She spun in a circle and tried to take in the sheer number of volumes. A few looked like newer hardbacks, but most of them had peeling leather spines with faded metallic lettering. She stepped closer to one of the shelves and was surprised to see an entire row of Bibles in a variety of sizes and in various states of decay. "These books look ancient. How old are they?"
She turned around, searching the room for Jack, and saw him sitting on the window seat. He ignored her question and patted the cushion beside him. "Come, sit with me."
Samara moved toward the window. Beyond the house she could see a large, shadowy garden. The only outdoor light came from the other windows of the house itself, and from this view there was no evidence that there were any other houses nearby. They sat across from each other, leaning against the edges of the window frame. The door to the study was open and she could see people move past the door and hear bursts of laughter from down the hall, but they seemed to be coming from a different world.
Jack was studying her again, his face full of curiosity. "What do you think?" he asked.
Samara propped her arm behind her ear and rested her head against it. "Of what?"
"Of everything. The house, the party, me…."
"Well," she said slowly. "The house is kind of unbelievable, considering that I've lived here for the past twelve years. I never even noticed it. I don't even know what to say about the party, except that your guardian is a little scary."
She paused as Jack gave a low chuckle. "And what about me?" he asked. His eyes were fixed on her, as if he were trying to penetrate through all her defenses, and she thought she saw a flicker of heat in his eyes.
"I don't know." She looked out the window into the sky. Dark clouds were beginning to roll in and cover the moon, and she could see mist falling into the garden. "I'm not sure what to think about you."
"I heard you think I'm dangerous." Jack's voice was light, but she could hear an undercurrent to his words that she couldn't quite identify.
"Where did you hear that?" Samara snuck a look at Jack and couldn't help bursting into laughter at the expression on his face.
"Where do you think?"
"I don't even have to guess," she said.
Jack lowered his voice so much that she could barely hear his words, although he was leaning towards her. "Is it true?"
Samara shifted uncomfortably, unsure of the turn the conversation was taking. "Sometimes, I guess."
Jack reached across the space that separated them and rested a hand on each of her knees. "Why would you think that?"
Samara pressed back against the window. She didn't feel threatened by his nearness, but it overwhelmed her and made her feel like her blood was running hot and cold at the same time. "I was kind of joking."
"Really?"
Samara could hear skepticism in his voice and knew he could see the truth in her, no matter what words fell from her lips. "I just see the effect you have on people," she said. "It seems like you can get them to do pretty much whatever you want."
"Pretty much," Jack conceded. He rested his hand on his chin. "But not you. Why do you think that is?"
Samara felt like all the air was being sucked out of the room as he locked his gray eyes on hers. He was closer than he had ever been before, and she could see light flecks in his pupils. She was aware of every sensation on her skin: the heat of his hand resting on her knee, the cool rush of air that slipped around a crack in the window, the feel of her face against her sweater as she turned her cheek against her arm. "I wouldn't say you have no effect on me."
"Then why wouldn't you go out with me?"
She heard amusement mingled with frustration in his voice and searched his face. "I'm not sure I like the effect you have."
Jack could see the pulse in Samara's neck racing, although she managed to keep her voice even, and it made him burn with a desire to slap her, but also to jerk her across the small space that separated them and press his lips against hers. As hard as she was trying to conceal it, the flush of her skin betrayed her body's response to his touch. He shifted closer to intensify the effect of his nearness. He was sure that if she would only yield a little, he would have her. He watched her with a sense of grudging respect as she took a small sip of her drink and stared out into the darkness. She was only human of course, yet somehow she was able to resist.
Samara glanced at her watch. "I'm really sorry, but I think I need to head home." She nodded toward the window where large raindrops were beginning to splatter against the panes. "I know it's not that late, but the rain is really starting to come down."
"You don't have to go," Jack said. "You could stay here."
Samara laughed as she uncrossed her legs. "I don't we're at that stage in our relationship."
"I'm serious," Jack said. "We have five extra bedrooms. You could stay in one of them, safe and sound, and I could bring you home in the morning."
He almost held his breath as he waited for her answer, but after a second of hesitation she shook her head. "I don't think that's a good idea."
Jack grabbed her hand as she stood up and concentrated all of his focus on her. As he watched, a spark flared in her eyes, but just as quickly it faded and she stepped away.
He released her hand instantly. He was fighting to control his anger, but managed to keep his smooth façade in place. He could offer her everything, things she couldn't even imagine, but she refused to see it. He rested his fingers lightly on her elbow as he guided her down the stairs and through the first floor. The house was filled with music and laughter, but he could barely hear it. Although outwardly he appeared calm, his blood was boiling.
As they passed the kitchen, he saw Desiree. She was sitting on a barstool with her long legs crossed. As he watched she raised her glass and gave him a savage, mocking smile. He knew she could see straight through his pretenses, and he longed to lunge at her and rip the glee from her face. Instead he threw open the front door and stepped out into the storm.
Chapter 57
Samara sat in silence as the dark pavement raced by. Jack was speeding in spite of the fact that the rain, now pouring down in sheets, made the lines on the road almost impossible to see. I never should have come, she thought regretfully.
Although he hadn't said a word, she knew Jack was upset. She fought back a twinge of guilt as her eyes traced the outline of his profile, barely visible in the darkness of the car. She had used him. She'd wanted to get back at Lucian, and now she felt worse than ever. She reached tentatively across the center console and lay her hand on his arm. "I'm sorry," she whispered. The words felt useless as they dropped into the silence of the car.
Jack's stone face twitched at her words. She heard a long, slow breath hiss out between his teeth, and then the world was spinning. He jerked the wheel of the Mustang hard to the right, sending the back tires skidding over the slick surface of the road. The force of the motion threw her back against the car door and she closed her eyes and clung to her seatbelt.
Jack gunned the engine and the car bounced over the nearest curb. Something underneath crunched, and she heard a harsh grating sound as he slammed on the brakes. When the car finally stopped moving, her heart was beating in her throat. She was shaking, gasping for breath. "What are you doing?" she exclaimed. "Trying to kill us?"
Jack turned his whole body toward her. He radiated physical power, and his dark eyes glowed with a feral intensity that made the skin on the back of her neck prickle. "You're sorry?" he repeated.
A clap of thunder shook the car and she longed to be away from here, away from the storm and the consequences of her own stupid decisions. Her white knuckled hands still clenched the seatbelt, and she felt about two breaths away from shattering into a thousand pieces. "Please take me home," she said.
Jack didn't move. Although the rain battered the outside of the car, the air between them felt as still as death. A flash of lightening lit their faces, and he reached one hand toward her. He brushed it gently across her face a
nd twined his fingers through her hair. "Are we really so different?" he asked, his voice dangerously soft.
Samara tried to lean away from him in the confined space, but he knotted his fingers into her hair and pulled her roughly toward him. "Stop!" she cried. Her eyes watered as he twisted her hair tightly over his knuckles. "I want to go home."
His eyes were frightening. They burned with a deep, inner flame that distorted his chiseled features. Every trace of elegance and control was gone, replaced with something wild and untamed. "I just want to see what makes you so special," he growled. He leaned close, and his hot, heavy breath blew against her cheek. He wrapped one of his hands around her neck and rested his thumb at the base of her throat. She tried to turn away, but he refused to let her. Instead he forced her face up to meet his.
She reached behind her back and fumbled for the door handle as the tips of Jack's fingers dug into her jaw. The sharp pain took her breath away, and her fingers scrabbled uselessly against the window. "I said 'Stop!'" she pleaded. She jerked away and pressed back hard against the floorboard, wedging herself into the corner of the seat, and jabbed frantically at the seat belt. Fear was blinding her, and she cursed her stupid, trembling fingers.
Jack watched her struggle with amusement. "You're very interesting," he said. His eyes narrowed and she felt like a mouse in front a very dangerous cat. "For example," he continued, "you're much stronger than you look."
The seatbelt finally released and flew into the window with a violent crack. Immediately Jack lunged across the seat and clamped his fingers around her left wrist. She struggled to get away, but he pinned her arm up against the headrest and ground his mouth against hers.
She twisted her free arm behind her back and tried again to reach the door handle. Even if she could escape, she doubted she could outrun him. Still, she would go down fighting. She was pressing against the door with all her strength when it suddenly flew open, and she fell backwards into the safety of Lucian's arms.
Chapter 58
He lifted her up and cradled her against his chest. The pouring rain soaked her hair and clothes instantly, and she buried her head in his shoulder and tried to stop her teeth from chattering. She was too relieved to wonder how or why he was there; she simply clung to him. She pressed herself into the hard muscles of his body and let his warmth thaw the icy knot of fear in her stomach.
He seemed oblivious to the rain as he stroked her hair. "Are you all right?" he asked.
She nodded mutely into his shoulder. She was afraid that if she opened her mouth to speak, she would start crying and not be able to stop. She could feel tenderness along her jaw where it pressed against his collarbone and wondered vaguely if she was bruised.
She turned her head slightly and glanced around the deserted parking where Lucian was standing. Most of the overhead lights were out, but a few flickered feebly, sending eerie flashes of light through the darkness. Her head ached, and a numbing coldness was creeping into her skin as her wet clothes clung to her body. The whole scene had the surreal, nightmarish quality of a dream she couldn't wake up from.
The door of the Mustang slammed as Jack climbed out of his car. He seemed to have regained control of himself, and the wild fire was gone from his eyes. He eyed Lucian with contempt. "Well, well," he drawled, "the loyal protector."
Samara felt a flickering surge of heat roll up Lucian's body. His chest burned like fire; she almost expected to see steam rise from the places where her clothes pressed against his body. "I'm doing what I'm meant to do," he said. "Can you even remember what your purpose used to be?"
Jack snorted. "I find that hard to believe. Why would a Dominion be called down just to chase after a girl?" He looked at Samara, huddled against Lucian's chest, and smiled in disdain. "Especially such an ordinary one.
"What I think," he continued, "is that you're a failure."
Lucian's muscles tensed beneath her as Jack's mocking voice filled her ears. He continued to hold Samara securely in the circle of his arms, but he backed away from the side of the car, putting distance between himself and Jack. He moved slowly and kept his eyes fixed on his enemy. "Can you stand?" he murmured.
She nodded into the warmth of his neck, and he carried her a few yards away to where his truck was parked haphazardly. Its radio was still on, the headlights still blazing. He lowered her to the ground and her knees wobbled beneath her as her feet touched the uneven asphalt. She realized that she was shaking violently, and she clung to his arm as she struggled to find her balance.
He rested his hand on her head and pressed his cheek against her hair. "I just need a minute," he said. "Then I swear, I'll stay with you forever." His voice dropped and he drew back and looked at her with smoldering eyes. "Whatever the cost."
He supported her with one arm and opened the passenger door of the truck with the other, and she forced herself to step away from his warmth and safety. She leaned against him for support as she climbed in, and tried to ignore the trembling that threatening to overwhelm her. He leaned in and brushed his lips against her temple. "Whatever happens," he said, "don't get out of the truck."
He slammed the door firmly, shutting out the wind and rain, and turned to face his enemy across the parking lot. Although Jack seemed to be in control of himself, his skin glowed faintly in the darkness. He tried to focus on Jack's face, but all he could see were Samara's frightened eyes and the red marks that stood out against her fair skin. He berated himself for not trying harder to keep her away from Jack, for not finding some way to stop this. Jack had targeted her because of him. He had made her unsafe.
His blood pounded through his body as he crossed the few yards that separated them. Jack waited, leaning against the hood of the Mustang with his arms crossed. Lucian could see a smile playing around the edges of his mouth, and he clenched his fists as a wave of hatred rocked him to his core. The backs of his knuckles tingled, and as he looked down a spark of light zipped across his hand and disappeared underneath his sleeve.
"Showing your true colors," Jack said. He glanced toward the truck where Samara's face was pressed against the glass, ghostly pale. "Is she really worth it?"
Without thinking, Lucian launched himself at Jack. The momentum of his attack carried them both backwards, forcing Jack into the side of the car and shattering the passenger window. He slammed his fist into Jack's face as hard as he could, and heard a sharp pop as his head snapped back.
Adrenaline rushed through his body, but Lucian forced himself to drop his arm. He took a step back and fought to regain control of the rage that was roaring through his body. The sparks were flying across his torso and up and down his arms like lightning now; he had to restrain himself from turning. "You didn't have to hurt her!"
"I know." Jack turned his head to the side and spat blood out of his mouth. "But I was curious." His lip curled lasciviously. "I had to find out why you liked her so much."
He pushed himself to his feet and wiped the blood from his face with his sleeve. "You know what they say about forbidden fruit being the sweetest." He chuckled at the expression of loathing on Lucian's face. "I think she was thinking of you the whole time."
Lucian lunged toward him again, but this time Jack was prepared. He lifted his arm to deflect the blow, then bent his knees and shifted into a fighting stance. "Are you sure you want to do this?" he taunted. "I'd hate to embarrass you in front of your girlfriend."
Lucian longed for his true form with all its powers. It would be so easy to let himself turn. The lightning inside him flashed brighter, growing stronger as it rolled down his spine, and he flexed his fingers. "Come on."
Jack rocked back on his heels and smiled viciously before he uncoiled toward Lucian. They met with a shattering crash, and Lucian pummeled Jack with his fists, fighting with all the strength he could wrench from his body. He heard a snapping sound as Jack connected with his ribs, but he barely felt a thing. He anchored his feet to the ground and brought his fist up underneath Jack's jaw. The force
of the uppercut lifted Jack off his feet, and he landed with a crash on the hood of the car.
Sparks skimmed over the surface of Jack's skin as he rolled off the hood and landed in a crouch on the asphalt. He was lit up with a pulsing glow that Lucian suspected matched his heartbeat. They hesitated, only a few feet apart, and eyed each other warily. Lucian longed to hit Jack again, to feel more of his bones shatter, but he didn't move. They both stood frozen, fighting to regain control.
A trickle of blood ran down Jack's forehead, and Lucian bared his teeth in satisfaction. "Who's embarrassed now?" he growled. They stared at each other, gulping cooling bursts of icy air, until the lightning faded. Jack's skin darkened and Lucian felt the tingling sensation in his hands subside.
"We can't finish this now." Jack's voice snapped with frustration and he spit contemptuously toward Lucian. "But it isn't over." He threw himself into the Mustang and slammed the gas pedal to the floor. The car fishtailed as he sped out of the parking lot and disappeared into the night.
Chapter 59
Samara gaped at Lucian as he climbed into the truck and started the engine. He turned the heater on high and shrugged out of his jacket, wrapping it around her shivering shoulders."I'm bringing you home," he said. He spoke with authority, and she accepted his words without thinking. Her mind was filled with questions that died on her lips, and she hugged his jacket to herself, breathing in his scent and letting his residual warmth wash over her.
When he pulled into her driveway, he looked at her with worried eyes. "You need to go inside and get out of those wet clothes."
She nodded, but didn't move. She was still shocked by his sudden appearance. Her mind was spinning, and her body seemed unwilling to obey her commands. She was vaguely aware of Lucian getting out of the truck, and then she was in his arms, being carried up the steps as easily as a child.