point it was gross. His skin had a reddish tone to it. When in the sun, you could hardly notice, and his eyes were black as the night, which was very unusual but cool. Nava swore that when he turned his gaze on her, flames danced in his eyes. Nava was told hers did the same when she was furious.
“You’re staring at me,” Saxon said, lifting up a cheese ball to her lips.
She took the cheese ball from his fingers, finding it sexy that he was trying to feed her. “Do you really believe that I’m your chosen one? I don’t know anything about your kind. How does this work? Do I have to become one of you?” she asked, taking a bite of the potato skin, he held it up to her.
He popped the other half of it into his mouth. “There are some signs of our kind that let us know our chosen one is close. For example, just your scent alone lets me know you are mine. Never has anything affected me the way you do.” He leaned down and whispered, “The things I want to do to you right now... Your scent is like catnip to me. My cock has been hard since you bumped into me earlier.” He kissed her cheek and smiled as their main course meals arrived, floating to them.
With her face now pink, embracement was her new thing she’d have to get used to in this town. Nava smiled down at the ribeye steak in front of her. With twice-baked potatoes and green bean casserole, she was a very happy woman. “I think I may never cook again,” she moaned. Taking a bite of her steak, she glanced at Saxon who just stared at her. “What? Do I have something on me?”
She grabbed her napkin and wiped at her mouth as he shook his head. “You, my pretty fire ball, are trouble,” he grumbled.
�
�What did I do?” she asked again, frowning but digging into her potatoes when Saxon’s hand covered her mouth as he leaned over. “If you moan again, I’m going to drag your cute ass out of here and give you something to moan about.”
“Oh, please. I’m just enjoying my food...” Nava pushed his hand away and stared at the two brown Crown Victoria’s that rolled down Main Street slowly, searching. Her heart, now in her stomach, tears filled her eyes as her fork dropped against the plate. Her worst fears had followed her. She hadn’t even unpacked yet, and they were here looking for her. It would seem the Knockers hadn’t stopped them after all.
“What?” Saxon grabbed onto her hand, scaring the shit out of her. She jumped up; her chair went crashing to the floor. “Easy, Nava.” Saxon instantly moved to her and pulled her into his arms. “No one is going to hurt you,” he told her, following her gaze, now seeing what she did.
Nava slowly glanced around the little diner, noticing that everyone had stopped doing what they were doing, watching her when the door opened with a thud as it flew against the wall, drawing everyone’s attention away from her.
Darla and Drake, with two of their sons, stood there looking around the room until they spotted them. Drake followed Darla across the room as she rushed to her side. Behind them, the sheriff came in followed by what had to be some kind of old western posse, one you would see in an old western movie, but there was one problem. They were all ghosts. She looked up at Saxon, and he smiled.
“Part of the cavalry has arrived. That is the first sheriff of Magic so long ago and his posse. They can go anywhere. Plus, our town sheriff now, Theo. Think Dragon,” he pointed out to her, easing some of her worries as Saxon pulled up her chair. “Come on, sit. There is no sense in you missing your dinner. We can speak to them to figure out our next move while you eat,” Saxon said as their table grew larger and chairs were added automatically.
Magic, New Mexico: Loving Phoenix (Kindle Worlds Novella) Page 2
