Accepting Fate Read online

  He frowned. “What do you mean?”

  “You’re hiding something.”

  Shaking his head slowly, he lied through his teeth. “I have no clue what you’re talking about. And you didn’t answer my question.”

  She let out a tiny laugh. “A co-worker convinced me coming here tonight was a good idea. I didn’t think so, until I saw you.”

  He relaxed slightly, but felt the sparks dance along his spine as she tiptoed up, her breasts pressing into his chest. Desire erupted, and all he could think about was sweeping her off her feet, and carrying her to the nearest bed.

  She whispered against his ear, “Relax, Mike. I have all the time in the world to learn your secrets, and I have a feeling it will be worth the wait.”

  “Don’t know about that. Not much interesting here.”

  “I sense a beast lurking under the surface. That’s exactly what I’m looking for.”

  Mike moved back, and Gwen looked up at him with a curious glint. “Too fast?”

  “Beast?” His alarm bells pinged off the charts. She knew something about him. Sensitives had never been able to tell what he was in the past. Even when his magic bled through, everyone thought he was a simple human.

  “Don’t tell me you aren’t going to be wild when I get you home and strip you down.”

  Desire stared back at him. Maybe he was being paranoid. Or maybe she knew what tiger’s tail she was pulling. Maybe the feisty mage would be safe.

  Swallowing back his apprehension, he taunted, “Depends. Are you wild?”

  “With the right man, you bet. You may be him.”

  “Perhaps.”

  “Let’s get out of here. You can get to know me.”

  * * * *

  Intrigued, Gwen dragged him outside. He looked into the breeze and raised his face to the falling rain. She felt his magic flare through wards designed to suppress his power. When his control finally snapped free, it was going to unleash a storm.

  She knew all about that after watching her brother try to bottle his up and lock it away by force. When the wards shattered, it destroyed him and half a rural town.

  Something about Mike called to her. He was big, powerful, and clearly had a story he wasn’t ready to share. The way he clammed up when she mentioned beast gave her an idea as to what he was. The way nature seemed to commune with him was the second clue. Maybe she’d have enough time to wiggle her way in and break open his shell.

  “You want to follow me home?”

  “I walked.”

  “Then I’ll drive.” She led him to her vehicle.

  He smiled over at her. “A truck?”

  Shrugging, she glanced his way. “Don’t knock it. I can go off-roading in this baby.” She patted the bumper as she walked to the driver’s side. “Nothing like driving out to some remote forest and hiking further to camp.”

  His head tipped to the side with a frown. “You like roughing it?”

  “Yup. Why?”

  “You seem all city-girl.”

  She laughed. “Looks can be deceiving.”

  “This is truth.” He chuckled, watching her with open curiosity.

  It was late enough, she easily made her way home and pulled into the parking garage. She shut off the engine. “Come on. I want to get to know you better.” She trailed a finger up his thigh with a smirk.

  He jumped out and shut the door the same time she did. He caught up to her as she hurried for the elevator. They stepped in and she pressed the button to the eleventh floor.

  In a rush of passion, he spun her around and pinned her against the wall as his lips descended on hers. His big hands travelled down her body and she moaned.

  There was a ding. He stepped back, and she glanced up to make sure it was her floor.

  Fastest elevator ride ever.

  Gwen grabbed his hand and tugged him toward her door. She barely got it open before he picked her up and carried her inside, efficiently kicking the door shut and flipping the lock into place.

  “Where’s the bedroom?” Desire filled his voice with gravel, making her throb for him.

  Lightning flashed, inspiring her. “Window.” She wanted him against the big thick pane of glass.

  “Oh, fuck yes. I love the way you think.” He carried her across the room and put her back on her feet. His hands caressed down her sides before catching the hem of her dress. Painfully slow, he pulled it over her head and took a step back. His eyes trailed over her as his dimples deepened. “Can’t wait to have you.”

  Closing the distance, she opened his belt as she leaned up to press a kiss to his lips. He palmed her breasts and thumbed her nipples. Sparks danced over her, playing along her senses. She moaned in response.

  His cock sprang free and she tried to move back but he followed her, pressing her bare ass to the cold window as he dropped to his knees. She grabbed the shoulders of his shirt and pulled it over his head with a smile.

  Mike purred, “First, want you soaking wet.”

  “Yeah, I am. Need to feel you.”

  His laugh was a low rumble. “Oh, you’re about to.” His hands landed on her thighs and he pressed his mouth to her sensitive flesh. “Open for me.”

  She widened her stance, leaning fully back against the glass as he rose up taste her. “Mmm, like that,” she moaned.

  He flicked his tongue over her pearl and she pressed her hands back against the glass.

  With a jerk, her head thumped the window as his thumb dipped into her heat while he teased her with his tongue. His magic danced across her nerves, heightening the sensation.

  Climax hit and she was soaring. She hadn’t even come down before he spun her around. Her hands hit the glass and she heard the sound of foil ripping. A second later, he gripped her hips and entered forcefully from behind.

  His pace was hard and desperate, pushing her to new limits. She felt his cock jerk inside her and he slowed, then stopped before his release. One hand landed on the window beside her head as he caught his breath.

  She was right there, ready to fall off the edge. He was thick inside her and so close. “Don’t stop,” she begged.

  “Not ready for it to end, give me a second,” he panted.

  “We have all night.” That might have been wishful thinking, but she’d worry about that later. She needed more and pressed back, squeezing him tight.

  “Oh fuck,” he groaned and pulled out, then thrust into her at a harder pace. The sound of skin-on-skin and pleasure-filled cries echoed in the room.

  “Yes, yes, yes!” She came undone when he hit his peak and finally allowed himself release. He scooped her into his arms and collapsed on the couch with her.

  * * * *

  Mike lay on his back, panting. Gwen was draped over him. Her tongue flicked over the ring in his nipple. He gasped, his gaze blazing to hers.

  “Like that?” she asked innocently, but mischief danced through her eyes.

  He nodded before his head fell to the arm of the couch. His heart still thundered in his chest. He couldn’t hide the thread of worry in his voice. “I didn’t hurt you, did I?”

  “No. That was exactly what I was looking for.” Her fingers trailed down his ribs where a tiger was tattooed.

  He tried not to grimace. The ink had been a reminder of what he was. Ever since Amanda, it was a warning of the damage he could do and why he kept that side bottled up, never to see the light of day.

  She paused. “Why so tense?”

  He let out a strained laugh and tried to force himself to relax. Didn’t work. Mike was wound so tight he was about to snap. “No reason.”

  She sat up, straddling his lap as lighting flashed behind her in the big window. “Did I do something wrong?” Her fingers drifted down his body toward his still protected cock.

  He sat up. “Let me deal with that.”

  She looked down, considering. “You clean?”

  He nodded as she moved out of his lap.

  “I’m on birth control. And clean. If you want, you can
skip it.”

  Shit, she's forward. “Where’s the bathroom?” he asked.

  She pointed to the hall. “First door on the right.”

  Fleeing an uncomfortable conversation, he locked himself in and considered the shower.

  With a sigh, he dealt with the condom. He still had everything on from the waist down, so only had to pull his pants back up, and fasten them.

  Bad move, Mike. She’s not human. Her magic called to his, bringing it closer to the surface, threatening to shatter the wards Tremaine rewove two days before. He’d never been this close to losing control so shortly afterward.

  He could feel the energy flowing, wanting out. His tiger prowled through his soul. Really fucking stupid, dickhead.

  Mike walked back out and found Gwen in the kitchen pouring a glass of red wine. She only wore those sexy-as-sin stilettos. The woman was pure temptation and clearly he loved playing with fire.

  Lightning flashed and thunder rolled. His eyes snapped to the storm outside. Every hair stood on end as goosebumps flowed down his skin.

  Before he let his dick do the leading, he laid out his best excuse to escape. “I really should get home to take Sasha out before the storm gets too bad.”

  “Sasha? Should I be insulted?” Her eyes narrowed playfully.

  “My dog. Puppy really.” He walked to where his shirt was still on the floor.

  “I love dogs. You could bring her here, or I could come to your place.” She hopped onto the counter and crossed one shapely leg over the other.

  Once again, he was hard and ready to drive into her heat. Desire almost won out as lightning struck outside. It was getting closer, and his power was expanding.

  He took a calming breath. “Not tonight. She doesn’t like storms. Probably freaking out. I should really get going.”

  “Your number?”

  Picking up his shirt, he rambled off the digits. She repeated them silently a few times, memorizing.

  Maybe giving her the wrong number would have been wiser.

  He pulled his shirt on and found her closing the distance. She tiptoed up and placed a kiss on his lips. “Let me take you home at least.”

  He shook his head. “No. Not tonight. You’re hard to resist, but Sasha is going to demand attention.”

  She pouted as he backed toward the door.

  * * * *

  They say curiosity killed the cat, but Gwen wanted more of Mike any way she could get him. They clicked, even if he was hiding his true nature. The question was why.

  The tiger tattooed on his side made her think shaman or druid. He had an affinity to nature, and a love of animals. Definitely something more primal.

  Then there was the way he made love. Wild and untamed.

  She wanted to follow him. Hell, she wanted to call him in ten minutes to get his motor revving so he’d beg her to come over.

  Why? Maybe because she was a glutton for the unattainable.

  Mike intrigued her. She wanted to sneak into his head and find out what made him tick. Why he shut down the moment she touched his tattoo.

  And wanting to take care of his dog was sweet. She could spot a lie, he might have used it as an excuse, but there was truth to what he said.

  Sighing, she took her glass of wine back to the bathroom and filled the tub. Tomorrow, she’d call and see if she could crack his exterior.

  Chapter 2

  Present…

  Stopping at the doors, Mike looked up at the sign. Shenanigans. The more he thought about everything that happened with Isa, the more he realized that’s all it was. Shenanigans. Sad but true. Without sex interfering, they got along a hundred times better and could actually enjoy conversation.

  He wasn’t here for Isa though. Jordan asked to meet him. Why, Mike wasn’t sure. With a sigh, he stepped inside and spotted Jordan in a booth. He walked over and sank into the opposite seat.

  There was something different about his old friend. Generally, he was oblivious to what was going on around him, but lately he seemed to consider everything. “You okay, Jordan?”

  “Great. Better than ever.” The answer came immediately, then he looked away with a sigh. “I wanted to talk though. About some revelations I had not so long ago.” He pulled in a breath and let it out slowly. “About why I was such an asshole.”

  “Hey, we all have our moments,” Mike offered lightly, hoping to steer the conversation away from the dreaded path.

  Jordan shook his head. “Don’t need to go easy on me. I know I hurt your sister. Time and time again. I wish to god I could take it back, all of it, but I didn’t know then what I know now.”

  “No offense, dude, but I’m glad you two didn’t work out. I’ve never seen her as happy as she is with Trevor.”

  “Yeah, and I agree. It hurt at first, but I’m not a complete asswipe. She found her heart.” He sighed. “I want that. Someday. With the right woman.”

  “Same here.” Though Mike had assumed Leanan was Jordan’s match. The fact his friend basically admitted otherwise was depressing.

  Jordan nodded, then switched directions. “You know all that magic shit Roxy writes about?”

  Mike snorted. “Yeah.”

  “Believe in demons?”

  He felt his brow scrunch, but dipped his head slightly.

  Jordan squeezed the back of his neck and looked up at the ceiling. “I’m one. Or sort of. I’m not totally sure. You could say I’m addicted, in a way, to sex.”

  That answered so many damned questions. “An incubus?” Not that he knew anything more than old legends about demons who fed off sex.

  Jordan’s hand dropped to the table, a tight laugh escaping. “You don’t think I’m fucking nuts?”

  “There’s more to this world than most see. Doesn’t surprise me at all.” Hell, if you knew the monster lurking under my skin you might fear me.

  Jordan blinked. “You knew what I am?”

  “Only vaguely. I mean, you loved Roxy with all you are, but you couldn’t stop cheating, and I saw how it was tearing you apart. There had to be a reason. I didn’t know what it was.”

  Jordan stared wide-eyed. “You totally accept the fact I’m some sort of freak demon? I thought you didn’t believe in all that shit.”

  “Always have. Never wanted to. Look, it changes nothing. I knew all along you were different, and you’re still the closest friend I have.”

  Jordan’s brow pinched as he shook his head slowly. “What’s going on with you? Something’s up. Is it that Isa’s off the market?”

  Mike half-laughed. “Nope. That is a relief. Honestly.”

  “How so?”

  “I can finally move on, and accept what is.” As he said the words, they sank in for the first time. Maybe Tremaine had a point. Maybe it was time to stop hiding from what he was. Mike needed to talk to the old man, and this time actually listen to all he had to say.

  * * * *

  “Are you still on medical leave?” Gwen’s mother asked, for the third time over their ten minute phone call.

  “Yes, Mom,” she groaned. She wanted to throw the wineglass at the wall, but refrained because she had every intention of drowning her sorrows with several more glasses.

  She sat on the couch, staring out the same window Mike had her against. While some might see smudges on the glass, all she could see was the two of them together. Unfortunately, the dull throb at the back of her head, the one she was trying to rub away, was from being banged around the previous week in a less-fun encounter.

  Stupid, stupid, fucking stupid. If I’d waited for backup I wouldn’t be off-duty now.

  As usual, Gwen had seen trouble while staking out a colleague’s house and didn’t have the patience to wait. At least she had called Robert to let him know she was going in.

  Everything went wrong. She was attacked by a sick fuck who would have tortured her if he’d had the chance. He’d kidnapped her, planning to violate her at his lair, where Preston and Robert found her.

  They got her out with nothin
g worse than a concussion, which wasn’t completely healed. And sure, she could go and have Emily fix her the rest of the way, but then the guys would know it was as bad as they suspected. They didn’t need another excuse to coddle her.

  She knew it was a stupid move. However, she did learn her lesson.

  “Gwen, are you listening?”

  “Hmm? Sorry, distracted.”

  “I was asking if I should have someone take over my mission so I can be with you.”

  “No, I’m fine. I’m trying to convince Robert and Preston to let me go back to work. They’re worrying over nothing.”

  “Or maybe, they’re worrying over something. You’re just like me. You always show your strength, and silently suffer while wearing a smile. You could go to the healers and have them finish fixing your head.”

  “That’s not the problem. I’m on the rag, which means headaches.”

  “Mmhmm. I’ve used that same excuse a thousand times. I’m not buying it, darling.”

  “Mom, I’m fine. I’ll be back to work in no time. Do your job. I know you can’t stand to be off for any length of time.”

  “But for you, I would. You know I would.”

  “I know, but you need to do your thing, and I need to do mine. I love you, but I’m going to go now.”

  “Love you too. Call if you need me.”

  “I will.” Gwen hung up and stared at her phone.

  She thought about calling Mike, or even tracking him, but he blew her off time and time again. The man had issues he was working through, and until she had a clue what, pursuing him would only make it worse. That said, knowing better than to chase after someone who wasn’t ready for her didn’t stop her from dreaming about him, or wanting him.

  She dialed Robert, praying he would take pity on her. Maybe he’d let her go back to work so she’d stop moping around, thinking about mistakes. Thinking about another guy she couldn’t have.

  After a couple rings, Robert answered. “Evening, Gwen. How’s the head?”