Cat's Cradle: String of Fate, Book 1

by Bianca D’Arc

  By the same token, she couldn’t leave her blinds drawn all the time. That would only serve to raise suspicion. She had to carry on her life as normally as possible, even though nothing was truly normal anymore.

  The hospital seemed the same as always, hectic but soothing in its familiar routine. Of course, Gina wasn’t there, which was something that stood out in Elaine’s mind. Gina had arranged to take time off and a few people asked about her absence. Elaine fobbed them off as best she could, using the excuse that Gina had finally taken some time to go see her family. Most people seemed to take that at face value, but Elaine couldn’t help wondering if some of those people were really shifters in disguise.

  Still, Elaine didn’t think Gina would have taken the chance of working in close quarters with anyone who could have discovered her secret. So chances were, the hospital was a safe place to be. Safer than her apartment at least.

  Things rolled along calmly for a couple of days before the other shoe dropped. Elaine had really thought she was in the clear and had finally stopped jumping at every noise when suddenly all hell broke loose.

  Dropping into a weary sleep, Chuck curled up at her side, it seemed like only moments had passed when the cat started punching her arm with his paws. Annoyed at first, she tried to push him away, but Chuck would have none of it. He persisted until she sat up in bed and finally noticed the unearthly flickering orange light coming from the living room.

  The apartment was on fire!

  She threw on her sneakers, which were near her bedroom door and peered cautiously out into the living room. One glance told her there was no way she could stop the flames. She had to get out of there or die.

  Elaine made a grab for the bag she’d kept packed, ready to go in case she had to leave fast. She thanked whatever benevolent powers had led her to stay prepared as she slung the knapsack that held all her most prized possessions—a few mementoes, from her family and friends—over her shoulder. She headed for the fire escape, shooing Chuck out before her, but the tabby cat stayed at her side, guiding her through the smoke, as if he was watching over her safety.

  He really was the most remarkable cat.

  “When we get out of this, Chuck, I’m buying you a whole salmon,” she promised him under her breath as she grabbed for the metal stairs leading downward.

  The old metal creaked and groaned as she pounded down the stairs. She was one of the few tenants on this side of the building, so she wasn’t surprised to be alone except for her cat. She wasn’t sure, but it looked like the fire was limited to her place. She’d have to hit the fire alarm when she got to street level, she thought, to warn the rest of the tenants if the alarms in the building hadn’t gone off by then.

  The alleyway below her was dark, but the flickering orange light from above grew stronger with every passing moment. She was almost all the way down when she caught sight of a man waiting, arms folded, calm as you please, below the fire escape. Her steps slowed. She thought she recognized the guy. He looked a lot like Sergeant Bimley, the werewolf fireman who’d stalked her in her own apartment.

  Instead of the fear, which she recognized would have been the sane response, Elaine felt her blood boil with anger. In all likelihood, this so-called fireman had probably started the blaze himself, hoping to flush her out. Why else would he be lying in wait for her?

  Even as she moved, Elaine strategized her best mode of defense. There was no doubt in her mind that Bimley was waiting for her—and he didn’t have a social call in mind this time. No, this time, he’d probably try to either kill or capture her. Either way, she was in big trouble.

  A normal guy his size would have given her pause, but this guy was almost positively a werewolf. Who knew the kind of strength, agility, skills or even claws he could bring to the fight. Elaine had one shot at this. She was as good as dead if she messed it up.

  Taking a deep breath, she launched herself from the fire escape. It was the one thing she could think of to give her the advantage of surprise over the man waiting below.

  It worked, to a point. She managed to knock him down, but he popped back up again, much to her dismay. The fight was on, and it took all her skill to defend against his lightning fast strikes. This guy wasn’t going for capture, she realized in the first few exchanges. He was out for blood.

  Elaine put up a good fight, but she knew she was outclassed when it came to sheer brute strength and brawn. She retreated farther and farther back into the alleyway, blocking for all she was worth while getting off very few punches of her own. But she did have one advantage. The firefighter was top heavy. He relied almost exclusively on his upper body strength, sending jab after jab toward her.

  She was much shorter than he was, and easily able to duck and weave around his straightforward and somewhat unimaginative attack. He also didn’t expect or count on her creative use of leg work. Having studied ballet as a child, Elaine had always had great flexibility and extension on her kicks. Few men gave such skills much thought because like the firefighter, their strength was mostly in their arms and upper body.

  When she’d backed up as far as she could go, she bided her time and waited for the perfect moment, watching for an opening. It came when the werewolf moved in for the kill. He got too close and too overconfident. She used that to her advantage, sweeping down and out with her leg to trip up his feet and knock him flat. Her luck held when he cracked his head on a discarded brick and lost consciousness.

  Elaine didn’t wait around to see what would happen. She ran back up the alley, pausing only to grab her knapsack and her cat who had stood guard over her possessions while she’d fought for her life. Cade had done something to Chuck. She just knew it. The cat acted more like a protector than a companion since meeting the pantera noir.

  Elaine fished her cell phone and Cade’s card out of the front pocket of her pack as she ran for the front of the building. There were fire engines pulling up, and tenants spilling out into the street as the fire spread. It would be easy for her to slip away in the confusion. She just had to hope Sergeant Bimley didn’t have any furry friends like him waiting on those fire engines.

  She kept to the shadows as much as possible while running as fast as she could with a knapsack on her back and her cat trotting alongside. She didn’t know how long the werewolf would be out or how hard he had cracked his head. She prayed it would be long enough for her to get away.

  When Cade’s phone rang he knew instantly something was very wrong. The ring was that of a strange number, and he’d only given his card to one stranger in recent weeks.

  Elaine was in trouble.

  Cade’s heart raced into fight mode as he touched the switch on his receiver. He liked using the wireless earpiece, except when he was expecting a fight. Then it would get in the way.

  “Are you all right?”

  “Cade! The fireman came back and set fire to my apartment. He was waiting for me at the bottom of the fire escape.” She was sobbing for breath, trying to keep her voice down, but Cade could hear her feet pounding the pavement in the background. He realized she was running for her life. He ran for the door, keys already in hand.

  “Where are you?”

  “I’m just passing Pine Avenue. I got lucky and knocked him out, but I don’t know for how long.”

  “What street are you on?” Cade was already on his motorcycle, pulling out into traffic.

  “Pullman. I’m heading north.”

  “I’m close. I’ll meet you coming down. Stay on Pullman if you can and keep the phone connection open. Don’t talk. Conserve your energy. I’ll be there in two minutes. Look for a motorcycle. You’ll probably hear me before you see me.”

  Precious moments sped away as his wheels turned, bringing him closer. He’d resisted every temptation to call her or go by her apartment, just to see her face again. He’d held strong, but fate seemed to have other ideas.

  “I hear a motorcycle.” Her feet continued to run, though he could hear her pace slowing as she tired.
/>   “That’s me. Hang on, baby. I’m almost there.”

  He saw her a moment later jogging down the road, her tabby cat pacing along beside her. Chuck was a trooper; there was no doubt about that. Cade pulled up beside her, angling the bike so she could get on. He wanted nothing more than to pull her into his arms and assure himself she was okay, but time was against them. At any moment, their enemies might find them, and he had to get her to safety. The scent of smoke clinging to her clothing brought home the danger she’d been in.

  “Hop on.” He scooted forward to make room for her on the narrow seat.

  “What about Chuck?” Elaine slung her knapsack across her shoulders, securing it to her back.

  “No problem. He can ride on my lap.” Cade patted his leg and the tabby cat jumped up. “Put your arms around my waist and cup your hands around Chuck. It’s not the safest thing in the world, but it’ll have to do.”

  Elaine followed his instructions without argument, and he revved the motorcycle into motion seconds later. The cat was effectively in his crotch, which didn’t make for the most comfortable ride, but Elaine’s fingers weren’t too far away either. The thought of how close he was to feeling her cupping him instead of the cat had him breathing hard as he negotiated turns and watched his mirrors for signs of pursuit.

  Cade tried not to think about her touch as he maneuvered the bike through the city streets. He was taking a circuitous route to a safe house they kept prepared for any contingency.

  When he was certain they weren’t being followed, he took them into an alley behind a row of houses. There was a matching row of garages in back, and he pulled in to one, latching the door shut behind them.

  This location in particular had a feature he would take full advantage of this night. There was a secret entrance from the garage to the basement of the house. But first things first.

  Cade let the traumatized cat off his lap. Chuck bounded down, away from the bike, heading for a dark corner to curl up in. Elaine climbed off next, and Cade wasn’t far behind.

  He pulled her into his arms for a hard embrace, allowing the emotion he’d felt over the past minutes to spill over. He rocked her in his arms, thanking the goddess over and over in his mind and in his heart for keeping Elaine alive long enough to call for help.

  “God, baby, you gave me a scare.” Cade looked down into her eyes, cupping her cheeks in his hands.

  “I was so frightened, Cade. Thanks for coming to get me.”

  “I’ll always come for you, El. No matter what.” He couldn’t wait any longer. He had to taste her, to assure himself that she was all right, to know again the flavor of her passion.

  Cade captured her lips with his, putting all the pent-up longings of the past days into the kiss, feeling all of it returned and then some. It was like coming home after a long time away. The welcome of her arms warmed him right down to his soul.

  He drew his hands down her body, pulling her closer. She was trembling, but he knew it wasn’t in fear. Still, she’d had a rough night. He should be taking it easy on her, but the time apart had only made him more desperate for her touch, her taste, her scent.

  Cade made himself release her, but he couldn’t break their connection completely. He kept her in a loose embrace, resting his forehead against hers as their harsh breathing slowed.

  “I’m not letting you go this time, Ellie. Don’t ask me to.”

  He hadn’t meant to be so frank. He didn’t want to scare her off, but he’d had some time to think about it and knew if he ever saw her again he wouldn’t be strong enough to let her go a second time. This time, she would be his.

  For how long? Only the goddess knew for certain. As far as Cade was concerned, he’d keep her as long as he possibly could, though he feared circumstance might eventually drive them apart. Humans and Alpha shifters were a difficult mix.

  “That fireman was trying to kill me, Cade. I think I’m better off with you than trying to muddle through on my own.”

  “That’s not what I was talking about, baby, and you know it.” She drew back from him as his tone hardened. He held her gaze, willing her to understand—to accept.

  She watched him with steady eyes. “I had an idea what I was getting into when I dialed your number, Cade.” She stepped into his embrace, and he knew a moment of joy, feeling her acceptance of what fate had handed them both. “As crazy as it sounds, I’ve missed you.”

  “It’s not crazy at all, sweetheart. My panther’s been pacing, trying to break out and find you. He wants you. And I want you. Like I’ve never wanted anyone or anything before in my life.”

  “Oh, Cade.” She rose on tiptoe this time, bringing her lips to his in a kiss that went on and on.

  A noise in the yard broke Cade from his reverie. He lifted away from her kiss reluctantly, but he had to get her to safety. This garage was defensible, but not the best place to be caught by a band of rogue weres. The house was much sturdier and close enough that he could placate his inner cat with the idea that he’d have their woman prone on a bed soon enough.

  “Let’s continue this inside,” he whispered in her ear as she snuggled into him.

  Turning, he guided her to the hidden trapdoor and the stairs that led down one level to the newly extended basement. A quick look to the corner of the dark garage summoned Chuck, who padded down the cement steps ahead of them like a good scout should.

  Bonnie and Ray met them at the basement door that led into the house. They’d no doubt heard the bike as he pulled in. The electronic sensors he’d tripped as soon as he opened the garage door would have helped too. It was their job to protect this safe house, preparing it for use by the Nyx, if necessary. Right now, the house was empty except for Bonnie and Ray, a mated pair of tigers who were also semi-retired Royal Guards.

  “Who’s your little friend?” Ray asked, blocking the door.

  Cade wasn’t sure if the tiger referred to Chuck the cat or Ellie, but either way Ray’s tone was insulting. Cade bristled. Both the tabby and the human woman had proven their mettle again and again. They didn’t deserve the tiger’s disdain.

  “Watch it, Ray,” he warned. “This is Ellie. Some rabid werewolf just tried to kill her, so cut her some slack.” Cade muscled past Ray, pushing Ellie along ahead of him.

  “You’re the one who helped save Mitch, aren’t you?” Bonnie asked, clearly as curious as the cat who lived inside her.

  “She is,” Cade confirmed, unwilling to prolong this meeting or satisfy the tigers’ curiosity any more. Ellie was physically beat. She needed TLC, not twenty questions. “She’s had a hell of a night, guys. She needs rest and quiet. We’ll see you in the morning. Late in the morning.”

  “You’re staying then?” Bonnie’s eyebrow rose in question.

  He stared her down, his mouth set in a firm line. She had no right to question him. He held the higher rank among the Guard and was answerable to no one but the Nyx. This was a private matter, of concern only to his familial Pride. Bonnie dared much to challenge him, and he wouldn’t stand for it.

  “I’m staying. Deal with it, Bon. I let her go once, and she almost died tonight because of it. I’m not letting her out of my sight again.”

  Cade knew he was being more than a little heavy handed, but he couldn’t help himself. He’d known Bonnie since he was a cub and knew how she felt about human-shifter relationships. It would take some convincing to get her to accept even having Elaine stay in the safe house.

  Bonnie was one of those shifters who looked down on humans, and her mate Ray was almost as bad. Too bad they had to be the ones on watch at this house, but there was really no alternative. This house was the only one not occupied at the moment that was close enough to get to quickly.

  Chuck the cat trotted at their side as Cade guided Elaine through the house. He knew the layout well, but had never stayed here more than a day or two. They’d bought the house through shell corporations only a few months before and had their own work crews gut the inside and reconstruct it from b
elow ground all the way to the attic. The result was a nice place to share with Elaine while she recovered from the ordeal of the fire and he finally got to spend time with her. He wasn’t going to leave her on her own like last time.

  No, this time would be different. He didn’t know where this would all lead, but he knew one thing for certain. He wasn’t letting Ellie out of his sight. Not any time in the foreseeable future, that is. Not until he had to.

  “I don’t think that woman liked me very much,” Elaine observed as they walked up the stairs to the main floor.

  “She’s a snob about humans, but she’ll come around.”

  “What? She doesn’t like anyone who can’t turn furry? Why’d that guy sneer at Chuck then? Or don’t they like housecats?”

  “Some tigers are just assholes,” Cade grumbled, holding in his laughter. He loved the way she defended her little pet.

  “Chuck saved my life, you know. He’s the one who woke me when my apartment was on fire. And he was so brave, leading me down the fire escape. Even when I was fighting that werewolf, Chuck guarded my knapsack. He’s such a good cat.” She was near tears, and Cade realized it was delayed reaction from all she’d been through that night. She was about at the end of her rope, but he would catch her when she fell and help her climb back onto solid ground. He would be there for her.

  “He deserves tuna for a week, at least,” Cade commented as they climbed another flight of stairs to where the guest bedrooms were located in the house. Bonnie and Ray had the master suite on the ground floor, and Cade chose the guest suite on the opposite side of the house. He didn’t want them listening in through the walls if he and Ellie happened to get loud.

  “I promised him I’d buy him a whole salmon,” she admitted with a little hiccupping laugh. She was on the verge of tears, and he wanted to be in a comfortable place when she finally gave in to the wash of emotions running through her overtaxed system.