The Keepers: Archer (12 page)

Their names were on the guest list.

Even after warning Sienna to come alone, Warrick Brogan had expected the Bennett brothers. He’d known they’d never leave her unprotected – no matter how powerful she was or what promises he’d made.

Archer scanned the massive marquee in hope of spotting the elusive warlock. The party was in full swing and there was still no sign of their guest of honour. Archer knew most of the guests, the usual key players that Warrick called friends – and they returned the friendship out of ignorance.

Laughter and excited chatter broke the stillness of the night and echoed across the massive spans of lawn outside Warrick’s home. Everyone seemed in high spirits – pleased for a reason to dress up and eager to celebrate the return of the son of a founding family of their town.

Archer wondered how they’d react if he told them just how wicked Warrick Brogan could be.

And that he’d murdered their sister, Sarah.

His lips drew together in a tight line and his nostrils flared. Inhaling quietly, he calmed from the anger summoned from that thought and did another quick scan of the marquee.

Warrick had gone all out – a band, music, fairy lights, silverware, catering, and an endless supply of champagne. Evening gowns glittered, jewellery shimmered, tongues wagged, and people mingled in a festive whirl of celebration and fun.

And yet, the lead weight feeling in Archer’s stomach was anything but celebration and fun. No, he wanted to be anywhere but here, and he sure as hell didn’t want Sienna here either.

But she’d insisted.

Despite everything inside him that cringed at the thought of Warrick speaking to her tonight, he was still curious at what Warrick had up his sleeve. Know thy enemy and all that crap.

Not that he believed Warrick would be straight with any of them – the man had as much integrity as a banana.

Declan approached in a black tuxedo that matched the one Archer wore; his dishevelled hair tamed for the occasion, and pushed a glass of champagne into Archer’s hand. “Has Sienna arrived yet?”

“No.”

Declan nudged his brother with an elbow and grinned. “I like it when you go rogue. Beats the crap out of your usual responsible, brooding self.”

Archer smiled, staring at the guests around them. “We both knew there was no chance in hell that Sienna would attend this alone.”

“And yet she thinks she is.”

“That she does.”

Declan chuckled. “She’s going to be super pissed when she sees us.”

“She’ll get over it.”

“Hm, but she’s a witch and an angry witch pissed at a broken promise is one I’d rather avoid.”

“I never promised her I wouldn’t attend the party.”

“You didn’t?”

“And risk the wrath of an angry witch pissed at a broken promise?” He grinned. “Hell no.”

“So what did you say to her to make her think you’d backed down?”

“It’s not what I said. It’s what I didn’t say.”

Declan laughed and tipped his glass toward his brother’s. “Ah, clever, brother.” He averted his gaze to scope out the room and froze, glass midair. “Isn’t that–?”

“Yes, Warrick Brogan.” Archer’s body went rigid as he studied the blonde man. Dressed in a black tuxedo, a drink clasped in one hand and a smile plastered across his face, the man looked far too normal. A crowd of people had gathered around their host, dishing out cushy hugs and welcoming slaps on the back. “And he’s smiling at his guests as though he’s running for the mayor and lobbying for their votes.”

“Evil can’t find time for mundane duties like being a town mayor. But yes, his smile does make me want to punch him.”

“Easy brother. No scenes tonight, remember? We weren’t even officially invited.”

“Warrick knew we’d be here.”

At that moment, Warrick caught sight of them across the makeshift room. His face broke out in a wide, cheeky grin and he raised his glass at the two brothers.

“Play the game, Declan.” Archer tipped his glass upwards, straining to keep his temper in check. The blonde haired man with the fake smile and mocking eyes had taken so much from him. It took every ounce of strength Archer had not to tear into him and rip his head off.

“The bastard needs that smile adjusted,” Declan grumbled.

“In time. For now, we want to know why he wants Sienna here tonight.”

“He can’t see her alone.”

“He won’t see her with three bodyguards hanging around.”

“You think she can handle him?”

“Yes.”

“And if he tries something, I can break his neck?”

“We’ll flip a coin.”

Ethan arrived, a glass of whiskey in one hand, a glass of champagne in the other, and Rose directly behind him. “I’d rather be anywhere but here right now.”

Declan shot him a look that challenged his brother’s statement. “You’re the one usually scouring an event like this looking for some decent arm candy.”

“I don’t look for the arm candy, they look for me.”

Archer’s lips twitched at his brother’s cocky reply. So typical of Ethan. And so true.

Ethan grimaced and sipped his drink. “Besides, tonight’s different. I’m too damn wound up to even care.”

“We all are, brother.” Archer stepped forward to embrace Rose. “Rose, you look lovely.”

It was the truth. The older woman wore a simple black floor length evening gown and oozed an elegance, confidence, and pride that few other women her age had. She had strawberry blonde hair, several shades lighter than Sienna’s, smooth skin with few wrinkles etched around big green eyes riddled with wisdom and knowledge. She looked like a poster model for youth defying vitamins or anti-aging creams. Impressive considering her age.

Rose kissed Archer’s cheek and smiled. “You three boys look ever so handsome. Something tells me my granddaughter might not be as pleased to see you as I am.”

“You know why we’re here.”

“Same reason I am.” She turned her attention on Warrick Brogan who was still mingling at the bar with several guests. “Has he made contact with either of you?”

“Not yet. I doubt he will. It’s Sienna he’s after.”

“He’s crazy if he thinks we’ll reverse our spell.”

“Has he approached you?”

“He’d be bold to try.”

Archer grinned. Rose’s powers had lessened since the transfer ceremony, which made her more vulnerable, but it appeared her legacy still kept some of the evil at a distance. For now at least. “We’ll watch out for her, Rose.”

“Of course. And if Warrick tries anything, I’ll have his testicles in a jar before he can even blink.”

Archer did blink. Several times. And then he laughed. “I like your thinking, Rose.”

Ethan held out the glass of champagne to Rose, but the woman raised an eyebrow and reached for the glass of whiskey instead. Ethan grinned, gave a shrug of resignation, and downed the bubbly liquid in one go.

Not his poison of choice but Archer figured any alcohol would suit his brother tonight.

“If you’ll excuse me, but I see Lora and would like to hear if she’s heard from her daughter again,” Rose said, stepping forward. She turned, tilted her head at the three brothers, and wrinkled her eyes. ‘Now you boys behave. No violence or unnecessary scenes, you hear?”

They all nodded.

“Unless of course,” she added with a more sombre expression, “Warrick tries something with Sienna. Then you have my full permission to slaughter him.”

They were all grinning when she walked away.

“She’s scary,” Declan said.

All talk of Rose came to a grinding halt as a woman wearing a flashy red cocktail dress and a bright smile approached them. She cast a fleeting glance across the three brothers before her eyes zeroed in on Declan. Tara Reed, their estate manager – and an old flame of Declan’s. Short blonde hair, sexy, and fun – one of the more daring and mischievous women Declan had ever dated. In that way, they’d been perfect for each other, but Declan had abruptly ended their fling before leaving town two years ago.

“Well, well, the Bennett brothers are together again.” Tara nodded a greeting to each of them before sidling up to Declan. “I heard you’re back in town and wondered how long it would take before you came to see me.”

Declan grinned and kissed her cheek. “I’ve only just got into town. How are you?”

“Better now that I know you’re here. It’s been a while since I heard from you.”

“It’s been a while since anyone’s heard from him, Tara,” Archer added. “My brother fails miserably at keeping in contact when he’s away.”

She nodded. “Hm, I know, but this was different.”

True, it had been different. And Tara had no idea precisely why.

A cool, familiar sensation slowly washed over Archer, alerting him to Sienna’s arrival. He’d always been able to sense her presence, even before his brothers. Archer tilted his head to the doors at the top of the stairs. “Sienna’s here.”

His breath caught the moment she walked through the patio doors and paused at the top of the steps, dripping with confidence, power, and a beauty that struck him with an intensity that made everything inside him sit up and take notice.

Her hair hung in a mass of fiery red waves around her shoulders, and her eyes were darker with the heavier eye make up she’d chosen. She’d opted for a stunning champagne gown with thin straps over the shoulders that plunged into a V-neckline edged with silver sequins. The rest of the soft material flowed around her dangerous curves, ending at her feet in a subtle array of champagne material and sequined edging. A matching wrap draped casually around delicate shoulders to ward off the cool evening air.

She looked exquisite - and way sexy.

All feminine and all woman.

“What brought you back to town?” Tara asked Declan but his brother didn’t reply. Instead, his gaze was transfixed on Sienna at the top of the steps. Tara turned to follow Declan’s gaze and sighed softly when she saw their fascination. “I should have known,” she said softly. “Sienna.”

“Wow,” Ethan murmured in Archer’s ear, his eyes on their witch.

Declan nudged Archer in the ribs. “Archer, stop looking at her like that.”

“Like what?”

“Like you’re hungry and she’s about to be dinner.”

Ethan chuckled. “Or dessert.”

“Cut the crap,” Archer grumbled, frowning, vaguely aware that his heart rate was suddenly through the roof.

They both laughed, but the sound quickly faded as they spotted Warrick approach Sienna with a mild grin and mischievous eyes.

Archer automatically stepped forward, but both brothers stopped him.

“No, Archer,” Declan said, gripping Archer’s arm. He glanced at Tara before dipping his head against Archer’s and lowering his voice. “As much as I hate this, now’s not the time for Sienna to see us. Warrick can’t know that we’re at odds about her coming here tonight.”

Archer hesitated, everything inside him rebelling at the idea of Warrick going anywhere near Sienna.

“Tara,” Declan said, stepping back and reaching for Tara’s arm. “I think I owe you a drink.”

“I think you owe me an explanation, Bennett,” she replied but went along with him.

“Yeah, but I’d rather start with the drink. Way more fun.”

She laughed and they disappeared into the crowd.

Ethan placed a hand on Archer’s shoulder. “Easy, brother.”

Archer blew out air, trying to get a grip on the turmoil that ripped through him, and kept his eyes transfixed on the woman across the room. His woman.

“Are you worried about the witch or the woman?” Ethan asked softly.

Ethan’s word struck a chord within him that he quickly pushed aside. “Both.”

“She’ll be fine.”

She appeared fine. And apparently, quite willing to accept Warrick’s extended arm and follow him onto the dance floor.

As though magically timed, the band changed its tempo and opted for a slower tune that automatically drew the dancing couples into each other’s arms.

Warrick and Sienna included.

Damn it.

Sienna kept her mask in place, hell bent on maintaining the cool, sickly sweet façade that she and Warrick Brogan had going.

“You look stunning tonight,” Warrick said, holding an arm around her waist and swaying to the rhythm of the music. “And you opted against the gown I sent?”

“I never allow men to buy me clothes.”

“I’ll keep that in mind.”

They moved around the dance floor in silence and Sienna took the moment to steady her nerves and absorb her environment. The night air was cool but the skies were clear, the weather perfect for an outdoor party. Warrick’s home was impressive, as was his boldness at settling back in town after what had happened two years ago. A rambling home surrounded by high walls and few neighbours, perfectly crafted gardens, rolling lawns, and ample space. A perfect hideout for someone like Warrick.

Several people were watching them, whispering, smiling.

Not surprising.

They’d both returned after a long absence and people who lived in small towns loved to have everyone together.

And after all, she was dancing with a man who oozed charisma and charm. And a bachelor, at that. No wonder the single women were staring at Warrick as though he were a piece of chocolate cake. Ugh. But she could see the attraction. And it had nothing to do with his looks. Although he lacked the handsome gene, there was something about his attitude and confidence that attracted women by the hoards. A wealthy, charming bachelor with the ability to whip out a mischievous smile on a whim. What woman wouldn’t want that?

If only they knew the monster that lurked near the surface.

Despite her determination to maintain her calm façade, Sienna bristled. This was all so wrong on so many levels. Evil shouldn’t be allowed to roam the streets, renovate a house, move into her hometown, and throw a damn party.

But in her world, where evil lurked in secret, men like Warrick were free to live a normal life and create their own quiet chaos.

Over her dead body.

Sienna pushed away her irritation and returned a few forced smiles to their admirers. A waving hand from the opposite side of the dance floor caught Sienna’s attention and this time, she offered a genuine smile. It was Maggie Bates, an old school friend who had taken over the local town florist. Maggie had always been a breath of fresh air for Sienna, friendly, bubbly, and full of laughter. Using her fingers to gesture a phone, Maggie placed them beside her ear and mouthed the words call me before being dragged off the dance floor by her partner in search of a drink.

Sienna turned her attention back to Warrick, her smile fading. “Seems like everyone’s fallen under your charms once again. They’re all having fun and blissfully unaware of the chaos and evil their host is capable of.”

Amusement flickered through Warrick’s eyes, and his lips curled up at the corners. “Careful, Sienna, your fangs might show.”

“We wouldn’t want that now, would we?”

“You accepted my invite. I assume you come in peace.”

“You gave me no choice and the word ‘peace’ isn’t part of your vocabulary.”

“We’ll see. I heard you ran into some car trouble last night.”

“Nothing we couldn’t handle,” she replied, choosing to ignore the dig and the spark of anger that came with it. “What do you want, Warrick?”

He cocked a brow and tilted his head to look at her. “You really have to ask me that?”

“What do you want tonight? Here. Now. Why am I here at this stupid party?” She followed his lead and moved through the rhythm of the dancing, stepping away and allowing him to twirl her around. When she flowed back into his arms, she frowned at him. “You wanted to talk to me, so talk.”

“Not here. There are too many ears on us.”

Sienna nodded. “So let’s go inside and get your little chat over with. I’d like to go home.”

“After dinner,” he replied with a confident grin. “I’m told it’s a delicious menu.”

“I don’t eat live spiders so I think I’ll skip dinner.”

He chuckled and shifted his gaze to someone behind her. His expression tightened, and then cleared. “Ah, ever your White Knight.”

Sienna cocked her head to the side. “You’re no White Knight, Warrick.”

“I wasn’t referring to myself,” he replied and spun her around. Instead of pulling her back, he released her, and Sienna felt a fresh pair of arms embrace her.

Her eyes rounded, and she let her breath swoosh from her lungs in surprise. “Archer.”

Archer kept his smouldering green eyes on her and gave a brief nod.

With his tanned skin, short brown hair, and dressed in a black tuxedo with a crisp white shirt, the man was breathtaking. He possessed a control and intensity about him that was incredibly dark and alluring and tonight, given his surroundings, those traits were magnified.

All man and all sexy.

Her heart thudded several times in warning, and her body stiffened. She should’ve known he’d be here.

Anger flashed through her but she quickly pushed it aside, aware of Warrick’s watchful eyes. Instead, her shoulders slumped in resignation, and she relaxed in Archer’s arms as they started dancing.

Of all the arms at the party tonight, she figured his were the best ones to have around her. And although she’d never admit it, a part of her was relieved to have her Keepers nearby. Her encounter with Warrick had rattled her calm façade, and she’d had to employ a wealth of strength to keep the façade in place.

She scanned the room with a fleeting glance. “I assume your sidekicks aren’t far?”

Archer’s lips curled into a faint smile. “Declan will be horrified to hear you refer to him as a sidekick.” With practiced ease, he spun her around and drew her near again; dark eyes pinned on her face. “You look beautiful tonight.”

“Thanks.”

“Nice gown.”

“One you bought for me a long time ago.”

“I thought you don’t allow men to buy you clothes.”

Of course he’d been listening to her conversation with Warrick.

“This is different.” She smiled. “It’s you.”

“Glad to know I’m on your approved list of suppliers.”

“Oh, you’re on my approved list of many things,” she said, her smile fading, “but right now, there’s a little less approval and a lot more irritation.”

“You’re angry that we’re here.”

“Shouldn’t surprise you.”

“And you shouldn’t be surprised that we are. We’re hard wired to protect you Sienna. Sitting at home drinking margaritas whilst you’re dancing with Warrick Brogan is hardly something you can expect from us.”

She nodded. “Fair enough. But you promised you wouldn’t interfere.”

“And I haven’t.”

Ah, clever. Word play at its best.

“So what now?” she asked.

“You do what you have to. If Warrick keeps his promise and doesn’t harm you, you won’t even know we’re here.”

All that muscle, heated looks, and attitude? Right.

“Promise me that if Warrick has a trick up his sleeve that you’ll let me deal with him first.” She put her fingers to his lips to silence his protest. “No, listen to me. If I need your help, you’ll know. But I need to show Warrick that I can handle whatever he throws at me.”

His hands came up to capture hers and he drew her closer, studying her in silence. A muscle worked in his jaw and a moment later, he nodded. “Fair enough.”

“You know I’m right.”

“Doesn’t mean I have to like it.”

“I’ll be fine.”

“I know,” he said softly, kissing her knuckles and releasing her.

A woman’s laughter drew their attention to the back of the dance floor where Declan and Tara were dancing.

“Tara’s here?” Sienna asked and Archer nodded. “Wow, and already she’s sought out Declan.”

“Didn’t take her long. Old flame and all that.”

“You think that’s a flame that might be rekindled?”

“Judging by the way Tara was looking at Declan, then yes.”

Sienna nodded. “Too bad.”

“Too bad? For Declan or for Tara?”

“For Tara. There’s no way Declan will settle down with her.”

“You’re right, but Declan’s always been clear on that when it comes to his relationships. Or flings,” he added, smiling at the idea of Declan in a relationship. Not a status they’d ever really used for his brother.

Sienna put a hand on Archer’s arm. “I’m going to find Warrick and get him to talk to me so we can go home.”

He responded by sliding both hands behind her lower back and pulling her tighter against him so that her body was flush against his. She gasped at the sudden close contact and the intensity of his grip on her and tried to pull back to see his expression.

“Just a minute more,” he whispered in her ear, keeping her in place as they swayed to the music. Her body shivered in response, his breathy words scattering her thoughts in an instant.

“Careful, Archer, any closer and people will start thinking I’m your woman.”

“You are my woman.”

She’d meant to tease him, to ease the sudden possessive grip he had on her, but when his mouth edged towards hers, the gentle scrape of his lips against her skin and his whispered words ripped a soft shudder through her.

“No.”

“Not yet. In time, you will be.”

She smiled against him. “Confident tonight, are you?”

“I call it like I see it.” His fingers toyed with the seam of her dress at her lower back, and his lips hovered dangerously close to hers.

“You know we can’t.”

“I’m not in the mood to please The Circle right now and besides, some of the best things in life are the things that are forbidden.”

“What are we, Adam and Eve?”

His face softened in a breathtaking grin and in a gentle movement, he released her, twirled her around, and drew her back to cradle her in a possessive hold that enthralled rather than annoyed her.

She longed to throw caution to the wind and kiss him, take what he offered, and lose herself in this gorgeous man. Screw the consequences.

Instead, she opted for the safe route. “Stop it, Archer.”

“Scared to admit the truth?”

“No.”

“Liar,” he breathed against her lips before pulling back.

She blinked, trying to ignore the flash of desire that raced through her body and pretend her senses hadn’t just been overrun by pure male sexiness.

Wow.

“I should go,” she said, needing some distance between them. After all, she was here for a reason and it wasn’t to spend the night in Archer’s arms – on the dance floor or otherwise.

The silent motion of his head agreed with her, but she could see that he was worried.

She didn’t blame him. Beneath her cool façade, even she was worried.

But she had a plan. One she wouldn’t share with her Keepers just yet.

And she hoped to hell it worked.

****

Archer left Sienna with Rose and went to find a drink. God knows he could use one. Everything about tonight had him on the defensive, and he was as coiled as a Cobra ready to strike.

Seeing Warrick again had ripped open old wounds, exposing the nasty aftertaste of resentment and bitterness.

The man had killed his sister. Beautiful, caring, and lovable Sarah with the infectious laugh and kind eyes. Gone. In one cruel swoop of a knife, Warrick had taken her from them.

Anger reared its familiar head at the memory, threatening to rattle the calm veneer he’d created for tonight’s party.

It was all bullshit.

He was anything but calm and the idea that Warrick had gone from being a cold-hearted murderer to dancing with Sienna was absurd.

But he would pay.

Archer smiled when the barman approached with a whiskey and welcoming pat on the back. Jonathan Malloy was an old friend who’d opted to return to Rapid Falls several years ago after a long absence abroad.

“Archer, my friend, I’m surprised you made it,” Jonathan said with a wide grin. “You haven’t been out in the circles lately.”

“Been busy, Jon.”

“The grapes giving you a hard time?”

Everyone knew that everything about ice wine was a tricky business.

Archer nodded and reached for his glass, tossed back the whiskey and held it out for a refill. “Keep it coming tonight, buddy.”

Jonathan laughed, refilled the glass and moved on to other customers.

“Rough night?”

Archer’s stomach churned but he didn’t look up. He’d know that voice anywhere, and his senses flickered with warnings of everything impure. He dug deep, reigning in the anger that scorched everything inside him.

Warrick settled beside Archer at the bar, gesturing to Jonathan to pour a duplicate drink. “It’s been a busy week for you, Bennett. Your witch, your brother, and your greatest rival reappearing in your life after a two-year hiatus.”

“Forgive me for not throwing out the welcome mat to you.”

“This party’s my welcome mat.” Warrick grinned. “The town folk are lapping up my return like it’s the new millennium.”

“All they’ve done is set the wolf loose among their sheep.”

“Ah, but I come in peace.”

“Cut the crap and the niceties.” Archer tilted his head and settled his enemy with a lethal, silent stare. “What do you want with Sienna?”

At the mention of Sienna’s name, Warrick shifted his gaze across the room to seek her out. “You care about her.”

“She’s my witch. I’m bound to protect her.”

“And we both know it’s not out of obligation, Bennett.” Warrick turned his head and matched Archer’s stare. “You love her.”

“Why did you invite her here?”

“Deflection? Oldest trick in the book.” Warrick held up his glass, a smug smile making his lips curl. “I’m surprised you’d risk it, Keeper’s curse and all. Forbidden fruit, but yet you’ve willingly sampled the apple.” He shrugged and held the glass to his lips. “Gutsy, but stupid.”

“You’re reaching, Warrick.”

His eyebrows shot upwards. “Am I? You forget that we were once friends, Archer. I know how you felt about her then. I saw the way you were looking at her tonight. The way you touched her.” He smiled and drained his glass. “It’s all rather ironic. You’re her protector and her weakness all rolled into one package.”