Make Me A Match (The Matchmaker) Read online

  “Owen?”

  “Hmm?”

  “If you could warm me,” she whispered, docile now. “Why didn’t you do it before?”

  I opened my eyes and stared at the shadowed ceiling. Shite, how to respond? “I didn’t realize you were that cold.”

  “Liar.” She tilted her head back and looked into my eyes. “Why, Owen?”

  I loved how she said my name, a breathless sound. For some reason, when she looked at me like that, I couldn’t lie. “Because…because I didn’t want to touch you.”

  She frowned, pushing against my chest and sitting up, obviously offended. Her absence left me cold. “You hate me that much?”

  “No.” I shoved aside the blanket and stumbled to my feet. I couldn’t be this close to her. I couldn’t think, and if I couldn’t think, I might say something I didn’t want to admit, shouldn’t admit. I stood with my back to her, trying to regain control.

  “Then why?” she demanded. “Come on, Owen, just be honest with me for once. I’m so sick of people lying!”

  I closed my eyes briefly and swallowed hard. Why couldn’t she have let it go? Why? Because she was so bloody stubborn. Fine, she wanted answers, she’d get answers. “Because if I touched you, I knew I’d do this.”

  I spun around, latched on to her arms and jerked her forward. My lips found hers in a kiss that stole the air from my lungs. I meant it to be a quick kiss, but when she molded against me, sinking into my body, I knew it was going to be anything but quick. She slid her hands up my chest and around my neck, and…shite…she was kissing me back. I couldn’t deny it, we had some weird connection neither of us seemed able to control. Didn’t want to control. My hands went around her, gripping her tightly to me. Things were getting out of hand really fast and I knew it was a mistake the moment it happened.

  Mistake, it’s a bloody mistake, I repeated to myself.

  With all the strength I had, I pulled away from her, stumbling back. For one long moment, we merely stood there staring at each other, our breathing harsh in the quiet house. Finally, I managed to move toward the windows, putting much-needed distance between us. It didn’t help. I had a feeling nothing would help.

  “Get some sleep,” I said gruffly.

  Coward that I was, I couldn’t talk to her anymore. No further sharing. No intimate secrets. Instead, I paced in front of the windows. I knew she was too stunned to speak about what had happened, and I was too damn confused.

  I could not—I would not—fall in love with my Matchmaker.

  If I did, we would both pay…with our lives.

  Chapter 12

  Emma

  “Merci,” Owen said as we stepped from a car driven by some older Frenchman I’m pretty sure was a serial killer, if the way he leered at me was any indication.

  But hey, I’d take my chances with a serial killer if it meant I didn’t have to walk. My feet were killing me from last night’s jaunt through the French countryside, and even though I should have been shocked by the incident with the vampires, I was more confused by Owen’s kiss. You knew your life was screwy when you were more concerned with your feelings for a guy, than the fact you were being stalked by demons.

  “Here it is,” Owen said as the car drove away, leaving us on a cobbled street on the outskirts of a stereotypical European town.

  “Holy Medieval Times,” I whispered.

  Stone walls surrounded the ancient French city of Protéger. I knew the name of the city meant “protect,” which to the normal person would make sense. The walls were built to protect the town from attack way back during the 1500s. But I knew it had a deeper meaning. The walls were here to protect people like me from things that attacked in the night. Things that terrified little children, but no one truly believed were real. Things I hadn’t believed were real…until now.

  The streets were teeming with tourists, the city thriving with people eating at small cafés and browsing in quaint shops, completely unaware of the reality in which they resided. The tap of our shoes echoing against stone buildings was lost in the excited pulse of an active town. The sun was brilliant and warm overhead, shimmering off the stone road and the buildings packed tightly together. In the air was the scent of freshly baked bread and other spices I recognized, but didn’t know. It was heaven…or at least my definition of heaven.

  “Try not to touch anyone,” Owen said softly.

  Easier said than done, but I knew he didn’t want me to have a flash at the moment, and frankly, I didn’t want to have one either. Keeping close to him, I focused on my surroundings. I could sense the history of the place, feel it in my bones as if the stone walls were a very part of my being. This is what I’d wanted to experience, and in a way I was glad we were here.

  But as excited as I was to be in France, I couldn’t ignore the danger that loomed around me, hovering above like evil flying monkeys. Evening would be here soon and with dusk, according to Owen, came the monsters. I felt Owen beside me, felt his strength and warmth even though we didn’t touch. As much as I didn’t want to rely on him, I was growing used to his comforting presence.

  We made it through the city and to the outskirts of town without my brushing against anyone. “So, where are we going?”

  He nodded toward a road that curled its way up the hill ahead. “See that large building?”

  At the top of that steep road, I could just make out the peaks of a massive gray castle. “Yeah.”

  “That’s the Consulate.”

  I paused next to a bakery shop, stunned. “I’m going to live there?”

  He nodded as if it were no big deal.

  “I’m going to live in a castle?”

  “It was actually more of a fortress.” He watched me warily, as if he didn’t understand why I was shocked. “But yeah, you are living there. They aren’t as great as you’d think. Drafty, cold water, leaky pipes.”

  “A castle?” Lizzie would freaking die. I had to send her a picture ASAP. I pulled my cell from my back pocket, intending to send her a photo.

  Owen sighed. “We need to go. They’re coming.”

  He started down a narrow street, leaving me behind.

  “Wait…what?” I clicked a quick, blurry picture and raced after him, shoving the phone back into my pocket. He didn’t sound anxious or worried about whoever they were. But then why were we hurrying? So far, the visitors who’d come calling hadn’t exactly been welcome. “They? Should we be nervous?”

  “Of course not. They’re the Consulate.”

  Okay, so why then did I get a feeling he wasn’t so excited to be back? The soft rumble of an engine interrupted the noise of town. Owen paused where two roads intersected, so I did too. A black car with tinted windows came around the corner and slowed.

  “What is this, a Men in Black movie?”

  Owen reached out and opened the back door. “Get in.”

  I didn’t question him; I was too freaking tired. Besides, whether I wanted to or not, I trusted him. I slid inside, sinking onto the soft leather seats. Owen followed. The man driving didn’t say a word, merely took off through the narrow streets, weaving his way up the steep road toward that imposing castle. How he’d known we’d arrived, I hadn’t a clue.

  “Are you all right?” Owen asked.

  “Yeah, of course.”

  Of course I wasn’t all right. How could I be? I was moving into a freaking castle with a bunch of strangers. It was like the medieval version of The Bachelorette, except in the finale I’d end up with a soul-sucking demon instead of a bachelor. Okay, maybe it was exactly like the show.

  “Emma, you’re trembling.”

  I laughed, a hysterical bubble of laughter I couldn’t quite contain. “Of course I’m not!”

  The driver flicked a glance toward us in the rearview mirror. His eyes said it all…That girl is crazy. Okay, embarrassing. I never, ever showed my emotions in public. But somehow within the last week, I’d lost sense of who I was. I remained silent. I wasn’t about to spew my feelings for the driv
er’s entertainment, and I already looked weak enough in front of Owen. But shock of all shockers, I suddenly felt his fingers wrap around mine. I glanced at our entwined hands, not daring to move, barely breathing. Was he actually offering me comfort?

  In the space of a week I’d discovered I had magical powers, and that not only were there demons, but also vampires. Oh, and to top it off, I’d been almost killed twice. But the most shocking thing of all was how I suddenly felt about Owen. Or maybe I’d always felt this way about him. I hadn’t needed anyone in my seventeen years. No, I’d spent most of my life needing no one.

  “You’ll be safe here.”

  “Of course.”

  I closed my eyes and leaned my head back against the seat, but didn’t pull my hand away. No, instead I sat there, acutely aware of every second that passed while his palm was pressed to mine. I focused on the warmth of his touch, his fingers—long and strong—wrapped around mine. Maybe it was my imagination but I swore as I focused on Owen, the pain in my head eased either because he was taking my ache, or because his touch was a comfort I desperately needed.

  I was growing way too used to having Owen around. And what would happen if I lost him? If he left? Hell, I’d practically raised and supported myself and my sister. But this…fighting demons and vampires? For this I feared I needed Owen, and damn it all, I didn’t want to.

  “You will be safe, Emma,” he said softly.

  I opened my eyes and stared into his green gaze. For some reason, I believed him.

  The car slowed in front of a set of iron gates. My heart skipped a beat before breaking into a gallop. The large stone castle loomed on the crest above us, overlooking the city below. It was even more impressive close up.

  “You’ve got to be freaking kidding me,” I whispered.

  “No,” Owen replied quite seriously. “It’s real. It’s where we meet and where many of us reside.”

  The gates opened automatically. I briefly wondered if it was electronics or magic that made them move. Just the fact that I was wondering if magic was involved had me shaking my head. “Us? You mean Protectors?”

  The car drove through the gates, up a drive that curved toward the massive front door. “Yes, Protectors and some of the Matchmakers too.”

  The driver parked the car beside a set of shallow steps.

  “How many Matchmakers live here?”

  “Not many,” Owen said, letting go of my hand. “Only a few. But there are other beings outside these walls, throughout the entire world.” He pushed the door wide and stepped outside.

  “Other beings? What the heck does that mean?” I slid across the seat and followed. This close, the castle was even larger than I’d realized. The building felt almost alive, threatening in some way.

  He shrugged. “What you would call magical people, what we call Otherworldly.”

  The driver took off, following the drive and disappearing around the fortress toward what I assumed was some cave where they parked the Batmobile. Frowning, I studied the many dark windows above. No flicker of curtains, or any indication of movement. With that many people, the place should have been thrumming. But it was quiet, so quiet.

  “So,” I said. “Only Matchmakers and Protectors inside?”

  He started up the stairs. “Yes.” He pushed open the large door, the hinges squeaking in protest. “You coming?”

  As if I had a choice. I moved hesitantly up the steps, only to pause on the threshold. Inside, the foyer was rich and inviting…a home, not the depressing dungeon I’d been imagining. White walls contrasted against dark floorboards that were polished and shiny, while a golden chandelier hung above, giving the area a warmth I wouldn’t have expected. A wide staircase curved up to a second floor.

  “I could get used to living here,” I mumbled.

  Owen shrugged, completely indifferent to the wealth surrounding us. “It has its benefits.”

  Beyond in the rooms on either side I could see people standing around fireplaces, books in hand. Some sat in leather chairs, chatting. A few looked our way, curiosity in their gazes.

  “I’ll take you to your bedroom, but first we have to deal with the Consulate.”

  “Oh, goodie,” I muttered.

  Owen gave a few people a nod of acknowledgment as he cupped my elbow and we started down the hall, but there were no cheerful greetings as if between friends.

  He hadn’t even introduced me to anyone. Heck, maybe they weren’t close. Or maybe he wanted to get rid of me so he could complain to his friends in private. “What’s the hurry?”

  Was he afraid I’d bolt? I couldn’t deny that I was thinking about it. No chance of showering, changing clothes; it was right into battle. I suddenly felt trapped. We turned a corner and started down yet another hall, this one windowless and darker. Even in the depths of the bowels they spared no expense; the same polished floors and pristine white walls ran throughout the place.

  Owen released his hold as we paused in front of a wide set of double doors. “They didn’t exactly know you existed.”

  I tensed. “What do you mean?”

  “I mean when I sensed you, I didn’t tell them. I didn’t exactly get permission to leave.”

  Permission? He had to have permission to leave? Did that mean I had to have permission as well? “What exactly are you talking about?”

  “Owen?” Someone came rushing breathlessly down the corridor. “Where have you been?”

  The beautiful brunette didn’t pause but hurled herself at him, throwing her arms around his neck. So he did have friends. He caught her, his arms wrapping around her narrow waist in a hug. I wouldn’t admit it out loud, even under torture, but yeah, my jealousy flared to life.

  She stepped back, her hands cupping his face while his grip remained on her waist. “Everyone has been wondering what happened to you!”

  Great, she even had a sexy Spanish accent. Better and better. Who the hell was she? Some groupie with a crush?

  Owen slid me a glance. I folded my arms across my chest and quirked a brow. Yep, still here, buddy, and still watching. God, I wasn’t sure whether to be amused or angered.

  “Pet, this is Emma, my new Matchmaker.”

  Pet? As in she was his little pet? How disgustingly adorable, and I was pretty sure sexist. She glanced at me with disinterest, then did a double take. “Oh.” Her baby blue eyes blinked wide. “It’s…nice to meet you.”

  She couldn’t hide her shock, not from me, someone trained to notice everything. “Yeah, nice to meet you too.”

  “Sorry.” She flushed. “I just wasn’t expecting a Matchmaker, and not one so…young.”

  I didn’t have time to contemplate her odd reaction.

  “We have to go,” Owen interrupted, untangling himself from her arms, much to my relief. “They’re waiting.”

  “Of course.” I didn’t miss the way her hand lingered on his bicep. Good God, could the girl not take a hint? “I’ll see you later?”

  I stiffened. No freaking way! See you later? As in they saw each other often? I had the sick feeling that this wasn’t some crush, but something more two-sided. Was he seriously dating her?

  He rubbed the back of his neck. I knew him well enough by now to know he felt uneasy. Uneasy because she made him uneasy, or uneasy because he’d been caught?

  “Yes. Sure. See you later.”

  Appeased, she turned and sashayed away, disappearing around the corner and leaving behind a trail of perfume.

  “Who—”

  “Come on, they’re waiting.” Owen quickly pushed the double doors wide and stepped aside. Talk about avoidance. “Ready?”

  Of course he was rushing me into the room on purpose. I couldn’t believe it, but I shouldn’t have been surprised. He’d kissed me just last night. Hell. I couldn’t let it go. “You have a girlfriend?”

  I was barely aware of the huge auditorium with tiers of seats that descended toward a dais at the bottom. Nothing like feeling like a gladiator headed toward battle. But none of that
mattered because suddenly the most important answer for me to uncover was whether Owen was taken.

  He frowned. “No. Not at all. She’s…”

  What? I wanted to say, but didn’t have time.

  “You’ve arrived,” a voice boomed.

  I narrowed my eyes, attempting to see the face of the guy who stood at the bottom of the room. An older man in a long robe, wizard-style like Jotham. Behind him was a dais where five other adults sat, three men, two women, all watching me with expressionless faces. Holy hell, they hadn’t been there just a few seconds ago when we’d first entered. I was sure of it. Owen’s love life was all but forgotten.

  “Yes, my lord,” Owen replied, taking hold of my upper arm and dragging me down the stairs. Annoyed and tired of being led around like a child, I jerked away from him. Fortunately those seats that spread across the coliseum were empty. I couldn’t imagine what it would be like to enter this place with an audience.

  The man’s gaze drifted to mine. “Ms. Watts, I presume? Please, come in. Do sit.” He waved a long, pale hand toward the end of the table where there was a vacant chair.

  So that was it then? This was the Consulate? I admit I was a bit underwhelmed by them…a bunch of old men and women in robes. Still, there was something intimidating about the entire situation. Unwillingly, I moved toward the chair. They just sat there silently, watchful, as if they’d expected me all along when Owen had said they hadn’t even known about my existence.

  I settled at the end of the long table, feeling as if I were on trial. Maybe I was. The torches that burned around the room only added to the eeriness of the entire situation. Didn’t they have electricity? And Owen…he was of no help. He merely stood in the shadows, ignoring me.

  “You left without word, Owen. You broke the rules.”

  “Excellent start,” I muttered softly, glaring at him. Why hadn’t he told them? What was the big secret? Now I had a feeling I’d have to pay for his lapse.