A View to a Kill: (A Bird Shifter Novella) (King of Prey Book 2) (6 page)

She lifted her chin. “Then why did you come? Why now after all of these months?”

Because I missed you.

“If you truly wish for me to leave,” he sighed, “I will.”

He thought for a minute she would say yes. She didn’t. Putting her hand to her mouth, she stifled a tiny cry as her shoulders slumped. It broke his heart to see her weep, and before he knew it, he had Paige held tight to him, her face buried against his chest. It felt good to hold her again. Too long had gone by without the feel of her.

Each sob cracked the hardness surrounding his heart. He hated knowing he’d done this to her. He’d upset her. Planting a tiny kiss upon her head, he tried to will her to be happy again, to forgive him.

Paige pushed on his chest and shook her head, wiping her tear-stained cheeks. “No. I will not cry over you again. I’m done with that. I’m done with—” her gaze met his “—you. I have questions for you about what happened the night we met. But not now. Not when Bailey is around.”

“I could remove him from the equation,” Sachin offered.

She stared up at him. “I agreed to marry him. He’s part of my life now, Sachin.”

A harder blow an enemy had never delivered. He tried to draw air in but found he couldn’t. He staggered backwards, bumping into a wooden support beam. “You’re to be married?”

“Yes.”

How could she move on without me? How could she give herself to another man? She is my wife!
He paused
. She is unaware of this truth because you, yourself had refused to admit it.

Paige cleared her throat and forced her shoulders back, looking proud. “It wasn’t easy, Sachin. It took me months to give up on you…on us. I have a life started now and it’s a good one. I won’t let you waltz in, cause turmoil and then vanish.”

He blinked. She’d answered his unspoken questions. But how? Legends of old spoke of the ability for mated pairs of his race to be able to communicate with nothing more than thoughts. Kabril never mentioned such a thing occurring with Rayna. It had to just be a coincidence.

She took several steps away from him, adjusting herself along the way. “Where are you staying?”

Close to you.

He regarded her with caution for she looked much like she was about to take flight. As if that were even possible. “In the area. Why?” he said coolly.

“Is there a number I can reach you at?” Her gaze drifted towards the barn door. “Please don’t leave town until I’ve had a chance to—”

“You two coming?” Bailey asked, opening the door.

Paige forced a smile to her face. “I am. Sachin just remembered he has another appointment. He won’t be able to join us for lunch. Maybe another time.”

Allowing her to think he’d leave for now was best. He nodded and left Paige in the stables with Bailey. The minute Sachin was around the side of the structure he removed his clothing quickly and shoved it behind a barrel. A sharp pinching, followed closely by a feeling of freedom swept over him as he shifted form into that of a hawk. He selected the smallest size he could, which was still considerably bigger than the hawks that frequented the human realm. He took flight and circled the stables, watching as Paige and Bailey emerged from within. He hovered high in the air, ever mindful of where they were and what they were doing.

Chapter Eight

Paige tried and failed to shake the feeling she was being watched. She sat on the deck of the main house, picking at the food Bailey’s mother had prepared.

“You feeling all right?” Bailey asked.

“I’m fine. Why?”

“You’ve hardly said more than a few words and I don’t think you’ve heard a word I’ve said.”

She set her fork down. “I heard you.”

He gave her an amused look. “Oh, really? Then where did I suggest we take our honeymoon?”

She gulped. Okay, maybe she hadn’t been listening to him. “Someplace romantic?” she asked, hopeful she could skate on such a thin answer.

Bailey snickered. “If your feet are getting cold, I could warm them for you.” The innuendo wasn’t lost on her. “I have to get back to work, but later tonight I could warm you up real nice.”

“Tonight is date night.” She winked. “You’re not trying to get out of having to take me out on the town, are you?”

A mock gasp came from him. “I would never.”

“Right.”

He blushed. “Didn’t hurt to try to get out of dancing, right?”

“No.” She giggled. “I guess it didn’t, but you’re still meeting me for date night. Like it or not. And, Bailey, what if we waited a little while to get married.”

He began to toy with his paper plate. “Are you telling me you want out of this?”

“No, I’m just trying to avoid rushing into anything. I’d like some more time.”

“If it’s time you need, Paige, it’s time you’ll have.” He kissed the back of her hand. “I want you to be happy.”

She wanted to be happy too, but Paige knew now that Bailey wasn’t the man who could make that happen. It pained her to know in the end he would be hurt if she dared to give in to the pull Sachin seemed to have over her.

“Penny for your thoughts.”

She took his hand and rubbed it over her cheek. “You’re a good man, Bailey. Too good for me.”

Bailey slid around to her side of the table and pressed his lips to her cheek. The feel of him so close normally made her crave his affection. Not now. No, now she couldn’t resist glancing towards an oversized oak tree that sat near the deck. Something was watching her, or someone.

Sachin.

If what she suspected was true, he very well could be near and she would be none the wiser. Paige held tight to her emotions, unwilling to let on about her fears and suspicions. Bailey would never understand. He’d think she was crazy and he could try to harm the people she cared most about.

Bailey leaned in, his mouth greeting hers. He wasn’t the man she wanted to spend her life with, but he was the only one who was reliable. The next best thing. She gave in and pressed her lips to his. Closing her eyes, Paige opened her mouth as Bailey swept his tongue in. He moaned and she tipped her head.

He inched closer and Paige squirmed, adjusting to get comfortable.

The sound of a bird screeching jarred her from their kiss just in time for a massive amount of bird poop to land on Bailey’s head.

“Ahh.” He shot up and off the table, his eyes to the sky. “What the hell?”

Paige grabbed a handful of napkins and lifted them. “Here.” She looked up, positive she was not only being watched, but that whatever was there was now very pleased with itself. “That must have been some bird.”

Bailey finished wiping himself and tossed the napkins aside. “I think I pissed off the bird people.”

She froze. “W-what?”

He laughed. “You know, the bird people. I’m sure you’ve heard the townspeople go on and on about the legends surrounding the area.”

She wasn’t born and bred there, but rather an outsider who tried to stay out of the mix. “No. What rumors?”

“That half men, half birds guard this area, watching over it and protecting it from evil.” He gave a lighthearted snort. “And shitting on the local sheriff.”

Paige paled, her heart pounding. Flashes of a man with wings filled her mind. They mixed with images of her mother and her mother’s boyfriend. She covered her mouth as scenes from that horrible night crashed into her mind, making her remember things better left forgotten. She could vaguely remember Sachin being there. He’d helped her to safety; that much she remembered. Small glimpses of him descending from the night sky, long brown wings extended before curling into him and disappearing, filled her mind. Paige shook her head.

It’s not true. It can’t be. I’ve lost my mind. That’s it. I’m going crazy.

But what if she wasn’t? She had to know. Could the legends be true, and if they were, was Sachin one of these half men, half birds? If he was, the repercussions would be massive. She fumbled through the basket and found wet wipes. She held the package out to Bailey who took two. “Tell me more about the local legends.”

Bailey sat and proceeded to finish cleaning himself. “I can’t believe Sarah hasn’t told you all about them. Her father was a big believer.” He pointed towards the mountains. “He used to tell everyone they came from up there. That they flew over his ranch often and that they were warriors of good. Hell, I even remember stories about her father going down on his knees in the middle of his field to give thanks to them for protecting his baby girl.”

Paige let out a nervous chuckle. “And what do you think? Do you believe men can change into birds?”

Bailey’s cell phone rang, interrupting their talk. He groaned as he glanced at the caller ID. “It’s the station. I have to take this.”

“I understand.” And she did. More than she wanted to. She didn’t need Bailey to confirm what she was fast suspecting to be true. Sachin was no mere mortal man. Any doubts she had could be addressed by looking no further than her home.

Glancing up, she spotted an oversized hawk perched on a branch near the edge of the house. She tilted her head and lifted a hand to shield her face from direct sun. A familiar set of silver eyes stared back at her from the high branch. Air swooshed out of her lungs as she clutched the side of the table. Every suspicion she’d ever had about Sachin rushed over her.

“No.”

The bird nodded its head as if answering her.

She shook so hard the table moved. “I’m officially insane.”

No. You are not.

“Sachin?” she asked, staring up at the bird, sure she’d heard Sachin’s voice in her head.

Chapter Nine

Paige leaned against the jukebox. The hairs on the back of her neck rose and she twisted enough to see across the crowded bar. A set of silver eyes stared back at her. The remembered feel of his caresses only hours before left Paige drawing in a deep breath, trying to calm her nerves. He was too much. Too intense, and the way he watched her like she was a meal to be feasted upon nearly did her in.

She scanned the bar for signs of Bailey. He still wasn’t there. With Sachin’s return she was foolish for thinking she could still lead a normal life.

In the back of her mind she’d known Sachin would come for her, that he wasn’t a man to take no for an answer. For some reason Paige had thought she might be able to convince him to go, to just let her live in peace.

There is no peace from our kind of bond,
ta’konima.

Reaching up, she tried to block his voice from intruding in her mind. It was official, she was going insane, imagining the man she loved speaking in her head.

I too denied my ability to hear you
, he said, his mouth never moving.
I was wrong. So are you.

Paige swallowed hard and rubbed her arms.
This isn’t happening. It’s not real. I’m having another nightmare.

Sachin shook his head. No.
This is not a nightmare, Paige.

“Sachin?” A soft moan came out as she tried and failed to deny he was communicating with her telepathically.

You should rejoice.
A bad-boy grin spread over his face.
It means you are indeed sane.

Yes.
She shivered
. But what does that mean you are, Sachin, because I don’t think you’re human.

There was a slip in his step but he recovered quickly, walking towards her. The crowd seemed to part as if by magik, allowing him to pass through them untouched.

Great. He’s not only more than a man, he’s some kind of god.

I’m no god,
ta’konima
.

Says you.

A rich, deep laugh echoed in her head, signaling he was in control of the situation, not her.

As it should be.

She leveled her gaze on him, allowing it to harden. “No more,” she mouthed.

Not enough,
ta’konima.
You are mine and I will not stand idly by and allow you to marry another. You will pick me.

“Or else?” she asked, her voice low.

There is no or else, Paige. You will pick me. I merely stated a fact.

She rolled her eyes and a smile curved her mouth. He came to a stop in front of her.

Paige knew she should be afraid of him on some level but she wasn’t. She’d never trusted anyone more in her life. “Fancy meeting you here.”

He winked. “I was in the neighborhood.”

“Just flyin’ through?” she asked, the need to make light of what she’d suspected surfacing. What she had to ask him.

Sachin put his large hands on her hips and they nearly touched around her waist. He gave a gentle squeeze before jerking her against the expanse of his chest. Air whooshed from her lungs and he laughed, clearly amused by his actions. “My apologies. There are times I forget my own strength.”

“Yeah, right,” she teased.

The music changed, the beat slowing. Sachin swayed their bodies to the rhythm. He ground his pelvis against her and she hissed at the feel of his erection, thick, long and even bigger than she remembered. She should push him away. She was with Bailey now. Instead, she clung tighter to him. It made no sense, but nothing about Sachin ever did.

Paige wasn’t sure how long they danced, their bodies pressed close together. Sachin led her from the dance floor, towards the front door. He pushed it open with ease and the cool night air bit at her skin. With as hot as he made her feel, the air was much needed.

Sachin dragged her around the corner of the bar and pressed her against the exterior wall. It was cold and her body felt feverish in comparison. She grunted and grabbed hold of his shirt collar. Her breath quickened as he bent, devouring her mouth. This was wrong but felt right for so many reasons. Stopping wasn’t an option. It didn’t matter that they were in public and anyone could walk past and see. That only added to the thrill.

With some careful maneuvering, Sachin had her lifted off the ground with her legs wrapped around his waist in record time. The hard press of his cock reminded Paige what was at stake. To give in to him again could be her undoing. She barely survived him leaving before. She wouldn’t make it if he did it again.

I won’t leave you,
ta’konima
.

He surged forward, rubbing himself against her mound. A moan escaped her lips and Paige knew the man before her held her captive with desire.