Accepting Fate Read online

  Accepting Fate

  Others in Seattle: Book 3

  Brandy L Rivers

  Copyright 2015 Brandy L Rivers

  Smashwords Edition

  http://brandylrivers.com

  Cover Design by Brandy L Rivers

  Edited by Shaner Media Creations

  All rights reserved. Without limiting the rights under copyright reserved above, no part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in or introduced into a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form, or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise) without the prior written permission of both the copyright owner and the above publisher of this book.

  This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, brands, media, and incidents are either the product of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously. The author acknowledges the trademarked status and trademark owners of various products referenced in this work of fiction, which have been used without permission. The publication/use of these trademarks is not authorized, associated with, or sponsored by the trademark owners.

  Also by Brandy L Rivers

  Others of Edenton

  New Beginnings

  In Too Deep

  Shadows Fall

  Shadows of the Past

  Falling Into Place

  Fated Love

  Breaking Free

  Mending Scars

  Others of Seattle

  Nights Embrace

  Storm Mistress

  Accepting Fate

  Stand Alone Contemporary Romance

  Heart on Fire

  Coming Soon

  Others of Edenton

  Light in Darkness

  May 4th 2015

  Others of Seattle

  Changing Destiny

  Late 2015

  To keep up with upcoming releases and news visit me at

  www.brandylrivers.com

  www.facebook.com/brandylrivers

  www.twitter.com/brandylrivers

  Table of Contents

  Prologue

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Chapter 16

  Chapter 17

  Chapter 18

  Chapter 19

  Chapter 20

  Chapter 21

  Chapter 22

  Chapter 23

  Chapter 24

  Chapter 25

  Chapter 26

  Chapter 27

  Chapter 28

  Chapter 29

  Chapter 30

  Chapter 31

  Chapter 32

  Chapter 33

  Chapter 34

  About Brandy L Rivers

  Also by Brandy L Rivers

  Reference Guide

  Acknowledgements

  Preview: Light in Darkness

  Dedication

  To authors everywhere who open up their world and let you in

  Thank you for inspiring me to dream

  Prologue

  22 years ago…

  It was raining again. He missed the sun. It always rained at their new home. He looked up at his mom with a pout. “Mama, why do we have to go see him again?”

  “Because, baby, this will keep us all safe.”

  “But I miss being a kitty-cat.” He sighed as he followed her to the car where she buckled his baby sister into her seat.

  Mama turned and crouched down to look him in the eye. “Your father would destroy us if he found out about your powers, or Roxy’s.” She tenderly pulled his hood over his head and caressed his cheek. “I’m sorry, Mikey. Maybe one day you’ll be able to shift again. Right now, being safe is more important. We need to blend in with everyone else. You turning into a kitten doesn’t blend very well.”

  His shoulders slumped as he kicked the pavement. “Okay, Mama.”

  Standing, she took his hand and led him around the car before helping him in. “One day, everything will be all right. Might be a while, but Tremaine is my big brother. He’s helping us hide from your father the same way you will always help your sister.”

  Once Mikey was buckled, he reached over to hold his sister’s hand. Roxy gave him a toothy grin.

  * * * *

  Someone brushed their fingers over Mikey’s cheek. His eyes fluttered open to find Mama’s warm expression. “We’re here, baby.”

  After a big yawn, a smile grew on Mikey’s face. He liked this town. It was quiet, and he could feel magic energy flowing through everyone and everything. Better than their new city where it was busy and noisy. Hardly anyone had magic there.

  He climbed out of the seat and moved to the sidewalk to wait for Mama and Roxy. Anxious, he fiddled with his zipper until she took his hand. Together, they walked into the bookstore.

  Tremaine sat at the counter reading a book. Setting it aside, he gave them a warm smile. “Good afternoon, Evelyn. Hi, Mikey. And there’s the little angel, Roxy.”

  Mikey looked up at Tremaine with big eyes. “Do you have to do the spell?”

  Tremaine nodded sadly before he looked at Evelyn. “Your mother thinks this is the best way to keep you safe, kiddo.” He walked in front of him and knelt. “She’s usually right, and keeping you and your sister safe is the most important thing.”

  He nodded but couldn’t stop frowning. “Mama says it’s my job to protect Sis.” He turned and peeked up at Roxy who was asleep in his mother’s arms. “I want her safe.”

  “Me too, kiddo.” He patted Mikey’s shoulder before starting the spell.

  * * * *

  Yelling pulled him from sleep. “We’re over! Nothing, and I mean nothing, you can say will change my mind. You’ll never find us!”

  “We’re not through, Evie. I’m never letting you go!” Daddy yelled. There was a slam.

  “Wrong move, asshole,” Mama answered in a cold voice.

  Something shifted as the walls started to crack. Things were picked up, and swept into a whirlwind.

  Mikey cried out in fear.

  He looked over the crib rail to see Mama place a dazzling hand on his mean daddy. He fell over, finally quiet.

  Relief washed through Mikey.

  Mama shook her hand and the magic faded. After scooping Mikey up, she hurried out the door. “You’ll never have to see him again. I promise.”

  “Shh, baby, wake up. It’s a bad dream,” Mama soothed.

  He sat up and wound his arms around her neck. “Don’t want Daddy back. Not ever!”

  “That’s why we’re hiding. That’s why we can’t use our magic. Promise me you’ll always have Tremaine help you hide your magic.”

  “I promise, Mama.” He sniffled.

  She squeezed him tighter, rubbing his back. “Want snuggles to go back to sleep?”

  “Mmhmm,” he mumbled, curling into his mommy’s warm embrace.

  * * * *

  5 years ago…

  Walking through Volunteer Park at twilight always sent sparks down his spine. The very ground seemed alive with magic. The breeze whispering in the trees called to the power locked tightly away, but always pushing at the confines.

  Amanda was smiling and happy, but that could change at any time. Prone to volatile mood swings, she was up and down, but nowhere in between.

  One minute she swore off drugs, the next she was sneaking into the bathroom to shoot up. Her excuses ranged from depression, to the fact he was a freak with sparky fingertips.

  His magic hadn’t been an issue
until he found her in the act of using a month ago. In the beginning, he could contain his power, but as she kept using, his emotions escalated, and their fights got worse. His control was slipping and he was terrified he would hurt her.

  Tomorrow he was getting on a plane to pay Tremaine a visit. His uncle was currently in Florida, or he would have already had the wards renewed. Her intervention was scheduled the day he returned because he was afraid he couldn’t handle the stress beforehand.

  Amanda leaned her head against Mike’s shoulder. “I love you, baby.”

  “Love you too, sweetness.” He kissed her temple and pulled her into the stand of trees. He needed a taste of her to tide him over until they made it back to their tiny apartment.

  Mike licked across her lips before sweeping his tongue into her mouth. Her arms locked around his neck as his hands slipped under her shirt to feel her silken skin.

  His instincts went haywire as Amanda tangled her hand in his hair. He tried to ignore the power spinning up, until someone snarled, “Hand over your wallet, and your bitch.”

  Mike pulled away and shot a glare over his shoulder, keeping Amanda within the shelter of his frame. The man was a giant with a pistol pointed their direction. He carried the stench of stale cigarette smoke, cheap vodka, BO, and copper. Jittery, he rubbed the back of a filthy hand over his beard before moving closer and waving the gun over Mike’s shoulder, at Amanda.

  Amanda let out a startled cry, nearly jolting his heart out of his chest. Every instinct in Mike rose to the surface, screaming at him to protect her.

  The guy gestured with the gun, putting his forefinger in position to pull the trigger. “I said—”

  A roar escaped Mike’s lips as he fell to all fours. He pounced on the attacker, teeth slicing past skin, and muscle, crunching bone.

  The beast had taken over. Amanda screamed, and screamed, but he could hardly hear her over the vicious snarls escaping his throat.

  Then her voice cut off and there was a thump.

  Mike hissed, and looked back to find Amanda out cold on the ground. Shifting to human form, he gagged, wiping at his bloody face with his sleeve. The man was lying on the ground, twitching. Incoherent cries of pain and cursing left his lips as his limbs flopped around.

  Blood. So much blood, and he didn’t dare examine the wounds.

  Horrified by his actions, Mike scooped Amanda into his arms and ran the rest of the way home.

  The reality of what he’d done kicked his heart into overdrive. Adrenaline coursing unchecked, his hands trembled and his breath came in shallow pants. He fumbled to get the door open, and slammed it shut, turning the deadbolt with a thunk. After depositing Amanda on the bed, he removed her shoes and tucked her in.

  His eyes burned as he stared down at his first love. She hated his insignificant bursts of electricity, but what she witnessed today in the park was so much worse. Everything was spiraling out of control.

  If I had gotten to Tremaine first. If she’d passed out at the sight of the gun. If…if…if! Shit, fuck, damn it!

  Holding back a sob, he locked himself in the bathroom and dialed emergency from his cell phone.

  “911. What’s the emergency?”

  Mike stammered, “In Volunteer Park, ther-there’s a man. He’s torn open. Li-like a big animal mauled him.” His stomach heaved and he caught himself on the counter before crashing to his knees.

  “Can I get your name?”

  “Just help him!” He hung up and shut off the phone.

  Blood covered his face, but surprisingly not his clothes. Disgusted, he stripped down and climbed into the shower, cranking the temperature as hot as it would go. He tipped his head back and let the water fill his mouth, but it didn’t wash the taste of copper away, or the memory of shredding the man’s flesh.

  Eventually, the water ran cold and he still couldn’t get the sound of Amanda’s terrified shrieks out of his head.

  Once dry, he stumbled to bed and curled up around Amanda, hoping she would wake and think it all a nightmare.

  * * * *

  The front door slammed shut. Mike jolted awake. Rubbing his face he looked around and found the note on his pillow. He knew what it would say—fucking knew.

  Knowing his heart was about to be ripped out, he picked it up anyway.

  Dear Mike,

  Whatever you are, you aren’t human. You’re a monster. I can’t pretend anymore.

  You’re right. I need to get my shit together and get off drugs, but you drove me to them. It was the only way to cope with a freak for a boyfriend.

  Don’t look for me. I’m gone forever.

  Amanda

  Tears rolled down his face. She saw him shift, saw him tear a man apart. He was sure the guy had to be dead, and honestly Mike didn’t give a shit. The bastard was willing to take their lives for pocket change and—he couldn’t even think about what else the man had wanted without his magic trying to claw free.

  He called the only person he could, the only one who would understand.

  It rang twice, but it was after midnight. “Hey, Mikey. Everything okay?” Mama yawned.

  More tears fell down his face. “She’s gone, Mom. I scared her away.”

  “The intervention?”

  “No, that wasn’t going to happen until after I visited Tremaine. Shit.” His hand trembled as he wiped at his face.

  “What happened?”

  He sobbed. “Some thug tried to rob us. Held us up with a gun. He wanted Amanda, too. I—I—fuck.” He sniffled. “She saw me shift. Saw me attack him.”

  Mama let out a startled gasp. “You shifted?”

  A bitter laugh exploded from his mouth. “Yeah. Probably killed that fucking shithead. What do I do?”

  “Oh, baby. I’m so sorry. If I could have trained you. If we didn’t have to hide, this would never have been an issue.”

  “She called me a monster, Mama. Told me not to find her.”

  “I can come over…” She started coughing, and Mike’s heart wrenched further. She was getting sicker, the cancer spreading, and she refused treatment.

  He wiped at his face again. “Nah. How about I come over, and I’ll bring the stuff to make brownies.”

  “Sounds good, baby. Roxy’s up. She says she can’t sleep either.”

  “My two favorite girls,” Mike said with a half-hearted smile. “Be there soon.”

  Chapter 1

  Two weeks ago…

  Why am I here again? Mike was having a hard time playing aloof when the woman he’d pined for was clearly off the market. He knew it was coming, and had all along.

  Isa stood in the circle of Toryn’s arms, a radiant smile on her face. They belonged together, always had. Neither was willing to admit it before for some ridiculous reason.

  Resisting Isa was impossible. She was everything he craved and knew he should stay away from. She had a funny way of frazzling the wards Tremaine placed on him, bringing his magic to the surface. It had been ages since he wanted to tap into that power on purpose. He’d long since learned it was better to shut it down than play with fate. With Isa, he didn’t feel like such a freak because he’d witnessed some of her own weird issues.

  Shaking his head, he went back to the makeshift bar, and ordered a beer from Toryn’s old boyfriend. Funny how he seemed perfectly at ease in the same room as Isa and Toryn. Then again, he was flirting with a gorgeous brunette, and a woman at that. At least someone was able to move on.

  Leon acknowledged him with a sympathetic smile. “Hey, Mike. What are you drinking?”

  “Beer, any beer.” He sighed as he leaned against the counter.

  Expertly popping off the metal lid, Leon slid a bottle his way. Mike dipped his head in a nod, and tried to tip.

  “Nope. Keep it. I’m not taking anyone’s money tonight.”

  Mike harrumphed and moved to the corner of the room. He heard the door again and watched a strawberry blonde walk in. She knocked knuckles with some dude who looked eerily like the harder, tatted up
version of Toryn.

  Mike couldn’t tear his eyes away from the woman as she walked to the bar. Petite, curvy, and wearing a smile full of confidence. His dick woke up for the first time since Isa ended their fucking-friends situation.

  He could sense the woman’s essence calling to him from across the room. This party was packed with Others. He’d avoided mingling with their kind for so long, he couldn’t tell what most were. However, the new arrival felt a lot like Tremaine, which made her a mage. Same as Toryn’s look-alike, and several other people in the room.

  Her magic sparked his, but he didn’t care. He needed a distraction and she was the one thing taking his mind off Isa.

  With a drink in hand, she crossed the room, her honey-colored eyes locked on his. “Dance with me.” It wasn’t a question.

  He nodded, took the last sip of his beer and set it down on the nearest table.

  She gulped down her drink and placed her glass beside his bottle.

  Her eyes lit with desire and there was a command in her voice. “Come here.”

  “With pleasure.” He moved closer and her hands landed on his shoulders before he wound his arms around her waist. Soft skin over lean muscle he wanted to explore.

  “I’m Gwen. You?”

  One corner of his mouth lifted. “Mike. What brings you here?”

  Her brow arched as she took a look around. Mischief danced in her eyes. “You’re not what you appear, are you?”