SelkiesSeduction (3 page)

Nikki considered telling him that the cabin was not an issue.
She and Trina had inherited it from a maiden aunt, and the first thing they’d
done when they came to claim their property was to ward the cabin with every
protective spell they knew. Year after year, as their knowledge of the natural
and spiritual worlds had grown they’d reinforced the protections until anyone
who tried to enter without good intentions found they were reluctant to cross
the threshold. Even those ever-pesky vacuum cleaner salesmen found reasons to
avoid the place.

On the other hand, he had a point. She had no idea if those
men were gone for good or just waiting for her to reappear. It was quite
possible they would be immune to the warding. Until she had a better idea of
what was going on it would behoove her to proceed with caution. Since she’d
just met Wolfe, it was unlikely anyone would connect them. She’d be safer at
his place.

Besides, she didn’t want to turn down the offer of a Druid
bodyguard. Right now it felt good to have some backup. Not that she was ever
entirely alone. There was her feathered tenant.

She felt her brow wrinkle as she tried to figure out how to
tell him about the hawk without sounding totally crazy. Maybe the direct
approach was best? “Winston would chase off anyone who tried to actually enter
the cabin.”

Wolfe raised an eyebrow at her. “Winston?”

“Winston. He’s a hawk and he doesn’t like strangers in the
cabin.”

Wolfe looked as if he doubted her sanity. “You have a hawk
flying loose in your cabin?”

“No, silly.” She winced at the image of Winston trying to
navigate in the close confines of the cabin. “He just nests in the attic. He comes
and goes through the window in the gable end, and he never makes a mess. He
injured his wing years ago, and hid in there until it healed enough for him to
regain his mobility. I used to leave food out for him until he could hunt
again, but he’s not what you would call tame.” Somehow, it sounded less sane
when spoken aloud.

Wolfe shook his head. “You keep a bird of prey in your
attic, and people call me antisocial.”

“Really?” Nikki regarded him with interest, grateful for a
chance to change the subject. “How come?”

Wolfe shrugged his massive shoulders and swung the Jeep onto
the drive leading to the cabin. “I spend a lot of time alone in the bush. Most
people don’t understand that.”

* * * * *

Nikki felt the subtle welcoming aura of the cabin as Wolfe
pulled the Jeep to a halt. Built from pine logs in the last century, the
compact structure boasted a kitchen, living area and bathroom downstairs and
two cozy bedrooms separated by another bathroom upstairs. Furnished with sturdy
pine furniture and items salvaged from the local thrift stores and garage
sales, it was her sanctuary from the world.

Technically, it belonged to both her and Trina, but since
Jack had appeared on the scene, Trina hadn’t returned to Canada. She seemed to
be quite settled in the little Scottish hamlet where her husband worked as a
teacher.

Nikki doubted she’d ever give the cabin up. The restricted
access provided by the rough logging road made it a perfect spot to hide from a
world that didn’t take kindly to people who were different.

“I want you to stay right here while I check things out.”
Wolfe swung his big frame out of the Jeep.

“What if they’re hiding out here somewhere?” Nikki peered
around the yard, hoping she didn’t look as nervous as she felt. The cabin might
be safeguarded, but they couldn’t ward an entire forest. Anything could be
lurking out there.

Understanding softened Wolfe’s expression. “Lock the doors.
I’ll take a quick tour to make sure it’s clear before you come in. There’s a
radio phone right there.” He pointed to the equipment mounted on the console. “If
you need me, just lean on the horn.”

He reached in to tuck a stray lock of hair behind her ear. “You
don’t have to be alone. If you drop your shields, you can stay linked with me.
Make us both feel better.” He regarded her soberly, waiting for a reply.

Nikki hesitated for a moment before relaxing her shields. Did
she really want him inside her head?
Okay.

Can you visualize what the inside looks like for me?

Nikki closed her eyes and a vision of the main room filled
her head. A massive stone fireplace dominated the space and provided heat for
the entire cabin in the winter. A thick braided rug covered a hardwood floor
worn smooth with age. The sofa and loveseat faced each other with homemade
quilts in gay colors thrown haphazardly over the cushions.

The front door opens directly into here.
She changed
focus and showed him a cozy kitchen area off to the left.
You should use the
French doors off the kitchen to go in. You can see the entire downstairs from
there. Less chance of someone surprising you.

Yes ma’am.
Wolfe sent her an image of him saluting.

Smart-ass.
Nikki stopped broadcasting, but kept her
shields down. Despite her bravado, the memory of the strange men by the lake
unnerved her.

Her gaze roamed warily around the clearing, searching for
any sign of movement in the shadows. She could feel Wolfe’s presence in her
mind, and it was an oddly comforting feeling.

Doesn’t look like Winston’s home. What’s with all the
stuffed seals?

They’re not seals, they’re otters. My sister gives me one
every year for my birthday.
She hesitated, unsure of how much to explain.
He changed the subject before she could decide.

Main floor clear. I’m just going up to check out the
loft.

A picture of her bedroom flashed through Nikki’s mind, the
bedsheets in a crumpled heap, her dresser top strewn with everything she’d worn
and discarded in the last couple of weeks. Wolfe sprawled naked on the bed, one
muscular arm holding her down as he…

Nikki yelped and sat up straight, slamming her shields back
into place. Where the hell had that thought come from?

Unrepentant male mirth slid through her shields.
Thought
you needed something to take your mind off your problems.
He sent her an
image of himself sitting on the edge of the bed, looking remarkably innocent.

She felt a mischievous smile tease the corner of her mouth.
Two could play at this game. She loosened her shields. They didn’t seem to slow
him down anyway. Concentrating, she conjured up an image of herself.

She strolled into the bedroom, a semi-sheer robe her only
covering. Pausing for a moment to let Wolfe get a good look, she glided to the
bed and sat on his lap, wriggling her bottom firmly on the bulge at his groin.

Wolfe took over the image.

Wrapping her firmly in his brawny arms, he lowered his head
and captured her mouth with hungry urgency. Sliding his tongue between her
parted lips, he tasted her, probing and swirling, devouring her very soul.

Nikki reached a hand up to her mouth.
Damn, you’re good.
I was just kidding.
She could almost taste him on her lips.

Shielding didn’t appear to keep him out, but she could
censor what he saw.

Nikki conjured up a picture of an aromatic manure pile.

* * * * *

Wolfe sat on the edge of Nikki’s bed and pondered the
strength of the link between them. He’d never been able to slip through anyone’s
shields so easily. He could feel the strength shimmering in them, yet they
parted like butter under a hot knife as soon as he reached for her mind. The
inconsistency intrigued him.

Her unique scent filled his senses when she entered the
cabin. Closing his eyes, he inhaled deeply. She smelled of grass and wind and
clear mountain streams.

I’m waiting for you.
He couldn’t resist sending the
thought floating through her shields.

She returned an image of herself, hands on hips, sticking
out her tongue.

A wry grin teased the corner of his mouth. He loved her
impudent personality.

“You can come down now. My guitar is in the living room,”
Nikki hollered up the stairs.

No need to shout. I can hear you just fine.
Wolfe put
down the little knickknack he’d been toying with. Another otter.
Don’t you
want to freshen up before the jam?

Nikki appeared in the doorway and gave him an exasperated
glare. “Yes, I do. But without the audience, if you don’t mind.”

Wolfe got to his feet and sauntered over to the doorway.

He admired the way she stood her ground as he approached.
Reaching out with one hand, he cupped her chin, tilting her head up to meet his
gaze. “You’re cute when you’re angry.”

He lowered his mouth, gently this time, teasing her lips
with feathery strokes of his tongue. When she surrendered, opening herself for
his invasion, a surge of savage lust flashed through him. He found himself
fighting the urge to throw her on the bed and make ferocious love to her, and
the depth of his response shook him.

He trailed kisses from her mouth to her neck, feeling the
sensitive nerves jumping in eager response. It took all his strength to raise
his head, and he gave her a faint smile. “I’ll go wait downstairs while you do
your girly thing.”

“Damn, you really are a good kisser.” Nikki rubbed a shaky
hand across her mouth. “Don’t be doing that again.”

Wolfe smirked at her dazed look and strode to the stairs.
Stopping, he turned to throw a stern look over his shoulder. “About those
shields of yours, quit trying to shut me out. You know it won’t work, and if
I’m going to protect you I need all the help you can give me.”

Nikki just stared back, speechless.

Good. If he could keep her off guard, he just might stand a
chance.

He prowled the main floor of the cabin impatiently, waiting
for her to finish changing. The collection of little stuffed otters intrigued
him. She didn’t seem like the type to collect useless little trinkets just
because they were cute. He picked one up and stroked the shiny fur. Staring
into its shiny black eyes, he was surprised by a strange urge to cuddle the
toy. He shook his head and put it back down on the shelf.

Wolfe?
The touch was hesitant, puzzled.

I’m here.
She must have picked up on the unsettled
feelings he’d had when he picked up the otter. He eyed the collection with
renewed interest. Something teased, just beyond the edge of his memory.

* * * * *

“Ready to go.” Nikki breezed into the room.

Wolfe turned, his breath catching in his throat. Wow!

She’d changed the loose sweatshirt and scruffy jeans for a
softly clinging V-neck shirt in a vibrant forest green that accentuated her
eyes. Snug-fitting jeans with floral embroidery tucked into soft, knee-high
leather boots showed off her petite figure to advantage.

Wolfe fought down the urge to order her back upstairs to
change into something less revealing. Or take her upstairs and strip her out of
that outfit himself.

He met her eyes and realized she knew the effect she was
having on him, and she was enjoying it. Her eyes sparkled with mischief as she
leaned forward to grab the guitar case, giving him a mouthwatering view of
cleavage.

He stalked forward to take the case from her. “Didn’t anyone
ever warn you it’s not safe to bait a wolf?”

She smiled sweetly and ignored the question. “We need to get
moving if I’m going to get to the jam on time. Shall we?” Turning, she headed
out the door, leaving him to follow along behind.

Wolfe watched the impudent sashay of her hips receding in
front of him. His cock twitched in appreciation, hardening even more. He’d been
in a constant state of arousal since he’d met her in the woods this morning and
he had a feeling he’d better get used to it. The little tease knew exactly what
she was doing.

Nikki perched casually atop the barstool, jean-clad legs
hooked around long wooden rungs. Head tilted toward Jessie, she strummed the chords
to an ancient ballad while Jessie sang the lyrics, her voice weaving a spell
around everyone present.

Wolfe lounged at the back of the room, nursing his beer while
he listened to the musicians take turns playing. He tried not to be too obvious
as he scanned the crowd. They were a friendly bunch, and they all seemed to
know each other so he was fairly certain none of them posed a threat to Nikki.

She had introduced him to several people before she went up
on the stage and they’d welcomed him in the friendly manner he’d come to expect
from the small town.

His eyes kept returning to Nikki. Her earthy beauty took his
breath away. He found himself impatient for the evening to end even as he
enjoyed her music. He could feel the melody flowing through her to emerge from
the instrument. The haunting sounds conjured visions of sea and sky, of
mystical creatures and fantasies about to become real.

He could feel the corner of his mouth curving upward. The
woman had many talents.

Do you like my music?

Her voice, soft and dreamy, touched a place deep within his
soul. He’d never expected to find a woman who made him feel so alive. Descended
from an ancient line of Celtic Druids, he knew that the mystical beings
destined to be their mates were rare in this modern world. That both male and
female were forced to hide their talents made it even harder to find each
other. He wondered yet again what secrets Nikki was hiding.

You play with the touch of an angel.
He caught her
gaze, and held it with his own. Unexpected hunger flared through him, hot and
erotic. He strove for control.

I’m far from an angel.
She taunted him, her eyes
seeking him out at the back of the crowded room.
You may want to run while
you have the chance.

I think not.
His body responded to the challenge,
hardening in anticipation.
I can feel how excited my presence makes you.

Nikki tossed her head, her sleek black hair cascading down
her back in a silken stream. He longed to run his fingers through the sleek
mass.

I’m not looking for a lover.
She played an intricate
series of notes that sent a shiver rippling through his entire body.

Good.
He allowed her a brief glimpse of his
possessive nature, even as he deliberately misunderstood her.
I would be
very upset if you took another lover.

He grinned as her head snapped up and she stared directly at
him.

You are NOT my lover. I barely know you.

Not yet, but the night is young.

Dream on.
Giving him one last haughty look, Nikki
proceeded to ignore him completely. She played along with the other musicians,
each playing or singing a selection in turn until an older gentleman with a
fiddle held up his hand for quiet.

“That’s enough for tonight. I’m getting old and need my
rest. Thanks for coming, everyone, and a special thank-you to Jessie and Nikki.”

Nikki stood and stretched, slipping the carrying strap from
around her neck, and Wolfe straightened in his chair, reaching up to rub a kink
out of his shoulder.

A young man from the audience rushed up to Nikki and threw
an arm around her shoulders. Wolfe tensed. He couldn’t hear the conversation,
but Nikki looked much too happy.

He forced himself to relax. While it didn’t thrill him to
see her smiling at another man, she obviously knew him so he didn’t pose a
threat. Wolfe rose and threaded his way across the room.

“Need a hand with the guitar case?” Wolfe was careful to
keep his voice neutral. His first choice would be to throw her over his shoulder
and drag her home to ravish her at length, but he had a feeling that wouldn’t
go over well.

Nikki glanced up, a happy smile on her face. “Thanks.” She
turned and gestured. “This is Aaron. He keeps an eye on the cabin for me when I’m
not there. He’s learning to play guitar, but we haven’t convinced him to join
our jams yet. He’s a little shy.”

Wolfe extended his hand. “I’m Wolfe. Pleased to meet you, I
don’t remember seeing you around before.”

Aaron took his hand, giving him an uncertain look. “I don’t
come into town all that often. Do you live here?”

Wolfe nodded. The young man was smitten with Nikki and not
having much success at hiding it. He’d get over it.

Wolfe knew he wasn’t nearly good enough for Nikki, didn’t
have the social graces or the ability to blend in with people, but he didn’t
care. Nikki touched his very soul as no other woman had, inflamed his senses
with desire so hard it almost hurt, and he intended to claim her as his own. He
honestly didn’t know if he could let her go.

“I have a place on the edge of town I stay in sometimes, but
I’m away a lot.” He turned to pick up the guitar case. “You ready to go, Nikki?”

Aaron started, a fleeting look of surprise crossing his
boyish features. “You’re going home with him?”

Nikki gave Wolfe a reproving glance.
Be nice. He’s just a
boy.
“Wolfe is giving me a ride. I had car trouble and he was kind enough
to pick me up.”

Little liar.
Wolfe’s eyes sparkled dangerously.
The
boy wants you. You’d do well to discourage him before he gets hurt. You don’t
want him to become a problem.

You’re the one becoming a problem.

Nonsense. I’m not the problem. I’m the solution.

Nikki snorted and gave him a look of disbelief.
I can’t
believe you said that.

Wolfe smirked and nodded toward the exit. “After you.”

Nikki turned to smile gently at Aaron. “Thanks for coming
tonight. Maybe next time you’ll play for us.”

“Yeah. Sure.” Aaron ducked his head as he turned back into
the room. “We’ll see.”

Nikki included Wolfe in the smile and his heart did a little
flip-flop.

* * * * *

“I’m not leaving you here alone.” Wolfe stood in the kitchen
of the small cabin, arms crossed stubbornly on his chest.

He didn’t argue, didn’t explain, and didn’t give her a
chance to push home her point. He didn’t plan to negotiate away her safety. If
she wouldn’t come to stay at his place, then he would stay at hers. If she didn’t
like it, too damn bad.

The intruders from earlier in the day had disappeared
without a trace, but he had a bad feeling. They could come back at any time and
whatever they were after, it wouldn’t be good.

You think you can just stand there like a statue of a
Greek god and tell me what to do? Damn, you’re annoying.

Wolfe raised one eyebrow as her thought drifted through his
mind.

Nikki stomped one small foot on the floor and glared. “Get
out of my head and my cabin.”

“No.”

“Fine! I’m too tired to argue with you.” Nikki turned on her
heel and stalked into the living room. “The sofa is lumpy or the floor is hard
and cold. Your choice.” She opened the hope chest in the corner and produced a
pillow and comforter. Turning, she tossed the bedding onto the sofa and headed
for her bedroom. “Sleep tight.”

Wolfe watched her enticing little ass sashay its way up the
stairs. Somehow, he doubted he’d be getting much sleep.

The strength of the attraction between them intrigued him.
When his grandfather had talked about finding his true mate, and bonding her to
him, he’d thought the old man was stuck in another generation. The age of the
Cosantoir, the Druid Protectors, was long over. These days women looked after
themselves, and any man who tried to impose his will on a female, even for her
own good, would likely be handed his head in a basket.

He’d had many women friends over the years and he’d enjoyed
each of them, but he’d never felt more than a momentary pang of regret when a
liaison ended. The whole “’til death do us part” thing was a holdover from the
feudal past, when monogamy was necessary to protect the children. Modern
couples met, stayed together for a time and then parted with no regrets.

Nikki was different. If you’d asked him yesterday, he would
have sworn he was a confirmed bachelor, and yet, after less than a day in her
company, he already felt incredibly protective and territorial. Her presence
sat in the back of his mind and it felt somehow right. He’d be willing to bet
she had the same awareness of him.

Prowling around the ground floor, he locked the doors and
checked each window to make sure they were secure before he settled himself on
the sofa and pulled a fuzzy blanket up to his chin.

She was right. It was lumpy.

Told you so.
Amused female laughter wafted through
his mind.

Wolfe didn’t bother to reply, but the corner of his mouth
quirked upward.

He gave the pillow a couple of good punches and rolled onto
his side.