Free Curse of Tempest Gate by Karen Michelle Nutt Page B

special, but she might as well have been
clothed in fine threads befitting royalty. The cloth flowed over
her skin as if they’d been tailored to the way she moved,
flattering all her curves. “It’s her.” His voice came out in a
hoarse whisper even he didn’t recognize. The scent wafted off of
the female and he must know why it drew him. Why she’d chosen to
wear it like a calling card.
    Gideon had caught up to him and stood beside
him now. His heavy gaze locked onto him. No doubt wondering what
held him captive. No longer one of the Watchers, he didn’t need to
explain his motives. The Watchers left him on his own. They wanted
him to interact with humans, learn to respect them. What a better
way to do so by introducing himself to this female. Then he’d find
out where she bought the perfume she’d doused herself with and be
done with her. His hand gripped the handle of the door, but
Gideon’s words halted him.
    “What are you doing?” Gideon followed his
line of vision. “Do you know her?”
    He didn’t, but he planned on rectifying it.
He pushed open the door and entered. He closed his eyes as the
intoxicating fragrance poured over him in waves of ecstasy, making
him dizzy with lust. “Dear Lord.” His eyelids popped open and his
gaze riveted to the human female. He wanted her, needed her. The
thought consumed him, taking over every other thought.
    The female stared back at him. Her eyes, the
lovely shade of green wavered over him, assessing the situation. He
could see the warrior response in the depths of her eyes. Should
she flee or fight? Her back stiffened and her chin rose in
defiance. He noticed her hand moving to the back of her shirt.
Dagger? No, this was the twenty-first century. She most likely
packed a gun. It didn’t matter. He had to reach her, touch her to
prove she was no illusion.
    He moved with purpose, ignoring Gideon who
had entered behind him, ordering him to stand down.
    What an odd demand. They weren’t on a
battlefield.
    Reaching the woman, he leaned near and
inhaled the featherlike remnants of pine. “Rosemary.” Soothing
cool… mint hit his senses next before a sweeter smoother fragrance
teased him. The combination of all three at once proved his
undoing. His gaze swept over her. He wanted to kiss her… every inch
of her. His eyes narrowed with suspicion, wondering if the woman
enchanted him. “What are you?” His voice was raw with emotion.
    Her lovely arched brows drew together. He
could sense her uneasiness and she jerked away, but didn’t run.
“Did you just sniff my hair?” she asked.
    Even her smooth and musical voice enticed
him. “What enchantment have you cast? The scent, the perfume you
wear, what is it?”
    Her frown deepened and her gaze wavered over
his shoulder. Probably looking at Gideon for an explanation, but
when none came, her gaze met his again. “I’m not wearing any
perfume.”
    “You lie,” he spat, not believing her.
    Gideon placed a firm hand on his shoulder,
gripping it tight in warning. “You’ll have to excuse my friend. His
medication has him—”
    “I’m not on medication,” he snapped. He
caught sight of the young boy starring up at him with wide eyes.
The child moved closer to the female, wrapping his small arms
around hers and leaning against her side. The action was not so
much as if the boy feared Lucca, but to show him, he would protect
the woman.
    Brave lad.
    “He’s not himself,” Gideon insisted and
squeezed his shoulder again, a warning he couldn’t fathom. “He
means no harm. Do you, Lucca?”
    Harm? Lucca was taken aback. Of course he
didn’t mean any harm. He just wanted to… ravish her. The disturbing
fact unsettled him. His pulse quickened at the prospect, the blood
flowing to the part of his anatomy that was more than willing to
make it a reality. He had no control over the feeling coursing
through his body as if some entity had possessed him. He cursed
under his breath and backed away. Turning in a whirl, he