Aconite (The Elektita Series Book 1)

by Alvarez, Christine

  With my introduction complete I vaulted out of his grasp while working to maintain a relaxed smile. Judging by the pointed stare and Jonathon's I won this round grin. I did not do a very good job. How could I possibly be affected this much by a man I just met? I have never been one to believe in instant anything; whether it be love or attraction. Well, maybe lust but never anything else and this definitely didn’t feel like lust.

  "Follow me, Alexis." The hint of mischief bled into the tone of his voice. If I were twelve I'm pretty sure it would count as stomping off in a hormonal temper tantrum the way I followed him back down the hall.

  Plain. That’s how I would describe my office. It was void of any life. The cafe held such an interesting and homey feel that this office was a shock to the system. Even the hallway carried warm colors into bathrooms that sat next to each other. Nothing translated the same entering this room. It felt lifeless and wrong compared to everything else. A small oak desk sat against one of the plain white walls while a small safe and filing cabinet took up space against another wall. The chairs sat sporadically around the room, not even at the desk, making the office feel even more alone. It didn't look like they ever had a manager.

  "Please, sit." He motioned to one of the rolling chairs while taking up another identical one.

  I kept my guard up; I was a fast learner and with him I knew that I needed that internal guard or I would be completely screwed. But he played nice and jumped directly into what my job entailed. By the end I summed it up to a lot of paperwork and negotiations. Since Jonathon was out of town on business quite frequently I would be here at opening and closing. I could come and go as I pleased throughout the day as long as I maintained regular contact with the cafe in case of problems. I had freedom and a paycheck. This may not be so bad after all.

  Just before opening he stood, heading for the door.

  "Wait, you’re leaving?" I couldn't help the panic that filled my question. Didn't he want to know if I could actually do this? What if he came back and I had ordered ten million napkins instead of a thousand or counted out the registers all wrong and it looked like someone had stolen half the daily profit?

  "I'll be back at closing," he purred with wicked delight etched in his face. I wasn’t sure how my panic could give him such delight. I mean I was far from delighted and I was positive he knew it too. He left anyway without another word; leaving me closed off from the rest of the cafe. I could kick myself. How could I show him just how scared I really was? I drove to one end of this continent wanting to prove just how grown I was and yet I still possessed the same fears of a child who didn't want to make a mistake.

  I barely had time to hyperventilate before my door swung open letting in one of the waitresses, Jo. That was definitely something that we were going to work on; knocking was a must. I took in the girl that had plopped herself on the end of my desk. I could just tell by the way she held herself that she had enough self-confidence for the both of us. Her short pixie cut had every shade of brown woven through. Large green eyes sat atop high cheek bones that were drastically exaggerated by her milk white complexion. She wore a black short sleeve t-shirt with Shore Side Cafe scrawled across her well-endowed chest along with a knee length black bell skirt. Her most dominating feature was the dragon tattoo that laced up her leg disappearing under her skirt. The dragon's rainbow of color sparkled in the bright white room. I watched as her black flats tapped the air making her look like an impatient child.

  "Yes?" God, I sounded irritated already.

  She burst onto her feet. "How do you do it?" Her squealed excitement caused me to cringe.

  "Do what?" My tone made it clear I was irrationally irritated and truly had no clue what she was talking about. I'd only known this girl for five minutes, but I was absolutely sure she was on the verge of having an aneurysm.

  "Jonathon, our boss, the one who stars in most girls wet dreams. I've never seen him like that."

  Rolling my eyes seemed like the only logical response since I really didn't have one. Jo began pacing the length of the desk making it seem like a nonverbal demand. Her eyes flicked to the tattoo and then back to my face.

  "Maybe he doesn't want to deal with sexual harassment in the work place?" I couldn't even convince myself of that one so I knew for sure that Jo wouldn't be convinced. I could use it though to squelch any devious thoughts from forming.

  "Nope, I've known him for years and have never seen him react that way towards anyone our Mack flirts with." The look she gave me felt like something that you would give to a cow that you were thinking about buying. Well so much for squelching those devious thoughts. With one last completely inappropriate look she blew me a kiss and headed for the door.

  I braced myself for anymore unwanted visitors, but when none came I let out the deep breath I didn't even realize I had been holding. My thoughts pulled in a hundred directions making it hard to concentrate on the to-do list spread out in front of me. How was I supposed to know why he acted that way? I’d only known him for less than twenty four hours. You'd think someone that had known him for years would have a better handle on her boss’s mood swings. Then, there was Sebastian, my newly acquired stalker. I had no idea what his deal was and I was kinda hoping that he had fulfilled his need for redemption and would leave me the hell alone.

  It took me forever to finally focus on the task that was going to keep a roof over my head and get to work on today’s list. It all seemed very straight forward and it was a much needed distraction when I finally buckled down.

  Closing came and went with the clock approaching six. Jo had shut away her curiosity and both waitresses left without issue leaving Mack and I alone. I sat at my desk finishing up my roast beef sandwich, potato wedges, and my third Dr. Pepper while going over closing procedures. Mack knocked just before ducking his head in. At least someone here had manners.

  "You'll be okay alone while you wait on the boss?" I nodded and received a wink and a smile showing off his laugh lines just before he shut the door.

  I gathered my things and wrapped the shawl around my shoulders. I couldn't leave, but I could at least be ready when he got here. The room felt even more empty and void of anything to keep my attention as I waited. What would I do about closing if he didn't show up?

  "I'm sorry for being late." Jonathon's cool voice came from behind causing me to jump, and igniting a burst of laughter from him.

  How did I not hear him come in? When I turned around he was close enough that I was rather surprised we weren't touching. He reached down and ran his fingertips across the edge of my breasts following the line of flowers that made up my tattoo. Heat low in my body ignited awakening places long neglected. I could do nothing else but stare into his eyes. The feeling of being sucked into a black abyss swept through me. He smelled of pine and salt and something wild that I couldn't place. He took his time tracing each petal, never missing a leaf. His touch burned as he gave his unwavering attention to each petal along the way. When the path came to an end, he abruptly stepped back, and the enchantment was broken. I was once again left blinking.

  He no longer looked perfectly tailored. The suit was replaced with a gray t-shirt and jeans that hugged his hips, both of which appeared damp, and his skin gleamed with droplets that had held on for the ride. Was it raining? His damp shirt clung to every muscle of his lean body leaving nothing but skin tone to the imagination. Was he even aware of how fuckable he looked right now? The long blond hair that had been pulled back now hung free just past his shoulders. My hands itched with the need to grab a handful and jerk him against me. I fisted my hands behind my back thankful that I had enough restraint not to fulfill that need.

  "Crumbs," he declared, brushing them into a nearby trashcan. The sexual tension that had my nipples taut and hunger growing in other places was shattered by a sudden surge of embarrassment.

  "Thank you." The words came as nothing more than a whisper. God, was I that neglected that I would twist even the most innocent of gestures into a re
ason to jump someone’s bones?

  He picked up the invoices and requests from the desk. "So how was your first day?" he asked while his eyes skimmed my work.

  Regaining my composure I gave him a rundown of my day, even going as far as giving him an assessment of his other employees. When I told him what I thought of Jo, laughter threatened to bubble over.

  "Yes, she is an interesting character." The show stopping grin tried again to harden my nipples.

  "Well, it looks like you and my cafe survived its first day," he said after laying down the papers. The return to business helped keep my raging hormones in check. We walked through the cafe, shutting off lights and closing windows. I couldn't help but admire the golds and oranges that were painted across the water courtesy of the setting sun. Beautiful enough for that postcard, I thought.

  We made it to the back parking lot before Jonathon pulled a cell phone from his pocket. I hadn't heard it ring but it could have been on silent. Instead he reached down pulling my hand up and placed the unanswered phone against my palm. His touch sent electricity singing up my arm.

  "What is this for?" I'd never owned a cell phone and had prided myself in this. Never in my wildest dreams did I want to be a part of the tech zombie era. He stared down at our interlocked hands while he mulled something over, an answer I suppose.

  "You are management. If I need you I can get a hold of you right away. Leaving messages is not an option I prefer," he said finally, deciding on an answer.

  Did I want to accept the phone? Surely I could refrain from being one of those girls that ran into poles or followed their GPS off a cliff instead of using what God gave them? Did running a small town cafe really warrant a cell phone? I couldn't help but giggle with the thought that cafe management was so fast paced that a cell phone was a requirement. What else could I do? I quit my internal banter and pulled my hand and the phone back into my personal space.

  Instead of the chuckle at my acceptance his whole demeanor flipped as though it was only a facade to what truly hid behind it. I watched as all the humor and perpetual satisfaction that normally graced his face disappear within moments. His black eyes focused on a spot directly behind me and he crouched almost predator-like.

  I was frozen even as he jerked me behind him, letting those rough but gentle hands stop me from falling to the ground. The sudden movement sent my vision spinning, landing squarely on a strikingly familiar silhouette that stood next to one of the large pine trees that lined the parking lot. Husky blue eyes cast nothing but cold fury as they tracked across us, giving me the same predatory feel as Jonathon was. I couldn't see the tick in his jaw but I knew it would be there. The cool evening breeze was stifling with barely contained anger. Thunder boomed like a drum in the distance, warning of an impending storm. That explained the rain that was so evident on Jonathon earlier. I still felt frozen in place while a silent battle brewed all around me. Jonathon kept his stance in front of me; protecting me from danger though I wasn't sure what that danger was. His attention perfectly split, letting the other man know that I was off limits. This time when the thunder cracked and lightning flew across the sky, a gust of wind made Jonathon's hair whip around his face, scattering his wild scent through the sky. The storm had increased its pace.

  As if moving with the storm, Sebastian now stood within arm’s reach. His sky blue eyes, still intent on Jonathon, glowed with rage. The fact that he only wore a pair of jeans with his hair still woven into a braid down his back did not escape my assessment. The return of rain slid down the planes of his chest and I fought the urge to follow them with my fingers; I wanted to find out where they led me. Trees began to sway and I could hear the waves crashing harder into the shore. The final rays of day had escaped past the horizon and dark swirling clouds welcomed night. The only light that remained was the soft glow from the town's shops that were still closing down for the day. The storm was practically upon us. Neither man seemed to pay the storm the respect that it deserved, still completely consumed with each other. Something whispered inside of me, letting me know that staying here was a bad idea. I shook myself, releasing the spell that seemed to be the two men before me. I knew without a doubt that I had to go. Nothing good would come from still being here when the storm let loose its wrath. The winds whipped harder, and the rain came with more purpose. I was not part of this fight. Whatever was going on here started long before I had arrived.

  So with the decision made I turned towards the Inn. A low primal sound that I had only ever heard come from an animal broke through the sounds of rain and wind, breaking the silence of the two men. I spun around, glaring at Jonathon with such vehemence that all sound died in his throat. Rain drops pelted my face making it hard to see but his anger was clear. I couldn't let him win. His demanding stare matched mine. He still hadn't learned; I was not his. Instead of heeding the blatant warning, I cut off his glare and headed towards the Inn. They could work it out without me no matter what he thought. I was thankful when he let me go with no more little displays of masculinity; Alexis two, Jonathon one. This time the score didn't do anything to brighten my mood.

  As I walked back to the Inn I let out a half scream, half growl of my own into the night. The edge of the storm pelted me with its rain drops growing weaker the farther I got from the cafe. Finally, when the Inn was only steps away, the cool crisp air greeted me like a long lost friend. The air still tasted of rain and salt and somehow I could feel the energy that hummed within it. I let some of the tension that had built up escape with each breath in the night sky. I passed my Beetle giving her a pat on the hood.

  "Tomorrow I'll take you for a drive." I felt almost normal as I met Linda in the lobby but the concern written all over her face threatened to steal it away.

  "The news said nothing of rain." She swept her gray eyes over my wet clothes and flat hair. I'm sure I looked like a drowned rat by now and to top it off I was fairly positive my blouse was ruined.

  "Maybe someone should have let Mother Nature know." My response was harsh against her concern and completely unlike myself. I flashed a smile trying to make up for it but I knew it fell flat so instead I made my exit and headed for my room.

  CHAPTER FOUR

  I stripped off my wet clothes and headed directly to the shower. The water grew hot letting steam consume the bathroom. It felt wonderful against all the cold that had wrapped around me. I replaced the scents of rain and salt with lavender and thyme. I washed my hair four times more than the bottle recommended. I didn't know what I was doing as I tried to wash away the memories of this evening. I didn't truly believe that my shampoo and conditioner really had that kind of power. I took my time shaving my legs, letting the water beat against my back working against the remaining tension that had taken shelter there. The water had run cold by the time I got out. I brushed and blow dried my hair before slipping into flannel pajamas that said Normal is Overrated. God, I hoped so because today was full of not so normal things.

  I picked up my shiny new cell phone, twirling it around in my fingers. I thumbed through the apps tapping on Contacts. The letter J sat alone in the list. I could do nothing but stare at it, silently willing it to produce some sort of answer for the little display of testosterone. Giving up on any answers I set the phone back on the bedside table. What did I expect? I could call him but what would I say? ‘What the hell was that?’ didn't sound like a good way to keep my job. My mind shuffled through what today held, what tomorrow may hold, and everything else in between. The whirl of the ceiling fan held my attention as my focus bounced from one thought to another. My emotions slammed into each other creating odd little concoctions before exhaustion enveloped them all, sending me to sleep. As soon as my eyes opened I knew I must be dreaming.

  My nude body lay atop red satin sheets. The feeling was heaven. I studied the intricate design etched into each post of the bed as I waited in anticipation. Candlelight flickered from a large candelabrum that hung from the vaulted ceiling. I watched as light and shadow danced a
cross the stone walls creating their own version of cat and mouse. Wolves bayed and growled a low song in the distance too far away to make me worry I couldn't stop the feeling of need and excitement that swept through me. I knew he would be mad that it had been far too long. Like I had conjured him through thought alone, the large iron and wood door swung open with such force that it slammed against the wall, interrupting the light’s little game. A lean muscular man filled up the door’s place. Blue eyes that glowed with anger pinned me to the bed extinguishing any urge to run or cry out. My mind screamed a warning to run, but my body grew warm with lust in betrayal. Sebastian stalked towards me, radiating with danger and pent up need. The deep scowl directly opposed his hard length. He must be fighting the same battle that I am.

  He put himself above me using his arms and legs as a cage. The predator had caught his prey. His nude body pulsed in time with the flickering flames and his hair still up in that damn braid hung down, just barely caressing my skin. His eyes were all consuming; I watched as they captured the firelight giving them the illusion of fire on the water’s edge. My body trembled for his touch but I knew that I had to wait. He fisted a handful of my hair, jerking my head. My body refused to acknowledge the pain as he brought my body up to meet his. He sheathed himself fully inside of me. There was no need for foreplay; I was already wet with anticipation. His eyes closed and his faced stilled with satisfaction as he slid himself inside, slowly filling me to the brim. The smells of electricity and earth swirled all around. The heat within me grew as he moved in and out. The sounds of the wolves growing panicked barely registered before need completely took over. As his rhythm grew to match his aggression I wrapped my legs around his waist, plunging him even deeper. When the line between pleasure and pain threatened to break I raked my nails down his back, feeling skin give way as I screamed my pleasure. He was mine for the world to see. Sebastian slammed home in answer with a half growl, half scream of his own release.