Chapter Seven

RIVER

The look in Anna's eyes, as Karver jammed the barrel of his gun into my temple, told me that under her crass, rough exterior, there was a pain she kept well hidden.

A wound so deep, you'd think it would impossible to fix.

After I went to the hospital, she came by.  Lectured me about being stupid and that I shouldn't have put myself in that position.  I agree it was dumb, but I couldn't let her face Karver alone.

Even as she lectured me, though, I felt she wasn't actually talking to me.  It felt like she was talking to someone else.  I had to find out who.

When I went to her house, I wasn't expecting to have the conversation we had.  

Karver killed her lover.  The same way he was going to kill me.  I was shocked, but not surprised.  It explained everything I saw in her face that night.

After our emotional exchange on the swing, I felt I was delving into the real Anna.  The girl no one ever saw.  Underneath all the leather and bad attitude, was a scared little girl with a heartbreak so massive, she'd rather destroy herself than come to terms.

Holding her.  Letting her cry in my arms made me feel like I could be the one to mend her broken heart.

When we went inside for some lunch,  she talked about David and their relationship.  How he'd bring her flowers when she was sad.  How they'd sit in front of the window watching the rain, just holding each other.  Stuff you'd only read about in books.  The guy loved her.  I felt a little jealous.  

After, we sat on her couch and just talked.

"I'm sorry I shot you."  She apologized again

I held my wine glass in my hands.  "Really, Anna.  It's fine.  I told you to do it."

She swirled her glass.  "I know you did.  Doesn't mean I don't feel shitty about it."

I smiled.  "It's okay.  Like I said, I got a wicked scar now.  I'm cool with it."

Silver burns us bad.  Most wounds heal without even a scratch, but hot silver bullets will leave scars.

She raised her brow.  "Can I see it?"

My jaw dropped and my heart raced a bit.  "Uh...sure."

I sat up and raised my t shirt to show her the small round scar of where her bullet entered my body. 

She raised her hand and ran her fingers around it.  Eyes full of intrigue.  I fliched when she touched my skin.  An electric, warm sensation ran through my chest. 

"Turn around." She whispered.

I turn around and she ran her hand up my back to lift my shirt.  Again, I flinch.  My back muscles tense at her touch.  I closed my eyes and bit my lower lip as my breath silently sped up.  She traced her finger around the exit scar.

I felt my cheeks flush.  My body getting heated.  I don't know what it was.  Her touch sent signals to every nerve in my body.

She backed away.  I lowered my shirt and turned around.  Trying to hide my arousal.  I put my knee up on her couch and my arm on the back.  "See.  Pretty cool."  I grinned.

She tucked her hair behind her ear.  She looked at me with those glowing gold amber eyes.  "Yeah.  It is.  Not many shifters have one of those."

I leaned into her.  "I'm just glad you're a good shot."  I chuckled.

She stared at me like she was thinking about doing something.  I saw her eyes flick to my lips and back up to my eyes.  If only she knew I was thinking the same thing.

I backed off and cleared my throat.  "I...uh...should get going."  I motioned for the door.

She smiled.  "Um...yeah.  ok.  Thanks again....for stopping by."

I rubbed my neck.  "I just wanted to see if you were OK.  This Karver guy put you through a lot.  I felt......concerned."

"Well, I'm fine.  It's nice to be able to talk about it now."  She played with her shirt.

I reached out and raised her head with my knuckle under her chin.  "I meant it when I said you can talk to me.  About anything.  If you need it, I'll listen."

She smiled and nodded. 

She walked me to the door.  "See you at the station?"

I put my hands in the pocket of my jacket.  "I don't know.  This was only supposed to be a 12 hr assignment.  I'll probably be recalled today."

"Oh. Ok"  She opened the door.

I stepped close to her.  "But my shift ends at 8.  We could go for a beer or something...or stay in...whatever."

She stood contemplating. "Yeah, ok.  I'd like that."

I grabbed the outside door and stepped out.  Someone was coming up the steps.  He was just as built and big as me.  Almost looks like me even, but with brown hair and brown eyes.  Eyes that really didn't look happy to see me.

He walked up to us on the porch.  It felt like he was staring me down.

"Michael, what are you doing here?"  Anna crossed her arms.

He quickly glanced at her then straight back to me.  "I came to check up on you.  I heard you took some time off.  Who's your friend?"

"This is River Blake.  One of the security unit shadows that helped us bring down Karver."  She offered.  "River.  This is Michael Dorian."

I smile.  "Hey, Mike.  I was just leaving."  His stare was getting uncomfortable.  I turned to Anna.  "I'll call you."  And with that, I left down the stairs to my Camaro.  I got in and Michael was still staring me down.

I smirked at him.  Revved my engine and peeled out onto the road and drove away.

****

ANNA

We watched River leave and Michael turned to me.  "Who was that?"

I didn't really like his look or his tone.  I turned into the house with him right on my heels.

"I told you.  He helped us with Karver.  He's a friend.  That's it."  I picked up the wine glasses and took them to the kitchen.  Michael followed.

"What was he doing here?"  His tone sounded demanding.

I set the glasses in the sink and turned around.  "I don't think that's any of your business, Michael."

He stepped closer.  "It is my business, Anna.  I have to watch out for you.  I don't like guys just sniffing around."

I squinted my eyes.  "I didn't ask you to watch out for me.  I don't need you protecting me and you certainly don't own me.  Who I spend my time with is none of your concern."

He started to get irritated.  "So what.  The other night meant nothing to you?  You've been avoiding me for days, Anna.  Is he the reason why?"

I shake my head.  "No.  Michael.  I needed to get my shit straight.  That's all.  River was just checking up on me too.  Ok.  It has nothing to do with us."

He crossed his arms.  "So, what about us?"

I signed and brushed past him into the living room.

"Anna?"  He called following me.

I turned.  Straightening my hair.  "Look, Michael.  I care about you.  You've been with me for everything.  If it wasn't for you when David......I don't know what I would've done."

He walked up to me and cupped my cheek.  "I love you, Anna.  I won't deny it.  I want to be with you."

I lean into his cheek.  "I don't know if I'm there yet."  I pull his arm down.  "Michael, I can't say I don't have feelings for you, but can't say that it's love.  Not right now."

"I see."  I could see his heart break in his eyes.  He headed for the door.

"Michael...."

"No..Anna."  He turned to me.  "For years, I gave you everything.  I asked for nothing.  I pour my heart out to you and.........."

"And what?"  I searched his face.

"Nothing....forget it."  He stormed out the door.

"Michael!"  I yelled for him

He got in his car and drove off.

I closed the door and lean on it.  

My head was spinning.  Michael's feelings are so strong.  I don't know how to handle it.  I was happy just having him as a friend and the occasional lover, but now he's changed everything.  He made love to me.  Poured his feelings out right there in the grass.  Why can't I feel the same way?  He's everything I want.  Everything I need.  But, I can't feel the same way.

Then there's River.  I didn't think anything of him until today.  I dump my garbage on this guy I barely know and he comforts me like I've known him for years.  And it felt like it too.

I'd be lying if I said I didn't want to kiss him today.  I did.  The feeling of his skin was something I've never felt before.  It made me feel like I wanted more.  The sensation of touching his scar and muscles went straight to my core.  It was shocking at first but after a second I melted into my touch.  I was thinking things that I never thought I would about a security unit guy.

My heads a mess.  I need an outlet.

I head to my room, throw on some jeans and a red t shirt and some leather chaps.  I grab my riders jacket and head to the door.

I jump on my bike, spin around and peel out my driveway onto the road.  Heading for the highway that runs with through the woods.

****

I drove for what felt like hours.  Speeding down the road.  Feeling the wind in my hair.  I pull off onto a dirt path. I stop and kill the engine at a clearing.  I've come here many times.  

I walked to the center and laid down in the grass.  The sky was getting dusky.  I could see the beginnings of stars in the sky.

Small tears ran down my temples.  "Why did you have to leave?"  My breath hitched.  "Everything was so simple.  I miss you so much..........tell me what to do.........."  I listened as I was met with the sounds of the woods.  "I know Michael loves me, but I just don't know what to do....."  The warm wind blew across the clearing.  I closed my eyes.

Just then I heard a low growl.  

I shot up on my but.  I put one foot on the ground but didn't dare stand as I looked at an absolutely massive jet black wolf.  He stalked me, growling.  His blue eyes glowing.  He was within 6 feet of me when he sniffed the air.

His head perked up.  He whined and a gust of wind swirled around.  The man's naked frame stood up.  He rose his head and his blue eyes met mine.

"River."  I whispered.  Staring at his naked body.  Usually, we're all OK with being naked, but seeing River had me thinking really dirty thoughts.

"Anna?  What are you doing out here?"  He walked closer.

Still staring, I tried to compose myself. "Just clearing my head..." I shook my head trying to not think about his absolutely impressive body.  "What are you....."

"Just out for a run....I was running by here and I smelt this intense, suffocating scent......" He looked behind him and turned back to me.  

"What like another rogue?" I crossed my arms.

"No...."  He stepped even closer where we were inches apart.  "It was you."  He eyes looked confused but full of want.

And thats when I noticed.  The air filled with the smell of woods and spices.  It filled my nose.  It was intoxicating.  Feelings of desire rushed through my body.  I don't know why I'm just noticing now.

He cupped my cheek and planted his soft lips on mine.  I melted into his kiss as it filled my body with heat.  His other hand slipped under my hair and held my head as his tongue caressed mine.  Everything seemed to dissolve away.  David, Michael, Karver...everything.  It was just River and me.  He pulled back.  I slowly opened my eyes.  

"Um that was..." my eyes were dreamy.

He ran his thumb softy across my cheek and smiled.  "Amazing."  He whispered.

Then I was flooded with everything as reality set back in.  "River, I....I...don't know if I'm ready...."

He cleared his throat and stepped back.  "Yes....um...of course...."  He gave a quick smile.  "..sorry....I shouldn't have......"

I put my hand up.  "No, River.  It's fine.  Don't apologize."

My eyes flicked down his body as he stood there naked and...um....quite aroused judging from the hard on he was sporting.

I smirked as his eyes followed mine.

He jolted back,  embarrassed.  "Yeah...well....I'm gonna go...."  and with that he turned, shifted and ran out of the clearing like his paws were on fire.

I laughed to myself shaking my head.  I looked at the sky.  "Really, David?"  The warm wind blew again.  I turned and headed for my bike.  "Yeah.  I know."  

And I headed home.