Master of Mine: Masters of Haven Book One

by Dark, Raven

  She wished she could explain what held her back. Ace was convinced she’d fail. The idea of proving him right…her gut churned. All her life her family—Ace and father in particular—had waited for her to fail at everything, more than happy to gloat when they were right.

  Archer ran his thumb over the back of her hand. “Just think about it. I wouldn’t offer you the test if I didn’t think you were ready.”

  You’re the only one who does. “I’ll think about it.”

  “Good. Now come here and give me a kiss.” He tipped her chin up. “I get the feeling it’s gonna be tonight before I feel your lips again.”

  Gwen kissed him long and hard on the mouth. If her dad had his way, this might be the last time she kissed Archer at all.

  * * *

  Gwen wound her way through the guests at the table and got herself a piece of Chad’s victory cake. From downstairs in the basement, she heard her dad laughing at something Joe said. If she knew them, Joe was down there showing him some new piece of military equipment, and Dad was filling his head with more exaggerated combat stories.

  Dad hadn’t said anything about her and Archer yet, but the bomb was ticking. He’d avoided so much as looking at her since she’d introduced Archer as her boyfriend to Frank, and given Frank the cold shoulder. Knowing Dad, he was waiting to bring it up when it could cause the most carnage.

  “Did you tell Dad yet?”

  She glanced up at Ace, who cut himself a large slice, and kept her face neutral. “He already knows about Archer and me, or didn’t you see?”

  “Yeah, I saw the little show you put on, humiliating Frank in the process. I was talking about this stalking nonsense. Or have you given that up, now that you’ve got Archer wrapped around your finger?”

  He still doesn’t get it. “Well, considering the house is still standing, what do you think?” She headed for the living room, where she could hear Chad and Archer horsing around.

  “Hey.” Ace grabbed her arm and she rounded on him. “Since when did you get such an attitude?”

  “You mean a backbone?”

  Ace’s hand tightened. “Watch your mouth. Tell Dad all of it now or I will.”

  Gwen met his eyes, proud she shook only a little. “Let go of me, Ace.”

  “Or what? What are you gonna do, karate chop me?” He grinned wolfishly.

  “Hey, Gwen,” Archer called. She barely hid the relief that flooded her and raised her voice with a hint of warning meant for Ace.

  “Be right there, Archer.” She stared down her brother.

  Ace released her slowly. “Not much of a backbone if you have to call Archer to help you.”

  “I didn’t. Trust me, next time you touch me, I will belt you.” She turned and went into the living room.

  “Hey. Gwen, help me whip this guy’s ass, will you?” Archer nodded to the TV. He and Chad stood in front of it, controllers in hand, one of Chad’s shooting games on the screen.

  “Sorry about your luck. I don’t game.”

  “So, is anyone going to explain this to me?”

  Gwen looked up at her dad in the doorway. She gave him a questioning look.

  “What’s with Barney Fife out there?” He jerked his thumb at Tony, stationed outside the front door.

  Gwen looked at Archer. He put down the controller and touched her shoulder. Silently supportive. Gwen drew a deep breath. Behind her father, Ace walked into the room, an expectant scowl on his face. No going back now.

  “Dad, I think you’d better sit down. There’s something I need to tell you.”

  31

  A Proposition

  As soon as the words were out, Gwen swallowed. Would he listen? How big would the explosion get?

  Far from sitting down, her father scowled while crossing his arms. Gwen resisted the urge to back away. If only he didn’t insist on towering over her.

  “I’ll sit when I choose. What have you done, Gwen?”

  She bristled, but forced her anger down. No surprise he was ready to accuse her. Archer’s hand closed over her shoulder. Her father’s eyes hardened, zeroing in on his grip on her. Gwen pulled in a breath, drawing strength from Archer’s presence.

  Archer opened his mouth to say something, probably to defend her. She loved him for it, but she shook her head. “I got this.”

  A smile touched his mouth. He kept his hand on her shoulder, but said nothing.

  Gwen fixed her father with a look, proud that she kept it level. “Fine, look, the reason the guard is out there is… I’m being stalked. I…”

  “Wait. What did you say?” Her dad’s thick grey brows shot down. His mouth twisted, and he glanced back at Ace, at his other sons. “You’re being what?”

  Here we go. Fire in the hole. She swallowed. “Stalked. Dad, there’s a man after me. I went to Archer to learn self-defense. I—”

  He shook his head, turning away from her, with one hand up. “All right, just…stop. Stop. I will not hear any more of this ridiculous—”

  A distant bang went off and glass shattered. Gwen cried out just as Archer grabbed her, pulled her into a crouch, and folded himself over her, covering her. Her father swore behind her.

  “What the hell was that?” Gwen pressed herself to Archer, clutching him.

  “Sounded like gunfire out front,” Ace said.

  The door crashed in and Tony ran into the living room, gun in hand. “Everyone all right in here?”

  Gwen tried to lift her head, but Archer tightened his grip around her, keeping her tucked under him. “Just stay down, sweetheart.”

  “We’re fine.” She heard her father unlock his gun cabinet. “Archer, Ace, take Gwen out back, I’ll—

  Another shot went off, and the living room window shattered. Gwen screamed, Archer flattened her to the floor under him with a curse, and her dad threw himself to the floor. Ace shouted and crouched under the window. Tony flattened himself against the wall by the front door, using the door as a shield, gun cupped in his hands.

  For a long moment, everything seemed to move in slow motion. Someone was shouting. Every muscle in her coiled tight, flattening her to the floor as effectively as Archer’s huge frame.

  Gwen lifted her head. Tony moved across the living room, and Archer’s weight lifted off her an instant before the two men led her from the house. Tony spoke into his police radio, saying something about shots fired.

  Archer hurried Gwen across the lawn, through the back gate. Half running, he didn’t stop until they were across the street at the opening to an alley between the houses. Tony followed behind, along with her dad and brothers.

  Archer turned her to him and cupped her face in his hands. “Are you okay?”

  She nodded, squeezing his arms.

  Sirens wailed and two cop cars skidded up in front of the house behind her. A moment later, two more cars stopped in front of her dad’s house; she could see them at the end of the alleyway. The officers hurried through the front of the house. Gwen rubbed her arms, but it did nothing to dispel the shivers that wracked her.

  Archer’s hand rubbed, warm and soothing. “It’s gonna be okay, sweetheart.”

  She nodded, teeth chattering. “I can’t stop shaking.”

  “It’ll pass.”

  “It was him, wasn’t it? It was the stalker.”

  “Probably.” His thumbs caressed her cheeks, his eyes concerned. “Stay here a minute. I need to make sure Tony called Quinn.”

  “Okay.” Gwen turned, looking around for Ace.

  “Gwen, get over here.” Her dad stopped in front of her. She sighed and walked over to him. He took her arms with an uncharacteristic gentleness. “Are you all right?” He looked over her.

  “I’m fine, Dad.” She should have appreciated his protectiveness under the circumstances, but his constant belittling made it too little too late.

  “Is it this stalker who did this?” He gestured to the general commotion around them.

  “Yes. We think so. Archer’s calling a friend at the FBI wh
o took my case.”

  His brows climbed. “The FBI?”

  “Yeah.”

  “Gwen, what the hell have you gotten yourself into? You…” He cut off when Archer came over.

  “Gwen. Quinn’s in Quantico now, but he’ll come as soon as he’s able. He’ll have men look the area over for the shooter, and he’s putting a detail on your dad’s house.”

  The general shook his head. “I don’t need a detail, Archer. I’m a decorated Marine, and I can take care of my own, without the help of the FB fucking I.”

  “Dad.” Gwen rolled her eyes.

  He glared at her. “What I do want is an explanation from you, young lady. Why the hell didn’t you come to me?”

  Gwen opened her mouth to speak, and then closed it. Every instinct in her screamed to remain silent, to let him rant and rave until he burned himself out. But she made herself meet his gaze.

  “You really need me to tell you why?”

  His eyes blazed. “Don’t take that tone with me. Someone comes after you, and you go to Archer? I’m your father, I could have protected you.”

  “Sir—” Archer cut off when he rounded on him.

  “You shut up. I’ll deal with you later.”

  Archer’s brows lifted. “Wow.”

  “Dad!” Gwen glared at him. “Don’t talk to him like that. Fine, I didn’t tell you because after the way Ace reacted, I knew better than to think you wouldn’t do the exact same thing as him.”

  “Ace knew?”

  “Yes. I told him. He blamed me, Dad. Typical Ace, and you’d have done the same.”

  “I would not have. I would have protected you.”

  She ran her hands through her hair. “Earlier, you said it was ridiculous.”

  Her father rounded on Archer, ignoring her. “And you. Why didn’t you come to me, boy?”

  Archer let out what sounded like a half sigh, half laugh. He stared at her father like he’d never seen him before. “Because, sir. She asked me not to tell anyone. I respected her wishes.”

  “Hers? She’s my daughter. What about mine? I’m her father. As soon as she came to you, you should have come to me and told me what was going on.”

  “No, sir.” Archer fixed him with a level gaze. “She asked in confidence.”

  “Well.” Her father dropped his arms. “I mistook you for a stronger man, Archer. You shouldn’t have given her that choice.”

  “Dad!” Gwen snapped before she could stop it.

  Archer raised his brows. “Is that really how you see her, sir? Someone to be controlled?”

  “Don’t tell me how to care for my daughter. Listen, boy.” He jabbed a finger at him. “She’s in your hands now. Anything happens to her, I’m holding you responsible.” He turned and stalked away toward the cop cars.

  “Right, because god forbid I take care of myself.” But he didn’t seem to have heard her.

  “Gwen.” Archer put a hand on her arm. “Let him go.”

  She turned to say something to him, but didn’t get the chance. Archer’s phone rang, and he signaled to her that he needed to take it. She nodded and he walked a few paces away. She heard him say Quinn’s name. Was the agent coming?

  “Gwen.”

  A hand on her shoulder made her jump. She turned and almost rolled her eyes. Frank stood too close, and the air suddenly felt a lot colder. Jesus. How did he just appear like that? And what had he just slid inside his pocket?

  “What are you doing here, Frank?” She couldn’t keep the bite out of her tone.

  A muscle in his forehead pulsed. He slid his hand round her elbow. “I was one of the responders here.” He nodded at one of the cop cars. For some reason he didn’t look at her. “I came as soon as I heard you were in danger. I…”

  He thinks he’s my savior? Gwen pulled out of his grip. “Thanks, but I’m fine.”

  “No you aren’t, you’re shaking.” He moved to put his arm around her and she flinched back.

  “Thanks,” she said sharply. His mouth twitched and she sighed, gentling her voice. “Thanks, really. I’m okay.”

  “I’d better get you somewhere safe. Come with me.” He took her elbow again.

  Her heart quickened. She’d never wanted anyone away from her so badly. Gwen twisted away. “No. I said I’m fine.”

  “Gwen.” Archer stepped beside her. Relief flooded her as he slid his arm around her waist, giving Frank a pointed look. “You again.” The tightness in his tone was almost unnoticeable. Love for him swelled for her.

  “I came to help out, Mister Drake.” Again, he wouldn’t look at him.

  “Nice of you.” But the friendliness didn’t touch his eyes. He looked at Gwen. “That was Quinn. He’s on his way. His men are over at your dad’s house.”

  Frank stared at him. How did he make his stare look so much like a hawk waiting to attack?

  “Did his men find anything?”

  “No. But one of them found out that the shots came from a house across from your dad’s. The couple who lives there is on vacation.”

  Ice poured into her veins. “Shit. He was watching my family.”

  He nodded. “Quinn wants us back at the hotel.” He led her toward Tony, who waited by the car. “He’ll take our statements when he meets us at the hotel. Then he’ll come over and get your dad’s.”

  Gwen nodded. She looked back where Frank was standing. She froze. “What the…”

  “What is it?”

  “He’s gone again.” She scanned the street, but didn’t see the detective anywhere.

  “That guy’s really starting to piss me off.”

  Gwen gave a shaky laugh. “I love it when you get protective.”

  He opened the door for her, his eyes worried. “I’m serious, Gwen. I don’t like the way he touches you.”

  She hid her unease with a chuckle. “Ooh. No one touches your woman.”

  “It’s not like that. Ok, maybe it is. But he’s… I dunno. He sets me on edge.”

  Gwen climbed in, sliding over so he could follow.

  Archer looked around, then shut the door.

  “He’s a friend of Ace’s, and a cop. We were just shot at. You’re paranoid.”

  “Maybe. Still, I’ll be a lot happier when we’re back at the hotel.”

  Gwen took one last look around, but didn’t see Frank—or anyone else—lurking anywhere. The tension in her relaxed a little. Me too.

  * * *

  Gwen finished up her shower, enjoying the rare moment of alone time. The hot water pounded out the tension in her muscles, dousing the anxiety that still clung to her in the wake of last night’s shooting.

  She luxuriated in the heat, taking her time. The past couple of weeks, showering was about the only thing she could do without being under armed guard.

  She wrapped herself in a towel and left the bathroom. In the sitting area, Archer turned to her.

  “Hey. I ordered dinner for us.” He smiled at her, setting out big plates of fettuccine Alfredo and Cesar salad. The smell of garlic and cheese filled the room and Gwen inhaled, humming in appreciation.

  “And a dozen roses too.” She felt her cheeks go red looking at the vase holding twelve long-stemmed red roses in the middle of the table, her heart bouncing.

  “You deserve everything I can give you.”

  She plucked a rose and inhaled the heady scent as he lit the candle in the middle of the table. “Have I told you how much I love you?”

  “Get some clothes on and have a seat before the food gets cold.” A smirk played with his mouth. “On second thought, forget the clothes. Lose the towel.”

  “Archer.” She left the towel in place and walked over to the couch, sitting on the arm of it.

  He paused in the middle of pouring red wine and raised an eyebrow. “What is it?”

  “Do you regret turning down the teaching job in Japan?”

  He narrowed his eyes, and spoke a heartbeat too late. “Why do you ask?”

  She looked down.

  Archer s
et the bottle down, crossed to her and cupped her face in his hands. “Gwen, if you’re worried about me leaving, I’m not. My life is here.”

  “I know.” She set her hands on his shoulders. “But you want to go. The way you talked about Grandmaster Tashita and the school, I know you want the job.”

  A soft sigh left him. “I want you more.”

  “Well, what if you could have both?”

  “What?”

  She looked at the ceiling. “After the way my family behaved, the stalker after us and everything.” She took his hands. “If you want the teaching job, I want to go to Japan with you.”

  Archer’s mouth made a silent ‘Oh.’ Joy flashed in his eyes. “You have no idea how much I’ve wanted to hear that. But I don’t want you making that kind of a decision now. Your family…”

  “My family.” She scoffed. “My family doesn’t matter. Not enough to hold myself back.”

  “I hear what you’re saying. But I won’t have you doing anything rash based on fear or anger. Living in Japan is very different, and I have no idea when, or if, we’d be back.”

  “I know. But none of that matters, as long as I’m with you.”

  He closed his eyes. A soft smile tugged at his lips. “Come here.” He led her to a seat at the table. When she sat, he knelt in front of her.

  “Okay. Look.” His voice was warm. “It may take some time for Master Tashita to fill the position. Give it some time. Hopefully this shit with the stalker and your family will be over soon. When it is, if the position is still open and you still want to come, we’ll go. All right?”

  She nodded. He didn’t want her making such a huge, life altering decision just to get away from her family or the stalker. She’d lose so much if she left with him. She’d be far away from everyone she knew, in a country half way around the world. She’d lose her job, moving away from Nick and Zoe, her best friends. He wanted to make sure she was ready to accept all of that.

  “I understand. We’ll wait.”

  “Good.” He pressed his lips to her forehead. When he moved to stand up, she tugged on his hands.

  He rubbed her legs, waiting.