MOONLIGHT LEGACY Page 12

  Miranda opened the refrigerator and spotted a pack of steaks Hadden had laid out earlier. She could go ahead, and prepare them with a salad and surprise Hadden, she remembered thinking…before everything got hazy, and she blanked out.

  When she came to her senses, she blinked in bewilderment, wondering what had happened, and then a dawning sense of horror swept over her as she tasted the coppery taste of blood in her mouth, and saw the blood dripping from her hands.

  "No," she cried in denial. But the presence of the empty, blood-smeared plastic tray made it all too clear what she had done. A wave of sickness hit Miranda, sending her reeling with the force of it. She stumbled to the bathroom, retching violently, hating herself more and more with each passing moment. She felt betrayed by her own body, and the worst thing of all: she didn't know if she could keep it from happening again.

  The cool touch of a wet cloth against her flushed brow brought her head up sharply. A young woman with concerned eyes and a sympathetic smile hovered over her.

  "Jan?"

  "Yeah, it's me, kiddo. How ya doing?"

  Miranda scrambled to her feet. "What are you doing here?"

  Jan's pretty smile dimmed. "Is that anyway to greet a friend? Your best friend, I might add."

  Miranda turned and flushed the toilet, trying to avoid the questioning look in Jan's brown eyes."I'm sorry, Jan. I've not been feeling well, lately. Forgive my rudeness."

  "All's forgiven, Miranda, if you'll just tell me what the hell is going on with you?"

  Miranda leaned over the sink and rinsed out her mouth before she spoke. She took her time, trying to think of some excuse to keep her friend's suspicions at bay, but nothing came to mind. Finally she cut off the water and grabbed a towel, brushing past Jan into the hallway. "T-there is nothing going on, Jan. Things have just been kind of crazy lately."

  "That's the understatement of the year, kiddo," Jan said, following her into the living room with a look of determination on her face.

  "I don't know what you mean," Miranda replied, doing her best to keep her voice steady. "If anything were wrong, you'd be the first to know it, Jan."

  Jan crossed her arms in front of her and tapped her foot impatiently. "Oh, there's something wrong all right, but you're not telling me what it is. You know, Miranda, you might can fool all the others, but you can't fool me. Something is wrong, and I'm not leaving until you confide in me." Her expression softened. "I want to help, kiddo, if you'll let me."

  "I know, Jan. But really, nothing's wrong, except for me being a little under the weather."

  "That's bullshit, and you and I both know it, girl. Let me spell it out for you. First, you don't show up for your own wedding. Second, you won't talk to any of your friends, including me. And last, but certainly not least, although you stood Hadden McNeal up and made him look like a fool, he's been practically living out here for the last couple of days. People are talking, sweetie. So give, tell mama what the hell is going on around here."

  "There's nothing to tell."

  Jan threw her hands up and shot her a look of disgust. "Okay, okay, I can take a hint. You don't want to talk about whatever is going on with you and Hadden."

  "I can't, Jan, not now."

  Jan took her hand and squeezed it gently. "Hey, I understand. And if I came on too strong, well…it's because I care, kiddo. You know that, don't you?" She smiled. "Hey, there isn't anything I wouldn't do for the woman who saved my job from going the way of the dinosaurs. Very few people in this town appreciate the talents of a good art teacher."

  "Then they're fools," Miranda retorted, "You are the best teacher this valley has ever had. And the best friend a girl could ever have." she added in a choked voice. "Thank you, Jan."

  Jan gave her a worried look. "I wish you'd let me be that friend now, Miranda. Talk to me, girl, let me help."

  Miranda looked away. "I'm sorry. I can't just yet, please understand, Jan."

  An expression of defeat and resignation crossed Jan's face. "Okay, but if you ever need a friend, you know where I live." She looked at her wristwatch and made a grimace. "Christ, if I don't get moving I'll be late for the festival. Are you and Hadden coming?"

  "Not this year, maybe next."

  Jan hugged her and then stepped away. "I have to go, but remember what I said, okay?"

  "I'll remember."

  Miranda walked with Jan to the front porch, shading her eyes against the light of the dying sun as she watched her friend drive away. She'd almost broken down and told her everything, but something had held her back. Perhaps the horror and pity she'd imagined in her friend's gaze as she told her terrible tale of woe. A story no one in his or her right mind would ever believe. No, it was best to keep her secret among the few who knew it to be true: Hadden, Steven and Gram. There was no need for anyone else to become involved, no need to risk anymore lives by what she was becoming. She turned to go back into the house.

  "Nice friend."

  Her heart pounding wildly, Miranda spun about in the encroaching twilight, her hand held outward as if to ward him off. "What are you doing here?"

  He stepped out of the shadows. A look of bemusement was in his eyes. "Why, I'm here to see you, dear. Why else would I be here?"

  Drake moved silently, ghosting through the semi-darkness until he was by her side. He reached for her, and she flinched away.

  "Now, is that any way to treat your guests?" he asked in a wounded voice. His eyes glittered with a strange mocking light. "Since I'm not welcome here, perhaps I should run and catch your friend. Jan, isn't it? She is a charming woman. Yes, indeed. I think we should get along famously, don't you agree, Miranda?"

  Panic began to curl inside her in tiny hot licks of flame. She moved to block his way. "Leave her alone, Drake."

  He smiled a lazy smile and reached out to pull her against the hard length of him. She sucked in a startled breath as he traced his finger along her jaw line. "Do I sense a tinge of jealousy in your voice, darling? I'm flattered. Perhaps I should try and make you jealous more often."

  She forced herself to look into the shadowy depths of his green eyes, trying desperately to fight the hypnotic sway that held her enthralled. "Think whatever you want, but leave my friend alone. I don't want her hurt, do you understand?"

  A sardonic half smile appeared on his lips as his eyes locked on the pulse beating erratically in her throat. "This mortal means a lot to you, doesn't she?"

  Miranda fought harder against the spell he was casting over her, but she could feel herself weakening, drowning in his crystal green gaze. "Yes…she is my best friend," she said in a throaty whisper. She tried to concentrate on Hadden. Tried to bring his face to mind, but it disappeared in a swirl of gray mist as fire filled her body, scorched her senses.

  All she could see was Drake. All she could feel was Drake. Dear God, all she wanted was Drake. A tiny sound of despair lodged in her throat as a series of erotic images, starring Drake and herself, passed quickly through her mind. What was happening to her?

  He leaned closer, his lips a mere whisper away from hers. "And you would not want any harm to befall this Jan?"

  She tried to pull back, tried to break free again of the spell of enchantment he held over her, but to no avail. "No—of course not. Pl-lease don't hurt her."

  His head lowered and he kissed her, a soft brushing of his lips against hers, surprising her with his gentleness when she'd expected brutality. A violent shiver cascaded through her body, leaving a trail of goose bumps in their wake. It shook her to the very depths of her soul, and if it had not been for the fact that she knew he was controlling her emotions and reactions, she would have plunged into utter despair.

  She loved Hadden McNeal, and although Drake was dominating her now, he could never dominate her heart and soul. They belonged to her, and no one else. The thought brought her some comfort.

  "I could take you right now," he said against her mouth. "But this isn't the way I want it to be between us. I want you to come willingly to me
."

  "Then you will be waiting forever," she said, her voice ragged, her breathing labored as she fought off the last remnants of the spell. "I will never come to you of my own free will."

  He released her abruptly and stepped back. "Hmm…we shall see, my love. We shall see." Drake smiled a secret smile, and then blended into the black velvet of nightfall.

  * * *

  Worried, Hadden glanced over at Miranda. It was the third time he'd done so since he'd picked her up five minutes ago. In the dim glow from the dashboard, he could see the sadness and despair in her eyes. He reached over and lightly fingered a loose tendril of hair on her cheek.

  "Do you still have a problem with this trip?"

  She glanced at him with a slight smile. "Well, it's not everyday I go looking for a witch."

  "Well, think of it as a mini vacation then. That way we have an excuse to stay at that little bed and breakfast I was telling you about last summer. I think we both need to get away from the valley for a while, even if it's just overnight."

  Miranda glanced back to the window, her face displaying a wistful expression that tore at his gut. "Tonight's the fall festival. I hate we have to miss it this year. We had such a wonderful time last time."

  He reached down for her hand and gave it a gentle squeeze. "Hmm, I don't know about that. You might have had a great time, but I don't remember it with quite as much fondness as you do."

  Again that half smile crossed her lips. "Well, that's what happens when you volunteer for the dunking booth."

  Hadden's mouth dropped opened. "Volunteered? If I remember correctly, my dear, you and Jan volunteered me for that hell cage."

  "Hadden, you did say you wanted to do your part for the community."

  "Yeah…but I thought I'd get to do something fairly easy, like man the kissing booth for instance."

  Miranda looked at him in surprise. "We didn't have a kissing booth."

  He nodded glumly. "Yeah I know, but we should have had. I was all set to kiss the prettiest girls in town."

  She laughed, a tinkling sound that was like music to his ears. How long had it been since he'd heard the sound of her laughter? It seemed like forever. He didn't believe in any of this hocus pocus stuff; but if Mary Ellen Campbell could help Miranda, then by God, he'd move Heaven and earth to find the woman.

  "Next year, love," his voice was husky. "I promise we'll go to the festival."

  Miranda nodded and looked back at the window. She lifted her hand and spread it out on the glass as they passed the sign that read: Leaving Silver Valley. "Yes, next year," she agreed, her voice barely above a whisper. But in her heart she doubted the truth of her words. Things were happening too fast, and she didn't know how long she could control the beast that raged within her. No, there would never be another fall festival for her.

  Her thoughts wandered back to Drake and what had happened with him a few short hours ago. She knew she should have told Hadden, but the simple fact was, she couldn't. She was too ashamed to tell him. Even though she knew Drake had used his special power to manipulate her emotions and thoughts, she still felt sick all over at how easily he could have taken her to bed. Why was she so susceptible to his preternatural abilities? Was it because she was part human? Jesus, why wouldn't he take no for an answer and leave the valley? Did he really believe she should pay the debt her mother had left behind so long ago?

  She stared out the window with blind eyes.

  Dear God, so many questions and no easy answers for any of them. And what about Jan? Fear for her best friend crashed in on her like a tidal wave. Please, don't let him hurt Jan, she prayed silently. Drake was a wild card in this crazy deck she'd been dealt. He was capable of anything, and would do anything to convince her to go with him. Even kill her best friend.

  Chapter 11

  * * *

  Jan loaded the last of the leftover balloons and prizes into her station wagon. The festival had been a success, but it would have been better if Miranda had been here to share it with her. They had worked hard to insure that everybody in town would attend; and they had succeeded far better than any other year since the festival began.

  She dropped her oversized purse as she slammed the back door shut. "Damn," she whispered, bending down to scoop it up. If she didn't get home and get some sleep soon, she'd be worthless in art class tomorrow.

  "You're Jan Holloway?"

  She quickly looked up, her mouth dropping open at the sight of the gorgeous blond hunk standing a few feet away. He stood directly under the overhead pole light, the silvery white light creating a halo effect around him. Raw uncensored sensuality seemed to spark off him, coercing an answering response in her that shocked her to the very depth of her being. It had been a long time since any man had made her feel so wanton…so desirable. Who the hell was this stranger who made her feel like tearing her clothes off and beg him to take her right here in the school parking lot?

  Whoa, slow down, girl. You've been too long without a man in your life, if you react this strongly to a complete stranger. Get a grip before someone calls the men in the white suits to carry you away.

  But it was hard for her not to get carried away. He'd just suddenly appeared out of nowhere as if by magic. If not for his black slacks and matching black turtleneck, she would have thought him an angel from Heaven, sent especially for her. He had classic cheekbones and jaw line, and a mouth to die for, she thought in admiration. And his eyes. There was something luminous about his grass green eyes…something that made her feel, strangely enough, feverish and excited.

  She tore her gaze away from him with difficulty. "Why, yes…I'm Jan Holloway." She hugged her purse close to her and gave him a tentative smile. "I'm sorry, but have we met?" She knew damn well they hadn't, but she had to ask anyway.

  He threw back his head and laughed, a low throaty sound that sent a shiver of delight down her spine.

  "No, but please let me introduce myself." He extended his hand. "I'm Drake Guignard. I'm an old friend of Miranda's."

  This beautiful man was a friend of Miranda's, and she'd never told her. Jan shook her head ruefully. Next time she saw Miranda, they were going to have a little talk about keeping secrets. She wondered what other little interesting tidbits her best friend had hidden under her hat. If they were anything like this Drake Guignard, she couldn't wait to hear them.

  Jan slung her purse onto her shoulder and extended her own hand. "Glad to meet you. Funny, but Miranda never mentioned you."

  He smiled. "That's Miranda for you. But she told me a lot about you, Jan, and since I'm in town for a few days, I thought we could get to know each other."

  She shot him a puzzled look. "Have you seen Miranda yet?"

  "Why yes I have, earlier, but she seems to have picked up and left since then. You don't happen to know where she might have gone, do you?"

  Jan started a little when the overhead pole light flickered momentarily, casting a shadow across his lean handsome features. For just a moment she could have sworn she'd seen something inhuman in his dark, green gaze.

  Something she couldn't define, but that sent a ripple of apprehension through her.

  "Do you know where she went?" he asked again. His smooth, caressing voice jolted Jan out of her thoughts.

  She took a deep breath and let it out slowly. She was just being morbid. There was absolutely nothing about this man that could possibly frighten her. After all, he was a friend of Miranda's, wasn't he? She pushed a strand of brown hair behind one ear and smiled her best smile. "No, I'm sorry. When we talked earlier she didn't mention going away."

  "Oh, well, it can't be helped. Perhaps I'll see her again before I have to leave. In the meantime, Ms. Holloway…"

  "Jan, please call me Jan."

  "All right, Jan it is. As two of Miranda's closest friends, why don't we go somewhere and get to know each other a bit better?"

  Jan hesitated, not sure if she really wanted to go anywhere with this handsome stranger. But then again, in a small town li
ke Silver Valley, dates with eligible men were few and far between. And she had to admit this man made her blood positively sizzle. A rare occurrence for me, she thought wryly.

  Sometimes she went out with Steven, but it was more like going out on a date with her brother. She'd known him most of her life. But this man was different, mysterious and exciting, just to name a few things she liked about him. What harm could it do to go over to the all night diner and have a cup of coffee with Drake?

  Almost as if he could read her thoughts, he gave her a knowing look. "I'm sure Miranda would approve."

  "Okay, I suppose it would be all right since you are a friend of Miranda's. But we can't be out too late. I have class tomorrow."

  He took her arm in a surprisingly firm grip. "Don't worry, Jan. Everything will work itself out for the best in the end. It always does."

  * * *

  Hadden slapped the map shut and switched off the car's overhead light. "We missed the turn ten miles back. Just our luck."

  Miranda stretched and yawned. "Okay, we'll just turn around and go back. But before we do, I need to go to the little girl's room."

  "I'll get us something to drink," Hadden said, opening his pick-up truck door.

  They were parked outside the only service station for miles around. The tiny concrete building stood out like a lighted beacon in the shadowy wilderness that surrounded it, she thought wryly as she made her way inside. It had surprised them both to find a place open after midnight way out here, but they had been grateful for small favors after driving for over two hours on a lonely, dark and winding mountain road.

  Miranda had found the rest rooms to be surprisingly clean, and took time to wash her face before she went back out to join Hadden.

  It wasn't until she stepped back into the store that she realized something was wrong, but she didn't know what until she spotted the man in a dirty denim jacket, holding a gun on the old woman who ran the cash register.

  Hadden stood to the side, his hands up in the air, his features pale with tension. Fear leapt into his eyes when he saw her coming around the shelf that held bread goods. "Miranda, stay back."