The Emerald Key (4 page)

“This is my home. I’m not going to sit back and let someone intimidate me.”

Nic frowned, but, other than tying her down, what could he do? He admired her nerve. After seeing that file, most people would be scared. She’d shaken off her fear and armed herself.

With her at his back, he crept down the hall and searched the two small bedrooms, kitchen, and bathroom. He went through, opening doors, looking under beds and other furniture, anywhere someone might hide. Stacks of books lay everywhere but other than that, the rooms looked neat and well kept.

He didn’t see anything out of place. He spent time checking her windows and doors and making sure of the security. The street below flowed with heavy late afternoon traffic and people strolling the sidewalks. The town invited walking, exploring the quaint shops and enjoying the general ambience. Everything he’d seen so far told him this would be a good place to settle.

When he turned from the living room windows, he saw four pictures hanging on the wall. One showed a sizeable cabin in the middle of a clearing surrounded by towering hemlocks. A second looked like more of the forest but with a barn—possibly behind the cabin? A third pictured the store downstairs and a building he didn’t recognize. The last, again wooded, but with a narrow waterfall tumbling from a high cliff. He could swear he almost saw smoke rising from the cabin chimney and water flowing. As he turned from the pictures, he thought he caught a flash of movement in the trees. Nic shook his head. “Next thing you know, I’ll be looking for Harry Potter.”

Cass had stayed in the one bedroom that looked lived-in, so he returned there. She’d turned off the overhead light, leaving just a small bedside lamp burning. “There’s nobody here.”

Her allure captured him. Without thinking, he crossed the short distance and drew her into an embrace. His mouth claimed hers, not in a kiss of greeting, but of a couple who knew each other so well, they knew how to entice the other. Her mouth opened willingly to him, her tongue teasing his as her hands grasped his neck, then pulled back from him as if burned, moving to put the bed between them. He had to admit, he felt a little singed himself.

*

Cass stared at him. One part of her couldn’t believe her actions. She didn’t even know this man. And she had a boyfriend—sort of.

Steve. She had to think of Steve. This couldn’t happen.

She’d followed Nic initially to see what he’d do, already aware he’d find her apartment empty and safe. Wunjo wouldn’t let anyone in without letting her or Minerva know. She hadn’t expected this…need to touch him. To hold him. To be with him.

“What just happened?” she asked.

He ran his hand over his head. “Damned if I know. Get your things.” He left the room as if Hades himself chased him.

She touched her swollen lips. “Maybe he is.”

She pulled out a small suitcase and quickly packed a few things. A night or two with Greg and Dori wouldn’t kill her, but she did it more for their sakes than hers. She refused to let this stalker chase her from her own home for longer than a couple of nights.

As she packed, Wunjo wandered in and jumped up on the bed. “Meow?”

“Yes, I have to go away for a few days.” Cass scratched him behind the ears. “Do you want to come along? Or go on your own?”

“Meow.” He shook off her hand and pranced away from her.

“Fine. I’ll leave some food and water out for you. Just be careful, okay? And stay away from that white alley cat. She’s no good for you.”

Wunjo sneezed at her then jumped off the bed. Cass shook her head and grinned. She had no clue how the cat got in and out. She didn’t have a pet door anywhere and didn’t believe in letting animals wander outside without owners, but Wunjo defied normal laws. He came and went as he pleased no matter what she did to discourage him.

She tucked her tarot cards and rune stones into an inside pocket of the bag and dug through her jewelry box for the crystals she needed for protection.

Cass carefully selected several other items and packed them in a box she’d constructed specifically for them. She closed her suitcase and carried it out, prepared for Nic’s derision and disdain at her beliefs.

Nic stood in the living room staring out one of the two tall windows fronting the street. He turned as Cass entered the room. “Is that everything?”

“Not quite.” She retrieved her box. If he preferred to ignore the kiss, so would she. Pretending it hadn’t happened was probably best for them both.

He glanced at the box. While not as large as the suitcase, even with a strap, the bulk still took both hands to manage easily. “I’ll carry your suitcase.”

“I can handle both. You don’t need to do me any favors.”

“I’m not. We can both move faster if you’re not weighed down by two bulky cases.” He picked up her satchel. “Shall we?”

His deference caught her off guard. Steve would have said something about her being incapable of handling the weight. But then, Steve had never kissed her like Nic did, leaving her heart pounding and her body wanting more. “Gee, you’re not going to offer to carry both? Maybe my weak female arms can’t handle any of this.”

Nic snorted and opened the door. “You work in a store that gets heavy shipments and I saw a set of free weights under your bed and exercise equipment in the closet. Neither had dust on them and looked well-used. One thing I don’t think you are is weak.”

Cass pursed her lips, surprised at his words. “You’re observant.”

“I get paid to be. Where’s your car?”

“Small parking lot out back. Yours?”

“At Greg’s. Do you want me to drive?”

“No.” Cass locked her door behind them and followed him down the stairs. A short time later, they pulled into the driveway at Dori and Greg’s. Cass noted a black pickup truck parked in front of the house. While not new, it looked to be in good condition, unlike her old truck. A conglomeration of mismatched parts, hers would never win any awards for style, but it ran well and got her where she wanted to go—most of the time. “Your truck?”

“Yeah.”

“Greg said you’re moving here? May I ask from where?”

“Philadelphia.”

“You’re ex-military?” She shook her head at her own stupidity. No surprise there. Greg had told her as much.

“Former military. There is no ‘ex’ to a Marine.” He took her bag out of the back, handed her the box, and led the way into the house. He didn’t ring the bell, but walked right in, like an old friend would. Cass chewed her lip in puzzlement. In all the years she’d know him, she didn’t remember Greg ever mentioning someone named Nic. But then, he didn’t talk about his time in the military much.

“Dori? We’re here,” Nic called.

Dori came out from the kitchen, wiping her hands on a towel. Cass envied her homey looks and easy style. Dori, the ultimate domestic goddess, could probably give Martha Stewart a run for her money if she ever decided to go pro. She had a cap of dark curls and dark eyes. Two inches shorter and heavier than Cass, they looked nothing alike. They also had absolutely nothing in common, but had hit it off immediately upon meeting in elementary school, a friendship that lasted longer than many marriages. It probably helped that Dori’s guardian, her grandmother Alma, was a good friend of Minerva’s and Minerva served as Dori’s godmother. They often got together for dinners, holidays, and even vacations.

“Hope you’re both hungry,” Dori said. “Pasta with sautéed mushrooms, asparagus and prosciutto—ready in ten minutes. Cass, you can put your stuff in the spare bedroom.”

“Where’s Nic sleeping?” Cass asked. Greg and Dori’s place comprised half of a duplex, a small ranch without a lot of extra room. They had three bedrooms, but one had been converted into an office for Greg.

“Downtown at the Inn. We couldn’t convince him to stay here,” Dori said.

“I didn’t want to be a bother.”

“Too late. Cass, you get settled, then come on out. Nic, Greg says you toss a mean salad.”

Cass unpacked her few things and laid her travel altar out on the nightstand. She grasped her necklace. “Spirits who watch over me, please protect me from this malice that follows me.”

She suppressed a shudder as she passed by the window. Gathering her courage, she pushed aside the curtain and stared out at the night. A figure stood in the empty field behind the house in the shadows of a tree so she couldn’t see him clearly. But somehow she knew he’d been her strange customer from earlier.

* * * *

William followed Cassandra and the new man to a small house and stood outside. She watched him. He could feel her. They had a connection. She belonged to him. He’d had her before in another lifetime and he’d have her again. He closed his eyes and imagined her with him, touching her, using her.

In all his life, he’d never met another like her. She was like a drug, empowering and wonderful. Her defiance enhanced the sensations. In his mind, William touched her body again, feeling her heart beating faster as she fought him. He could sense the power in her, untrained and raw. She needed someone to take her in hand and teach her. Why the old witch hadn’t, he didn’t know, but he thanked her. He would gladly accept the task of teaching his chosen one. He would take her body first, then train her mind and teach her to use her power for both their benefits. Under his guidance, she would kill the others and absorb their energies.

Then he would bestow the ultimate honor on her and sacrifice her as he’d done before. But this time would be so much better. This time, with his training, she would welcome her death. Welcome him as he brought the knife down. Smile as he carved out her beating heart. She would give herself to him in all ways and blend her powers with his, making him unstoppable. He increased his concentration on her, sending waves of his passion to her, smiling when she continued to fight. Theirs would be a glorious union.

First, the witch. Then the Protector. Then her. With her under his control, the others would willingly follow. He moved his hands as though stroking her, stoking his own smoldering fire. The excitement threatened to overwhelm him. With effort, he calmed himself. He grasped his signet and willed the shadows to disguise him. He staggered as he slipped away. His energy was low. He needed to recharge, and soon.

William returned to the hotel room. The other woman lay there, lounging on the bed, like a wanton slut. He didn’t even remember her name. No matter. She was there for one purpose. He grabbed her hair and captured her mouth. She fought, but without strength or determination. He knew what she enjoyed. And her passions would feed him for a time. He ripped her clothes from her. She gasped, then tore at his. He slapped and bit her into whimpering submission. Willingly, she spread herself for him, begging him for release. He pounded into her, using her to sate his bodily needs, but she was no more to him than a means to an end. With every thrust, he saw his beloved Cassandra’s face. She would be his. Of that, he had no doubt.

As Cass watched the man, she sensed hands on her—touching, caressing, stroking her most private parts. Hurting her. Shackles on her wrists. Chains at her ankles. Invading her body and her mind. Raw red marks appeared on her wrists, burns at her ankles. The sensations grew until she wanted to scream. She dropped the curtains, fighting the images in her mind.

“Go away. I do not want you!” She grasped her pendant and imagined a bubble of protection surrounding her. The impression of touching stopped but the waves of sick passion didn’t. Cass opened the curtain once more and stared at him, sending her hatred to him. Then he disappeared. He didn’t move, didn’t walk away. He just disappeared.

“Cass?”

She jumped as Dori knocked at the door frame.

“Oh, I’m sorry! I’ve been calling you for five minutes. Are you okay?”

“I guess I had my mind on other things.”

“Greg told me what happened. You have a right to be a little spooked.”

“Could you send Nic in here for a minute?” She chewed her lip, regretting how harsh her words sounded.

Dori studied Cass, her dark eyes showing not anger, but worry. “Sure.”

Cass ignored the questions in her friend’s face. “It’s all right, Dori. Just ask him to come in, okay?”

“Yeah, sure.”

Cass waited for Nic by the window. She rubbed the already fading raw, red marks on her wrists. Who waited in the shadows for her? Who could do these things to her? She turned from the view when Nic entered. “I’m being watched.”

Nic strode to the window and peered outside. “What? When? Where did you see him?”

“A minute ago. In the field. He’s gone now.”

He dropped the curtains and turned to her, eyes narrowed. “Why didn’t you call me as soon as you saw him? We could have followed him.”

“I don’t think so. He didn’t really go anywhere. He appeared there, then he disappeared.”

Nic stared at her. “You want to explain that?”

“I can’t. I’m sorry.”

“He’s a ghost?”

She shook her head. “No. But I think he can appear and disappear as he wants.”

“How?”

“I don’t know. Don’t you believe me?” For some reason, having him believe her became extremely important. Would he accept power as real? Or shrug it off like Steve as the product of a fanciful imagination? Though to be fair to Steve, she’d never really shown him what she could do.

She and her aunt had powers normal people didn’t. But they had to be careful how and when they used them. She knew others in this world also had magical gifts. Cass never understood where the magic came from or why she had it, but it formed a part of her, like her hair color. Yes, charlatans existed who professed to be connected to other realms, but except for a select few, those with real gifts didn’t usually advertise their abilities. Those who did couched it in terms of sleight of hand or illusions. What would Nic think if he ran up against true magic?

Nic shrugged. “I’ve seen some odd things in my line of work, but most could be explained by logical means.”

Dori rapped at the door frame. “Hey you two, are you coming to dinner? Or are you going to stay here together? If so, you really should shut the door.” She leered at the two of them and Cass’ face heated up.