Siren’s Song Page 12

  I folded my arms. “It’s too risky!”

  “Unless you plan on sitting here and waiting for a miracle, it might be the only way,” Ash said.

  I wanted to punch him in the gut like Aidan had done. I growled.

  “Okay, okay,” Douglas said, standing up. “We don’t need to decide this right now. Nathan, you probably should ask Brooke if she wants to do it or not.” As if I would let her do it, no matter what she thought.

  “So what do we do for now?” Ash asked. “Just wait?”

  “We should organize a patrol schedule,” Douglas said. “Take turns and go out in town, search every inch of it, and try to find whoever could have sent these letters to Brooke. Both eyes open. We don’t want any more deaths in town.”

  “Yes, sir,” Aidan said.

  “What about the potions operation?” Landon asked.

  “That takes a backseat until we figure out what’s going on with these letters and both deaths,” Douglas said.

  * * *

  Caleb and Ash went to Anna’s to pick up more of the potion that would protect us from Brooke’s magic, Landon and Aidan stayed with Douglas at the manor’s library to make a list of places we should explore tonight, and Cole went back to the police station. According to him, the police were looking for Brooke so she shouldn’t even go to the manor’s front yard in case anyone showed up unannounced.

  I found the girls in one of the guest bedrooms. The door was wide open and I halted there and watched for a minute. Brooke was leaning against the window, looking outside, while Tessa and Amber were seated on the armchairs to her right.

  “We’ll find a way to fix it all,” Tessa said, always positive. We needed more people like Tessa in our little group.

  “Yes, and you’ll be back to normal in no time,” Amber added, trying to be helpful, which surprised me since she was the snapping and glaring type.

  Brooke scoffed. “Normal? What is normal for a siren?”

  “I …” Tessa opened her mouth, but she stared at Amber, her eyes round as if asking for help. Tessa was new at this hunter thing. She probably had no idea how the life of a siren could be.

  Amber knew, though. “There are other sirens living in town right now. Hell, there are nagas living in town right now, and I’m sure you wouldn’t be able to tell they are different just by looking at them.”

  “And they live a normal life?” Brooke asked, still looking out the window.

  “Yes,” I said, stepping in the room. Brooke spun around and faced me, while Tessa and Amber seemed to take a long, relieved breath. “A witch friend of ours is working on a potion for you. It’ll inhibit your powers and you won’t need to worry about going out in public anymore.”

  “It sounds too good to be true,” she whispered.

  “Sometimes magic can be too good to be true.” I halted in the middle of the room and dropped her bag over the large bed. “And sometimes magic can be evil, but that’s why we’re here. To fight evil.”

  She looked down at her feet. “Like evil sirens.”

  “You’re not evil.”

  “You don’t know that,” she said, her voice louder, but shaky. “I’ve spelled several men since arriving here. I just spelled your cousin, and I’ve even spelled you. To be honest, I’m starting to think I might have a hand in the death of Robbie and that other man.”

  I took a step closer to her. “Why would you think that?”

  She shrugged. “Because … you saw how I was enthralled by the ocean when I arrived. At that moment, I wasn’t myself. I wasn’t in control. What if it happened again? What if I was in a trance and killed them without meaning to?”

  Amber stood. “I was with you the entire time after Karl bumped into us. Then Nathan came. You couldn’t have done it.”

  “True, but there’s still Robbie. I was alone at the inn the entire night.”

  “Mrs. Finnygood would have known if you had left in the middle of the night,” I said. “She would have told us.”

  Her brows slammed down. “I feel like I’m in some sort of jail.”

  Clearing her throat, Tessa stood from her seat. “We’ll …” She gestured to the door. “Wait outside?”

  I looked at Tessa and Amber. “The guys and I will go out later tonight. You two and Sophia will stay with Brooke.”

  Tessa nodded. “All right. We can plan some fun stuff to do.” Only Tessa would think of fun stuff to do when there was so much danger around. She smiled at Brooke. “Meet us in the kitchen later. I’ll make some dinner for us.”

  Brooke didn’t say anything until after Tessa and Amber left.

  “Fun stuff to do?” she asked me. “Doesn’t she know what’s going on?”

  I felt a grin pulling at the corners of my mouth, but I forced it away. “That’s Tessa for you. She’s always trying to live the best side of life. I confess it can take a while to get used to it, but … it makes everything better. We risk our lives daily for this town, and we’ve lost too many friends and family. Everyone here has lost someone to demons, vampires, and other supernatural creatures. If we let it, revenge and anger would rule our lives.” I paused. “Hunters have a supernatural bond created by a witch, but we are mostly humans, you know. We have to slow down and live every once in a while.”

  She let out a long breath. “I’m sorry.”

  “For?”

  “For being snappy and rude and … I don’t know, lost and stupid.” She placed a hand over her heart. “There’s too much happening and I can’t keep up with it.”

  I walked up to her and leaned against the window right beside her. “I know. And it’s okay. You don’t need to make sense of it all now. The only two things you need to understand now is that, unfortunately, we have to limit your contact with males of any species.” At that, she took a large step back. What the hell? “And that we’re trying to find out who sent you both letters and why. You have to trust us and let us do our job.”

  She swallowed hard. “You should go then.”

  I frowned. “Um, is there something else bothering you? Did I do something to you?”

  “You just said it yourself. I should limit my contact with males, and you have to do your job, so … you’re better away from me.”

  I exhaled. “Brooke … if there’s one thing I don’t want to do it is to be away from you.” Her eyes widened. Her red lips fell open. I wanted to kiss her so badly. “But I understand if you don’t feel the same. Tell me you don’t, and I’m gone. Just say the word, and I’ll leave right now.”

  She stared at me, those huge green eyes wreaking havoc within my soul, until she finally wetted her lips with the tip of her tongue and whispered, “I don’t want to lie.”

  That was it. I couldn’t resist anymore. I took one large step toward her, hooked my hand around her neck, and pulled her to me.

  Then I kissed her.

  Twenty

  Brooke

  The moment his lips touched mine, I melted. In the back of my mind, I knew I shouldn’t let him kiss me. I shouldn’t surrender to this attraction, to this lust and want that assaulted every inch of my body. I shouldn’t allow him to lose himself in my spell like this.

  But … his mouth closed around mine and all reason flew out the window. All I could feel, all I could think of was him and his mouth and his body and his intoxicating spicy, woody scent.

  His kiss was slow and deep, and I felt the electricity and lust from my head to my toes, shaking my body with pure want. One hand closed around the back of my neck, and the other snaked around my waist, pulling me close. My chest pressed against his, and I wished my magic could make things disappear. Like clothes. I wanted all our clothes gone.

  I slipped my hand underneath his shirt, and he groaned as I ran my fingertips over the muscles of his back. Holy crap, there were too many muscles. I could bet his entire body was like that, and I wanted to step back and admire him while he modeled for me.

  Nathan deepened the kiss, pressing his lips harder against mine, taking my breath
away. I felt dizzy, intoxicated, high.

  I gasped when he spun us around and pinned me to the wall beside the window. He pressed his entire body against me, and I let out a moan against his mouth. In a second, my legs were entwined around his waist and his hips brushed against mine, proving to me how much he wanted me.

  Want …

  Something about that flicked in my mind, but when Nathan slid his lips from my mouth to my jaw, then dragged them over my neck, sending shivers down my spine, I forgot about everything else.

  He bit the soft part between my neck and shoulder, and I moaned. I ran my nails down his back and brought them to the front. Holy crap, his chest and stomach were packed too, maybe even more than his back. I wanted—needed—to see it. To kiss and bite and lick all the muscles he had.

  Nathan let out a deep groan, then brought his lips to mine again. He slid one hand under my sweater and clasped my waist tight. He pulled me toward him, grinding his hips on mine, and I whimpered, drowning in lust.

  He broke the kiss again and brought his lips to my ear. “You have no idea how much I want you,” he whispered, his warm breath teasing my skin, making me shiver again.

  He wanted me.

  Want.

  Horror surged in me like waves washing over the sand. I dropped my legs down and pushed him back.

  A knot appeared between his brows. “Sorry,” he said. “That was too much, too fast.”

  I shook my head as tears threatened to spill from my eyes. “No, it wasn’t your fault. It’s mine. I’m so, so sorry.” I took a large step back. “I just … I can’t control it. I don’t know how.”

  He froze. “Wait. You don’t think … you still think I’m attracted to you because you’re a siren? Brooke, I told you before. I feel the pull, yes, but it’s a dull thing I’m learning to ignore. That’s not why I kissed you.”

  I retreated another two feet. “You don’t know that. If you were under my spell, you wouldn’t know it.”

  “That’s probably true, but I do know I wasn’t under your spell just now. What we just did, what I did, it was because I wanted. I still do.”

  I closed my eyes for a moment, willing the tears to evaporate. I didn’t know what was true anymore. If he was under my spell, he would say anything to me, wouldn’t he? For safety measures, I took another large step back.

  “I don’t trust my powers, Nathan, and neither should you.” I inhaled deeply, hoping I sounded sure and strong. “You should join the other guys and stay away from me too.”

  He advanced a step. “But—” He cut himself off when I took a step back, keeping the distance between us. He let out a long breath. His eyes on mine, he said, “I’ll leave, because you’re asking me to. But before I go, I want you to know, I like you. I want you. I want to kiss you again. And that has nothing to do with your magic. Once we solve all of this and your potion is ready, I’ll prove it to you. If you let me.”

  I opened my mouth, but nothing came out. What did I say to that? My heart yearned, begging it to be true, but my mind, so logical and stubborn, told me it wasn’t.

  Without another word, Nathan nodded and marched out of the bedroom.

  Feeling lost and alone all over again, I fell seated on one of the armchairs and finally allowed myself to cry.

  Twenty-One

  Nathan

  Once more I had to leave Brooke when I really didn’t want to, but I didn’t see any other option. One, I had to investigate with the other hunters. And two, she needed space.

  I understood why she was so reluctant in accepting my feelings for her were genuine, but it hurt that she didn’t believe me. I knew she would though, once she started taking the potion Anna was making for her. Damn, that potion couldn’t come fast enough.

  “Ready?” Aidan asked after we geared up in the main weaponry underground.

  I had made sure my guns were working, that I had enough bullets for all of them, that my daggers and swords were sharp, and I also got special bullets—salt rocks and red bullets—in case we encounter some surprise ghost or demon.

  I threw the extra weapons in the trunk of my car and closed it with a loud thump. “Ready.”

  Douglas appeared at the garage entrance. “Cole is at the police station. He’ll monitor things from there. Caleb and Ash went out about fifteen minutes ago. Landon and I will be going soon too.”

  I didn’t like leaving the girls alone at the manor, although I knew that this place was the most secure house in all Willow Harbor. Amber, Tessa, and Sophia knew how to fight and to wield the weapons hidden around the manor. They would protect the house and Brooke if it came to it.

  With a tight heart, I jumped into my car and left the manor behind.

  The guys and I had assigned spots to check in town, then we would rotate and check them again. What we were looking for, we weren’t sure. Anything suspicious, I guess. Nagas walking around town late at night. Maybe someone monitoring the inn or the manor who could be after Brooke. Or maybe any other sea creature who could have an interest in Brooke.

  Why, though? Besides a naga, why would someone else have an interest in Brooke? Why would a triton or a selkie be after Brooke?

  Maybe … maybe it was another siren. Maybe this siren wanted to find other sirens to work with her. It wasn’t uncommon for sirens to work together. What if it was Selena? She seemed reformed and ready to help, but she was still a siren and had lived in greed and luxury for hundreds of years. Nobody changed that fast.

  I was grasping at straws, but right now, I would consider any ideas.

  Before I could drive to Selena’s mansion outside town, the gas light came on in my car’s dashboard.

  “Shit,” I muttered, turning a corner and driving toward the nearest gas station.

  I parked the car beside the pump and shot a quick text to the guys.

  Me: Had to stop to fill the tank. Be back on the hunt in five.

  I received lots of “okay” as replies, then left my phone inside the car and went out to fill it up. The time dragged on and each gallon seemed to take an hour to complete. I was going out of my mind, thinking of all the possibilities surrounding the theory that Selena could be behind this.

  Finally, when it was done, I slipped inside my car and I stilled.

  A folded paper was under one of the window wipers.

  I shot out of the car and glanced around. Besides the guy working inside the convenience store, I didn’t see anyone around. Nothing. Not a trail, no shadows, no cars around.

  Frowning, I picked up the note. It was the same beige paper from Brooke’s letter. Holding my breath, I unfolded it and read it.

  * * *

  For my daughter’s sake, I want to help. I can answer all your questions and tell you everything. Meet me at the beach right off Central Avenue at midnight. Come alone.

  * * *

  I glanced around some more, but still didn’t see anyone.

  Shit.

  This could be a trap, but what other choice did I have? I had to know. I had to meet with Brooke’s father—or whoever had left the note—and get some answers.

  I glanced at the clock on the dashboard. It was eleven thirty. Shit, what would I do for the next thirty minutes?

  Without dwelling on it, I started my car and drove to the beach.

  * * *

  I arrived early. I left my car on a side street just off Central Avenue and walked to the beach. In the freezing cold, I paced the boardwalk, waiting for my mysterious guest.

  Midnight came and I stopped, looking around. The beach was dark, except for a few lampposts spread over the boardwalk that reached toward the ocean.

  Ten minutes later, I was ready to punch someone, run around screaming, or plain leave, when a movement cut through my peripheral vision. The tall figure of a person stood by the edge of the water, out of the light’s reach.

  Eager to end this mystery, I stepped onto the sand and marched to the ocean.

  I halted four feet from a tall man with bronze skin and short, dark hai
r. He was wearing a heavy jacket, the collar turned up, covering his ears.

  “You’re Nathan,” he said, his voice deep.

  “And you’re Brooke’s father.”

  He nodded. “I am.”

  “Did you send the letter to her? Did you place the note in her pocket?” I had more questions but decided to go slowly.

  Visibly tense, he looked around before he finally said, “Yes, I did. I … I didn’t sign the first letter, or put an address so she wouldn’t find out about me. I just … I needed her to know I think about her, that I care for her. I honestly didn’t realize there would be a stamp on the envelop saying it had come from Willow Harbor until it was too late.”

  “Why, though? Why did you want her to know you care about her? Why was it so important?” I studied him. He was a naga all right, and he was using the potion that allowed him to transform into human form at will. “Do you live in town? How come I haven’t seen you around before?”

  He raised his hands and nodded. “I’m sure you have many questions. Just … hear me out. I don’t have a lot of time and I’ll try to tell you as much as I can before I have to leave.”

  I wanted to know why he had to leave, but I would give him the benefit of doubt, at least for a moment longer. I folded my arms. “Go ahead.”

  “My name is Strom. Many years ago, my brother and I used to come to the beach during summer solstice. Once, about twenty-one years ago, I was able to sneak around the hunters and impregnated a human. Brooke’s mother. I didn’t think about it much at the time, just that I had done what I was supposed to do. Male nagas need to procreate, and that was just what I had done. I never thought of Brooke or her mother until her powers manifested when she was fifteen. I came to Willow Harbor as fast as I could, but Brooke and her mother were already gone. It was then that I met Jennings. He worked for Selena and he was hiring anyone who want to work with her. I decided to stay in town, so I talked to my brother, Nerom, and he was in even before I finished telling him about it. So, Jennings had potions made for us so we could have a human form, and we started coming and going, working for Selena’s potions operation.”