Unleashed (21 page)

This is your uncle? He looks more like your brother
.
Only he's a snappier dresser,
she teased to Malcolm
.

We don't age the same way humans do, remember? I assure you he's much older than me. Anyway,I thought you liked me better without clothes
, he thought wickedly.

Brendan turned to greet them, and his gaze instantly landed on Samantha.

She felt like a bug under a microscope.

“Good morning, Nephew.” The two men shook hands. “I hope I haven't disturbed you too early.” His eyes went back to Sam's face, which had visibly reddened.

“You must be Samantha.” He took her hand and gave it a chivalrous kiss. “You are even more beautiful than Malcolm let on.”

“Don't go flirting with my mate, you devil.” Malcolm took her hand back and held it gently in his. “Careful, Sam, my uncle had quite a reputation with the ladies, until he connected with his mate of course,” he said with good-natured teasing.

“It's very nice to meet you. Are you of the Eagle Clan as well?” She hoped she didn't sound like a big idiot, because at the moment that's exactly how she felt.

“No. I am of the Bear Clan, like my sister.” His eyes glittered like two black diamonds.

“I see.” She tried not to squirm under his continued inspection.

“Malcolm tells me you are involved in finding other humans. Special ones like my mother,” she said with a wave to her painting.

“Yes. If there was one, well, then there are more to be sure. Humans who are able to mate and breed with us would certainly have a major impact on our race.” He smiled.

I don't know what to say to him,
she thought with palpable nervousness.
I feel like I'm on display or failing some test I didn't know I was taking.

Don't be silly. He's family.
Malcolm gave her hand a reassuring squeeze.

Right, family that can turn into a mammoth bear.

“So what does bring you here this early, Uncle,” Malcolm said as he and Sam sat on the large leather sofa.

“I have excellent news, and I wanted to deliver it to you in person.” Brendan settled himself regally into the chair by the fireplace.

“It seems they've captured the Caedo hunter that has been tracking you and Samantha.”

“What? When?”

“Late last night. We have him at a safe house, and he's being interrogated by some of our warriors as we speak.”

“This is outstanding.” Malcolm smiled. “Does Richard know?”

“Yes of course. He's asked that we not disturb his interrogation of the suspect. I think he was thrilled to get the first crack at him.”

“Well, I'd like to have a crack at him myself. I should come to the safe house.” Malcolm rose swiftly.

“Not yet.” Brendan held up his hand. “All in good time, my boy. He is being guarded by some of our fiercest men. Not to worry, you'll get your chance.” He smiled wickedly.

“This is wonderful news. Thank you.” Malcolm gave Brendan a hearty handshake.

“You're more than welcome. This should give you and your mate ample time to…get acquainted.” He smiled knowingly with a wink to Sam.

Her face reddened, and she looked at Malcolm for backup.

“We've already completed the mating rite,” Malcolm said with pride.

Sam's mouth fell open in utter mortification. She wanted to crawl under the table or do that disappearing act that Malcolm could do. Not Malcolm. He stood there proud as a peacock. She could swear she saw feathers sprout right out of him. Sam snapped her mouth shut and managed a weak smile at Brendan.

“Really,” Brendan said with surprise. “Well, that's good news indeed.” He looked at his watch. “I'd better be going. I don't want to miss too much of the interrogation back at the safe house. By the way, I took the liberty of releasing Dante, William, and Steven from their duties this morning.”

“I see,” Malcolm said with raised eyebrows. “Well, I suppose that we don't really need their protection anymore, do we?” He cast a glance to Samantha. It was meant to comfort her, but his energy waves rippled with his lingering concern.

“I'll be in touch.” He turned to Samantha. “It was lovely to meet you, my dear. I'm sure we'll be seeing each other again.” Then he uttered the ancient language and vanished into the air.

Malcolm said nothing after Brendan left and went out to the deck.

“I am never gonna get used to that disappearing act,” Sam mumbled as she followed Malcolm outside.

The rumbling energy waves that rolled off him made her a bit dizzy. Breathing deeply, she wrapped her arms around his waist and rested her head against the warm expanse of his back. She hoped she could comfort him as easily as he did her. “What is it, Malcolm? I can feel how worried you are. I would think you'd be relieved by this news.”

“I know.” He scanned the beach below and placed one strong hand over hers as it rested on his lower belly. “I'm sure I'll feel better once I see this fellow for myself. I'm sure Brendan and the others will handle things properly. They're good friends.”

“Friends? Oh shit! Oh my God, what time is it?” Sam grabbed Malcolm's wrist to look at his watch. “Jeez. It's almost ten o'clock. I've got to go. I'm going shopping with Kerry in town today.” She frantically ran back inside, grabbing her shoes and wrap. She dashed over and gave Malcolm a quick kiss on the cheek.

Before she could escape, he hooked his arm around her waist, pulled her to him, and captured her mouth with his. She loved the way he kissed her. It spread delicious warmth through her entire body. He didn't just kiss her…he devoured her. She wrapped her arms around his narrow waist and responded with equal fervor. Finally, he released her, leaving them both breathless.

“Now, that is how mates say good-bye,” he whispered wickedly against her lips.

“Right.” She tried to catch her breath.

“Come back tonight,” he said between little kisses at the corners of her mouth. “You still have to learn to shift…and other things.” He gave her that knee-weakening smile. “Besides, as my mate, this is your home as well.”

Sam looked up at him with skepticism. “I'm not moving in here.”

“Well, not today, but eventually.”

Sam patted him on the chest and took a step back. “Let's just take it one step at a time. Okay, let's recap, shall we? Today I'm going shopping with my best friend, you know, something
normal
. Then tonight, say around seven, I'll come here and learn how to turn into a wolf.
Not normal
.”

“It's normal for you.”

“No, Malcolm. No, it's not normal for me.” Her frustration rose. “That's what you don't seem to get. Until a few days ago, my biggest problem was getting my art to sell. Now I find out that I'm only half human. I've got to learn how to turn into a wolf
and
avoid crazy psycho killers. Oh…and let's not forget that apparently last night, I got married or whatever, to a guy who's actually a bird.”

“Do you feel better?” Malcolm stood, his arms crossed, leaning against the deck railing.

Sam puffed the hair out of her face. With her nose pointed slightly in the air, she responded. “Yes actually.”

“Good.” His smile was self-satisfied. “So I'll see you this evening at seven?”

“Fine. I'll see you at seven.” Sam got about halfway down the steps and turned around. “By the way…you're not going to spy on me again today. Right? Remember that whole
giving me space
thing?”

Malcolm raised his hands in defeat. “You have my word. Since it seems that they've captured our Caedo hunter, I don't think that's necessary.”

“Good.” She nodded and continued down the wooden steps.

“Besides,” he yelled after her. “Now that we're mated, I would know right away if you needed me.”

Samantha rolled her eyes and waved without turning around. “Oookay. Bye,” she called ever so sweetly. A smile spread slowly across her face as his voice rippled like a whisper of satin inside of her.

Always.

When Sam reached the top of the steps at home, she was relieved that Nonie's car wasn't there. She had been dreading finding her at the kitchen table with two cups of tea and a look of disapproval. Gratefully, she had the house to herself and got ready for her shopping date with Kerry in record time. She threw on her pink Capri pants and a crisp white T-shirt. Sam's favorite fashion was easy and comfortable. She was about to walk out the door and the phone rang. “Hello?” She ran her fingers through her hair a few times.

Kerry's voice came brightly across the line. “Hey, woman. Nice walk of shame this morning.”

Sam cringed visibly. “Jeez. You saw that, huh?”

“Oh, yeah.” She chuckled. “Listen, we've got to take your car. AJ and I are sharing a car while I'm here, and that dork currently has it. He must've had a date with his fish,” Kerry said with irritation.

“No problem…if you don't mind riding in the old bug.”

“Great! Pick me up in five minutes, and by the way, I want all the racy details. Bye.”

She hung up before Sam could retort. Sam smiled, put the last finishing touches on her makeup, and headed out.

Sam pulled up in front of the Smithson's massive contemporary home and honked the horn for her friend. It loomed largely over Nonie's house. It was all glass and sharp angles, and to Samantha it always seemed cold. Kerry's parents weren't very involved with their only child's life. They ran in the ultra-wealthy crowd, jet-setting all over the world. Kerry used to joke that her mother and father adopted her so that they could have a picture of
The Smithson's
in front of the fireplace every Christmas. Kerry said she felt more like an acquisition for their business, rather than a daughter. Sam thought Kerry's phobia about touching people came from growing up in such a cold family. It broke Sam's heart. Her parents were missing out on an incredible woman.

Within minutes, Kerry came sweeping out the front door with supermodel flair. Sam always felt a little less put together when Kerry was around. She had on white linen pants with a black halter and adorable strappy sandals. It was an outfit Sam would've felt overdressed in, but for Kerry it was breezy casual. Her long black hair was swept up gracefully in a clip. Her oval face was framed by her movie star sunglasses, and a white Chanel bag draped elegantly over her arm. Sam smiled as Kerry slid easily into the front seat next to her. Sam was certain that if you looked up the word
statuesque
in the dictionary, Kerry's picture would be underneath it. “You look too nice to be in this car. I feel like you're going to wilt or something.” She pulled out of the driveway.

“Oh, please.” Kerry waved it off. “Let's move on to more interesting topics like…oh, I don't know…the little sleepover you had with the hot, mysterious neighbor?”

“His name is Malcolm,” Sam corrected.

“Okay. Malcolm. So…”

Sam tightened her grip on the steering wheel. She wanted to share everything with Kerry, but would she believe it? Sam decided to take it one step at a time. Malcolm was probably right about people needing to see for themselves. “So…it was…well…he made me a beautiful dinner. Salad, lobster, and champagne—you know the works. All of it by candlelight, by the way. It was quite romantic.” She continued to rattle off details of the evening as the scenery whizzed past them on their way into Watch Hill.

“Uh-huh. Sounds like this guy set quite the scene,” Kerry said quietly.

“What do you mean by that?” Sam felt a bit defensive.

“Did you do it?”

Sam laughed. “Wow. You do get right to the point, don't you? Sheesh.”

“We've known each other too long to beat around the bush,” she said flatly. “Besides, it's been way too long since I've had sex. I need to live vicariously through others. So humor me.” She gave her a friendly swat.

“Yes, you heathen. We did it,” she spit out.

“Woo hoo! Samantha got some nookie,” Kerry hooted loudly. Then she stuck her head out the window and hooted some more.

“Jesus. Shut up.” Sam laughed. “I don't think all of Watch Hill needs to hear about this.” She reached over and pulled her friend back in from the window.

“So are you going to see him again?” Kerry inquired as they pulled into the parking lot.

“Yes. I'm going over tonight for dinner actually.” Sam shut off the engine.

“Good,” she said firmly. “Then he clearly wanted more than a one-night stand. One more question…does he make you happy?” Kerry asked in an unusually serious tone.

“Happy? Well, yes…but it's more than that.” She thought as various memories came flooding back. “Since I've known Malcolm, I feel…” She paused, searching for just the right word. “I feel awake…you know…for the first time in my life I am
awake
.” She looked over at her friend. “Does that make sense?”

“Not really.” Kerry chuckled, her brows knitted together. “But if it makes sense to you, then that's good enough for me.” She got out of the car and gave Sam a wicked grin. “By the way, if he hurts you…I'm going to kick his ass.”

“I wouldn't expect anything less.” Samantha slipped on her sunglasses.

They spent the next couple of hours weaving their way in and out of the little shops along Main Street. The town was made up of one tiny stretch of road along the harbor. The street was dotted with one boutique after another. A few restaurants, the requisite ice cream parlor, and candy shop. At one end was the small harbor with boats of varying sizes and shapes, while the other end was capped by a beautiful old carousel. Year after year children came here to ride the ponies and try to get the brass ring. Sam had many fond memories of riding that carousel herself, but she never did get the ring.

During their shopping excursion, Sam found an adorable little camisole in one place, and Kerry found a sculpture at another. After exhausting every shop on one side of the street, they finally settled in for lunch at
The Olympia Tea Room
. The light and lovely atmosphere was matched only by the incredible food. Over their lunch of lobster salad and white wine, she told Kerry more about her evening with Malcolm. Kerry listened intently and was eager to hear all that Sam had to tell. Samantha still felt the need to hold back. She felt guilty for only telling her partial truths, but she just couldn't bring herself to tell the whole story. Not yet.

After lunch, they perused the remaining shops, finding various treasures along the way. Samantha was picking through a rack of dresses as Malcolm's voice floated quietly into her mind.

Enjoying yourself, are you?

Sam felt delicious little shivers run down her back.
Stop that.
She inadvertently sent him a smile.

Stop what?

At that same moment, Sam actually felt his hands run along her sides. The passion flared hard and fast. With a sharp intake of breath, she steeled herself, afraid the entire store would see her body respond. She yelped when Kerry came up behind her. “Oh. Shit!”

“Sorry. Jeez, you seemed awfully deep in thought about that dress,” Kerry said with genuine concern. “Hey! You're all flushed, are you okay?”

“Yes. Sorry.” Sam flashed an embarrassed smile. “I was just deciding if I should get this for my date with Malcolm tonight. What do you think?” She held up a hideous brown and white concoction.

Kerry made a face and shook her head. “Jesus. You're out of Manhattan for like two seconds, and already you've lost all sense of fashion. No way.” She grimaced and placed the offending garment back on the rack. “Look. I didn't have incredible sex last night, so I need ice cream. One of the benefits of being a model for
real
women's clothing. No need to starve myself. C'mon.” Kerry took Sam's hand, leading her out the door.

You told her it was incredible,
he chuckled softly.

Sam rolled her eyes.
Good-bye, Malcolm.
She sent him the sternest impression she could muster. She heard his laugh fade into the distance.

They made a beeline straight for the ice cream shop. Kerry opted for rocky road with sprinkles, and Samantha settled on a cone of cookies and cream. They walked quietly for a while as they ate their cold, sweet goodies. Eventually they ended up watching the carousel spin. They watched the children with their jack-o'-lantern smiles reach time and again for the rings. Every now and then you'd hear the victorious shriek of,
I got it, Mommy!
as one of them grasped the golden circle.

Kerry broke the silence first. “You still want kids, right?” she asked, between licks of her ice cream.

“Oh, yeah.” Sam smiled. Until Malcolm, she hadn't seriously considered it.

“You want a boy or a girl?”

Human would've been nice.
“Oh…it doesn't really matter.” Sam smiled. “How about you? Still want kids?”

“I'd love it. But I still haven't found the right guy. Plus…you know that would mean I'd have to find someone I can actually stand touching. Haven't met anyone spookie-free. I could do the whole sperm bank thing, but I still want to have a baby with a guy I'm in love with.” She threw her napkin into a nearby trash can. “At least you're on the right track with Malcolm.”

“Whoa.” Sam made her way back to the car. “No one said anything about us having babies or anything.”

“Uh-huh.” Kerry eyed her skeptically. “Look, kiddo, I've known you longer than anyone, and I have
never
heard you talk about a man this way
ever
. You'll be married to this guy by Christmas.” She casually waited for Sam to unlock the car.

I like her,
Malcolm said in his matter-of-fact way.

That's it! You are cut off, bird boy.
Sam slammed her mind shut to him. Within seconds, that odd feeling of emptiness began to creep in. She had to steel herself against it. She needed Malcolm to understand and respect her privacy. If he couldn't manage it on his own, she'd have to help him.

“Hello? Sam? Wake up. Are you ever going to unlock the car? These bags are cutting off the circulation in my arms.” Kerry waved her fingers at Sam.

Samantha blinked and shook her head with a small laugh. “Sorry. It's just all this marriage and baby talk made me space out.”

They filled the little red Bug with their various packages and headed back home. They sang their hearts out to some old eighties tunes, Bon Jovi in particular. Sam loved that liberating feeling of singing at the top of her lungs, belting it out with the windows wide open while the wind whipped her hair in a frenzy. The two friends sang and laughed all the way back home. They got out still laughing and removed all of Kerry's packages from the trunk. Sam pulled out the last bag and noticed movement in the tall grasses next to the driveway. Hiding there, stone still, almost completely hidden by the reeds and grass, was an enormous red fox. Its huge amber eyes were fixed on them boldly. It tracked every move they made without the smallest ounce of fear.

“What is it?” Kerry glanced over to where Sam was looking.

“It's a fox,” Sam said in a loud whisper. “See, right over there.” But when she looked back, it was gone. There wasn't a trace of it. The grass hadn't even wavered.

“I don't see it. Really?” Kerry squinted, trying to find it.

“A fox in the daylight isn't good. Yikes, if you see it again, don't go near it. It's probably rabid.” Kerry made a sound of disgust. “I forgot how much I loathe nature.” Kerry placed a quick kiss on Sam's cheek. “I'll talk to you later.”

“Right,” Sam said absently.

“I had a ball, babe,” Kerry said, going up the steps. “By the way, we are still on for tomorrow night, right? You, me, AJ, and your…Malcolm?”

“Boy, you never give up, do you?” Sam smiled.

“Nope.” Kerry winked. “Have fun tonight, and call me in the morning.” Waving, she disappeared into the house.

Sam drove back to Nonie's house. If she had an energy signature like Malcolm said, then it was on fire at the moment. What would it take to make this man understand the word
privacy
? She pulled into the driveway and gravel spit up angrily when she screeched to a halt at the top.

We need to talk, Malcolm, right now.

As the sound of her sweet, but angry voice spread through his mind, Malcolm's body flooded with relief. The moment she'd shut her mind to him, the emptiness came over him like a shroud. The touch of her mind to his was like getting water after a drought. In an instant, he materialized in the car next to her. “As you wish,” he murmured.

Samantha jumped several inches out of her seat. “Jesus!” She slapped his arm. “Would you please stop that? You've got to give me some kind of warning if you're going to just pop in and out of places.” She clutched her chest.

“I'm sorry. You wanted to speak with me now, so I came as quickly as I could.” He trailed one finger along her thigh, knowing it left a trail of pleasure in its wake.

“Stop that too.” She pushed his hand away.

He took her fingers and linked them with his. “I like your friend very much. She's quite insightful.” He smiled and stroked the pad of his thumb along the inside of her palm, which sent little zaps of lightning over her skin.

“Most men do.” Jealousy rose involuntarily inside of her.

“That's not what I meant, and you know it.” He turned her face so he could look into her eyes. “She is your friend and means a great deal to you. Therefore, she means a great deal to me.”

“You can't tell me that you don't think she's beautiful?”

“She's quite attractive. But
you
are beautiful.” He brushed his lips ever so lightly along her knuckles. Her breath hitched in her throat and her mouth went dry.