by Sarah Makela
Chapter Twelve
Angelique kneaded the muscles on the back of her neck, trying to get relief from the tension bunched up there. After the argument with Connor last night, she didn’t like all of this talk about mates and forever. Besides, she was worried about dying by Mahon’s hands. The druid was really playing with her head, and it had to stop.
While Connor was able to help protect her, she needed to be capable of protecting herself as well. If only he understood. She wasn’t trying to belittle his protection, but she couldn’t rely on him since he wasn’t always around.
Frustration and sadness tugged at her chest.
She mustn’t to be the shell of a woman as she felt now. Sometimes she craved to be more of the woman she’d been before all of this, to regain her confidence. She possessed a powerful gift that some merely dreamed about.
Her gift would be able to help her if she secured more control and learned from Ravenna. The last time she’d faced Mahon both her and Kira had been fearful. While she could conquer her own fear, she couldn’t force Kira to not be afraid.
Oh hell, what was she thinking? Instead of facing Mahon, she should just take off again. As they’d mentioned, she’d only gotten herself in trouble when she’d stopped running. Maybe if she started moving again, she wouldn’t be in all of these problems anymore.
Of course, she’d miss the one thing that meant the most to her, Connor, but she’d rest assured knowing Mahon wasn’t peeking through her window and trying to kill her. While she knew he’d probably chase, at least she could stay a few steps ahead. She doubted her people would take her back. That would only put them in more danger, and she didn’t want that. She didn’t want to hurt those who were trying to help her.
But she’d put a lot into making this a home.
Maybe once Connor and the other wolf were out tracking her, she’d be able to come back and get the rest of her things while they weren’t looking. But that sounded ridiculous.
She grimaced. What was she doing?
Let’s see… She’d been out so much from work they were probably growing suspicious, except thankfully, the doctor he knew had given her work excuse notes. Mahon knew where she lived and worked. Connor wanted her to be his mate, and while he didn’t hammer her about it, it worried him. She didn’t want him to worry.
She put her head in her hands, trying not to feel more stress about all of this than she had to. But yet it powered into her skull, driving more intensely than ever.
Kira nudged her with her head. Her black panther had stayed out of her skin for longer than they were comfortable with, and she needed to fix that. She lay on her stomach and welcomed Kira come back to her.
Her familiar huffed, not moving.
“Kira, come on,” she whispered. “Don’t be so stubborn. You know it’s necessary.”
Kira sauntered over, stepping onto her back. Her paws pressed into her injured flesh.
She smashed her face into her pillow, suppressing her groans of agony as Kira melted into her skin, except it wasn’t so simple. It felt like she was pushing inside her. Their skins weren’t melding together easily. No, that wasn’t it. Kira just didn’t want to go back.
An emotion struck her, and she knew what was wrong. Kira feared losing control again. Her familiar didn’t want to be the cause of her pain. Kira finally relaxed a little, and the pain subsided a little.
When it was all over, Angelique felt on the verge of passing out. She sucked in a few deep breaths and let them out, gaining her composure once again.
Loud knocks on the door, nearly made Kira jump from her skin. She soothed the big cat as she sat up in the bed.
“What is it?” she called.
“What’s going on in there?” Dave’s voice sounded on the verge of panic.
Ravenna was probably keeping him from busting down her door. “She just reconnected with her familiar. If you’d asked me, then you wouldn’t have had to disturb her. Is everything okay, Angelique?”
“Yes, I’m fine.” This was another reason why she needed to leave. Since when did she need to be babysat? Her life as an independent woman seemed light-years away. Now she couldn’t even deal with her familiar without someone nearly breaking down her door.
Now might as well be one of the few times she’d be able to escape without anyone knowing. Connor wasn’t here. If he had been, he wouldn’t let her get far.
However, it was only a matter of time before he was on his way.
She threw a pair of clothes into a large purse, then peeked into the hallway. From the sound of their voices, Dave and Ravenna were in the kitchen preparing dinner. Water ran in the sink, and pots and pans banged around.
Guess they were making themselves at home…without her.
She opened the front door, tossing her bag on the front porch before Dave could see her.
“Hey, what’s going on, Angelique?” he said, leaning against the kitchen’s doorframe.
“Just grabbing the mail.” She smiled, trying to show nothing but pleasantness, anything more and he might figure her out.
“I’ll go. Just let me wash my hands, and—”
She shook her head and held up a hand. “No, I need some fresh air.”
He looked like he wanted to argue. “Let me go with you—”
“No. I’ll be fine. The mailbox is right there.” She jabbed a finger outside. “I don’t think he’ll grab me from the mailbox. Not with you and Ravenna right here.” She frowned at him as if he were behaving ridiculously.
That seemed to stop him. He slowly nodded. “Okay. I’ll finish up the dishes.”
Thank goodness. He wasn’t going to come after her. Although, if she didn’t make this quick, he might suspect what she was doing, or watch her through the window, and she knew he was faster than she was.
She closed the front door behind her, grabbed her bag, and took off down the walkway. Once inside her car, she started the engine then threw the car into reverse, pulling away from her home. In the rearview mirror, she saw what she’d hoped she wouldn’t. Connor was turning onto the street.
If he knew she’d taken off, he’d hunt her down. She didn’t have much time to make her escape, especially now.
She tried to drive normally as if she wasn’t anyone to worry about, but the moment Dave ran down the sidewalk to Connor, she knew it was all over. Dave spoke animatedly, throwing his hands in the air, while he searched up and down the street. He stared at her car, and she only slowed a little at the stop sign.
Behind her, Connor revved his sports car. She wanted to cry. Of course, him and his sports car. How would she be able to outrun him? Except, maybe she wouldn’t have to outrun him. Just outsmart him. Not like that was bound to happen. He was very intelligent.
Her cell phone rang, but she refused to answer. She didn’t want to go back to a life where she caused others so much pain and danger and death. If she ran, the druid would only have eyes for her. He wouldn’t take anyone else down. Just her.
Angelique took another turn, but Connor closed in on her. No, no, no, no!
A stop sign loomed up ahead. If she stopped, he’d be able to catch her. She had to run through it. This was her only chance to protect them.
Thankfully, no other cars were around. Maybe she’d be able to make it out of this.
A German Shepherd dog darted in front of her car, mere feet away, and she jerked the steering wheel to side to keep from hitting it. Her control slipped due to the wet roads from today’s rain, and a tree sprung into view. The loud screeching of tires reverberated through her skull, and her body snapped forward, then slammed back into the seat.
Pain ripped through her, and she screamed. Her injuries from the other night weren’t even healed, and now she’d gone off and gotten into a car accident. Damn it. This wasn’t what she wanted. Another piece of her life dangled from a thread.
More squealing tires sounded behind her. She had to get out of here if she had any chance of salvaging her mistake. She shoved her door open and stumbled to the g
round. Her arms violently shook as she pushed herself into a standing position, but her knees buckled, forcing her back toward the ground.
Hands gripped her, and she looked up to see Connor. Worry tightened his eyes. All she’d done was cause him more pain. She didn’t want that.
“What were you doing, Angel?” he said, his voice shaking.
“I’m not safe here, and I don’t want you to be hurt. You deserve better.” She closed her eyes, not wanting to see the hurt she’d caused etched in his face.
“No, don’t close your eyes. I don’t want you to pass out. Stay with me. We’ll get you taken care of.” He cursed under his breath. “Dave, you know who to call.”
“Right. Ravenna, get in the car.”
“I’m sorry,” Angelique said. Once again, she’d failed.
* * *
Connor couldn’t believe Angelique had attempted to run away, especially in this manner. What had she been thinking? Was she that desperate to get away from him? He carried her back to his car then went to check her car.
Totaled.
Things had gone so far downhill ever since finding her fighting Ravenna. If only that woman hadn’t been in her life, then none of this might’ve happened. He could be well on his way with mating her.
While he could see how much interest Dave had in Ravenna, he couldn’t let this situation continue with Angelique. He had to put his foot down and ask her to leave. Between the two of them, he knew he was the stronger. He could convince her to leave, whether she liked the idea or not. He’d just have to be careful to watch how he approached her because he didn’t want to get Dave too upset.
He drove home with Dave in the passenger seat and Ravenna in the back with Angelique. Her head was propped on Ravenna’s lap, and the other woman stroked her hair, talking softly to her. “It’ll be okay. Hang in there. You’re safe now.”
Connor wouldn’t break it to her yet. He’d wait until they made it back to her house. No way would he want to cause more trouble now.
Dave stifled a yawn, but he remained vigilant. He swept his gaze across their surrounding as if something might jump out and get them while they were vulnerable. However, Connor knew him well. His friend was tired.
He pulled up to the curb, parking the car, then he carefully helped Angelique out. She groaned and squirmed a little, but that’s it.
“Connor, I’m so sorry.” Her voice was a hoarse whisper.
He gently patted her shoulder, trying not to hurt her. “Don’t be sorry. It’s not all your fault. We both had a hand in it. It’s going to be okay.” He didn’t want to be mad at her, not after all she’d been through, especially since he’d helped to cause some of this mess.
She wrapped her arms around his neck, and they ascended the steps to her house.
“Dr. Easton is on his way, Connor,” Dave said behind him. He slid around them on the porch and unlocked the door to her house. His friend glanced at her and grimaced. He opened the door for them and stayed out of the way.
Ravenna followed them inside. She stayed quiet since the car. What was she thinking? Maybe that her attempt to help hadn’t been so helpful?
There was no way for him to know and having Angelique nearly limp in his arms, he didn’t care. All he knew was that she needed to leave. No way would he continue to risk his girlfriend’s safety, especially when Ravenna trying to improve Angel’s abilities had caused her to lose control of Kira. It wasn’t safe. Not at a time like this.
Connor laid her on the bed in her room. The last time they’d been in here together, they had an argument he wished he could take back. While he’d had a valid reason to bring up his feelings, sometimes it wasn’t worth it. As a dominant werewolf, he was guilty of letting his hardheadedness get in the way at times.
Dave and Ravenna lingered in the doorway of her room as if unsure what to do.
Ravenna took a step toward them, but Dave took hold of her hand, keeping her from going much further. She jerked her arm away from him, but she lowered her gaze and stayed put.
Perhaps she didn’t realize Dave was a submissive wolf, but sometimes that didn’t stop his friend from being as stubborn as his dominant counterparts are. Probably one of the reasons why Lowell used Dave to communicate with Connor as opposed to anyone else.
Angelique placed her hand over his, and he looked down at her. “Can I have some water?” Her voice cracked as she spoke. “Please?”
“I’ll get it,” Ravenna said, quickly leaving. Dave followed her.
Anticipation itched his palms, and the urge crawled through him to send Dave home and tell Ravenna to go back to wherever she came from. Now would be the perfect opportunity for that. The doctor wasn’t here yet. He wouldn’t be witness to his actions, and Connor would be able to focus on getting Angelique better yet again.
“Will you be okay by yourself for a moment?” he asked. “I need to talk to Dave for a moment.”
“Yes, I’ll be fine.”
“Just call for me if you need me, and I’ll be right here, okay?” He pressed a kiss to her forehead.
She winced but lifted her face a little. “I’m sorry for all of this.”
“Like I said. Don’t be sorry. Everything will work out.” If only he had more faith in the situation, maybe he’d believe his words. “I’ll be right back.”
He closed the bedroom door behind him, not wanting her to get even more stress by what he was about to do. He intercepted Ravenna and Dave in the living room.
“Here’s the water for her.” She held out the glass.
“Thank you.” He shifted his gaze to Dave. “It’s pretty late. Maybe you should call it a night.”
Dave stifled a yawn. He didn’t look happy about the idea of leaving, but with him being more dominant, he couldn’t outright go against his wishes. “I’m not that tired. I could—”
“We’ll be fine. I’ll keep a close eye on her. Don’t worry about swinging by tomorrow. I’ll work from home.”
With a frown, Dave turned away. “Sorry about what happened today, Connor.” He left, closing the front door behind him.
Ravenna huffed, crossing her arms over her chest, but she kept her gaze lowered." Why did you send him away? Safety in numbers.” She glanced at his face for a moment before looking away again. “I should stay with her. We’re of the same people. Besides, she almost escaped and got herself killed.”
“Angelique is my concern.” Anger rose within him at all the problems this woman had caused. He didn’t want Angelique upset that he’d sent Ravenna away, but he had to do what he thought was best. “Now that I’m here, I’ll make sure nothing happens to her. I think it’s time you went back to your people.”
Ravenna’s jaw dropped open, and she blinked at him as if unable to comprehend what he’d said. “Wh-what? No, I need to stay here. Please. I can’t leave yet.”
The sting of his anger melted away at her reaction. While he wasn’t happy with her, maybe he needed more information from Angelique before he did anything irrational.
“Go back to your hotel for the night. I’ll talk with Angelique and decide what to do tomorrow.” The beginnings of a headache pounded at his temples. “I’ll call you.”
Ravenna bobbed her head. “Thank you. I can help. I’ll prove it.”
He locked the front door behind her. Hopefully he wasn’t making a big mistake by letting her stay.
* * *
Mahon cut his engine in the back alley barely visible to Angelique’s home. Alfie’s wife kept trying to talk his friend out of coming to Mahon’s aid. The woman had better be glad they had an ocean between them, or he’d plan ways to put her in her place.
Walking down the steps of her home was the woman he suspected had a raven tattoo. Time was wasting, and with her as bait, he might be able to use the lass to get what he wanted. Angelique and her pet.
The werewolf’s car was parked at the curb, so Mahon wouldn’t snatch her in front of the home. He’d stalk her a bit, then grab her. Perhaps if he got to her, he�
�d be able to find out what she knew.
He followed her for a while. She kept her gaze on the ground. Every so often, she shook her head or balled her hands into fists. Distracted. This suited him well. As he got closer, she looked around more, as if able to sense him following her. Shit. He couldn’t allow that.
When she turned a corner nearly losing him, he refused to play this game much longer. They were far enough away from Angelique’s house that if she screamed, no one would be able to save her. He pulled up to the curb and slid out of the car.
Her gaze swung in his direction. He smiled as if he were a friendly neighbor not about to kidnap her. A frown soured her lips, and she returned her attention to the sidewalk.
A raven cawed as he neared her, and the woman froze.
Whereas before he’d strongly suspected she possessed a tattoo, he knew now for sure. He darted at her, and she made a run for it. He would get her.
She shrieked, but no one would be there to save her. He would possess her, and he’d finally get what he’d always wanted.
When he’d closed in on her, he tackled her to the ground. He flipped her to her back and smashed his fist into her face twice, and she went limp. Blood trickled from her split lip. He threw her over his shoulder in a fireman carry, then he headed back to his car.
Victory was his.
On the way back to his motel, he watched his rearview mirror to make sure he wasn’t being followed. He hadn’t thought that this could be a trick. It wouldn’t do him any good to have captured one of the girls only for the werewolves to her rescue.
He glanced in the rearview mirror to find the raven girl passed out with a dark bruise forming on her face in addition to the caked blood on her lip. Tsk-tsk. If only she hadn’t tried run from him, he wouldn’t have had to hurt her.
If Angelique had just given him what he wanted, he wouldn’t have had to do all of this. He could’ve taken what he wanted and let her go. As much of what was left of her, that is. There had been only one noted case of this before, and the girl ended up dead. But who’s to say the warlock didn’t know what he was doing? Warlocks weren’t known for their meticulousness.
