Destiny of Blood (Love of a Shifter Book 4) Page 6

  “Max drowned right in front of me. If I could have shifted I would’ve killed James. My mother found me trying to hold onto some tree limbs and pull the bag up, but Max was already dead by the time my mom got to him. I cried and cried, but mostly I remember being so angry that all I wanted to do was kill James and his friends.” Lilly looked up at him. “Do you believe in karma?”

  “Yes.”

  “I do too, because James and his friends all drowned in a boating accident when they turned sixteen years old. They got drunk while James was driving his dad’s speedboat, hit something that catapulted them in the air, and they drowned. Karma.

  “I never want Gabriel to hurt someone because he didn’t have a chance to get his frustrations out. You see, my brother Larken brought me here and put the gloves on my hands and told me to hit the bag, but to picture it as James, and I did. I cried and screamed at that bag until I fell down on the floor exhausted. My mother was watching, and when I was done she came in and hugged me to her and sang that song to me. I fell asleep too, but she stayed and held me until I woke up. It worked. I know this is a totally different situation, but I hope it helps him.”

  Sindrid smiled. “It’s going to help him. He has to be heavy, do you want me to hold him?”

  “No! Sorry, but I want to hold him. If he gets too heavy I’ll let you know, but right now he’s not.” Lilly touched his hair again, smoothing it down and playing with it like a mother would with her child’s.

  “You’ll make a wonderful mother one day,” Sindrid told her, watching as Lilly twirled his hair around her finger.

  She smiled, wishing his sweet words were honest and she could trust him absolutely, but she held back. Once, she’d trusted someone she thought was the real deal, and he left her with just a note.

  “Thank you.” Lilly glanced back down and noticed that Gabriel was awake and watching them both.

  “Hey you.” Lilly smiled.

  “Hey. I’m sorry I lost it like that,” Gabriel admitted.

  “Nothing to be sorry about. I think you needed that, and I know I needed to hit that bag. I’ll never know the loss you’ve suffered, but I’m here for you, always.”

  Sindrid placed his hand on Gabriel’s chest. “That goes for me, too. I made you a promise, and I plan to keep it. I’m here for you too, so when you need to talk to me I’m also available. I can’t promise I’ll be as good at it as Lilly, but I can listen.”

  “Do you smell that?” Lilly tilted her head up and inhaled deeply. “Doesn’t that smell wonderful? Let’s go eat. I’m starving. Are you okay to get up?” Gabriel smiled and jumped up.

  “Youth. I wish I had your energy.” Lilly started to push herself off the floor, but Sindrid grabbed her and pulled her up.

  “Whoa,” she squeaked as he slowly put her down. He made sure to slide her down his body until her feet touched the ground. Immediately her body reacted to his. She gasped as her stomach ran over the bulge in his pants. He was just as affected as she was, and they stared into each other’s eyes for a moment. Breathe Lilly, just breathe. He’s just a man.

  “I’m starving.” Gabriel ran out of the room in search of the food, jerking them both out of their sexual haze. They both turned and watched as Gabriel ran out. It was one of those strange moments where she thought he was going to kiss her, but then she went totally shy and glanced down at her shoes.

  “Would you watch a movie with me tonight in my room? I thought maybe we could start there in our quest of getting to know and trust each other. Maybe even go to the dining room and eat first?” Sindrid waited for her to answer.

  “A date?” Lilly could feel the tingling in her toes again as they gazed at each other. Before she could stop herself and make up some lame excuse, she heard herself say, “Sure.” Then she hesitated. “What time?”

  “Around six. I can come down and get you at your room, and then we can go eat. I want to take you out to a nice restaurant, but I also know that you’re probably exhausted from your work and then the skiing we did today. And, to be quite honest, I’m a little tired myself and just want to relax with you.” Lilly smiled; she couldn’t stop the feelings she got around him, and she had promised to give him a chance. Plus, they had to eat.

  “What about Gabriel?” she asked.

  “Marcus asked me earlier if he could spend some time with him. He said that he might even take him skiing again with his pack, who are all here. Apparently, it’s a traditional thing that they do when they come here to the lodge.”

  “It is. All the packs get together before they leave. It started three years ago, and it’s really fun. They have a great time, but just to make sure Gabriel is safe, will you send Joseph with him?”

  Sindrid smiled. “Yes, I will. You’re already attached to him?”

  “Yeah, I guess I am. He’s a special kid,” Lilly answered.

  “Right now we still don’t know who is involved, and I don’t want to risk him being alone, either. Joseph and some of the others will go with him. I’ll tell Gabriel that they need a break, so it’s not too embarrassing for him,” Sindrid explained.

  “Good. Tomorrow all the packs are going home, so they party it up all day and night to last them until next year. It’s getting bigger and bigger every year.” Lilly smiled and started to walk to the door.

  “So it’s a date then,” Sindrid confirmed as he caught up to her.

  “I guess so.” There it was again; that tingling feeling she had when she got close to him. She couldn’t control it, or even try to repress it. It burned inside her body like a beacon of light in a blinding snowstorm.

  Chapter 7

  Once they got back to the meeting room, she saw that just as she’d expected, her brother had had lunch catered in. Gabriel was sitting beside Joseph, eating like a growing young man. She was happy that he seemed more cheerful after her help. He was laughing at something Marcus had said to him. All of her family was sitting around him, joking as well. She knew life would be forever changed for him, but she would do her best to help him adjust.

  Reflecting on the advantages she’d had in her own life reinforced her desire to give back to others who weren’t as fortunate. She had a wonderful family that loved her; she wanted to make sure Gabriel felt that again.

  Marcus looked up as she walked in with Sindrid. Lilly made sure she didn’t make eye contact with him. She didn’t want him to think she was trying to make him jealous. If he wanted her, he’d had the chance and didn’t take it. Her pride was hurt by that most of all, and now she couldn’t even trust a man anymore. She knew there would come a day when she got to tell Marcus how much he’d hurt her, but now wasn’t the time or place.

  Lilly sat down beside River to eat. She could tell that Larken was watching her every move—her brother knew her so well—but he hadn’t said anything yet. But knowing Larken the way she did, she knew it was coming. She picked up her fork and tried to listen to the conversation going on at the table.

  “We have another person joining the Unit tomorrow,” Jonas announced to the group. “Her name is Emerson Prescott, and she’s a witch.”

  “Is she good?” Ash asked.

  “You have got to be kidding me. Emerson is coming to join the Unit?” Jansen asked, surprised. “I know you did a background check on her, but did you know that Emerson is probably the best witch known in our community? Her skills and power far exceed mine, or anyone’s I know, except maybe her father.”

  “I know she’s pretty,” Nash chimed in, staring at her photo.

  Jansen glanced at Star before he answered, “She’s not as pretty as a beautiful redhead I know, but you’re right Nash, the woman is pretty.”

  “Ahh, how sweet.” Star reached over and pinched Jansen on the nipple.

  “What did I do? I don’t say anything to you when you and Ash comment on other men.”

  “Liar. You and Banks both growl and puff out your chests, like I’d ever do anything. But there’s nothing wrong with just looking.”

  Jansen
leaned over and whispered in Star’s ear, “Keep that up baby, and you’ll be flat on your back again right here in front of everyone.” Star just smiled at her mate.

  “Promises, promises,” she answered.

  “Her file says that, but the information I’m hearing is that her father is against her joining and may cause some trouble for us,” Jonas explained.

  “Seems about right. Her father is none other than Kingsley Prescott, and he’s on the Twisters’ Council. He’s a very old-school type of wizard, especially in his beliefs. He actually believes that we should never marry outside our race, so as not to taint our precious bloodlines. So it shocks me that Emerson is joining the Unit. She’d be a great asset, but I bet money that her father is so pissed off. I bet he is turning colors thinking about it.” Jansen added.

  “Why, Jansen? It’s an honor to be on the Unit,” Ash interjected.

  “Yes it is; however, Kingsley Prescott and his friends don’t believe in their kind mingling with the ‘animals.’ I’m sorry if that sounds crude, but it’s how they feel. Emerson was always different, though. She treats everyone with kindness, but don’t let the pretty face fool you. She’s an Alpha through and through. I look forward learning some magic from her. Like I said before, she’s the best I’ve ever seen. It comes naturally to her, almost as if the magic is attracted to her and surrounds her, just waiting for her to command it.”

  “I look forward to meeting her.” Ash smiled. She glanced over at Nash, who was still staring at Emerson’s picture.

  “See something you like?” Ash teased Nash, who just smiled and put the picture down, looking away as if he wasn’t interested, but she’d seen it. There was something in that look.

  Jonas cleared his throat before he spoke. “Okay, now that we know the story of what’s going on, we need to get to work to find the facility and the people behind it. Pelton, I need you and River working on finding that location. Jansen and Banks, you need to start looking at the company Jacob worked at. We need to follow the money; who owns the company and all that jazz. Ash and Powers will compile all that information and find out where we need to go to next.

  “I don’t need to tell everyone how important this case is. We need to work fast on this. The sooner we find out who is behind this, the quicker we can get those people out of there. I don’t doubt that they have several facilities already up and running. Those who are on the Unit, meet back here in an hour.”

  ****

  Gabriel ran over to Sindrid with the biggest smile on his face. “Marcus wants to know if I want to go with him and his pack back up to the mountain to ski. Do you mind if I go?”

  Sindrid smiled as the kid beamed with excitement. “Of course you can go. Do you mind if Joseph and some of the other guards go, too? They wanted to get some skiing in tonight since it’s fresh snow.”

  “That would be so cool,” Gabriel replied. He was almost jumping up and down, he was so excited.

  “Hey kid, let’s go get your ski clothes and board, and we’ll meet them on the mountain.” Joseph walked over and patted Gabriel on the back. Two other guards stood, smiling, as Gabriel hugged Lilly.

  He could tell that the kid needed Lilly’s comfort. She hugged him tightly to her chest.

  “Have a great time, and remember what I said about not going off by yourself,” Lilly instructed him, like he was her child.

  “I will. I promise. Bye, Lilly.”

  His body tingled as he watched her give Gabriel so much love, the kid eating it up. She gave her love out to everyone except him. But he planned on gaining her trust, which was the first step in getting Lilly to love him.

  Gabriel jumped up and went with Joseph and the guards; they had to run to catch up with him. His excitement was contagious, and everyone smiled when Gabriel left the room.

  “Can I walk you to your room?” Sindrid stood up, offering his hand to her.

  She smiled and placed her small, delicate hand in his. Just that simple gesture made him feel like he’d made some progress with her. Sindrid didn’t let her hand go as they walked out of the room. They were both silent as they got on the elevator.

  “Lilly, I know you must be tired. If you want to lie down for a while before dinner, I can pick you back up at seven tonight. That way you can catch a quick nap.”

  “That would be wonderful. First, I want to soak in the tub.” Lilly blushed when she realized what she’d said.

  “Sounds good to me.” Sindrid chuckled. “I’ve got some business to take care of, but I can always imagine you relaxing in the tub.”

  Lilly giggled, then pushed him with her elbow. “Stop now, or you won’t get any business done.”

  The elevator door opened and Sindrid walked with Lilly to her room. He waited until she unlocked the door before he spoke. He didn’t want to seem pushy, but he had to see her. It was hard letting her walk through the door without touching her. “I’ll pick you up at seven,” Sindrid said.

  “I’ll be ready,” Lilly answered as she walked into her room. They made eye contact as she closed the door. He inhaled deeply as the door shut and her wildflower scent drifted into his nose. Her scent alone made him hard and wanting. He was thankful that nobody could see how tented his pants were as he walked back to the elevator, thinking about his wildflower stripping down and being naked in the bathtub.

  Hell, he was going to have to take a quick shower to get rid of the hard-on he had. He knew waiting wasn’t an option. The mating pull was pushing him hard, so in order to help himself he needed to take some time in the shower or he’d bust Lilly’s door in and take her in the tub.

  Chapter 8

  Lilly leaned against the door. She knew she was in trouble now. Her whole body had gone up in flames just from him holding her hand. She tried like hell to stop it, but nope; her panties were so drenched she could feel it. Damn hormones. She could smell herself, and knew he could scent her attraction ten miles away.

  “It’s shower time.” Lilly moved off the door and headed for the bathroom. This was going to be so much harder then she’d thought. “Shit.”

  As she stepped into the hot water, Lilly finally replayed everything that had happened since Sindrid Abner had come to town. If she was honest with herself, he hadn’t done anything wrong, and he’d helped her family and Gabriel. Sure, he was a nice enough man, but he was still the king of vampires. Listening to Jansen talk about Emerson Prescott’s father’s prejudices only brought the reality of that issue to the forefront.

  Most of his people would understand, if they were fated mates, but there were still those people like Kingston Prescott who believed in not mixing the races, no matter what. Talk of ‘tainted’ bloodlines and mixing ‘purebred’ witches and wizards with animals—she’d heard it all before, and she knew that there would be problems, but Sindrid acted like it was nothing at all. Soon enough he would hear it from his own people, though, and then he would leave her.

  And then he would take Gabriel away from her. She shook her head; she only wanted to think happy thoughts, or the ones that were plaguing her would take over and she’d end it now before she even went on a date with him.

  *****

  Emerson Prescott put the last suitcase in her car, and then looked up at the place she’d called home since she was born. She couldn’t help thinking about all the good times they used to have there before her mother died. Everything had changed when she passed away, including Emerson’s father. He was her hero, and had been since she was a child; now all he cared about was gaining control of the Twisters’ Council. He told her over and over again that she was wasting her potential and could rise to the top of the Council if she put her mind to it. ‘Come work at headquarters with me,’ he would say to her, and when she refused the conversation would go downhill from there. She’d hoped that in time he would change his mind about her, but she’s had no such luck.

  Then there was the fact that she didn’t have the same views he did with regard to mixing with shifters and vampires, and that he conti
nued to tell her she’d disgrace the family name by hanging out with such people. She had a lot of friends who could shift, and she loved watching them. Her father, however, would never change his mind.

  She couldn’t take it anymore; she wanted to see what was out there in the world. There had to be more. She wanted to experience life instead of just existing.

  She walked inside to say good-bye to her father, praying he would have a change of heart, but knowing he wouldn’t. Bracing herself for his hurtful words, she opened the door and walked to his study. His door was closed, so she knocked.

  “Enter.”

  Emerson walked inside the room she’d loved to play in when she was a child. Her father’s desk took up one side of the study, with two computers sitting at opposite ends. “Father, I’m leaving.”

  She waited until he finally looked up at her and frowned. “Why?”

  “Father, you know I’ve joined the Unit and have to report tomorrow.” Emerson walked closer to his desk. “I don’t want any cross words between us before I leave.”

  “Then don’t go. It’s that simple, Emerson. You’re a Prescott. Being on the Unit is beneath you,” Kingsley Prescott argued.

  “Father, I have to go. I want to make a difference in the world. I think I can help. Please don’t act this way. Just love me, and tell me to call you when I get there. Be the kind of father who really cares if I’m happy. Don’t you see that this is what I want to do?”

  “Don’t be so dramatic, Emerson. I haven’t worked all my life, making sure you had every opportunity I could get for you, to see you ruin it by working for the Unit. You’ve never worked a day in your life—you don’t know the first thing about work. I made it that way. No daughter of mine will work with a bunch of animals,” Kingsley spit out.