by Jo Ellen
Devlin settled Olivia on the couch in the great room since she refused to lie down in a bed. He was worried as she quietly stared off into space instead of joining in the conversation. He reached up to stroke her hair back from her face. “Are you sure you’re alright?”
Her lips quirked slightly, “I’m fine Devlin, just a slight headache. My arm feels much better now that it’s back in place, and the sling helps. I’m having trouble wrapping my head around all of this. And I do mean everything.”
Devlin put his arm around her and pulled her close, tucking her under his arm. “Understandable. If you’re up for it, we’d like to know more about Jack.”
“I’ve told you everything I know. He’s like an amnesia patient, he only remembers the rodeo.”
“That’s an interesting thought,” Rafe said. “Do you lose your memories after death?”
“I need to research what happens after death. I know there’ll be a lot of unusable information, but I’ll weed through that and see what I can find out,” Devlin said, rising. “I’ll be in my office love, right down the hallway. Yell if you need anything.”
Lisa rose and patted her knee. “Stay right there while I make us some lunch and rest. No need rehashing everything again, we won’t know anything more until Jack shows up.”
Olivia leaned her head back against the sofa as Rafe and Niall left. Closing her eyes, she drifted off to sleep. She jerked awake suddenly when she saw Jack in her dreams with a gun in his hand.
Lisa was placing a tray down on the table in front of her when she opened her eyes. “I saw Jack and he had a gun.”
Lisa’s eyes widened. “Really? Hold that thought. I’m going to get Devlin.” She picked up the tray and put it in her lap. “Start eating,” she ordered playfully.
* * *
Jack slammed through the saloon doors, chasing the spirit responsible for hurting Olivia. He found the killer standing in the middle of the road, waiting for him.
“Hi Jack.” He grinned evilly. “Welcome to my world.”
Jack recognized him from the rodeo where he’d met Olivia. Scenes flashed through Jack’s head, too fast for him to comprehend. He saw himself at different rodeos and each time he was watching this fiend. “Willie,” he murmured.
Why the hell was I following this guy across the state? He wondered. He wished he could remember his life beyond the rodeo.
“I’m kinda sick of seeing you everywhere I go. But at least I did manage to bring you into the afterlife with me.” Willie smirked.
Jack’s world reeled. Had he been killed by this psycho, along with those women?
Anger filled him, angry that he couldn’t remember what happened, and angry that this guy could continue to hurt people. Where was the justice? Wasn’t everyone accountable in the afterlife? He flashed back to a long forgotten memory where, as a child he’d sat in a tent sweltering as the preacher raved on about going to Hell because he was a sinner.
Jack looked down to see a gun in his hand, appearing as if by thought. He automatically raised it, aiming for a kill shot to the head. He fired.
Willie evaporated into mist, and Jack knew he’d gone into hiding. He screamed at the stars, furious at the helpless feeling running through him.
The gun disappeared from his hand as he clutched his head in pain and dissolved into the ether.
* * *
“I think Jack must have been a cop,” Rafe hesitated, “or a criminal.” He had everyone’s attention in the great room.
Olivia was already shaking her head. “He is not a criminal. Don’t ask me how I know, I just do,” she stated adamantly.
“Thanks for the support, but he may be right.”
“Jack, you’re back!” Olivia was happy to see him materialize in the room.
Everyone in the room could see how dejected he was.
“Jack, I’ve been researching your name for missing persons, or just about anything with the name Jack in the news. By the way, there are thousands of Jack’s out there. Without more information, I’m at a standstill.” Devlin looked at Rafe before speaking again. “Jack? Where do you go when you’re not with Olivia?”
Jack sighed and took his cowboy hat off to run his fingers through his hair. “I don’t know. The only time I’m aware of is when I’m here. I don’t know of another place, or I can’t remember it. Sometimes I feel somthin’ pulling at me, and I can’t resist it. I get this pressure in my head and know I’m about to disappear. I talked with the other ghosts at your bar, and they’re all dumbfounded. They’re able to come and go as they please.”
“Damn. I was hoping for more,” Devlin said.
“Olivia’s tells us she saw you with a gun. What do you know about that?” Rafe asked.
Astonished, he looked at Olivia. “Wait, you saw me? Where? When?”
“I was dozing here on the sofa and I had a vision of you in the street by the bar. You had your gun raised, and I think you were firing at someone.”
Jack’s mouth hung open. “I was shooting at Willie after I followed him from the bar. He disappeared, and I don’t think I hit him.”
“Willie?” asked Rafe.
“He’s a serial killer that was in the news.”
“Do guns work in the afterworld?” Devlin asked.
Jack shrugged again. “I felt the gun kick in my hand and heard the shots.”
Rafe immediately got on the phone and called Hank. “He says there was no shooting outside the bar tonight, which is interesting. Looks like things in your world don’t transmit to mine.”
“Then how was Willie able to attack both Niall and Olivia?” Devlin asked.
“There was nae crossover between worlds. Both Jack and Willie were in the Netherworld. When Willie attacked us, he was in our realm,” Niall said.
“Jack, I don’t think we can fight this guy in our realm. It’s going to be up to you to keep him from harming Olivia again. But, we need to figure out who you are and why you’re different from the other ghost. Can you remember anything from your past besides the rodeo?” Rafe asked.
“When I stood in the street and saw Willie, I wondered why he hadn’t gone to Hell. I remembered the revivals I had gone to as a child, but nothing more. If I concentrate on it, I get a horrible headache and black out. Jack pounded his fist against his leg. I’ll do my damnedest to stay with Olivia, but she needs to learn how to use that magic sittin’ in the pond. We know Willie does.”
Devlin pulled Olivia up and through the kitchen, opening the back door before turning back to speak to the rest of the room. “Excuse us a minute.”
They all looked at each other as they heard her muttering on the way out. “Sure, I want to go outside, glad you asked so nicely.”
Devlin settled her on the chaise, placing her in the sun on the patio. He paced back and forth before stopping to stare down at her.
“I need to change you.” He held a hand up as she started to protest. “You have no idea of how much stronger you’ll be as a wolf.” He crouched down next her, reaching for her hand. “Olivia, I don’t know if I can fight in that realm. If he hurts you again, at least as a wolf you’d be stronger and be able to heal quickly.”
Olivia plucked at the ugly gray scrubs she wore. She needed to change into her own clothes, she thought absurdly before taking a deep breath. “Devlin, I just cannot do it.” Now she stopped him from speaking. “I simply cannot commit to a man I don’t love. For you, it’s easy. This is how you grew up, knowing you’d love your mate instantly. For me, I need a little more time. Yes, I’m attracted to you, and I want to get to know you better. Give me some time, please.”
She watched him straighten to his full height and run his hand through his hair in frustration. “I need to run. You’ll be safe here,” he said shortly before removing his clothes and tossing them on the table.
Olivia stared at the wolf as it ran through the trees until he was out of sight. She didn’t think she would ever get used to seeing that. Sighing, she rose and went to find Lisa. Once sh
own to her room, she changed her clothes before lying on top of the quilt covering her bed. She honestly did not know what to do. Was this the life she wanted? Mated to a man she barely knew? And yet, she felt an automatic connection to him, unlike anything she had ever felt. She could be happy here. What if he found someone else? Her blood pressure shot up like a volcano erupting. No! He was hers. Olivia was astounded at how possessive she felt. She had never felt this way about any man. The thought of leaving and never seeing him made her physically ill. Could she accept he was her one and only soul mate? As soon as that thought entered her head, her body relaxed, and she felt something warm settle in her chest. Yes, he was hers, and she was his, forever. She fell asleep with a little smile on her face.
* * *
Devlin ran through the forest, dodging trees until he reached the creek from which the town got its name. Planting his paws, he leaned down to drink from the slow moving creek. Going to rest on top of some leaves on the forest floor, he plopped down and rested his head on his paws. His wolf was frustrated, as well as the man. He could not force her to be his mate, although his wolf wanted to. The wolf did not understand why his mate was not with him and wanted to go back to the castle. Devlin sighed and stood up, slowly trotting back through the woods. He decided he would have to woo her until she caved.
Hurrying now, he reached the patio and entered the castle through the doggie door since his clothes were no longer on the table. He heard the washing machine running and knew Lisa had probably started a load. He’d thank her later, right now he needed to shower before he started his campaign to claim his mate.
After showering, Devlin threw on his sweat pants and made his way to Olivia’s bedroom. Seeing her door slightly ajar, he listened a moment before slowly stepping into the room. She was laying on her back under the covers with her injured arm resting above her head. Seeing her pain medicine and a glass of water on the nightstand, he opened the bottle and counted out the pills. He knew by the count that she must have taken her prescribed dose for the evening. He knew the acetaminophen with codeine would help the pain, but would also make her drowsy.
Not wanting to leave her alone after seeing her reaction to the morphine they had given her in the emergency room, he slid under the covers and moved to her side, laying his arm across her stomach. Devlin listened to her soft breathing and fell asleep at her side.
Chapter 5
Olivia woke and stared up at the ceiling. She was still lying on her back, which surprised her since she would normally flip to her side during the night. Remembering the pain pills she’d taken before bed, she knew they had been the cause of her uninterrupted sleep. She still felt a little groggy as she pushed against the weight on her stomach.
Wait a minute. Turning her head, she could see silky, dark brown hair on the pillow next to hers. Devlin was lying on his stomach with his arm pinning her down.
Olivia gingerly lowered her arm from above her head and rolled to her side, resting her arm along her body. She grimaced as she waited for the tingles in her arm to abate.
Staring at the brown strands, she gently lifted her hand and brushed his hair out of his face. Vibrant green eyes stared back at her. “You’re awake.” She grinned while making the obvious statement.
Pushing up on her good elbow, she leaned forward and nipped at his lips. “Good morning,” she whispered.
Devlin could not believe she was smiling and not screaming at him to get out of her bed. He pushed himself up and gently rolled her to her back before making sure her injured arm was tucked down by her side. Placing his palm on her forehead, he tried to determine whether or not she had a fever.
“What are you doing?” Olivia reached up and pushed his hand away.
“Taking your temperature,” he replied while studying her face.
Olivia’s lips quirked slightly. “And what’s the verdict doctor? Will I live?”
Devlin could not figure her out. She was different this morning. Crap, he groaned to himself, she still had drugs in her system. He sighed and gently ran his knuckles down her cheek. “You’ll live a very long time if I have any say. How are you feelin’ this morning?”
“I’m good, but I’d be better if you’d make love to me.” She watched him close his eyes and clench his teeth together. Interesting.
Devlin flopped down on his back, wishing he could take advantage of this moment.
“Devlin?”
He opened his eyes to see her peering down at him in confusion. “Love, I can’t.” He could see the hurt in her face before she turned away to throw her legs over the side of the bed. He moved fast and placed his legs around the outside of hers, sitting on the edge of the bed with her. Putting his arms around her middle with his chin resting on her good shoulder, he tightened his arms when she tried to rise.
“Olivia, you’re taking some powerful meds, and I think it’s the drugs speaking. They’ve loosened you up. You had morphine yesterday and codeine last night. As much as I’d love to make you my mate, I couldn’t stand it if you felt like I’d trapped you. But, as soon as this drug is out of your system, you’re mine.” Running his cheek up against hers, he smiled. “When I claim you, I don’t want anything in you but me.”
Olivia jammed her elbow into his stomach and heard an oomph as his breath whooshed out of his lungs. Pulling free, she strode to the bathroom and turned in the doorway. “You blew your chance wolfie. Now I’m gonna’ make you beg.” She grinned evilly.
“Shit, shit, shit!” Devlin cursed as he stomped from her room. Arriving in kitchen, he saw Lisa and Melanie having coffee.
“Whoa. Who put the burr under your saddle? Oh, I understand, never mind.” Lisa winked knowingly at Melanie. “Mate trouble.” She nodded her head wisely.
Devlin poured himself a cup and sat between the women. “Welcome back Melanie, is Ian around?”
“Wow, baby bro, you said that and barely opened your mouth. You could be a ventriloquist.” Melanie’s grin widened as Devlin stared at her, resigned. She reached around and hugged him before whispering, “You can’t kill or maim me bro, you may need me.”
Devlin snorted, “No, but I can maim your mate.”
Ian walked in, and his eyebrows rose in question. “I know I didn’t hear you threaten me because our parents didn’t raise us stupid. Need to work out a little aggression baby bro?”
That was just what he needed, Devlin decided. He nodded at his brother. “Let’s go for a run.”
Melanie waited for the guys to leave before speaking. “So, do we like her?”
Lisa laughed, “Yes, we do, but I’m not saying anything else. I can’t wait till you meet her.”
They didn’t have to wait long before Olivia strolled into the room and went straight to the coffee pot, grumbling under her breath.
“Aw crap, she’s an amazon,” Melanie said.
Olivia turned and looked over at the woman sitting with Lisa. “Aw crap, she’s a pixie.”
Melanie sipped from her cup as Lisa broke out laughing. “Y’all are gonna’ get along great. Olivia meet Melanie, Ian’s mate.”
Olivia watched warily as the pixie, okay Melanie, came over and hugged her. She stood stiffly and looked over to Lisa in confusion.
Lisa shrugged. “She’s a touchy, feely kind of girl too.”
Melanie stepped back and looked her up and down. “You are beautiful, your aura is simply glorious. If I were into girls, I’d do you.”
Olivia sputtered, barely managing to keep from spitting her coffee all over Melanie.
Melanie grinned and said, “Come on, I’m just messing with you. Come and sit down and tell me where you bought that dress. And those shoes! How do you walk in them? Those have to be at least three inch heels.”
Olivia looked down at her peach sundress, which emphasized her long legs by flowing just a few inches above her knees. She loved the sleeveless number with the cutouts at her belly.
“Um, Neiman Marcus. The shoes are Louboutin, and I’m wearing them to make a statem
ent.” Olivia sat down with the women.
“This should be good,” Lisa said, leaning closer. “I’ve never seen Devlin look so frustrated, he’s usually the happy go lucky one. He must have done something really bad. You’ve got that Grace Kelly look going on. You know the one, I’m a princess and I’m blessing you peons with my presence.”
Olivia gracefully crossed her legs and held her foot out so that she could admire her shoe. “Let’s just say I’m in the mood to torment him a little.” She looked up to grin at the women. “I am so glad I didn’t sell these when I hit the road.”
Melanie gasped, “Sell them? Oh no, never. I’d expect to be emaciated from hunger before I’d sell those.” All three women nodded in agreement.
Lisa stood and rinsed her cup in the sink and looked at the clock. “I have to go, I have a class this morning. Olivia, if you get bored, I’ve got some books you could read.” Now she grinned. “They’re somewhat racy, if you know what I mean. Anyway, there’s some on Devlin’s desk in his office.”
Olivia grinned. “He reads women’s erotica?”
Melanie smiled. “We sort of have a book club, and Devlin was mocking our taste in reading. So Lisa told him he wouldn’t get anymore of her homemade chocolate chip cookies unless he read some of them, and was able to contribute at our club meeting.”
“That’s classic,” Olivia said laughing.
Lisa waved on her way out the door, “Oh honey, you have no idea how much fun it can be.”
* * *
Rafe joined his brothers as they ran through the woods, leading them as their alpha. After a couple hours, they ended up in their favorite meadow and plopped down to rest, panting harshly.
Rafe’s form shimmered as he shifted. “Someone want to tell me what’s going on?” He looked to Devlin as his brother sat up and pushed his hair out of his face.
Ian spoke before Devlin could. “He has mate problems.”
Rafe blinked. “Already? Is it the usual, ‘I’m not your mate, your crazy, stay away from me,’ kind of problem?”
Ian snorted.
“No, it’s the ‘I’m full of drugs but, hey baby, let’s do this thing since I’m horny, and all.’” Devlin groaned.
