Dixon (Stratham Shifters Book 6)

by Sarah J. Stone

  She left the room and stalked down the hall when she smelled coffee. She’d always loved the bitter sweetness of the warm drink. It was one thing she had brought back to Faerie when they used to visit the human world. She easily had become addicted to the liquid. Bac and Dixon were in the kitchen sitting at the table. Bac had a large mug in front of him. Dixon leaned back casually in the chair. He seemed more relaxed than she had previously seen him. He smiled at her, and her heart melted. When she first met him, he was gruff and didn’t smile. Now he seemed younger almost. When he smiled he had identical dimples on each cheek. He patted his lap and she moved in front of him. He gripped her hand tugging and she sat down blushing. She wasn’t used to having someone give her attention, especially not in front of others.

  “Good morning, sweetheart,” he said and nuzzled her neck right behind her ear.

  She shivered. “Morning.”

  Bac smiled and although it wasn’t a big smile, she could see a light in his eyes that hadn’t been there the night before. He picked up his mug and sipped the steaming brew. “Good morning, little one.”

  She didn’t mention the change. He’d probably shut down behind his mask if she did. And she liked seeing him smile. He used to smile all the time, especially when he was with Maria. Her heart clenched at the thought of him being alone. She’d loved Maria. The woman was a saint and was always around when her parents couldn’t be. “So, when do we call for Webb?” she asked getting right to the point. There was no reason to wait. The sooner she called him the better.

  “Give yourself some time to prepare.”

  She sighed and slid out of Dixon’s lap. They didn’t realize she was prepared. She wanted to get it over with. “The sooner—”

  “Melody, please, give this old bear something. I know you’re ready as you can be for something like this, but I’m not ready for you to put yourself in such danger.” Bac sighed. “You still see him as the boy who loved your family. He’s even more troubled now than he was then. As much as I hate to say this, he’s fragile and will be quick to anger. I’m afraid for you.”

  “Fine, we’ll wait for a little while. Then I’m doing this with or without your support. I know what I’m doing.” She held up a hand. “Don’t mistake that as being cocky. I’ve thought about confronting him long before my sisters sent me here. I was never able to get him alone.”

  Bac growled, but she didn’t let his grouchy behavior affect her. “Fine, fine, you know what you’re doing. But I can’t help but think of you as the little girl you used to be. I don’t want something to happen to you.”

  “I understand your worry. I don’t think anything will. I’m following my instinct—that’s the only way to describe it. It’s almost as if I’m being pulled in one direction. Webb has to be involved somehow else I wouldn’t feel this so strongly. Trust me please.”

  He didn’t respond and for that she was grateful. She was already on edge waiting for the moment she would see the man she’d been so close to. She would do this. There was no other way.

  Chapter 13

  She paced across the living room for the hundredth time. She wasn’t sure why she was waiting. She licked her lips nervously as thoughts of failure rolled through her mind. Maybe they were right.

  No. I can do this.

  Why they were making her wait? She was ready to go. In fact, if they didn’t hurry up she was afraid the slight confidence she had gained would wither. She didn’t want them to see how worried she was. They probably sensed it anyway, but thankfully they hadn’t said anything. She felt the carpet flatten under her boots and sighed.

  She couldn’t take the silence anymore. She spun toward the two men seated at the table and glared at their looks of pity. Both of them were worried about what was to come.

  “Oh, for Goddess sakes, let’s do this. I can’t wait any longer.”

  Dixon stood from his chair and walked toward her. She froze in her pacing and watched the tension rise in his body. She could feel his fear, but she knew he wasn’t afraid for himself. He was scared for her. He cupped her cheek in his large hand and she turned into his warmth and kissed his palm before bringing her eyes back to his. She pleaded with him to trust her.

  “I can do this,” she muttered not sure if she was convincing him or herself any longer.

  “I know, sweetheart, we’re just worried about you. I’m your mate. I’m allowed.”

  She huffed. “I appreciate that, but all of this waiting is making me feel like neither of you believe in me, and I can’t handle that—especially not from you.”

  He nodded. “Fair enough.” He dropped his hand from her cheek and brushed his lips against hers. “Okay let’s do this.”

  She looked into his eyes and saw nothing but sincerity. “I love you, Dixon.” She hadn’t meant to say the words, but she couldn’t help it. It didn’t matter that it had only been a few days, she knew it was undeniable love coursing through her body and soul. She just hoped he felt the same.

  A smile lit his face and he kissed her again, this time harder. “I love you, too.”

  Relief washed over her. “Let’s finish this so we can go home,” she whispered.

  Dixon laced his fingers with her and nodded at Bac. The large man stood to his impressive height and followed them. Melody opened the door with Dixon right behind her. She took in the light breeze and relished the feel of nature surrounding her. This was where she needed to be. The air was filled with the scent of trees and freshly mowed grass. It was different from Faerie, but she knew with time she would adjust. Already, she’d started to feel at home. She went down the steps and pulled her hand from Dixon’s. She hadn’t had a chance to study her surroundings when they arrived the night before. Bac’s land was large and vibrant.

  “This is all yours?” she asked, turning to her old companion.

  “I needed peace and quiet.”

  He’d chosen wisely on that front. Melody noticed there wasn’t anyone else around. There were no other houses close by.

  “It’s beautiful.”

  No one spoke as she explored the area around his house. It was actually a log cabin. It was nice and rustic.

  “Where should I call for him?”

  “I want you to stay close. If we can’t be in sight, we’ll stay in the house. All you have to do is yell and we’ll be back at your side.” He paced in front of her. “Don’t hesitate. If you think he is going to hurt you, scream.”

  She smiled at his fierce protectiveness. It seemed Dixon wasn’t the only one who was scared for her. “I promise.”

  She really didn’t understand what they were so worked up about. But her stomach was a bundle of nerves anyway. “Get back inside now. I’ll call if I need you.”

  Bac growled, mumbling something she didn’t understand, but Dixon swooped in and kissed her. She opened her mouth and he groaned when her tongue slid along his. His hands went to her hips in a bruising grip as he yanked her against his body. She felt his heat and pressed against him harder. The kiss went on until she had to break away to breathe.

  “You’ve got this,” he said, his voice raspy.

  She knew he was aroused because she was, too, and she could hardly wait to get into bed with him again. Her core clenched from the thought and she watched his eyes darken further.

  “Hold that thought, sweetheart. As soon as your safe.”

  She blushed and nodded. She hoped nothing went wrong. She shooed him toward the house and he walked away reluctantly. It was hard for him to leave her without his protection, but at least he didn’t fight her. She wanted him to treat her as his equal. They were going to be partners in life. She didn’t want the kind of life females were used to. The male’s word was law, and if the female didn’t step in line, there would be hell to pay. She was raised to be strong. Her parents differed from the norm. She wanted what they had and was determined to prove she wasn’t weak.

  She watched to make sure he went inside and shut the door. Once he reached the top step, he looked over
his shoulder and winked before he followed Bac in. She sighed in relief when after several minutes he didn’t charge out of the house and try to drag her back into safety. It seemed he was really going to let her call Webb.

  Melody walked toward the side of the cabin and further away, but stayed in sight. She knew they’d both come running if she went too far, but she wanted to put a little space between her and her mate. She needed him to be safe.

  She studied the area around her and let go of her magic. She felt the warmth settle over her for the first time since she’d left Faerie. The cloak was completely gone and her true nature showed through. The magic buzzed through her body as if it were happy to be set free. This time she let it loose. No one, not even her sisters realized how much power she had. She kept it muted in hopes that Talbot would underestimate her. If he thought her weak, then he wouldn’t worry about her and he’d leave her alone. For a long time, she thought it would stop his plan to marry her off to someone. But it didn’t matter, he last name alone was enough to bring in prospective males.

  She felt bad for allowing her sisters to believe her weak, but she’d kept her magic locked up so tight it became natural to her. It kept all of them safe, or so she thought. Now she was second-guessing her decision to cloak her powers. Maybe if her uncle knew how powerful she really was he would have stopped scheming leaving her and her sisters alone to do as they pleased. Melody shook her head at her thoughts. No, he wouldn’t have changed his mind. If anything, he would have pushed her harder. She did the right thing. Hiding it from her sisters kept them protected if they were ever questioned. What they didn’t know wouldn’t get them hurt.

  She closed her eyes and took a deep breath. Lifting her arms, she welcomed the feel of her power and then her eyes shot open.

  She gasped when the power continued to expand, past what she had ever felt before. She realized then she had gained even more magic...

  Her body vibrated as the new power coated her aura and wrapped around her. Her eyes widened when she noticed her vision was different. She could see everything. Her senses stretched further, taking in the scents of the trees and grass, even the scent of wet dirt surrounded her. In the distance, she saw several deer chewing on the grass. One looked up as if it sensed being watched. After a few seconds, it went back to eating.

  Melody came back to herself and promised that after all of this was taken care of she would explore her new powers. She couldn’t ignore the excitement she felt knowing that somehow, she was even more powerful. She wondered if she had gained power after she mated with Dixon.

  “Later,” she whispered, bringing her focus back to the task at hand.

  Taking a deep breath, she closed her eyes and reached out with her magic. For miles all around her, she felt the pull of all the supernatural creatures around her. She hadn’t realized how many hid among the humans. But she needed just one…

  Concentrating harder, she sifted through all of the magic searching for the one she wanted. It wasn’t as easy as she expected it to be. Through her mind’s eye she brushed her fingers along the haze of magic. She noticed that different strands were different in color. Shifters ran from red to brown and orange. She wanted the Fae. She hummed when she felt a tug. She couldn’t see anything other than the line of magic being pulled through reality. Someone was trying to pull her to them. Her stomach dropped as fear clenched within her. She couldn’t let herself fall into the trap, but now she understood what she needed to do. She needed to find Webb’s specific thread and pull. It would call him to her.

  The tug was harsher this time and she felt herself falling.

  “No!” She gasped and pulled back into herself with a curse. Luckily, she was strong or she might have been in a lot of trouble. Whoever it was had felt her. She winced, hoping they wouldn’t be too angry. She nibbled her lip hoping it wasn’t the other tracker Talbot sent. That wouldn’t be good.

  Melody opened her eyes still gasping for breath. She placed her hand over her heart trying to slow her breathing. Her body was tense waiting to see if someone was able to follow her thread. She didn’t want to be caught unaware if she needed to fight.

  After several minutes when no one came she figured it was safe enough to try again. This time she’d be more careful. This time she would see if she could cloak herself to ensure no one could sense her. It was something she should be able to do, since she was able to do it in real time.

  Taking a deep breath, she pulled her power in—like reeling in the line on a fishing pole. She felt the tug inside as she coaxed her power tighter. When she was satisfied, she closed her eyes, this time looking only at the blue and silver threads. She noticed there were only two silver threads. She smiled in triumph. They had to be Webb and Oz. She eased closer to them and bit her lip.

  How was she going to pick the right one without making the other aware of her presence?

  She really hadn’t thought this through. She was so determined to get Bac and Dixon to allow her to take charge that she hadn’t realized how difficult it would be to even find Webb. Her shoulders slumped and just as she was about to pull back and think things through she noticed the thread of silver furthest away wavered and then glowed.

  She watched it for a while to see what it would do. Tapping her foot, she waited for it to tug on her thread, but nothing happened. It seemed she was able to cloak herself well enough. Her gut clenched and she stepped closer to the thread staying aware of everything around her.

  The closer she came, the more unsettled she felt. Her heart hammered in chest as she was surrounded by darkness. It clouded around her making it hard to breath. She panted for breath.

  It was pure evil.

  Ignoring the pain, she focused on the other silver thread.

  “That’s Webb,” she said and was comforted with how right it felt.

  There was a chance she was wrong, but she didn’t think so. She eased closer to it and when her hand brushed the thread, magic thrummed through her. It was strong and bit through her hand. She closed her fist around the thread and pulled—hard.

  At first, nothing happened. The thread tried to move, but she gripped it tighter and yanked it again. She watched as it shimmered out of her hand.

  He’s coming.

  She took a deep breath and opened her eyes waiting for Webb to appear. He was going to be angry, that much she knew for certain.

  Melody crossed her arms over her chest and stood like a statue.

  The air shimmered a few feet from her and she held her breath as the air around her seemed to disappear.

  Right before her eyes, a body materialized in front of her. She hoped it was Webb.

  When the figure fully stood before her, she sighed in relief to see she hadn’t been wrong.

  She smiled and started toward him, but he held up a hand and looked at her, the rage in his eyes apparent.

  “Stupid girl!”

  He waved his hand in the air and Melody felt herself thrown. The air whooshed around her and she screamed when she landed hard against the ground.

  This wasn’t going as planned. For the first time since she begged to call him, she began to realize Dixon and Bac were right. Tears fell from her eyes and she watched as Webb strode toward her like a raging bull.

  Chapter 14

  Webb

  He should have known when he was called that it would be Mel on the other end. It didn’t make him feel any better. The whole time he’d been in the human world, he’d been doing his best to keep an eye on Oz. The man in question was ruthless and evil. There was no way he wanted him alone with any of the sisters, but Talbot didn’t fully trust him.

  He chuckled. And for good reason. His plans were his own, and if the uncle knew of them he would surely imprison him—or worse, kill him.

  Now, he had to figure out how to save Mel before Oz followed and got ahold of her. Easier said than done. The last week, he’d been bouncing from place to place to throw him off the trail. He was hoping he would take the bait so he could come w
arn his friend. Not that he’d been much of one in the past years.

  Since her parents died, he’d been lost. It reminded him of before the family took him in as one of their own. Talbot took advantage. Webb wasn’t as stupid as he let on, though. He knew to keep the sisters safe he had to make it appear he had defected from them. There had never been a time when he could talk to any of them to let them know he was still on their side.

  He hated how disappointed Hanna looked when she thought he was in with Talbot. He couldn’t let her know the truth, no matter how much the hurt in her eyes destroyed a part of him. He was always watched, and any sign that he wasn’t what he seemed would not only come down on him, but the sisters, too. Talbot was smart in that sense. Using Hanna as motivation to keep his mouth shut pissed him off beyond belief, but he knew one day the man’s rule would end.

  So many times he wanted to kill the fucker, but he was always well-guarded. It didn’t matter how tough Webb was, when it came to him against the many guards Talbot had shadowing him, he would lose. Plain and simple.

  Webb had to bide his time wisely. The deeper it looked like he fell in with Talbot the more freedom he received. So far, it hadn’t accomplished much, but he was patient. There could be no mistakes if he was to get not only the sisters free but himself, as well. Each day, he grew weary, wondering if he was ever going to catch a break.

  Melody squirmed under his body and he pressed harder against her. “Stop squirming, Mel, and listen.”

  At first, she didn’t listen, and he didn’t blame her, but he needed her to be aware.

  He buried his face and whispered, “I’m not going to hurt you, but you have to listen.”

  She panted for breath but finally held still. “You’re hurting me now,” she hissed.