Heart of the Phoenix Page 7

  She was asking too many questions, and she was touching him. The combination was like a war going on inside his head, and Thaddeus closed his eyes to the incessant battle. He couldn’t tell her everything, yet he didn’t want her to pull away, to sever the connection. Her closeness stirred his blood, had him aching to taste her again. She’s dangerous, touching her is dangerous, tasting her is foolish. Just protect her and walk away. His mind screamed at him even as he lowered his head and gently brushed his lips over hers.

  She was compliant, leaning in to him and opening her lips beneath his. When their tongues touched, tentatively at first, she moaned, deep in her throat. Thaddeus spread his big hands over her back, dragged them down to her plump bottom and back up again. He could feel her bra strap through her shirt and resisted the urge to unfasten it and release the heavy globes he ached to touch.

  He moved his tongue masterfully over hers, stroking until he felt her melting in his arms. Just a little more and then I’ll stop. He sucked on her bottom lip, attempted to pull away, but was drawn back into her warmth, where he sank deeply, drinking of her sweetness.

  Willing himself to pull away, he put his hands on her shoulders and set her away from him. Then he turned his back, so she couldn’t look into his eyes. When she wasn’t staring directly at him, he could read her thoughts clearly. It was only when they were face to face, when it felt as if she were instead inside his mind, that his power of telepathy was diminished.

  What the hell is going on? He kissed me again. We enjoyed it. Well, I enjoyed it, that’s for sure. I’ve never been kissed like that before. I want to kiss him again…I want…so much more.

  A part of Thaddeus wanted to leap for joy. His goal had been to clear her mind of her questions about him because he had no logical answer for her. “We should get to your office. You still want to take the kids on that nature hike, right?”

  Still a little dazed, Tayla rubbed her now cool hands together and nodded. He wasn’t looking at her so she decided she needed to verbally answer him, even though she wasn’t sure her voice would be all that steady after that kiss. “Yes, I do.” Then she made her feet move and went to open the door.

  Thaddeus watched her move past him and took a deep breath. He could do this job. He could focus on the danger and not on the pleasure he was sure he’d find in her bed. He could simply avoid kissing or touching her again. Yeah, that was going to be just as difficult as beating his Uncle Zeus at hunting.

  * * *

  They cleaned her office in virtual silence, Thaddeus sticking to one side of the room while Tayla stayed close to the other. But her mind was busily working. She hadn’t forgotten what had transpired in her cottage, hadn’t forgotten the things he’d said. She’d always been a realistic person, believing only what she could see, hear or feel. But she sensed there was something about Thaddeus that was not realistic, that was beyond what she normally believed.

  It was silly, she knew, and she would never have the nerve to voice those thoughts to anyone for fear of being fitted for a straightjacket. He said he was here to protect her. But how had he known she needed protection? Thinking back to other things he’d said only raised more questions. She was being hunted. How could he know that?

  Thaddeus was here to protect her. She tossed that thought around in her head. She had no doubt that Jerome had sent the music box and that he’d probably staged the break-in of her office to do so. She knew that Jerome was dangerous. That was the reason she’d moved across country to get away from him. But how could Thaddeus know about that?

  “Ms. Hampton, the children have been assembled and are waiting in the downstairs hall. Mrs. Shayne made sandwiches and snacks for lunch. Although I don’t know why: the children hate her bologna and cheese, yet she keeps fixing it like it’s some kind of delicacy.” Ms. Dudley had wandered into Tayla’s office, her shrill voice filling the silent area. “What in the blazes happened in here? Did the storm knock those windows out?”

  Tayla looked at Thaddeus. Thaddeus stared at her.

  “Um, yes. That’s what happened. The storm and that minor earthquake we had wreaked havoc on my poor office,” Tayla offered, trying to sound upbeat.

  Ms. Dudley moved to the window to peer out and down the mountainside. “I didn’t feel an earthquake. But then I sleep like a log, so I don’t reckon I would.”

  Tayla’s eyes found Thaddeus’ again, unspoken questions clear in her gaze. He looked away quickly.

  She couldn’t confront him with Ms. Dudley in the room, but the moment they were alone she had a long list of questions and he wasn’t getting away without answering them. “I’m just about finished here. Mr. Delos, you and Ms. Dudley can go on down and tell the children we’ll be leaving momentarily.”

  Thaddeus kept his eyes away from hers for fear she’d correctly assume he had something to do with the earthquake. He’d been monitoring her thoughts all morning. She questioned everything he’d told her, and rightly so, he figured. Her husband, Jerome, must have been a vile character to have struck that much fear in her. But she was being a trooper; she squelched that fear each time it threatened to surface. She’d decided she wasn’t going to run this time, and that was a good thing because Jerome was going to find her. Except this time Thaddeus would be right there waiting for him. “I’ll wait for you,” he said, putting the last book onto the shelf.

  Though she looked forward to the opportunity to talk to him privately, the fact that Ms. Dudley seemed to be watching them made her turn to him in question. “That’s ridiculous. I’m just about finished. I’m sure Ms. Dudley could use some help with the kids.”

  Thaddeus turned, gave her a serious glare. “I am not leaving you alone.”

  Ms. Dudley whooped and slapped a hand to her thigh. “That’s right, ole boy, don’t take no for an answer. She’s a stubborn one, but I think you’re time enough for her.” The old lady laughed as she made her way to the door. “Yup, I think Grayson Moore’s in for some surprises this semester.”

  Thaddeus ignored her. The old lady didn’t have a clue as to how right she was.

  When Ms. Dudley was out of the room, Tayla tossed him an angry glare. “I don’t need a chaperone. You’ve been in here helping me all morning. Now I’d like you to help Ms. Dudley with the children.” He didn’t respond, and she felt her anger growing. Whenever she turned down his offers of help he dismissed her refusal and did just what he pleased. “I am still the principal around here, regardless of who or what you claim to be.”

  He shot her a heated glare, then willed himself to calm down. He couldn’t continue to get riled up around her. His anger brought on a change he knew would frighten and confuse her even more. All the while she’d thought of her husband and his threats, Thaddeus had struggled for control. It wouldn’t do to change right in front of her. His fingers tingled over the books as new growth pressed against his human skin, fighting to be released. He’d felt his bones attempt to stretch, to contort into the shape of his other self.

  He’d held it back then and was diligently trying to do the same now. But he knew that when the time came, there would be no stopping the change. He would protect Tayla at any cost. And then he’d have no choice but to answer her questions. “Yes, you are the principal, but like I told you this morning, I am here to protect you. I cannot do that if I am downstairs and you are up here. Now if you are done, we can go down together.”

  He was adamant about this protection thing. “How did you know I needed protection?” she asked.

  Thaddeus dragged a hand over his face. “I will only say that I was sent by a higher authority that knows and sees all.”

  “God? Are you telling me that you’re some kind of angel?”

  He chuckled wryly. “I am no angel.”

  “Then what are you? Who are you and why are you here?”

  “I cannot tell you that.”

  Folding her arms over her chest, she tossed him a heated look. “Can’t or won’t?”

  He turned away from her. “It do
es not matter. All that matters is that you are safe.”

  He was just as stubborn as she was and she knew that she wasn’t going to get anywhere with him right now. Besides, the children were waiting. So whatever he was, angel or spirit or strange-ass bodyguard, she had a nature hike to take. “I don’t need protection,” she mumbled as she pushed past him to get to the door.

  Her shoulder brushed against his biceps and he cringed at the instant heat swirling toward his groin. She might not need protection, but I do.

  * * *

  “I’m walking with Mr. D and Ms. Hampton,” Monty folded his arms across his chest in a move of finality.

  “Well, I’m walking with Ms. Hampton.” Alisa countered, her smaller arms mocking Monty’s gesture.

  “We don’t need two girls with us, do we, Mr. D?” Monty looked up at Thaddeus.

  Alisa took a step toward Monty, moving her hands to her hips as she did. “We’re not girls, we’re womens.”

  Tayla hid a grin as she stepped up to take Alisa’s hand. “It’s okay, Alisa. We’ll let the boys walk with us this time.” She was still angry with Thaddeus but decided that, for the sake of the children, she would push her concerns to the side for the moment. But he would tell her who the hell he was or he’d pack his bags and leave her school. It was that simple.

  Alisa eyed both Monty and Thaddeus suspiciously. “If you say so,” she murmured.

  Thaddeus moved closer to the “womens” and scooped the smallest one up into his arms. “It is good to have boys around sometimes; they can carry the heavy stuff.” He nuzzled her neck, unable to resist the fresh smell of youth.

  Alisa giggled and wrapped her tiny arms around Thaddeus’ neck. “You have lots of hair, Mr. D.”

  For a moment Tayla envied Alisa for the liberty she had in touching Thaddeus. How many times had she wondered how his hair would feel against her fingers, her cheeks, her breasts? She was seeing a different side of him now, and her feelings shifted accordingly. He was gentle with Alisa and stern but loving with Monty. She’d seen him angry and aroused and found herself liking this playful side of him as well.

  “Yes, where I come from men don’t usually cut their hair.”

  That remark had Tayla looking at him closely. Where did he come from?

  “Let’s get moving. The good weather is not promised to us,” Ms. Dudley said from the head of the group.

  They were taking only about twenty students on the hike today; the others had different activities to keep them busy. They’d been walking for about thirty minutes and were deep in the forest when a scream pierced through the voluminous trees.

  Thaddeus, who had been observing worms and other slimy creatures with Monty, instantly stood, moving to stand closer to Tayla.

  Tayla saw his quick movements out of the corner of her eye then felt a wave of security as he stood right behind her. Boy, he was taking this protection thing to the extreme.

  Lyla Fleming, the math teacher, came through the trees, her eyes wide with fear, her hands clutching her heart.

  “What is it, Lyla?” Tayla asked the woman when she stood in the middle of the gathering of students.

  “Through there.” Lyla pointed. “There’s something through there.”

  Alisa immediately grabbed Tayla’s leg while Monty reached for his slingshot and moved closer to Thaddeus. “Us men will check it out,” he vowed.

  Thaddeus patted Monty on the head and looked toward Tayla. “I’ll go and see what is amiss. You stay with the children,” he commanded. She would be safe in a group. To Monty, he simply shook his head no and the boy trudged away with disappointment toward the rest of the group.

  Tayla took a step forward. “I’m going with you.”

  By Olympus, did this woman ever listen? “No.”

  “Yes.”

  “By the time you two finish arguing, whatever it is will be good and gone,” Ms. Dudley tsked.

  Thaddeus walked toward the trees, knowing full well that she was right behind him. He pushed branches and vines out of his way, being careful to keep them from swinging back and hitting her. She kept up with his quick pace as they moved into a thicker part of the woods. She wasn’t afraid; he gave her that much. He sensed she’d been here often and so knew the area.

  Even though it was early afternoon and broad daylight, this part of the forest was dark, and always was. Tayla never questioned it, nor did she venture here when she went on her walks alone. But Thaddeus was with her this time—her so-called protector. They came to a clearing and heard harsh breathing.

  Instinctively Thaddeus’ hand went to his waist, to the thickness beneath his shirt where he carried his athame.

  “What kind of animal is that?” Tayla whispered. “He sounds wounded.”

  “He sounds unearthly,” Thaddeus responded, then wished he hadn’t because she tensed behind him. He didn’t have time to tap into her head to see what she was thinking about his comment. He had to keep his wits about him, had to be ready for anything. That tingling had started at the base of his neck again; that always happened when danger was imminent.

  They both heard the rustling of leaves and looked in the direction from which it had come. Up until this point Tayla had been about a foot away from him, holding her own. Then she saw it, the yellow beads that looked to be floating in mid air. There were six of them, moving slowly from the shadows, seemingly coming toward them. She gasped, grabbed the back of Thaddeus’ shirt, and peeked from around his broad back.

  Thaddeus felt her but did not comment. He pulled the front of his shirt out of the band of his pants, cursing the fact that she hadn’t listened to him. The moment his hands touched the athame, the familiar heat began to course through him, the sting of power filling his chest, his lungs. He took deep, steadying breaths even as he moved closer to the yellow eyes. The eyes of Cerberus.

  Tayla felt the shift, felt the moment Thaddeus changed, and brought her gaze back to him. There was that light again. That fierce golden halo that outlined his massive form. It grew this time, more intensely than she’d ever seen it. She had unknowingly released his shirt and stopped walking even as he progressed forward. Her gaze fell to his right arm, which was clutching that knife-like thing she’d seen before. Then a vicious growl captured her attention and she looked past him, toward the yellow things…the yellow…eyes. She gasped as the shape before her materialized. It was unlike any creature she’d ever seen. Its body was bigger than that of a horse, and it had four legs and a tail. It was dark, so while its color was lost on her, the unthinkable, the unimaginable, was all too real. The beast had three heads, each with two glowing yellow eyes.

  Another growl and Tayla took a step back. “Thaddeus,” she called to him. She wanted to run, wanted him to run with her so they could get the children and get out of the forest, but he didn’t seem to hear her. He kept moving toward that beast.

  Now Thaddeus was extremely tall, very muscular and very handsome. In this dense forest he became something else. His height increased so that he appeared almost as tall as some of the trees now; his shoulders grew wider; his hair seemed longer as it flowed freely down his back. That thing in his hand glowed orange like fire, but he held it as if it were no more than metal.

  The beast lurched toward him and Tayla gasped. She wanted to cry out, but all sound seemed lodged in her throat.

  Thaddeus swung even as Cerberus was in midair, about to come down on him. The athame caught Cerberus in the stomach, and the beast howled before landing on the ground. As it scrambled to rise Thaddeus hovered above it, the thing in his hand spewing a wave of fire toward the beast. Cerberus cringed and backed away until he was deep within the trees again.

  Tayla’s heart beat frantically, and the sound, along with her terrified thoughts, slammed into Thaddeus’ mind like a rush of water. He turned to her. Pale, she was backed into a tree, standing as if her feet were rooted to that spot. She gaped. He cursed, turned away and dispelled the fire shield he’d built.

  Sheathing his weapo
n, he took even breaths until his temperature came down, until his bones felt rigid and human again. Only when he felt almost calm did he step toward her. He didn’t need to see into her mind to tell what she was thinking this time. As he grew closer, Tayla eased down and picked up a stick to defend herself. Does she really think that stick is going to protect her from me? He would have laughed if the situation weren’t so serious.

  “Tayla?”

  She shook her head from side to side.

  “Listen to me.” When he reached for her, she shifted and moved out of his reach.

  “Stay…away…from…me,” she managed in a hesitant tone.

  “Don’t run from me, Tayla. Please.”

  Tayla was still shaking her head, trying to think of how to get away from him, but she couldn’t remember where they were or how to get back to the group. What had she just witnessed? What had he just become? Her heart beat erratically and she felt a fear thicker, deeper than ever before. And at the same time she felt safe, guarded. How was that possible?

  “I can explain.”

  She tried to run then because he was too close to her. Without any effort at all he reached out and stopped her. He pulled her back against his chest, holding her tightly so that she could not get away. She opened her mouth to scream but he clamped a hand over it and whispered in her ear, “You are not afraid of me. Think about it. You are not afraid.”

  He paused, letting himself step into her mind, needing to know exactly what she was thinking so that he could counter it. “I am Thaddeus. You know me. You know my touch.” He freed one hand to rub up and down her arm, soothing her.

  She recognized the touch, acknowledged how it made her feel.

  “I am here to protect you. I won’t hurt you.”

  Who the hell are you? her mind screamed.

  “I will tell you who I am, but not now. Not here.”

  I’m not going anywhere with you. You are not coming back to my school around my children.

  “By protecting you I will protect all that is dear to you as well. The school, those children, I won’t let anything happen to any of them. You believe me. I know you do.” His lips were so close to her ear, her sweet scent wafted up to him, filling him with thoughts of softness, moans of pleasure and inevitable release. His erection pressed firmly against her bottom and lust soared through him with such ferocity he cringed. He kissed her lobe, insistently moving his tongue around the tender flesh with persistence. Oh, but he badly wanted to be inside of her.