Chapter 10 #2
“I mean it, Skylar. If there was another way, if we had a shot you’d be my mate. I’d want to go on that second date.”
Skylar sighed in acceptance. “We could be friends. Well, until I die. Because you’ll go on living, right?”
“Yeah, I mean, I guess if you put it that way. But—” He gave a small laugh. “We can still be friends.”
“Hard friendship rule though. No blood clubs. Ever.”
“No, no we won’t. Zero out of ten. Don’t recommend. How about beignets and coffee?”
“One hundred percent.”
“Drive in movie?”
Skylar broke out in a wide smile. “Scary or Comedy?”
“Action comedy.”
“Okay. Okay.” She nodded.
“Maybe I could meet your parents,” he suggested.
Skylar laughed. “Fair enough. My mom has always been a little woo woo. Dad is open as long as you promise to watch a football game.”
“You could meet my mom. My sister Tabitha. They’re cool with humans.”
“I’d like that.” A warmth ignited inside her, followed by an immediate wave of sadness.
“I think we’ve got this friendship thing down. No more…well you know. Just friends. We celebrate each other’s successes and check in when we can.”
“How long is this thing with your witchy mom going to take?”
“I don’t know.” He laughed. “Ilsbeth can be quite the challenge. I don’t know what task she will give me or the danger that comes with it.”
“Did you just leave everyone back in Vegas?” She regretted the question as soon as she asked. Curiosity killed the cat.
“Hunter, my old Alpha, is collecting any remaining wolves. Xavier is pulling in Kade to help with the vampires. Kenji’s back in Vegas with Hunter. Greyson’s around here somewhere. He flashed us here.”
“You just left though?”
“Pretty much. I made it abundantly clear to everyone that I’m not the Alpha they’re looking for.”
“That’s why that woman called you Alpha. You really are one, right?”
“Yes and no. Not as long as I’m vampire. I’m not going to be of help to anyone until I help myself. I’m getting my life back. And then, we’ll see where life takes things.”
“You deserve happiness.” Sadness shone in her eyes as she reflected on her short-lived career which happened to be in shambles. “We all do. Some things work out and some things don’t.”
“Sorry about your job.”
“Ah, yeah. No worries.” She sighed. “As much as I love New Orleans, being back here? I don’t know.” She looked up the horizon. “I’m thinking of coming home.”
“Are you running to something or away?”
“I could ask you the same. That trip you were taking?”
“Was taking.” He smiled and raised his eyebrows. “Was.”
Her heart fluttered in her chest as their eyes locked for just a few seconds longer than they should. Stop Skylar. He just told you it’s over. Wolf. Human. Give it up. She averted her gaze and focused on the water once again. “You were running away.”
He smiled. “I was delaying the inevitable. I needed to come to my own terms with being vampire. Sure I learned to control the thirst. But without my pack? I can’t go for eternity like this.”
“You’re not the first wolf I’ve met,” she offered.
“What? Other wolves?” he asked, a hint of jealousy in his tone.
“I’ve never seen them shift like you, but it’s New Orleans.
I’ve met girls at hot yoga who were in a pack.
The bookstore. You know. They’ve told me.
Just small talk.” She smiled. Why is his reaction causing me pleasure?
He’s jealous? He just broke up with me. “I’ve met a few witches too.
Speaking of witches, how do you know Ilsbeth won’t hurt you? ”
“She’s on a redemption tour.”
“Everyone deserves forgiveness.”
“When it comes to Ilsbeth, not everyone agrees she does. To be fair, she’s done a few pretty bad things, but I don’t know. Like I said, redemption tour. But she might want something from me. Or the spell might require something.”
“Like what?” Her focus snapped to him.
“It could be anything. She collects stuff.”
“What kind of stuff?”
“Wolf hair. Ancient objects. They’re like ingredients. I don’t know really. I’m not a big fan of witches because you know…some like the dark magick. You have to be careful when you’re playin’ with fire.”
“Welp. We’re quite the pair, aren’t we?” Skylar laughed as she stood and stretched her legs.
“Indeed.” Rafe smiled and also pressed to his feet.
“We should be manifesting,” she suggested.
“I thought you said you stay away from the paranormal.”
“I said I don’t go to blood clubs.”
“Okay well I’m manifesting lifting this curse and meeting you for beignets one day. As friends.”
“Speak it to the universe and claim it.” She halfway convinced herself it would be that easy to move on like she’d never met him. Deep inside her soul a flicker of hope remained that he was hers. I’m manifesting a life with Rafe.
They fell into a moment of silence, finishing their tea, standing together in the last minutes of the day, watching the sun set. She felt his presence next to her. Emotion tightened in her chest as the heat radiated between them, their bodies mere inches apart.
She shouldn’t want something so ridiculous. I’m tired. I’m heartbroken. Emotionally unavailable, he’d never be hers. Ever.
“I should go. Greyson’s already pissed at me. I told him I’d meet him,” Rafe said, breaking the tension.
“Yes. Of course.” Her smile didn’t reach her eyes as she feigned acceptance and turned to him.
“You still have my number?”
“I didn’t block you if that’s what you’re asking.” She’d considered it.
“If anything happens I want you to call me.”
“Nothing is going to happen.”
“Call me. I will come.” Rafe’s face tensed, his tone serious. “You’re far from Las Vegas. Whatever is there probably stayed there.”
“I don’t think they’re after me. And honestly? Getting drugged in a bar. Happens all the time. And it’s humans doing it. Violence crosses all sorts of species. I’ve lived in the city and seen it all.” She attempted to normalize her trauma. She hoped it was the last time she’d ever be drugged.
“You sure you’re safe here?”
“Don’t worry about me, Rafe. When I tell you I know how to use a gun…I know how to use a gun. The safe is in the other room. It’s been a while, but I’ll go to the range. I’ll start to carry again if I have to.”
“You a good shot?”
“Can hit a bullseye from 75 feet.”
“You’ll need silver. Regular bullets aren’t enough to kill a vampire.”
“I’ll get some tomorrow.” She studied his face as their gaze lingered.
Her heart longed for what it couldn’t have as he shot her a sexy grin. She recalled his strong but talented lips on her skin and inwardly winced, aware he’d never kiss her again.
“Maybe I should go inside.” Unable to take another second of wanting something she’d never have, Skylar turned to walk up the path to the house. She breathed a sigh of relief putting distance between them. By the time she’d reached the back door, she’d once again regained her composure.
She wrapped her hand around the cold handle and slid open the door. But as she turned around to say goodbye, she bumped into his hard muscular chest. Her hand reached for him and he caught her wrist.
“I’m sorry.” Her fingertips brushed his chest as he released her. She withdrew her hand and released a nervous laugh.
“Here. Let me take your mug.” Her cheeks flushed.
As he gave her the cup, she took great care not to touch him. Her traitorous body thrummed with arousal despite her mind warning her to stay away from him.
He’s leaving. This is it. Say goodbye, Skylar. You’re going to be okay.
“I’m sorry, Sky. If I’d only been born a human…well.” Rafe gave a small smile.
“If I’d only been a wolf.” She shrugged.
“I’ll check in on you after I sort things with Ilsbeth. I’d better get going. Goodbye, my friend.” Rafe opened his arms to her.
Time stopped as she considered her next move. One last time. Then she’d move on. One last time in his arms. A final goodbye.
Her body melted as she fell into his embrace, her heart soothed within his arms. How could someone who filled her soul with joy also bring her sadness? She shoved all rational thought to the back of her mind and focused on Rafe. Skin to skin, her cheek rested on his chest.
Instinct told her to release him, but as he held her tight she relaxed into his embrace. He smelled like the forest, clean and masculine. With her cheek to his bare chest, her body responded, and she wished she never had to let go.
Their embrace lingered several seconds too long. He’s a wolf, Skylar, her mind told her. Let him go.
She sucked a regretful breath, her focus tracing up his chest to his eyes, attempting to pull away. Her heart raced as his intense, longing stare captured her attention. This is so wrong. Transfixed on his eyes, the temptation to kiss him intensified.
Rafe leaned in and his mouth crushed upon hers. She shoved any reservations to the back of her mind, kissing him back with fervent abandon. There were no wolves or vampires or humans, only two souls joined in a passionate moment, one she didn’t want to ever end.
Breathless, she held onto him as he withdrew his lips from hers.
With their foreheads still pressed together, Skylar attempted to get control of her wild emotions.
She’d fallen hard for the wrong one. Her heart would shatter into a thousand shards of glass.
But oh how she yearned to make love to Rafe.
“Just once. Then friends,” she suggested as her tendrils of control snapped.
“We shouldn’t do this,” Rafe breathed.
“I know but I want you…this…us,” she pleaded.
“Something about you Sky. I don’t know if I can control myself with you. I can’t guarantee…my vampire.”
“You won’t hurt me.” Skylar meant it. Even if it defied logic, her instinct was on target. This man was hers. The wolf. The vampire. And if she was saying goodbye, she’d do it on her terms.
“Are you sure?” Rafe’s fangs descended.
Her eyes widened at the sight. Wickedly handsome, the small tug of the corner of Rafe’s mouth told her he’d ruin her for anyone in her lifetime.
“Yes.” She nodded, her heart pounded in her chest as the back of his fingers trailed down the side of her face. She wanted him. Now. Forever.