The Covert Wolf

by Bonnie Vanak

  “My care? Says who? I don’t report to the navy.”

  “You do now. Did from the moment you agreed to this assignment. As senior officer, I’m pulling rank, Miss McClare.”

  A huge bed dominated the room, boasting a hand-woven Indian print bedspread. Fine art prints of southwestern landscaping hung on the terra-cotta walls. In the corner sat a small, distressed wood writing desk. The guest suite was expansive, comfortable and stylish.

  Her anxious gaze swept the interior, looking for any place, even a balcony, to find solitude.

  Nothing. Except the bathroom.

  Panic constricted her throat. Sienna struggled for control. As he tossed the luggage onto a bench and unzipped his duffel, she darted into the bathroom and locked the door.

  Gripping the sink, she stared at her reflection. Breath wheezed in and out of her lungs.

  I am Fae. I am Seelie Sidhe.

  With every ounce of power she possessed, Sienna concentrated, willing away the Draicon glamour to resume her natural Fae form.

  The air shimmered for a moment. Nothing. I have to do this. I must. I am Seelie Sidhe.

  Sienna directed a blast of pure power at the mirror image. The glass wavered for a moment, and then cracked in half. Stricken, she stared at the shattered image of herself.

  Draicon still.

  “Sienna. You okay?”

  Blinking hard, she willed the image to change. Nothing. Please, she thought desperately. I am Fae.

  A fist pounded on the door. “Sienna, answer me now, or I’m coming in there. On the count of five.”

  Finally, the image wobbled. Pale skin replaced sun-darkened skin, her eyes grew larger and greener, and the telltale pointed ears returned.

  She unlocked the door just as he kicked. Matt tumbled inside, but recovered in a graceful roll. He stood, jamming a hand through his thick hair.

  “What’s going on?”

  Sienna fingered her ears with a relieved sigh. “Nothing. Can’t a girl have her privacy to put on her face?”

  She swept past him with a regal sniff. A very Fae sniff.

  * * *

  As they made their way toward downtown Santa Fe and the busy city square, Sienna paused to window-shop. The flowered print dress flowing down to her ankles resembled vintage hippie. So did the way she’d coiffed her hair, pinning it up and jamming a flower in the locks. Sandals adorned her feet.

  Even glamoured as a Draicon, she looked Fae, Matt realized.

  They spent two days in Santa Fe, touring the sights downtown and scouting out the area to defray suspicion. Each night he spent squeezing his six-foot-plus body onto a sofa the size of a tin can, letting her have the king-size bed. What kept him more awake was the delicious scent wending through the air. Lilacs, forest and sweet female. Last night Sienna had fallen into a deep sleep, one hand curled beneath her pink cheek, the other splayed on the pillow. It would have taken so little to crawl into bed with her, coax her awake with a slow kiss, watch desire flush her skin as she opened her slender arms to yield to him….

  He’d cursed and rolled over instead.

  This morning, after a hot breakfast of omelets and buttered toast, they shopped once more. They resumed touring downtown, casually making their way toward Tim the Fae’s store. Matt hated this. The big, bad navy SEAL side of him wanted her out of this op. Having Sienna with him made her a target.

  The Draicon wolf hated it, as well. The primal wolf in him wanted to haul her pretty ass over one shoulder, march her back to the hotel room and lock her inside, making sure she was safe.

  Out in the open, he kept his guard up, watching for anything suspicious.

  The distance yawned between them deep as a canyon. Matt stuffed his hands into his jeans pockets, pulled up the collar of his faded denim jacket and tipped the cowboy hat farther down. The hat provided cover, hid his face. He missed his leather, missed his comfortable clothing, missed his buddies and their tight camaraderie.

  Here, with this Fae who seemed as far away as Europe, he felt out of place. Cold ice settled over him. But he couldn’t stop thinking about that kiss.

  It had rocked his world, sent him hurling back on his heels. Judging from the sweetness of her response, the way her tongue swept over his, how she’d leaned into him willingly…

  Matt scuffed a boot heel into the sidewalk, viciously wishing this mission were over. Sienna McClare was ripe for the taking. Women fell into his bed. He could find one now, relieve his sexual frustration, if not for his promise to never leave Sienna alone.

  Matt didn’t want to leave her alone. Not for reasons he’d given her, either.

  Since meeting her, his libido had gone curiously cold, except in her presence. He felt aware, awake. Alive, for the first time since Adam’s death.

  She twisted his guts into a knot. Matt watched her press her nose against the cold glass, a longing expression on her face. She looked like a child left out in the cold and it kicked him hard. Knew what that was like, when everyone around you seemed like a stranger and no one understood.

  He’d experienced that after Adam’s death, when his parents came to visit at the base. Instead of comforting him, they’d made him feel even more alone.

  “What’s got your attention, starshine?”

  She glanced at him. “Starshine? Why’d you call me that?”

  Her voice, aah, it was soft and sultry, rubbing against his taut body like a stroke of silk. Matt wanted to play it cool and fast. He found himself staring in rapt fascination at her wet, pink mouth. The truth nearly tumbled from his lips.

  Because you’re like starshine, distant and glittering and lovely, but unreachable. Yet I see you and I feel at home. As if no matter where I go, all I have to do is look into the sky and know I’m not alone.

  What a wuss-ass thing to say. Gods, am I turning into an emotional wreck? I sound like a lovestruck pup. He cleared his throat.

  “Beats me. I should call you Tink for Tinker Bell. Flying away to Neverland?”

  The eager, hopeful expression faded. Hurt stamped her face. He felt like kicking himself.

  Sienna rubbed at the glass. “I’m not military, certainly not one of your teammates, Lieutenant. But I’m not vacuous or whatever image you have of fictional fairies. No matter what you think of my people, that’s not me. So cut it out with the insulting nicknames.”

  This was all going cockeyed. “I will if you stop calling me Lieutenant and call me Matt.”

  “Yet you pulled rank on me.”

  He rubbed the back of his neck. “Just to get you in line. I was exhausted and needed rest and not an argument. Rank means little to a SEAL. We’re not like regular military. We respect our leaders because of their experience and abilities, not the bars and stars they wear.”

  Sienna blew a breath on the glass, drew a star. “I like that. The Fae lifestyle has a strict structure, and the leader has absolute authority. At times I question why, and wonder what it would be like to live outside those confines.”

  He cocked his head. “Seems like you were so busy trying to cheerlead the Fae, and brand yourself as one, and now you’ve changed your mind?”

  Expecting a protest, a hot defense, he was surprised to hear her tiny, regretful sigh. “I don’t know… It’s something I thought about for a while after they forced me to leave. But they’re the only family I’ve ever had. There are so many confusing things lately. Can we walk?”

  He did not move. Instead, he gestured to the window. “What were you looking at?”

  She gave a wistful sigh, the sound tugging at his heart. “It’s nothing.”

  “Tell me.”

  A small shrug. “Just the boots. Red suede. They’re so pretty. I saved for a pair, and they were ruined at the house by the smoke. It’s okay. I’ll get another pair, someday. It’s not important.” She fingered the print dress. “I shouldn’t be coveting clothing, anyway. It’s not important to the Fae.”

  “Hey.” He placed his hands on her shoulders, feeling delicate bone and muscle bene
ath the gentle pressure of his fingers. “Forget about what they expect. What is it you want?”

  She didn’t answer, only licked her soft, pink mouth. Desire raged through him as he tracked each move of her tongue.

  Huge green eyes gazed at him. Her skin looked luminous and soft. He wanted to trail his fingers over it, savoring the texture. Need boiled through him as he inhaled her scent, feminine, delectable. One kiss. Once he felt the velvet warmth of her mouth beneath the subtle pressure of his, he’d coax her to open to him. The loud pounding of her heart and the dilation of her eyes encouraged him.

  He could kiss her senseless until she yielded. When she returned with him to the hotel, he’d have her make those damn enticing feminine sighs of pleasure as he slowly undressed her, tumbled her into bed and stroked her skin, parting her silky thighs, sliding into her soft, tight wetness, bringing her to one height of pleasure after another….

  Control threatened to spill through his fingertips. Matt dropped his hands, knowing if he continued to touch her, he’d lose it. Sienna was like an addicting drug.

  “Let’s push on,” he muttered.

  Sienna blinked, as if she’d been under a spell. Forcing himself to slow down and not head directly to the Fae’s store, he patiently waited as she shopped, eyeing pictures and sculptures and jewelry.

  Near the busy square, they ambled up a deserted-looking street, pausing outside a shop window. The faded turquoise sign featured a dragonfly and read Spirit of the Dragonfly. Fine Jewelry and Collectables.

  Matt glanced up and down the street. “No one’s around. It’s time.”

  She glamoured him as a jowled, wealthy rancher, stomach oozing over his silver belt buckle.

  Amusement filled her eyes. “Yee-haw. Take a look.”

  As Matt studied himself in the glass, she looked at the window display. “Tim always did make nice things.”

  A spotlight shone on a violet shawl curled around a small turquoise purse. Sienna touched the window.

  “Oh, it’s so lovely.”

  She splayed her palm against the pane. Her mouth parted and her eyes grew smoky with such deep longing it hurt to look at her. Then she gave a small distressed sound, touching something deep inside him. Misery etched her expression. He ached at that look. Suddenly he only wanted her to be happy, show her cheeky, confident grin.

  “What is it?”

  “That purse, I want it so badly. It’s so lovely, so different. I wish…I could afford it.”

  The small handbag had turquoise beading and multicolored stones set into the fabric. It seemed more a work of art. Sienna opened her wallet and counted the dollar bills inside. She glanced at the price tag in the display window.

  The wallet closed with a sharp snick. Huge green eyes seemed to beseech him. “Did you ever want something so badly and know it was as out of your reach as the stars?”

  Matt lifted his hand to caress her cheek. He dropped it. “Yes.”

  “There’s something about it, like if I had that purse on my shoulder, I could show the world that I’m Sienna McClare and I know who I am, and what my purpose is.”

  She gave a little laugh. “Stupid. As if anything I could buy could accomplish that.”

  Matt felt a bond of understanding. At times, he coveted things that were impractical but he’d wanted all the same. A home in the country where he could kick off his boots, relax with a sigh and a bottle of beer on the porch. A place to rest, recover and settle down. It warred with his lifestyle of always moving, always on guard, always alert for enemy operatives, human or other.

  Such a home meant settling down. And he didn’t want to settle down. Couldn’t give up the excitement of being a SEAL, the quiet satisfaction of a job well-done, the population kept safe.

  Still, he wondered what it would feel like.

  The purse wasn’t a mere fashion accessory. In the depths of her huge eyes, he saw a yearning for something more, a frivolous symbol of beauty that clashed totally with the strict, austere lifestyle of the Fae.

  Having the home in the country was a faded dream, but hell, one little purse for her? If it meant making her smile again, seeing her eyes sparkle, why not?

  Matt made an impulsive decision. “Our cover’s changed,” he murmured. “You’re my guide around Santa Fe and I’m a looking for a gift for my girlfriend.”

  Lines furrowed her brow. “Why?”

  “Just go with it.”

  Waves of uncertainty radiated from her. He needed her confident to deal with Tim. “Listen,” he said urgently. “I know this is tough. He’s going to see you and be defensive. I need you sharp, alert and using every ounce of charm you have. He can’t suspect anything because if he does, he’ll bolt and clam up and we’ll never learn anything. I have faith in you, Sienna. Are you with me in this?”

  Sienna raised her face, her mouth set in a determined line. “I can do it.”

  The little silver bell tinkled merrily as the shop door opened. No one was inside, except a tall, lanky man who glanced up from behind the glass counter. He scowled when he spotted Sienna.

  “What are you doing here?”

  Her initial expression conveyed her hurt before she covered it with a bright smile. It lit her face and made her eyes sparkle like jewels. Damn, she was a good operator. For a wild moment, Matt wished she’d smile for him that way. The image flickered past like a shooting star…she was sitting on the front porch, book spilling from her lap as she greeted him coming up the steps, laughing and holding out her arms in eager anticipation….

  “Nice to see you, Tim. I’m on a business trip. Mr. Sawyer is looking for an expensive gift for his girlfriend. She likes turquoise.” She spread her hands, looking innocent. “I remembered how much you enjoy crafting beautiful things from turquoise. So I brought him here.”

  Sienna’s glamour cloaking him wouldn’t last long. Had to make this quick. He didn’t like the Fae’s body language. Big sale or not, he didn’t want them here. Draicon senses attuned, he scented the sour stench of fear.

  “Miss Sienna, thanks. I won’t require your help any longer. Why don’t you look around, see any interesting baubles in the back?”

  Soon as she vanished into the other room, Tim relaxed. He started to pull out a tray of turquoise bracelets.

  Matt lowered his voice conspiratorially. “I want to surprise her. The gift’s actually for Miss Sienna, she’s been such a great tour guide.”

  Tim glanced around nervously. “I have just the thing for her.” He came from behind the counter to the purse in the window display. “I crafted this handbag myself. It’s hand-stitched and features local stones and gems.”

  Odd. Just what Sienna wanted. Matt stared at the handbag, wondering if it were woven with Fae magick. Perhaps it called to her because of such magick.

  “How much?”

  “Five hundred and sixty dollars. With tax.”

  He shook his head.

  Tim’s smile dropped. He twisted his hands. “I can make a deal. I can let you have it for an even four hundred dollars, cash only, though.”

  “Too much.”

  Clearly nervous, Tim began to sweat.

  “Look, I really need a sale today. Business is down. How about one hundred and fifty dollars?”

  Something was off. He wanted to get rid of this purse and he wanted Sienna to have it. Matt opened it, half expecting a bomb inside. He began to search it.

  The Fae rubbed his thin hands, the sound of the dry palms searing Matt’s nerves. He wanted to grab the guy by the throat and pin him against the wall like an insect.

  Make him confess why he’d betrayed his people. Why he’d done it. The memory of the image of Adam’s scream cut through him like shrapnel. The urge for revenge became a pounding need.

  Matt finished checking out the bag. His expression never changed as he snapped the purse shut and handed it to the Fae. “Gift wrap it.”

  As Tim rang up the purchase, Matt handed him a wad of cash. Their fingers touched briefly.

&nbs
p; A violent rage filled him. This Fae, who’d rejected everything his people valued, was responsible for information that killed Adam. Matt struggled not to raise a fist and send it crashing into his long nose.

  Tim’s hands shook as he gift wrapped the purse and shoved it into a turquoise shopping bag. The Fae looked like a frightened rabbit facing a salivating wolf.

  Not far from the truth, Matt thought grimly.

  Sweat beaded the Fae’s pasty face as he glanced around. “You have your gift. Now, please leave. I need to close shop.”

  Unsheathing the knife on his ankle and flashing the cool steel might make this bastard talk. Make him say Adam’s name, over and over, until it spilled like a litany from his mouth.

  Matt bit the inside of his cheek. Not with Sienna here. There were other ways.

  Very briefly, he touched the Fae’s thoughts.

  A screaming haze of red and black colors blazed at him. Matt cut off the connection like slamming a door shut, his heart racing as if he’d run a three-minute mile. Holy hell, what was going on with Tim?

  The Fae was terrified.

  Then Tim glanced down at the hand Matt braced on the glass counter. He gave a frightened squeak as he looked at Matt’s face.

  The glamour faded. No one was around. Sienna was still in the back.

  “It’s you. Oh, gods, it’s you, I’m sorry… I didn’t mean it….”

  Babbling wouldn’t help him now. His temper popped. Matt vaulted over the counter and grabbed the Fae by the throat. “Tell me why you did it, you son of a bitch! The witch sold the intel to pyrokinetic demons who tortured and killed my best friend. Did you see that when you looked into the Orb and saw our faces? Blew our covers?”

  Blood drained from Tim’s face. “I didn’t know. I never would have done it. I needed the money. The witch told me she’d been dumped by a navy SEAL she thought was a paranorm, maybe a shifter. He and his good friend had laughed about it. She just wanted revenge. I consulted with the Orb and found out what you both were. I figured, you’re SEALs, you can take care of yourselves. I didn’t know.” Tim’s eyes bulged out. “Please, you’ve got to believe me. And you’ve got to leave now, before it’s too late.”