by Claire Marta
Straightening my shoulders, I halt in my tracks. “Leave. Me. Alone.”
A low threatening growl trickles into the darkness in response.
“I’m not scared of you.” I lie knowing he can scent it. “I won’t let you bully me anymore or hurt me.”
Powerful muscles bunching is the only warning I have. Before I can dodge, sharp claws slice through my side sending me flying. My body connects with a brick wall. Agony shoots through my ribs and limbs as I crumble to the floor.
Gasping air into my lungs, the smell of the sea fills my nostrils. The temperature drops around me. With it comes the sensation of plunging through deep sea. Pure waters. Dangerous. Deadly. A place of sea wrecks and slumbering leviathans. The longing to swim forever. Palms pressed to the concrete ground, I sense the comforting swell of water deep beneath me underground.
Enrico hisses, padding toward me, lips peeled up revealing ivory white fangs.
Fear becomes dim and distant. A detachedness over takes me.
“I will not warn you again.” I tell him calmly.
He doesn’t listen. Raising a paw slowly, tauntingly, he extends his claws bringing them towards my face.
The ground rumbles and shifts beneath us. A deafening roar growing out of nowhere. Enrico only has a split second to turn his furry head before the manhole cover a feet away from us explodes upwards. A crystal clear blast of water crashes into him with all the fury of a typhoon. There’s nothing for him to battle against as he’s thrown upwards and over the rooftops. It continues in a stream, sending him as far away from me as possible.
Plumes of vapour sprinkle over me in a sheen of dampness, I drag myself up onto my feet. Side throbbing, I stagger along the alley. I need to see Bane now more than ever. After this he needs to know that Enrico is still stalking me. I’m not about to let the tiger tell me what I can and can’t do. Who I belong to.
I’m not safe.
I know that much.
Enirco will follow I’m certain of it. He’s determined to pluck me from the world I’ve created for myself and I won’t let that happen. With my powers still unpredictable I’m not sure I’ll be able to fight him off a second time. A familiar numbness wraps itself around me and for once I’m thankful I can’t feel anything at all.
Thomas
I fight the urge to pace. I wish Eli was here to pour me a glass of Adam’s expensive whiskey. But alcohol won’t fix this, and I need a clear head for the coming storm. The Mistress agreed to close the club to the public tonight, so only me, Bane, and Adam.
There are so many holes in this plan, but Bane was right that we needed to appeal to the soft hearted side of her to get her to show up. I don't know what he said to her, but she'll be here any second. I will never admit this aloud, but I'm nervous.
I’m worried that I’ll react in a way I don’t mean to, she always seems to bring out the worst in me. Even if she wants nothing to do with me, I want to make sure she’s okay.
With only two people in the club it’s easy to hear when the front door opens and someone rushes down the hall to the main floor.
Bane was supposed to meet Layla outside and coax her into coming in so we can talk, but obviously that plan went to shit. He enters the room, worry and...fear on his face.
“I need the first aid kit.” He rushes out before jumping over the bar going in search of it. Dragging out the green box, he rounds the counter in a run and heads back out.
Adam and I jump to our feet and follow behind him. What the fuck is going on? Layla better not be hurt, I’m fresh out of patience for people hurting that girl.
Outside we find Layla leaning against the building and Bane trying to tend to her. “Layla,” I breathe. “What happened?”
Blue eyes flick my way. Huge, dilated, there’s a dazed look on her pale expression. “Enrico.”
It’s a whisper but everyone catches it.
Bane growls in his throat. Kneeling before her has the sides of her blouse open revealing long red bleeding slashes along her side.
“Where the fuck is the bastard now?” I try to keep my voice level and calm but it’s hard.
This is fucking ridiculous. That stupid tiger should have died a long time ago. He better disappear and pray I never find him.
“We need to get her inside,” Adam says.
“She’s lost a bit of blood but I’m more worried about shock.” Bane tells his Master. “A drink should help...something strong.”
“Get her inside first, then I’ll get something from upstairs.”
Bane gently wraps an arm around Layla and gets her moving. I want to touch her, but I don’t know how it’ll be received. For now, I watch their backs and make sure no one is lingering in the shadows.
A whimper issues from the girls throat when the wolf eases her down into a chair before returning to disinfecting her side and bandaging it. Unlike other supernaturals I know she’ll only heal rapidly when she’s in water. A stupid side effect of her origins.
Adam disappears up to his office and I take a seat next to Layla.
“Can you tell us what happened? Do you know where that bastard is now?” I ask in my softest tone.
“Over the rooftops and hopefully halfway across the state.” Layla mutters.
Bane shoots me a frown. “Lay, you sound delirious.”
“He attacked me when I was closing up the restaurant. Hiding in the shadows. I...I used my powers, but I don’t know how far I flung him.” Tears brighten her eyes. “Why can’t he leave me alone? I was starting to feel happy again. Taking back my life after everything that happened but he says he’s been watching me. He said he loves me. That’s not love it’s obsession.”
Adam appears and thrusts a glass in her hand. “Drink, slowly,” he emphasizes, “that’s expensive stuff, it’ll help calm your nerves.”
Layla takes a tiny sip and grimaces but says nothing.
“I’m sorry he’s still after you.” I say, because there’s nothing else to say. “We will get him and make him stop. Permanently. You did the right thing, it was bold and brave.” I don’t want to ask but I have to, “did he touch you?”
For the first time since she arrived Layla looks at me. Swirling in the blue orbs, I swear I can see a storm brewing within the depths. One that would drown a man the moment it had him its grasp.
“Yes, he touched me and told me of the special place he’s made for me. His dungeon.” She responds voice stiff. “Forgive me if I don’t believe your promise to keep me safe. You promised that before.”
“And I’ve never broken that promise.” I reply cooly. “It’s not my fault there were extenuating circumstances.”
If looks could kill I’d be a pile of ash right now.
“Christ, she just got assaulted give her a break.” Bane snaps, bristling protectively. “Lay, finish your drink it will do you good.”
“I didn’t bring it up.” I point out. “But you are correct, there are more important things right now. We will be having a conversation soon though, nymph. I won’t let you slip away again without it.”
Layla stiffens in her seat the glass touching her lips as she sips.
Bane raises an eyebrow. “What are you six? It doesn’t matter who started it you aren’t having that conversation now. She needs looking after.”
The wolf would make a lovely pile of ash, but no, I must not set my boss’s submissive on fire. “I already agreed with you. Seems to me you’re the immature one. Do you need an actual doctor, Layla?” I ask.
While Bane has done a good enough job at patching her up I would feel better if she had a professional tend to her. Who knows where the wolf’s hands have been.
Layla glances down at the white bandages through her ripped blouse. “Do shifters get rabies? Am I going to turn into a tiger now?”
Despite the seriousness of the situation I chuckle. “No, you don’t have to worry about turning into a kitty. He would have to bite you, rather hard, and give you blood to turn you. Much like how one becomes a va
mpire.”
I’ve missed her innocence. Not that I’m ready to admit that.
The girl shudders her hand creeping up to the side of her neck. “He dragged his fangs over my throat and bit down but I don’t think he broke the skin.”
“A hot shower and antibacterial soap. Do you wish to come home with me? Or have me accompany you home?”
Brushing some green hair out of face, Layla gives me a wary look. “I…”
“You shouldn’t be alone.” Bane jumps in. “Maybe you could stay with me and Adam.” Lifting his head he gives the vampire a hopeful look.
“Did you forget you’re in trouble?” Adam gives Bane a look. “Despite the circumstances, I’m not lenient enough to allow you to drag friends home at the moment. If she doesn’t want to go with Thomas I’ll call someone else. Perhaps Eli and Callum can take her in for the night.”
Bane grumbles something under his breath.
“It’s okay.” Layla murmurs quietly, bumping her shoulder gently against the wolf’s in a gesture of affection. “I’ll go with Thomas. I don’t want to be alone especially as Enrico said he knows where I live. I’m going to have to move again when I’ve only just gotten settled.”
I didn’t expect her to actually agree, but I’m glad I didn’t have to fight with her. I know there’s a bigger one brewing between us, so the less small disagreements we have the better.
“Perfect. I’ll ask Carol to prepare some supplies. Maybe some food as well?”
“And the guestroom.” She adds firmly.
“Of course.”
Standing, I hold my hand out to her. She hesitates but allows me to help her up.
Bane quickly cleans up the first aid kit before standing. “You phone me if you need anything, okay? Take some time off work, you know they can run the place without you.”
Leaning forward, Layla places a kiss on his cheek. “All right, but you know I can never stay way too long.”
“Don’t worry about coming in tomorrow night, Thomas.” Adam says. “I know you two have a lot to work through first.”
“Thank you.” Though I feel guilty. Since starting here and meeting the girl Adam has been very lenient with everything.
If he were anyone else I would have been fired a long time ago.
Leading Layla out of the club and to the car is slow because I don’t want to hurt her more. Once she’s safely tucked into the passenger seat I round the car and get in. Before driving away I text Carol so she can get everything ready.
“You can have a bath to heal once we get to the house. The one in my room is the biggest. I’ll have Carol prepare the guestroom for me. Go ahead and sleep in my room. It has the most privacy.”
Layla’s attention bounces around nervously. “Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.”
Putting the keys into the ignition I take a breath before driving off. I have a feeling it’s going to be a long, sleepless night for us both.
Layla
As we pull up outside Thomas’s house my stomach twists and turns. A part of me never thought I would set foot in this place again. I’m still not sure if this is real. When Bane had returned to me outside with both Thomas and Adam in tow I wasn’t sure what to think.
“Are you going to get out or sit in the car all night?” Thomas enquires softly.
Puffing out a breath, I finger the door handle without opening it. “What if Enrico followed us? What if he’s waiting to try and snatch me again?”
“He won’t. Not if he likes having his cock attached to his body. You’re safe here, Layla. I’ll protect you. Carol will protect you. I swear on my life that he won’t be able to get you while you’re here.” He reaches for me but pulls back.
There’s that word again.
Safe.
When have I ever been safe? Pressing my lips together I clench my teeth. Goddess why does this keep happening? What have I ever done to deserve all this. Something dark and dangerous stirs within me. Powers locked away awakening with my emotions. Knowing unleashing them would only cause trouble, I sing Somewhere Over the Rainbow softly to myself until I’m calm.
“Shall we go inside?” Thomas asks again. “If you want to sit in the car all night that’s fine with me. We’ll do whatever you want, but I’m sure you’re in pain. The shift will help heal you.”
He’s right. I do crave the healing effect of the water. My side throbs, reminding me of the slashes the tiger left. I want them gone. Need to cleanse my body of his touch.
Pulling the handle, I open my door and slip out into the dark. Scanning our surroundings, I don’t move from my spot until Thomas is beside me.
“Trust me. I would know if there was someone unwanted on my property.”
“We don’t all have the luxury of overgrown lizard super senses.” I snap. I’m being a bitch I know. With my nerves frayed I can’t help it. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean that.”
“Yes, you did. You’ve made it perfectly clear how you feel about me in the past. You might not mean those exact words, but you don’t have to hide your contempt. Let’s go inside, there you will have a whole floor to yourself and I swear not to bother you unless asked.”
Following him to the front door guilt smothers me. “It’s not contempt I feel...I...trust me it’s not that, but something deeper and I am sorry for the comment. I don’t like hurting people that’s not me...”
The door opens, cutting me off from saying any more and Carol stands watching us with a smile. “Everything’s ready as you asked.”
“Thank you, Carol. Please escort the girl upstairs and see to her every need.” Thomas turns to me, “we will talk in the morning. There’s a lot we need to discuss. Don’t be afraid to come find me if you need to.”
I nod in response, my voice too thick with emotion to speak. In silence, I trail after his housekeeper to the familiar bedroom.
“Is there anything I can get you?” She enquires as she shows me in.
Attention sweeping the room, I find a tray of sandwiches laid out accompanied by fresh fruit and orange juice. Thomas’s bed lays pristine and untouched, ready to be used.
“No, thank you. This is fine.” I tell her.
“If you need anything else please let me know.” She tells me before leaving.
Wincing with pain that ripples up my side as I move, I pad into the bathroom. It doesn’t take long to fill the large tub with water. I’m surprised to find bath salts on the side and an assortment of bubble baths.
Pouring sea salt into the water, I carefully strip before sinking into the heated depths. Almost immediately, warmth resonates from within sending a wave of healing energy through my body. Flicking my tail up, I let it rest on the side, my scales glittering in the over head light. I don’t lounge for too long. Just enough time soap away the tiger’s touch and to heal before I release the water and climb out.
Wandering back into the bedroom, with a towel wrapped around my middle, my gaze settles on the cotton long nightgown laying over the mattress. Drying, I slip it on my thoughts sliding to Thomas.
He seems...different.
I’d expected coldness or indifference. Instead there had been concern and relief in his golden eyes.
Examining the plate of food my stomach clenches and I know I won’t be able to manage a mouthful. Still wound up by what happened with Enrico, I feel restless and jittery.
Walking to the door I open it, listening intently for sounds. All is quiet.
Tiptoeing to the stairs, I quietly descend them. Some inner instinct guides me. Following it without any real thought I pause outside Thomas’s study. Even in the dimness I can make out a desk, computer, the shelves which hold so many books.
Staring at the male form leaning idly in his chair, my gaze traces the outline of Thomas’s handsome profile. He sits perfectly still his attention on the flames dancing in the gas fireplace. Clutched in his hand, I can see amber liquid in a crystal tumbler.
If he knows I’m here he doesn't move or speak.
> I don’t break the moment, content just to stare at him for a while in silence. Minutes pass and neither of us move. I’m not even sure how long I linger until I feel a wave of tiredness.
With one last fleeting look I turn quietly, leaving Thomas to his thought and the last of my restlessness dissipating.
Climbing into his bed, I burrow beneath the cool sheets, tugging one of the plump pillows into my arms to hug. The last thing I’m aware of as I float away on sleep is his scent wrapping itself around me, soothing away my worries.
Thomas
As proficient of a Dom as I am, patience has never been a virtue of mine. She was so close, I could feel her curiosity in the air, but I waited for her to come to me. Instead, she ran away, which shouldn’t have been a surprise.
I understand it was a long night, but I wasn’t the one lurking outside of her room, yet she still chose to run instead of talk or even ask for the comfort of a hug.
Settling in one of the guestrooms is strange. While everything is as comfortable as the bedding in my bedroom, because my sisters demand the best for their visits, it’s uncomfortable. Because I’m down here and the girl is upstairs in my bed alone.
I understand that she needs space, not just after what happened, but because of the precarious situation we find ourselves in, but still, it’s my nature to want to comfort her. We might not be anything but acquaintances, but caring for her isn’t something I can just turn off. I’ve spent six months worrying over her and anticipating the moment she showed back in my life. This scenario never crossed my mind.
It’s a tug of war between what’s right, what I want, and what the stupid dragon thinks I should do.
What I want is to go upstairs and hash it out with her. But of course the beast is siding with what is right in this situation and agrees that she needs space. Apparently having her here is enough.
It’s always been enough for that part of me. We agree on the fact that she’s frustrating and we don't like her, but caring for her and wanting to keep her safe seems to be enough.
