RedKnife (Skin Walkers Book 2) (15 page)

“Ms. Sambrano.”

Monroe’s cool greeting grated on RedKnife.  After all she’d endured because of the Dominant’s doubt, he still had the nerve to walk in like nothing had happened.

Ignoring Monroe, Cindy stood, lifting RedKnife’s hand from her shoulder and planting a kiss on his palm before she took the stairs and disappeared into their room.

When Monroe’s eyes tracked her, RedKnife once again stepped to block his view.  “I’m over here,
asshole
!”

Monroe chuffed a laugh.  “How’s she doing?”

RedKnife ignored Monroe’s polite query.  “What do you want?”

Shrugging, Monroe faced him.  “I found a way for us all to get what we want.”

At Monroe’s flash of smile, RedKnife tensed.  When Monroe StoneCrow had what
he
thought was a good idea, it didn’t bode well for those involved.  Grinding his teeth together, RedKnife waited.

“I realized that I don’t need Cindy for answers.  I can go to the source.  Correction. 
You
can go to the source.”

RedKnife’s expression darkened.

“Bring me her brother.”

King, who’d been standing silently behind the CEO staring at RedKnife, snapped his gaze to the Monroe with a frown.

Fuck!
  RedKnife tensed.  “You want me to bring you the brother of my One?”

Monroe leaned forward slightly, the hint of grin tweaking his lips.  “Your what?”

RedKnife lowered his voice.  “She’s been protecting him.  How do you think she’s going to react when I drag him here for you?”

Again, Monroe shrugged.  “It’s him or her.  I’ll let you decide.”

Thick arms were crossed over an impressive chest as darkened eyes leveled on the Dominant.  “We can run.”

“Yes.”  Monroe lifted the cuff of his well-tailored suit as he flicked a speck of something from the navy material.  “But you can’t hide.”  His clear blue eyes glinted with challenge as they met RedKnife’s.  “And why
should
you run?”  He shrugged negligently.  “I mean, if this brother can in fact prove her innocence, I’m somewhat amazed that you never thought to bring him to me sooner.”

Bastard!
RedKnife knew what Monroe was doing.  He was goading him, challenging him, and making him look like a bad mate to his One.  “She loves her brother,” he ground out through clenched teeth.  “She’s been doing all of this to protect him, as a debt to her parents.  Me giving him to you would devastate her.”

Monroe lifted a hand to press a forefinger to his lips in mock contemplation before finally asking, “What do you suppose she’d find more offensive?  You surrendering her brother?  Or attempting to save her at all costs, even with the potential loss of her affection?”

Selfless.
  It’s what Monroe was challenging him to prove that he was, but he didn’t think he had it in him.  RedKnife wanted his cake, and to eat it too.  There had to be a way to spare Cody
and
to prove Cindy’s innocence.  His mind worked at a frantic pace, knowing that if he did in fact drag Cody back to Monroe, that it’d most likely be the end of whatever was forming between him and Cindy.

“Why can’t you just
let this go
?” RedKnife hissed, trying to keep Cindy from hearing from the bedroom.

“Because.”  Monroe’s grin disappeared.  “Walker lives are at stake.”

Stepping forward, RedKnife bent until he was nose-to-nose with the Dominant.  “I’ll get her fucking brother, and then you’ll leave her alone.”  It wasn’t a request.  “You’ll leave
us
alone!”

A slight nod of the head was all Monroe offered before he turned and strode toward the door.  “I’ll expect him this evening.”  Then he was gone, leaving King staring at RedKnife.

For long minutes, the two men stared each other down.  RedKnife knew what he wanted, and finally relented.  “It doesn’t work like that.”  He’d just healed Cindy and was sure all of the Walkers were buzzing about it.  It was unheard of, and he had no doubt King had questions about whether his abilities could have extended to King’s Lilly when she was injured.  “I couldn’t have healed your Lilly.  I can only heal what’s mine.”

“
Is
she yours?” King challenged.

“It feels like it.”

The corner of King’s mouth lifted.  “Are you afflicted yet?”  RedKnife tilted his head back, his eyes closing as grief washed over him.  It was all the answer King needed.

Chapter 26

In the bedroom, Cindy could only make out muffled voices.  Part of her wished she’d stayed to see what Monroe wanted, but a bigger part just wanted to be away from him.  He was intimidating and ornery.  Nothing like her RedKnife.  She gave a lady-like snort. 
My RedKnife?  Since when he is he
my
anything?

The bedroom door clicked open and RedKnife entered, looking…  Well, she didn’t know how he looked.  Sexy, of course, but something was lurking behind his dark eyes.  He wouldn’t meet her gaze, and that worried her.

“RedKnife?”

He stalked across the room, but stopped halfway to her.  “I need something.”

Excitement flitted through her.  He hadn’t touched her sexually since he’d brought her to his home.  She assumed it was because she was injured, but now that her bandages were off, maybe…

His eyes locked on hers, darkening dramatically.  His look was severe, full of intent, but not the sexual intent or heat she’d hoped for.  The sudden change had her backing up a step even as he took one toward her.

“W-what?”

He lifted a strong hand and pulled the halo from his throat.  It hissed as it branded his flesh upon removal, and Cindy swore her heart slammed into the wall of her chest.  Mouth suddenly dry, she backed up again.  “What are you…”  She lifted her eyes from his now-scarred throat.  “What are you doing?”

“I can’t leave you undefended,” he stated, as he took another calculated step toward her, this one cutting off any chance of escape.

Cindy inhaled sharply when her back hit the wall.
Nowhere to run! 
Her eyes dipped to the halo still fisted in RedKnife’s grip.

“What do you mean?”  She shook her head in confusion.  “What do you need?  Her eyes were round with fear.  “What are you doing?”

“I’m backed into a corner.”  He advanced another step.  “In order to protect you, I have to leave you.”

“Take me with you.”  The words rushed out when her fear spiked at the prospect of him leaving her alone at the Estate with Monroe and the other Walkers who didn’t trust her.

He shook his head.  “I can’t.  But I can…”

One hand shot out and grabbed her, pulling her tight into him as his arm clamped around her lower back.

Cindy pushed on his chest.  “RedKnife,
don’t
!”  She didn’t even know what she was asking him not to do, she just knew from his solemnity that something was about to change between them.

“Trust,” he whispered at her ear, pulling her closer.  “Trust. 
Me
.”

His tone was imploring, and she felt guilty for fighting him, but he was being so cryptic.  She didn’t know what was happening.  His lips pressed against her temple, and then he lifted the halo.  When she realized his intent, she fought him.  Stoney had said a halo was for a mate only!  A mating began with the affliction, and there was none.  She wasn’t his mate, which meant his halo didn’t belong to her!

Kicking out and punching at his chest, Cindy writhed in his arms as panic assailed her.  “NO!  Please, RedKnife.”  Her voice broke on a sob.  “Not like this!”

It was too late.  He thrust the halo forward and it slid around her throat, clicking into place.  RedKnife tilted his head back and hissed, long and low, as a bright flash of ethereal light exploded from the halo, accompanied by a high-pitched whine.

Cindy went lax.  It felt like her muscles melted, and all strength left her body.  The last thing she remembered was RedKnife’s words.  ‘I’m backed into a corner.’

He’d just claimed her, and he’d done it out of some messed up sense of obligation.

***

Stepping out into the blinding snow, RedKnife cursed himself.  He knew the blizzard currently raging was his fault.  He’d been unable to control the part of him that tapped into the elements since the moment he’d met Cindy, and the entire county was paying for it.  Even now, with her locked securely in his cabin, wearing his halo that proved to all she belonged to him, he still couldn’t control the thick snow that continued to blast across the mountains.

Not claimed.
  While Cindy had been collared, a Walker claiming also required a binding…a mating after the gifting of a halo, and apparently his inner beasts agreed with the dictate.  How in the hell he’d ever get near enough to touch her once he brought her brother in was beyond him, but he’d find a way.  Worse, he still didn’t even know if it would work.  He wasn’t afflicted.  Still, he vowed to try.  She would be his.

Shifting, he took flight and headed for the city.  His eagle’s eyes scanned the snow-covered plains as he soared over the highway and he wondered if he’d even be able to get back to StoneCrow with Cody.  The roads looked bad, but he was a determined Walker.

Soaring over the land he couldn’t help the bite of pride he felt.  Cindy was wearing his halo.  He was prepared to claim her as his Angel, and nothing felt more right.  Could it be that his days of loneliness were at an end?

Not if I fuck this up.
  He had to find a way for Monroe to get his answers, Cody to stay breathing, and Cindy to end up in his arms…and his bed.

Chapter 27

A short few hours later, RedKnife was standing behind a seated Cody Sambrano in Monroe’s office.  The CEO pinned the petty crook with a challenging glare.

RedKnife turned when he heard the door open and cursed Monroe internally when Cindy entered.  Relief flooded her expression when her eyes landed on him, but disappeared just as quickly when she looked behind him and saw her brother.

“Cody?”

She raced for her brother, but RedKnife caught her and turned her into his arms.

Her voice was shrill with panic.  “Why is he here?”  She turned horrified eyes on him.  “RedKnife?”  She stopped trying to get free, her accusation spilling from her on a breath.  “What have you done?”

What I had to do to keep you safe.
  He didn’t speak the words.  Instead, he scowled at Monroe, silently commanding the CEO to explain.

Monroe smiled cockily and complied.  “Turns out, Ms. Sambrano, your brother denies your account of his intentions.”

Her gaze whipped to Cody.  “What?”  Honestly, what had she expected?  Her brother was a leech.  He’d sucked her dry for years, and now she couldn’t really expect him to own up to it.  Still…it hurt.

“Regardless,” Monroe carried on.  “We know he’s lying.”

It was Cody’s turn to scowl at Monroe.  “I ain’t lying.  If she was trying to rob this place, I had nothing to do with it.  It’s all on her.”

Cindy’s eyes flooded with tears.  Had her own brother really just thrown her under the bus? 
Lying bastard! 
She lunged at him with clawed hands, but RedKnife held her firmly to him.

Oh, how she
hated
Cody!  She hated him for hounding her parents up until their death.  She hated him for the guilt she bore for not being able to provide more for him.  She hated him for not being the brother she prayed for.  She hated him for her nightmares.  Finally, after all her work to save him, to keep him and to love him…she was finally ready to let go.

RedKnife growled.

Cody paled.

And Monroe smiled, turning his attention back to Cody.  “Who said anything about robbing the place?”

If it was possible, Cody paled even further.  “You did.  You…uh…”

Monroe’s brief smile faded as he shook his head and tsked.  “Exhausting.”  Dark brows speared down as he took up a pen and studied the paperwork on his desk, not looking up as he directed, “RedKnife, take your mate home.”

Mate? 
Cindy didn’t ask about that, but she had to know.  “What are you going to do with him?”

King entered the office and strode over to tower behind Cody.

Monroe didn’t even look up.  “King, take him to our holding facility until the police arrive.”

“No way, man!”  Cody sprang from his chair.  “You’re not fucking locking
me
up!  Take that bitch!”  He jabbed his finger in Cindy’s direction.  “It was all her idea!”

Quick as a flash, RedKnife released Cindy and spun.  His fist snapped out so fast that Cindy barely saw the punch that connected with Cody’s face, sending his unconscious form dropping toward the floor.

Good!

Before Cody hit, RedKnife caught his wrist and jerked, pulling the dead weight to him as he bent and shoved his shoulder into Cody’s midsection.  Then, he hoisted the man up so he was draped over his shoulder.  Turning, he frowned at Cindy.  “Wait here.”

“You got what you wanted,” she bit out harshly.  Lifting her head with feigned confidence, she refused to meet RedKnife’s gaze as her hand lifted to the halo around her throat.  “Now take this thing off me!”

Her eyes snapped to his, and he wanted to wince at the clear hurt he read there.

“You’re not backed into a corner now.  You kept me here.  I didn’t escape.”

Realization slammed home.  She’d misunderstood.  She actually thought he’d gifted her his halo to keep her from escaping.  How could she not know he’d done it to protect her while he’d been gone?  No one would dare touch her if they knew she was his, that was why he’d done it.  Of course, how could he expect her to see it any other way?  He hadn’t shown her any reason to believe that he’d gifted her his halo for any other motive than to control her.

“Cindy,” he spoke softly and stepped forward, but she jerked back.

Her hazel eyes slammed to Monroe.  “Did you get what you wanted?”

Monroe didn’t respond, and RedKnife knew he needed to deal with Cody quickly before he could explain himself to Cindy. “Wait here,” he repeated.

She wanted to tell him to go to hell, but didn’t.  When his expression softened and he lifted a hand to cup her cheek, she pulled back and dropped her eyes.

His lip curled derisively as he flashed a look toward Monroe before stalking from the office with King right behind him.

Alone with Monroe, Cindy was quiet a few moments before eyeing the top of the CEO’s head as he worked.  “What now?”

Monroe’s clear blue gaze met hers.

“What happens now?”  She clarified.  “Am I free to go?”

As if only just now considering it, a grin titled the CEO’s lips.  “Absolutely.”

She didn’t need to hear anything else.  Turning, she hurried for the door.  Monroe’s words halted her escape.

“But, Ms. Sambrano!”

She didn’t turn to him, simply stopped with her hand on the doorknob.

“That halo around your neck says differently.”

“I…I can’t get it off.”

“No.”  There was no humor in his voice.  “You can’t.  A Walker claiming is permanent.  I just wanted you to know that, once you walk off this Estate, you’ll be free of us.”

She swallowed hard.

“But you’ll never be free of him.  Not now.  Not ever.”

Chills coursed through her body.  “He can’t keep what he can’t catch.”  She’d intended the words to sound more fierce but to her mortification, they’d actually come out on a tremble.

Turning, she raced from the office, down the two flights of stairs and out the front doors.  She was leaving RedKnife, and it felt wrong.  Her chest was heaving, and she fought back tears as she shoved the doors open only to run square into the nerdy detective she remembered from what felt like a lifetime ago.

“Whoa!”  Detective Cameron steadied her by gripping her shoulders.  “Easy.”

She pulled out of his hold and frowned at the two uniformed officers who were with him.  “You must be here for Cody.”  She stepped around the detective.  “You can have him,” she muttered under her breath, then stilled at the Detective’s next words.

“Actually, I’m here for Mr. KillsPrettyEnemy.”

Shock colored her tone.  “What?  Why?”

“We’re charging him in the disappearance of Richard Jamison.”

“But you know he was with me.  He doesn’t know anything about that.”

“Why are you protecting him?”  Cameron’s tone grew harsh.  “He’s a killer, and he’s got you fooled.”

She knew it wasn’t true.  RedKnife was a lot of things, but a killer wasn’t one of them.  Worse, the thought of them taking him in and confining him in a tiny cell had her heart racing.  He wouldn’t be able to handle it.  She envisioned her Walker trying to keep it together, to keep them all from knowing that he more than hated confinement, he had a phobia.  “I did it.”

The words were out before she could check them, and her eyes jerked to the creepy detective.  His teeth clicked shut, and his expression darkened.  “Excuse me?”

Once the words were out, they felt right. 
This
felt right.  She couldn’t let them cage RedKnife, and it wasn’t just for his sake.  All Walkers were at risk if one of them was taken in.  What if Cameron somehow found out about them?  What would happen?  Would all Walkers be hauled in, under the guise of community safety?  She couldn’t chance it.

“I did it.”  She sniffed, and lifted her chin.  “I…”  She didn’t know what to say.  Did she admit to killing a man she’d never even laid eyes on?  What if he wasn’t even dead?  What if he was just missing?

“I’m responsible for Richard Jamison’s disappearance.”  She clarified.

Detective Cameron was shaking his head.  “You damn little fool.”  He looked at the two officers behind him and jerked his head toward her.  “Cuff her.”

***

RedKnife raced out the front doors of StoneCrow only to find the courtyard empty.  Lifting his head, he scented the air.  Cindy’s scent was faint.

Partially shifting, he scoured the tree line.  He remembered her pigheaded tendency to storm off ill-prepared, but his animals’ eyes picked up no sign of her.  Descending the steps, he stilled when her scent immediately disappeared.  His eyes dipped to the gravel-covered driveway.  She was in a vehicle.

Shifting, he took flight.  The massive wings of his bald eagle form beat at the sky as he followed the road, his eyes darting back-and-forth with any flicker of movement below.  There were no vehicles on the back roads, so he tipped his wings and sailed seamlessly toward the highway.  It was a nightmare.  Too many vehicles with beads of light for eyes dotted the black ribbon of road.  Travelers coming home for Christmas were making his hunt more difficult.  Worse, he didn’t know what she was driving.  If she was with a Walker he could contact them through the mist.  An idea struck, and he reached out to Stoney.

“Stoney.  Is Cindy with you?”

“R-RedKnife?  No!  Why?  Is she missing?”

He ended the communication and turned to circle back away from the city.  If he were on the run, he’d go the opposite way he knew his pursuers would look.  He was certain Cindy would do the same.