In Too Deep (5 page)

Fallon stared at Brody.
“Impossible. I can’t heal silver damage. I just closed your wounds and relieved a little pain. The rest was all you. You saw what I managed to do for myself. I stopped the bleeding, that was all. I’m not a healer. You’re wrong.”

“
Trust me. Their fangs were coated in silver.” Brody insisted, her eyes sparked, and he raised a single brow. “Nothing burns like silver. That was all
you
. Why do you think I was so surprised when you didn’t heal yourself?”

Her
brow knit together and her mouth turned down in a frown as she turned to Dakota. “I don’t know what to tell you. Healing him was a fluke. I have never been able to heal silver damage, and I’m sure I couldn’t do it again.”

“
Hmm.” Dakota shrugged and offered her a weak smile before giving Brody a meaningful look.

He had no clue what Dakota was thinking,
and he was more concerned with Fallon. Brody watched as she twisted her hair into a knot and gave him wary look. He wanted to know what was going through her head.

Hayden cleared his throat.
“Okay, so you healed Brody, fluke or not. Then what?”

Fallon rolled her eyes, and looked
at Hayden. “I set a circle of protection around us. Then I healed Brody. He was unconscious and shifting back, and I figured whoever bit him was coming for him. Why else would he be running like that? Not real keen on watching him shift, I left him there and waited for the vampires. The woman streaked out. I cut her head off…”

“
With what?” Hayden barked.

With a heavy sigh, she moved her hand to her other forearm and pulled a glowing dagger out of thin air.

Holy shit. That explained where the blade came from.

“
It's a mana-blade and tattooed into my skin.” She explained. “It cuts through damn near anything. Will burn a vampire from the inside out. Damages weres a lot like silver does. Mages can’t heal the wounds.” She ran a finger over the blade. “Really, the blade is great against pretty much any Other and no one can take it from me.”

“
Why in the Abyss would you have a magical blade?”

Brody knew he glared at Hayden, but didn’t even try to stop himself.

“Protection. I’ve been around a lot of Others all my life, some real nasty ones. Why not have an all-purpose weapon that’s always on me?” She whispered a strange word, and the blade disappeared in a flash.

Hayden shook his head, his chest heaving. Brody wasn’t
about to let him accuse Fallon when she did nothing wrong.

“
Look, Hayden,” Brody stood up and put himself between the sheriff and Fallon, “she saved my ass tonight. She only took down the vampires when they attacked her. Cut her some slack. I’ve seen the axe you wield. It's the same damned thing.”

Hayden grudgingly apologized.
“Sorry. Continue.”

“
Right,” she muttered. “Brody came to, I broke the circle, and the other vampire came. I knocked him on his ass with a spell and stabbed him, and Brody helped.” One corner of her mouth turned up when she nodded toward him, but she avoided his gaze. “He called Slater, and now we’re here. Anything else?”

“
Why do you know about vampires?” Hayden asked.

She closed her eyes, and took a deep breath, like maybe she was counting to ten. Her eyes opened and she explained,
“I’ve met plenty over the years. I’ve killed a few. In fact, I’ve dealt with the Dales before, and you can ask Jess all about that. Personally, I don’t want to go there.”

Jess stood
, crossing her arms over her chest, challenging Hayden. “She’s on our side. Fallon is the only reason I got away from the Dales ten years ago.”

Hayden frowned and looked back at Fallon.
“You healed a stranger and protected him. Why?”

Fallon
gave Brody a crooked grin. “He tried to send me away from danger. Bad guys don’t usually send an innocent to safety when they’re in trouble. And he obviously didn’t volunteer to be their snack.”

Brody smiled back at her, and she glanced away
, her cheeks coloring. Fallon didn't seem like one to blush much.

* * * *

Fallon didn’t even know what to think as she sat back in the chair. She couldn’t believe she had healed a silver inflicted injury for a werewolf. That was the most ridiculous thing she had ever heard. Then there was the sheriff who was seriously aggravating with the way he treated her like a suspect.

Whatever, didn’t matter. She may not be hurting now, but she was still too exhausted to worry about some asshole cop with a God complex.

Slater sat forward. “Jess says you aren’t going back to San Francisco.”

Oh great, now what did Jess have planned?

“Yeah, I left there for good.” Fallon narrowed her eyes at Jess.

“
Don’t worry. I already agreed to let it slide until tomorrow.” Jess flopped back in her seat and crossed her arms.

“
Fine.”

Slater changed the subject.
“There’s a tattoo shop in town, looking for talent. I hear you’re the best at what you do.”

Hayden’s eyes cut to her.
“What do you do?”

Was he stupid?
She held up a colorful arm. “I’m a tattoo artist. Surely that’s not a crime.”

Hayden’s lips twitched like he might smile. She rolled her eyes and turned away.

Brody caught her attention. “My brother runs the shop. He’s a good guy. Dakota’s brother works there too.”

Jess sat forward, her expression brightening. Fallon knew her old friend was up to something.
“The pack could use someone to ward their wolves, just like you did in San Francisco.”

Fallon snorted.
“Let me guess, they’re expecting me tomorrow?”

Jess nodded slightly.
“Or at least soon. I just knew you’d get yourself stuck out here with no real plan.” Her pale blue eyes twinkled. “Can you blame me for wanting to make sure you had a good reason to stick around?”

Well, Jess had a point. What else was she going to do
? Her motorcycle was out of commission and she was stranded. At least she had a place to stay, a job opportunity and her best friend nearby.

“
Okay, I’ll check the shop out tomorrow.” Fallon let out a big yawn. “How far away is this apartment?”

“
You’re not going to argue?” Jess clapped her hands together with a grin.

She felt Brody’s eyes on her
, even as she responded to Jess. “Would it do any good?”

“
Nope. Now get going.” Jess winked.

Brody
stood up. She watched him head into the bathroom and come back with her backpack.

“
I can give you a ride, but then I need to get back to check the scene.” Hayden said, sounding more subdued. When she looked over, she found the sheriff had relaxed and was lounging against the wall.

“
Brody’s place is on my way.” Dakota nodded toward the door. “Why don’t I give you two a ride?”

“
Thank you.” Fallon stood up and Jess did too. She gave her friend a hug and then followed the shaman out the door because she didn’t have the patience to deal with a nosy cop.

Brody hurried past Fallon and opened the front passenger door for her. She moved right past him, and he watched as she climbed into the backseat of Dakota’s Explorer. Fallon curled her legs under her, twisted her body and laid her head on her arms on the back of the seat.

He couldn’t figure out why she wouldn’t sit in the front. He looked across the top of the SUV and Dakota shrugged with a smirk. Brody glared back before they climbed into the car.

He didn’t like how she was sitting. What if they were in an accident? Hell, if the woman could roll away from a motorcycle crash and get up like nothing was wrong, she could definitely survive a car wreck.

Then again, Brody shouldn’t worry about that. Dakota drove li
ke his ultra-safe grandma. In fact, Dakota started the car and even turned his blinker on to turn around in Slater’s driveway.

Brody leaned between the seats and set her bag down next to her.

“Thanks.” She yawned and closed her eyes.

Frowning, he was tempted to ask why she didn’t sit up front, but let it go. He turned forward and stared out the windshield. Dakota gave him a curious look but kept his mouth shut as he pulled onto the road and headed toward home.

It was too quiet. Brody looked over at Dakota. “How’s Jolene?”

“
She’s going stir crazy. At least her due date is next week, so this is her last day of bed rest. She’ll be at the bar tomorrow evening but won’t play pool.” He smiled warmly. “She says her belly will be in the way.”

“
Good. We don’t have as much fun without you both.”

Dakota cleared his throat.
“I heard you were stressing earlier tonight, couldn’t sit still, getting restless.” Dakota glanced back at Fallon. Brody looked too and wondered if she was already asleep. Dakota grinned back at him. “Bring her along.”

“
It’s not like that.” But Brody wished it were. He looked out the window. “I nearly got her killed tonight.”

“
Mmhmm.” Dakota side-eyed him. “But she’s going to be your neighbor. So, why not?”

* * * *

Fallon fought back a smile. Brody totally sounded disappointed it wasn’t like
that
. She really shouldn’t be thrilled but she was ecstatic. She didn’t want him, and she’d keep telling herself that until she believed it.

Desperate to get her mind off him, she held still and let the guys think she was asleep.

Then he had to open his mouth with his delicious voice. “I’ll ask, but I won’t make any guarantees. You know Jess, she’s probably going to start in on her hints and scare her off.”

Fallon was pretty sure her own feelings were more likely to scare her off. She was willing to bet half the town had Jess meddling in their business. Not like she caused any harm, but she always knew what was coming. Jess’ visions always came true.

Fallon didn’t know what was worse. Jess who was psychic or her twin Jamie who was an empath. Jess always hassled Fallon about her choice in men, telling her all the ways they’d screw up. While Jamie would tell her how she didn’t really love them. Unfortunately, they were always right.

The car pulled to a stop, and she kept her eyes closed, her breathing even. Brody leaned over the seat to brush his fingers across her cheek, and
that felt really nice. “Wake up, sugar. We’re here.” She really shouldn’t like the way he called her that.

Fallon slowly opened her eyes, stretched, and let out a real yawn.
“Sorry,” she murmured, mostly for eavesdropping when he thought she was asleep. Turning to Dakota, she smiled. “Thanks for the help.”

“
You’re welcome. Go get some rest,” Dakota replied warmly.

She grabbed her backpack, shut the door, and turned around. Brody was right there, his full
mouth tilted in a smile. She rolled back on her heels and forced her gaze to his. “So, about this apartment?”

His eyes sparkled and he nodded toward the house.
“I’ll be right back. I need to go get the key.” He walked around the back.

Fallon looked up at craftsman style house. His home was too big for a single guy, but he wasn’t wearing a ring. All he was missing was the white picket fence. His house was set back from the road but the yard was meticulously landscaped. And what was with the four car garage?

Maybe she read him wrong. Maybe he was married… with kids… teenagers even. Her eyes kept getting wider and wider, and then she shuddered. Not her business, she reminded herself. Then again, if he were married, he would definitely land on her do-not-touch list.

Curious what he was doing, she followed the stone path and caught him climbing to the second floor balcony with ease. He hopped over the railing and slipped into an open window like
it was habit.

The porch lights came on
a minute later and Brody walked out the back door with a smile.

She couldn’t help herself.
“I take it you run home naked often?”

The corner of his mouth quirked up and he glanced away.
“Why keep a spare key someone can find when I can just go through a window no one else would bother with?”

Amused, she nodded.
“Good point.”

His brow lifted as he pointed to the stairs on the side of the garage.
“Up those stairs there is your humble abode.”

Fallon turned and hurried up the stairs. Brody was right behind her, and even though he wasn’t touching her, his warmth spread through her. She just knew his big hard body would feel like heaven sliding up against hers. Fighting off a shiver, she steeled herself against him. After leaving
one asshole kitty cat, she really didn’t need a great big controlling puppy dog.

He held out a single key with a tiny Harley on the chain.
“Go on. Do the honors.”

She unlocked the door and walked into the dark room. Fallon closed her eyes and took in the inviting feel of the space.
The light switch clicked on and she was bathed in light. Turning around, she found him leaning against the doorframe. He watched with a longing she didn’t expect.

“
Aren’t you going to give me the tour?” The words were slightly teasing, and out of her mouth before she could stop herself.

He pushed off the frame and moved toward her with a nod to the corner.
“Your living room. The TV’s hooked up to the cable.” The living space was roomy. There was a flat screen TV and entertainment center in the corner, the furniture was slightly rustic, but looked comfortable. There was a couch against the wall and a rocking chair near the large window overlooking the driveway.

Brody walked around her, into the dark kitchen and flipped on the light. There was a center island and a couple stools.
“Kitchen has all the basics.” Next to the pantry was a door he opened, revealing the small but nice bathroom, with a walk-in shower. “Bathroom here, and over here is the bedroom.” He took a couple steps past her and opened the only other door.

Fallon stepped in and set her backpack on the king size bed covered in big fluffy pillows and
a feather comforter. She pictured Brody sprawled out naked, and felt the heat in her face. A shiver traveled down her spine as she walked past him and to the living room window to look out.

She felt his approach and squeezed her eyes shut.
“The apartment is nice.” It was a little too perfect, and she didn’t understand.

“
You don’t like it?” Disappointment colored his tone, making her feel guilty.

“
I do.” She turned to face him. “I’m just confused.”
So much for not asking.
“What’s the story with the house, and an apartment above your garage? You seem single, but this whole setup screams family.”

“
Well, that was the plan.” Brody went to the window, placed his hand on the frame, and stared into the darkness with a lost expression. “I was married. We wanted a family.” He paused, and she reached for him but dropped her hand before he noticed. “Sarah died in Iraq.” His eyes closed as he pressed his forehead to the glass.

Her heart ached for him
. He obviously loved his wife. “I’m sorry, I didn’t know,” Fallon whispered.

“
We built the apartment so her Mom would have a place to stay when….” He shrugged, but didn’t look back.

Her stomach bottomed out and she felt like a jerk.
She never dreamt of marriage or kids, let alone in-laws. Had she ever met one of her boyfriend’s parents? Nope, never. Brody had everything all planned out, and then his hopes and dreams were just gone.

“
I’m sorry you lost her. I can’t even imagine.” She had no clue what else to say.

“
That was four years ago. I’m all right.” He turned and offered a weak smile, but obviously he wasn’t. “I just couldn’t move away. Adam and Slater helped me build this home. There are a lot of good memories here.”

She wound her fingers together behind her back.
“This is a nice place.”

He nodded and ran a hand through his golden blond hair.
“Can I ask you something?”

“
Sure.” She figured she owed him.

“
This man Jess mentioned, did he hurt you?”

There was too much concern there for a stranger, which was both overwhelming and comforting.

“Isaac, and no. He made some terrible choices.” Fallon looked away and shrugged. “Doesn’t matter, he’s in the past where he should stay.” She rode away with every intention of forgetting. He wasn’t worth the time she wasted on him, and remembering never fixed anything.

“
Past as in when?” There was a demand in his question.

Her head whipped around.
He stared at her with wide eyes and his mouth open. His surprise was so unexpected that it took the sting out of the words.

“
This morning.” Her laugh was bitter. “Early morning. I should have walked away sooner. He wasn’t man enough to end things the right way, and I was too stupid to see how wrong the whole relationship was. Not until
way
too late.”

Brody tilted his head, his brow wrinkling.
“What’s the right way? To end things, that is.”

“
Sure as hell isn’t fucking another woman in front of me. I would have taken a hastily scrawled note or a text ending things over that.” Fallon paced away. She was pissed at herself, not Isaac or the other woman. She didn’t want to think about it though.

Brody growled.
“Damn straight that’s not the right way. He sounds like an asshole.”

She came back with her arms crossed over her chest. He stood there with his hands clenched into fists
and his eyes icy blue like his wolf’s, giving him a dangerous edge. His scowl was so ridiculously hot she cursed herself for noticing.

Fallon gathered her wits, and crossed her arms over her chest.
“Yeah. So, you’ll have to excuse me if I don’t feel like wasting my breath on him.”

One corner of his mouth turned up.
“All right, consider it dropped.”

She felt her eyes widen and faked a yawn to cover her surprise.
“Sorry, but if you don’t mind, I’m just going to go to bed. Thank you, for the place to stay.”

“
Don’t mention it.” Brody smiled. “Maybe tomorrow you’ll come play pool with us?”

A couple games of pool couldn’t hurt
. She nodded. “Sounds like a plan. Good night, Brody.”

“
Come knock on the back door in the morning. I’ll have coffee ready.” He backed out of the door with a grin. “Sweet dreams, Fallon.”

She locked the door and desperately wanted to call him back.
Goddess, she wished he could be a dick so she wouldn’t be so tempted.

* * * *

The sound of the shower woke Brody. Yawning, he sat up to stretch and threw the blanket off. The cool air chilled him as he stood and padded over to the bathroom.

Fallon stood under the spray with her head tipped back and her eyes closed as water cascaded down her perfect body. Her hands were covered in suds she worked
them over her full breasts as her back arched.

His eyes flipped open. He was staring at the ceiling, panting, and hard as rock. The dream kept playing through his head.
The clock said 5 AM. He glared down at his erection like it was the devil. This was the third time he woke up, but this time he was awake and he felt like a damned pervert.

She’d probably deck him if she knew what he was dreaming about. He needed a cold shower and he needed to stop thinking about her
but hell was more likely to freeze over.

On his way to the bathroom,
Brody stepped over the bedding he must have kicked off. Shaking his head, he cranked the water all the way to arctic. He damn near froze his balls off, but he stood there until his teeth were chattering hard enough to give him a headache and his fingers and toes went numb. When he couldn’t take the cold, he shut off the water, and dried off.