Page 7
Chapter Seven
Juliana
I walk beside Heath through the empty club and down the stairs. The pieces that make him who he is, are slowly falling into place. He expects my judgment and fear, similar to Rylee when he found her. His love and concern for a strange girl he found is admirable. I sympathize with Rylee and the things she must have gone through. I understand Heath’s need to respect her privacy. I heard him talking on the phone and couldn’t help my curiosity. His fear of my reaction to his animal if he took me encouraged me to prove him wrong. I didn’t know all the details, but he was on a mission, and I knew it was something he needed to do. Yesterday, I would have laughed my ass off if someone told me the things I would do today. Following a man I barely know into a house filled with people who turn into animals is the story of a fairytale. Heath’s power is indescribable. He told me his cane was an extension of his power, but until I saw him wield it, I had no clue what that meant. Seeing someone die is disturbing, but I felt detached as their heads were severed from their bodies.
When we arrive, Hunter is sitting on the couch. He stands, his expression neutral, but his body is tense.
“They are fine,” Heath says. “Bane is waiting for you. Take care of the bodies and take tomorrow off.” Hunter looks at his watch.
“You mean today,” he says dryly.
“I guess it is,” Heath mutters.
“Levi woke up and took his medication,” he informs us. “He’s asleep and didn’t seem concerned about his sister.”
“Thank you for staying with him,” I say. Hunter nods at me and leaves the room, his footsteps receding as he walks up the stairs.
“You need sleep.” Heath still hasn’t met my eyes.
“So do you.” He jerks, and his eyes collide with mine when I grab his arm, but he lets me guide him to his room. He’s silent but watches me curiously as I lead him into the bathroom. I stop in front of the sink and move behind him. Gliding my hands over his shoulders, I curl my hands under his jacket, and he freezes. “Let me help you,” I whisper and wait a moment for his protest. When he doesn’t move, I continue, pulling the fabric over his shoulders and down his arms. I walk around him, folding the jacket and placing it on the counter. Moving close, I unbutton his shirt and feel his gaze on my face.
I don’t pause when the last button is undone and reach for his cuffs. His breathing is heavy when I accomplish my task. I remain in front of him to remove his shirt. I can’t help but enjoy the silkiness of his skin as I glide my palms over it and under the gaping fabric.
I blink the desire from my gaze and yank the shirt off quickly, giving it the same treatment as his jacket but slightly less neatly. It’s my turn to avoid his gaze when I turn on the sink and then lift his bloody hand over it. Using the towel only removed some of it.
The simple act of cleaning his hand was not meant to be a sexual experience. As I use both hands to rub soap on his skin, his fingers tangle with mine, his breath coasting over my shoulder, and tension fills the room. I wanted to show him that he didn’t scare me, and his actions tonight made me want to learn more about him.
“I made a friend when I was thirteen,” I whisper, running my finger down his. “She was small and so pretty. One day at school, a popular girl was teasing her. I stepped in and gained a friend for life. No one liked me anyway, so I didn’t give a shit if the bully said anything mean to me, which she did, but I shrugged it off. Every day, my new best friend sat with me at lunch. We would write notes back and forth in class and thought it was so cool that we got away with it. We talked about our dreams and who we wanted to marry. After weeks of talking, she invited me to supper at her house.
“I was so fucking excited. I ran home, and luckily, Mom wasn’t there. I searched the closet for the best outfit. We didn’t have money to spend on cute clothes, so most of my things had holes or stains. I finally decided on the best thing I had, a long black skirt that I hardly wore and this cute blue shirt with ruffles on the sleeve. The top was frayed at the bottom, but it was decent. I left our place quickly and walked around town until it was time.” I watch the water trickle from the faucet, paying no attention to the motion of my hands. “They lived in a cute neighborhood, and their home was charming. It was clean, and the furniture was nice. Her parents seemed so happy. The dad helped the mom into her seat and kissed her on the head.
“The food smelled delicious, and they smiled kindly as we started to eat. They made roasted chicken with mashed potatoes, green beans, and rolls. I tried to eat slowly and keep my elbows off the table. My friend, Stacey, chattered, telling them we ate together daily. They smiled at her with love and humored her praise of me.
“The time came for them to ask me my last name.” I swallow harshly. “I didn’t want to tell them. When the words floated in the air, I thought I should make something up. Unfortunately, I couldn’t think fast enough, so I told the truth. Everything changed. Their faces tightened, and I put down my utensils. I remembered seeing them at the conferences. They knew who my mother was and did not approve of her behavior. Stacey was confused and asked what was wrong. She was so blinded by my friendship and rescue she didn’t put the names together.
“I didn’t get to taste the cobbler they made for dessert. I saw the judgment and the struggle to find a way to get me out of their house. I thanked them for the meal and for inviting me into their home. As I backed toward the door, Stacey was torn. She wanted to say something but couldn’t decide if I was worth it. Was I worth the disapproval of her parents? Was I worth the chance? Maybe I wouldn’t turn out like my mom.
“I made the decision for her and left. I ran all the way home. Back to a loveless house in a crappy neighborhood, with secondhand furniture that my mom has sex on. It may have been a place I didn’t want to be most of the time, but it was what I was used to. I knew the rules there and wasn’t judged between those walls. I cried myself to sleep but woke up in the morning determined to shove all the feelings down deep. I avoided her the next day. We sat on opposite sides of the cafeteria. We never spoke again, and she tried not to stare at my mom the next time she came to the school. Mom wore her favorite red leather skirt that skimmed the top of her thighs.” I shake my head and shut off the water. “I dreamed of someone to rescue me, to love me, just because of the kind of person I was. That fantasy died after that.” I look at him. “I wouldn’t have cared what they looked like or if they had an animal inside them. All that would have mattered was that they wanted to take care of me and give me a safe place to be. Rylee didn’t care because you wanted to help her. She was willing to see the good in you just as everyone in my life chose to see the bad in me.” I release his hand, but he doesn’t let me go. I meet his gaze.
“I have an animal inside me, and I want to give you a safe space,” he rumbles, and I swallow thickly. “I’m unsociable, blunt, and would rather sit in the quiet than be in a group.” He grabs a towel and dries our hands. “I have killed hundreds of men and a few women. I can tell you that everyone was for a good reason, but those words don’t matter unless you believe them. Stacey was pressured by judgmental parents. You have me now, and I won’t let anyone hurt you.” He hugs me gently, and my heart starts to mend as his cool skin absorbs my tears.
He pulls away, takes my hand, and leads me out of the bathroom. We stop by the bed, and he pulls down the covers. With a push on my back, he encourages me to climb in. I crawl on the edge of the mattress and freeze when I feel his hands on my ankles. He slips off my heels, and I slide to the middle of the bed. I’m trying to find the words to ask him to stay with me when he sits on the edge and takes off his shoes. He lies beside me and then pulls me close. With a flick of his wrist, the covers are over us, and I’m tucked into his side.
His hand coasts over my hair.
Fuck. I want to believe.
I wake up alone and have no idea what time it is. I can see the appeal of living underground, but I would have to set ten alarms so I didn’t sleep all day. Sitting up, I brush my hair out of my face and lean on my palm, squinting. Sleep is my favorite pastime. I never got enough when I was young, always afraid of what was happening outside my bedroom.
Pushing away the blankets, I stumble into the bathroom and use the toilet. While washing my hands, I notice a new toothbrush and hairbrush next to the sink. It’s silly; the act is simple, but my eyes shine. I open the toothbrush and stare at it. We didn’t go to the dentist when I was a kid. It’s expensive, and Mom never had a steady job, so she never had insurance. Mom wanted to stay under the radar of the government, so she wouldn’t apply for aid to help us. It doesn’t surprise me now—a liar and cheat doesn’t like legal attention. I stole a toothbrush once because mine was worn out, and she conveniently forgot to buy me another. I felt so bad that I went back to the store and confessed. The kind man who owned the store felt terrible and gave me several for free.
Since that day, I have made sure to brush and take care of my teeth. I lean over the sink and smile with a mouth full of toothpaste. I then brush my hair and wash my face with my other hand. I need to go home and change clothes. I’m sick of wearing my hotel uniform, and I can’t hang out here wearing Heath’s shirt, even though it smells yummy.
As I’m leaving the bathroom, I spot the shirt he gave me to wear. Maybe I could wear it. I’m sure he wouldn’t mind. Decision made: I hurry, strip off my top, and slide his over my shoulders. I button it and tie the sides together. I don’t care what it looks like; it makes me feel as if he is surrounding me, and I’m growing fond of the sensation. I search the room for my phone and can’t find it, and I don’t remember where I put it. Giving up, I leave Heath’s room and smell something good coming from the kitchen.
Stepping slowly down the hallway, I see Heath sitting at the small kitchen table, a laptop in front of him and his phone to his ear. He’s wearing all black. His dress shirt is crisp and molded to his chest. His legs are crossed at the ankles under the table, and his shiny black shoes tap together. When I reach the kitchen's opening, his blue eyes lift and survey me from feet to head but snap back to my shirt. He likes me in his clothes. It’s difficult to think about the heads that rolled last night because of him. Yet, when I look at him, all I see is a classy man who was justified in his actions. I could do without seeing it again.
“I have to go,” he says, ending his call, putting his phone on the table. “Did you sleep well?” He stands smoothly and moves around the table toward me.
“Very,” I whisper as he pulls out the chair.
“I ordered food. Unfortunately, I don’t like to cook, so I order a lot. I’ve tried to learn but don’t have the talent for it.” He looks at me expectantly, waiting for me to sit.
“Thank you.” I drop to the chair before my knees give out. “What time is it?”
“Three,” he says, resuming his seat across from me.
“In the afternoon?” I gasp.
“Yes. You worked hard yesterday, and I kept you up all night.” My stomach clenches even though I know we didn’t do anything dirty, but his words make me want to stay up all night for different reasons. “Your phone was in the living room.” He nods beside me, and I see it. “I didn’t know what you liked to eat.”
“I’ll eat about anything,” I smile and look at the containers in front of me.
“Do you like coffee?” he asks, rising.
“Of course.” He grins and grabs his cup to refill while getting me one. “How do you like it?” My cheeks heat. What is wrong with me?
“A little sugar and milk if you have it.” I stare at his back as he works. A snake shifter is making me coffee.
“Your brother left,” he says, turning and handing me the cup.
“That doesn’t surprise me.” I take a sip gratefully.
“Eat,” he says. I open the first container and find waffles with strawberries and whipped cream on top. Gulping, I open the next, which is filled with biscuits and gravy. “I like breakfast food.”
“I do, too. I like to cook, but I’m usually in a rush in the morning and don’t have time.” I look from one delicious dish to the other before looking at him. “Breakfast anytime a day is great. Thank you.” He can’t know how much these simple acts affect me.
“You’re welcome.” He relaxes in his chair. “Why doesn’t your brother care that you are here alone with a strange man?” It’s a reasonable question.
“I’m the older sister, and I have always had to be the one to take care of him.” I cut off a piece of the waffle, holding it in front of my mouth. “He sees me as the responsible one.” I eat the piece and savor the sweetness.
“Brothers should protect their sisters.”
“Maybe in most families,” I say softly and take another bite. I don’t want to talk about my family dynamics and dig the hurt from deep inside out.
“Today, you will meet the dragons,” he says.
“What?” I gape, my mouth full. I’m having breakfast with a snake; dragons aren’t a stretch.
“Roxanne has two sons. When I called them, they decided to come today. Kingston is a gold dragon; the other, Maverick, is a green dragon. They mated recently to a gold dragon, Saphira. Roxanne rescued her sons when they were children and took them in. Saphira is special to me.” He shuts his computer.
“Special?” Jealousy is an emotion I have never felt with a man. No one has meant anything to me.
His lips twitch, and I narrow my eyes. “She is like a sister to me. She does work for me.”
“What kind of work?” I ask, shoving in more food. The sick feeling in my stomach has to be because I’m hungry.
“Sensitive work,” he says. I lift a brow. “There are many men who abuse women and children. We find them and dispense justice.”
“That is very vague.”
“I am not ready to share,” he says, looking at his cup.
“Alright.” I understand having secrets that you don’t want to voice.
“Thank you.” He takes a drink.
“I need to go home and change. I work a few nights a week at a bar. I have to go tonight.” He lowers his cup slowly, his hand tight.
“I don’t want to let you go,” he says softly, lifting his head.
“I have to work,” I say. I can’t give up everything I worked for because I met a sexy snake who says I’m his mate. I feel like I’m in a dream, and at any moment, I could wake up and be disappointed that he’s not real. “You could sit at the bar and watch me work,” I suggest, hoping to soothe his anxiety.
“Will you come home with me after your shift?” he asks.
“Yes.” The word popped out quickly. It seems I don’t want to be far from him either.
“I’m sure the whole crew will want to join,” he grumbles.
“Who else is here?” I ask, pulling the biscuits in front of me.
“Gabby is a bear shifter. She is the sister of my friend's mate, Stephanie. Quinn is the closest to family that I have. He is much like me and doesn’t like crowds, but he will do anything for his mate and anyone she loves.” He crosses his arms on the table. “I have to warn you. They will meddle in your life. They know you are my mate and want to get to know you.”
“You are uncomfortable being around them,” I guess.
“Yes. Not because they are bad people or have bad intentions. They have been trying to bring me into the group. I’ve resisted.” His jaw ticks.
“I see.” I see how he keeps to himself, afraid to get hurt. We are the same in many ways. “Anyone else coming?”
“Sally will be there. She is a good friend, but be aware that she is the queen of the group text.”
“That's good to know.” I shudder. The girls at work put me on one of those, and I wanted to get a new phone.
“She is a rabbit shifter, the same as Roxanne.”
“So unreal,” I whisper, pushing away my food.
“I’m sure it is,” he mutters. “Who knows who else will show up? I think I am getting invaded.”
“I know you have your reasons, but it sounds like they love you. Give them a chance. I always wanted a big family.” I drink the rest of my coffee.
“I can give you that,” he says, and I set the cup down with a thud. “I can give you them, and I will gladly sit through many gatherings with them if you are with me.” His eyes glow, and I gulp.
“Fuck, you know all the right things to say,” I groan.
“I just state the truth.” He closes his eyes. “I loved lying next to you. Your scent has invaded my home and body. I wasn’t sure I could control myself, but I was happy to try. You are all I see. I’ve been working for two hours and have no idea what I did. Seeing you leave my room in my shirt is driving me insane. I want to strip it off and lick every inch of your luscious, sexy body.” He opens his eyes, and I have the urge to strip for him. “I will continue to fight for control over my urges until you tell me I don’t have to. I realize all of this is odd to you, and I will strive to give you time to adjust for as long as possible.” The heat of his stare is possessive and filled with desire. For a moment, I forget the reasons for going slow. “Are you finished?” He glances down, breaking our connection.
“Uh…yes.” I run my fingers through my hair.
“What time do you have to work?” He takes the container and puts the remaining food in the fridge.
“Five,” I say as I glance at my phone.
“I’ll take you home to change and then to work,” he says, pushing his chair back. He’s giving me an hour to pull myself together and prepare for whatever tonight brings. “I’ll get my coat if you are ready.” I nod, and he moves behind me, pulling my chair out.
Heath dazzles me with his consideration, yet he also has a dark side that draws me in. As I step away from the table, he opens a door beside the stairs and pulls out a long black coat. I blink slowly as he throws it over his shoulders, slides his arms in, and smooths his palm over his chest.
“What?” I ask, my mouth dry. He’s looking at me expectantly, so he must have asked me a question.
“Ready?” he asks.
“Yes. Ready, yes.” I grab my phone and hustle toward him. His lips twist, his humor pushing to be released as he presses his hand to my back. I try to hide the shiver that skates over me while he locks the door behind us, and we start to ascend.
My body has never felt so alive. By the end of the night, I’ll be begging him to relieve it.
I have a feeling he likes that.
My shower was cold and fast. When we got to my house, Heath prowled through the small apartment and declared he would wait outside the door. I was absurdly pleased he was as uncomfortable with the desire flowing between us as I was. I was dressed in ripped jeans and an off-the-shoulder, tight, black long-sleeved shirt. Heath’s gaze kept gravitating to the skin peeking through the denim. The car was silent as he drove me to work, our desire simmering.
Reaching for my phone, I noticed Stanly called twice. He’s probably looking for Levi and I’m too pissed at him to clue him in. Heath informed me he was banned from the fights and he must be enraged.
Heath stops the car and gets out without a word. Opening my door, he offers his hand, and I slide my palm over his. Electricity sparks over my skin. Once I’m on my feet, he shuts the door, slides his hand to my elbow, turns, and places my hand in the crook of his arm. I walk on his left, his cane ever-present on his right. I feel like a treasured girlfriend as he leads me into work.
The bar is small but popular. We have many regular customers who are already sitting around the small area. The bar is against the right wall, spanning its length. As you enter, there is an area of tall tables, and beyond that is a small dance floor and stage. To the left, a few booths are against the wall, and beyond that, there are two pool tables. The gleaming walls are wood. I have worked as one of the bartenders for over a year and fill in as a waitress as needed.
“He is your boss,” Heath exhales sharply through his teeth. I frown and look around until I spot him.
“Yes, Bram,” I say. “Do you know him?”
“No.” His arm beneath my palm is tense. “Do you know what he is?” I thought he was human.
“Shit. He’s a shifter,” I guess. Bram has long black hair, brown eyes, and scruff on his face. If he’s working behind the bar, he wears his hair in a bun, but it flows past his shoulders tonight. He wears jeans and T-shirts almost always. When we met, I thought he was sexy. He’s slim, but his strength is obvious when he lugs around the containers of alcohol. He’s nice to his employees, pays well, and doesn’t date the servers. Many have tried. I jerk my attention away from Bram as Heath’s hissing becomes louder.
“I’m trying to be on my best behavior, darling,” he says. “Don’t push it.”
I lick my lips. “What kind of shifter is he?” I ask. I’m tempted to push him just to see what happens.
“A black wolf,” he says.
“Makes sense.” Heath narrows his eyes. “I mean, the name of the bar. The Night Wolf. I just thought it was clever,” I say quickly.
“Clever,” he whispers disdainfully. Bram has noticed my presence. He smiles, but his smile falls as he sees Heath. “Let’s go meet the wolf.” He encourages me to move toward the end of the bar, furthest from the front door. Bram is standing in the hallway that leads to his office and the storage area.
Shit. Maybe I shouldn’t have brought a snake to work.
“Jules,” Bram says as we stop close, tilting his head. “You brought a friend.” He scans Heath and his weapon.
“Hey, Bram,” I say, fingers digging into Heath’s jacket. “This is Heath. He’s my—” I look at Heath’s hard jaw. My snake. My wannabe mate. My dangerous new friend. Boyfriend sounds silly.
“Mate,” Heath supplies silkily.
“Really?” Bram looks at me. “You know about our world?”
“I’m learning,” I mutter. I’m not prepared to have a discussion with Bram about it or how long I’ve known.
“A wolf,” Heath states. “Do you have a pack?”
“That’s personal,” Bram says, a slight smirk on his lips. “I’ll tell you if you tell me what you are.”
“I don’t make deals with wolves,” Heath says dryly.
“Well, then we won’t get to know each other more,” Bram mumbles.
“I guess not.” Heath moves his arm around my waist, and I attempt to hide the desire by the simple act of possession.
“Are you going to kill anyone who looks at Jules tonight?” Bram asks.
“Maybe,” Heath says.
“Great,” Bram sighs.
“Don’t worry about Heath.” I hope.
“Most of the customers are human,” Bram says to Heath.
“There is a bear playing pool,” Heath says. “The female wolf is admiring him from the table in the corner.”
“I said most,” Bram grits out.
“Prepare yourself for more to come.” Heath squeezes my hip. “Our friends are coming.”
“Shit.” Bram glares. “Keep them under control.”
“I can barely control myself,” Heath says with a smirk. “But I’ll do my best.”