The Keepers: Archer (17 page)

A shape the wolves had mastered.

A perfect ambush.

Everything inside Archer had him on full alert, his powers ripe, his senses sharp. And one look at Sienna, surrounded by three snarling wolves, only fuelled the strength that exuded throughout him.

It didn’t take him long to figure out that the wolves weren’t simply on a hunt for their next meal. The brown bags tied around their necks and the perfect triangle they formed around the witch sent everything reeling into place.

They’d been sent for her.

Powers depleted, Sienna dragged in air and almost choked when she sensed Archer’s arrival. Wide eyes flashing with fear settled on his, and he could see by the quick rise and fall of her shoulders that she was terrified. He approached slowly, careful, wary. Not the sudden charge at full steam his protective instincts demanded. But he knew an ambush when he saw one, and he also knew better than to startle a pack of wolves in attack mode.

“Stay calm, Sienna,” he murmured.

“They’ve bound my powers,” she whispered, staring at the wolf closest to her.

The wolf reacted by snarling at her, a fierce sound that made Sienna flinch.

“It’s okay. I’ll get you out of this.”

Almost as though they sensed they were about to be challenged, the wolves took a determined step closer, enclosing their prey. Their soft growls simultaneously turned into loud snarls, each one taking random turns to snap their warning at her.

“Sienna, don’t move,” Archer said softly, eyeing the wolves, his mind scrambling for a defence attack.

The sight of Sienna, surrounded by the animals, tore at him and he drew on his powers, needing the calm, the strength, they would bring.

Knowing he had no choice, Archer charged.

In a flash of dust, vicious blood curling growls, and a horrified scream from Sienna, Archer reached her, yanking her away from the fierce jaws that sought her out. With a speed that fuelled the excited wolves, he grabbed Sienna and bolted into the river.

The wolves snarled, set chase, the water slowing them down, but their attack mode had been triggered and everything about them spelt determination as they charged their prey.

Holding onto Sienna, he leapt out of the water and sped to a nearby rockery. A few more leaps put enough distance between them and Archer slowed down to check if Sienna was hurt.

They were both panting, drenched, adrenaline working every nerve they had. Archer quickly ran his hands across her face, her shoulders, checking for injuries.

“I’m fine,” she gasped, peering over his shoulder. “I’m okay.”

Her body shook and a fierce jolt of anger tore through Archer in response. They’d made a move on his witch. Again. With a damn pack of wolves!

Fire sparked inside, and Archer dragged her into his arms. “I’m sorry,” he panted, kissing her head. “I’m so sorry.”

“I’m okay.”

Before he could respond, his head jerked up. In the distance, silent to Sienna, he heard the wolves’ ragged breathing as they tracked their prey.

He grabbed Sienna’s hand and started running, scanning their surroundings for a safe place for her. He eyed a huge rock formation that nudged the edge of the river and aimed for it, keeping a firm grasp on the frightened witch.

The wolves drew closer, their fierce snarls growing more excited as they sensed their prey nearby.

Archer saw the wolf leaping off a passing rock before it reached them and clutching Sienna, he tried to leap out of its vicious grip.

The wolf connected with them, unbalancing them, and they all hurled to the ground in a tumble of screams, growls, and a rough curse.

Sensing the upper hand, all three wolves pounced.

****

Sienna scrambled away from the fight, gasping furiously for the air that evaded her. Her back hit a wall of rocks and she struggled to her feet, keeping her body against the protection of the rocks behind her.

Her entire body shook at the sight of Archer fighting off the wolves, snarling, snapping, biting, but he fought them with all the strength he possessed.

A warrior in action, all his defensive impulses activated.

Dust rose up to surround them as fists and jaws fought a battle that left her breathless.

One of the wolves gave a piercing whine as Archer punched his jaw with enough force to send it reeling against a nearby tree. The other two wolves kept coming, determined to subdue him. Almost in sync, the remaining two wolves circled Archer once before charging him simultaneously.

But Archer was faster and grabbed each wolf by the back of their heads, banging them together with such hatred and force that both wolves yelped in response. The brief moment of stunned silence gave Archer a chance to attack each wolf separately. In a flash, he pounced, snapping their necks as though they were poor unsuspecting bunnies.

With a warlike cry, Archer shoved their limp bodies off him and straightened.

Sienna watched as he stormed to the third wolf, still at the foot of the tree. He yanked off the bag of Ashwood and tossed it before shoving his hand against the wolf’s throat. His eyes narrowed, and he cursed before snapping its neck in a swift movement that signalled the end of the attack.

A sob escaped Sienna before she could rein it in, and her hands flew to her mouth. She shook so violently, her legs unable to support her, and she slowly sank to the floor.

Archer was beside her before she hit the ground. “It’s okay. It’s over. They can’t hurt you.”

“Oh, my God,” she choked, clinging to his torn shirt. Her fingers touched something cold and thick and she pulled back, wincing at the sticky blood she found. “You’re bleeding.”

“I’m fine.” Strong hands encircled her face, and he quickly scanned her for injuries. “Are you okay?”

“Yes, but you’re hurt, Archer.”

“I’ll be fine.”

She pulled back, still trembling, and shifted the sleeve of his shirt aside. A deep, ugly slash on his arm oozed blood and her heart sank as she realized he’d been hurt protecting her. Again. “You’ve been bitten.”

“I’m okay, Sienna. It’ll heal soon enough.” He glanced at the oozing gash, grimacing at the pain. “Sienna, Warrick sent them.”

Her eyes rounded in disbelief. “Wolves? How?”

“I don’t know. But I sensed his presence all over them when I touched them. The Ashwood, the ambush. All Warrick.”

She sighed, closing her eyes. “He’s stronger than we thought.”

Archer rose, pulling her with him. “Let’s get you home.”

“Archer.”

Her words had him pausing mid stride. Turning to face her, his dark myopic gaze took her in.

“Thank you,” she whispered.

A small smile made his lips curl but quickly vanished as he pulled her into his arms, enveloping her in an embrace so tight, so fierce, that she could barely breathe.

A moment later, he drew back to peer into her eyes. “I will always protect you, Sienna.”

She nodded, not trusting herself to speak, her throat constricted with a relief and emotion she couldn’t express.

He kissed her forehead and took her hand, leading her home to the safety that awaited them.

Archer pocketed his phone and glanced at his watch. It was late and his brothers were due back soon. Lexi and her Keeper were safe – injured, exhausted, but safe. Another witch and Keeper triumph. The thought brought a fierce bolt of pride to Archer, and a satisfied smile hitched the corners of his lips. His brothers’ arrival would spark an entire series of conversations, and he was eager for their return, but for now, he needed Sienna. Grabbing the bottle of wine and two glasses on the kitchen counter, he went in search of her.

Dismissing the images of her surrounded by the vicious wolves was proving to be more difficult than he’d hoped, and every time he thought of the danger she’d been in, and how deliberate the attack had been, his gut clenched with renewed fury. He was itching for the return of his brothers so they could start the plan in motion for moving Mason and trapping Warrick.

The Brogan brothers had had their turn of evil and outright threats. Now it was time to return the favour.

Archer pushed open the bathroom door, blew out a deep breath to calm the anger that came with all thoughts of the warlocks, and settled his gaze on Sienna.

The lights were out, the room eliminated with the comforting glow of candlelight. Sienna lay in the massive bath, her damp hair tied in a loose knot at the top of her head, her entire body immersed in the soapy water.

The image of her relaxed, safe, at peace, was such a raw conflict to the mental onslaught of the images of her attack.

Her eyes fluttered open, and she smiled when she saw him. “How’s your arm?”

“Better.” It had hurt like hell and taken longer than usual to heal, a thought that troubled him, but the wound had finally stopped bleeding. He’d cleaned it, covered it with a bandage, and hadn’t given it much more thought until now.

“Have you spoken to your brothers?”

Archer nodded and went to her. Handing her the wine, he leaned over to kiss her lips. Curvy, soft, and full of promises of later. She took the wine and flashed him a breathtaking smile, a gesture that immediately relieved some of the tension that riddled him.

“How’s Lexi?”

“They’re both fine. Bruised, angry, but they’re both safe.” Archer sat on the edge of the bath and ran a finger along her jaw. “They targeted her Keeper, but he fought them off.”

Damn right.

“We almost lost another Keeper, Archer. It’s all my fault.”

Although her voice was steady, it hinted at the sadness that lurked inside her, and his abdomen tightened in response. Archer set his glass on the basin and took her by the back of her neck, lowering his face so she could see how serious he was. “Sienna, none of this is anyone’s fault. The only one responsible for all this violence is Warrick Brogan.”

“Warrick warned me he’d go after the Keepers. I just never thought he’d dare.”

“And we’ll retaliate, avenge Sarah’s death, and prevent him from hurting anyone else.” Anger tinted his words, and he fought to regain an even tone. He stripped off his clothes, dropping the jeans and t-shirt in a pile on the floor, and slipped into the bath behind her. She shifted to make room for him and immediately leaned back against his chest, drawing his arms around her.

She sighed, a soft sound in the silence of the bathroom that drew at his gut. “No amount of vengeance will ever bring back our family. It will be a relief to witness Warrick’s downfall, but it will only be a band aid on the pain he’s caused us.”

“I know, but a wound with a band aid is better than an open wound.”

“I wonder if we’ll ever know what really happened the night of the fire.”

Archer frowned at the stark reminder of their parents, kissed her head, and tightened his grip around her. “I think if there were answers surrounding that night, we’d have found them by now.”

“It’s the anniversary of their deaths next week.”

“I know.”

“Does it ever get easier?”

“The longing?”

“Yes.”

“Probably not, Sienna.”

“I wonder if we’ll ever be free of this.”

“Free of what?”

Using both hands, she drew his scarred arm toward her and gently brushed her fingers along the disfigured skin. She laced her fingers with his, drawing his hand to her lips to kiss him softly. “Warrick,” she said, lowering his arm. “Warrick and everything he stands for.”

“We’ll take down Warrick.”

Words said with such conviction, and he almost shivered with the thought of it. He could hardly wait.

She reached for his other arm, touching the large white patch that covered the bite wound on his arm. “But what then? Will it truly be over, or will there be others like him? Is this the way we’ll always live – constantly looking over our shoulders, afraid for ourselves, afraid for each other?”

It was a grim thought, one he’d often considered. “Our life is a risky one but this is who we are, Sienna, and I think the only way we can grasp any sort of a normal life is to snatch the moments where we can. Moments like this.” Archer trailed a finger along the gentle curve of her hips. He tilted her head so he could kiss her. Their lingering kiss altered the course of their conversation, offering a respite from the gloom of their day.

“I think I need more of these moments,” she sighed.

“I’m happy to oblige. No more talk of doom and gloom or anything Warrick,” Archer said softly, his hands moving up her sleek curves to capture the perky, slippery breasts hidden beneath the bubbles. There’d been enough fear and fury for one night. For now, he needed this beautiful woman in a way that would chase away all thoughts of the war to come.

She closed her eyes, dropping her head back against his chest, and sighed. This time, the sound resembled more contentment than sadness.

He toyed with her nipples, nibbled her ear, and eventually captured her mouth with his in a gentle kiss that promised her more. She responded by shifting her body against him, tilting her head so that he could draw her in for a full kiss, hot, real, needy.

Fire sparked and she arched into him, needing more than he gave her. His hand left her breasts to continue the same onslaught of pleasure between her legs. Her thighs parted in the water, giving him all the access he needed.

Her body jolted in his arms when he touched the very core of her, and she cried out against his lips as he slipped a finger inside her.

“I can’t get enough of you,” he said, sweeping a tongue against hers. His voice was raspy, thick with desire, and his thoughts scattered as she quivered in his arms.

He shifted his hand, returning to the sensitive nub between her folds, drawing a soft sigh from the woman writhing in the water.

Her body tightened in anticipation of what was to come and trembled as he increased his pace. She threw her head back as she came, her body a rumble of jerky movements as she convulsed in his arms, crying out softly from the wave of pleasure.

He growled softly at her release, sounding like a caged animal, and quickly rose, drawing her with him.

“I need you,” he whispered, flipping her around so that she faced the bathroom wall. He reached for both her hands, placing them against the wall, holding her there. His head dipped toward her, teeth nipped against the flesh he found there, and he rolled his hips against hers.

She gasped as he pushed inside her, cried out as he filled her body, her heart.

“You’re mine,” he told her, leaning over her, releasing her hands to take hold of her hips. He started his rhythmic pumping into her, slowly at first, but the urgency that rocked between them, her throaty cries, had him quickening his pace. Within moments, he was slamming into her, the slapping sound of their skin mingling with her soft moans. The erotic sound sent him soaring and his fingers gripped into her flesh, keeping her in place.

He felt her come again, her soft cry echoing through the steamy bathroom, and he quickly followed with his own release, groaning softly into her neck.

Moments later, breathing heavily, he withdrew, breaking their connection, and turned her to face him.

He wasn’t done with her yet.

Covering her mouth with his, he kissed her.

****

When Sienna opened her eyes the following morning to find herself alone in Archer’s huge bed, she wasn’t surprised. Her warrior hadn’t slept well, despite the eventful night they’d had. Although she’d eventually fallen asleep in the early hours of the morning, she’d sensed his restlessness, the worry that gnawed at him.

All thanks to Warrick.

Lifting herself onto her elbows, she winced as parts of her ached in places that hadn’t ached in a very long time. Memories of another night spent in Archer’s bed came to mind and she closed her eyes to ward off the explicit images. The things he’d done to her – and the way she’d reacted.

Wow.

And now reality loomed like a great big shark about to swallow her whole. Sienna threw back the white sheet, tangled to within an inch of its life. Not surprising considering the bedroom Olympics they’d shared during the night. The whole night. She felt the blush creep across her cheeks and groaned. She needed a shower, and not because she’d spent the night having hot, sweaty, toe curling sex. No, she needed the comfort the water would offer.

She went into the bathroom and ran a hot shower, her mind spinning with their plan to move Mason today. A full moon meant it was ripe for all sorts of supernatural events and although the beauty of the moon always fascinated her, it brought its own eeriness.

She felt better once she’d showered, and she quickly dressed in jeans and a white shirt. She pulled a brush through her hair, leaving it loose around her shoulders, grabbed her jacket and scarf, and went in search of her Keepers.

She found them on the patio, mulling through their plans for the day over coffee and a heated conversation. They’d all showered, dressed, and wore fierce expressions that warned her they were brewing for a fight.

And about time too. If anything would bring some relief around Sarah’s death, it would be avenging it and ending the life of the man who’d murdered her.

The day was clear and bright, a contrast to the gloom that surrounded them, and everything looked sharper. The sky was a clear aqua blue that matched the glistening pool at the foot of the stairs. Levi lay in the sun on the blanket of thick, lush green grass, looking lost in the huge spans of lawn. No doubt, she was far more relaxed than her owners were.

Archer saw Sienna first and stood. He went to her, reached for the scarf in her hands, and wrapped it around her neck before drawing her closer to kiss her. He smelt of soap and man, a scent that quickly stirred fresh memories of their night together. “Sleep well?” His green eyes remained serious, but a smile eased his expression.

“Better than you. So, have you three devised the plan to take over the world?”

“Just about. We could use some of your witchy expertise.”

She nodded and joined the other two men at the table. Archer appeared beside her, a mug of fresh coffee in hand. As he handed her the mug, the sleeve of his shirt shifted, exposing the bandaged bite wound. She reached out, taking his arm in her hands. “You’re still bandaged.”

Archer quickly withdrew. “I’m fine.”

Alarm prickled down her spine, and she shifted her gaze to his. “It hasn’t healed yet? Why hasn’t it healed yet?”

Declan’s hand shot out, grabbing his brother’s arm. He pulled back the sleeve to look at the white bandage. “You were bitten?”

Archer shrugged him off and pulled his sleeve over the wound. “It’s healing. I’m fine.”

“It should have healed by now, brother.”

“It has.”

“Archer!” Sienna said.

“I said I’m fine!”

Sienna sat back in her seat, watching him. The wound should have healed. Her stomach rolled at the idea that he was still hurting and she looked at him, wanting to say more but knowing from the steely look in his eyes and the tension in his shoulders that he’d already dismissed the topic. She sighed and looked at Declan. “Have you spoken to Lexi today?”

“They’re both fine,” Declan answered, keeping his gaze pinned on Archer. “The surprise of the attack has worn off and given way to anger. They’re both spitting mad and ready for flight should we need help.”

The thought brought some comfort to Sienna. It was always nice to know they weren’t alone in their quest to keep evil in check. Never underestimate the bond of the witch world. Hurt one, hurt them all. Same with the Keepers.

“It was fortunate that Rose summoned the stone before Warrick got his hands on it,” Ethan said. “According to Lexi, Warrick was in full swing yesterday with his newfound powers.”

“Sarah’s powers,” Declan said through clenched teeth. The idea that the warlock was using Sarah’s powers stung and Declan’s eyes clouded with something sharp.

“It still doesn’t explain how he managed to control the wolves yesterday.”

Sienna released a breath of air at the curt reminder of the attack. “He knows about the Ashwood.”

Ethan cocked a brow. “Where did he even find Ashwood? I thought the stuff was impossible to find.”

“Warrick seems to have too many resources for my liking. As I’m not about to be wolf food, I’d really appreciate it if you guys can kick his ass once and for all.”

“We’re moving Mason tonight,” Archer said, his voice clipped with anger. “And once that’s done, we’re going after Warrick. He won’t know that we’ve moved his brother so we have that advantage.”

Sienna brightened. “Then we could lure him back to the empty tomb with a fake offer of peace and the return of his brother.”

“Once he’s inside the tomb, Sienna could perform the same spell on him that she did on Mason,” Declan added.

Archer frowned. “He’d never fall for that.”

“He’s desperate to get his brother back. Maybe he will.”

“He might be gullible enough to believe it if I approach him alone,” Sienna said, preparing herself for the onslaught of objections. She wasn’t wrong and she saw all three Keepers grow instantly restless with frustration. She held out a hand to silence them. “Hear me out before you all go King Kong on me. Warrick approached me wanting to make the deal that I free his brother, they’ll both leave town, and no one gets hurt. I’ll make him the offer to free his brother in return for exactly that.”