At Second Sight: Sentinels

by Meg Allison

  Every delicious moment of the previous night drifted through her mind. Her body reacted immediately. Waves of heat washed over her. Her very core throbbed with renewed need. She contemplated what might happen if she were to turn in his arms and awaken him with a kiss. The evidence of his body’s willingness to oblige pressed against her hip. But she hesitated. She had already given him more of herself in record time. Would it be wise to further complicate their relationship? She almost laughed out loud. Intense sex like they had shared was about as complicated as it could get.

  His eyes opened and her breath caught. She felt the heat enter her cheeks. Timing had never been her strong suit. They lay staring at each other for what seemed an eternal minute. Suddenly, he lifted his arm and rolled to his back as he stretched both arms high above his head with a throaty groan. Then he looked at her, his eyes shuttered slightly.

  “Good morning,” he said. The raspy edge to his voice sent a shiver over her skin. “Have you been staring long?”

  “No, not long,” she assured. “I was just thinking about waking you.”

  One corner of his mouth turned up. He reached a hand toward her hair and smoothed a strand between his fingers. “So beautiful,” he murmured, then looked back into her eyes. “Everything about you—”

  The ring of the phone interrupted him. She scrambled across him to answer, one arm holding the sheet fast to her chest. But he smiled, reached over and easily picked up the receiver, holding it just out her reach until she gave up trying to grab it. Then he seemed to come more fully awake and handed her the receiver.

  “Damn, it could be one of your brothers,” he murmured, that sleepy, just-had-sex rasp still in his voice. Her cheeks flamed. God help them if it was. Nathan might not be called out on the dueling field, but she’d sure as hell never hear the end of it.

  She narrowed her gaze and snatched the phone from his hand. “Hello?”

  “Samantha?”

  She groaned inwardly. “Yes, hello, Davu. It’s been a while. How are you?”

  A deep chuckle resonated along the phone line. “Not as well as you apparently are, I’m afraid. But good, nonetheless.”

  She sighed. Of course, he had heard Nathan’s quiet comment. The man’s hearing rivaled anyone’s.

  “Very funny,” she said. “Now why are you calling me at the crack of dawn? You know as well as anyone that I’m not a morning person.”

  “Obviously,” he observed. “Which is why I waited until now to call. It’s a little after ten, well past dawn, and I’m afraid my call isn’t for personal reasons. The Council has asked for an emergency meeting.”

  She sat up straight, a tingle of unease spreading down her spine. “When?”

  “Today. One o’clock.”

  “But, why? What’s happened?”

  “A friend of ours is causing some concern among a few of the elders and their puppets on the council. They demand we meet and decide on a course of action.”

  “Oh, God.” She rubbed her eyes. “What has Javed done this time?”

  “You knew he was in Savannah?”

  “Yes, he came to see me. He was concerned about some recent murders he’d read about in the paper. I told him I’d find out what I could but that he should lay low and stay out of trouble.”

  “Um, yes, the shifter is not known for his obedience or patience. He is, however, known for his trouble-making. He seems unable to help himself. I’ve always thought the eyepatch has something to do with it. It draws unwanted attention.”

  “Are the police involved?”

  “No, not yet. Honestly, I’m not sure how much they’d mind his help. He’s quite an effective vigilante.”

  “What the hell has he done?”

  “Not now. Not on the phone. I’ll pick you up around twelve-thirty. I’ll drive. We’ll talk.”

  “Davu, I swear to you, if I thought he’d get into trouble or hurt anyone, I would have done something. I felt his anger, but nothing more than usual. These murders he asked about have nothing to do with him, I’m sure of it. I thought he’d have moved on by now.”

  “Yes, of course. You are not to blame, little one, he’s a grown man not a child. The only one responsible for Javed’s actions is Javed.”

  “I know you would never blame me, but the others aren’t so understanding.”

  He chuckled again. “Yes, well, it’s a good thing they don’t hold all the power now, isn’t it? Twelve-thirty, Samantha. Until then, go back to your companion. I’m sure he can find something to keep you occupied for a time.”

  “Now wait just a—” The dial tone hummed in her ear. “Damn. He always gets the last word.”

  A warm hand on the small of her back reminded her she wasn’t alone. “Who always gets the last word?”

  She turned to Nathan and smiled. “Someone I work with from time to time—an old friend.” She reached over him to hang up the receiver. No sooner had it clunked into place, but he grabbed her around the waist and pulled her around so they were laying chest to hip.

  “I’m sorry if I embarrassed you,” he said softly. The sincerity in his eyes made her pulse flutter.

  “No, you didn’t. Not really. Anyway, very little could embarrass me where Davu is concerned.”

  He frowned and for a moment she could feel the tendril of jealousy swirl through him. She laughed.

  “No, not like that, believe me. I’ve known the man most of my life. He’s like an uncle or another father-figure to me.” She pressed her lips to his. “He doesn’t make me feel this way, Nathan. Only you do this to me.”

  “I’m sorry,” he told her. “I have no right to be jealous, it’s just that...” he shook his head. “I’ve never needed anyone, as much as I need you. These feelings are so new to me.” He rolled her over, pinning her to the bed with his torso, his eyes filled with confusion. “I don’t understand this—any of it. Half of the time I’m so happy I feel like I’m floating. I forget what I’m doing. I forget where I put things. Damn, woman. What are you doing to me?”

  She traced his jaw with her fingertips. “Can you tell me? Try to explain it to me?”

  He shook his head and laid his forehead against her shoulder. “I’m not sure I can. I’m afraid I’ll scare the hell out of you if I try.”

  His revelation didn’t frighten her, however. It intrigued her. “Remember what I told you? I’m empathic. I can feel what you feel, if you let me. I won’t trespass in your emotions unless there’s a reason or a request.”

  He looked up at her, a bit of hope in his dark gaze. “If I let you…” he stumbled, searching for words.

  “Sense your feelings…” she offered.

  “Yes, if I let you sense what I’m feeling, will you promise not to freak out on me? Promise not to run away?”

  “Nathan, nothing you feel could scare me away,” she assured. “I’ve done this before, though not with someone I’ve cared about. But if dead bodies and freaky drawings haven’t scared me away, nothing will. Especially not after last night.”

  Still, he hesitated. She thought she might understand his reticence.

  “I don’t read minds,” she assured. It was often the first concern of those who knew about her gift. “I only feel your emotions. I don’t read thoughts. I usually can’t tell what the emotions are connected to if you don’t tell me.”

  “Okay…” He nodded. “What do I do?”

  “Just lay back and try to relax.” He did as she asked. “Now, concentrate on your breathing. In…out…in…out again… Now, slower, deeper…” He grinned. “Nathan!”

  “I’m sorry,” he opened one eye, “But I love it when you talk dirty.” She slapped his shoulder.

  “Now, be serious or this won’t work.”

  “Sorry, I’ll behave.” He squirmed a bit, and took another deep breath so that his shoulders seemed to sink into the pillow. She could feel the tension seep from his body and drift away like a wisp of smoke.

  “Good… Now listen to my voice. Think of me. Only me. Remember
last night…” She could almost feel the blood quicken through his veins. “What were you feeling?”

  “I—”

  “Shh, no… Words get in the way. Just remember and feel. Think about me…about last night.” She closed her eyes and placed a hand on his bare chest. His heart sped up beneath her touch, then slowed a little.

  She could feel his emotions as he relived the night before. Fear…it had started with fear. She frowned. Then a picture of her own face flashed across her mind. Odd, she’d never seen what the other person did in their minds-eye. But there it was—she opened the door and stood there, blinking at him in confusion. Relief—he was almost drowning in it. It was so strong it almost brought him to his knees and then…need…love…desire.

  God, it was strong. Powerful. It was more than she’d ever felt from anyone, even Johnny. The strength of it shook her to the marrow. It made her weak and yet, it made her feel as if she could fly. No, these weren’t her feelings…they belonged to Nathan. Tears sprung up beneath her eyelids even as her heart seemed to swell and strain.

  She jerked her hand away and leapt from the bed, her lungs burning for air. She could only stare down at him as his emotions slowly dissipated, the hot warmth of tears falling down her cheeks unbidden. Then the cold crept over her, chilling and so lonely. It suddenly felt as if she were completely alone.

  “Samantha?” He sat up and she jumped back as if he were the devil instead of the man who loved her. God, his love was so vibrant, intense. But how? How could anyone love so strongly? It was too much. Too damn much, too soon.

  “Baby?” he pleaded. “What’s wrong?”

  “You…you can’t…” she shook her head, unable to form the words as they seemed to stick in her throat like stones.

  “You promised,” he said, his eyes filling with tears. “Damn-it, Samantha! You said it wouldn’t scare you away. I should never have let you in.”

  “I…I didn’t understand.” She swallowed and fought to regain some control of herself. What the freaking hell was she doing? She was standing here, naked and shaking, scared to death because a wonderful man—her dream man in every way imaginable—loved her too much? Had she completely lost her mind?

  “I’m just a little…” she scrubbed her hands over her face and took another breath, “Nathan, I’m not running away. I’m still here, I promise. I just…I just need a minute. I’ve never felt anything like this before. I never knew anyone could feel like this.”

  He watched her, wary and still hurt. “Not even you? You’ve never felt like that?”

  “No…not that strongly.” She bit her lip and slid back into bed beside him. “I’m sorry I reacted like that. It’s just…” she sighed, and sank down onto the mattress as she pulled him close. “I want to feel like that, Nathan. I really do. I haven’t believed in love and forever-after for a very long time.”

  “Maybe you will feel those things,” he said softly. “For me…in time.”

  “I do feel a lot, already,” she admitted, wishing she could say more and mean it. But she was just too afraid. Too unsure. “I won’t say anything more until I really know what I’m feeling. I don’t want to hurt you.”

  “No, that’s fine,” he said with a small smile. “As long as I didn’t scare you off. We’ll take it one day at a time and see what happens.”

  She nestled close, laying her head against his broad chest. The scent of his skin filled her senses. She arched her body closer, seeking his warmth, his touch.

  “You didn’t scare me away,” she said, wondering if it were really true.

  “Then come away with me,” he urged. “I want to take you away from here—from Savannah, from these murders.”

  “We can’t run away. Not if we can help stop it, somehow.”

  “But what if we can’t? What if they’re happening because of me? Maybe if I leave, he’ll stop killing.”

  “That makes no sense. Why would anyone kill prostitutes because of you?” She lifted her head to look at him. “Have you ever been to one?”

  He frowned slightly. “A prostitute? No, of course not. Never have. I was always too worried about diseases and my mother finding out.”

  She laughed at that. She could only imagine what a formidable woman his mother might be. “I’d like to meet her, someday.”

  “Really? I suppose…when I’m sure she won’t scare you even more than I just did.”

  They lay there in silence until his warmth seemed to soothe the chill from her skin. She arched closer, her instincts tugging at her senses. She needed him again. Her body began to throb a low, primal beat. He must have sensed her cue, for he began to slide his hands over her back, her bottom and back up to her shoulders.

  “Do you want to talk or make love again?” he asked softly.

  “I have a meeting…”

  “When is he coming to get you?”

  “Twelve-thirty.”

  “Then we have over two hours.”

  She grinned against his chest. “Yes, I suppose we do. But we’re out of condoms, remember?”

  “Damn, I forgot that,” he said, his tone dejected.

  “There’s a drug store around the corner,” she told him.

  Nathan bounded from the bed and snatched his pants from the floor. “Let’s not waste another second. You wait here and I’ll be right back.”

  * * ‡ * *

  Like clockwork, Davu knocked on the apartment door at half past twelve. As usual, Samantha was running late. She and Nathan had spent a bit longer in bed than they had intended, followed by a long, hot shower together. But he had no regrets. He only hoped she didn’t, either.

  “Would you answer the door, please?” she called from her bedroom. “I’m almost ready.”

  Nathan thought to protest, but realized how juvenile that would be. She had assured him there wasn’t anything between her and the mysterious Davu except years of friendship. If he wanted this relationship to work, he’d have to leave his innate jealousy at the curb. Men of strength and confidence were what Samantha Bays was used to in her life. If he stood a fighting chance at keeping her attention, he’d have to measure up.

  He pulled the door open and found a tall black man standing on Samantha’s stoop. They eyed each other for a long moment, both taking measure of the other. The man called Davu was a good four inches taller than Nathan’s own average height of a bit under six feet. He was dark and rugged—the kind of man he admired, the kind who seemed at ease in any situation from the boardroom to the local bar. Did Samantha find him handsome? Is this the type of man she longed for? Then the stranger smiled and stuck out his hand.

  “Good afternoon, I’m Davu Johnson,” he said.

  Nathan blinked dumbly then grasped the other man’s hand in his. “Nathan Quinn.”

  One dark brow rose. “Nathan Quinn, now why does that name sound familiar?”

  “I’m sure I don’t know. I don’t believe we’ve ever met.”

  “Are you one of Samantha’s writers?”

  “No, I write graphic novels. She doesn’t handle—”

  “Ahhhh,” The man smiled broadly as if he’d made a wonderful discovery. “Yes, of course. The Lords of Moirai trilogy, correct? I knew I recognized your name.”

  He couldn’t have been more surprised if the man had sprouted another head. “Uh, yes. You’ve read them, I take it?”

  “Of course, I’ve read them. I quite enjoy the genre and its blend of art with storytelling. Excellent stories, by the way, and artwork. You’ve captured the time period using just the right amount of dark and light along with your storyline. Your sparse use of colors is quite effective, too. Very impressive. I do hope you plan to write more.”

  Nathan smiled reluctantly at the praise. “Thank you, I’m glad to hear someone enjoyed them. And yes, I plan to write more. I’m just taking a bit of a break at the moment.”

  “Good. I imagine reviewers are somewhat scarce for such work, but rest assured, they are excellent novels. You will reach a larger audience, even
tually. Keep the faith.” Silence, then Davu glanced past Nathan’s shoulder. “Is she running late again?”

  “Oh, yes, sorry,” he said, stepping aside. “Would you like to come in and wait?”

  “Yes, thank you.” The other man stepped up and entered the corridor. The space seemed to shrink—filled with both his presence and energy he exuded. He watched Davu move into the living room.

  “Assured, larger than life, filled with innate power…”

  The man would make an excellent, visual hero in one of his books. A perfect Othello in the flesh. Or perhaps an Egyptian prince. Nathan hoped to hell Davu never decided to romance Samantha. It wouldn’t be easy to measure up.

  The other man chuckled as he glanced around the neat room. “No worries, young man. Samantha has always been a little sister to me.” He glanced Nathan’s way, dark eyes dancing with mischief. “A very annoying little sister. And I’m sure I’m little more than another irritating big brother, in her view. Poor girl has too many of those as it is.”

  Nathan frowned. It was as if the other man had read his thoughts. “I didn’t—”

  “Ready!” Samantha called as she entered the room.

  The sight and smell of her filled his senses. She wore tan slacks that hugged all the right curves and a short-sleeved, chocolate colored blouse that emphasized the glow of her peaches and cream complexion. When she looked at him after a bare glance at the other man, the affection in her eyes erased all doubts. He suddenly felt as if he were standing on air.

  “I’m not sure how long I’ll be,” she said softly. “Can I call you when we’re through? You can stay here or—”

  “I have an idea,” Davu interrupted. “Why don’t we take Nathan with us? That way we can all have a late lunch together when we’re finished. Or an early dinner, depending on how long-winded our colleagues decide to be this afternoon.” He winked at Sam and then flashed a smile in Nathan’s direction. “I’d like to get to know your new friend, Sam. I just discovered he’s one of my favorite new writers.”