Enemy Mine (Mending The Veil) (6 page)

***

Travis Holt let her words roll over him like a tidal wave of icy water. His flesh broke out in a cold sweat as he looked down into her serene face. Her smile was sweet and soft, her lips swollen and even redder with his impassioned kisses, and her green eyes hid behind eyelids drooping with sated exhaustion. As he watched her eyes slide closed, he thought she had the longest black lashes he’d ever seen on a woman. Was her beauty a spell? His stomach pitched as his imagination went into over-drive.

Slowly, he moved off of her. Her arms fell to her chest as she curled toward him with a soft moan of loss. Travis yanked the comforter over her naked form and watched as she snuggled beneath it to remain still. He stood by the bed watching her sleep for a few minutes before he pulled his shorts on. Whatever magic she used to remain young and pretty, it was good.

Travis shoved a hand through his hair, wishing it were shorter, but the trend of the time called for it to be longer than his normal cut. He blew the candle out as he opened the door and stepped out into the small living room. A hiss at his feet warned him to stop as her fluffy cat batted at his leg with sharp claws.

“Back off, cat.” His glare barely registered on the elegant animal as its tail whipped back and forth. “I’m not afraid of you.” One ear tipped back as if the creature highly doubted it. One hiss and a haughty flip of a tail later the cat strolled to one of the chairs and jumped up to circle three times before curling up. Blue eyes remained on him, watching and waiting for him to do something wrong.

He moved to the table and picked up the wrapped Twinkie. He was famished, but there was no way he was touching that stew of hers. Checking the plastic wrapping for holes, he decided it was his best option. It was gone in two bites, didn’t fill him, but it would have to do. He found the little trash basket and tossed the wrapper. He flicked his wrist, astonished to find that it was already three in the morning. The rendezvous time was set for eleven in the morning. His mentor would be waiting down in the small town at the base of the mountain. He had one question to answer. Did he think he could infiltrate the coven by using Rissa Jennings?

If he thought there was a good chance of gaining information on member’s names and locations of the coven, then he was oath bound to do what he could to fulfill his mission. On the other hand, if he didn’t think he could succeed in getting her to trust him, he’d have to end her life. His mentor would expect proof of her demise as well. He turned as the cat hissed at him from across the room.

“Quiet. She’s sleeping.” What was he doing? It wasn’t his place to care if she was resting well. She was his enemy, damn it! “I’m in too deep here.” He rubbed at the knot at the back of his neck. What could he do? He didn’t have a choice. She was a
Witch.
He made an oath, and he owed it to his fallen parents to avenge their deaths. Witches were evil beings, no matter how innocent and beautiful they could appear to his weak human eyes.

He took a deep breath to fortify himself as he turned back toward the bedroom. He’d see where tomorrow would lead. She would give him information, or he’d snap her neck with his bare hands. Bile rose in his throat at the mere thought of harming her, but his mind filled with determination as he closed the bedroom door, shrugged out of his shorts, and crawled beneath the comforter with her. Her warm body instantly cuddled next to him, pricking his conscience with the betrayal he intended just as soon as the sun came up.

Chapter Seven

Rissa stretched as she woke to feel the solid warmth of the man beside her. His face was turned away from her, but one strong arm lay over her naked belly, holding her to him. She smiled as she lay still, enjoying the feel of him in her bed. Would she ever be able to give enough thanks for him in her life? She didn’t think so.

Carefully she slipped out from under his arm and the comforter to pad to the dresser. She chose a fresh pair of panties, and a sundress the color of new grass. Slipping quietly to the door and into the living room, she grabbed up a towel to wrap around her chilled flesh. Theophyline wound her furry little body around her bare ankles, vying for her attention.

“Wait.” She opened the door and let the cat go out first. When the door was closed, she turned back to the huffy creature. “What is it, Theo? You’ve been pissy for the last three days.”

Theophyline hissed over her shoulder as she started moving toward the river. She stopped after a few yards to turn her head with an impatient look. “I’m coming, Madame.” Rissa hummed as she walked out into the sunshine with an easy spirit filled with happiness. She ignored the complaints her body was throwing at her brain. She wasn’t used to the physical aspects of making love. Her inner thighs felt like she’d ridden a horse for days. A small satisfied smile lit up her face as she followed her pet to the edge of the river. The water sparkled in the sun like a million tiny diamonds, just what her sore body needed to feel better.

“Can this wait until I wash?” She asked politely. Theo tossed her head, plunked her rear on a patch of grass and began taking her own bath. Rissa walked out into the cold water, sighing as it covered her body with a sharp bite. Her dip would be quick this morning. She had a guest and Theo was an impatient animal with something on her sharp mind.

She waited until she was dried and dressed before she faced her friend. “All right. Spill it, Theo.” She waited as the cat arched her back and stretched to prolong the moment. Then blue eyes met green in a union of understanding.

You told me we were just coming up here for a break so you could prepare yourself for the hand-fasting ceremony. You lied to me, Rissa!

“I did not lie to you, Theo. I needed to get away from all of those preparations. What flowers would I like? What kind of cakes would I chose to serve? What dress was I looking for? Theophyline, they asked my opinion on every single detail of this hand-fasting save one. The most important question. Did I really want to be bonded with Gerimaia Garlock?”

Why wouldn’t you? He is powerful, handsome, and rich. You could do worse, child.
A fluffy white tail whipped back and forth in agitation. Her English brogue always came through thicker when she was agitated.

“I could find love, Theo.” Rissa sighed as she knelt down beside the cat.

Love.
Theo wiped a paw through the air and rolled her blue eyes.
Love is for humans, Rissa. You are of purer blood. Your line will be made even more powerful by joining with Garlock. His family goes far back, his lineage strong and powerful. Your children will be too.

“Is that all I am? A broodmare for future generations of Witches?” Rissa shook her head as she stood up. “I won’t be just an instrument for my father’s ambitions. I have every right to look for love, Theo.”

This is about that man lying in your bed! Blush all you want, child. I know what he did to you last night. This is about sex. Well, I’m here to tell you sex is fleeting. See how much he wants you after he catches you working a midnight spell in your birthday suit.

“He might surprise you, Theo.” She looked back toward the cabin with a feeling of impending change. A question was about to be raised and answered. She just hoped it worked in her favor. “He’s awake. I have to go back, now. I request that you stay here and guard us. Someone approaches below.”

***

Travis stood up from the cabin’s top step as he watched her approach him in a light green sundress that left her trim calves and bare feet visible. Her hair was a curly damp mass framing a shining face. Her eyes held secrets as she smiled at him with those luscious berry lips. He licked his own lips as his mouth watered just watching her curvy hips swaying as she moved.

“Good morning, Travis Holt.” She didn’t stop until she was right against him. His hands landed on her small waist as she wrapped her arms around his tense shoulders. Her teasing fingers tangled in his hair as she stood on tip-toe to brush her lips against his mouth. He was released from momentary paralysis the instant her wet tongue brushed his lower lip. His hands traveled slowly up her back to the edge of her dress. He sighed as he deepened the kiss to explore the delightful taste of her mouth as his fingers moved over soft skin beneath the cooling touch of her damp hair. “Hmm...That was a good way to start the day.” She pulled back to grin, satisfaction written in the pink cheeks and sparkling eyes. She licked her lower lip and Travis’s temperature rose even higher.

“I agree.” He threaded his hands in her hair and gently tugged on the long strands. “I half expected you to be gone.” Surprise caught his breath as he instantly recognized the truth in his words. Though he’d decided to use the doting lover angle to gain her trust, he was finding it hard not to believe in the bond growing between them with every touch.

“I won’t leave you, unless you ask me to.” Rissa’s expression darkened before she dropped her eyes to his T-shirt. She slid her palm from his shoulder to the slight bulge under the worn cotton. Covering his amulet with her palm, she pressed it firmly over his heart. “Why do you hide it?”

“My necklace?” At her quiet nod, he swallowed and shrugged a shoulder. “It was my mother’s. When she died, it was the only thing I had of hers.” Her eyes flew to his.

“Do you know who she was, Travis?”

“Her name was Hannah Holt.” There was an edge to his tone that he couldn’t conceal. Her dark brows drew together as she swallowed nervously and shook her head.

“No, not her name. Do you know what she was?” Confusion had him untangling her hair from his hands with care. When he was free, he stepped around her to stare into the tall trees surrounding them and the lonely cabin. He shoved a hand through his hair before he swung back toward her.

“Don’t do this.” His harsh warning should have made her pause, but Rissa was like a dog with a bone. Her elegant hands covered her belly as she took a breath for courage.

“That necklace is a talisman, Travis. A very powerful talisman meant to protect the wearer. I’ve never felt anything more pure, more potent. It is old, Travis.” She took a step toward him, but stopped as something in his expression must have warned her to stay back. Hell, he was so upset that his eyes had probably turned red enough to reveal his true nature. The Guardian blood showed in the eyes and was only concealed by remaining calm. “It is of the old craft. You do know your parents were magical?”

“Damn it!” He moved, then. His hands were rough on her upper arms as he drove her back into the wooden brace for the cabin’s door. A small cry of pain made him stop to take a quick breath to clear the red rage from his sight. She wasn’t scared, only watchful as he met her gaze. “You couldn’t just leave it alone. Yes, I know what they were. Fools!” She flinched from his harsh tone. “Fools to believe in a culture of murdering evil-doers! They paid for their folly with their lives. I paid by watching them burn at the stake. Burned by their own people.”

“No.” Tears glittered in her eyes as they widened. “They were a part of the Cleansing?” Her shocked question enraged him. He shoved her back once before pulling her away from the cabin to push her away. Rissa lost her balance on the step and tumbled to the ground. His heart stopped beating as she landed on her side.

“Shit!” He moved quickly to her side, kneeling down beside her as she lay there sobbing. “Rissa, damn it! I’m sorry.” He held out a shaking hand to her shoulder, but didn’t dare touch her. “I’m so sorry. I shouldn’t have lost my temper with you...”

“Shouldn’t you?” She tossed back her hair to look at him, tears streaming down her pale cheeks. “I know what you saw, Travis. I feel what you went through.” She hiccupped as she tried to catch her breath. “I know why you must hate me. Why you curse me as you just did.”

“I didn’t curse you and I don’t hate you...” He felt at a loss for words when she gave him a direct look.

“Words have power, Travis. You might not realize it, but whenever you use that word, you are cursing. Negative thoughts and words draw negative reactions. I don’t blame you. You have every right to want to damn me and my kind.” She pushed herself to her feet and began walking toward the back of the cabin.

“Where are you going?” Alarm had him following her at a brisk pace. She stopped before the wood stump to look at him with clear eyes.

“Take this.” She held out the ax; sharp blade shining lethally in the bright sunlight.

“Why?”

“Take it, Travis.” She thrust it into his arms, and he held it with a befuddled feeling of awkwardness. This was what he wanted, his ultimate goal, but this was not the way it should be happening. Not with her moving her fall of brown curls to the side over her shoulder as she looked down at the stump. She wiped her face, drying her hands on her skirt as she took a shaky breath.

“The Cleansing was a horrible blight on our people. The Council of Elders ordered the deaths of several families. They were living under the mistaken idea that if they killed the parents of the ancient bloodlines, their magic would trickle down to their offspring. It was supposed to make the children a more powerful race of warriors. The High Priest wanted only to keep our race alive, but he doomed us to a life of constant regret.” Her clear green eyes met his with a remorse filled with pain. “He doomed me, his only child.”

“Your father is the High Priest?” He growled the question, so great was his hatred as it blossomed like a brewing storm within his chest. She once more looked down at the stump while tying her hair in a long braid.

“Yes. He sentenced me to my death the instant he ordered your parents killed. He forced you into a blood bond for the sake of revenge.” His heart hurt as his lungs constricted with startled understanding. She knew who he was.

“You know of my oath?” He ventured slowly. She turned with a soft, understanding smile that made him want to shift his weight, uncomfortable in his own skin beneath her direct stare.

“The eyes are a mirror of one’s soul, Travis. Yours are red as blood right now. I’ve known since before you came that you are a blood-oath bound Guardian of the Light. You were sent here to either kill me or gain my confidence so I could lead you to my father.” She couldn’t have startled him more. “I can’t lead you to my father, Travis. He is my blood. Since the Cleansing, our people have taken oaths not to cause harm to anyone, especially our own kind, ever again. I also know you are a heretical Witch. When you take your vengeance, know the way to your heritage will be cut off to you. You will be hunted. My father is a zealous man. He will never stop coming for you.”