Stalked (Rogues Shifter #2) (22 page)

Garrett answered.
“The basement will lock down tight. The house is fireproof. Liam is my bodyguard during the daylight hours. He’ll be here while you rest. The house is also magically warded."

I piped in. "
When you move to the vamp villa we’ll make sure the security is top of the line.” They all laughed at the nickname, even William.

There were no more questions so I served the wine and sat next to Francois, who I’d miss very much. He’d helped us complete our mating ritual, healed my wounds after the duel and helped Garrett execute most of Eleanor’s former nest, picking out only these four who he felt could liv
e with Garrett’s restrictions. Francois was an incorrigible flirt, but he always made me smile.

“Jacqueline, vous etiez fabuleux. Your energy felt wonderful. I cannot imagine how formidable you will be when you reach your first century. I wi
sh to be at that celebration.” Francois was elegant and charming and looked to be in his late twenties with wavy dark blonde hair and large gray eyes.

“Francois, you are officially invited to every one of my birthdays. I’ll feel very sad if you don’t come to see me at least once a year. And you’ll stay here with us.”

He took my hand in his to examine the emerald green cheetah eye etched into the top of my wrist and then traced the tear stripe that ran down to curl around my index finger. “Your magic is so strong,” he whispered, raising my hand to his lips. He hesitated for a moment looking into my eyes. “I can still remember how delicious you tasted.” I laughed and he kissed my hand gently then lowered it. “Jacqueline, if you ever need me, I will be here.”

“Merci, Francois.” I le
aned over and kissed his cheek.

“Flirting with my mate again,
Grandsire
?” Garrett came up behind my chair and slid his hands down my arms, kissing the top of my head. He was smiling at Francois, but vampires had a strong territorial streak and could sense strong emotions. Francois was putting out those sex appeal vibes and Garrett was scenting them.

“With age comes experience and the honing of special skills.” That made us all laugh out loud as Francois and Garrett raised their wine glasses in salute. I’d miss Francois, but I was glad that he was leaving in a few days. I didn’t need any caveman confrontations with all the other stuff going on in my life. The doorbell rang and I remembered that Sinc was coming over with our new cell phones. I ran over quickly as all of the vamps turned to watch me open the door.

Sinc was beaming at me, her full lips stretched into their usual beauty queen expression. Her thick brown hair was pulled back out of her face and her lovely blue eyes sparkled with happiness. Wearing shorts, a fitted tank and sandals, her perfect curvy figure was more in evidence than usual as she pushed her way into the room and then hugged me enthusiastically.

“That’s from Ethan and me. He’s feeling so much better. We’ll never be able to thank you enough.” She hugged me again and then stiffened as she became aware of who was in the next room. She backed a little closer to the door, put the shopping bag with the new phone
s on the floor and looked at Garrett with a confused expression.

“Sinc, let me introduce you to everyone.” I took her arm and led her into the living room and closer to Garrett where I knew she’d feel a little safer. “This is Eleanor’s maker, Francois, Garrett’s grandsire. Francois, this is Sinclair Blakefield. She’s one of our team members: a scientific and computer wizard.” She scowled at me for a moment but then snapped her attention back
to Francois as he moved closer to her.

“Mon plaisir, Mademoiselle.”  He took her hand and kissed it gently, never taking his eyes from hers. I saw her shiver a little and so I stepped right in and led her away from the dangerous flirt.

“Francois.” I said smiling a warning over my shoulder as I moved toward the others. He smiled charmingly and then went back to his conversation with Garrett.

Next I introduced her to Sasha, Yvette and Heinrich. Heinrich stood and Sinc followed his head as it went up and up, final
ly stopping at around 6’8”. He nodded at her respectfully, out of character with his tough guy apparel.

"It is a pleasu
re to meet you, Miss Sinclair."

Sinc grinned and relaxed. "Nice to meet you too, Heinrich."

Sasha and Yvette nodded as well, but didn’t bother to stand or speak.

Finally, I led her over to William who stood alone by the fireplace. “William this is Sinc, she’s part of the team too. Garrett mentioned that you might eventually work together. William was at MIT when he was changed, studying engineering.”

“Work together, huh? I guess it's okay as long as he knows I’m not on the menu.” She put her hands on her hips, “So keep those fangs in your mouth.”

William actually smiled at her, something I hadn’t ever seen him do. “Garrett has made it clear that we’re not to glamour or feed from you and I’ll do as he commands.” He hesitated for a moment but then asked, “Miss Sinc, could you answer a few questions I have regarding modern programming? I hacked into a few systems back in the 1990’s but I know software is much more advanced now. Maybe I cou
ld meet with you for a lesson? I was studying chemical engineering but I minored in computer programming.”

Sinc’s eyes were sparkling with excitement. ”Sure, Will. Come over to Garrett’s computer and I’ll show you a few things now.” Sinc took him into the office and booted up the laptop, while William moved a chair next to hers. I left Sinc in William’s hands, or vice versa, and pulled my new phone out of the bag. It was fancier than I thought I needed, but who could argue with Sinc? There was one for Garrett too, of course. It was already programmed with all my contacts so I waved at Sinc and mouthed “Thank you.”  She waved back and then returned to explaining something to William.

I enjoyed mingling and playing the hostess for awhile, spending some time with Yvette who turned out to be really funny, describing some of the ways they'd snuck around behind Eleanor's back, foiling her evil plans whenever they could.

Sinc’s phone rang about an hour later. “Oh shit, it’s Ethan. I forgot to call him.” Her voice turn
ed as sweet as candy. “Hi honey. I forgot. I’m sorry. I’ve been showing William some stuff on the computer. William is one of Garrett’s nest. Yes, he’s a vampire. Ethan, stop yelling at me. Garrett and Jackie are here. I’m not alone with him. We’ll talk about this when I get home. I’m leaving now.” She ended her call and sat there glaring at the phone.

I watched her toss her head and stand up, throwing the cell back in her bag. William stood with her and said, “Thanks, Sinc. You're a great teacher.”

“You’re welcome. You picked up really fast.” She walked to me. “Jackie, I’m leaving. I have a stubborn cougar at home who needs to learn to treat me like a grown-up.” She hugged me and we walked to the door together.

“He’s worried about you,” I said, trying to ease her anger.

“I know. I should have called him. He’s been a lot more protective since his injury.” She didn’t sound happy about it.

Garrett was sudd
enly next to us. “Sinc, Francois and Yvette are going to follow you in their car to watch out for Lord Kennet.” Garrett’s face held a serious expression, so when Sinc started to protest, he shook his head and she relented with a scowl.

“Men…” she muttered grouchily as she left to get into her car. Yvette stopped before me and bowed her head slightly while Francois smiled
enchantingly and kissed my hand, again. They got into Francois’ black Mercedes and followed Sinc down the driveway and out onto the road.

I leaned against Garrett and yawned. It had tur
ned into another very long day.

“Go to bed, I’ll join you in a little while. I need to discuss a few more things with the others and then I’ll send them home.”

I nodded and said my goodnights to Sasha, Heinrich and William. Undressing and crawling into bed, I opened my book, intending to read until Garrett appeared. However my body had other plans as ,my eyelids grew heavier with each passing minute and I found myself reading the same paragraph over and over. Finally giving up the fight, I put the book down and closed my eyes. I figured that Garrett would wake me when he crawled into bed.

Chapter Eighteen

I dreamt.

Walking along a peaceful wooded trail past lovely green hills and richly scented gardens, I was enjoying a perfect day in Faerie. I saw Liam waving at me from across an aquamarine pool of crystalline water fed by a colorful waterfall and Aedus surprised me a moment later as he rode by on a large black steed, nodding his head in my direction. Colorful pixies zipped through the warm breezy air, chattering excitedly as I began to run along the path, allowing my blonde hair to fly out behind me. Running was my favorite exercise and I loved the feel of the soft fragrant earth beneath my bare feet and the sun on my face as
I moved like a quick breeze through the spectacular countryside.

The direction of the wind changed, bringing with it the coppery smell of blood and the musky scent of wolf. I felt a flash of fear and looked toward the smell, seeing a large brick building with a metal door
, built beside a small clearing. I walked down the dirt path and hesitated before pulling the door open, feeling compelled to see what was inside. A cement staircase led down into total darkness, and though I looked around, there was no light switch or candle. Every one of my senses told me to run away, so I turned to look behind me. The world of Faerie I’d sprinted through had faded. I was alone at the top of the cold dark staircase as gloomy clouds moved in, blocking out the sunshine, bringing with them the threat of a bad storm. Too afraid to face the bleak downward path without at least a candle, I headed back in the direction I’d come from, hoping to find my way back to the summer fey and their magic.

Then I heard crying coming from below. “Please don’t leave us. Help us.” The voice was lovely, a musical voice that I couldn't deny was fae, so I returned to the top of the stairs and looked once more into the b
lackness,  feeling only dread. As the pitiful sobbing continued, I took a deep breath and walked slowly down the shadowy stairs, running my hands along the rough walls to steady myself as there was no rail to grasp. At the bottom, I turned to see a long corridor, lit dimly by flickering candles, with closed metal doors on each side. There were sounds coming from behind the doors so I walked to the closest one and listened. I could hear quiet moans and I smelled a mixture of scents: werewolves, blood and another I knew but couldn’t place even though I wracked my brain. And then there was the tiniest hint of fae magic. Oh god. There were fae trapped here..

Shivering from the cold, I tried
the door but it wouldn’t budge no matter how hard I pulled at it. A gentle whisper filled the silence. ”Ask the girl. Tell Liam.” I heard a sudden deep growl from the darkness of the long hall and so I turned quickly and stumbled back up the stairs, slamming the door closed behind me and praying that it had locked.

I woke up that morning trembling, my forehead damp with sweat. I dragged myself out of bed and headed for the shower, still feeling shaky. I was surprised to find
a note on the bathroom mirror.

My Darling Cheetah,

You were sleeping so peacefully that I couldn’t bring myself to wake you. Watching you sleep always reminds me of the girl I met on the island, innocent and untroubled by dangerous enemies or vampire houseguests. I would have kept you from this life if I could have, but if I’d succeeded, I would be a sad and lonely shell of what I am now. You’re loved by so many of us. Thank you for choosing me to share your life. Je suis à ta clémence
."

Garrett

P.S. Don’t forget that Andy and Ralph are here.

I smiled as I dipped my head under the hot water. My early experiences on the island were so far removed from my current life that it felt like they occurred years ago instead of only two months. There was truth in what he said. Yes, I'm terrified of Kennet, anxious about Bridgett and a little nervous about those fang-toting thugs moving into the basement tonight. But I’m also surrounded by an incredible group of friends who step up to support me, even when it seems like the odds aren’t in my favor. And I’m loved by a man who makes me feel like I can accomplish anything I dream of doing. He may think that he’s at my mercy, but I’m completely under his spell and have been from that
first night we met on Solo Island.

I searched for Liam and
found him in the living room. I looked forward to our afternoon talks even more than his delicious cooking. Liam looked up when he heard me enter. “Hi Liam. Are the weres here?”

“Yes, they’re downstairs. They’ve brought a team of four others as well.”

“Could you sit with me for a minute? I had a disturbing dream and I wondered if I could talk to you about it?”

“Of course.”
We sat together on the couch and I started to tell him about my dream. I added as much detail as I could remember and then watched his expression turn grim. When I finished talking, he stood up quickly, pacing away and clenching his fists. When he turned back to look at me, there was a golden whirlpool in his eyes and the power surging around him made my skin tingle and the hairs on my arms stand on end. For the first time I saw Liam as he truly was: powerful beyond my meager comprehension. Cold sweat beaded on my back as I took in a breath of the fae magic that filled the room.