Shadow of My Heart

chapter Two





Cara Hamilton put the creamy Siren Red lipstick on her lips, then puckered up to check the line. The color matched her new dress perfectly. Grabbing her favorite perfume, she spritzed it into the air, letting it fall on her face and long dark curls. Running her hands down her dress, she checked her reflection.

Cara liked the beaded detail on the bodice of the dress and the sexy slit that revealed her right thigh. Slipping on her red stiletto-heeled shoes, she admired the little red heart on the ankle of her silk stockings. She lived on a teacher’s salary, and buying this outfit stretched her budget. However, by supplementing it with income from her small inheritance, she could afford the outfit.

She fastened a simple gold chain with a garnet pendant around her neck and added matching earrings. The garnets sparkled in the light. Cara felt like a princess going to a ball, a sexy, confident, princess.

Tonight, she would be rubbing elbows with the rich and famous, as she received an award for best teacher of the year. Isanti, Inc., the company sponsoring the award, planned a lavish dinner at the Biltmore Hotel in Los Angeles.

She glanced at the clock on her nightstand. Butterflies were dipping and flying in her stomach. Fifteen minutes remained before the limousine arrived. She swirled a long curl around her finger, then mentally stopped herself. Confident, she needed to be confident. Walking into the front room she picked up a beaded evening purse that matched her dress. She quickly surveyed the contents and placed the gold-scripted invitation inside.

Tyler Davidson and his wife Susan would be arriving any minute. Davidson was principal of the elementary school where Cara taught third grade. He insisted that he accompany Cara to the awards dinner, even managing to get a seat for his wife. Davidson always wanted to be in the spotlight. If he could, he would have taken Cara’s place tonight. But the award went to a teacher, not an administrator.

That didn’t stop him from going around bragging that he taught Cara everything she knew. Or saying he was ultimately responsible for her winning, not the community of Redondo Beach who nominated her and organized a letter-writing campaign to vote for her. He wouldn’t think twice about taking the monetary prize that came with the award if he could get away with it.

Luckily, the funds would be used to build a new playground at the school. Isanti, Inc. would be handling the construction and the disposition of the funds. So Cara wasn’t worried about fraud. Tonight she would try to enjoy herself. She worked hard, and the parents of her students believed she deserved this award.

Biting her bottom lip, she worried about the large crowds. At times, she felt overwhelmed when surrounded by lots of people. Her skin would grow hot, and she wouldn’t be able to breathe. The urge to run would crash over her, and panting for breath, she would need to escape.

Cara heard people’s thoughts and sensed their moods. Sometimes, if someone touched her, she would know things about him or her, things she often didn’t want to know. But she had dealt with this all her life. She had learned to build barriers around her mind for protection. Squaring her shoulders, she stood up straighter. She could do this. She walked into the front room and picked up the picture sitting on her desk. She rubbed a finger over the features of Raven Darkwood. He looked so controlled, his eyes cold, their dark depths hiding secrets.

Cara was excited, just knowing what might happen. When her students’ parents nominated her, she looked up Isanti, Inc., on her computer. Raven Darkwood’s picture caught her attention. He was the older brother and CEO of the company. She found only one picture of him, whereas there were dozens of the playboy younger brother, Derek.

Sitting frozen in her chair, she had felt mesmerized by Raven’s face. Turning off the computer became impossible. She wanted to take the loneliness from his eyes and smooth the frown lines from his face. She actually ran her fingers over the screen as if she could touch him. She could picture him looking like an Indian warrior of old, wearing buckskins and feathers in his hair, stoically standing at the top of a mesa.

She printed his picture and kept it on her desk like a talisman. When she got home in the evening, she liked seeing it. She imagined they were kindred spirits, both alone, searching for something, or someone.

Cara was suddenly anxious when she realized that seeking out his picture every evening had become part of her routine. What was wrong with her? Was she becoming obsessed with the man? She immediately picked up the picture and dropped it in the trashcan. She even walked away and left it there. But with her heart pounding, she rushed back to retrieve it. Having the picture had become a need too powerful to ignore. Running her hand over the picture to brush it off, she returned it to her desk.

It was just a picture. A fantasy. Tonight, she might actually meet her fantasy, maybe get a chance to hear him speak. She imagined his voice would be smoky, a low timbre that would brush against her like a caress.

The doorbell rang, snapping her out of her reverie. Cara hurried to answer it. She wished she didn’t have to put up with Davidson for the rest of the evening. At least his wife Susan seemed nice.

Cara opened the door to let in Davidson and Susan. Davidson walked in, his normal pompous self, strutting around with his chest puffed up. The teachers had given him the nickname Rooster Davidson. Susan looked apologetically at Cara and gave her a quick hug.

Cara realized she now knew that Susan was having an affair. Cara held onto her smile, afraid to show the slightest reaction. She hated when that happened—knowledge flowing into her, without her permission.

“Shall we go? The limo should be waiting downstairs,” Cara said, picking up her wrap.



§



Adjusting his bow tie, Raven gave his tuxedo a final inspection. He looked just like he should as a major company’s CEO—calm, confident and slightly aloof. He knew some of his competitors didn’t like that he wore his dark hair long. But he wasn’t worried.

Turning around, he reached for his favorite obsidian knife and slid it in a sheath on his lower leg. His father had given him the knife on his tenth birthday, just weeks before both his parents were killed in a car accident.

Raven never went out without a weapon. He just felt better knowing he had it with him. Spying for General Holland had taught him an important lesson. The world could be a dangerous place.

Raven felt a telepathic nudge before he heard a knock on the door.

“Come in.”

Joe walked into the apartment. From the look on his face, he was worried about something.

“What is it?” Raven asked.

“General Holland picked up that uranium smuggler we uncovered in Iran. They found one of our brochures in his briefcase. I don’t think we can assume he is just interested in Isanti. I think we have to conclude that he knew we were working for the general.”

“What do you think the fallout will be?”

“I’m not sure. The names of our board members are available publicly. You and Derek have the highest profiles. Shoot, Derek is in the news almost every week. He’s got the paparazzi following him everywhere. I think both of you need to be careful for a while. At least until we know if Adar has targeted Isanti, Inc..”

“Add extra security to our facilities as well,” Raven said.

“Already done.”

“That’s why you’re head of security.”

“I thought it was because I am so charming.”

Raven laughed in surprise. People often thought Joe looked like a football linebacker, big and mean. No one would believe he was charming or had a sense of humor. But Joe possessed both and had even played practical jokes when he was a kid. He was also loyal and determined and took his job very seriously.

“I’d love to skip this dinner tonight, Raven suggested. “We could go up to the hunting cabin and hide out for a while.”

“No, you can’t. This is your baby, giving back to the community. We both know you have to be there tonight.”

“You know how I hate crowds. Besides, Derek will show up with his woman de jour and tick me off. Are you sure we can’t go hunting?”

“Come on, Raven. Who knows, maybe you’ll finally meet that woman Quiet Thunder told you about.”

“Maybe. I’ve been waiting a long time. Sometimes I wonder if I’m kidding myself.”

“Don’t lose faith now. She’s out there. You’ll find her. Now, let’s go.”

Raven sighed in resignation as he flipped off the light in the room. He opened a door into Shadow and pictured the outside of the Biltmore Hotel in Los Angeles. They often used the hotel for these kinds of functions. Once he held the image clear in his mind, he walked through Shadow. He could see the street and the shadows behind the huge palm trees in the planters out front. Knowing Joe walked right behind him, Raven stepped out of Shadow and onto the street. Then, he calmly strolled into the front door of the hotel. Joe followed on his heels and moved up to his side. Several reporters started taking pictures, and Raven smiled and waved. He reached into his pocket and drew a small piece of Shadow out, before rubbing the mist around his face. When the reporters checked their pictures, they would be surprised to find his features blurry. He had used that trick more than once over the years.

The reporters were not allowed past the elevators in the hotel. As Raven reached the other side of the elevators and no longer had to worry about photographers, he sighed in relief. He heard Joe in his mind.

No one would believe that you are actually shy.

No one would believe you have a great sense of humor.

Touché

Raven appreciated the banter with his friend. He knew Joe did it to put him at ease. As a result, Raven could actually give the maître d' a real smile, while being ushered into the dining room.

Tonight, the annual awards dinner honored local heroes, a program that Raven initiated. So, here he stood in his tuxedo, surrounded by beautiful people in a lavishly decorated dining room. Now, if only he didn’t feel so alone.

“Is everything to your satisfaction, Mr. Darkwood?” asked the maître d’.

“You’ve outdone yourself again, Felipe. Everything looks wonderful.”

“It is a pleasure to serve you, Sir.”

Felipe bowed low and disappeared into the back. Turning to Joe, Raven said. “Remind me to make sure he gets a good tip.”

“It is a pleasure to serve you, Sir.”

“Very funny, Joe.”

“I thought so. General Holland is approaching. Good luck,” Joe said as he melted into the crowd.

Sure, leave me alone with him, Raven sent on their telepathic link.

You can take him. I have confidence in you. I want to check the security around here.

Don’t insult our hosts.

Of course not.

Raven could hear Joe’s chuckle in his mind and shook his head at his friend, as General Holland and his aide Jacob Kellen reached him. Raven noticed the general wore full military dress for the evening’s events and shook his hand warmly.

“General, so nice to see you, Sir.”

“You clean up real good, Son. Quite a party you have going. Are you keeping up with the martial arts? You look fit.”

“When I have time, Sir. Running a company as big as Isanti keeps me busy.”

After sending Kellen to fetch a drink for him, General Holland expounded on how the government couldn’t afford to lose the men of the Shadow Walker tribe.

Raven tried to look accommodating, but he had no intention of forcing the men of his tribe to continue to spy for the government. They had already given the general years of service, in addition to all the new technology Isanti had developed.

Now, they needed to repopulate the tribe, which meant each of the twelve men on the board would need to find a mate. Not just any woman would do. It must be the one that made his Shadow mark burn. That, not skulking about for the military, was the single most important task of the Shadow Walkers.

Wishing for an escape, Raven glanced across the room. He met the eyes of a woman, dressed in red, who made his breath catch. As he gazed at her, his heart thundered and his tattoo burned on his chest. Her long brown hair fell in soft waves over her shoulders. Her red dress hugged her curves lovingly. Raven wished with all his might that he might hold her as closely. Unable to look away from her, he excused himself from General Holland and made his way toward her. Something about her called to him. He wanted to sketch her, capturing her beauty for all time.

She smiled softly as he approached, welcoming him. Her eyes seemed locked to his, and he felt helpless to look away. His body stirred, and he almost stopped. No woman had ever caused him to lose control. He wouldn’t allow this one to be any different. But even as the thought slipped into his mind, he acknowledged that she was different. Just her presence in the room made his life a little brighter. For the first time, he felt lighter, hopeful. When he finally reached her side, he took her hand and rubbed his thumb gently over her knuckles. Her skin felt as soft as silk and smelled of peaches on a warm summer day. He wanted to press his lips to her skin and see if she would taste as sweet.

“Mr. Darkwood, how nice to finally meet you.”

“Raven, please, and you are?” My mate? The one from the prophecy?

“Cara Hamilton. I won the teacher-of-the-year award your company sponsored.”

“It is a great pleasure to meet you, Miss Hamilton. Are you here alone?” Please let her be alone.

“Please call me Cara. I’m here with the principal of my school, Tyler Davidson, and his wife Susan.”

Raven motioned to the maître d' who stood at his place by the door. The man hurried over.

“Please have Miss Hamilton moved to my table and seated next to me.” He needed her beside him.

“Certainly, Mr. Darkwood.”

“That really wasn’t necessary, Mr. Darkwood.”

“Raven, please.”

“Very well. Raven. That wasn’t necessary.”

“But it was, Cara. Now that I’ve found you I can’t see myself without your lovely company.”

“Very smooth. Do you always take control? I thought Derek Red Hawk was the playboy of Isanti, Inc.”

“And so he is. Do you know my brother?”

“Just what the tabloids tell me.”

“But you are a teacher. You know better than to believe all that you read in them.”

“True . . .”

Just then, a chime sounded signaling the beginning of dinner. Raven placed a proprietary hand on Cara’s back and guided her to the head table and the chair next to his. Cara blushed slightly, but she didn’t protest. Raven felt the warmth of her skin on his palm. He mentally sighed. Never before had he acted so familiar with a woman. He just knew that he needed to touch her. He wanted Cara Hamilton with every fiber of his being. He wasn’t going to miss this chance to get to know her.

As they sat down, Joe looked at him with questions in his eyes. Raven just smiled and gave a little shrug. Before dinner was over, Joe would know everything there was to know about Cara Hamilton. That was fine with Raven. It would make pursuing her easier in the long run.

The old shaman had promised that he would know his mate at first sight. Raven hoped he was right. The tattoo on his chest had burned as promised. He wanted Cara at his side and in his bed. She had to be the one.

As the rest of the assembly was seated, Raven noticed a man scowling at Cara.

“Do you know that man?” Raven asked.

“That’s Principal Davidson and the woman to his right is his wife Susan. He’s probably angry that I have taken the spotlight away from him again.”

“I hope I have not caused problems for you in your work,” Raven said.

“No, but perhaps after dinner, you will allow me to introduce you. Hopefully, that will get him over his funk. I’d hate to have to listen to a lecture all the way back to Redondo Beach.”

“Is that where you live?” Here in California? That meant a long-distance relationship.

“Yes, in a condo overlooking the ocean. I bought it when my parents died in a sailing accident two years ago.”

“I’m sorry. My parents are also deceased. I raised my brother Derek with the help of my mentor, Quiet Thunder. But not to worry, I will see you home after the party.”

“I don’t want to cause you any difficulties.”

“I doubt you could do so.”

Raven felt a glow of pleasure when Cara blushed. He reached over and gave her hand a squeeze.

A hush came over the crowd and then clapping began at the back of the hall. Raven looked up to see Derek entering with a well-known young actress on his arm. They were stopping along the way to wave and talk with others in the Hollywood scene.

“Isn’t that your brother?” Cara asked.

“Yes. With his latest conquest, it seems.”

“You don’t approve?”

“He should be saving himself for his true mate, not playing with every woman he meets. Half our female employees think they are in love with him. He causes a ruckus wherever he goes.”

“He looks very charismatic,” Cara said.

Raven felt a rush of emotion hit him. He blinked in surprise. He was jealous. He didn’t want Cara to think of anyone but him. How did this happen? And so fast?

“Do you think so?” he asked, gritting his teeth.

“Are you jealous?” Cara asked, a teasing note in her voice.

“If I am, it is the first time in my life.”

Cara smiled and put her hand over his clenched fist. He softened his grip as she wound her fingers into his.

“I have to admit something a little embarrassing. I’d hoped we would meet tonight. I saw your picture on the computer and felt an instant connection to you,” Cara said, leaning close, her voice lowered. Her fragrance flowed over him, a light floral scent, tantalizing his nose.

“Then, we are both caught, Cara. I feel the same way. I want more than anything to kiss you right now. But perhaps that should wait until we know each other a little better.”

Cara laughed, and he felt his heart lighten again. She enchanted him, and he was determined that she would be his. Derek and his guest finally reached the head table and joined them. Raven made the introductions and signaled the maître d' to start serving. When Raven introduced Cara, Derek looked at him in surprise. But Raven didn’t owe his brother an explanation, not after all the women Derek fooled around with.

The first course was served, and Raven felt surprised how relaxed he felt. He listened to Cara talk about her school and students. He soaked up the information, wanting to know everything about her.

Derek’s date was charming and entertaining as well. She was nothing like the bimbo she played on television. Raven realized that his brother felt real affection for the woman. Yet no sexual tension sparked between them. They appeared to be good friends. Joe joined them, as well as Dr. Frederick “Rick” White Fox, resident doctor for Isanti, Inc.

When the main course was served, Raven found he was actually enjoying himself. Cara’s presence delighted him, and he couldn’t stop smiling. She added to the conversation but never tried to control it. A highly intelligent woman, she seemed well informed about current events. She didn’t appear intimidated by the rich and famous. If anything, she seemed relaxed and confident. Raven fell deeper under her spell.

He took a pen out of his breast pocket and turned the program over to find a blank place on the paper. Making the first line, he watched Cara, as he drew her likeness on the program. He wanted to remember everything about her, the shape of her cheek, and the fullness of her lips. When he finished, he slipped the program into his pocket.

As the waiters were clearing the dinner plates, Raven suggested they visit with Cara’s principal and his wife. Raven motioned the maître d' over and asked that a bottle of champagne be delivered to the pair. Then, he escorted Cara to the principal’s table. He liked how she waited for him, and he settled a hand on her back as they walked through the tables. Cara smiled at him as she turned to the couple.

“This is the principal of my school, Tyler Davidson, and his wife Susan,” Cara said. “May I present Raven Darkwood, CEO of Isanti, Inc.”

“I hope you don’t mind that I stole Cara away. You must be proud to be the principal responsible for such a dedicated educator,” Raven said. This man needed to be appeased for Cara’s sake.

“Well, it was a little forward, but I suppose we will have to forgive her,” Davidson answered.

“I hope you will accept this champagne in honor of our future project,” Raven said. “Isanti looks forward to creating a new playground that the children will find stimulating and enjoyable. My contractor will, of course, be calling you next week. Perhaps, you have some ideas you would like to discuss with him?”

Raven glanced at Cara and noticed that her smile seemed a little strained. He’d laid it on thick, but he’d also tried to protect her. Davidson could cause trouble for Cara if he felt slighted.

“As a matter of fact, I do have some suggestions,” Davidson said.

“I will make sure that my contractor knows to look to you for suggestions and ideas,” Raven said. “I hope you will allow me to see Miss Hamilton home. I find myself unable to let her go. I will, of course, provide a limo to take you home tonight.”

Raven offered their excuses, and taking Cara by the arm, led her back toward the head table.

“I know you are upset. Did I lay it on too strong?” he asked.

“I’m not sure you should encourage him,” Cara said. “Please don’t have your contractor listen to his ideas. He could care less whether the children have a fun and safe place to play. He only cares that he looks good.”

“I was just trying to diffuse his anger over your sitting at the head table. I don’t want to cause you trouble, Cara.”

“Somehow, I get the feeling you are trouble, Mr. Darkwood.”

“Raven.”

“Raven, just so you know, you are already providing their limo because they rode in the one you sent for me as part of my prize,” she said.

“Somehow that doesn’t surprise me. But I will still see you home tonight,” Raven said as he pulled her chair out and helped seat her. He glanced at his friend Joe. Raven knew that when Joe got up and excused himself, he would ask the hotel to order them a limo to escort Cara home.

The ride home was the conclusion of a wonderful evening. Clutching her award in her hand, not only did Cara avoid having to ride home with Principal Davidson, but she was able to spend more time with Raven. He gave her his card with his email and phone numbers, and she promised to get in touch right away.

They held hands and talked as if they’d known each other forever. It felt familiar and comfortable. If the chauffeur and Raven’s security guard Joe had not been there, Raven and Cara might have done more than talk. But she was ever mindful of the eyes that watched them. Raven seemed to be, as well, because he made no attempt to do anything except hold her hand.

The hour-long ride finished too soon, and Raven got out of the car to escort her up the elevator and to her door. She wanted to ask Raven in, but the limo waited for him downstairs.

After they reached her door, she turned and smiled. “I guess this is goodnight.” But oh how she hoped it wasn’t goodbye!

“I’ll be waiting to hear from you,” Raven said, leaning his hand against the wall near her head. “Thank you for such a wonderful evening. I usually hate these kinds of events. But having you at my side made the evening much more palatable. I want to see you again, Cara. Please say you will.”

“I would love to. This evening was a fairytale come true for me,” Cara replied. Would he kiss her? Should she kiss him?

They both seemed to move closer at the same moment. Cara lifted her face to his as he lowered his lips to hers. The kiss was slow, sweet, and tender. Cara sighed as Raven’s tongue swept over her bottom lip. He moved his tongue into her mouth, teasing and tantalizing, but only tasting. He didn’t swoop in and overpower her senses. He coaxed and teased at her lips until she trembled with need.

“I’ll be waiting for your call, Cara,” Raven said as he pulled away from her and kissed her temple. Then, taking the keys from her shaking hands, he opened the door and ushered her inside.

“It’s late, sweetheart. Call me tomorrow.”

Cara sighed and nodded her head in acknowledgement. She was afraid to speak, afraid she would beg him to stay. He stepped out the door, a male look of satisfaction on his face. Then, slowly he reached inside and closed the door behind him.

Cara stood frozen to the spot. Only when she heard his footsteps moving down the hallway, was she able to move to the door and lock it. Shaking her head, she headed for her bedroom.

“Boy, do I have it bad.”