by Cate Dean
He proved it by kissing her until she couldn’t think straight.
She held on, wanting him, but terrified of that wanting. The last thing she needed was a complicated, mercurial man in her life. Ned had been enough to last a lifetime.
Her body didn’t listen, wrapping around Harry as he took the kiss to another level. Need won out over logic, and she pressed herself closer, moaning when he trapped her between his hot, muscled body and the nearest wall.
Endless minutes later, he came up for air, kissing his way to her earlobe.
“Harry.” She sounded desperate—and she was. Desperate to feel his lips on hers again. Desperate for more—so much more. “Harry—oh, yes, right there. That’s good,” she muttered, sighing as he nuzzled her throat. “I should—go.”
“Stay,” he whispered, lifting his head. “You calm me, Lidia, and I have not felt that kind of peace for far too long.”
“Harry.” She leaned in and brushed her lips against his. “I want to stay—so much. But I’m still trying to find my balance. I didn’t expect this. I didn’t expect you. I need—time.”
“I understand.” He kissed her one last time, hot, and far too short, and set her on her feet. “I will wait for you to make the next move.” He opened the door, stepping aside to let her out. “You know where to find me, if you’re ready.”
Lidia nodded, her gaze on the alley beyond the door. She was afraid that if she looked into his gold brown eyes again, her resolve would crumble. He had enough on his plate without adding her issues to it.
They would both be better off if she walked out, and let this be a fond memory.
“Goodbye, Harry.”
Before she could take back her words, she walked out the door, and away from the man she was already half in love with.
Six
Lidia woke late the next morning, with Max sprawled across her stomach.
She smiled at him, smoothing her hand over his thick, silky fur.
“Miss me, did you?”
He meowed, then crawled up to the pillow next to her, butting her chin with his nose.
“I know—it’s a strange place we moved to, isn’t it? A gargoyle living next door, a fae running the local jewelry store.” And a wounded man who threatened to steal her still raw heart. “I think I’ll do some unpacking, and an inventory of what we’ll need. Starting with fresh food for both of us.”
Anything to keep her mind off one Harry Grey.
“Come on, lazy bones.” She poked Max. “Time to get this day started.”
He answered her with a muffled yowl, then promptly rolled over.
Lidia smiled, and climbed out of the big bed. The air was cold, and she rubbed her arms, heading for the thermostat in the hall. January was colder here than she expected. She adjusted the temperature, promising herself a few new wardrobe items if she finished her to-do list today.
First on that list—breakfast.
“Fresh tuna, Max, if you can manage to drag yourself out of bed.”
She smiled when she heard feline feet hit the floor, and headed downstairs. Her robe would still be in her suitcase, along with most of her pitifully small wardrobe. She had given up what had been stored at Ned’s, not wanting to face him again. Buying new clothes where she planned to live had seemed like a better plan.
Now, she was afraid she might run into Harry, before she was ready to see him—
“Get over yourself, Lidia.” She shook her head, and started pulling her wrinkled clothes out of the suitcase. “You can’t hibernate—especially with a cat with a bottomless pit for a stomach, and no food in the house.”
After hanging up her few clothes, she made a quick list of what she might need, then headed back down to the kitchen and made another, longer list. When Max showed himself, she opened one of the cans of tuna she had brought with her, setting the can in a ceramic bowl she found in one of the cupboards.
To her surprise, there was a complete set of dishes, and a nice assortment of silverware. She would wash it all before she used it; who knew how long everything had been sitting here, or how well all of it had been cleaned before.
Lidia was the furthest from a germaphobe, unlike most of her friends, but she preferred to be cautious. What looked like a brand new dishwasher, installed next to the deep, porcelain sink, looked like it would hold everything. She could take care of washing the lot when she returned, and bring enough takeout home to last until she had clean dishes.
“Okay, handsome. I’m going to get dressed, then head out and gather some supplies. Watch over the house, or take a nap.” She leaned down to scratch behind his ear. “I know you’ll take the nap. Fortunately, we have some nice, solid locks.”
She ran up the stairs, energized, and ready to get things done. It was time to really explore her new home, and figure out her place in a town full of supernaturals.
~ * ~
Lidia stopped at the first clothing store she found, a huge sale sign drawing her in.
She found enough sweaters to last her the next month, along with several pairs of pants, a fun pair of ankle boots, and a warm coat. The salesgirl helped her put together an outfit more suitable for the weather than what she had walked in wearing, and bagged up the rest, promising to send it to her house by the end of the day. The advantage of living in a small town.
Lidia smiled, and thanked her before she walked out.
Next up, a grocery store. If she was going to hibernate, she needed to lay in a supply of food, for her and Max. Her phone brought up the local Shop & Save, which was in walking distance, and also delivered. Perfect.
She went over her list as she walked there, and made quick work of it, with an aisle map provided by the friendly clerk at the customer service booth. After arranging for the delivery, she walked out, feeling another small weight lift off her shoulders. She could do this; she could live her life on her terms, without relying on a man. No matter what her mom had spent years drumming into her.
The bar she had walked past earlier came into view. Howler’s. She remembered Willa mentioning it, and figured she could get a takeout meal there, or at least order something easy to wrap up.
She pushed the door open and walked into the dim interior.
It was busier than she thought; a quick glance at her phone told her that it was after three. Later than she thought. No wonder her stomach was growling at her.
She made her way through the crowd standing in front of the bar, taking off her coat, and waved to the pretty woman at the end.
The woman headed over to her, dark auburn hair bouncing on her shoulders. “Welcome to Howler’s. You’re the one who bought the spooky house, aren’t you? Down at the end of Cauldron Lane.”
“That’s me. Can I order something to go?”
“Sure can.” She wiped off her hand and held it out to Lidia. “Bridget. I’m the owner, so if you ever need anything, just ask for me. I can deliver, too, if you ever need it. You’re close enough not to be a hassle.” She winked at Lidia, and handed her a menu. “Take your time, and wave when you’re ready to order.”
“Thanks.”
Lidia took off her coat as she studied the menu, trying to decide between two burgers, when she felt someone watching her. Swallowing, she glanced over the top of the menu—and jerked in surprise at the sight of the man approaching her.
He swaggered, his shoulder length brown hair tousled, framing an angular, good looking face. She wouldn’t have been concerned, except for the gleam in his brown eyes. The gleam of a predator spotting his prey. She’s seen that look before, more times than she could count.
Southern California had been crowded with predators of one kind or another. She had found out too late that Ned had been one, disguised as a whiny nerd. The last thing she needed was another man sniffing at her.
She turned back to the bar and waved at Bridget. “Can I get both of these burgers, and have them delivered?”
“Sure thing.” Bridget frowned at her. “You okay?”
“Fine. I just forgot an appointment.”
“I’ll send them your way, and start a tab. You pay it off weekly.”
“That will work. Thank you.”
Lidia handed her the menu and started pushing through the larger crowd, headed in the opposite direction of the man. She stopped in her tracks when she pushed free of the crowd and found him in front of her.
“Hello, Red.” He smiled, scanning her from head to toe. “I haven’t seen you around. How about a drink with the most eligible bachelor in Nocturne Falls?” The three men behind him laughed, elbowing each other. Heaven help her, he wasn’t alone.
“Thank you for the offer, but I’m on my way out.”
The smile disappeared, revealing the belligerent man she sensed underneath the pleasant façade. “You’re refusing me?”
“I—” Don’t let him intimidate you, Lidia. “As I said, I’m leaving. I don’t know you, and since I’m new here, I would like to know who you are before I accept your invitation.”
Rage flared in his eyes. “You little bi—”
“Jared!” Bridget appeared, her eyes glowing gold. “Get out of my bar. Now.”
He backed down, almost whining. “Bridget—”
“No one harasses my patrons. Now get out—and don’t bother coming back.” She bared her teeth, and Lidia swore her canines had elongated. By the time she blinked, they were normal again, winking in the light. “Take your lackeys with you.”
Jared snarled at her. “You’ll regret this.”
“I doubt it.” Bridget draped her arm over Lidia’s shoulders, waiting with her until Jared and his followers left. “Are you okay? Jared’s an ass, but his father’s reputation gets him pretty much anywhere he wants to go.”
“Fine, thanks. The prowlers in California would eat him for lunch.”
Bridget laughed. “I’d like to see that. Jared could use a good swift kick to the—well, a good swift kick.” She winked at Lidia, and reached behind her, handing over a brown bag that smelled heavenly. “I had them rush your order, as soon as I saw Jared target you.” Her smile faded. “If he harasses you, in any way, call my brother, Hank.”
“You’re the sheriff’s sister?”
“Yeah.” She smiled. “Threatening belligerent customers with him comes in handy.” Her humor faded. “Don’t be afraid to call him, Lidia. Jared has a reputation, and you’re just his type.”
“Thanks again.”
“Come back soon. I’d like to get to know you.”
She smiled. “Same here.”
Hugging the bag, she waved to Bridget and made her way to the door. The second she stepped out, she knew she’d made a mistake.
Jared had waited for her.
Seven
After ringing up his last customers, Harrison escorted them to the door and locked it behind them, letting out a sigh.
It had been a long day, and thankfully for him, a busy one. He had thought of Lidia in the few free moments between customers, his heart aching more every time he replayed their last minutes together.
“I should have kept her with me, or gone with her.”
He knew the moment she had walked out his back door that he had lost her. Possibly for good. She was still too raw from her recent break up, and he had pushed too hard. If he could have one more chance, he would apologize, give her as much space as she needed—as long as he could see her again, have the opportunity to show her that he would not be the burden she thought—
Fear scraped across his skin.
Lidia’s fear.
“No—”
He didn’t know how he could sense her, but he knew she was in trouble. He refused to allow her to face it alone.
“I’m coming, Lidia.” He ran through the back room, and out the back door, stopping only long enough to lock it. “I’m coming.”
~ * ~
Lidia stepped away from the door, not wanting to trap herself against the building behind her.
Fury still radiated from Jared; he stalked forward, trying to crowd her. She sidestepped him and backed into the parking lot.
“You shouldn’t have refused me. Not in front of so many people. I have a reputation to protect.” He stepped forward, and she backed away—straight into one of his friends. Strong hands gripped her arms, forcing her to drop the bag, and her new coat. “You embarrassed me in there, Red, and it’s time to teach you a lesson.”
Lidia knew better than to struggle. It would only make things worse for her. She had seen the same ugly gleam in Ned’s eyes when she had disagreed with him.
“You’re right,” she said, her voice as calm and even as she could make it. “I was wrong to treat you like that. How can I make it up to you?”
Jared looked surprised, but he recovered quickly, a grin spreading across his face. It scared her more than his temper.
“We can start with a kiss, Red, and see where that takes us.”
She knew all too well, and she wasn’t going to be a victim. Not this time.
Jared stopped in front of her, his gaze like a violation as he scanned her from head to toe again, lingering in several places. She swallowed, and steadied herself. It was time to see if she still had enough magic left for self-defense.
The familiar heat rose through her as she silently muttered the spell, feeling her ragged power gather. As she finished the spell, the heat roared down her arm. With a cry, she thrust her hand out and set the spell free.
White flame burst out of her hand, wrapping around Jared. He shrieked, slapping at the flames, even though they weren’t strong enough to burn him. All she wanted was a distraction.
When his friends ran to help him, including the one who held her, she took advantage and ran across the parking lot, dodging around the cars, using them to shield her. Jared’s furious roar shot through her, and she moved faster.
She rounded the front end of a rusty truck—and ran straight into a broad chest.
“There you are.” Jared backhanded her, then grabbed her and threw her at the SUV behind him. She hit the door, hard, fighting to breathe as impact knocked the wind out of her. Before she could recover, Jared yanked her around and pinned her against the car. “You don’t throw a spell at me, witch, and expect to walk away. I am the son of—”
“A man who’s probably tired of pulling you out of trouble.”
The familiar voice lifted Lidia’s head.
Harry.
He stalked out of the darkness, his eyes gold, fury pouring off him.
Jared faced him, Lidia trapped against his chest. “This isn’t any of your business, Grey.”
“The woman you are tormenting is my business. Let her go, Jared, before you dig yourself any deeper.”
“No one can touch me.” He dug his fingers into Lidia’s arm, and she gasped.
Harry looked at her, and she wanted to flinch at the cold fury in his eyes. But she knew it wasn’t for her, so she kept her gaze steady, even as pain radiated down her arm.
“I can,” Harry said.
Lidia bit Jared’s hand, jerking free when he loosened his grip, shouting in pain. The second she was out of the way, Harry struck.
He tackled Jared, both of them skidding across the tarmac. Lidia flinched at the sound of flesh smacking flesh. In the twilight, she couldn’t tell who was who, as both men rolled over each other, fists lashing out, snarls filling the air.
She held on to the bumper of the car next to her, cradled her throbbing left arm against her chest, and prayed for Harry.
~ * ~
Never before had Harrison felt such rage.
It freed him, pushed away his petty fears, his insignificant pains, and focused him on one thing, one target.
Jared.
He fought the man who had been his rival, his enemy, for as long as he could remember, heedless to any injury. All he wanted, all he needed, was for Lidia to be safe. If he had to kill for her, so be it—
“Harry!” Her voice filtered through his rage, snapped him back to the present. “Harry
, please.”
He was on top of Jared, both hands around his neck, choking the life out of him. With a harsh breath, he let go and climbed to his feet. Pain spread down his left side; he ignored it, and headed for Lidia.
“Are you all right?”
She nodded, reaching for him. “You’re hurt.”
“I will be fine.” He cradled her bruised cheek, rage threatening again. “He will not touch you again. I promise you, Lidia. He will pay for his actions this time.”
She let out a shuddering breath, and he wanted to gather her into his arms, protect her. But he didn’t know where she had been hurt by Jared, and he refused to add to her pain.
“I need to sit down,” she whispered.
Harrison caught her right elbow when she stumbled, and led her to the bench outside the back door of the bar. Bridget ran out, her canines showing, her eyes gold. When she saw Lidia, she reined in her wolf.
“I called Hank,” she said. “He’s bringing backup. I assume you want to press charges, Lidia?”
“Yes,” she whispered.
Bridget moved to her, and helped her down to the bench. “Stay here. I’m getting the doctor. She’s right inside.”
Harrison watched Bridget disappear inside before he leaned against the wall. He pressed his hand to his left side, not surprised when it came away bloody. Jared never did fight fair.
The police cruiser skidded into the lot, lights flashing. Hank meant business this time.
He stepped out of the car and headed straight for Lidia, crouching in front of her. “All right?”
She nodded, flinching. “I will be.”
“Do you want to press charges?”
She looked over at Jared, who was still huddled on the ground, moaning.
“Absolutely.”
Hank smiled. “Good girl. I’ll make sure he spends the night in a nice, air conditioned holding cell. Cool his temper some.” He straightened, and looked at Harrison. “He’s going to go after you.”
“Let him. There were witnesses this time—he will not slink away, or manufacture an alibi.”
“No,” Hank said. “He won’t.”
