A wave washed up on the shore, and I gasped as the icy water splashed over my legs. In an instant, Rafe had me in his arms, cradled against his chest.
“Better?” he asked.
Locking my arms around his neck, I murmured, “Oh, yes,” thinking that nothing could be better than being held in his embrace.
He proved me wrong by showering me with kisses, one deeply erotic kiss after another, until I was on fire for him. “Rafe.”
Just his name, but he knew what I wanted. He carried me across the sand to a sheltered cove. Miraculously, a blanket sprinkled with bloodred rose petals awaited us there. The light from a dozen candles cast flickering shadows on the rocks and sand.
He lowered me onto the blanket; then, stretching out beside me, he drew me into his arms and kissed me again. Whether it was one kiss or many, I didn't know. His hands played lightly over my oh-so-willing flesh, making my body sing a new song. He was the master and I his eager student, anxious to discover the secrets behind his fathomless black eyes, willing to follow wherever he led. His body was taut beneath my questing fingertips, his skin smooth, cool to my eager touch, exhilarating to my senses. He let me explore to my heart's content, let me touch and taste whatsoever I desired.
Ah, desire…it hummed through my veins, sizzled over my skin. The prick of his fangs only heightened each sensation, carrying me to dizzying heights, yet I climbed them unafraid because I knew Rafe was waiting for me there, just as I knew that he would never let me fall….
I woke to the sound of my alarm, amazed that I had slept so late. I set the alarm clock every night as a precaution, but I always woke before it went off.
Sitting up, I realized I was wearing a pair of pink bikini briefs and a T-shirt and nothing else. Funny, I didn't remember undressing or getting into bed.
Rafe, I thought, he must have undressed me and put me to bed. I glanced at the other side of the mattress, frowned when I saw a faint indentation in the other pillow, as though someone had been there only moments ago. I ran my fingertips over the pillowcase, smiling as I realized that Rafe had spent the night beside me.
The dream I'd had flashed through my mind. Had it been a dream? It had seemed so real, the smell of the ocean, the feel of the sand and the sea beneath my feet, the taste of salt water on my tongue…the taste of Rafe on my lips, the heat of his body intimately pressed to mine.
I shook my head. Of course it had been a dream. What else could it have been? We were nowhere near the ocean.
Brushing away my confusion, I went into the bathroom and turned on the shower, only then remembering my visit to Susie's house and the fight that had ensued between Rafe and Cagin. Thinking of it now made me shiver. I had never seen such a bloody battle before, nor realized the extent of Rafe's ability to heal. And my blood had helped. It pleased me that he had come to me instead of going to a stranger. Everything about him pleased me, I thought, smiling.
Ten minutes later, wrapped in a towel, I went to the phone and dialed Susie's number, felt a surge of relief when she answered on the second ring.
“Susie! How are you?”
“Hi, Kathy, I'm fine, why?”
“Nothing. I mean, I called you last night and you didn't answer and…and I was worried.” I decided not to mention that I had gone by her house, or that a Were-tiger and a pair of Vampires had been lurking in the dark.
“Oh, I'm sorry, I heard the phone, but Rick and I were on our way out. I'm surprised the machine didn't pick up.”
“That's all right. I was just, you know, worried. Where's your mother?”
“Oh, she had to go home. My dad was in a car accident. He's got a broken leg and a few bruised ribs. The doctor said he'll be okay in six or eight weeks, but right now, he can't get around on his own.”
“Are you staying by yourself?”
“For now.”
“Do you want me to come and stay with you?”
“No, I don't think that's necessary. I'm fine, really.”
“Well, I'm glad you're all right. You sound a lot better.”
She laughed softly. “You know what they say, anything that doesn't kill you only makes you stronger. I'm not crazy about what's happened to me, but I think I can live with it, although I guess I won't know for sure until the next full moon. The head Werewolf said he'd send someone to talk to me before then, sort of help me adjust, you know?”
“That's great. How's Rick these days?”
“I think he's getting used to the idea. He took me to see the kids last night. We haven't told them yet…Rick wants to wait a little longer. He's probably right. There's plenty of time. Anyway, I'm not sure they're old enough to understand what's happened.”
“I'm sure it will all work out. Speaking of work, I've got to go; I just wanted to make sure you were okay.”
“Thanks, Kathy. You're a good friend. Let's get together for lunch soon.”
“Sounds good to me. I'll talk to you later.”
After hanging up the receiver, I ran a brush through my hair, applied my makeup, and pulled on a pair of black jeans and a green sweater. I ate a quick bowl of cereal for breakfast, brushed my teeth, then grabbed my handbag and my keys and drove to the store.
It was ten after ten when I arrived. Almost on time.
I was surprised to see Cagin come into the shop later that day. He wore a pair of tight jeans and a black T-shirt that emphasized his muscular torso. Amazingly, he looked none the worse from last night's brawl. It really was remarkable, the way the Supernatural creatures healed. I imagined there must be doctors in hidden labs all over the world trying to discover the secret ingredient to the recuperative powers of the Werewolves and the Vampires. Anyone who could bottle it would soon be rich beyond their wildest dreams.
“What are you doing in here?” I glanced out the front window, praying that someone else would come into the shop. After last night, Cagin was the last person in the world I wanted to be alone with.
“I came for a book, what else?”
“I don't know.” I shrugged, grateful for the counter between us, even though I was pretty sure he could leap across it with no trouble at all. “I guess I just didn't expect to see you.”
“Hey, I'm sorry about last night. Things got a little out of hand, that's all.”
“A little out of hand? Right.”
“We're all on edge these days, what with that new hunter in town, although I don't imagine he'll last long. Or the other one, either. Mara or Clive will see to that.”
“Two hunters,” I repeated. “Right.” Travis Jackson had mentioned there was another hunter in town, but he'd refused to divulge the man's name. Cagin had no such qualms.