Bayou Shadow Protector

by Debbie Herbert

  Annie immediately sat beside him and took April’s cold hands in her own, rubbing them briskly. “No frostbite. A good sign.” Then she bent her head over April’s mouth, listening to her breath and feeling the side of her neck.

  “Her pulse is strong. Give me five minutes alone with her. We’ll take it from there.”

  Joanna stepped out of the crowd of shadow hunters. “Girl, do you know what you’re doing?” she asked sharply. “’Cause if she dies—”

  Brenda stepped in front of her. “C’mon, Mom. Let’s fix coffee for everyone while Annie does her healing work.”

  Chulah shot his sister a silent thank-you as she rounded up Joanna and the others to the kitchen.

  “I’m not leaving April,” he warned Annie. “Do what you have to do.”

  She nodded. “Bring me candles and matches.”

  “Anything else?”

  Annie pointed to a black bag lying in a chair. “I’ll need that as well.”

  Chulah brought her the bag and hurried to his bedroom, returning with several candles and a book of matches.

  Annie held April’s hand, chanting soft words that sounded like something between a prayer and a spell. A form of hoodoo passed down from her grandmother, the infamous Tia Henrietta, who’d been credited with saving many a soul. Tia was too old and feeble now for house calls, but Annie went wherever she was summoned. Tombi had found a good woman in her.

  His anxiety eased a touch under the music of Annie’s voice. Chulah lit the candles and placed them on the coffee table. Annie glanced up and nodded.

  The blue tinge of April’s skin and lips faded. She was still unnaturally pale, but appeared to have turned a corner. Chulah sat on the sofa’s armrest and ran his fingers through April’s muddy, tousled hair. There was no electric magic in their touch. It was as if a switch had been turned off. But it didn’t matter as long as she lived past whatever had happened to her this evening.

  She was beautiful to him.

  April wore a filthy, flimsy nightgown that was torn and bloody where she had walked or crawled through underbrush.

  A new worry assailed Chulah. What if she lived, but never recovered her mind? No. Annie could help her. She’d already performed a miracle.

  He hated to interrupt the chant, but he had to ask. “Is she okay?” he whispered. “Can you tell what she’s...thinking?”

  Annie kept her eyes on April. “Too early to tell. Everything feels jumbled.”

  April groaned. “Chulah,” she muttered.

  The sound of his name on her lips filled him with hope. “I’m here.”

  Annie nodded and patted April’s hand. “I’ll leave you alone with her a minute.”

  Chulah leaned into April and kissed her forehead. “Come back to me. You’re safe, I promise.”

  She licked her lips. Surely a good sign. Her eyes flickered open, unfocused and confused. “It’s me,” he said, stroking her arm. “You’re safe.”

  Her purple-blue eyes focused on his. “Is this the After Life?” she asked weakly.

  He laughed and almost wept with relief. “No, you’re in my cabin. I found you in the woods.”

  Her eyes grew dark and her lips trembled.

  “Don’t think about it,” Chulah urged. “We’ll talk about it later. For now, you need to warm up and rest. Do you think you can eat and drink a bit?”

  “I already have something for her,” Annie said, returning to the room and holding a cup. “Can you sit her up?”

  Chulah maneuvered his body on the sofa so that April’s back leaned against his chest. “How’s this?”

  “That works.” Annie patiently brought the cup to her patient’s lip. “Take a little sip for me,” she cooed.

  April did. Then sputtered and coughed. “That’s nasty.”

  Annie winked at him. “Nobody appreciates my tonics.”

  “I do,” Chulah said in a rush. “I’ve seen what they can do.”

  “She’s going to be fine.” Annie smiled. “I prescribe a long, hot bath after she finishes drinking this. And lots of sleep.”

  “You got it, doc.”

  Joanna spoke from the kitchen. “Does this mean we don’t call for an ambulance?”

  “No, we’re good,” Chulah assured her.

  “I’m all right.” April’s voice was so low, he didn’t think anyone heard it but him and Annie.

  His friends came over. “We can stay if you need us,” Poloma said. The rest mumbled their agreement.

  “No, go on home. April needs rest. It’s been a long day for all of us.”

  The sound of sobs from the kitchen tore at him. He followed the noise and caught Brenda at the kitchen table, head in her arms, shoulders shaking. Chulah put an arm around her shoulders. “Don’t cry. Your friend is going to make it.”

  Brenda looked up, mascara streaming down her blotchy face. “I was so w-worried.”

  “I know. So was I. But everything’s fine now. Why don’t you go home and rest? I’m sure April will want to see you first thing in the morning.”

  Brenda nodded and swiped her cheeks. She smiled wanly. “Mom and I will get out of your hair.”

  “Thanks, sis.”

  Now he knew April was safe, he wanted to take care of her, and he couldn’t do that properly with everyone gawking.

  Tallulah in particular.

  She stood alone in a corner, not speaking with anyone, but he was aware of her watching his every move. A dark presence, a reminder of past failures, a childhood friendship ruined.

  The shadow hunters filed out the door and Tombi clamped a hand on his shoulder. “Call if you need us. Anytime.”

  Chulah extended his hand and they shook. “Thanks, man.”

  Nothing else needed to be spoken. All was understood in the firm handshake. They’d been friends all their lives and would die for each other if needed.

  Annie pulled a packet out of her black bag and handed it to him. “Stew a tablespoon of these herbs in a cup of boiling water and make sure she drinks it at least three times a day.”

  He accepted the bag and eyed it with distaste. “I’ll see she does. Can I speak with you alone for a minute?”

  Chulah guided her into the hallway. “I see her physical health will be fine, but I’m worried about...” He tapped a temple on the side of his head. “The Fae have this thing where they can punish another fairy by stripping them of their powers. Apparently, one of the consequences is that the fairy loses their sanity. Got anything in your little black bag for that?”

  “No. I’m sorry. There are herbs that can help calm agitation, but they can’t restore a broken mind.” She placed a hand on his arm, eyes full of gentle sympathy. “Pray for her. When I get home, I’ll light a candle and do the same.”

  They returned to the den, where Joanna shoved a cup of coffee in his hand. “Drink up. You look exhausted. You never take care of yourself like you should.”

  Bossy woman. He sighed, but took a grateful sip. Perhaps she meant well, in her own way.

  Joanna gave a sharp nod. “We’ll be on our way, then.”

  Chulah walked to the door and breathed a sigh of relief they were all gone.

  “Are you in love with her?”

  He whirled around at the familiar voice, almost spilling his coffee. Damn it, Tallulah had hung back from the exiting crowd. He must be exhausted not to have noticed she’d remained.

  “Why are you still here?” he countered. He took a long swallow of coffee and set his cup on the table.

  Tallulah shoved off from the wall and came toward him, dark eyes full of challenge. “Only a few weeks ago, you asked me to marry you.”

  Chulah’s eyes darted to April’s still form but her eyes were closed. At least the steady rise and fall of her chest reassured him she was sleeping normally. He faced Tallulah again. “Why are you bringing this up now?”

  Her eyes turned sly. “What if I told you I’ve reconsidered?”

  “You’re lying,” he said flatly, although her mood was hard to deci
pher. Even knowing her since she’d been in kindergarten, he could never be sure of Tallulah’s thoughts.

  “Are you sure?” Her full lips lifted at the corners, teasing him. She reached a hand up and stroked the side of his neck.

  Chulah stepped back. “Stop.”

  “So you do love her.” She cocked her head to one side, studying him.

  “None of your business.” Chulah went to the door and held it open. “Thanks for stopping by.”

  She chuckled but picked her coat up from a chair and shrugged into it. “Hint taken.” At the door, she sidled up to him. “A kiss good-night?” Before he guessed her intention, Tallulah had her lips on his, her arms around his neck.

  For a moment, he responded, placing his hands on her lower back.

  Nice, but no cigar. Nothing like the magic of touching April. Chulah gently pulled away. “Things have changed.”

  “You really must be in love.”

  He kept his features neutral. He’d give away nothing to Tallulah, just as she gave away nothing of her real feelings to him. And he’d accused April of deception. Next to Tallulah, she was an open book. A woman unafraid to show honest emotion.

  “Good night, Tallulah.”

  He went straight to April, unwilling to engage in Tallulah’s game. The door shut softly and he was alone with April at last.

  Chulah gazed down at her still form. He’d almost lost her. Love? He couldn’t say.

  April’s eyes shot open. “Is Tallulah finally gone?”

  His jaw slackened. “How long have you been conscious?”

  “Long enough to see you kissing her.”

  “Did you also see that I stopped it?”

  “Not right away.” Her eyes dulled with misery. “I can’t blame you, though. She’s everything you want in a woman. Strong, direct. A real fighter.”

  “Maybe I prefer blondes to brunettes,” he said lightly. “How are you feeling?”

  “Honestly? Like I’ll never be warm again.”

  “Annie said a hot bath would do wonders.”

  She rose unsteadily on one elbow and glanced down. “Wh-what happened to me? I only remember...” She drew a deep breath. “Grady hurting me. After that...”

  “Don’t worry about it now. I’m sure it’ll come back to you later.” He supported her arm and helped April rise to her feet.

  “I’ll feel a million times better once I’m clean. And warm.”

  They made slow progress to the bathroom. Once inside, Chulah quickly drew the hot water, and the small room filled with steam. Gently, he helped April out of his camo jacket that she still wore.

  “I’ve got it from here.” She wrapped her arms around her waist.

  “Shy? I’ve seen you naked before. I’ve even bathed you before.”

  “I know. But I...look so horrible.”

  “Who cares what you look like? You’ve been through a traumatic ordeal. Now, let me help you with that nightgown or whatever it is you’re wearing.”

  “I don’t think I was wearing this before I encountered Grady.”

  Chulah eased the torn and dirty nightgown over her head. “In the tub you go,” he said matter-of-factly, even as his body responded to hers.

  Carefully, he eased her into the bathtub, and she leaned back and sighed. “I never want this bath to end.”

  “Glad it’s helping.” Chulah picked up a bar of soap and lathered one of her arms. Her smooth skin was like stroking liquid satin.

  “Why are you being so nice to me?” April asked suddenly. “You said you didn’t want to ever see me again.” She gulped. “You acted like you hated me.”

  Chulah winced. “So you remember.”

  “I don’t blame you. What I did was unforgivable—”

  He squirmed with a tinge of guilt. The doctor had told them his father probably died within ten minutes of being bitten. His heart had been bad for many years. If that was true, the lost time from April didn’t matter. Clearly, she didn’t know this. Yet he had suffered for years, wondering about his character, wondering if the doctors had said what they did merely to appease the family. “Let’s drop it for now, okay?”

  She nodded. “Deal.”

  Slowly, methodically, Chulah washed her back, arms and legs. Skin against skin, slippery and oh so tantalizing. Damn it, she’s hurt. Get yourself together. He didn’t dare face her, knowing she’d instantly read the passion in his eyes. His breathing grew heavy.

  Chulah wet a washcloth and wiped mud, blood and tears from her face. He wanted to kill that Grady fairy. Ditching the washcloth, he splashed water onto her neck and upper chest. Chulah lathered his hands with soap and dipped lower. His rough palms glided over soft, rounded breasts that peaked with hard buds.

  April groaned and sank an inch farther in the water.

  “Did I hurt you?” he asked quickly.

  “No. It feels amazing.” She closed her eyes. “More, please.”

  “I aim to make you happy.” He couldn’t stop the goofy grin that plastered his face. April was alive, mind apparently intact, and moaning with pleasure under his touch. His hands roamed lower, past the slight swell of her abdomen and flare of hips. He remembered taking her before, the electric, erotic sensation of skin on skin. He cupped her core and she arched against his palm. With one finger, he parted her folds and entered.

  April’s breath grew as heavy and jagged as his own. She gripped the edges of the tub, knuckles white with tension. “Harder,” she whispered.

  Always a gentleman, he complied.

  April’s body twisted and tightened until her thighs locked and her head tilted back. He watched her come to release, the most beautiful sight he’d ever witnessed. She opened her eyes and gutted him with a sensual, soulful jolt of their shared pleasure. Because she couldn’t have enjoyed it more than he’d enjoyed watching her.

  “Your turn.” She playfully tugged his arm, inviting him to bathe with her.

  “Not yet. We aren’t finished here.”

  Her brows lifted. “What—”

  Chulah turned on the faucet and adjusted the temperature. “We need to get the mud out of your hair. I’ll be your shampoo boy.”

  April giggled and got on all fours, sticking her head in the running water. Chulah poured out a handful of shampoo and set to work, massaging her scalp. A clean, fresh scent enveloped them in the steamy warmth, a cocoon of comfort. He tried to concentrate on the job at hand, but his attention roamed to her firm, rounded ass delightfully arched upward, exposed for his viewing pleasure.

  One shampoo-laden hand slid down her spine and cupped her cheeks.

  April gasped and raised her head, bumping it on the faucet. “Oomph.”

  “Sorry, my fault.” He rinsed the soap from her long silver-purple hair, eager to get her in his bed.

  “It felt good,” she said with a laugh. “Just wasn’t expecting it.”

  “All done.”

  April sat up and flipped her wet hair down her back. Damn if she wasn’t the most sensuous woman he’d ever seen. Her pale flesh still bore a few scratches, but those didn’t mar the pearly perfection of her skin.

  She looked whole. Unscathed from the night’s terror, although the true scars were inside. Time would tell how deep the untethering had scarred her soul.

  Chulah grabbed one towel and wrapped her hair. She climbed out of the tub and he dried off her body with another towel, appreciating every exposed inch. His erection bulged painfully against his jeans. April delicately traced its outline with her fingers and pulled away.

  “Time for bed. Didn’t Annie prescribe lots of rest?”

  “That’s not what I had in mind.”

  She pointedly glanced down at his erection. “So I noticed.”

  He followed her into the bedroom, hastily discarding his clothes and slipping under the heavy blanket where she awaited. He tenderly covered her exposed shoulders. “Still cold?”

  “I’m hot, on fire for you.”

  It was all the encouragement he needed. Chulah suc
ked on her nipples and she writhed against him. His passion couldn’t wait any longer. He entered her core and thrust, pounding out his need. She matched him and their rhythm grew fast and furious, focused on the sweet relief of orgasm.

  And at the crest of the climax, Chulah realized he couldn’t live without April’s sweet passion. She may have been stripped of her Fae essence, but their lovemaking would always be this way.

  Magical.

  Chapter 17

  Damn it, damn it, DAMN it!

  Mounds of soapy bubbles kept rushing out of the metal monster contraption Chulah called a washing machine.

  He’d reluctantly left for work this morning—a motorcycle repair scheduled to be completed. Evidently, bikers weren’t too happy when their wheels weren’t ready on time.

  April ran to the bathroom, grabbed a handful of towels and raced back to the utility room, throwing them on the soggy floor. They barely made a dent in the gathering pool of water. What the hell? She’d turned that knob to Off and yet water still poured out of the stupid thing.

  Prior to this morning, this wouldn’t be a problem. Abracadabra and she’d command the water to return to its source. But today?

  Ah, she could get Steven over here pronto to fix this...situation. April punched his number in the cell phone. Now, there was a human invention she could get behind.

  No answer. Surprising. She’d tried to call him all morning with no luck. Usually, he was forever keeping tabs on her and being a bit of a pest. A prickle of unease chased down her spine. Was he hurt or in some kind of trouble? The gurgle of gushing water called her attention to the disaster at hand. She’d worry about Steven later.

  Back in the utility room, she gasped at the rising water level on the floor. No hope for it but to interrupt Chulah at work. He’d been so kind last night, even after learning of her culpability in his father’s death. When he’d left this morning, she found herself inexplicably crabby and at loose ends, so she’d decided to clean house and cook as a thank-you.

  Should have stayed in bed.

  Burned toast stank up the kitchen, and most likely his flooring was ruined. April shut the door on the disaster. As if that would make it go away.