The Witch Rescues Her Werewolf: A Nocturne Falls Universe story

by Cate Dean

  After patting Harrison’s left shoulder, he strode over to Jared and hauled him to his feet, reading the dazed shifter his rights as he cuffed him. By the time Hank started leading Jared to the cruiser, he was fighting every step.

  “You’re going to pay for this, Merrow! My father will have your job—and your head on a platter to go with it! He attacked me! I am the victim here—the crazy mutt attacked me—”

  “What did you call him?” Lidia stood, limping over to Jared. Even through his own pain, Harrison could feel her anger. She halted in front of Jared. “Answer me.”

  Jared sneered. “He’s a mutt, Red. Didn’t he tell you? He’s a useless, pointless mu—”

  Lidia punched him.

  “I believe he got the point, Miss Reston.” Hank half carried Jared over to the back of the cruiser. “Chin up, boy. She could have chosen a more delicate spot to plant her fist.” He glanced over his shoulder and flashed Lidia a grin, then pushed Jared into the back seat, closing the door on a pained roar. “I will see you at the station in the morning. We can take your statement then. You’ll see she gets home, Harrison? After you’re both patched up.”

  He waved to his deputy, who had been glaring at Jared’s friends, and they both slid into the cruiser. Harrison watched it fly out of the parking lot, hitting the driveway with jarring speed. Then he headed over to Lidia, his hand hovering over her already bruising fingers.

  “Are you all right?”

  “Yeah. I can’t believe I punched him.” She flexed her fingers. “It’s definitely going to leave a mark.”

  “Ice will help.” He wanted to be the one to take care of it, take care of her. If she would allow it. “I’m sorry he hurt you like that.”

  Lidia looked up at him, frowning as she studied his side. “You need to sit down.”

  “I am fine.” He flinched, and she grabbed his right arm, leading him to the bench. “Lidia—”

  “Sit.” She waited until he did, then sank down next to him. “How did you know?”

  “What?”

  “How did you know I was in trouble?”

  He swallowed, and forced himself to keep eye contact. “I felt you.”

  “Really?” She took his hand, her fingers shaking against his. “Thank you,” she whispered. “I’ve never been so scared in my life.”

  “It looked as if you got a shot in.”

  “The spell? You saw that?”

  “The last of it. Was it a protection spell?” She nodded. “Jared is terrified of fire.”

  “I figured,” she said. “When those flames shot out of my hand instead of the smoke I was thinking of when I cast the spell. I was aiming for something that might choke him long enough for me to get away. I didn’t have enough control once I cast it.”

  “You gave me time to get here.”

  Tears filled her eyes, and she ducked her head. Harrison wrapped his arm around her and pulled her in, careful of any wounds he couldn’t see. She sniffed, and let herself relax against him.

  They were interrupted when Bridget returned, dragging a woman after her.

  “This Dr. Sophie Mead. She’s not—”

  “Thank you, Bridget. I can introduce myself. While I examine them.” She crouched in front of Lidia. “Let me see that arm.”

  With the doctor’s help, Lidia slipped out of her now ruined cardigan, and rolled up her shirt sleeve, revealing the ugly bruises left by Jared. Rage flared through Harrison when he saw punctures in some of those bruises, and blood sliding down her skin. The bastard had used his claws on her. He would pay for that—one way or another.

  Sophie talked while she cleaned and bandaged Lidia’s arm. “I’m not like you—a supernatural—but my mother was, and she trained me. When I heard about Nocturne Falls, I knew I could make a life here, with people who needed my particular skills.”

  “How long have you been here?”

  “Almost a year.” She glanced at Harrison. “I believe we arrived at about the same time.”

  Lidia’s head snapped around. “You didn’t tell me it was only a year ago.”

  He knew she was referring to his mom. “It wasn’t. I left after, and didn’t return until last year.” When he needed to be where he was at least somewhat accepted. He didn’t fit in here any better than elsewhere, but here people knew him, knew his past, and he did not need to hide any part of himself.

  “Oh.” She lowered her head, gasping when Sophie eased her arm down. “No—I’m okay. Just sore.”

  Sophie cradled her hand. “I heard you punched Jared. All I can say is thank you. From every woman in town he’s harassed with his ‘charm.’” She smiled, then laid a cold pack on Lidia’s knuckles. “You’ll be creaky for the next few days, but there’s no permanent damage. Your turn, handsome.” She moved to Harrison, and carefully peeled his shirt away from his side, revealing the row of claw marks. After cursing under her breath, she started cleaning them. “I want to get any debris out, before you start healing.”

  “I don’t heal as fast as other shifters, so you have some time.”

  She met his eyes, and nodded. “What I heard was true, then.” She focused on his side, gentle as she worked on the wounds. “I would like to take a look at your shoulder, if that’s all right. I might be able to help it heal. I’m assuming it hasn’t yet, not completely.”

  Shock stilled him. “You would—be able to do that?”

  “No promises, but you’re not the first wolf I’ve met who was stabbed by a silver blade. It was more common than it should have been where I come from. The pack there had short tempers, and held grudges like nobody’s business.”

  Harrison laughed, surprising himself. “Sorry.”

  “No need.” Sophie smiled up at him. “It was funny, but stupid. Nothing like an overload of testosterone to make a man behave like a complete idiot.”

  With care he wasn’t used to, she treated the claw marks, and bandaged his wound, then handed him a small sample box.

  “Painkillers, for both of you. I want you to take them, Lidia. They’ll help you sleep easier.”

  “Okay. Thank you, Dr. Mead.”

  “Sophie, please. It’s nice to have another woman who is new to Nocturne Falls. If you don’t mind, I’d love to call you soon, maybe have lunch.”

  “I’d love that, too.”

  The women smiled at each other, and Harrison sensed the connection, from Lidia’s side. He was happy for her; she needed friends here. Friends who could support her, give her the strength to help face her crisis.

  Not a man who would suck all that energy with his own problems—

  “Harry?” Lidia stood in front of him, her left arm in a sling. “Are you in pain?”

  Yes.

  He ignored his almost desperate need to retreat, before he became more attached to the woman who studied him with her clear grey eyes. “No. I would like to escort you home, if that’s all right.”

  “It’s more than all right.” She smiled, and held out her right hand. “I insist.”

  His heart pounded as he took her hand, and he was certain she could hear it. If she did, she didn’t comment. Instead, she laced their fingers together, and led him out of the parking lot.

  A shout behind them stopped her. Bridget rushed up, a large brown takeaway bag in her hand.

  “To replace the order Jared mangled. I’m so sorry, Lidia—I hope his stupid behavior doesn’t keep you from coming back.”

  “Not a chance. Thanks, Bridget.”

  Harrison took the bag for her, his stomach grumbling at the intoxicating scent of meat and cheese. He would not ask for anything from her, not even a shared meal—not after what Jared had put her through.

  He set his thoughts aside, and kept alert to their surroundings as he walked Lidia home. Fortunately, she was only a few blocks from Howler’s; by the time they reached Cauldron Lane, he could feel her strength flagging.

  He led Lidia up to her porch, easing his hand free. “If you will be all right from here, I’ll leave you to yo
ur meal.”

  “There’s enough for two.” She smiled up and him, and need roared through him. “I’d really like you to stay, Harry. I don’t think I can be alone right now.”

  “I—of course. I will stay as long as you need.”

  “Good.” She looked down at the porch, and Harry noticed the pile of shopping bags under the window. “Shoot. I forgot about all the deliveries.”

  “Please, allow me.” He scooped up the bags, and straightened.

  “My hero.” She smiled at his startled glance, and unlocked the door, turning back to him before she opened it. “I’m going to warn you—my cat, Max, hates men. Except for Elias, whose gargoyle is some form of cat.” She shook her head, as if she still couldn’t believe it. “Just—don’t be offended at the snarling and glaring.”

  “Understood.”

  She opened the door—and was immediately accosted by a black bundle of fur.

  “Max—” She crouched and set down the bag, wrapping her arm around him. “I’m okay, so stop sniffing me.”

  The cat’s attention turned from her to Harrison, and it arched its back, wide green eyes shooting fury at him as it tried to wriggle free.

  “It is a pleasure to meet you, as well, Max.”

  After a final glare, and a disgruntled meow, the cat turned its focus to the takeaway bag.

  “There might be something in here for you, if you behave.” Another meow answered her, and she laughed, letting him go. “Go on. I’ll meet you in the kitchen.” She started to push to her feet, and let out a moan.

  “Here.” Harrison caught her right arm, ignoring the pain that shot down his side as he helped her stand. “You should lie down.”

  “I’m going to eat first. We’re going to eat. At the table, and pretend like the last hour didn’t happen—at least for a little while.”

  She gave him a pleading look, and he nodded, happy to accommodate her. “I would like to have dinner with you, Lidia.”

  “I’ll give Max his dinner in the study, with the door closed, so we can have ours in peace.”

  He followed her into the kitchen, and set the bags on one of the long counters. “Did you need help—”

  “Shoo.” She smiled at him, and pointed to the door. “I can deal with this later. I’ll just pop the perishables in the fridge, then we can eat. Go sit down, and I’ll shout when I’m done.”

  She headed for the other doorway, calling for Max. Once she was out of sight, Harrison made it out to the hallway before he needed to lean against the wall, exhausted. He didn’t lie to Sophie Mead; he healed more quickly than humans, but it cost him.

  “Harry?” Lidia stood at his side when he opened his eyes, concern on her face. “You look terrible. Come and sit.”

  “I am—”

  “No arguing.” She pointed to the doorway. “Move.”

  He bit back a smile, not certain if it would offend her. “Yes, ma’am.”

  The doorway led to a long, ornate dining room, with an equally long, ornate table. “I hate this room,” Lidia said, sitting in the chair at the end of the table closest to the kitchen. “It feels like it should be full of stuffy old people, talking about how today’s youth are so disappointing.”

  This time, Harrison did smile, taking the chair to her right. He helped her unload the bag, setting a wrapped burger on each of the paper plates she pulled out. Next were two containers of thick fries, and another container of coleslaw, along with two plastic forks.

  “This all looks amazing,” Lidia said. “I didn’t think I was that hungry, until I saw this spread.” Her stomach rumbled in agreement, and she laughed. “Dig in, Harry.”

  He did, making certain she had enough on her plate before he claimed the rest of the fries and coleslaw. His body demanded the food, the need to replace what it was using to heal him ratcheting up his appetite. It took all his control to not bolt down the huge burger.

  They were both quiet as they ate, except for Lidia’s occasional appreciative moan. He understood completely. The burger was fantastic; thick, flavorful, with a rich layer of cheddar cheese, plus a mountain of lettuce, tomato, and onion complementing the juicy meat. Before he knew it, he had eaten the last of the burger, and polished off both the fries and the mound of coleslaw.

  He leaned back in the chair, his body sated, but still fighting the need to rest.

  “I should leave you to sleep,” he said.

  “Please stay.” She touched his hand, and he fought the need to move around the table and wrap her in his arms. “There’s a guest room, just behind the kitchen. I think it was the housekeeper’s room. I don’t want to be alone in the house. Not tonight.”

  Her plea had him nodding before he could make an objection. The fact that he wanted to stay made it easier for him to shove down the argument that he should leave her alone. That he should leave her for good.

  Harrison helped her clear the table, and waited for her to lead him to the guest room. It was tiny, with room for a double bed and a single nightstand. He would miss his king size bed, but it was only for one night. With his side itching, he doubted he would get much sleep.

  Tell the truth, at least to yourself.

  He wouldn’t sleep because he wanted her. At his side, in his life.

  Impossible dreams.

  “Thank you, Harry. There are towels in the bathroom if you want to take a shower.” She stood on tiptoe and kissed his cheek. “I’ll see you in the morning.”

  He watched her walk through the kitchen, her shoulders slumped, her exhaustion and pain brushing over his skin. And he knew it was too late to be noble and walk away.

  He was falling in love with her.

  Eight

  It took less than an hour of trying to fall asleep before Lidia knew she wouldn’t. Her arm hurt too much, even with a second dose of painkillers.

  The other reason was in the small bedroom downstairs.

  She never would have believed that she could fall so fast, and so hard, for a man she hardly knew—never mind a man who wasn’t human.

  Then Harry had tumbled into her life—literally. She smiled at the memory of him, sprawled at her feet. He had been vulnerable, and so appealing because of it. From that first moment, she had started to fall.

  It was time to stop denying. No matter what happened in the future, she wanted him now, in her life. He had already stolen her heart.

  “Stay here, Max,” she muttered, scratching his ear. “I’m going downstairs.” He burrowed deeper into the pillow and started snoring. “I’ll take that as approval.”

  Just to be sure he wouldn’t interrupt, she closed her bedroom door. Max wouldn’t be happy, but he had the bed to himself, plus food and water in the bathroom. He would survive a night by himself.

  She made her way down the stairs, cradling her left arm. It might be a hindrance, but she wouldn’t let it stop her. Nerves zipped through her as she headed through the kitchen, and made her hand shake when she reached out to knock on the door. She cursed under her breath—and almost jumped a foot when the door opened.

  “Lidia? Are you all right?”

  She’d forgotten about his ability to feel her. “Yeah. I can’t sleep. Can I come in?”

  He looked surprised, but recovered quickly, and stepped back, letting her walk past him. The tiny dimensions of the bedroom meant that she was almost nose to chest with him when he turned around.

  Nose to bare, muscled chest.

  She took in a shaky breath, and her right hand spread over his heart before she could stop it.

  He stilled, but his heart pounded furiously under her hand.

  “Harry,” she whispered.

  He didn’t need any more prompting.

  Before she could take in another breath, he hauled her up and captured her lips.

  Heat roared through her. She couldn’t seem to get close enough to him, and let out a frustrated moan. He seemed to understand, because the next thing she knew, she was on the bed, and he was on top of her. Every hot, muscular inch of h
im.

  “Tell me to stop,” he whispered, kissing his way down her throat. When she didn’t say anything, he lifted his head, and met her eyes. “Please, Lidia. I am almost at the point of no return.”

  “Don’t stop, Harry. I never want you to stop.”

  With a low growl, he kissed her, careful of her bruises even as he ravaged her mouth. She arched against him, wanting him to lose control. He seemed to read her mind, and rolled to his side, taking her with him. His hand slid under her oversized t-shirt, spreading across her bare, hot skin to pull her close.

  “If I hurt you, I want you to let me know.” His deep, raw voice washed over her. “I never want to hurt you, Lidia.”

  “You’re killing me right now.” She smiled at his rumbling laughter. “Love me, Harry Grey. Love me until I can’t breathe.”

  He hesitated, uncertainty in his gold brown eyes. “Lidia—”

  “We’ll figure it out, Harry. Together. I have faith in your manly instinct.”

  “I am glad one of us has faith in my—instinct.”

  He cut off her shout of laughter with his lips, and her laugh strangled to a moan when deepened the kiss.

  She had a feeling she was going to need more than a shot of oxygen by the time they were done.

  Nine

  A warm, roving hand pulled Lidia out of sound sleep. At some point during the night, Harry had carried her up to her bedroom, chasing Max out with a single glance.

  “Good morning,” she whispered. “It is morning, isn’t it?”

  “According to the sun outside the window, yes.” He nuzzled her throat, and she moaned, pressing back against him. “Lidia—please hold still.” He sounded a little—desperate.

  She smiled, and moved again, loving his response to her. He had been so responsive last night, and an incredibly fast learner.

  “Practice makes perfect,” she said, smiling at him over her shoulder.

  “Yes, it does.”

  His wicked grin warned her, just before his hand spread over her belly, holding her in place as he kissed the sensitive spot behind her ear, then nibbled on her earlobe.

  “Harry—” Now it was her turn to sound desperate.