Newport/Aftport #2: Danea

by Diroll-Nichols, Karen

Then the hardness of her mattress made her frown and open one eye. It was still dark. Not unusual, given it was the first week of October. She pushed to her left slowly beneath the quilt, her movement halted when she bumped against something almost as hard as the floor but a whole lot…narrower…and a heavy palm gripped one ass cheek and squeezed before sliding up her side.

  “I wouldn’t move right now, if I were you,” Noah murmured against her throat.

  “Noah,” she said softly, her breath hitching at the flood of memories from the previous night. Her pussy tingled and reminded her. Several times from the previous night, her body reminded her with a low, warm purr.

  “I have an early class and need to change clothes,” Wade dropped to one knee in front of her with a steaming travel cup of coffee in his hand. He kissed her softly and winked at the single eye peering at him through the disheveled pale brown hair. “I’ll see you tonight, if I don’t hear from you before them. Later, Noah.”

  “Too early…you two are going to kill me,” Noah groaned and rolled to his back.

  Danea listened to the soft laugh before the sound of the door echoed that she was now alone with Noah. Her body didn’t forget either of them and she took a moment and just pushed her face into the pillow.

  “I’d rather you didn’t smother, Dani…too much paper work,” he chuckled when the elbow came out toward him. “That’s my girl. Spunky.”

  “I – am showering,” she informed him, pushing against the floor and almost on her knees when she realized she was nude. Totally and completely nude. Her head turned slowly toward Noah, hoping his eyes were closed or that he was at least looking off in the other direction, even if it was mostly dark except for the glow from the kitchen from where Wade had left the light on.

  Of course not. She didn’t have luck like that and Noah was far from embarrassed. He’d put both hands behind his head and lay watching with keen interest, a damn sexy grin on his face and hair she was used to seeing bound against the back of his neck, free and spread beneath his hands.

  “You’ve seen it all before. Stop staring,” she mumbled from behind the mass of hair. Resolutely, she sat back on her haunches, two hands sweeping up and sending all her fingers into her hair, pulling it back from her face.

  “And it looks good every single time I get a glimpse,” Noah said honestly, the morning cock that had begun to deflate giving a sharp lurch letting him know in no uncertain terms that it was very much interested. “There’s another bathroom?”

  “Behind the kitchen,” she answered with a sigh as she watched him stretch and then climb to his feet. She felt the girl in her whimper. No body hair she could see, he wore his jeans to sleep in and those were riding low as he ambled toward the kitchen. Long, muscled legs and a nice, really tight behind. That, she recalled gripping several times during their play. She realized her mouth wasn’t the only thing watering as she hastily jumped to her feet and ran for the bedroom and onto the master bath.

  She had her teeth brushed and the steam filling the room when she stepped beneath the stinging spray with a grateful sigh. Fragrant body soap scented the room, a few places a little tender as she washed and thought about the men in her life.

  Not a phrase she ever thought she’d utter, either aloud or in her imagination. She stared into the orange juice in her hands thirty minutes later and looked at the note Noah left for her on the counter.

  “Have to run and change for work. I’ll give you a call…or stop in…I seriously considered showering with you but thought you might want a little privacy. Call me if you need anything, Dani…Noah.”

  She read and re-read it, smiling at the numbers he’d written at the bottom.

  She knew exactly where all her newly used muscles were at the moment she walked down the inside stairs and began opening the daycare. Lights, blinds and computers all on, up and ready for the day. She was closed on the weekends and counting Thursday, only had two days before that was upon her. She was greeting her staff and parents as she thought about the information about her father being at the local casino.

  Maybe she’d pay him a visit.

  Chapter Twelve

  Noah snapped his phone open with a force that almost separated the hinge.

  He glared at Wade’s casual stance, arms crossed over his chest and legs in front of him as he leaned against the sheriff’s vehicle.

  “I’m pretty sure she sent me the text to avoid this reaction,” Wade commented.

  “Then our mate has some lessons to learn about her safety and my sanity,” Noah said flatly, climbing into the SUV and slamming the door. He waited for Wade to join him before turning the engine over. “Have you learned anything?” He did nothing to halt the frustrated tone.

  “Nothing we don’t already know,” Wade admitted ruefully. “I learned her father’s name is unusual. It’s spelled D-A-Q-O-N-E-T. Some language associates pronounced it for me and it’s just as it’s spelled.”

  “Neither have I, and that tells me someone knew how to hide things,” Noah grumbled. “But what are they hiding and why? And now she’s gone to the casino. Just out of the blue.”

  “I’d feel a lot better if I knew why her father was intent on getting her to return to his home…and if I could figure out why she felt she had to hide things from us,” Wade pulled out his phone, an idea striking along with his spoken thoughts. “Seth…it’s Wade Franklin. I have some questions that I’m hoping someone in your organization can answer,” he tapped the speaker button and set the phone on the dash. “Noah Decker is here with me.”

  “Good evening, gentlemen,” Seth Anderson said politely. “What are the big questions?”

  “Are there species that a wolf can’t detect?” Wade asked. His voice filled with collegiate curiosity.

  “Huh…” Seth said the single word. “No one’s ever asked that before…and I don’t have an answer. Supernatural ones, possibly. Ghosts…”

  “Not a ghost. She’s clearly coming across as human. She tastes, human,” Noah said without doubt. “Every scent I can smell about her, comes across as human.”

  “But you believe she’s more than human?” The puzzle was evident in his tone.

  “I know she is. I just can’t pinpoint what the hell else it is.”

  “Does the mysterious ‘she’ have a name? Something I can research?” Seth asked.

  “Danea Polnari and her mother’s name is Camelia, same last name. At least, that’s how we were introduced,” Wade gave him the information he requested.

  “And chance of photos?”

  “No,” Noah answered instantly, the odd tone in Seth’s voice catching his attention. “We only met Camelia once. I know Danea’s father’s name is Daqonet,” he spelled it for him. “I can’t find history on her, other than the usual, born and grew up in Anchorage. College, the same as well as in Seattle.”

  “Camelia Polnari is a physician who has become well known for her work with hybrids. We’re in the middle of recruiting her for the Institute,” Seth said carefully. “And I’m hazarding a guess that you two have something to do with her daughter.”

  Silence filled the inside of the vehicle.

  “A little more than just something to do with,” Wade finally said.

  “What do you know about Camelia? Is she human?” Noah asked flatly.

  “Yes. Again, as far as information we have goes,” Seth paused, obvious interest in his tone. “Are you suggesting she’s not?”

  “You never answered my question. What can’t we detect?” Noah pushed.

  Seth sighed heavily. “I don’t know. Let me think a minute…you can sense and detect all predators, but as a wolf, you can also detect the prey you’re hunting,” he said, thinking out loud. “I don’t know about something in human form that isn’t a predator. You should be able to detect that they’re different, just not assign a title to them. Like the Fae, for instance. Can you tell unequivocally what Wade is?”

  “No. I get nothing but human. But I’m pretty sure they aren’t Fae be
cause that, he would be able to tell,” Noah answered confidently.

  “Yes, that’s true…”

  “This isn’t helping,” Noah said dryly.

  “I’m trying to fucking think what else there is except predators!” Seth growled.

  “Fae aren’t predators.” Wade suggested, staring at the phone. “Hell, we don’t even know if we’re aware of all that exists out there anymore.”

  “Loch Ness Monster, Yeti…” Seth pushed air between his teeth.

  “Now we’re talking fairy tales, too?” Noah maneuvered the SUV around the crowded parking lot, looking for a spot to park. “We’re going into the casino in search of our mysterious mate. If you think of anything helpful, call me, would you?”

  Neither of them blinked when Seth simply disconnected their conversation.

  “How the hell do we identify something without a damn checklist?” Noah shoved the door open and stepped outside. He dropped the keys into the pocket on his light jacket and moved toward the casino.

  “This place is packed,” Wade remarked, the two men striding toward the entrance.

  “I can find her,” Noah told him with unmatched confidence. “That isn’t a problem.”

  ****

  Danea entered the casino shortly before six, her gaze sweeping the area. It was pretty busy with late summer patrons on a Thursday evening. She knew her father liked playing the blackjack tables and headed there. The one good thing about the casino was that no matter how she dressed, she fit in. Wearing one of her new tunics over her jeans, she wandered among those decked out in fancy dresses and those who appeared far less than fancy.

  She’d stuffed her ID and some cash into one of her pockets, just in case she got the urge to play a game or two. The machines were always fun, less than profitable, but fun, she thought with a smile that froze in place when a strong hand abruptly gripped her upper arm.

  “Your father is expecting you, Danea.”

  She swallowed and looked up at the square jaw and muscled body barely hidden beneath the finely tailored suit.

  “Hello, Matthew.” She mustered a smile. “It’s been a long time. I’m fairly certain I can walk on my own and you’re hurting my arm.”

  “You should have returned years ago, as you were ordered, Danea.”

  She didn’t put up a fight against the biting fingers on her arm. She knew from experience it wouldn’t do any good. Matthew was head of her father’s security people and quite good at his job.

  And she’d been promised to him when she was a teenager during one of her summer visits to her father’s islands. One of the chief reasons she disappeared. It wasn’t that she didn’t like him or find him appealing. There simply had never been any click. Not like with Noah and Wade.

  A wince crossed her features when his hand tightened.

  “You’re hurting me. Is that part of the security plan these days?” Danea took a deep breath and massaged the arm he released. “I’m here and I’m not running, but I’m not going back with him, either.”

  “Daqonet, your daughter,” Matthew said when they came to a large table with a man who appeared to be in his late thirties playing blackjack.

  “Hello, Dad. You’re looking as handsome as ever,” Danea went to his side and kissed his cheek. “Winning?”

  “Some…it’s an amusing game,” he took his winnings and handed them to a young woman at his side. “Take your sisters and enjoy yourselves, Tamara.”

  “Thank you, Father,” the dark haired beauty smiled and accepted the chips. “Hello, Danea.”

  “Hi, Tamara,” Danea answered quietly, watching her younger sisters wander off. She had always thought of them as exotic. From all points around the world, each of his daughters was exotically beautiful, polite and charming. To the world at large. Danea knew how they were behind closed doors and without someone of importance watching them. Some were far less than charming.

  “Shall we find a quiet corner, Danea?”

  She nodded and moved to his side. He was tall and well built. She was accustomed to women staring and finding excuses to speak to him. His hair was dark and his features angular and well-tanned. All that time in the tropics only managed to enhance what had come naturally to him, she thought. And here she was, a pale Arctic girl. His child.

  “I was surprised to hear you were in the area. I know how much you dislike the cold,” she commented idly.

  “The gull?”

  “Galileo keeps an eye on the neighborhood,” she returned with a slight nod. “I’m not returning with you. I have a business now,” she said when he selected a table and sent one of the men with him off for drinks. “I don’t…I don’t know why you’re so intent on this but I’d really like it if you just let me have my own life.”

  She was trying for diplomacy. Partly because he had always been nice to her when she was growing up, despite throwing the perfection of her sisters in her face on a regular basis. Okay, maybe nice is the wrong word. He never got in her way when she swam the oceans for hours on end. So much to see; so much to explore.

  “Would you please sit down?”

  “I really can’t stay,” she told him with a slight wince and a quick glance at the watch on her wrist. “I’m running a little late as it is and…well, I have plans…”

  “This isn’t something that will be resolved in a few minutes, Danea,” Daqonet gazed at the casual style of dress and shook his head. “There are times I find it most difficult to believe you are my daughter.”

  “That is something you and mother need to discuss, not me. If I’m not, then please make this easier on us both and leave me alone,” she asked softly. “There is nothing to resolve, Dad. I don’t fully understand what you want from me. I don’t have any powers. And believe me, I am definitely not good at…at conquest or taking over things like your territory.”

  “You must,” he growled, momentarily forgetting the calm that he’d displayed. He pulled himself up straight, dark lashes narrowed. “I’ve tested Tamara. It must be with you. You, who weren’t supposed to be! You were supposed to be nothing more than a final fling before I performed my duties!”

  Danea jerked back at the verbal attack. It was just as vivid as if she’d been slapped across the face and hurt more.

  “I’m just a girl,” she whispered painfully, her head shaking numbly. “Mother told you that over and over!”

  His laugh was hard and angry. “Do you honestly believe I would trust anything your mother says? My scientists and researchers will evaluate you. I am…” his jaw tensed. “Requesting…that you return with me for a short time and allow them to examine you.”

  “I don’t want to be poked and prodded…” her head shook frantically.

  “No, she won’t be going with you.”

  Danea spun on her toes, almost falling over at the hard, sharp warning in the simple words. She took the scant two steps forward, her arms up instantly.

  “Noah! Wade!” A small sob escaped the tight grip she’d held on her emotions.

  Noah wrapped her against him for a long minute before sliding her into Wade’s arms. His gaze never left the man sitting in a casual recline on the cushioned bench seat. Nor the two guards he had flanking him, quiet and deadly looking. And yet again, he received nothing but humanity from his senses.

  “Are you alright, Danea?” Wade held her against him, one palm up and stroking over her head.

  “I am…and I’m really glad you’re both here. I want to go home,” she said in a quick rush, a shiver running the length of her before she could stop it.

  “This doesn’t concern you, sheriff.” The stare he offered was dispassionate. But not for long. “Or you, Fae.”

  “If it concerns Danea, it concerns us,” Noah said simply. “Do us both a favor and consider this over. Right here. Right now. Dani said she doesn’t want to go with you. I don’t know what the deal is, but she’s over eighteen and making her choices.”

  “Do you honestly believe your human laws would contain anything I ch
ose to do?” He said with cold disregard.

  “Since you already know we aren’t full humans, I think you’re wise enough to realize that we can handle things without involving the law,” Noah answered just as coldly.

  “You’ve taken a lover,” he accused brusquely and straightened on the bench.

  “She belonged to me,” Matthew said quietly.

  “I am not property!” Danea whispered furiously, pushing against Wade and straightening her shoulders squarely. “I decide who I want to be with. I am not a…a gift that my father can give you, Matthew. I told you that a long time ago,” she said with a sorry shake of her head.

  “Your mother…I should have taken you to raise when I realized…you should have never been allowed such liberties. But we both believed you were nothing but a girl.”

  “Good bye,” Danea said firmly. “I only came here to try and make you stop sending people to give me your messages. I’m not returning to your home. I can’t. I like living here. I like my business. Why is that so very hard for you to understand?”

  “You don’t belong here,” he told her without hesitation.

  “I don’t have what you want,” she whispered, her head shaking. “I don’t. I’m just a girl. Goodbye,” she turned and kept her head up and eyes staring on the path to the main entrance.

  Chapter Thirteen

  Wade stepped forward, his hand on Noah’s arm. “Stay with her. I want a few words with Daqonet about his daughter.”

  Noah opened his mouth but quickly closed it. He turned and stormed out purposefully to track down Danea.

  Wade looked at the older, handsome and well-dressed man. “Why are you so anxious that Danea return to your home with you? What type of power do you believe she possesses?”

  “That isn’t your concern or your business. It was a mistake allowing Camelia to raise the child,” his head shook, the expression on his face one of distaste. “She filled that child’s head with…with delusions about the place of a female in the world.”