Make Me A Match (The Matchmaker) (14 page)

“Lizzie and I stayed with Mom’s dad, our grandfather. He had
a PI business, but it didn’t make much. When he died, I decided to go after
cheating men to keep the business afloat.”

Her dad cheated, and she made her living catching cheating
men? Yeah, I wasn’t going to point out that irony. “And so you and Lizzie
stayed?”

“We really had nowhere else to go.” She stared into her cup.
“It’s been just me and her for such a long time.”

I could hear the loneliness in her voice. I knew it well.
Bloody hell, I didn’t want to be drawn to her, but I was. I wanted to tell her
that she wasn’t alone anymore, that I would always be there for her. I
couldn’t. “You should sleep.”

“I’m too cold,” she muttered, drawing the blanket closer. “I
thought it was spring?”

“A bit different than spring where you’re from.” But she
didn’t look appeased. She needed rest more than anything. I sighed, knowing
what I had to do. “Come here.”

She glanced at me warily. I grew annoyed. What did she
think…I was going to attack her? I reached under the blanket, wrapped my hand
around her ankle, and tugged. She slid down the couch.

“Hey!”

“Just trust me.” I latched on to her arm before she could
jump back to her side of the couch, and pulled her close. She fell into me, her
warm body pressed closely to mine. Hell, maybe this was a mistake. So, why did
I wrap my arms around her waist and hold her close? “Stop struggling.”

She paused and glared at me.

“Just stay still for a minute, okay?”

She frowned, but didn’t move. Thank God. Soon enough, I felt
my body grow heated…unnaturally so.

“Oh, wow.” She snuggled closer to me. “You’re so warm.”

“I can control my temperature to an extent.”

She laughed, delighted. “Amazing.”

I gritted my teeth, trying to resist the attraction that
surged through my body. Her soft hair tickled my face; her scent killed me.
Taking in a deep breath, I stared at the ceiling, counting the water stains. We
were silent for a moment. It should have been weird, lying there pressed
together. Instead…bloody hell, it felt right. Too right. I closed my eyes. For
the first time in days, my body relaxed. There was just something
right
about having her curled into me. I
should have known it wouldn’t last.

“Owen?”

“Hmm?”

“If you could warm me,” she whispered, docile now. “Why
didn’t you do it before?”

I opened my eyes and stared at the shadowed ceiling. Shite,
how to respond? “I didn’t realize you were that cold.”

“Liar.” She tilted her head back and looked into my eyes.
“Why, Owen?”

I loved how she said my name, a breathless sound. For some
reason, when she looked at me like that, I couldn’t lie. “Because…because I
didn’t want to touch you.”

She frowned, pushing against my chest and sitting up,
obviously offended. Her absence left me cold. “You hate me that much?”

“No.” I shoved aside the blanket and stumbled to my feet. I
couldn’t be this close to her. I couldn’t think, and if I couldn’t think, I
might say something I didn’t want to admit, shouldn’t admit. I stood with my
back to her, trying to regain control.

“Then why?” she demanded. “Come on, Owen, just be honest
with me for once. I’m so sick of people lying!”

I closed my eyes briefly and swallowed hard. Why couldn’t
she have let it go? Why? Because she was so bloody stubborn. Fine, she wanted
answers, she’d get answers. “Because if I touched you, I knew I’d do this.”

I spun around, latched on to her arms and jerked her
forward. My lips found hers in a kiss that stole the air from my lungs. I meant
it to be a quick kiss, but when she molded against me, sinking into my body, I
knew it was going to be anything but quick. She slid her hands up my chest and
around my neck, and…shite…she was kissing me back. I couldn’t deny it, we had
some weird connection neither of us seemed able to control. Didn’t want to
control. My hands went around her, gripping her tightly to me. Things were
getting out of hand really fast and I knew it was a mistake the moment it
happened.

Mistake, it’s a bloody
mistake,
I repeated to myself.

With all the strength I had, I pulled away from her, stumbling
back. For one long moment, we merely stood there staring at each other, our
breathing harsh in the quiet house. Finally, I managed to move toward the
windows, putting much-needed distance between us. It didn’t help. I had a
feeling nothing would help.

“Get some sleep,” I said gruffly.

Coward that I was, I couldn’t talk to her anymore. No
further sharing. No intimate secrets. Instead, I paced in front of the windows.
I knew she was too stunned to speak about what had happened, and I was too damn
confused.

I could not—I
would
not—fall in love with my Matchmaker.

If I did, we would both pay…with our lives.

Emma

“
Merci
,” Owen said
as we stepped from a car driven by some older Frenchman I’m pretty sure was a
serial killer, if the way he leered at me was any indication.

But hey, I’d take my chances with a serial killer if it
meant I didn’t have to walk. My feet were killing me from last night’s jaunt
through the French countryside, and even though I should have been shocked by
the incident with the vampires, I was more confused by Owen’s kiss. You knew
your life was screwy when you were more concerned with your feelings for a guy,
than the fact you were being stalked by demons.

“Here it is,” Owen said as the car drove away, leaving us on
a cobbled street on the outskirts of a stereotypical European town.

“Holy Medieval Times,” I whispered.

Stone walls surrounded the ancient French city of Protéger.
I knew the name of the city meant “protect,” which to the normal person would
make sense. The walls were built to protect the town from attack way back
during the 1500s. But I knew it had a deeper meaning. The walls were here to
protect people like me from things that attacked in the night. Things that
terrified little children, but no one truly believed were real. Things I hadn’t
believed were real…until now.

The streets were teeming with tourists, the city thriving
with people eating at small cafés and browsing in quaint shops, completely
unaware of the reality in which they resided. The tap of our shoes echoing
against stone buildings was lost in the excited pulse of an active town. The
sun was brilliant and warm overhead, shimmering off the stone road and the
buildings packed tightly together. In the air was the scent of freshly baked
bread and other spices I recognized, but didn’t know. It was heaven…or at least
my definition of heaven.

“Try not to touch anyone,” Owen said softly.

Easier said than done, but I knew he didn’t want me to have
a flash at the moment, and frankly, I didn’t want to have one either. Keeping
close to him, I focused on my surroundings. I could sense the history of the
place, feel it in my bones as if the stone walls were a very part of my being.
This is what I’d wanted to experience, and in a way I was glad we were here.

But as excited as I was to be in France, I couldn’t ignore
the danger that loomed around me, hovering above like evil flying monkeys.
Evening would be here soon and with dusk, according to Owen, came the monsters.
I felt Owen beside me, felt his strength and warmth even though we didn’t
touch. As much as I didn’t want to rely on him, I was growing used to his
comforting presence.

We made it through the city and to the outskirts of town
without my brushing against anyone. “So, where are we going?”

He nodded toward a road that curled its way up the hill
ahead. “See that large building?”

At the top of that steep road, I could just make out the
peaks of a massive gray castle. “Yeah.”

“That’s the Consulate.”

I paused next to a bakery shop, stunned. “I’m going to live
there?”

He nodded as if it were no big deal.

“I’m going to live in a castle?”

“It was actually more of a fortress.” He watched me warily,
as if he didn’t understand why I was shocked. “But yeah, you are living there.
They aren’t as great as you’d think. Drafty, cold water, leaky pipes.”

“A castle?” Lizzie would freaking die. I had to send her a
picture ASAP. I pulled my cell from my back pocket, intending to send her a
photo.

Owen sighed. “We need to go. They’re coming.”

He started down a narrow street, leaving me behind.

“Wait…what?” I clicked a quick, blurry picture and raced
after him, shoving the phone back into my pocket. He didn’t sound anxious or
worried about whoever
they
were. But
then why were we hurrying? So far, the visitors who’d come calling hadn’t
exactly been welcome. “
They
? Should
we be nervous?”

“Of course not. They’re the Consulate.”

Okay, so why then did I get a feeling he wasn’t so excited
to be back? The soft rumble of an engine interrupted the noise of town. Owen
paused where two roads intersected, so I did too. A black car with tinted
windows came around the corner and slowed.

“What is this, a
Men
in Black
movie?”

Owen reached out and opened the back door. “Get in.”

I didn’t question him; I was too freaking tired. Besides,
whether I wanted to or not, I trusted him. I slid inside, sinking onto the soft
leather seats. Owen followed. The man driving didn’t say a word, merely took
off through the narrow streets, weaving his way up the steep road toward that
imposing castle. How he’d known we’d arrived, I hadn’t a clue.

“Are you all right?” Owen asked.

“Yeah, of course.”

Of course I wasn’t all right. How could I be? I was moving
into a freaking castle with a bunch of strangers. It was like the medieval
version of
The Bachelorette,
except in
the finale I’d end up with a soul-sucking demon instead of a bachelor. Okay,
maybe it was exactly like the show.
 

“Emma, you’re trembling.”

I laughed, a hysterical bubble of laughter I couldn’t quite
contain. “Of course I’m not!”

The driver flicked a glance toward us in the rearview
mirror. His eyes said it all…
That girl is
crazy.
Okay, embarrassing. I never, ever showed my emotions in public. But
somehow within the last week, I’d lost sense of who I was. I remained silent. I
wasn’t about to spew my feelings for the driver’s entertainment, and I already
looked weak enough in front of Owen. But shock of all shockers, I suddenly felt
his fingers wrap around mine. I glanced at our entwined hands, not daring to
move, barely breathing. Was he actually offering me comfort?

In the space of a week I’d discovered I had magical powers,
and that not only were there demons, but also vampires. Oh, and to top it off,
I’d been almost killed twice. But the most shocking thing of all was how I
suddenly felt about Owen. Or maybe I’d always felt this way about him. I hadn’t
needed anyone in my seventeen years. No, I’d spent most of my life needing no
one.

“You’ll be safe here.”

“Of course.”

I closed my eyes and leaned my head back against the seat,
but didn’t pull my hand away. No, instead I sat there, acutely aware of every
second that passed while his palm was pressed to mine. I focused on the warmth
of his touch, his fingers—long and strong—wrapped around mine. Maybe it was my
imagination but I swore as I focused on Owen, the pain in my head eased either
because he was taking my ache, or because his touch was a comfort I desperately
needed.

I was growing way too used to having Owen around. And what
would happen if I lost him? If he left? Hell, I’d practically raised and
supported myself and my sister. But this…fighting demons and vampires? For this
I feared I needed Owen, and damn it all, I didn’t want to.

“You will be safe, Emma,” he said softly.

I opened my eyes and stared into his green gaze. For some
reason, I believed him.

The car slowed in front of a set of iron gates. My heart
skipped a beat before breaking into a gallop. The large stone castle loomed on
the crest above us, overlooking the city below. It was even more impressive
close up.

“You’ve got to be freaking kidding me,” I whispered.

“No,” Owen replied quite seriously. “It’s real. It’s where
we meet and where many of us reside.”

The gates opened automatically. I briefly wondered if it was
electronics or magic that made them move. Just the fact that I was wondering if
magic was involved had me shaking my head. “Us? You mean Protectors?”

The car drove through the gates, up a drive that curved
toward the massive front door. “Yes, Protectors and some of the Matchmakers
too.”

The driver parked the car beside a set of shallow steps.

“How many Matchmakers live here?”

“Not many,” Owen said, letting go of my hand. “Only a few.
But there are other beings outside these walls, throughout the entire world.”
He pushed the door wide and stepped outside.

“Other beings? What the heck does that mean?” I slid across
the seat and followed. This close, the castle was even larger than I’d
realized. The building felt almost alive, threatening in some way.

He shrugged. “What you would call magical people, what we
call Otherworldly.”

The driver took off, following the drive and disappearing
around the fortress toward what I assumed was some cave where they parked the
Batmobile. Frowning, I studied the many dark windows above. No flicker of
curtains, or any indication of movement. With that many people, the place
should have been thrumming. But it was quiet, so quiet.

“So,” I said. “Only Matchmakers and Protectors inside?”

He started up the stairs. “Yes.” He pushed open the large
door, the hinges squeaking in protest. “You coming?”

As if I had a choice. I moved hesitantly up the steps, only
to pause on the threshold. Inside, the foyer was rich and inviting…a home, not
the depressing dungeon I’d been imagining. White walls contrasted against dark
floorboards that were polished and shiny, while a golden chandelier hung above,
giving the area a warmth I wouldn’t have expected. A wide staircase curved up
to a second floor.

“I could get used to living here,” I mumbled.

Owen shrugged, completely indifferent to the wealth
surrounding us. “It has its benefits.”

Beyond in the rooms on either side I could see people
standing around fireplaces, books in hand. Some sat in leather chairs,
chatting. A few looked our way, curiosity in their gazes.

“I’ll take you to your bedroom, but first we have to deal
with the Consulate.”

“Oh, goodie,” I muttered.

Owen gave a few people a nod of acknowledgment as he cupped
my elbow and we started down the hall, but there were no cheerful greetings as
if between friends.

He hadn’t even introduced me to anyone. Heck, maybe they
weren’t close. Or maybe he wanted to get rid of me so he could complain to his
friends in private. “What’s the hurry?”

Was he afraid I’d bolt? I couldn’t deny that I was thinking
about it. No chance of showering, changing clothes; it was right into battle. I
suddenly felt trapped. We turned a corner and started down yet another hall,
this one windowless and darker. Even in the depths of the bowels they spared no
expense; the same polished floors and pristine white walls ran throughout the
place.

Owen released his hold as we paused in front of a wide set
of double doors. “They didn’t exactly know you existed.”

I tensed. “What do you mean?”

“I
mean
when I
sensed you, I didn’t tell them. I didn’t exactly get permission to leave.”

Permission? He had to have permission to leave? Did that
mean I had to have permission as well? “What exactly are you talking about?”

“Owen?” Someone came rushing breathlessly down the corridor.
“Where have you been?”

The beautiful brunette didn’t pause but hurled herself at
him, throwing her arms around his neck. So he did have friends. He caught her,
his arms wrapping around her narrow waist in a hug. I wouldn’t admit it out
loud, even under torture, but yeah, my jealousy flared to life.

She stepped back, her hands cupping his face while his grip
remained on her waist. “Everyone has been wondering what happened to you!”

Great, she even had a sexy Spanish accent. Better and
better. Who the hell was she? Some groupie with a crush?

Owen slid me a glance. I folded my arms across my chest and
quirked a brow.
Yep, still here, buddy,
and still watching.
God, I wasn’t sure whether to be amused or angered.

“Pet, this is Emma, my new Matchmaker.”

Pet?
As in she was
his little pet? How disgustingly adorable, and I was pretty sure sexist. She
glanced at me with disinterest, then did a double take. “Oh.” Her baby blue
eyes blinked wide. “It’s…nice to meet you.”

She couldn’t hide her shock, not from me, someone trained to
notice everything. “Yeah, nice to meet you too.”

“Sorry.” She flushed. “I just wasn’t expecting a Matchmaker,
and not one so…young.”

I didn’t have time to contemplate her odd reaction.

“We have to go,” Owen interrupted, untangling himself from
her arms, much to my relief. “They’re waiting.”

“Of course.” I didn’t miss the way her hand lingered on his
bicep. Good God, could the girl not take a hint? “I’ll see you later?”

I stiffened. No freaking way! See you later? As in they saw
each other often? I had the sick feeling that this wasn’t some crush, but
something more two-sided. Was he seriously dating her?

He rubbed the back of his neck. I knew him well enough by
now to know he felt uneasy. Uneasy because she made him uneasy, or uneasy
because he’d been caught?

“Yes. Sure. See you later.”

Appeased, she turned and sashayed away, disappearing around
the corner and leaving behind a trail of perfume.

“Who—”

“Come on, they’re waiting.” Owen quickly pushed the double doors
wide and stepped aside. Talk about avoidance. “Ready?”

Of course he was rushing me into the room on purpose. I
couldn’t believe it, but I shouldn’t have been surprised. He’d kissed me just
last night. Hell. I couldn’t let it go. “You have a girlfriend?”

I was barely aware of the huge auditorium with tiers of
seats that descended toward a dais at the bottom. Nothing like feeling like a
gladiator headed toward battle. But none of that mattered because suddenly the
most important answer for me to uncover was whether Owen was taken.

He frowned. “No. Not at all. She’s…”

What?
I wanted to
say, but didn’t have time.

“You’ve arrived,” a voice boomed.

I narrowed my eyes, attempting to see the face of the guy
who stood at the bottom of the room. An older man in a long robe, wizard-style
like Jotham. Behind him was a dais where five other adults sat, three men, two
women, all watching me with expressionless faces. Holy hell, they hadn’t been
there just a few seconds ago when we’d first entered. I was sure of it. Owen’s
love life was all but forgotten.