“Tiern?” her name came out as a whispered plea, but she shook her head.
“I can’t Jax, not while you’re drunk like this. I’m sorry.”
Jax’s sad but understanding nod left her feeling guilty. “Don’t go, please.” His eyes begging her not to leave him alone.
Her heart melted as she took in this big, handsome man. Then she remembered how when he was younger he’d only go to sleep if she was there with him. “Okay, make room.”
Jax shuffled over and she climbed on top of the blankets and lay facing him. “Go to sleep.” She ran her hand over his forehead and down his face in a gentle caress.
The brush of whiskers tickled her palm as he stared into her eyes. Please, don’t leave me … After a moment they closed and he slept.
Tierney stayed with him for a long time, replaying his kisses, and how much he turned her on. Her eyes devoured him. He had such raw masculine beauty, and in sleep, his long angelic lashes rested above his cheeks. Just thinking of his gaze on her gave her shivers, and sent desire crashing through her. Oh, how she wanted him.
The reminder of his kisses burned bittersweet. Tears trickled down her cheeks as she thought of him on the balcony. There was no doubt that the pain-filled angry darkness came from within him. Oh, my love, my sweet Jax. What is going on with you? She wished he’d talk to her. “Sleep well. I love you.” She kissed him softly on the lips.
Back in her own bed, Tierney fell into a fitful sleep, dreaming of ravens and creepy men who wanted to hurt everyone she loved.
Chapter Seven
Talking Wolf
TIERNEY AWOKE LATE THE next morning feeling thoroughly exhausted. After dragging herself from bed, she showered, dressed and checked the landline for messages. Nothing. With a growl, she picked up her cell. Nothing. She grabbed her jacket and stalked out of her room, angry and worried.
The scent of coffee and bacon wafting through the house made her stomach rumble, reminding her that she hadn’t eaten much the day before. She inhaled the wonderful aromas as she stepped into the kitchen to find Sami cooking breakfast, and a cute, curly dark-haired guy setting a box of groceries on the counter. “Hey, Damien.”
“Hi, Tierney.” Damien smiled back at her as he headed through the mud room and back out for another box.
“Mhm.” Tierney poured some coffee into her favorite mug, groaning in pleasure. “Hey, anything more on Dad?”
“No, sorry,” Sami said, face pale and grim.
With a sigh, Tierney eyed him “How are you feeling?”
Sami shrugged without looking at her, but it was enough. Even with his shields up, and her not being able to sense his feelings, body language told her everything she needed to know. Wishing she could do more for him, she slipped her arm around his waist and gave him a hug, meeting his pain filled eyes when Jax dragged himself into the room.
Tierney let Sami go and did a double take of Jax, who looked like shit. “Hey, you okay?” She pushed the memory of his kisses from the night before away.
“Fine,” Jax growled, glaring at her.
What the hell is his problem now?
“So, some friends and I are going to Jezzaray’s tonight. You all want to join us?” Damien asked as he walked back in and set the second box of groceries down.
Jax scowled. “Who the fuck are you?”
Startled, Damien turned to Jax and his smile disappeared. “Uh, Damien.” His voice was leery as he caught the dangerous glint in Jax’s eyes.
“Where’s Mo?” Jax asked them, glaring threateningly at Damien.
“Dude. Mo retired four weeks ago, you’d know that if you’d been here, so quit glaring. Damien delivers our groceries now.” Sami slid a couple eggs on a plate with toast and bacon, and handed the plate to Jax. “Sit, eat.”
“Oh.” Ignoring the suddenly nervous Damien, Jax dug into the food. Tierney noted his voice sounded scratchy. Must be from the drinking, she thought, right as Cassie waltzed into the kitchen looking perfect.
Tierney’s eyes narrowed as the blonde wiggled her way over to Jax. “Hi,” she said with a suggestive smile.
“Hey Cass, you sleep okay?” Jax asked, looking at her appreciatively. Tierney wanted to puke. Yeah, wouldn’t want anything to interrupt Little Miss Perfect’s beauty sleep …
“I did, thanks.” Cassie gave him a big smile and Tierney could have sworn her teeth sparkled. Her anger flared to life.
“Here.” Sami handed Cassie a plate of food.
Damien closed his gaping mouth, quickly put the jugs of milk in the fridge, then hurried back out to his van. Tierney hid her fury at the three men, downed her coffee, poured another cup and plastered a phony smile on her face as Damien walked back inside.
“Yeah, I’m in for going to Jezzaray’s tonight,” she said. Gonna need the distraction.
Damien shot a glance at Jax as he set the receipt down on the counter and beamed at her. “Great, I’ll see ya tonight, then,” he said and hurried out to his van.
“Oh, Jezzaray’s! Let’s go too, Jax. It’ll be so much fun.” Cassie’s boobs rubbed up against Jax as she bounced around in excitement.
Tierney finished her coffee and placed her mug in the sink. I need to get the hell outta here! If she listened to too much more of Blondie flirting with Jax, she’d kill the woman.
***
JAX, HEAD POUNDING AND mouth dry as sandpaper, swigged his scalding coffee. Like a knife twisting in his gut, he fumed as Tierney shared glances with Sami. The sight of her hugging Sami when he walked in made his pissy mood even fouler, and reminded him why he drank so much the night before.
He couldn’t remember going to bed, but now, as he thought about last night, he seemed to remember something about Tierney. Tierney put me to bed? And, I … kissed her? Jax groaned. What the hell did I do? Flashes of her removing his shirt and unbuttoning his jeans, pushing them down his legs drifted through his mind. Did last night happen, or am I so crazed for her that I imagined it all? Once again he was rock hard.
Tierney had just made Damien’s day by agreeing to go to the club, and Sami didn’t say a damn thing. His volatile mood grew darker at the thought of her with that human. As if aware of what Jax was thinking, Tierney glared at him, eyes flashing angrily before heading for the mud room.
“Be right back,” he murmured to Cassie and got to his feet. This is a bad idea but I have to talk to her.
Stepping in behind Tierney, Jax bit back a groan. Her sexy ass faced him as she bent to pull on her boots and Jax tried to speak but nothing came out. He cleared his throat. “So, when did you get the bike?” he croaked, his cock so hard it was painful.
Tierney straightened up and frowned at him. “Why?”
“Ah, it’s nice,” he said, reminding himself that no matter how much he desired her, he needed to keep his distance. For Sami’s sake.
“Nice? It’s a Ducati. It’s fucking awesome.” Tierney shook her head in exasperation.
Yeah, and I’m sure you look hot as hell on it. Jax kept the thought to himself. “What did Zander say about it?” he asked instead.
“He’s not here.” She rolled her eyes before moving towards him and he sucked in a breath when she leaned close to reach for her jacket right behind him. His body was instantly on fire as her breasts barely brushed his chest. Her wildflower scent filled his senses, making his blood heat and his mind fuzzy. His heartbeat picked up and he started to wrap his arms around her, but she pulled back and slipped her jacket on. All the while she stared at him, amethyst eyes burning straight through him.
“Look, Tiern, I’m—” he started to say, but lost his train of thought as her eyes darkened with anger. Intense desire consumed him.
“You’re what, Jax?” Defiance shone in her eyes.
“I—” He ached to feel her pressed against him and wanted to lower his mouth to her sweet, decadent lips. Again. Oh shit, I did kiss her last night, didn’t I? A fleeting memory of how she tasted left his cock throbbing against his confining jeans.
> Then another memory slithered through his mind of how she wouldn’t look at him after seeing his scars and, afterward she refused him as he begged to be with her. I am such a piece of shit! I can’t believe I tried to get in her pants while I was drunk off my ass! No wonder she turned me down. What did you expect, you dumb fuck? Besides, she’s with Sami. And, if that isn’t enough, he did reject her six weeks ago. Pain twisted in his gut. “I just wanted to talk to you,” he said right before Cassie walked into the room.
“I have a client to meet.” Her eyes narrowed on Cassie as he sidestepped so the blonde stood beside, not behind him.
“What about later?” He tried not to wince as what felt like a lightning bolt shot through his aching head.
Tierney started to say something, then she searched his face. “You’ll be here?”
Jax stared at her lips, his whole body yearning to taste her. Another shot of lightning through his skull rendered him unable to concentrate. “Ah,” What? What did she ask?
“Yeah, that’s what I thought.” She turned away.
“Tiern,” Jax called, but the door had already closed behind her.
Frustrated, he turned away and glanced briefly at Cassie. “C’mon, I’ll take you home.” He’d go search for some Ilyium to fight, blow off some steam. If he didn’t kill them all first. Maybe he could wring some info on Zander’s whereabouts out of one of them. Sweat trickled down his back and he rubbed his aching temple. Shit, why did I drink so much last night?
***
TIERNEY RETURNED HOME WITH mixed feelings. She was glad to see Cassie gone but worried about whether Jax would be back or not. Though she ached to see him, it was painful knowing she couldn’t have him. Pushing him out of her mind, she checked the phones, then dialed her dad. His cell went straight to voicemail. Again. Constant worry churned in her gut as she found Sami in the great room, staring outside. “Hey.” She dropped onto the couch beside him.
“Hey, you talk to the Dubaras?” he asked.
“Shay and Daniel are at the house talking to her parents right now. They all seem to be getting along.”
Sami nodded. “Good.”
“Yeah,” Tierney agreed and leaned her head against him as they both stared outside, lost in thought. Finally, she nudged Sami. “We’re a pair, aren’t we?” Sami snorted, but didn’t say a word. “I’m going to go for a hike, wanna come?” she asked. She found hiking, or even racing over the trails, an excellent way to burn off energy. Of course, soaking up the peace nature offered, helped as well.
“Nah,” Sami said, despondent.
“C’mon, you need to get out of the house, and I need a distraction.” Tierney tugged on his arm, making him groan in fake indignation.
“Great, so I’m a distraction now, am I?”
Tierney grinned. “Of course, none better.”
Sami rolled his eyes. “Okay, only for a bit then. Wouldn’t want to distract you too much.”
Now it was Tierney’s turn to groan.
Outside, she glanced at the raven spot, shivered and began to tell Sami about the bird.
“Maybe you’re losing your mind?” he suggested, raising his eyebrows like she was crazy.
She growled and punched him. “Shut up asshole.”
“Ow!” he yelled, faking pain and making her laugh. “But really, you couldn’t come up with anything better than a dumb raven?”
When she attempted to punch him again, he ducked and began to run. She grinned and took off after him. A few seconds later she caught up, pushed him out of the way, and took the lead. They raced for a couple miles, the ground rushing by as they leaped over fallen branches, rock and deadfall, before slowing to a walk. The smile on Sami’s face warmed her heart, and made her glad she’d dragged his ass outside.
They spent a couple hours just wandering the mountain before finally heading home. They were getting close, when Tierney sensed a presence similar to the one the night before. Only this time, without the hatred. “Sami, stop.” She opened her senses and searched around, stunned when she connected with a wolf, and not an ordinary wolf—but one who seemed more human than animal.
“What’s happening?” Sami asked and Tierney couldn’t help but smile as a strong vibe of friendship passed through the connection.
“I’m communicating with a wolf,” she said, excited.
“Tierney.” Sami glanced around uneasily.
“I mean you no harm,” the wolf replied telepathically.
“Holy shit, you talk.” Tierney was completely awed.
“Yes.”
“So, who, what are you?” she asked, thinking of Were-wolves.
The wolf chuckled. “I’m not Were-wolf.”
“He just chuckled at me.” She stared wide-eyed at Sami. Then she spoke aloud for his benefit. “If you’re not a Were-wolf, what are you?”
“Tiern.” Sami glared, worried about this being a threat, then he indicated they keep moving. Tierney nodded and kept pace beside him.
“I’m sorry to alarm you. We can talk another time,” the wolf said and left her mind.
“He’s gone,” she said, disappointed but still curious.
“What the hell?” Sami asked with a hint of anger, as he surveyed their surroundings.
Tierney shrugged. “That was really weird.” Then she thought about it. “Although, considering all the weird shit that’s been happening in the last couple days, maybe it’s not so weird.”
“Tiern?”
“Aw, just ignore me.” She waved his worry away.
Hours later, she descended the stairs in a new black dress, and blushed when Sami whistled. “You like?” She felt nervous and out of her depth. She wasn’t used to wearing skimpy little dresses. She’d bought this one a while back, but never had a reason to wear the slinky thing until now.
“Yeeaah. Super-hot.” Sami grinned, making her want to run back up to her room, and put on her trusty, comfortable clothes. “Ready?”
Tierney grimaced. “Yeah, I guess.”
Jax planned to meet them at the club and Tierney couldn’t help but wonder what his reaction would be when he laid eyes on her.
Chapter Eight
Jezzaray's
JAX WALKED INTO JEZZARAY’S and spied Tierney dancing with a strange man. Sudden rage consumed him. He wanted to punch the guy out, toss Tierney over his shoulder and carry her out of the place. Instead he rubbed his pounding head and forced himself to turn away. Then he spotted Sami with Damien and his friends, sitting at a table in the far corner. He wove through the crowd to them. Why the hell isn’t Sami dancing with her? Damn, if she was mine, I wouldn’t leave her alone.
When Tierney came back to the table, Jax inhaled. She looked stunning, and having her so near sent his emotions into a tailspin. His heart and soul yearned for her. He wanted her smile at him, and only him. To feel her wrap her arms around him, and never let go. Feeling overwhelmed, Jax blinked at the dress she wore and sudden hunger to slowly peel it off her consumed him. His gaze raked her body and climbed up to see the fire in her eyes. A fire that took his breath away, and made his heart pump faster.
“Hey, where’s Cassie?” Tierney asked as she slipped into the booth beside him. Her amethyst eyes sparkled, as if aware of the affect she had on him.
Sweat trickled down his back as he struggled to calm his emotions. “She ah, couldn’t make it.”
“Oh, too bad,” she said, thought there was a faint smile on her lush lips.
Jax was unable to take his eyes off her. “You look hot, ah—great. Nice dress.” Then he jumped when her fingers briefly swept his thigh.
“New jeans?”
He couldn’t speak as her touch seared him and heat flooded his body. He coughed, heart thundering in his ears when Tierney’s tongue darted out to wet her glossy bottom lip. I wish I was licking that lip … While everyone talked and joked, Jax sat, feeling increasingly unsettled. He’d been tired and achy all day, and now, a strange vibration swept through him that didn’t have anything to do with
Tierney. It was beginning to freak him out.
Tierney studied him. “You okay?” She laid her hand on his leg again, making his heart leap into his throat. Why isn’t Sami sitting with her? His brother seemed oblivious, and Jax didn’t know how much longer he’d be able to control himself.
“Yeah, fine. A little hung over,” he mumbled, shifting uncomfortably.
***
SERENA KNEW SHE LOOKED like a million bucks, as she swept through the club, drawing lustful stares. Men just can’t keep their eyes off me. She tittered as she sashayed over to the bar in her five-inch, fuck-me heels. With a sly, seductive pout on her blood red lips, she showed off her curves, while ignoring the lewd, suggestive comments she left in her wake. It only took a minute to spot her target. Serena grinned.
Ohhh lala, he’s hawt. And he looks dangerous. She grinned, this assignment wasn’t going to be such a hardship after all. At the bar she ordered a Martini, then turned and surveyed the crowd. A moment later, drink in hand, she made her way over to an empty table, keeping an eye on her target. She sat, crossed her legs and sipped at her drink.
Not a minute later, two men sidled up and attempted to talk to her. Serena narrowed her eyes at them, mumbled a spell and grinned smugly when the men blanched and hurried away. Then she turned her attention back to the female beside her target—that must be who she needed to seduce him away from.
***
TIERNEY FELT A THRILL at the blaze in Jax’s eyes when she had walked up to the table. His gaze devoured her like he wanted to consume her, and his breathing had picked up as his eyes slid down her body. She shivered, heat filling her as she sat into the booth next to him and noticed how well he filled out his new jeans. Oh yummy! Hyper-aware of every move he made, she sensed something not quite right. But when she asked if he was okay, he mumbled something about being hung over. She had just started to tease him when Damien stepped up to the table. “Hey, Tierney, you promised me a dance.”
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