Palm Haven Shifters: Complete Five-Part Series Read online

  He didn't expect a sexy-as-hell employee to come with the deal. Maybe that was his reward for doing the Elder’s bidding without complaint. Probably not, but he could dream.

  Her tongue darted out and licked her lips without her realizing; his eyes were glued to those lips. The things she could do with that mouth... She eyed his hand, still grasping hers.

  He saw a breath hitch in her chest, a flush color her cheeks; did her mind take the same detour his did? A detour that saw them together, naked skin on naked skin, their bodies joined, those plump lips screaming his name…

  He shook his head. Work was not the time or place for dalliances, no matter how tempting. He had a job to do. Two, really, if he was going to be the library’s director and do the research the Elder required. He definitely didn’t have time for a sexy librarian in a tight little sweater.

  "Nice to meet you, Sloan," she said on an exhale, her voice breathy and unsure.

  The beast inside of Sloan roared to life, eager to get to know the curvy librarian a little more intimately. The tiger’s sex drive would be the death of him. He shoved it down, forcing his expression to remain placid.

  Not to be ignored, the older woman jumped in between them, breaking the spell that held him temporarily transfixed by the delectable creature he so wanted to sink his teeth — and other parts of his anatomy — into.

  His tiger balked at the intrusion. The overpowering scent of the older woman’s perfume masked Sarah’s natural citrusy fragrance and made him want to sneeze. The cat wanted nothing more than to carry the object of his affections off and claim her body over and over. Damn him. Sloan dragged his eyes away from Sarah, doing his best to appear nonplussed.

  "I'm Janine," the other woman said cheerfully. "Glad to have you on board."

  Sloan shook her hand and nodded an acknowledgement of her introduction, but his eyes drifted back to Sarah. She looked startled. Her pulse was visible at the base of her neck and the predator inside of him couldn’t look away. He wanted to savagely pounce on her and tenderly sweep her into his arms to comfort her with equal measure.

  What the hell was wrong with him?

  "Well, on that note," Jerry enthused, breaking the palpable tension in the air, "It's been a pleasure to work with you lovely ladies for all these years. I leave you and the Kerris in very capable hands."

  Sloan watched Sarah's gaze travel to his hands, her tongue darting out to lick her lips once more. The dirty side of his mind immediately wondered if she was imagining all the things those hands were capable of the same way he couldn’t stop thinking of her mouth.

  How long had it been since he'd been with a woman? Four months? More? He’d stopped tracking it after a certain point. There was no denying that his body and his tiger wanted it, but he didn’t see the point anymore. Countless women all blurred together. He couldn’t remember names or faces anymore. It was just an endless sea of meaningless unions that left him unsatisfied.

  Sleeping with an employee — especially this employee — wasn't an option, though. No matter how undoubtedly delectable she was. He shook his head again, trying desperately to rein in the inappropriate thoughts that plagued him.

  Janine was smart enough to read the room and left with an excuse about a crossword puzzle calling her name, right after Jerry. Sarah busied herself cleaning up the mess she’d made.

  "Sarah," Sloan said from behind her.

  She squeaked with surprise finding him mere inches behind her. The stack of papers in her hands went flying again. Sloan snatched a few papers from the air as they fluttered to the ground and Sarah sighed.

  "I'm sorry," he said gently, bending to help with the cleanup.

  "Don't be. I told you, I'm a giant klutz," she said with a lopsided grin. He liked the easy smile much more than the bewildered deer-in-headlights look.

  "I have a favor to ask you," he said, brushing his hand over hers as he reached for another pile of skewed documents.

  He heard her heart thump in her chest. The sound of her labored breathing, coupled with the rapid race of her heart made it nearly impossible to shove aside the predator in him. She watched him with unabashed interest. He rebelled against thoughts of his body pressed against her, his tongue invading her, plundering her, leaving her breathless and wanting more.

  Pull it together, Sloan. He shook his head, hoping to clear those thoughts again. What was wrong with him? He never got so worked up around a woman — any woman. Why was this becoming such a pressing issue now?

  He couldn't fight his nature forever and she called to him. How could he resist the call?

  "What do you need?" she asked.

  Sloan painted a look of disinterest on his features, resisting the images of explicit favors he might desire. Strictly business.

  He helped her pack away the spilled contents of the boxes before he stacked them back up to the ceiling, taking care to keep the pile even and sturdy to prevent any future mishaps.

  "Well, I'm hoping you can help me figure all of this out. I've never been a library director before—”

  "You don't say," she replied with a hint of sarcasm. She quickly realized her mistake, clapping a hand over her mouth in embarrassment.

  "Oh my god, I'm so sorry. That was really inappropriate." Her face turned crimson and she looked like she wanted to crawl into a hole.

  He laughed. The rich flowing sound was foreign to Sloan’s ears — he hadn’t laughed like that in a long time. The tension erased from Sarah's shoulders and she let a hesitant smile stretch her lips. Much better.

  "No, you're right. You have every right to think I don't belong here. I'm sure you've put years into learning your craft and then I just come in with my checkbook and I'm in charge of the place."

  Sarah frowned. Maybe she hadn't jumped to all of those conclusions yet, but he knew given enough time she would have. She was a smart girl. Perhaps his candidness would earn her favor. It was hard to resent him for buying his way into the Directorship when he readily acknowledged it, right?

  "So, why did you really save Kerris?"

  Ah. There it was. The steel in her light blue eyes that told him how much she cared about the library. He should have expected her to be protective. She didn’t trust him. She shouldn’t.

  Sloan shifted under her gaze, uncomfortable with how much she seemed to see.

  "I have a goal of preserving our local history. I'm hoping through targeted acquisitions we can become a valuable resource for the community," he lied, feeding her the line he’d rehearsed.

  Sarah's expression was skeptical, but she nodded her agreement, satisfied for the moment.

  "Okay, I can help you. I already did the majority of Jerry's job for him, anyway. The Kerris is really a very special place. I think you’ll like it here."

  Sloan's face slipped into an effortless smile. Her naiveté was going to make this too easy.

  It was the sway of her luscious hips that was going to make it difficult.

  Chapter 7

  SARAH

  “You look like you’ve got something on your mind, Bumblebee,” Sarah’s mother said as she deposited a plate of grilled chicken and veggies in front of her daughter.

  Sarah shrugged, “Just some stuff going on at work.”

  “Wanna talk about it?” Her mother’s pale blue eyes always saw right through her pretenses. How did she know Sarah was nearly bursting with things to talk about? Moms seemed to have that weird sixth-sense; it probably didn’t hurt that she was a witch to boot.

  Sarah stabbed at a piece of broccoli, shoving it off to the side.

  For a long moment, the only sounds in the small kitchen were those of silverware clinking on ceramic. Her mother could wait her out for an eternity. They’d played the silent game way too many times when Sarah was a teenager — she always caved first. What could she say? Sometimes, she needed her mom’s input.

  “We got a new director.”

  “Oh no! What happened to Jerry?”

  “He ‘retired’,” she answered w
ith air quotes.

  “Oh, well, that’s a shame. He’s been there as long as I can remember. I think he gave you your very first library card, didn’t he?”

  Sarah nodded.

  “But that’s not what you’re upset about, is it, Bee?”

  She pushed the veggies around her plate some more.

  “What’s the new director like?” It was like the woman was psychic. Or maybe she just knew her daughter that well. Sarah clenched her jaw thinking about Sloan.

  “He has no experience, for one. He bought his way into the position and I don’t trust him. He doesn’t seem sincere about library operations. He has no concept of personal space. He’s cocky and arrogant and…” The litany of complaints seemed like it would never end once she started voicing it.

  “And what? Your magic responds to him, doesn’t it?”

  “No. Not at all,” she lied. “I don’t trust him. I don’t like him being in the Kerris.”

  Mom clucked her tongue in disapproval, “I think you’re protesting too much, Sarah Jane. Maybe it’s time you let your magic off of that tight leash for a bit. You can’t keep that part of yourself locked away in a little box. One day it’s going to explode.”

  “That’s quite all right. We both know what happens when I let it have its way.”

  Her mother’s expression hardened and she dropped the fork in her hand to give Sarah a stern look, “Yes, the same thing that happens to every young inexperienced witch. Accidents. You keep bottling it all up and something even worse is going to happen.”

  She sighed and picked her fork up and resumed eating. The tension faded away as they ate in silence. After giving it some thought, her mother pointed the fork at her.

  “I was young once, you know. I remember what it’s like to need a release. When’s the last time you even tried to date?”

  “When’s the last time you went on a date?” Sarah countered, instantly regretting it.

  The older witch puffed up in pride and a sly smile spread her lips, “Two nights ago. I had quite a few releases if you know what I mean.”

  That was the thing about being a witch. No boundaries when it came to talking about sex. It became another necessity in life like water or food. Sarah was by far the most prudish witch she knew.

  “Ew. Mom. No. Gross. That is not what I want to hear about over dinner,” she stabbed a piece of chicken, still thinking about the new director and the subtle dimple in his left cheek when he smiled. The fork vibrated in her grip before flying across the room, embedding itself in the wall.

  Her mother raised perfectly sculpted eyebrows, but didn’t comment on the magical outburst. It was always so easy for her. She had an effortless draw that pulled people of all kinds toward her. It wasn’t like that for Sarah. Instead of attracting people, she seemed to repel them. Of course, that wasn’t necessarily a bad thing.

  “All I’m saying,” her mother said, standing and scooping up their empty plates, “is that you’ll feel much better if you’re true to yourself. Maybe you respond so strongly to this man because there’s something there?”

  Sarah groaned. She never should have said anything at all.

  “No, he’s up to something. I know it. I just have to find out what.”

  Mom loaded up the dishwasher without another comment, but Sarah already knew what she’d say. It was the same conversation they had anytime her magic was out of control. But she wouldn’t risk it. No matter what her mother said.

  “You spend too much time in that dusty old library. You’re always there or thinking about being there. You should try to get out more. When’s the last time you had drinks with friends? There’s a new bar on Sable Street. The crowd’s a little young for me, but you’d fit right in. You should check it out. Maybe you’ll find someone. I won’t wait up,” she grinned suggestively, trying to dull the sting of her attack on Sarah’s entire way of life.

  Other parents might be concerned that their kids weren’t involved in work, that they partied too much and had casual sex with strangers without thinking about the repercussions. Not Sarah’s mother. Sarah’s mother had it all backwards.

  She rolled her eyes, dismissing everything her mother said, “No wonder witches get a bad reputation for being sexed up horndogs. Have you always been this insufferable?” Or was it only because of how Sloan made her feel? Molten and effervescent. Like she could combust and float away at the same time. She needed to stop thinking about him.

  “No. I used to be much worse. Sex is nothing to be ashamed of, Bumblebee. It’s natural and wonderful,” she sighed wistfully.

  Sarah stood from the table, shaking her head, “Nope. This conversation’s over. I don’t want to hear any more about my mother’s sex life. It’s not natural.”

  “It is for a witch!” her mother called to her retreating back as she left for the living room.

  Sarah sank into the ancient couch, overstuffed cushions swallowing her whole. Her mother thought she spent too much time at the library, but where else would she ever want to be? Kerris made her feel complete. When she couldn’t be at the library, it felt like something was missing. A longing ache at the center of her very soul that could only be filled by mountains and mountains of books in her favorite place in the world.

  She knew she should probably be ashamed to admit it, but she loved that damn library more than she’d ever loved another person. Did that make her a bad person? Or just a weird one?

  Regardless, if someone had their eyes on hurting her beloved Kerris, Sarah was not going to just lay down and wait for it. If she wanted to keep it safe, she’d have to be proactive.

  And maybe not rely on her mother’s input so much.

  Chapter 8

  SLOAN

  The job was supposed to be easy. Buy his way into the library’s management, access their records, determine if the Ley Lines were there — or even real — and secure the territory for the Elder. Easy.

  Then Sarah complicated things. Sarah with her perfectly coiffed bun, the hip-hugging pencil skirts and stylish glasses. He wanted to see her wild and free. A halo of auburn hair flared out beneath her as he ripped through the thin threads holding the buttons of the frumpy cardigan that completed her uniform. He wanted to take that little sweater and tie her up with it, tease and taste her until she begged for mercy. He wanted to…

  Get her off of his fucking mind.

  Sloan had bigger issues to occupy his mind than the curvy, unintentionally seductive librarian. He couldn’t waste time daydreaming. He shouldn’t be thinking about unwrapping her clothing layer by layer like a Christmas present.

  His tiger chuffed in approval. That horny bastard would be the end of him.

  Turning his attention back to the stack of papers in front of him, he sighed. There was too much to sift through. Too many conflicting theories and unreliable accounts. He didn’t know where to start. He didn’t know what was important and what wasn’t. What information he could trust and what he couldn’t. If he had any hope of gleaning useful information, he was going to need a hell of a lot more time than the Elder had granted.

  Of course, the old man expected the project to take a few months, but from where Sloan sat, the mountains of boxes would take years to go through. The Kerris had an unusually zealous librarian in Sarah and it seemed that she left no stone unturned when it came to gathering information on her beloved library.

  His eyes drifted through the window that separated his office from the library at large, the blinds open enough that he could keep an eye on operations without anyone being able to see him. The tiger found her first, honing in on the shapely curve of her calves as she perched on her tiptoes to reshelf a book.

  He groaned.

  Maybe it wasn’t time that he needed more of. Maybe what he needed was the help of a librarian. Who better to sift through all of this to find relevant material?

  There was one niggling little problem, though: Sarah seemed resistant to his charms. She’d accepted his motivations, but only for posterity�
��s sake, it seemed, as she’d been downright frigid toward him ever since.

  Surely he could warm her up, though. He could chip away at the icy exterior, melt her insides with a few well-placed touches. He’d warm her until she was ready to ignite and she begged for him to extinguish the flames he’d started. The tiger liked that idea. Both of them did.

  She bent at the waist to shelf a book near the ground and he pictured that round ass bent over his desk, hiking up her skirt to reveal creamy smooth thighs, finding her sex glistening and ready for him to take her.

  He didn’t consciously decide to get up from his desk, but the next thing he knew, his feet were carrying him toward the door, out into the library, his tiger honed in on her — everything else faded into the background. She was his prey and the hunt was on.

  For a moment, she was oblivious to his presence as he stood behind her, studiously surveying every way her succulent body moved. The tiger was ready to pounce. To claim her. He had to fight down his animal urges in order to behave like a civilized human being instead of the lust-crazed beast he felt inside.

  “Is there something I can help you with?” His voice sounded deep and husky even to his own ears. She squeaked in surprise and a book shot out of her hand, flying into the bookshelf across the aisle, knocking a row of paperbacks loose, fluttering to the floor.

  “I'm sorry,” he chuckled at her reaction. “I seem to keep doing that. I’m sorry, I don't mean to,” he said. First the avalanche of boxes, now a cascade of books. Maybe she wasn’t unaffected by him.

  Sarah turned to hide her embarrassment and Sloan suppressed a satisfied smile. The flush in her neck betrayed her.

  “Don't worry about it,” she said. “I'm always having little accidents like this you'll get used to it,” she chuckled. No doubt. A witch wound as tight as her was bound to have ‘accidents’.

  Sloan liked the way that she tried to hide her embarrassment. He liked the little tinge of pink that colored her cheeks. He really liked the way that her breath quickened when he walked by and the smell of arousal that filled the air when he said her name.