Libby sat down on the bed and turned onto her side, welcoming the soft feel of cotton against her cheek.
She closed her eyes, and exhaustion hung on her slight frame, weighing her down until she succumbed to its demanding pull.
When Ana returned a few minutes later, she found Libby fast asleep. She placed a clean T-shirt on the table next to the bed and left as silently as she’d come.
The smell of food eventually brought her around.
Libby’s eyes flew open and nightfall was evident from the shadows lurking about the corners. She was still in the room she’d woken up in, and someone had been kind enough to leave a small nightlight glowing. Its arc was small but it lit the room enough for her to see, and for that she was grateful. She hated the dark and all the monsters that accompanied it.
Voices could be heard outside her room and down the hall, several in fact, and she strained her ears trying to discern their identities. After a few moments she knew that Jaxon, Declan, and Ana were all present, and two other men.
She would have preferred to stay in her room, safely hidden. But her stomach was painfully protesting its empty state, and if she wasn’t mistaken, the scent of barbecue was wafting deliciously in the air.
She swung her legs over, and was up before she convinced herself to stay behind, which was something she might have done a few days earlier. Hell, a week ago she’d have stayed holed up in the bedroom until she passed out from hunger.
The thought of confronting the man she’d almost made love to would have been unimaginable. Especially considering he could change from a deadly predator into just about the sexiest male she had ever laid eyes on.
Cool air caressed her breasts, and she swore. Shit! She’d forgotten about the torn shirt.
Her fingers closed the gaping fabric as her eyes frantically searched the room. She breathed a sigh of relief when she spotted a neatly folded shirt left on the side table, and immediately made the switch.
The T-shirt was a little on the small side, way too tight across the chest for comfort, and she hesitated for a moment, hating the way it drew attention to her body.
Well, it’s not like he hasn’t seen them.
Libby snorted at that thought, not liking the heat that flushed her cheeks, and in the end it was the sharp emptiness in her gut that urged her forward. She quickly left the room and walked with calm steps, head held high, until she entered the large open area where everyone was congregated.
All conversation stopped, and she felt the heat of five separate pairs of eyes. Jaxon was to her extreme right, so she ignored that direction completely, focusing on the one friendly face she could see.
It belonged to an older gentleman, his weathered eyes crinkled in greeting, but the warmth disappeared entirely as Jaxon growled like an animal from the end of the table.
She faltered for a second, smiled tentatively at the older man, and walked toward the kitchen counter where the remnants of a meal lay scattered on several plates.
All that was left was the discards. Well, that and a glass that held about an inch of a dark red substance. Thinking of Ana, her stomach flipped over, and she looked away from what was obviously blood.
Libby stood there like an idiot, trying to ignore the silence that weighed on her like a slab of concrete. She knew everyone at the table was watching her, and she had the insane urge to make an obscene gesture behind her back. She actually raised her hand, but thought better of it, and walked around the counter, hoping there might be some leftovers.
There was nothing.
To her right, past the wall of windows, she spied two large dogs sprawled on the porch. They were happily gnawing away at several large bones. Pain sliced through her at the sight.
Jaxon had thought to feed his dogs. Nice.
The dogs got steak and bones, and she…well, she got dick all.
Once again she was at the low end of the pecking order. She inhaled softly, wanting to cry but fighting it.
She would no longer show weakness.
If she was to survive these next few days, she would have to toughen up and look after herself.
Screw Jaxon and his crew.
She turned toward the cupboards then and opened the nearest ones. They were empty, save for a few pots and pans and several boxes of cereal. She grabbed the first box, but as she lifted it, realized it was empty.
Figures.
The cheese!
She slammed the cupboard closed, maybe too loudly, but by now she didn’t give a shit. She was starving, and if there was nothing left but cheese again, well, that sure as hell beat sucking back a cup of blood.
Her hopes were once more dashed by the pitiful lump of cheese that had been left in place of the large block she had seen earlier. She grabbed the measly leftover and turned back toward the far cupboard, wanting to grab the box of crackers she’d spotted before.
As luck would have it, the box had been stowed away on a shelf just out of her reach. Blind anger shot through her, and she hissed as she tried to grab it with the tips of her fingers. Her side ached as the muscles pulled, but she ignored the twinge and focused on getting the box down.
The room was still silent, and knowing that all five of them were watching her struggle, her body was flushed with heat. She pictured the smirks that were likely on their faces and gritted her teeth.
She couldn’t get to the box and hung her head in defeat. Her stomach growled loudly, echoing into the silence that surrounded her, and she turned abruptly, ignoring the faces to her left, and walked toward a large chair that overlooked the magnificent view.
Libby fell into its softness with a thump, a small gasp escaping her as the impact jarred her already aching ribs. She held her head proudly as she began to gnaw on the cheese.
A chair was scraped back loudly, and then she heard footsteps banging across the tiles. It was followed by grumbling, cursing, and cupboards slamming, and she paused, chewing her food softly while trying to appear uninterested.
She heard the spray of water and cringed, turning her head to avoid whoever was making a bee-line for her.
A hand at her shoulder startled her. It was the old man, and he offered her a plate of crackers that also held a bunch of freshly washed grapes.
Libby was touched. She took the plate from him, nodding in thanks, not trusting her voice.
“We’re not all animals here. I’m ashamed to say I didn’t think to leave you a plate myself.”
The man turned around and headed toward the front door. “I’m going for a smoke, and don’t want no company.”
The door slammed behind him, and Libby smiled at his grumbling words. Yep, screw Jaxon and his crew.
She hungrily attacked the cheese and crackers, thinking they tasted even better than earlier in the day. The grapes were large, green, and incredibly sweet. She enjoyed every single one immensely, and when she was done, licked her fingers slowly, savoring the last sweet taste.
Movement in the window drew her eyes, and she was startled at the clear picture reflected in the large panes. She could observe the table behind her unnoticed, and she sank farther into the comfort of the chair as she settled back to look.
Conversation had resumed, but the words were soft, muted, and even though she strained her ears, she couldn’t catch anything.
She could see them all clearly, and found herself searching for Jaxon. He was sitting at the end of the table, deep in serious conversation with Declan. To his right sat a man who leaned back carelessly in his chair, long legs sprawled out in front of him. He was massive, and as her eyes met his in the window, she gasped loudly.
He was Jaxon’s double, and a slow grin fell across the handsome face, illuminating the similarities but also highlighting the differences.
His eyes were incredible, not the dark black of his brother’s, but even through the glass she could see the electric green. It was a devastating combination when paired with his dark hair and deeply tanned skin. She could also see the beginnings of a similar tatto
o that graced the left side of his neck, but it disappeared beneath his tight black T-shirt.
A low growl grabbed her attention, and her eyes slammed into the furious gaze that Jaxon directed at her. He said something to the man with the green eyes, and Green Eyes laughed outright. This seemed to piss Jaxon off even more and he jumped to his feet.
The table erupted into chaos, with everyone standing and shouting, but not the green-eyed devil. His eyes pulled at hers and she found herself smiling back at him.
“Enough!”
Jaxon’s deep voice rang out, and silence once more reigned supreme.
Tension emanated from within the group at the table. At some point the rhythm and tone had changed. All the men were now scowling, and Ana retreated to the kitchen, gathering up the mess on the counter.
Jaxon’s face was as black as she’d ever seen it, and she looked away, suddenly frightened by the ferocious set to his features.
A phone rang then, its shrill tone grating as it loudly pierced the air. The tall stranger, so like Jaxon, moved quickly, bearing the same grace and stealth. Her eyes followed his movements until her view was blocked by the long muscular legs of the man she’d been trying to avoid.
She refused to meet his eyes, and pointedly tried to look around him. He had other plans, and knelt down in front of her. Still, she kept her eyes lowered and tried not to notice how his large frame enveloped the chair, effectively locking her between his two legs.
Tried, being the key word, and one that wasn’t successful.
Her eyes skimmed the powerful muscles that flexed underneath his faded jeans, and his scent crowded her, awakening an ache that struck hard and fast.
“My brother is off limits. Don’t even think of using your assets to sway him.” His breath was hot on her cheeks as he moved in closer, his words meant to insult. “He knows you’re damaged goods.”
Heat flushed through her body and she inhaled sharply at the hurtful slam. Her chest began to pound as her heart sped up.
“Go fuck yourself.” The words slipped from between her lips of their own accord. Even she was shocked at them, but tried not to let it show.
Jaxon felt his temper knocking hard and he wanted nothing more than to let it fly. Instead he took a few seconds and calmed himself. He grabbed her chin, forcing her eyes up until his dark ones held hers prisoner. “You’ve done that to me, Libby, many times over. You’ll not hurt another Castille as long as there is breath in my body.”
He shoved her away from him and stood quickly.
Her wounded eyes affected him more than he would like to admit, but the fury that clawed at him incited the jaguar to a point of violence that was almost overwhelming. He snarled at the thought of Jagger anywhere near Libby.
He stalked back to the table, head swiveling toward his brother as he came back into the room. Jagger was tense, his features closed.
“I have to hit the road, Jax,” he said. “I was wondering if it would be all right for Cracker to ride along with me. Something’s come up and I could use his expertise. I know you have your hands full with this situation and all.”
Jaxon studied his younger brother, not liking the light tone he’d adopted. It was in direct contrast to the black energy that haloed him like a blanket. Some deep shit was about to hit the fan.
For both Castille brothers.
“Anything you want to discuss before you leave?”
Jagger smiled wickedly, already heading toward the door. “Nah, I’m good. Just make sure to lock up before you leave.”
As he passed Libby, he ignored the warning growl from behind and leaned over, his impressive bulk responsible for the look of panic that flashed across her face. He grinned wickedly, winked and whispered, loud enough for all to hear, “It’s good to see you, Libs. About time you popped up from off the grid.” He chuckled softly. “A lot of things have changed, but Jaxon’s still an ass of epic proportions. Don’t take any crap from him.”
He turned then and shot a sly grin at his brother before heading out into the night.
Cracker returned briefly and grabbed a bag before nodding in his general direction. The ex-soldier was pissed at him. That was plain for all to see.
Jaxon shrugged it off. Cracker would get over it.
He watched him closely, his shoulders tensing as the older man leaned down and whispered into Libby’s ear. Christ, he had to get over the whole territorial thing. Libby wasn’t his. Hadn’t been for a long time. Even back in the day, they’d been lovers, sure, but nothing more.
Yeah right.
Jaxon ignored the silent taunt that rippled through his brain, choosing to focus on other things. He didn’t want to think about Libby anymore. At least, not right now.
The door slammed shut behind Cracker, and suddenly the room seemed too quiet. Declan had gone down to the office, waiting to hear back from his contacts, and Ana was banging around in the kitchen, muttering things he didn’t care to listen to.
Great. Just fucking great. The tension was so thick he could hardly breathe. Darkly, he pinned Libby with furious, bitter eyes.
Ever since that intel landed in his lap, his life had spiraled out of control, and the direction hadn’t been up. He was the kind of man used to being in control of all areas of his life, and damned if this little slip of a blonde was gonna screw him over.
Again.
Her violet eyes shadowed and he felt a splinter of pleasure as she looked away. His eyes held fast, knowing the direct stare was making Libby uncomfortable, and he kept them pasted to her as she walked stiffly past him.
He followed her progress until she disappeared, and then caught the surprised look Ana sent him.
“What?” he barked.
She opened her mouth to speak, but closed it without uttering a word. Moving past him, Ana headed toward the office at the other end of the house. “I hope she doesn’t wander away again, considering the dangerous creatures that lurk about these woods,” she said, her voice softening as she added, “I’m fresh out of extra shirts.”
Jaxon scowled darkly but by then he was alone. His body hummed with tension and he wanted nothing more then to become a jaguar and run it off. He swung around, gazing out at the vast stretch of darkness longingly.
Sighing tiredly, he turned and followed Ana’s footsteps. He was hoping they’d each have the answers they were looking for.
He reached the office to find Ana and Declan crouched together in front of the lone computer they’d been left to work with. Everything else had been destroyed in the blast.
Ana looked upset when her eyes finally turned to him.
“This is bad, Jaxon. I don’t know what to make of it. The intel you received can be traced directly back to Drake’s office. A secure channel was used, one that would need the highest security clearance to even gain access.”
Her long hair fell over her eyes, and she pushed it back impatiently. “There are probably only a handful of people with that kind of clearance.”
“Hey, you’re sharing space with one of them.”
Ana looked at Declan in disbelief, “You have level five security clearance? Since when?”
“Since Borneo.”
“Borneo, that was over a year ago. You didn’t tell me your situation with Drake had changed.”
“I didn’t know we reported back to each other, Ana. But now that you know, got something to share in return?”
“Enough, guys. You two are not helping me right now. And since I’m the one who was shot at, I need you both to chill. Any ideas on who sent the intel? Do you think Drake’s involved?”
Ana sighed, shaking her head, “I’ve checked, and from what I can tell, he wasn’t in the building when the intel was sent. But we all know that means nothing.”
Declan cut in, “Either way, we need to go to Washington to investigate.”
Ana piped in as well, “I agree, the sooner the better. I’ll leave tonight.”
Jaxon balked at the thought that his boss was somehow linked to an
attempt on his life, but in this business, stranger things had happened.
“Good, then. The both of you will leave tonight, but this has to run under the radar. Right now we don’t know who to trust, and Drake knows the two of you are working with me. You could be walking right into a trap.”
Declan and Ana headed up the stairs, while Jaxon’s thoughts swirled in several different directions.
Who the hell wanted him dead?
But the bigger question remained: what part did Libby have in all of this? Was she being used by a higher power, or was she actively, willingly, involved in a plot to take him out?
He growled at the thought.
He would give her exactly twenty-four hours to regain her memory.
If it didn’t come back by the time Ana and Declan returned, he’d let the sorcerer have at her.
And God help her if she was complicit.
Chapter 12
Screams woke him from a dead sleep. They tore at him, animalistic squeals and sharp moans of terror.
Jaxon had dozed off on the couch and was up in a flash. He flew down the hall, hesitating outside Libby’s room, confused and disturbed at the raw agony that he heard beyond her door. He sensed no other presence, and after a few moments the screams lessened and then quieted altogether.
He exhaled slowly, on edge and fighting the urge to go to her. He growled in frustration, hating the way she’d managed to crawl underneath his thick skin.
He pictured the scars that laced her back, knowing the suffering that she’d endured, yet still took a step back.
Hands clenched at his sides, he turned away, intending to leave her wallowing in her own misery and took a few steps way. But he stopped when he heard a thud inside, and then sobbing, which was heart wrenching. He cursed his weakness—he’d always been softer around Libby—as he whirled back around and pushed the door open.
He found Libby curled up tight in the fetal position, on the floor beside her bed. She’d obviously fallen out, but was still deep in the throes of a nightmare. She was clad only in the thin T-shirt Ana had given her and a pair of underwear.
His Darkest Hunger Page 12
