The Protector Read online

  Cole gripped her hand. “ I was scared you would never come back and give me a chance to make things right with you. For five years I have regretted that night and hoped I would get another chance.”

  Blair looked at his hand, then in his eyes. She had forgiven him a long time ago. She loved him as she always had. Her heart and her soul chanted for her to give them another try. The phone rang again drawing her attention from his intense eyes. “I have to go back to work, Cole.”

  ****

  Once again life got busy. Their relationship that was slowly rebuilding was put on hold. Cole had been busy with shifter business and dealing with the fallout of Lucas’s actions. Blair let the fear of another broken heart get to her, and she avoided running into Cole. She was being silly and stubborn, but she couldn’t help herself.

  Myra was always a good friend to talk to when she got this confused. She had been through hell and had come out of it still as sweet as she had been before, and she had an endless supply of advice for her. Blair picked up her phone and hit the contact for her.

  Myra answered on the second ring. “Hello, Blair,” Myra said, sounding as cheerful as ever.

  “Hello.”

  “Cole came by, didn’t he?”

  Blair gave her phone a strange look. “How did you know?”

  “Stop looking at the phone. I can always tell by your tone of voice,” Myra said, laughing.

  “Oh.” Blair took a breath and replied, “Yes, he came by. I think he still wants us to try again.”

  Myra was silent for a moment. “What are you afraid of?”

  Blair closed her eyes. During the years she was gone their phone conversations had revolved around everyone in town, except for Cole. Now Myra encouraged her to be brave and take a chance.

  “I am afraid of getting my heart broken again.”

  “Sweetie, I know. Cole reacted badly to a trauma. He didn’t mean anything he said. He loves you, and I know you still love him.”

  “Oh, you do, huh?” Blair let out a harsh laugh. “What makes you so sure I still love him?”

  “You left for four years, Blair, yet every time you see him, your eyes light up the same way they did when you two were together. I wouldn’t suggest you try again if I didn’t see that you two clearly still have feelings for one another. I wonder if you aren’t still angry and wanting to punish Cole.”

  Blair wanted to tell Myra no, that that wasn’t correct, that she wasn’t punishing Cole, but deep down she knew Myra was right. The door opened, and she heard the chatter of new customers coming in. “Thank you so much for talking to me, Myra. I have to go, but I will talk to you after the hunt.”

  “Oh, thank you for reminding me. I got so busy I nearly forgot, and I am bringing the potato salad. Michael told Warren that Cassie was going to be there.”

  The hunt was a chance for tracking shifters to exercise their talent in a fun setting, and also for the younger to try to hide. Michael tried to arrange these hunts every few months. The town made a day out of it. The children played games, the adults who came to watch had a chance to socialize, and of course, with any type of get-together, there was food. Blair had dozens of cookies made for her contribution to the feast. “I will meet her there and make sure Kathy 'the Bitch' leaves her alone,” Blair said, laughing at the thought of Kathy even attempting to upset Cassie again. Blair would be happy to take down the bitch Kathy.

  “Kathy showed up at Michael’s and tried to cause trouble between him and Cassie.” Myra sounded angry.

  “The nerve of her! We will make sure Kathy pays if she tries to start shit.” Blair was outraged for Cassie. Kathy was a horrible person. She wanted money and power, and thought her looks made her pretty. Her black soul ruined all of her beauty.

  “Yes, we will. Well, I will let you get to work.”

  Blair walked into the kitchen pondering Myra’s words. What was she afraid of? Was she really just angry, and wanting to punish Cole? She winced at the truth. She had thought herself above petty revenge. Perhaps after doing the hunt she would give Cole a chance.

  She walked into the kitchen and picked up a bowl that had rising bread dough in it. She pulled the tea towel off and walked over to her kneading table. Kneading bread always helped her to think clearly. She thought about all the times she and Cole had spoken in the last few weeks. She admitted that she really wanted to try. She just needed to gain some courage. Just close your eyes and take that step. She opened her eyes. I’m scared.

  Blair wanted to make a cucumber salad, but needed her grandma’s recipe. She picked up her grandmother’s old hand painted recipe box and pulled out a few of her handwritten recipe cards she had written down. The ink was faded, but Blair could still make out the words in grandmother’s beautiful script. She flipped through them and found a folded piece of paper and opened it.

  My dearest granddaughter, Blair,

  I miss you so, and I hope you are enjoying your time with your parents. When your heart heals, I hope you will consider coming home. I am certain Cole still loves you, and he would make a good mate for you. I always liked him, and beneath all that bluster of his, he is a good man. I know you can be stubborn and prideful like your mother though. If you never listen to another word I say, then listen to this. Don’t let happiness slip away because of fear or pride. I love you so much, and I am proud of you.

  Grandma Blair

  Blair reread the note several times and wiped away tears after each reread. She had no idea when her grandma had written this, but for some reason she’d put in her recipe box instead of mailing it. She smiled. Her grandmother made mistakes like that sometimes. Like a last request from her grandma, Blair could feel her resolve building again. “I can try once more, Grandma,” she whispered.

  ****

  It was well after midnight. The hunt was long over, and it had turned to a nightmare for everyone. Blair was pacing the hardwood floor of her home, desperate for some information about Cassie. She was in so much trouble, not only with Michael, but with Cole, too.

  A soft knock at the door made Blair gasp, then run to the door, her heart hammering in her chest. Was that someone delivering terrible news about Cassie in person? Please Goddess, please, let her survive, please. If anything happens to her, it will be all my fault. What have I done?

  Blair pulled the door open without looking through the window, and Myra stood on her porch. A young cholan was standing slightly behind her. Myra smiled slightly. “Don’t mind him. Warren insisted Cole assign a guard.”

  “I don’t blame him.” Blair pulled her door open wider. “Come in.”

  Myra walked in, leaving her guard out on the porch, within earshot of any emergency, but far enough away that they could have their privacy.

  Myra walked into the living room. She turned as soon as the front door closed and grabbed Blair in a hug. She held her close without saying a word. Blair stood stiff for a second before melting into Myra and crying. She was so scared for Cassie and the cholan trying to save her. The fear and guilt had eaten at Blair until she was sick. It was all her fault. If Cassie was not ok, the guilt would kill her. I should have tried harder to get a hold of Michael and not broken shifter rules. They were there for a reason. My stubbornness got the better of me and made me think I knew better. Cassie is paying the price for that. Blair had been through hell and back today, and it was the first time she had allowed herself to grieve, and now that she was, she couldn’t stop.

  Myra unwrapped her arms when Blair started to calm down. “What happened today? Nobody knows much except you took off with Cassie.”

  Blair wiped her eyes and pulled Myra into the kitchen. Myra walked over to the counter and plugged in the kettle. Blair smiled at her gratefully. She agreed that this conversation needed tea.

  Blair dropped the teabags into the teapot, took hold of the cups, milk and sugar, placing them on the table. The steam made the kettle start to whistle, and Myra filled the teapot.

  They sat down at the small oak kitchen table a
nd matching chairs. Blair added sugar and milk into her tea, and gathered her thoughts. She looked up at Myra, who was waiting patiently for her to start.

  Blair took a sip of the hot tea, then cleared her throat. “I went to the hunt today and dropped off the cookies. While I was wandering around and visiting, I found Cassie’s phone sitting on a bench. I picked it up to take it to her, but it started ringing, so I thought I had better answer it as she was nowhere around. It was Cassie’s grandmother. She told me her grandfather had a stroke and was not doing well. I tried to get hold of Michael, but he was in a meeting so I found Cassie and told her.”

  Myra looked at her with sympathy. “I think any of us would have done the same.”

  “Cassie wanted to get Michael. I told her there was no time. I had tried several times, but there was no answer. I left a message with Michael so he could meet us there. I had no idea if her grandfather would live. Her grandmother sounded very dire on the phone.”

  Myra took her hand and squeezed it comfortingly.

  “We got to the hospital, and I could smell shifter drugs that mimic strokes. It was really strong, as otherwise I would not have scented it.” Blair didn’t have to explain to Myra about her sense of smell being weaker than many shifters’.

  Myra put her hand over her mouth and looked just as scared as Blair felt.

  Blair could feel her stomach churning again just thinking about it. “I tried to get Cassie out of there, as I knew at that moment it was a trap. We were accosted in the parking lot, and Lucas took her.”

  “Oh Goddess,” Myra whispered. “Blair, please don’t think this is all your fault. You didn’t know.”

  “I should have known better, so technically, it is my fault. Michael is furious. He gave me to Cole to punish as he pleases. He was so angry with me. You should have seen him. He had every right to be that angry with me.”

  Myra took a sip of her tea. "Does that mean what I think it means when you say Cole is to punish you?" Myra asked with a knowing look.

  "Who knows, Myra? But you should have seen Michael. He was so angry. It is the only time I have ever been scared of him in my life. This very well may be the end of Cole and me for good, Myra. I can’t see how he would be interested in me after what I have done.”

  Myra took Cassie’s hand. “Did you plan it out to hurt Cassie? No. You were trying to help her see her grandfather. You have been gone a while, and you lost your own grandmother last year. I know Michael well, and he will know this. Michael is just worried, and Cole does love you. Have you heard anything?”

  “Yes, Cassie has been found, but she isn’t doing well. They are taking her straight to Doctor Trask.” Blair drank her tea hoping it would calm her stomach. She was finding the heat of the tea was beginning to sooth her nausea.

  “So, what now?”

  “Now, I wait for Cole. He sent a text message that when he got back he would pick me up.”

  Myra took a deep breath. “How about you try and get some sleep? You know Doctor Trask is an excellent doctor. Cassie is in good hands.”

  Blair nodded silently. “I guess I can lie on the couch.”

  Myra pushed away from the table and walked back into the living room. She pulled the blanket off of the armchair and fluffed the couch pillow. “Here, even if you just rest your eyes a bit. You need some sleep. You have circles under your eyes.”

  “Thank you.” Blair hugged Myra, thankful she was such a good friend to her. She closed her eyes with the intention of just resting for a bit, but sleep claimed her.

  ****

  Blair woke up to the sound of keys turning the dead bolt. She sat up and stretched wondering if Myra had stepped out, and was letting herself back in.

  The sun was up, shining through her living room windows. The front door opened, and Cole walked in. He had a clean uniform on, and he looked showered.

  Blair stared in shock for a moment before she remembered Cole had keys to her house. Panic hit Blair, making her heart race. Had Cole come to tell her Cassie didn’t survive? The look on her face must have been telling.

  Cole smiled at her. “Cassie is holding her own.”

  Relief hit Blair. “Oh thank the Goddess. You scared me.”

  Cole closed the door. “I didn’t mean to. Myra told me she put you to bed on the sofa, so I came to check on you and make sure you eat.” Cole walked into the kitchen and started opening cabinets and pulling pans out.

  Blair sat on the couch trying to figure out what was going on. Cole wasn’t yelling at her, or putting handcuffs on her. Blair wondered if she was going to be under arrest and locked in jail, or tossed out of town to try to survive on her own. She never imagined Cole would come and cook her food. Wait a minute. Cole can’t cook. She stood up and wrapped the blanket around herself. She walked into the kitchen to find Cole buttering the pancake griddle.

  “Hungry? You should be. It’s almost one in the afternoon.” Cole grinned at her then poured the pancake batter on the hot griddle. It sizzled for a second. Cole tried to flip one, but the batter ran everywhere. “Whoops.”

  He looked at her with such a playful grin she found herself leaning towards him for a kiss. She imagined Cole grabbing her and forcing her to submit to him, right here. He could make her lower to her knees and unfasten his slacks. He would pull out his long, thick shaft and stroke it. She loved how he responded to her touch. Cole would throw back his head in a moan of pleasure while she ran her hand over his shaft. She would take it in her mouth and take all of him. He would hold her hair and fuck her mouth until his sweet cum filled her.

  Cole laughed, jolting her out of her daydream. “I am used to the toaster version.”

  Blair let out a short laugh, hoping Cole did not notice how turned on she was right now. She wanted him, but she took the spatula, while forcing her libido to cool down. She gave him a peck of a kiss on his cheek. “Move. Thank you for the thought.” She took over the pancakes and noticed the time on the stove. She had slept in.

  Blair’s home phone rang. Cole picked it up. “Sheriff Milano.”

  Blair smiled at how he answered her phone. He was so territorial.

  “Yes, Michael, she’s here.”

  Blair tensed. She felt guilty for sleeping when her friend was hurt.

  “Thank you. Yeah, call me tonight.” Cole hung up her house phone.

  “How’s Cassie?”

  “Not any worse. Michael said he would call again tonight.” Cole opened her refrigerator and pulled out the orange juice and syrup.

  After they ate Cole held her on the couch, and they watched a movie. He kept his phone on the arm of her couch. It was a silent reminder to Blair that she was in a lot of trouble. Any moment the bomb would drop and she would have to face the consequences.

  ****

  Blair jerked awake, and blinked. Cole still held her on the couch. The television screen had changed to a screen saver, and the sun was setting. Cole’s head had fallen back, and he snored slightly. She moved slowly, so she wouldn’t wake him, and headed to the kitchen. Her stomach was rumbling again. If she was hungry, she knew Cole would be starving. The man had two hollow legs, and his favorite pastime was eating. She pulled out some sourdough bread and provolone cheese, as well as some meat. Grilled sandwiches and a quick soup would be easy to digest.

  She dug around in her freezer and found some soup base she had made weeks ago. She could add some vegetables and have a homemade soup prepared by the time their sandwiches were ready.

  “That smells delicious.” Cole wrapped his arms around her.

  Blair flinched slightly. “I didn’t hear you come in.”

  “I just woke up. I could smell the food. That was a good nap we had.” He kissed Blair lightly on the top of the head. “I have missed you so much, baby. I was a stupid ass for letting fear push you away from me. I love you. I never stopped.”

  Blair felt heart start to beat faster. She did not want to talk about them when she didn’t know if Cassie would be ok or not yet. “It’s almost rea
dy.”

  Cole leaned over smelling the soup. He closed his eyes and smiled. “Is that your homemade vegetable soup?”

  “Yes. I had a soup base and chopped vegetables in the freezer. I just threw it together.”

  “I am so hungry.” Cole looked at her, but the hunger she saw in his eyes was more than just for food. “I gave you some space when you first came home and you were getting the coffee shop settled, but I plan to prove it to you now.”

  Blair felt her own heat growing. She forced herself to breathe and not think about sex with Cole, or reconciliation. “It’s ready.” Blair wanted to pat herself on the back for keeping her voice steady. She put the sandwiches on the plate.

  “Not just yet.” Cole leaned and brushed his lips against hers. He wrapped his arms around her and threaded his fingers through her hair, deepening the kiss. He claimed her lips in a deep, sensuous embrace.

  Blair clung to his muscular shoulders. She opened her mouth, allowing him to deepen the kiss. Her soft tongue danced with his as they held each other. Holding him and having his strong arms around her felt too good. She felt safe in his arms, and she relaxed into him.

  Cole’s hands moved over her body, pulling her closer to him. Time stood still for her. They clung to each other, pressing their bodies closer. Cole pulled his head up far enough to look into Blair’s eyes. “We’d better eat, or I’ll eat dessert before dinner.”

  Blair nodded mutely. Her thoughts and emotions spun. If Cole had tried to strip her and make love to her on her kitchen floor, she would have let him. You’re supposed to be stronger than this, Blair!

  But he’s sorry, and you want to try again..

  Wait to hear about Cassie first. Then think about reconciliation.

  It’s been so long since a man held me though. I’m so lonely.

  She had no argument for herself on that one. She was lonely, and Cole stood right next to her offering her comfort.

  ****

  They finished dinner, and Cole got her some clothes for her. “Now, we are going to my house. Are you going to come willingly, or do I have to tie you up and carry you over my shoulder?”