For the Good of All

  “There’s no place to go,” Christina whispered. “People are sleeping in the infirmary and we can’t leave the building until morning. Sister said the guards shoot first before asking questions.”

  “I know.” He proceeded to strip the bed, then laid the mattress on the floor and tossed the pillow down as well. “There. We won’t have to worry about breaking the bed.”

  “Very clever.” Christina gave a nod of approval as he helped her down.

  “Comfortable?”

  “Very.” She lay on the mattress at his feet, only a thin cotton night shirt covering her. Moonlight streamed in through the window, skimming her body, highlighting the curves and valleys. A primitive feeling surged through him. Like some pagan offering she was there, waiting for him to enjoy.

  “Take off your nightgown.”

  Tina stared up at the man who towered over her. With the moonlight behind him, she could only see his silhouette; strong, broad shoulders, arms folded, the curve of his biceps clearly visible. If she didn’t know who he was, she might tremble with fear. Instead, it was anticipation that caused her to shiver. The knowledge that his strength would be tempered, used only to pleasure her.

  Slowly, she reached for the hem of her nightgown and began to draw it upward. The course cotton lightly abraded her skin, stimulating the nerve endings, heightening her awareness of her own body and the sensations it could feel.

  She paused when the material reached her upper thighs, knowing she was naked, that he would see her. It was nothing new, this wasn’t their first time together, but he’d always been beside her in bed, never just standing over her, watching.

  “Christina.”

  There was a hint of warning in his voice, an indication that he was tired of waiting for her. She pulled the nightgown up, over her hips, her breasts and then completely off leaving herself exposed to his gaze.

  For a moment he said nothing, his dark eyes sweeping over her from head to foot. She could see the moonlight glinting off them, hard, just like the man.

  “Very nice.”

  His simple words of approval caused her to flush, happy that she pleased him and she struggled to keep from looking away.

  He slowly divested himself of his clothing, revealing himself to her as slowly as she’d done to him. Broad chest, muscular arms. Narrow waist and hips, powerful thighs. Already he was hard, his body ready to possess hers.

  An ache began within her, warm, wet, tingling in anticipation of his possession.

  With predatory grace, he lowered himself until he was just inches from touching her. Electric tingles of awareness sparked between them. She quivered as he reached out and slowly stroked her, fondling her breasts, teasing her belly.

  “We have to be careful, Christina. Your leg isn’t completely healed.” He reached down and parted her thighs. “I don’t want you to move, do you understand? I’ll do all the work.”

  Not move? Already her hips wanted to lift. He knew it, too, damn him, for one corner of his mouth curved in an evil smile.

  “And no noise. We have company next door.” He nodded towards the infirmary and she almost groaned out loud having forgotten where they were.

  “Are you trying to kill me, Eli?”

  “The little death, isn’t that what the French call it?” He chuckled as he skimmed his lips over her flesh. Tender kisses, sharp nips, soothing caresses, murmured words so dark and sexy she squirmed. Finally, exquisitely, his hot flesh pressed against her moist core and eased inside.

  She gave a soft gasp as he possessed her and he brushed his lips over hers. “No noise,” he teased. “We can’t wake the neighbours this time.”

  His chest pressed against her breasts, the light dusting of body hair brushing over her nipples as he began to rock against her.

  “You’re so hot. So tight. Do you have any idea how good you feel?” He growled the words in her ear and her body immediately clenched around him causing him to chuckle. “I can tell you like the idea, too.”

  She reached up to grip his shoulders, her legs instinctively moving to circle his waist.

  “I told you not to move.”

  “I don’t follow orders very well.” She kissed his neck and nipped at his collar bone while trailing her fingers down the indent of his spine. He shivered and drove into her harder.

  “Mmm... Sometimes insubordination is a good thing,” he conceded.

  “Yes… Yes, it is.” She exhaled, clutching him closer. The sensations inside her were beginning to build, to tighten.

  “Your leg, it’s okay?” He gasped the question, his face pressed to the crook of her neck.

  “Fine. Don’t worry, and don’t stop.”

  He gave a grunt of acknowledgement, his self-control seemed to snap and he drove them into a wild coupling that ended with her arching her back, her lips pressed firmly together as she held back her cry of ecstasy.

  Afterwards, Stone held her close, gently stroking her hair. “You okay?”

  “Mmm.” She mumbled a response, too spent to form words.

  “I didn’t hurt your leg?”

  “Uh-uh.”

  “Do you really know or are you just saying that to make me shut up?”

  She snorted and tilted her head back so she could see his face. “I thought it was the woman who was supposed to want pillow talk afterwards.”

  He looked directly into her eyes. “I care for you, Christina.” He brushed his knuckles over her cheekbone. “I never want to hurt you or cause you pain.”

  “Thank you.” She whispered the words to him, absorbing the fact that this man thought she was precious and special. The look on his face made her melt and she snuggled against his chest more content than she’d ever been before.

  Sometime later the phone rang. Stone gave an irritated grunt and disentangled himself from Christina. Rolling over, he reached for the phone. “Stone, here.”

  It was Dante. “I’ve made arrangements with Saul. We’re to meet him tomorrow at noon near the docks.”

  “Are you picking me up or do I need to meet you somewhere?”

  “Meet me where I dropped you off today. I’m known at the orphanage.”

  “Ten hundred hours. Will that give us enough time?”

  “It should.”

  “And what about Dee? Will she be there?”

  “No. She only works the U.S. end. I’m in charge of any local deals, she just gets her percentage.”

  “Good. If she sees me with you, your cover will be blown. She’d tip-off Saul before we locate the next person in the chain.”

  “Exactly.”

  “Once we’re done with this, I’ll deal with her.”

  “Your sister is a formidable foe. Are you sure you won’t need help?”

  “I made the mistake of letting her go once. It cost others their lives. I need to do this on my own.”

  Dante was silent for a moment. “You still have a conscience. Me, I screw up and I move on. There’s no time for regret in my world.”

  “And that’s where we differ.”

  “It is.”

  “I’ll see you tomorrow at ten.”

  Dante hung up without replying.

  He set the phone down and then stared at the floor, gathering his thoughts about what might happen tomorrow, what he might have to do.

  We must envision every possible scenario and have a plan of action for each. His wolf nodded approvingly.

  Stone agreed. Thinking on your feet was great and only took a split second but sometimes you didn’t have a split second to spare.

  “Stone,” Christina sat up beside him and pressed her cheek to his back. “Who was that?”

  “Just some guy I have to meet tomorrow.”

  Her arms crept around him, her hands playing over his chest. “Some random guy or a friend?”

  “Not a friend.” Dante would never be a friend. Even if he was working for Lycan Link, the man’s past was so shady, he felt dirty just by association. They’d work together this one time and that w
ould be it. “We have a job to do.”

  Christina leaned away from his back and removed her arms. The loss of contact had him frowning, turning, missing her already. She had her arms wrapped around her knees, her head cocked to the side. “Why do I feel you aren’t telling me everything?”

  “Because you’re astute, and I’m not telling you everything.”

  She raised a brow.

  “It doesn’t concern you.”

  “Oh.”

  He sighed. “It’s not that I’m trying to push you away. It’s a job. Something I need to do as a Guardian.”

  “And I can’t help.”

  “No. I need you to stay here with Sister Bernita. Concentrate on getting well, building up your stamina.”

  “I think after tonight, I’ve demonstrated that I’m basically healthy again.”

  He grinned. “True but that was only once. What if I need you multiple times in the night?”

  “Multiple times? A shifter can do that?”

  “You’d be amazed at what I can do.”

  “Show me.” There was a dare in her expression.

  “I’ve never been one to back down from a challenge.” He pressed her backwards.

  “That’s what I was hoping.”

  The next morning, Tina stood near the gate, her hands resting on Stone’s arm as he spoke.

  “I won’t be gone long. Maybe a day or two. Three tops.”

  She tried to keep a smile on her face but knew she was failing miserably. “I’ll be fine here. I like kids so maybe I can help out with something.”

  “Watch out if Pedro asks for help with the cow.”

  “I will.”

  He sighed, staring off at some distant point, his jaw firmed. “I feel like I’m leaving you behind...again.”

  “I know you don’t want to; that you have a job to do.”

  “It doesn’t make it any easier.” He shifted his gaze back to her face. “I’ll miss you.”

  “Me, too.”

  “I left my backpack under the bed. It’ll be safer here. If…”

  “Yes?”

  “If you need something, if I’m not around, have Sister Bernita contact Esteban. While I don’t like the man, I know he’ll help you.”

  Sister Bernita approached. “I hear you are leaving again, Mr. Stone. Should I consider installing a revolving door?”

  The corner of his mouth curved upward. “That won’t be necessary. The next time I return, it will be to collect Christina and head home.”

  The nun nodded. “You have family and friends waiting for you; a life to return to.”

  “Well, at least Christina does.” He glanced down at her.

  “You do, as well. I’m not letting you go.” She squeezed his arm and he placed his hand on top of hers.

  “I have to go.” Stone pressed a kiss to her forehead and whispered in her ear. “Be good while I’m gone. No crazy hexes.”

  Tina nodded, feeling her chin tremble as she fought to keep her tears at bay. There was a tugging in the region of her heart, a nervous flutter in her stomach. “Being good isn’t that much fun.” She blinked and tried to grin.

  He smiled as she’d intended him to. “Try your best, though.” And with that he turned and left.

  She wrapped her arms around herself as she watched him walk through the gates. Where was he going? What was he planning on doing? Would it always feel like this when he left on a job? She sighed heavily. Being a Guardian was part of him. It wasn’t a job he could just leave behind. She’d have to endure this for the rest of their lives if they stayed together. Would it ever get any easier?

  Sister Bernita moved to stand beside her. “Mr. Stone is a very interesting man.”

  She nodded distractedly. “Yes, he is.”

  “There is something about him that reminds me of the warriors of old. I can see him carrying a shield and sword, heading into battle.”

  “Me, too.”

  The nun placed a hand on her arm. “Come, I’ll show you how to collect eggs from the chickens.”

  “Are they anywhere near the cow?”

  Sister Bernita laughed. “He warned you!”

  Chapter 20

  Stone sat in the jeep, scanning the spot Dante had chosen for their meeting with Saul. Not a resort this time but an alley in a typical slum neighbourhood. Houses, though they were barely worthy of the term, were scattered about as if the owners had built them wherever they’d found a pile of building materials, which was quite likely the case. Wood, cardboard, old tin, bits of broken cement; anything that could be connected together to form a shelter had been used. Garbage, stray dogs, half-naked children playing in the dirt with sticks. Yeah, this was the kind of neighbourhood where someone would sell a kidney for a few hundred dollars and feel they were rich. Too bad the agreed amount was seldom paid and the donor rarely received proper medical care afterwards. More often than not they died from complications and their families were left worse off than ever before. Meanwhile, the wealthy recipient went on their way not knowing or caring the true price that had been paid for their second chance at life.

  “How is this going to go down?” Stone turned to Dante. The man had his hands resting lightly on the steering wheel, his eyes half closed as he stared straight ahead. Was he mentally preparing himself? Getting into character?

  “Hmm?” He gave Stone a sideways glance before replying. “I’ll tell Saul you’re the bastard who messed up the sale the other day. I’ve tracked you down, trussed you up and now you’re going to help me recoup the money I lost.”

  “Always stick as close to the truth as possible.” Stone nodded in approval.

  “Once he has you, I’ll follow behind as far as the marina. We’ve no idea where he goes once he leaves port. His clinic can’t be too far away as he’s never gone for long.”

  “Or he has an accomplice he passes the donors on to.”

  “That’s where you come in. With any luck, you’ll make it as far as the clinic, get a visual of some of the others involved and then relay any information you’ve gathered on to Reno.”

  “Okay.” Stone nodded, piecing the assignment together in his head, trying to visualize how it might play out.

  “There was some trouble this morning.” Dante made his announcement casually, his eyes still fixed on some distant spot.

  “What was the problem?”

  “Mendoza called wanting to see me. Apparently Francisco and the new guy, Stone, didn’t report back last night.”

  “Really? And what did you say?”

  “That we checked the next shipment and returned. I let them out about a mile from his place.”

  “And?”

  Dante shrugged. “I suggested the new man wasn’t reliable or perhaps Reyes had another sniper in the area. He mumbled something about those tarot cards he’s always playing with. The moon, trump eighteen, deception.”

  “Sounds like he bought it.”

  “To some extent. He was quite insistent on seeing me. I managed to fob him off on Dee. She wasn’t pleased to have to go see him today.”

  “I can imagine.”

  “If she hadn’t been in danger of dirtying her hands, she’d have ripped my balls off. Your sister is such a lady.” He glanced at Stone. “Anyway, I grovelled sufficiently, said Saul was being especially difficult after the last sale fell through and I needed to keep him happy.”

  “Did she question what happened at that last sale?”

  “I blamed it on the local cops. Not everyone is on the take; Cantala has its own version of The Untouchables.” He checked his watch. “We’d better get started. Climb in the back. I‘m going to tie you up, gag you and throw a tarp over you.”

  “You sound a bit too happy when you say that.” Stone made the observation as he moved to the rear of the vehicle.

  “What can I say? You’ve been the proverbial thorn in my side for quite a while now.”

  Stone narrowed his eyes. Reno had vouched for the man, but by his own admission Dante said he??
?d do almost anything to break the trafficking ring.

  Is this Lycan really trustworthy? His wolf queried. There are layers of deceit surrounding him.

  Dante’s so dirty, he’ll probably never seem clean, Stone observed. Unfortunately, we have to take a leap of faith here.

  Warily, he held out his wrists to be bound.

  “If looks could kill,” Dante murmured. “Don’t worry, I won’t make them too tight.” With obvious experience, Dante soon had him tied up and in the back of the jeep. “The rag’s not clean. Sorry.” The look on Dante’s face said anything but ‘sorry’.

  Stone grimaced as the material was shoved in his mouth and another was knotted behind his head to keep the first in place. Dante pushed him backward and threw the tarp over him.

  “Stay quiet and don’t move. You’re supposed to be unconscious.”

  The air under the tarp was musty and, as the sun beat down, it became warm and stuffy. Stone pulled in air through his nostrils, finding it harder to breathe with a gag in his mouth. He forced himself to relax, to push back the panicky feeling that being bound induced in both him and his wolf. They hated being confined like this. It brought back memories of his last mission, of being tied up before punishment was delivered. His muscles tensed in anticipation of the lash of a whip.

  “Don’t let them break you, Elijah Stone.” Adisa’s words played through his mind and he drew on her memory to keep himself calm. She’d been a font of wisdom and he respected her more than any other person he’d ever met.

  What would she have thought of Christina? For a while he amused himself imaging a meeting between the two. It kept him from thinking about the increasing temperature and the sweat dripping into his eyes.

  He’d drifted into a semi-somnolent state when a bang near his head jerked him into alertness.

  “A van’s approaching.” Dante hissed the words. “It’s on.”

  Stone listened intently, hearing a vehicle approach and then stop. The door creaked open, pebbles crunched as a person walked towards their location.