Taken (Sinful Series - book 1)

Landon

Landon first shook off the stupor which came with seeing someone in medical emergency. He didn’t like Jack as a person but their personal differences did not impact his judgement. No one was going to die under his watch. Landon had rushed to Jack’s side and quickly recognized the signs of silver poisoning. Whoever spiked Jack’s food put just enough for his throat to swell and close, causing a painful suffocation. Just as Landon was going to shout for assistance in locating their first aid kit, Glen come rushing, sliding over the shiny hardwood as a professional baseball player over the home base. It wasn’t until Glen injected the life-saving drug that Landon noticed he had been away. The long term bodyguard’s appearance had a suspicious timing. By all means Glen was supposed to be heading out for the medical kit right about now instead of rushing back in with it. Something did not add up.

Landon thought about his own charge. It was time for them to go.

Only Violet wasn’t at the table.

He frantically stood up, made a full three-sixty, before he called out:

“Violet.”

“I ran into her. We were both headed for the medical kit. First left down the hallway,” Glen gave him the information he needed.

Landon’s heart raced as he pushed himself to the limit taking the distance in record time. He needed to see Violet and to make sure she was okay. He still couldn’t believe it took one commotion for him to react instead of to think. It was situations like this that she needed his protection the most.

When he finally picked her scent, he relaxed only to grit his teeth when he found her sprawled on the floor. He went down on his knees by her side, checking her neck for pulse. It was slower and threader than he expected. His eyes roamed her body checking for injuries while his hands quickly worked to evaluate her condition. There was no apparent trauma, so excluding natural causes, only one option remained. His fingers slipped around her jaw line then next gently cradling her head, and feeling for any bumps. The small bump on the back of her head confirmed what he suspected. Someone had intentionally knocked her out. Just as he was about to lift her up, her eyes fluttered open. He gently brushed his thumbs across her cheeks.

“Ouch,” she groaned and tried sitting up only for Landon to steady her.

“Take it easy. No sudden movements,” Landon told her. “Headache?”

“Yes. My whole head is throbbing. Worse than a hangover,” Violet explained, closing her eyes and moving into his chest.

Headache and sensitivity to light were definite signs of head trauma. As long as she did not become overly sleepy or nauseated, her shifter side would be able to heal any possible bleeds. At least that was the theory. Rejected wolves had a varying presence of their beast, making their healing and once enhanced abilities different case per case.

“What’s the last thing you remember?”

“How’s Jack?” Violet’s hand took hold of his wrist, looking at his watch. Landon found her repeated interest in his watch endearing, assuming more intimacy in it than what she intended.

“He got the epi in time,” Landon told her.

“Glen. I remember talking to Glen,” Violet tried to remember more but then shook her head.

Landon sighed and picked her small frame in his arms, bringing her in Jack’s study which was only a door down. Landon halted at the doorstep as his eyes scanned the condition of the room. Violet’s cold hands brushed the hairs at the back of his neck, focusing his attention on her.

“What?” She asked him, turning in his arms to look at the room.

“I didn’t do this,” Violet quickly told him at the sight of the ransacked room. Landon gave her what he hoped to be an encouraging smile. In reality he was stressed. Not only did she wander off, but he had failed to protect her. Vigilance would be difficult to maintain if he was so easily distracted. He tried to catch a scent of the person behind this. Violet noticed his concentration and tapped him on the shoulder to let her go, which Landon reluctantly did.

“Do you think it’s safe?”

“No. Stay here,” Landon told her, before doing a quick walk though the office. He took notice of things that did not make sense. Just as any break in there were broken glass and scattered paperwork all over the room. His eyes lingered on pictures of pack order officials. Some he personally knew others he recognized by name. Whatever Jack was into, these were highly influential shifters responsible for the latest legislation. Whether Jack was selling intel or vetting for pack order, one thing was certain. These were carefully compiled dossie of the top brass of pack order.

If there were missing pages or they looked disturbed other than tossed around, Landon would have bought into the break-in theory. Burglars stole, killed or destroyed property. Right now whatever this was about, did not fit into one category.

His mind lingered back to Violet, who could have easily been abducted.

Obviously whatever they were looking for wasn’t in this room nor were they after Violet as she could have been easily abducted. But she wasn’t. Which meant this was about something else. Landon hoped Jack was not stupid enough to sell pack order dossiers on the dark web. Pack Order might not have the experienced grey hat hackers Jack employed. But they sure had numbers. Enough man power often was all it took to outperform the most brilliant mind.

By the time he was at Violet’s side once again, he had more questions than answers.

“You okay?” Landon inquired ignoring proper grammar. Violet nodded. “We’ve got to go.”

“Let’s take our leave,” Violet started only for Landon to shake his head.

They were not wasting time on saying goodbye when there was possible danger on the premises. Jack was obviously involved into something shadier, which was definitely not Landon’s problem. He had no intention of taking more responsibility than his commitment to Violet.

“He’ll understand. We need to go,” Landon tried scooping her up in his arms. Truth be told, he knew she was fine walking, but a sick part of him wanted her in his arms. It was much easier to indulge it than to fight it.

“I can walk,” Violet argued.

Of course she would make that point. Her independence and self-reliance was what attracted Landon the most. Landon gritted his teeth to suppress his growl. He was not ready to let her go. He reluctantly allowed her feet back to the ground.

“Stay behind me and move as silent as you can,” Landon told her.

Violet followed him through the landmine of debris and cluttered documents. He cautiously stopped and looked around the corners anticipating danger. His mind still could not wrap around how someone was willing to break into the house during daylight and with so many guests in the house.

Landon was glad they did not encounter any living soul on their way to the parking lot. Once in her car, he drove off in a hurry.

“Would you now tell me what’s going on?”

He could hear the fear in her voice.

“What’s the point of having me around if you run off on your own?” Landon decided to answer her question with the most important topic on his mind. Jack could go to hell for all Landon cared.

“For someone who hates Jack, you were the first to respond. Could you seriously blame me for wanting to help?” Violet’s observation was impeccable as always. Under different circumstances he would have smiled at how accurate her remark was. But not now. Not when he almost lost her for the likes of Jack.

“I didn’t think. I reacted,” Landon confessed. It was shameful, but true.

“Well, I didn’t think either. Jack has that nasty peanut butter allergy. I should have figured Glen would have gone for it too.” Violet told him.

“You are light on your feet,” Landon said.

“Thank you,” Violet took his words as a compliment.

“Don’t thank me yet,” Landon told her then sighed, “You reacted quickly, but yet Glen beat you up.”

“What are you implying?”

“How well do you know him?”

“Landon,” Violet started but then he interrupted.

“The simplest explanation is the most likely,” Landon shrug his shoulders and continued, “Glen must be the most capable bodyguard or involved. He grabbed that epi and returned back before even I figured out Jack ingested enough silver for his throat to swell.”

“Sweetheart, it’s okay that he reacted faster than you,” Violet encouraged him, patting his forearm with her warm hand.

“I am not jealous,” Landon argued.

“I was teasing you,” Violet smiled.

“So you agree?”

“I don’t want to, but I see your point,” Violet told him.

“Good,” Landon told her. As he stopped by a traffic light he turned to face her, “It was a distraction for whoever did that to his office to slip through the security. They were after something Jack has, and you interrupted their search.”

“I know I could have been hurt worse,” Violet immediately responded.

Landon kept his eyes on her thinking of what he would have done if he had lost her.

Violet

Those blue eyes showed his brewing emotions that he otherwise hid so well. The anger he showed in front of her was only to prevent her from seeing the fear.

“I can protect you only if you are with me,” Landon continued their conversation, breaking their intense moment to drive.

Weird satisfaction washed over her at Landon’s words, “You are with me.” Even though he did not mean it in the way she wanted, it did not change the fact she wanted to belong with someone.

There was a difference between belonging to someone and belonging with someone. The first implied some sick sense of ownership she would never approve, while the second spoke of intimacy and understanding. Her stomach turned with anxiety. He was right. She should have called out to him before her mad woman dash for the epi.

Relationship with him though was wishful daydreaming at best. Landon was way over her league. Even if he by some chance would entertain a one-night stand, she was sure she wouldn’t know what to do with him. Her experience was rather limited.

Her cheeks felt warm and Violet knew the blush betrayed her thoughts. Luckily, he was not able to read her mind, or otherwise this car ride would be beyond embarrassing.

‘Set the expectations low, then you are never disappointed’, Violet reminded herself.

“Ask me already,” Landon’s voice brought her back to reality. It wasn’t irritation in his voice she detected. While his tone might have qualified as sharp, she knew better.

“You’re worried,” Violet spoke. This wasn’t the question he expected and he immediately confirmed it by looking over to her side.

“Of course, I am worried about you,” Landon told her.

Violet did not miss the fact he didn’t deny it, but went as far as to specify her as his main concern. Although it felt good to be looked after this was not the relationship she wanted with him. Before she could say a thing, Landon continued.

“Wouldn’t you be?”

Violet nodded. There were only few things she could say without making this conversation awkward, and as luck may have it she could not come up with anything. Her mind was blank, gulping in Landon’s presence and leaving her lightheaded in her attempt not to allow any of her feelings to show. Last thing she needed was to lose a perfectly capable bodyguard to her awkwardness.

“Do you think what happened to Jack is connected to my drink in Inferno?” Violet finally asked him what she really wanted to know. Besides talking about Jack was safe.

Landon knitted his brows, carefully considering his reply. It was all the answer Violet needed. It was a possibility he could not easily dismiss.

“At this point of time anything is possible. But knowing Jack, I wouldn’t be surprised if it was one of his shadier clients trying to get their papers and to skip on his bill.” Landon’s deep baritone did not fully alleviate the restless in her stomach. “Don’t you want to ask me something else?”

“Jack got under your skin,” Violet knew he wanted to discuss his former pack. Violet did not see any use of politics. She could never understand why they kept on running in circles than just straight out spit the truth no matter how inconvenient that was. It sure built character – something all politicians she knew desperately needed.

“He always does.” Landon admitted. “I am associated with the Red Bloods pack by blood only.”

“Landon, you should know ranks don’t impress me,” Violet told him honestly. “Your physique and inquisitiveness suggest you may have a rank. It doesn’t surprise me you are actually be titled. Jack was just teasing you.”

“I don’t have a title.” Landon told her.

“You don’t need the ‘Beta’ in front of your name to be a Beta. You have the same genes as your twin, so yes, you are a Beta. Blood is blood. It just does not turn over to water because of a couple of minutes.”

“I believe the saying applies to family ties, not titles.” Landon told her.

“It’s open to interpretation,” Violet challenged him to argue further. “Besides, between you and me, I think you’ve got all the brains.”

“How would you know when you haven’t even met Aidan?”

“He’s playing house with your ex. You dodged a bullet. He is stuck with it… eh her,” Violet gave him a new prospective of his mating.

“You really have a unique way to look at things,” Landon told her, scratching the back of his neck.

“Thanks,” Violet blushed at his praise.

“Violet,” his voice startled her and she opened her eyes to look at him. “How’s your headache?”

“Same. Throbbing,” Violet responded.

“You need to stay awake as I am not certain how much of a hit you took,” Landon informed her.

Violet rolled down the window, allowing the fresh air to breeze into her face.

“Go ahead, joke. I am like a puppy,” Violet challenged him only for the corners of his lips to shoot up, as he was suppressing his laughter. “I feel motion sick.”

“We’re almost at your place,” Landon told her.

“Hmm,” Violet mumbled.

“What I miss the most is the wind in my face,” Landon told her. “I guess, that’s why I like my bike.”

“I always loved the moment when you leap and soar through the air. I guess I should try paragliding. Have you done it?” Violet inquired.

“I’ve done skydiving,” Landon told her.

“How was it?”

“Honestly?”

“Always.”

“I almost shit my pants,” Landon laughed.

“Oh, come on. You just don’t want me trying it.”

“I don’t want you doing it,” Landon repeated her words keeping his eyes on her. It was a provocation Violet could not go unanswered. If he was indeed referencing the something of intimate nature, she owed it to herself to find out. There was only one way to find out.

“And what should I do then?” Violet asked.

Landon

“And what should I do then?”

Landon smiled at her, keeping his eyes on her instead of the road, wondering how she would react if he just say me.

“You don’t need to put yourself in danger to feel alive. There are easier ways to get that adrenaline rush,” Landon told her, keeping his eyes on the road.

Violet bit her lip and did not say anything else for quite some time, occasionally stealing away a glance in his direction when she thought he wasn’t looking. It was hard keeping things professional between there was so much desire between them. Even if they tried to ignore it for now, Landon knew they would inevitably reach a peak from where they would be no turning back. The adrenaline rush he so casually referred would be shared between their sweaty bodies. Landon was equally excited and terrified at the prospective. Life had taught him once there was no way but down. He was not ready to lose her.

The drive to her apartment complex was far too short. He reminded himself the danger and the adrenaline high they both experienced were enough to bring primal needs forward. Under normal circumstances his mind would never linger at her scent nor urge him to tug her in his arms. He was her bodyguard, not boyfriend, he reminded himself. She did not need him complicating their relationship with his issues.

Thinking about work gave him a new focus. He needed to talk to her about her safety moving forward. He had to explain to her the simple rule of staying alive – standing by his side. It was simple but yet she had chosen to wonder off alone. The cause did not matter. She needed to know he can only protect her if he was around. She also needed training. Imagining Violet in a sports bra and shorts was far more dangerous that he assumed. The constriction of his pants served to prove that.

“What are your plans for the day?” He inquired, trying to keep his mind occupied.

“Nap, snack and go to Velvet.” Violet replied.

“I have to do an errand sometime today,” Landon shared as it seemed reciprocation was the only fair reply. “I need to know you’re protected.”

“Fixer stuff?” Violet inquired.

Landon smiled at how quickly her mind read the situation. He nodded then replied, “I can’t tell you much about it. I need to step out for couple of hours.”

“My shift is seven to morning. I will be fine on my own, which will leave you enough time to do your top secret Fixer work.” Violet told him.

“It’s going to be a long night,” Landon sighed, rubbing his face thinking about the prisoner who was patiently waiting for his return. Enhanced interrogation had to consistent to yield results. The situation with Jack did not help either. He knew he would have to eventually look into it otherwise his sense of responsibility would guilt him, preventing him from enjoying Violet’s company. When he first took on the job, he never thought it would be so difficult to leave her side.