Knight Shift (56 page)

Seeing her clinging on to Jax, John smiled and guessed, “Is it safe to assume that you two worked things out?”

Penny nodded excitedly. She then glanced at Jax and, after squeezing his hand, she said, “Which brings me to my next item. Not only am I not taking the new job, I’m leaving the store. As a friend recently suggested, I’m going to spend some time focused on my own needs and, right now, that means being at Jax’s side.”

To her joyous surprise, John was thrilled by the news and, after he stood and congratulated the couple, he said, “No one deserves happiness more than you.” He looked over at Jax and added, “Due to narrow minded, ignorant people, the world is becoming a more dangerous place every day. So I’m thrilled to know that Penny will have someone strong at her side to protect her.” Glancing between the two he asked excitedly, “Are you two going to get married?”

Jax wrapped his arm around Penny and said, “That’s for Penny to decide when she’s ready. But as for me, she’s mine for as long as we both shall live.”

John called a quick staff meeting to let Penny make her announcement. Although everyone said that they would miss her, seeing the glow of happiness beaming from her face, they were very excited by the news.

Quinn pulled Penny to the side and said, “I’m sorry I told you to take that job and get away from here. If you had listened to me, you and Jax would have gone separate ways.”

“Don’t apologize. It was your words that helped me focus on what was important to me. If I hadn’t told him that I was leaving, Jax might not have come forward and asked me to stay at his side. I’ll be forever grateful to you.”

“Well, don’t worry about the store. You’ve trained me well and I promise to continue what you’ve started here.”

“After I get settled in with Jax, I’ll stop in and cover a few last items with you. Thereafter, I’m still going to be local so call me if you ever need me.” After they hugged, Penny returned to Jax’s side.

By the time they made it back to the house, as Penny guessed, Sam and Susi were up and busy preparing a ‘welcome to the family’ party. They decided to ignore the dangers lurking outside to have an evening full of laughter.

While they celebrated, Sam approached Susi and asked, “Have you noticed the physical changes in both Jax and Penny?”

Susi nodded and said, “Jax’s body temp and pulse are way up and Penny’s are down.”

Sam replied, “I’ve known him most of my life and, until Penny came along, he was so full of hate I feared it would kill him. I tried everything to bring him around, but who would’ve guessed that a Human would be the one to have the power to heal him.”

Susi speculated, “This may sound like one of my sappy romance novels, but I think that each of them was missing something that the other was able to fill. And like two pieces to a puzzle, they fit together perfectly and have become something new. I can’t wait to see what the future holds for them. I do know that, no matter what challenges they face, together they’ll create something quite rare and truly magical.”

*~*~*~*

Just outside Sam’s home, perched high up on a tree limb, Hawk watched and listened. After he had learned all that he needed to know, he silently retreated into the deep woods. He pulled out his phone and called Logan to tell him the news. At the end of his story he said, “Your plan almost worked. Once away from the family she would have been an easy catch.”

Logan replied, “Up in the mountains when I heard Penny speak about her needing to keep the family safe, she gave me just the weapon I needed. I knew if I could manipulate the situation to play on her affection for Jax and his make-shift family, in time, she would leave to keep them from harm. I was counting on the fact that Humans are so easily manipulated and highly predictable, especially their women. They’re caged by their emotions. What I didn’t count on was Jax’s reactions to her absence. I didn’t think that he was capable of such strong feelings for anything. He’s actually willing to turn his back on his own kind for a Human woman.”

Hawk chuckled and said, “And it’s those feelings that will be his undoing, but we’ll need to act now while they’re distracted.”

“It’s obvious our little Human isn’t going anywhere tonight, so come back to the lodge. We’ll need to spring a new trap to catch our little bird.”

After the celebration party winded down, Penny and Jax decided to spend the night at the cabin for privacy and so that Penny could begin packing. Although everyone understood, Ben was very disappointed that he couldn’t tag along. He hated to not feel the wonderful sensations that their romance projected.

Jax drove to the cabin and, after escorting Penny in, he stood silently in the middle of the main room. The first thing he noticed was a stack of partially packed boxes and his stomach churned, realizing how close he had been to losing Penny. Once his eyes focused on the room itself, he slowly turned to examine the walls. Penny had completely transformed the room into a campground where the painted trees projected out of the walls into actual branches and leaves.

“You’ve been busy,” he said while admiring her artwork. When he stopped his visual tour of the moon reflecting off a dark lake, he turned to Penny and announced, “This is our camp next to Crater Lake.”

She nodded and said, “I paint based on places that touch my heart in some way. This particular place has appeared in my dreams many nights.”

Recalling their time at the lake, he asked, “Am I in this dream?”

Penny nodded and said, “That night was one that I’ve relived so many times that I’ve lost count. Being with you was beyond words to me.”

With a chuckle, he replied, “It was a thing of legend for me as well.” He walked over to a wall and, while touching the fake bark of a tree, he asked, “These are amazing.” He motioned to the room as a whole and added, “When did you have time to create this?”

“Much of it I did the night of our Thorne show. After Ben and Chad left me here alone, I was desperate for a distraction. You would be surprised by what you can get done if properly motivated. I think I worked for almost 48 hours straight.” Seeing his instant distress, she said, “I know where your mind is going, but let’s not go there tonight. I don’t want anything to ruin our celebration.”

Jax nodded, but stared off into a shadowed corner, deep in thought. Penny approached him and asked, “What are you thinking about now?”

He pointed and said, “I’ve been in this home countless times hiding in that very corner. But tonight is the first night that I’ve openly walked these floors with you at my side. I never would have believed that it was possible.”

“That’s another first to add to our list.” To help distract his mind, she leaned toward him and asked, “Do you want to try for a few other firsts?”

Seeing the mischief in her eyes, he replied, “What do you have in mind?”

She said excitedly, “It’s a surprise. Just stay in here until I call you.” She disappeared into her bedroom.

Jax continued to look around the cabin, recalling all of the nights he spent hiding and watching from the shadows. When he finally heard his name called he walked into the bedroom. While Penny remained in the bathroom, he took in the room and the sight took his breath away. He whispered, “Astounding.” He circled slowly to take in the walls that had been transformed into the deep woods.

The bed was positioned directly below the tiger mural which was so realistic that he found himself touching it to confirm that it was just plaster and paint. Like a hunter, the tiger was tucked between the shadow of trees whose painted images, like in the living room, transformed into actual trees that projected out of the wall. The forest covered the rest of the room with a tall canopy that extended up and over the edge of the ceiling, making it appear that you were standing in a small clearing. When his eyes followed the tree branches, he found himself looking up at a sky filled with the colors of a fast approaching sunset.

As he continued to circle, he called, “I’ve watched you paint in here countless hours and can recall every stroke. This final scene is different, but the new location looks so familiar.”

Penny replied from behind him, “It’s the most precious place on the planet for me, because it’s where you told me that you loved me.”

He turned to see Penny standing at the bathroom door wrapped in a silk robe, whose material pattern exactly matched the painted tiger’s striped fur. Although the spike heels and stockings he could see momentarily distracted him, he asked, “But why? This scene and the one in the living room are both from times you and I shared but, until last night, you still believed that we weren’t to be.”

“Many have told me that my artwork comes alive. That’s because I open myself up and let the paintbrush project the passion in my heart. Even if we weren’t meant to be, these places changed me and, like the tiger, they helped the person I’ve become burst out.”

Jax turned back to the tiger and, after a moment to study the animal, his eyes grew wide. He said, “Although I only see those eyes in a reflection, I would know them anywhere. You’ve painted the eyes of Ice.” He turned back to Penny to confirm his theory.

Penny nodded and said, “Trying to live here without Casper watching me has been difficult. It left me feeling alone and vulnerable. You’re so strong and I love how you protect your people. I guess I wanted a part of you to forever watch over me as well.”

As Jax continued to examine the artwork, trying to find other hidden treasures, Penny asked, “Do you like it?”

“More than words can say.”

“No, I meant do you like this?”

Jax turned around to see what Penny was referring to and found her robe pooled at her feet. She repeated, “So what do you think? I thought it went well with the room.”

Jax instinctively let out a low growl as he examined Penny intensely from head to toe. She had a tiger skin mask over her eyes and was wearing a silk and leather bustier made out of material with the same tiger markings. It had tiny ribbons tied up the front that allowed just enough of her breasts to peek through that Jax’s fingers itched to slowly undo each tie and reveal her body beneath. She also was wearing matching tiger striped panties that partnered with a leather and lace garter belt. Black stockings flowed down her shapely legs, leading his eyes to spike heels.

Seeing his obvious interest, she explained. “The night I finished painting in here, I found this beauty on one of my favorite lingerie web sites. I bought it to celebrate my accomplishment. Even though we weren’t seeing each other anymore, I had secretly hoped that the first time I wore it Casper would be hiding in the corner.”

Seconds later Jax disappeared, leaving a pile of clothes where he once stood. While the air filled with the tingle of his magic, she heard a low growling voice say, “Prepare to be pounced, little tiger. I’m about to teach you just how friendly of a ghost I can be.”

Penny giggled and stepped further into the room. Using her senses to track the invisible hunter’s location, she spun when she felt his presence close by. Her body shivered when several cool fingers caressed across her bare stomach, but when she tried to reach out to him, he moved too fast and she grabbed only empty air. On the next attack, he wrapped his arms around her from behind.

While invisible hands began to play with the ties on the front of her top, she let her own hands snake behind her. His unwrapping stopped abruptly when her fingers wrapped around her target. While leaning back into the invisible hunter, she said as she stroked him gently, “It seems I’ve caught my prey. And since I captured it, it’s now mine and I plan to keep it.”

He leaned into her touch and replied, “Everything that is mine is now yours.” As invisible teeth nibbled on her neck, he added, “Are you still open for another first?”

She wriggled into him and asked, “What do you have in mind?”

He whispered his suggestion. “Crawl into bed and get started. And if you’re a good girl, Casper will join you when his skills are needed.”

Penny knew instantly what previous scene he was asking to relive. The Changeling that stood behind her was the love of her life and she wanted to share every aspect of herself with him without boundaries. Her inhibitions instantly left her and were replaced by the overwhelming desire to please him. After her fingers reluctantly released their captive, she nodded toward the corner and replied, “Your shadow awaits, Casper.”

As Jax walked away, she blew out several candles and moved others to the headboard so that the tiger glowed while the rest of the room was dark. She walked across the room, turned on some soft background music and, by the time the room was ready, she sensed that Jax was in the spot where she knew that he had stood hundreds of nights. While quietly humming to the music, Penny stood where she knew that Casper could see her clearly and, at a painfully slow pace, she undid the ties on her top.

Even though Jax knew every inch of Penny’s body, he found himself anxiously leaning forward as each additional inch of skin was exposed. He cursed when she left one tie in place.

Penny chuckled knowing she was receiving the reaction she was aiming for. After she yanked off the bedspread and sent it sailing, she crawled onto the bed and, once settled in, she let out a deep moan and snuggled into the sheets below her.

Although Jax was pleased that Penny wasn’t hidden under any blankets, he was frustrated that she still had her clothes on. Those thoughts left him when she began to address her ache. He was mesmerized by the sights and sounds she made as she squirmed and wiggled with need. Just as the first time he watched this scene, his hand instinctively reached out to feel an inferno of heat radiate off her body. And, also like the first time, he noticed that he had lost mental focus and his body was becoming visible again.

Penny chuckled at his lack of control and teased, “No peeking, Jax.”

He had to close his eyes and concentrate for a moment for Casper to return.

When her movements became more aggressive and her breaths came out in a pant, he had to clench his fists tightly, waiting for a sign for him to join her. When she finally called Casper’s name, Jax knew that his time had arrived. While still invisible, he stood at the end of the bed and took off her shoes. He then crawled up her body and, as she continued to squirm, invisible hands slid off her panties. While kissing down her legs, he slowly peeled off her stockings and his touch caused her need to continue to build rapidly. Once her legs were both bare, he crawled back up her body and undid the last tie on her top with his teeth and began to draw swirl patterns on her skin with the tip of his tongue. That path continued down her curves and, her moans grew thunderous when he took over addressing her need that was now close to exploding.

When she tensed and took in a deep breath, he grinned within knowing what was about to happen. As her body arched and she cried out, he closed his eyes and shared in the pleasure that pulsated off her body.

While she stared at the ceiling trying to calm her breathing, she watched as Ice and his wonderful spots slowly appeared above her. She said between panting breaths, “I like that ending much better.”

He gave her a growl in agreement and said, “Best appetizer ever, but now it’s my turn to cook the next course.” As he pressed his body down on hers, her eyes flashed with desire.

*~*~*~*

After the sun came up, Penny crawled out of bed and headed to the bathroom to get ready to face the day. By the time she stepped into the shower, strong arms were again wrapped around her. She jumped at his sudden appearance and then said, “You didn’t need to get up. I kept you rather busy last night and thought you might want to sleep in.”

“And let you shower without me? You’re now mine and it’s my duty to protect you at all times. You might slip in here and need me to catch you.” While taking the loofa off the hook, he said, “Besides, I need to wash any hard to reach places.”

She spread her arms and said, “Then get to work, Love.”

Once she was so clean that her skin squeaked, the lovers did their morning routine side by side. As Jax watched Penny brush her teeth, he couldn’t believe how much joy these simple everyday acts now brought to him and he looked forward to similar scenes for many years to come.

As she switched to brushing her hair, he said, “I want to tell you something and I don’t want you to respond to me right away.”

She turned toward him and said, “I’m listening.”

“You know that I don’t do anything half way so, to me, you and I aren’t just a temporary arrangement. I know that I want to wake with you beside me every day for the rest of my life, but I also know that being with me would be difficult. After seeing what our life together is like, if you decide that it’s too much for you, I want you to promise me that you’ll tell me.”

“And If I decide I want to remain at your side?”

“I’ll be waiting with my arms open wide.” Before she could respond further, he pressed his fingertip to her lips and said, “For now, I want you to think about it.”

Penny kissed his fingertip and said, “I will; I promise.”

When he stepped back into the bedroom, he announced, “Time to do some packing. What do you want to take?”

Penny pondered on his question. “Well, I don’t need much if I’m going to be living in your apartment and I’m hoping we can come back here and spend time, so I guess I’ll take just the bare essentials for now.”

Jax nodded and, after grabbing an empty box from the living room, he returned. He went straight for the closet and started to fill the box with lingerie. Penny watched what he was doing and said, “I said I only need the essentials.”