Untouched (2 page)

Not that she’d noticed him or anything.

Kerry scolded herself. There was absolutely no point in getting all hot and bothered over some guy she’d never be able to touch.
I
must
be
the
oldest
living
virgin
that
isn’t officially a nun
. She drained what was left of her drink.

Her goal was to be as horrible to him as possible and get him to go away. Dante smiled as though he knew she was doing her best to upset him, and she could feel his gaze wander down the length of her body.

“You’ll dance with me. Maybe not today,” he whispered seductively into her ear. “But eventually… you and I will dance.”

Kerry turned to give the arrogant bastard a piece of her mind, but he was gone. Vanished, it seemed, into thin air. Her breath came quickly, and her eyes darted around the tent. Her body still quivered from the soft whisper, laden with innuendo. She was horrified that everyone in the tent would see how he’d thrown her entire body into overdrive. Her cheeks burned with anger, fear, and lust—a potent combination. Kerry straightened her back in an effort to calm her quaking limbs as a welcome voice wafted over her.

“Well now, missy. I hope you’re going to keep coming to visit me even though our girl is married off.”

Kerry let out the breath she’d been holding and smiled at Sam’s grandmother Nonie. “C’mon Nonie, you’re not getting rid of me that easily.” Kerry placed the empty flute on a passing waiter’s tray and quickly scooped up a fresh glass. Perhaps a little more booze would calm her nerves.

“Well, you know you’ve always been like a granddaughter to me. You and Samantha are practically sisters, so you can’t blame an old lady for worrying.” She smiled up at Kerry with twinkling eyes that reminded her of the summer ocean.

“Well, since Sam and Malcolm aren’t even going on a honeymoon, and they’re living right next door to you… I don’t think you’ll be that lonely.” Kerry took a fresh swig of the champagne and hoped she didn’t sound as jealous as she felt. “I have to leave tomorrow for a photo shoot in New Orleans, but I’ll be back after that. To be very honest,” she said with a sigh, “I’m getting really burnt out and sick of traveling.”

“You’re going on a shoot already? Well now, don’t you think you’re jumping back into things awfully fast?” Nonie’s voice hovered somewhere between panic and anger. Kerry couldn’t quite tell which was going to win out. She couldn’t bring herself to look at Nonie, so she kept her eyes trained on the happy couple.

“I’m fine, Nonie. Sheesh, did you and Sam go to the same worrywart school? I’m not in any more danger from AJ. My cousin was obsessed with Sam, remember? I just got in his way,” she said flippantly. “He’s long gone from here anyway. Every cop in Rhode Island has his picture, and Westerly is a small town. I mean, for Christ’s sake, Millie’s even got his picture up at the diner with a big
danger
sign plastered above it. I’d be more worried about Samantha.”

Nonie’s mouth set in a grim line. “Samantha will be fine. She’s stronger than you think, and besides she has Malcolm. I worry about
you
, Kerry. You shouldn’t be traveling by yourself. You just never know what can happen, and I would think you’ve learned that as a result of recent events.”

Kerry rolled her eyes at the scolding tone and turned to face Nonie. She looked into her worry-filled eyes set in a soft, wrinkled face, and any irritation she felt melted away with the ocean breeze. She had the overwhelming urge to scoop the old woman up in a hug but knew the cost would be too great. Instead she swallowed the lump that had formed in her throat and turned quickly to face the calm, blue sea.

Nonie and Sam were the only two people in the world she really loved, and she’d almost lost them both because of AJ. He’d been completely obsessed with Samantha and had coerced Kerry into luring her into his sick trap. Her mind drifted to that awful night. She had fought back as much as she could, but he’d overpowered her. She was disgusted with herself because if she had touched him before that, just once, she would’ve seen what he was up to. She would’ve seen through the facade to the evil underneath, but she’d been too weak. Her stomach roiled at the memory of her cowardice.

Samantha’s bright laughter tumbled through the air and brought a smile to her lips. Nonie was right. Sam would be fine. If it weren’t for Malcolm, AJ would’ve killed them both. He’d scared the little worm off, and there’d been no trace of him in the weeks following the attack. It was as though he’d vanished from the face of the earth. Samantha had been hurt because of her, and she would never forgive herself for that.

Nonie stood silently by her side as they watched the waves roll gently onto the sand. Kerry wanted to tell Nonie and Sam the truth, but was terrified at what they would think. They were all that she had, and she couldn’t afford to lose them. What was she supposed to say?
Hey, guess what? I have visions when I touch people. Oh, by the way, it’s so painful I want to vomit. How about a hug?
They would think she’s insane just like her twisted cousin AJ. She cringed at the very thought of it.

If she lost them, then she would really be alone. Kerry pulled the burgundy wrap tightly around her as the cool ocean breeze picked up. She shivered, knowing it wasn’t from the wind. Taking a deep breath, she finally broke the silence.

“I’ll be careful, Nonie. Listen. I’m going to New Orleans not Iraq. I’ll be perfectly safe.”

“Yes, you will.” Samantha’s all too chipper tone came over Kerry’s other shoulder. “Malcolm and I have hired someone to make certain that is the case.”

Kerry narrowed her eyes and looked warily at Samantha. “What are you babbling about? Has marriage made you lose your senses already?”

“Oh, I make her crazy. There’s no doubt about that,” Malcolm said softly. He stood behind Sam with his arms wrapped around her waist and nibbled on her ear.

“Malcolm,” Sam giggled. “Cut it out. This is serious.” Kerry rolled her eyes but couldn’t resist smiling at them and fought the urge to look around for Dante. “You two are gonna frighten the guests. Get a room. Jeez.”

“What my lovely bride is trying to tell you is that we’ve taken measures to be sure you’re kept safe on this next trip. It’s only been a few weeks since the unfortunate events of late. We just want to be certain that you have an extra measure of security. That’s all.”

Kerry eyed the three of them one at a time. Each of their faces held steely resolve, and she saw there was no point in arguing. “I can see that I’m being totally ganged up on. Aren’t I?”

“Yes!” Samantha wriggled out of Malcolm’s embrace, popped up on her toes, and planted a quick kiss on Kerry’s cheek. The wolf image whisked fleetingly through Kerry’s mind, leaving as quickly as it came, and she shook her head as Malcolm led Samantha back to the dance floor. “It better not be some crotchety old cop or something,” she shouted after them.

“I’m not crotchety or a cop.” Dante’s deep, male voice rolled over her, and she was instantly aware of his body behind hers. So close. Too close. Kerry held her breath and whipped around to face him.

“No way!” She placed her hands firmly on her hips and glared up at him defiantly.

“Inferno Securities has the highest reputation. We’ve provided personal security for kings and queens. I’m sure I can handle a princess like you.” Dante delivered a wicked grin and remained stone still, unwilling to retreat. He smiled as her deep brown eyes flashed angrily back at him.

He might be there to protect her, but little did she know, she was the one who would be saving him.

***

He would be sorry. A satisfied giggle bubbled and threatened to boil over. Their betrayal and disloyalty would finally be punished. They were traitors of the largest proportions, and after all these years they would finally pay for their actions. Imagine the audacity. Choosing that woman over his own kind? Had he learned nothing from the others? He had to know that sooner or later he’d have to pay price. The ultimate punishment would be delivered by the Punisher.

“I like that.” The words came out in a rush. “I need to call myself something while I play our little game. Don’t I?”

The question hung unanswered in the air. The sounds of the city bustled outside the window as steam fogged up the bathroom mirror.

“The Punisher. That’s what I’ll call myself, and that is the name that they will fear. It will keep them up at night and have them all looking around every corner.”

The Punisher laughed loudly and reveled in the sound as it bounced around the tiled room.

Death was coming.

Dante stayed hidden in the tall brown and green sea grass along the beach, and kept a watchful eye on her house. The inky black night provided additional cover, and his dark rust-colored fur blended well with his surroundings. The wedding guests were gone, and the beach was quiet once again. If a random beachcomber saw him, they would merely marvel at their incredible luck. Not many people saw the fox that lived in these grasses, but then again, Dante was not your average fox.

His furry body twitched, welcoming the salty breeze. It was a relief from the itchy grasses that fluttered along his thick russet coat. He watched her through the bedroom window, his gaze fixed on her lovely body silhouetted against the sheer curtains. His breath stilled as she came to the open window and pushed aside the thin fabric. He lifted his snout to the air and breathed deeply. His keen sense of smell caught her scent as it floated in the breeze. He inhaled the intoxicating mixture of lilac and spice. His heart raced at the very sight of her. He watched as she brushed her long ebony hair and wanted nothing more than to claim her as his. She was, after all, his mate.

He had dreamt of her for so many years. As with all Amoveo, he had been dreaming of his mate since adolescence. The problem was she hadn’t been looking for him, and he’d almost given up hope of finding her. Then just a few weeks ago, here at this very beach, he’d stumbled upon her. She was indeed unusual. He knew she had a psychic gift but was amazed that she never used it. In fact she seemed fearful of it.

A sudden rustling behind him in the grasses caught his attention. His large ears stood up, and his body tensed. The sound of Malcolm’s laughter relaxed him instantly. He turned to see his friend standing behind him, hands on his hips and shaking his head. “Boy, oh boy, have you got it bad.”

Dante whined and let out a low growl of annoyance. Closing his eyes, he silently whispered the ancient language.
Verto.
Dante visualized his human form, shimmered, and in seconds was standing shoulder to shoulder with his friend.

“What are you doing down here? Isn’t this your wedding night?” He tried to hide his embarrassment for being caught spying on Kerry, but knew he’d failed miserably.

“We’re enjoying our evening just fine. Believe me.” He grinned. “Samantha sensed you were out here and wanted me to come and check on you. Are you ready for your trip tomorrow with Kerry?”

“I am, but I don’t think she is. In fact at the wedding today she basically told me to take a flying leap.
That
she
didn’t
need
a
big
oaf
like
me
following
her
around
.” Dante looked up at Kerry’s window disappointed to find it empty.

“She’s going to have quite a few changes to accept in the coming days.” Malcolm sighed, and the lines in his face deepened apologetically. “I’m embarrassed that I didn’t realize it sooner.”

Dante cocked his head and turned slowly to Malcolm. “What do you mean?” He narrowed his eyes and held his breath. Could Malcolm suspect the same thing? Did he see it too?

“She is Amoveo,” he said quietly. “She’s a hybrid like Samantha. I just can’t believe I didn’t realize it sooner.” He shrugged. “I suppose I was so caught up in Sam, I was blind to anything else.”

The breath Dante had been holding came out in a rush of relief. “I thought I was going crazy.” He ran a hand over his face. “Thank God you see it too. What about Samantha? Does she know?”

Malcolm nodded somberly. “She picked up on it before I did. Her abilities have grown significantly in the past month. I think that is what the Purists are worried about. They are threatened by Samantha.” He cast a quick glance to Kerry’s house. “And anyone else like her. That’s why we hired you to go with her to New Orleans. If
we
have realized her heritage, it’s likely others in our race will as well. She needs you, Dante.” Malcolm placed a hand on his shoulder. “She is in real danger until we find the rest of the conspirators.” He gave Dante’s shoulder a squeeze and looked him square in the eyes. “Your father was not the only one.”

Dante’s anger flared hard and fast at the memory of his father’s betrayal. His eyes shifted to the eyes of his clan and glowed brightly in the dark night. “I know full well of my father’s deception. His actions almost killed my mate as well.” He bit the words out through clenched teeth. “I do not need to be reminded of his treachery.” His body went rigid, and his hands balled into tight fists at his side.