Emerald Eyes (8 page)

She drank the rest of her coffee, pondering whether she should change clothes and go to the nightclub or not. She figured Debra Jean would be there. At least, she would have someone to talk to. “Well!” She stood and headed back inside. “I sure as hell don’t want to spend my Friday night alone. Not this one anyway.” She went inside to get ready.

Madison was just reaching for her keys when there was a knock on her front door. “What the—?” Should she answer it? It was dark. She was alone. She moved up to the door. “Who is it?”

“It’s Chuck, Madison.”

She opened the door.

His eyes lit up the minute he saw her decked out in her black pants and red top with rhinestone straps. “Got a date?” he asked immediately.

“No…”

“You’re all dressed up.”

“Was just going to head out to Alex’s. It’s Friday night and I was bored.”

He looked a little embarrassed. “That’s why I stopped by. Wanted to see if you would care to go dancing with me. Would you?”

“That all depends, Chuck. Are you going to take me out and let us have a wonderful time…and then tomorrow you tell me you can’t see me anymore?”

He blew out air. “I deserved that, Madison. I did. But to answer your question…Not going to do that again. I really do want to see you.
Really,
” he stressed. “I can’t stop thinking about you.”

She stared up into those kind pools of gray that begged her to give them another chance. “Okay. But I warn you, this is your last opportunity. You change course on me again, and we are finished for good. Got it?”

“Got it, pretty lady.” He held out his arm for her.

She took it and he escorted her to his truck. What they didn’t see was the raven that had been watching from the roof taking flight, following them down the highway.

Chuck knew he shouldn’t be doing this. Common sense told him it wasn’t going to work, but he just couldn’t help himself. He’d been lonely too long. Sure, he was a werewolf three nights a month, but the rest of the time he was a man with a man’s needs. He’d needed a woman for far too long. And this one was special: pretty, sweet, smart, and she wasn’t out to use anyone – all the things he desired in a girlfriend or even a wife, if that were possible. He simply did not want to be alone anymore. He’d made his decision, even though it was probably a wrong one, and he was now determined to stick with it. That is, if she would have him? He was going to do everything conceivable to convince her that he was right for her, no matter what.

Four

Devin Knight knew what Chuck Smith was; had known ever since the man had moved in a few years back, but he’d never gotten in his way. There had been no reason for him to be troubled by the man. A werewolf was a powerful creature too. And though Chuck wasn’t quite as strong as he, as a werewolf he could be a challenge. Unfortunately, Madison was a different story. He’d promised himself when she moved in that he would protect her and watch over her, and that was what he fully intended to do. What’s more, it was now clear that Chuck had made the decision to pursue Madison romantically, even though it meant putting her life at risk. That, he didn’t like at all. And it wasn’t only putting her life in danger that irked him; he now had a rival for her affections. He wanted her too! She was his Mattie all over again and then some. Only he hoped Madison would not follow in her grandmother’s footsteps and refuse to be turned. He wanted her for his mate – forever!

He followed them to the club, and there he turned back into his human form, attired in jeans, a red turtleneck, black blazer and black cowboy boots with a military shine. He stood outside for about twenty minutes, giving them time to get seated and order drinks, and then he casually strolled in and found a place at the far end of the bar, opposite from wherever they were, so as not to be obvious.

Debra Jean was behind the bar helping Alex when she suddenly looked up and grabbed Alex’s arm. “I’ll be shit! I don’t freakin’ believe it!”

“What, Debra Jean?” Alex asked, gently removing her hand from his arm. “Chuck and Madison are here. I know. I waited on them a few minutes ago when you were in the restroom.”

“I know. Not that! Devin Knight is back too! What are the odds of that?”

His brow furrowed as he looked too. “You’re right…Now that
is
strange.” He followed Devin with his eyes, as the man took the same stool he had on Wednesday night. Devin smiled ambiguously and Alex gave a faint smile back and then quickly looked away. “Now that one kind of gives me the creeps,” he whispered in Debra Jean’s ear. “Even if he did come to Madison’s rescue the other evening.”

“He kind of does me too, although he seems pleasant enough. But there’s something about him. Kind of scares me.”

“Exactly. And any man that’s stronger than I am and gives me the willies is a man I’d rather not be around. I kind of hope he doesn’t make coming here a habit.”

“Maybe he won’t.”

Alex sighed. “I don’t know.” Then he looked at the door. “Good! The band’s here.” He glanced at his watch. “About time! Fifteen minutes late, as usual.”

“But they’re damn good. Brings the crowd.”

“I know. That’s why I haven’t said anything to them yet.”

Madison hadn’t realized that Devin had come in, not until the band began to play and Chuck asked her for their first dance and swept her into her arms, and guided her across the floor. She had been smiling at Chuck but leaned her head in to rest on his shoulder and that was when her eyes met
his
. Her legs instantly betrayed her, grew suddenly weak, and she almost dropped, but Chuck caught her.

“Hey! You okay?” Real concern in his voice.

“Just tripped,” she lied and made herself look at Chuck. “Guess I should have worn flats to dance in.” But she still felt all wobbly.

“Maybe we should go back to the table?” he suggested. “You can take your shoes off. Would that be better?”

Her eyes went to Devin then straight back to Chuck. “Yes! That might be better.” She figured she would be safer out of the heels, a little more steady on her feet. She told herself that she just needed
not
to look at Devin. Chuck walked her back to their table and she took her heels off and set them under her chair.

Chuck was very attentive and jovial, in a real good mood. Though not nearly as intense as Devin’s, Chuck’s soft gray eyes were growing on her. His eyebrows were a sandy blond like his hair, only a shade darker and fairly thick. He wasn’t the handsomest man she’d ever been with, but he was very nice-looking, especially when he let loose and wasn’t so tense, as he had been since their first date.

Tonight, she could tell he was truly being himself. And she liked the real Chuck. She liked him a lot. She just made sure she didn’t look off in Devin’s direction, though everything within her wanted to. She felt comfortable and safe with Chuck. But one look from Devin totally unglued her, even scared her a little. There was something about him that completely destroyed her self-confidence when she looked at him or got anywhere near him.

Debra Jean nudged Alex in the ribs when he came near, mixing a drink for a customer. He gave her a questioning look. She indicated with a nod for him to look at Devin Knight. He did. Devin Knight had his eyes fixed on Madison. “He hasn’t taken his eyes off of her the entire evening,” she whispered in his ear.

“Yeah. I noticed too.”

“He seems like a nice gentleman, but it’s kind of freakin’ me out.”

“As long as he doesn’t do anything wrong, there’s nothing I can do, Debra Jean.”

“I know. And I don’t want you getting in any conflict with him. Just wondered if you had noticed.”

“Of course. Part of my job as the proprietor of this establishment is to keep an eye on everything, especially the patrons.”

“I know, sweetie…And you do a damn good job.” She gave him a peck on the cheek and walked off.

A half hour before closing, Debra Jean saw Devin Knight suddenly stand. He tossed some bills on the counter and with one last look in Madison’s direction, walked out.

“Whew!” she hissed with relief. “Thank God!”

Alex observed her with an understanding grin.

“I know. I worry too much.”

“You said it. I didn’t. Still, I’d be lying if I said he didn’t worry me a little too.”

She passed behind him and pinched his butt.

“Owe!” he said, jerking forward but snickering. “You just wait until we close up.”

“Promise?”

“Promise.”

It wasn’t until the last dance that Madison realized that Devin was no longer there. She faltered in her step, surprised at her sudden disappointment at his not being there anymore.

Chuck immediately picked up that something had happened. “You okay? You don’t have your heels on now?”

“It is nearly closing time. Guess my feet are tired…Sorry.” She did her best to smile sweetly; didn’t want him to have a clue anything was wrong. And there really wasn’t. She was just being stupid. After all, she’d wanted Chuck back, and now she had him. The fact that Devin Knight had left should not even bother her – Only it did.

When Chuck pulled in behind Madison’s Kia Rio, he noticed the big black bird on her front porch railing. “There’s that raven again. What is he, your watchdog?”

Staring at the bird too, she replied, “Honestly, I’ve asked myself that same question. Even asked the bird, but he just makes this weird croaking noise in his throat and flies off.”

“He’s a raven all right. Crows don’t have that guttural croak.” He opened his door and came around to her side, opened her door to let her out and proceeded to walk her to the door, letting her lead the way.

At the door, she turned and faced him, staring into his anticipating eyes. He wanted to kiss her, and at that moment she wanted him to. “I had a wonderful time tonight, Chuck. Hope you’re not going to spoil it tomorrow by saying you can’t see me anymore?”

With a strong shake of his head, he replied, “No! I’m not going to do that to you again.”

“Is that a promise?”

He took in air and expelled it. “Oh…most definitely.” He grabbed her and kissed her.

His lips were warm and moist; his breath, minty with a touch of liquor. And he was a damn good kisser. She gladly responded. They kissed for a full minute before breaking away.

“Damn!” he exclaimed, eyes dancing.

She smiled beguilingly.

There was a deep rumble in his chest, happy muted laughter. He kissed her forehead and then drew back. “Guess I should be going,” he said, raising an eyebrow questioningly.

It was more than obvious that he wanted to stay. She mentally asked herself if she was ready to take it a step further. His eyes were full of desire for her, and at that moment, she knew she wouldn’t mind at all if things went further. “Would you…like to come in?” she asked with a suggestive roll of her eyes.

“All I’ve been thinking about this whole evening, Madison. Was hoping you’d ask.”

“Well then…” she handed him her key and let him unlock the door. Once inside, he tossed her keys on the end table by the sofa, and she put her purse beside it. He scooped her up in his arms then and asked, “Which way?”

“Down the hall and to your left. My bedroom.”

Chuck was a good lover, and though Madison thoroughly enjoyed his love-making, something was amiss.

It wasn’t Chuck.

Apparently he was happy enough when they finished, not sorry at all that they had gone all the way. She did enjoy it. There was no denying that, but she couldn’t keep Devin Knight’s haunting eyes out of her thoughts, no matter how hard she tried.

She invited Chuck to take a shower with her, which he was happy to do. They even made love one more time while they stood under the hot spray. Afterwards, she asked him if he wanted to stay the rest of the night, which he did, and he fell asleep right away beside her.

Then, just as she rolled over and was about to close her eyes, she noticed the raven perched on her window sill, watching her intently.

She wondered if he had been there the whole time. Something told her he had. “You’re one sick bird,” she quietly mouthed. The raven croaked as though mocking her and flew off.

Devin wasn’t happy, but there really wasn’t much he could do and be civil. As a vampire, he could do plenty of damage, but after hundreds of years of witnessing many horrors, in spite of his nature, he wasn’t inclined to rash decisions. He went home, as it would be sunrise before long. He had several units of blood in his refrigerator. He’d drink those, watch a little television, and then go to the basement where he kept his real bed, not the one that was visible in the bedroom. That was for looks, and maybe a very rare guest from time to time, but that was all. He slept where it was cool and dark during the main hours of the day; although sometimes he ventured upstairs to take a peek at the outside world. He could at least look out at the sky when the sun was out, but not for too long. Only when it was completely overcast or early in the morning or late in the evening could he go outside during the day. Otherwise, he would quickly suffer from serious, third-degree burns.

Madison awoke with Chuck kissing her cheek.

“Gotta go! Should be opening up in fifteen minutes. Definitely gonna be late this morning.”

She rolled over just as he was jumping out of bed and wriggling into his jeans that fit so nice. Remembering their evening together, she smiled pensively. “No time for breakfast?”

He turned his wrist over studying his watch. “Nope! Have to take a rain check.” He snatched his cell phone off the nightstand and flipped it open. “Gonna call Indian Joe, see if he thinks he can beat me there. He lives a little closer.”

He punched in the number, leaned over and kissed her forehead, “Tonight, babe…” Then into the phone, he said, “Hey, Joe,” and walked out of the room talking to his friend. Seconds later, Madison heard him opening up the front door, flipping the lock and closing the door. He was pulling out of the drive by the time she was out of bed and slipping into her jeans and sweatshirt.

It was overcast and rainy when Madison looked out the kitchen window. “Shit! Guess if I’m going to paint, it will have to be inside or on the porch.” She made straight for her coffee pot and put coffee on and then headed for the bathroom to take another quick shower and wash her hair.