Shadow of My Heart (Shadow-Walker Tribe Series) (7 page)

Raven noticed the single red rose on Mrs. Sloane’s desk and quirked an eyebrow. “Did I buy you a flower too?”

“No, not that I don’t deserve one, but this is from my secret admirer.”

“You have an admirer here at work?”

“Ever since I moved here after Kevin died. At first it was just little notes to brighten my day, or candy or something. For a little while, I thought it was you, but I realized right away that you would just hand them to me, not leave them in secret.”

“Do you want me to ask Joe to find out who this is?”

“Of course not. That would take away the fun of guessing. Besides, I’m pretty sure Joe knows who it is and isn’t worried. Joe keeps an eye on everyone.”

“That’s true. Nothing gets by him.”

“Leave it for now. When I’m ready to know who it is, I’ll tell you.”

“All right, but if you ever feel uncomfortable, you let me know. I’ll put a stop to it.”

“Sure thing, Boss. Now get to work, I have reports to file.”

“Yes, Ma’am,” Raven said, sauntering into his office. He paused briefly as he sat at his desk. Something tingled in his memory. Derek looking at the door yesterday, when Raven accused him of not knowing what it felt like to want a woman. Was Derek Katherine Sloane’s secret admirer? Joe would know. He’d ask him the next time he saw him.

§

Cara hurried home from work Friday night. Raven said he would arrive Saturday to spend the weekend. She needed to clean the apartment and decide what to wear. Principal Davidson was still acting strange. Cara had a sneaking suspicion he was looking for a way to fire her. But at this moment, Cara didn’t care. She was off work for three whole months. If Raven actually asked her to marry him, like Ana had suggested he would, she might not want to return to Rancho Vista Elementary.

Still, she probably shouldn’t let Davidson get away with sullying her reputation. But she’d figure that out later. Right now, she wanted to get home to dust and vacuum, as well as change the sheets on the bed. She coughed as she got out of the car and walked to the entrance of her building. There was a tickle in her throat. A cup of tea with lemon and honey ought to fix it. She’d start warming the water as soon as she got in the door.

§

Raven put the last of his clothes into a suitcase and pulled out the black-velvet box from his pocket. He opened it to remove the simple one-carat solitaire diamond ring within. Would Cara like it? Would it fit her finger? She was out of school now. So nothing stood in the way of his asking her to marry him and move to New Mexico. They could keep her condo in Redondo Beach and spend vacations there. That way, if she missed the ocean, she could go back and enjoy it.

He had started planning the wedding. He even had a power-point presentation to show Cara what he had in mind. But first he needed to get her to say yes. Not that he was nervous or anything. Putting the ring into his pocket, he patted it. He had everything under control. His clothes would go by plane to California. The limo company would pick up his suitcase and bring it over to Cara’s condo. Raven would Shadow Walk to California. He had picked out a dark-grey silk suit and a red shirt and tie. He would carry the ring on his person, but the box would have to go into the suitcase, so it didn’t disintegrate in Shadow.

Zipping up the suitcase, he put it by the door. Mrs. Sloane had already arranged for a courier to come pick it up. Reservations had been made for dinner at one of the trendy restaurants on the Redondo pier. Raven could see it all clearly. Cara looking lovely in an evening dress. Raven in his suit. The flowers, the dinner, and then popping the question. It would be perfect.

Time passed quickly, and Raven was dressed and ready. Finding a shadow in the corner, he Shadow-walked into the hallway outside Cara’s door. Derek waved at him from down the hall, then gave a thumbs-up sign.

This was it. Raven brushed his hands down his jacket, feeling the ring still in his pocket. Taking a deep breath, he knocked on the door.

He heard shuffling and a groan coming from inside. Cara opened the door, wearing short pink pajamas and holding a wad of tissues.

“Oh, Raven,” she said and burst into tears.

Taking quick stock of the situation, Raven scooped Cara up in his arms. She was burning with fever. He gave Derek orders telepathically, while holding Cara as she cried. He rubbed her back and murmured to her. Then, he carried her into the bedroom and laid her gently on the bed. Derek would be delivering Sudafed, orange juice, Sprite, Tylenol, and egg- drop soup in about an hour.

“Hush, now sweet,” he told her as he wiped her tears. “Here, let me get you tucked in. We’ll talk after I’ve got you settled.”

“Oh, Raven” she sniffled. “I wanted everything to be perfect. But I feel so awful. I’m so glad you’re here. Please don’t hate me,” she said as she started to tear up again.

“Come now, love, you’re being silly,” he said as he fluffed up the pillows. “Now wait right here while I get some hot water going for tea.”

Raven sighed as he went into the kitchen to do just that. Her kitchen wasn’t very big, and it did not take long to find and start the teakettle. He removed his coat and rolled up his sleeves. Then, he went back into the bedroom to his patient.

“Will you hold me?” she sniffled

“It would be my greatest pleasure,” he said as he climbed into the bed. Lying down beside her, he pulled her gently into his arms.

Cara rested against him as he stroked her silky hair. He liked gazing into her soft doe eyes. This was his mate. He was finally here with her.

Just then the teakettle started to whistle. Raven got up to fix her tea. He came back in with a cup of Earl Grey, placing it on the nightstand. Cara was already having problems keeping her eyes open.

“Go to sleep love. You need to rest,” he said.

“Please don’t leave . . .” 

“Never,
tehila
. I will be right here when you wake up.”

He left her sleeping peacefully and went into the kitchen. After fixing a cup of tea for himself, he went back and relaxed in the wingback chair covered in pink roses. He liked Cara’s decorating style. Everything was done in soft pinks and whites. It was homey and comfortable.

He was proud of her accomplishments, and he was even prouder, knowing this lovely woman was his mate. He happily watched over her, while dozing in her chair. When he felt Derek’s mind-touch, he got up quietly and opened the door.

“Sorry, Bro, I would have warned you if I’d known. She seemed okay last night when Joe came on duty. Maybe just a little tired.”

Derek handed over the bag from the drugstore and the soup.

“It’s okay, Derek. These things happen. Will you catch the limo driver when he comes up and get my suitcase? Cara is sleeping, and I don’t want her to wake up.”

“Sure. I’ll watch for him.”

Raven put the soup and juice in the refrigerator. He would heat up the soup when Cara woke up. The medicine waited on the counter. He went back in the bedroom to find Cara snoring slightly. She would be mortified if she knew.

He chuckled and decided to watch some TV while she slept. He turned the small set on, but not wanting to disturb her, he turned it way down. Finally, he put on a music station after nothing on the weather channel or news caught his eye. Enjoying this quiet time, he dozed in the chair. These simple homey chores made him feel complete and satisfied.

Raven liked watching over Cara. It didn’t matter that things didn’t work out according to his vision. He was here with her, and that’s all that mattered.

Derek’s mind-touch surprised Raven when he saw how much time had passed. He got up to open the door.

“Here’s the suitcase. She’s good for you. You’ve only been here a couple of hours and already you look better.”

“I didn’t know I looked bad before,” Raven said.

“Not bad, exactly. Tired, overworked.”

Raven heard Cara stirring in the bedroom. He smiled at his brother.

“Oh, yeah,” Derek said. “You’ve got it bad.”

As Derek chuckled, Raven closed the door in his face. He knew Derek would walk back into Shadow. He and Joe would take turns standing guard.

Cara was looking sleepy as Raven walked back into her room.

“I thought I heard voices.”

“Just a delivery from the airport,” Raven said, putting his suitcase down. “I thought I might need some casual clothes.”

Raven had already taken his shoes and tie off. He actually looked a little rumpled. Cara couldn’t remember when she had seen him less than perfect. She felt a sudden surge of desire. She must be feeling better.

“Will you hold me some more?”

“Are you sure I can’t get something for you first? Soup? Juice?” Raven asked.

“Oh,” Cara said a little disappointed. “Maybe some juice?”

“Be back in just a minute.”

Cara felt grateful that Raven wanted to care for her. But it would be nice if instead of being so gallant, he would just come back to bed. She wanted him to want her, even when she looked as bad as she did with no makeup and a stuffy nose.

Raven came in with medicine and juice in one hand and a mug of egg-drop soup in the other. Egg-drop soup was one of Cara’s comfort foods. She always ordered some when she was sick. The fact that Raven knew and provided showed her what a caring man he really was. It brought tears to her already puffy eyes.

He watched over her, getting more juice when she ran out and then clearing the dishes when she was done. Finally, he came back to bed and held her close, his hand caressing her hair. Cara rubbed her face on his silky shirt and then sighed. She didn’t want to move. She was warm and full and content. Her eyes started to drift shut again.

Raven looked down at Cara’s relaxed features. From her easy breathing, he was assured that the medicine was working. It felt so right holding her while she slept. No one was barging in and demanding he take care of some kind of business. Quiet Thunder had said his mate would bring him peace. He was right. He could stay here with Cara in his arms forever.

The insistent knocking on the door was the first indication Raven had that he had fallen asleep while holding Cara. The mental calling let him know that something was wrong.

Raven, wake up. Come answer the door or I’m coming in
.

Quiet down, you’ll wake up Cara. I’m coming
.

Chapter Seven

“Did I hear someone at the door?” Cara asked sleepily as Raven rolled her off his chest and slipped off the bed.

“It’s my brother. I’ll get it,” Raven said, pulling the covers up over Cara and kissing her on the forehead. “Just rest, while I see what the problem is.”

When Raven walked into the front room, he was surprised to see Derek waiting for him. He must have Shadow-walked through the door.

“I’m sorry to bother you. I know this is a bad time. But Fred Black has been murdered. Joe wants you to come back to the office.”

“Fred? The security guard?”

“He’s the one. His only family is a sister in New York City. I think he was killed checking out Amanda’s apartment. Joe will fill you in when you get back.”

“Raven?” Cara called, walking into the living room while tying the belt on her robe. She paused as soon as she saw Derek.

“You remember my brother, Derek?” Raven said, running a hand through his hair. “He came to tell me one of our security people has been killed. I don’t want to leave you,
tehila
. But I have to go take care of this.”

“Of course,” Cara answered with a shudder. “You should go.”

“I’ll make it as quick as I can. If you’re feeling better, we can go to dinner. I made reservations for us at Toni’s on the pier at eight o’clock.”

“That would be nice. Are you sure you will be back by then?” She sniffled. Her eyes watered, and she brushed her hand quickly across her eyes. Was she crying?

“I’ll call you if I’m going to be delayed. Don’t look at me like that, Cara, or I won’t be able to leave you,” Raven said, crossing over to her side and taking her into his arms. He kissed the top of her head. “I’ll be back before you know it. Derek, stay with Cara. I don’t want her to be alone right now.”

“That’s not necessary, Raven. I’m feeling much better,” Cara said.

“He’ll feel better if you let me stay. Might as well deal with it. Besides we can get to know each other a little better. We are going to be family,” Derek said, winking and giving Cara one of his charismatic smiles.

“It’s true,
tehila
. I’ll be much quicker if I am not concerned about you while I’m gone. I know Derek can be trying, but please let him stay with you,” Raven encouraged her.

Cara looked up at Raven, then over at Derek. How could she resist them with their dark good looks and charming smiles? Besides, she knew Derek would watch her from Shadow if she refused. Shaking her head, she gave in gracefully. “Okay, you win. Derek can stay.”

Raven kissed her hard, then walked into the shadows in the corner of her living room and disappeared.

“I’m not sure I’ll ever get used to that. The disappearing act makes me think I’m going out of my mind,” Cara admitted, grabbing a tissue off the table and wiping her nose.

“You should go back to bed. Raven will get mad at me if you have a relapse.”

“That’s silly. Besides, I would like to get to know you,” Cara said, curling up in her favorite wingback chair. “Let’s sit and have a chat. I haven’t seen you since that night at the awards banquet. Who is the new girl de jour?

“Not you, too. The playboy thing is just an act, you know, part of my cover,” Derek said, sitting across from her on the loveseat.

“Really? It seems to bother Raven quite a bit.”

“Yeah, well, he needs to get a life and loosen up some. I think being with you is helping with that.”

“I’ll take that as a compliment. Can I get you a cup of tea or something?”

“I’ll get it. Here, cover up,” Derek said, handing her the lap quilt that was lying on the back of the loveseat. Then, he walked into the kitchen and grabbed two cups out of the cabinet. Cara felt slightly bemused at how caring and take-charge the two brothers were. Did they know how much alike they acted?

The tea was soon made, and Derek handed her a warm cup. She blew on it absently as he settled back on the loveseat with his own cup.

“You and Raven are very much alike. Why does he always seem so upset at you?”

“It all started with a prophecy our foster father had,” Derek said. “Isanti Quiet Thunder is our tribal shaman, and he has mentored us in Shadow-walking since we were young. I think Raven was fifteen or so when Isanti got sick. He had a high fever, and we were all afraid that he might die. He was hallucinating, out of his head, if you ask me. Raven and I brought him water and food, though he didn’t eat. The only way to get the water into him was to dribble it into his mouth while we wiped him down. On the third night, he suddenly sat up in bed and pointed at Raven. You are the beginning, he said. You will find the woman who will lead the others in our tribe to their true mates. If you fail, the Shadow-walkers will pass into legend. Scared the shit out of me. Oh, sorry about the language.”

“What did he mean, exactly?”

“Hell, if I know. But Raven took the words to heart. He wouldn’t even look at a woman for the longest time. I’m not sure he isn’t a virgin.”

“I don’t think . . . that is, he seemed experienced. Uhm . . .” Cara stammered, feeling her face warm.

“Sorry. I didn’t mean to embarrass you.”

“I’m not embarrassed.”

“Cara, your face is bright red,” Derek said, chuckling. “What I was trying to explain is that the prophecy messed with Raven’s mind. The future of the tribe is dependent on him. He takes responsibility for everything that involves the tribe. What’s worse is everyone lets him. Why should they worry, when Raven will do it for them? Our foster father gave him Isanti, Inc. He is in charge of everything and everyone.”

“That seems like an awful lot to heap on one person.”

“Exactly. Don’t get me wrong. Raven is honest to a fault. He didn’t even take a salary until we all insisted. He needs to relax, have some fun. Take a vacation. You can show him how.”

“Me?”

“Cara, he needs you. I guess we all do. You are the answer to the prophecy.”

“I think you’re being a little melodramatic, don’t you?”

“Maybe,” Derek said, shrugging his shoulders. “So what are you going to wear to your special dinner tonight?”

“What am I going to wear?”

“Well, it’s a special night. You want to look good, right? Do you have another dress like that slinky red one you wore to the awards banquet?”

“Well, I did go shopping last week.”

“What did you buy? Come on, spill.”

Cara smiled conspiratorially. “I’ll guess you’ll just have to wait and see.”

§

Raven walked out of Shadow and into his office, rubbing his arms to help warm up. He had forgotten his coat at Cara’s. Joe was already in the office, waiting for him with a cup of coffee in his hand.

“Here,” he said, pushing the mug into Raven’s hands. “I figured you would need to warm up some.”

“What is this about Fred being killed?” Raven asked, in a hurry to get back to Cara and his proposal.

“His body was found in the park next to Amanda’s apartment. He was shot in the heart at point-blank range.”

“Amanda Patterson’s apartment? Was she there at the time?”

“No, Amanda had been picked up by the local police about an hour before the shooting, giving her a sound alibi. But it could have been one of Adar’s group, probably cleaning up loose ends. David Lear was found dead in his apartment this evening. Our best guess is that one of the terrorists saw Fred at Amanda’s apartment, and when they couldn’t find her, they followed him into the park and killed him.”

“Such a waste,” Raven said, shaking his head. “Why was Fred at Amanda’s apartment? Did you send him to pick something up?” Raven could tell that Joe was deeply upset. He kept running his hand over his shorn head. Was Joe blaming himself over Fred’s death?

“No. I’m not sure why Fred would have gone over there,” Joe said. “Maybe he wanted to talk to her before the police arrived to arrest her. I know he felt bad about her going to jail. Blamed himself about not stepping in and stopping her before she sold the picture of Cara. Fred was like that, trying to save everyone, even from themselves. The police want us to come over and make a statement. Let’s go, so you can get back to Cara.”

“Don’t blame yourself, Joe. You can’t save everybody. Cara knows I had to come.”

“Fred was a good man. He deserved better than this.”

“Did he have family?” Didn’t Derek mention a sister?

“It was just him and his little sister. He wanted to bring her out to New Mexico for an interview. He talked about her all the time, wanted to get her out of the security business. He said she was a whiz with the computer. I told him to have her interview with Isanti, Inc. He was going to talk to her about it when he went back to New York for a visit. Now, he’ll be going back in a box.” Joe did blame himself. He really liked Fred. Raven motioned toward the door and followed Joe into the hallway.

“Has his sister been told? Raven said, hitting the elevator call button. “Check up on the girl. See if there is anything we can do. I hate to think Fred’s job here at Isanti got him killed.”

“The police should have already informed her of his death,” Joe said as the elevator bell dinged, signaling its arrival. “Fred would tell you it was part of being in security. His father and uncle were both on the New York City police force. Both killed while on duty.”

As the door opened, Raven followed Joe inside and hit the button for the parking garage.

§

Cara was in the bathroom, just finishing the final step in getting ready, a mist of her favorite fragrance, when there was a knock at the door.

“Can you get that, Derek? I’ll be right out.”

Cara hurried into the front room to find Derek fighting with one man, while four others were rushing into the room.

Cara stood there a moment frozen and unsure what to do. Where was her cell phone? She had left it on the kitchen table while getting ready. Knowing she needed to call for help, Cara turned to run over to the table. She reached the phone just as one of the men grabbed her. The phone slipped from her fingers and fell to the floor. She was about to dive under the table to get it when she saw one of the men by the door aiming his gun at Derek’s head. Grabbing the vase of roses off the table, she launched it at the man’s head, while yelling out a warning.

“Derek, he has a gun.”

The gun went off, but Cara couldn’t tell if Derek was hit. She heard him groan and was afraid he was wounded.

The man who had knocked the cell phone out of her hand grabbed her arm. As she struggled to get away, a second man with a scar running down his face grabbed her by the other arm. She continued to struggle, but the sounds of fighting behind her had stopped. Was Derek dead? Were these the terrorists Raven had warned her about?

She turned to see a man with black hair who appeared to be the leader giving orders to the other two men in the room. The two men rushed out the door. Derek was nowhere to be seen. At least, he wasn’t lying on the floor dead.

Cara tried to wrench her arms out of her captor’s hands, but they only held her more tightly. The man giving the orders walked up to her and grabbed her by the jaw, turning her face to him.

“Lovely,” he said, the first word she had heard uttered in English.

“You, bastard,” Cara shouted, kicking him in the groin with her four-inch stiletto heel.

The man yelled out a barrage of words Cara assumed were obscenities. Then, he punched her, hitting her across the cheek. Her neck snapped back, and darkness overcame her.

§

Cara’s scream echoed in Raven’s head. He and Joe had just arrived back in his office from the police department. He was sinking to the floor, holding his head when he felt Derek get shot in the shoulder. Then, he was seeing out of Cara’s eyes.

He felt her fear, anger, and rage rush through him. He heard Cara yell at the man Raven knew to be Faheed Adar, and then he felt the pain of the blow and blackness as Cara fell unconscious.

Raven almost blacked out himself, but he fought to stay conscious. He had to get to Cara. Joe rushed over to Raven and helped him to a chair.