Spirit Walker, page 9
Arriving at the restaurant ten minutes later, we step into the newly remodeled steak house. The scent of grilled steak hits my nose when we walk in, making my mouth water. As my eyes adapt to the subdued lighting, I take in the romantic candles glowing on each table. The tables are dressed in a deep amber cloth with black napkins. The silverware sparkles as it catches the light just right from the overhead chandeliers. We are escorted to a cozy booth near the rear, passing a saxophone player playing soft tunes. My pulse races in eager delight.
“This is certainly lovely,” I smile at Vaun as I settle in my seat. “I haven’t been here since the remodel.”
“Glad you like it. I was wondering if you would, you know, meat and all that.”
“No, I love a good steak,” I admit.
The waiter appears and Vaun holds a finger up, signaling him to wait a moment as he turns to me.
“Would you like wine, Andie?” Vaun asks, and I nod my head with a little giggle.
“Yes, that would be wonderful.”
“We will have a Cabernet Sauvignon, bring the bottle,” he tells the waiter as he winks at me.
We look over our menus and curious, I ask, “Do you have a recommendation?”
“Can’t go wrong with a filet, or even a ribeye. Their smoky mushrooms are truly superb.” He smiles over his menu.
“Fine, that sounds lovely.” I nod, deciding on the rib eye with the smoky mushrooms. I smile, setting my menu aside.
The waiter returns with the wine, which turns out to be delicious with a hint of sweet followed by just a little dry, and we order our food. Silence lulls between us, and we both speak at the same time.
“Thank you for taking me to dinner.
“Have you noticed anything else happening to you?” he asks, eyeing me curiously.
We both chuckle as I gulp more liquid courage, read wine. “Only little things.” I shrug my shoulders, flicking my hair over my shoulder.
“Like?” he persists.
“Well, I got jealous of Val touching you earlier. That’s not me.” My brows draw together in a little frown as I’m still worried about that overreaction. It was so instant and visceral.
“I noticed that” He smiles at me.
“Don’t go all inflated ego on me,” I chuckle.
“What else?” He asks.
“Dreams… if you will.”
He sips his wine, his eyes never leaving mine. I feel a warmth flow through me and hope that’s only the wine kicking in.
“Do tell,” he prompts with a charming smile.
“Well, for instance, last night…” I take a sip and continue. “It was like I was someone else and I was in a hot spring in the forest. A bear, like a polar bear… came out of the woods towards me.” Shrugging, I start to fidget with the lace outline on my jeans. “It was so huge. I woke up then.” I hesitate, running my finger along my butter knife as I ponder the dream. “They fade fast so I don’t recall them fully to be honest.”
“Do you often have such dreams?” he gently prods.
I go quiet in embarrassment as the waiter returns with our meal.
“This looks amazing,” I state, “And smells fantastic.” I sniff, deflecting. Grabbing my knife and fork, I cut off a small piece. Popping it into my mouth, I moan in pleasure. My eyes snap open in embarrassment, I catch Vaun’s hooded gaze carefully watching me.
Blinking back in surprise, I gulp down my bite, watching as his eyes blaze gold. Vaun drags his gaze off me to his plate, nodding his head as if in agreement.
My eyes flit around to those seated near us, checking to see if anyone else saw that. No one’s looking our way or paying any attention, making me wonder if I really just saw his eyes glow. Glancing around for a way to explain what I saw, my eyes land back on him. Maybe the reflection off the candlelight? A tingle travels up my spine as I continue to watch him for a moment while he casually eats like nothing happened.
Deciding it must have been a trick of the lighting, I take a sip of wine as I eye him over the glass. Ever so slow his gaze returns to mine. A breath of relief whooshes out of me when I see no glowing eyes.
We eat our meal in companionable silence. Finished, I lean back, stuffed.
“That was so good! The smoky mushrooms really were divine,” I say, giving his choice a stamp of approval.
Vaun’s eyes warm as he watches me, a pleased smile filling his face at my compliments.
“I’m glad you enjoyed it ástin mín” he says softly, pulling my hand in to brush his lips across my knuckles with a soft kiss. Whatever he just said jumped straight to my stomach, causing my breath to hitch, heat climbing my neck.
“What is that you just said?” I ask, my head tilting to the side in question.
“It’s Norse, it means My darling,” he tells me softly.
I give a goofy grin, feeling like I knew that. Almost déjà vu.
“Would you like dessert?” he asks, brushing his thumb over my knuckles as he holds my hand across the table.
Feeling my tingle grow, I ask softly, “Share one with me?”
“Always.” He brings my hand back to his lips, his breath warm as he graces another kiss along my knuckles.
“Chocolate? Cake mmm” I say a teasing lilt to my voice. The heat traveling to my face this time.
“With ice cream… to cool things off.” He laughs with a teasing wink as he gestures to the waiter.
We order our dessert and when it arrives, we take turns taking little bites, just enjoying each other’s company as we talk about local news and little things.
Realizing it’s gotten late, he rises and tugs me lightly to my feet, pulling me close. His warm gaze takes me in as he brings his thumb to his lips giving it a little lick. My eyes are glued to that thumb and his warm mouth. He gestures at me, and I’m lost in what he means.
“You have a little… right there, on the corner of your lip. Do you mind?” Swallowing thickly, I can only nod, my voice having left me. He runs his thumb along my bottom lip and it’s all I can do to not suck it in and nibble it. A low groan escapes me.
Finished, eyes blazing, he reaches around for my coat, helping me into it. His hand is warm on my back as he ushers me out of the restaurant where we wait a few chilly moments at the entrance for his car. Driving home, my thoughts in a daze, I notice he’s not taking me back to my place like I had thought.
“Where are we going?” I ask curiosity filling my voice.
“I want to show you something.” He winks, returning his attention to the drive.
“Okay, you’ve got me curious now.” I sigh, turning to watch the world go by out my window.
Minutes later, were driving down a narrow drive lined with tall hedges. It goes back from the main road about 200 feet and when the hedge gives way opening to the enclosed house before us, I can’t help the slight gasp that escapes me at the sight.
Rich river stone base, thick Ivy climbing the pale brick face of a classic stone farmhouse big enough for a family of seven. The whole frontage is lit up, glowing from within. The view inside must be breath taking. Turning the car off, he shifts to me gently tucking my hair behind my ear.
“That’s a pretty house” I breath out on a sigh. “It’s actually amazing.” I shift to study him. He’s watching me like a hawk, and I get the feeling he’s waiting for some sign. Right when that pops into my head, he reaches out his hand to cup my chin, tilting my head to the side a little.
“No, you're amazing,” he whispers drawing his fingers down along my neck. A shiver races to my core and I turn into the heat of his touch.
“It’s been in my family for over 200 years.” He tells me, voice soothing.
“Only two hundred years?” I chortle, but my mind is quickly going blank, as his fingers run along my throat.
Letting out a tiny growl, he cups the back of my neck and pulls me in for a searing kiss. His tongue probing, searching to finally twine with my own as I tentatively open for him. He goes slow, letting my moans build before deepening the kiss. His tongue twines with my own and I can’t help but moan into his hot mouth. He’s kissing me as if I’m his last meal causing me to squirm pinching my thighs together.
I love a perfect kiss more than anything in the world. I’m one of those girls that could orgasm from a perfect kiss alone. And let me tell you, he’s hitting all the right spots with his.
I make a little mewling sound, returning his kiss with equal passion. My bones begin to ache and quake as heat pools low. As if someone caught us, he pulls back, gently righting me. Giving one last soft kiss to my lips, he turns to exit the car. I groan breathlessly, and pant, trying to slow my breathing while he walks around to open my door for me. Holding his hand out for me, a nervous little giggle escapes me. I set my foot out on the gravel drive and stand crunching on the stone with a little wobble both from the wine and his searing kiss. I go to step in front of him, but he has other ideas, and he sweeps me off my feet and into his arms like when he rescued me.
I’m surrounded by the woodsy scent of him, as I burrow my nose in his shoulder giving his neck a teasing lick. I lock my fingers behind his neck and pull him in for another kiss. This time he proceeds to kiss me the whole way into his house.
His keys jingle in the lock as he opens the door, lightly setting me on my feet. I take my jacket off, lying it across a chair near the entrance as my gaze takes in the room. If the outside was grand, the interior is stunning. One entire wall is a river rock fireplace, floor to ceiling, big enough for a few people to stand in. I can imagine how magnificent a fire in it would be.
Turning, I can see that I was right in thinking the view must be breathtaking. The whole wall opposite the fireplace is a wall of glass and the town below is lit up with softly twinkling lights. A fawn-colored plush leather couch big enough for him to sleep on if needed, compliments the open room layout. Along the other wall is the open space kitchen, all stainless steel with black counter tops. The whole thing is tastefully finished.
He comes up behind me gazing out the window and wraps me up like he’s a warm blanket and I’m freezing except I’m hot, very hot. Kicking off my heels I turn in his embrace and pull him down eager for our lips to meet again. He runs his hands down to cup my ass and lifts me up as our kiss deepens. I feel like I’m climbing a tree. A very thick, sturdy tree when he pulls my legs up to his hips aligning his hard length with my pussy making me moan into his mouth.
He starts to slowly carry me down a hall as we frantically strip off each other’s clothes. He kicks his bedroom door open with a bang and it makes me jump and giggle. We stop and he gazes down at me, eyes blazing.
“Are you okay with this?” He asks me in a moment of clarity, and I realize I want this. I want this all the way down to my toes. Tears building on the wave of emotion him asking that simple question has caused me I nod my head and smile.
“I want this.” Is all I’m able to get out before his mouth catches mine and he kisses me until I can’t catch my breath. He moves us to his bed and sets me down letting me lay back. He stands taking his fill of me spread out on his satin sheets, the fire in his eyes burning me up. Then it’s like a damn breaking as he slides his warm hands up my thighs. My breath catches, his hands leaving trails of fire as he explores my body. For just a moment I think, too long, it’s been too long to not feel this, but he distracts me by running his finger over my pantie clad clit. I wiggle and squirm my legs hooking around him trying to draw him down to me.
“Slow ástin mín,” he rumbles above me. I groan in frustration-I don’t want to be slow dammit.
He runs his lips in small kisses along my neck as his fingers begin to work my clit in slow circles. I run my fingers through his silky hair as my panties dampen. I pull him closer, bucking my hips against his palm as he runs a finger along my slit.
“Vaun, don’t make me wait. Please.” I beg, panting.
His eyes pin mine as he leans up pulling my panties off, kissing my leg as they go. He runs his hot tongue up my leg to my belly on his way back, then aligns his hot length with my throbbing core. As his heated lips return to mine, kissing me deeply, I feel him slowly press in. For a moment I wonder if it will fit. But then I slowly adjust, sighing in pleasure at the slight burn. Finally, he bottoms out and I feel him everywhere. So hard, so hot.
He plunders my mouth, driving his tongue into me in time with his pumping thrusts. I begin to build as he sets a pace, alternating between fast, and slow strokes that has me biting my lip in ecstasy.
“Oh god yyyeeessss.” I hiss groaning out as I drive my heels into his ass urging him on, taking him deeper. He leans up riding me harder tilting his cock up, making it rub just right, sending me over the edge.
When I cry out my release Vaun throws his head back, his own release right behind me. He collapses by me pulling me over him as we both lay back catching our breath.
I sigh deeply and a quiet happy giggle bubbles up. I bring my hands up to cover my warm face and realize tears are tracking down my face into my hair. He side-eyes me noticing and catches my hand bringing my tear-stained fingers to his lips, kissing away the wetness. He pulls me closer, not saying a word, which I’m thankful for. He runs his hand up and down my leg resting over his abdomen both of us lost in our own thoughts. After a bit he gets up going to the bathroom. He brings back a warm cloth to clean us up and pulls the thick comforter up over me. Turning the light out, we snuggle together in the dark.
I’m glad he’s not saying anything, just letting the moment speak for itself. This is an interesting turn of events I think, drifting off to sleep.
A little while later Vaun gently wakes me.
“I wanted to show you something.” He grins down at my sleepy state before planting a kiss on my nose. Pulling a shirt over my head as I rise, curiosity running through me, I take his outstretched hand. It’s still dark out and he doesn’t give me time to check my phone for the time as he leads me to a hallway that’s off the side of the kitchen. We travel down the hall, passing a few closed doors until we reach the end where it opens into a den-like room with windows that open to the forested land on the back side of the house. I freeze on the threshold, hesitant to break the peacefulness of the room. Glancing out the windows, I see they lead to a deck with lounge chairs placed around. The room itself is large and seems to be used for storage, many different sized trunks scattered around. Cabinets line a side wall.
Stepping forward in my curiosity, an instant sense of calm washes over me and I shiver lightly. Travel trunks lie around the room in various stages of packing, it looks like. The room holds that hushed quality of a first snow fall where you whisper and don’t know why. I step to Vaun who’s busy searching for something in a rich walnut cabinet carved with runes similar to the ones I saw in the cave.
Right then, he turns to me, stepping in close before I can examine them. The heat from his body causing a shiver to run down my spine.
“I want you to take my protection,” he tells me, his face so serious it makes me struggle not to laugh. Take my protection? Is he for real? He draws out a circular stone with a hollow center that dangles from a little ribbon threaded around it. Reaching out, I pull it in close to inspect it, feeling drawn to it in some mysterious way. As I examine it, a gasp falls from my lips when I spot a row of delicate runes inscribed around the flat disk.
My head jerks up at this find. “What does it say?” I ask, fear filling my tone.
He chuckles warmly at my suspicious nature. “It’s protection runes, to keep you safe,” he simply tells me. Everything about him says he’s not messing with me.
“Some hoodoo stuff or something? Safe from what?” I frown at him. This is officially the weirdest date ever now.
“No, Andie.” He takes me into his warm arms, bending to plant a soft kiss on my neck. “A trinket, nothing more.” I lean back, gazing into his warm eyes, feeling an overpowering urge to please him. Nodding in agreement, I shift my hair out of the way, letting him drape the warm stone around my neck. The stone settles right between my breasts and as I gaze down, a flash of blue lights up the runes. I blink, lifting the stone, turning it, trying to make it light up again to no avail. I concede, deciding it’s just me again. Great, still seeing crap. I sigh, letting it fall back into place as I turn to face him, uncertainty in my eyes.
“Thank you.” I say shyly. “It’s beautiful.” Smiling, stretching up on my tiptoes, I place a soft kiss on his stubbled cheek. His eyes dance with pleasure.
“Let me get you home before Val kills me.” He takes my hand as I laugh, leading me back out to get ready to go.
~ Brakken ~
My phone pings softly in the dark. I reach over and see it’s a text from Vaun.
Vaun: It’s done. She’s wearing the stone.
I breath a sigh of relief. That will help keep her magic contained.
Me: How is she?
I quickly text. My eyes glued to the 3 dots as I anxiously wait for a response, pacing softly back and forth across my thick padded carpet. My gaze flicks to the skyline below. The city is sleep. My phone beeps.
Vaun: She’s progressing fast. She looked like she wanted to kill her best friend just for touching me tonight.
Me: I was afraid of that. I’m almost ready. You need to keep her away from people until I am.
Vaun: How the fuck am I supposed to do that???!!
Me: Make shit up! I don’t know. Stall her. It can’t be that hard.
I growl, strangling my phone for a moment, thinking of his neck.
Vaun: Dude… I’m too close. She’s trying to bond with me already.
Me: What do you mean?
Vaun: I tried to tell you the other day. We got.... close.
Me: ….
Now my anger is starting to boil. Fucking hate texting shit.
Vaun: Stop with the dots already. I know I fucked up...
I sigh, resigned.
Me: How close?
I hold my breath, waiting.
Vaun: Close…The pull is strong. Stronger than before. Something’s wrong. Different.
Me: What do you mean wrong?
