Accepting Fate Page 6

  “And Roxy hasn’t brought it up, so you haven’t either?” she asked candidly.

  He looked over with a huff. “What the hell am I supposed to say?”

  One shoulder lifted slightly. “Tell her what you’ve been through. Maybe she’s hiding because she doesn’t have a clue what to say either.”

  “What good would it do to tell her what I am? I don’t want any of this, and she’d try to help me.”

  “You have to accept what you are.”

  “Easier said than done, Gwen. You grew up with parents who expected you to use your magic.”

  * * * *

  If only that were true.

  Gwen leaned over to bump his shoulder with hers. “It’s not that simple.” She sat back with a shrug. “My mother is a Silver Council Enforcer, my father was a healer. He watched too many cases come and go that he couldn’t fix because of curses and spells gone awry. So he left, gave up magic. Greg went with Dad. Dad convinced him magic was evil, the devil’s path. That’s why I refused to go with Dad, because I didn’t agree. Greg wouldn’t go with Mom because he bought into the lies. Dad found someone to lock up Greg’s magic. A few months later, Dad died from aggressive cancer, but he refused to use magic again because he’d decided it was evil.”

  Swallowing the lump in her throat, she remembered the fights her mom and brother got into when he moved back home. “Greg wouldn’t let Mom break the wards holding his magic in. He was okay for about ten years, but magic started spilling over. Every so often, Greg would have the magic locked back up. One day he called me out of the blue, completely freaked out.” Her voice broke.

  Mike put his arm around her and she leaned into his solid chest. His big hand rubbed up and down her arm, offering comfort that went deeper than she expected.

  “It took a chartered plane, but I got to his place and found him kneeling over his fiancé’s body. She was solid ice and had been for hours. It was too late.”

  She leaned back to look into Mike’s iridescent blue eyes. One look and he broke past all the walls holding back the full brunt of those memories.

  “What happened?” he whispered.

  “He told me he needed my help getting her to the healers. I told him it was too late. Then he screamed out and his magic was unleashed. His body froze, his scream stopped, but everything for a half-mile turned to ice before his body shattered. My magic reacted, shielding me when everything else was frozen.”

  He reached out and caressed her face. “I’m sorry.”

  Leaning into his touch, she whispered, “See why I don’t want you to go the same route?”

  Shaking his head, he dropped his hand. “Not really. You hardly know me.”

  She sighed. “He killed several people when he died. His magic was a tiny sliver compared to yours, and had he been in a well-populated area it could have been hundreds of people. He was in the middle of nowhere Alaska, mid-day when hardly anyone was home. You wouldn’t take out a few remote cabins, but a whole city. Mike, you can’t cage your power anymore. You need to learn how to deal with it. I swear I can help you.”

  He nodded. “Okay, but my magic is nothing like a mage’s.”

  “No, but the same principles are involved. You control it much the same way we do. I can help you channel your power. Please, let me.”

  “How can you say that? Mages don’t train with other casters. I don’t know much about Others, but I do know that.”

  “Usually, that’s correct. I’m different. I was part of a pilot program for the Silver Council. Some time ago, we tried to bring in other types of casters. One bad seed ruined the whole program. Still, I learned a lot, and I might surprise you.”

  “Tremaine really does know what he’s talking about, doesn’t he?”

  Gwen nodded.

  His lips pursed a second. “Okay. You’ve convinced me.”

  Taking a chance, she pointed out, “Sooner or later, you’ll have to tell your sister what you are.”

  He dropped his arm and took a sip of beer. “Can I get a handle on all this shit first? Yes, I need to talk to her, but I also need the confidence I won’t kill her by some fluke flare of magic.”

  Gwen nodded. “For now, but I can’t guarantee she won’t sense it. I can feel your magic after Tremaine removed the spell.” Mike might not realize it, but a druid would feel his power from blocks away. Roxy wouldn’t even have to be close to figure it out.

  “Then I’ll avoid her for now.”

  Amused, she nodded. “Tell me, Mike, what do you do for a living?”

  Mike sat back. “Graphic designer. Artist. All freelance stuff, but it pays the bills and I get to work from home.”

  “That’s a relief, because I’m going to be stuck on you like glue until you trust yourself.”

  “You’re going to hate me in no time.”

  “No, but you might hate me. I’ll be taking you away from people each day to train.”

  He laughed. “If you say so, short-stuff.”

  Her brow cocked. “Finish your beer. We’re starting today.”

  His dick stirred, and he swallowed back the wave of lust at her haughty attitude. She was bound to be his undoing.

  Chapter 6

  “How far are you going to make me hike?” Mike grumbled. She was dragging him deeper into the woods than he would normally venture. All up-fucking-hill.

  Gwen turned to him, managing to gracefully walk backwards through the overgrown trail. “Further. You could switch to tiger and follow more easily. I wouldn’t have to go slow for you,” she taunted.

  He snarled, “That’s not fair. You said you understood why I’m not rushing this.”

  She sighed and turned around. “I understand why you want to wait to tell your sister. I don’t understand why you’re reluctant to speed up the process of learning.”

  “What does shifting have to do with learning?”

  Huffing, she reminded, “You’re a druid. That’s half your power.”

  “And if I decide to eat you?”

  She flipped back with a wicked smile. “Ah now, as much as I’d love that, you said you weren’t going there until you trusted yourself. Clearly you aren’t there yet.”

  He growled. “Damn it, Gwen. Does your mind ever leave the gutter?”

  “I like it down here. It’s wet, and hot, and—”

  “Fuck this.” He started back down the path. Damn woman is about to shatter my control and get herself hurt.

  He walked into a solid wall of nothing and stumbled back.

  Gwen caught him with a sigh. “I’m sorry. I’ll try to stop teasing.” She moved in front of him, big honey eyes silently begging him to stay.

  His breath caught. “Gwen, I don’t want to hurt you. I don’t think in that form. It’s all beast.”

  “You’ll learn control, and trust me, I can protect myself.”

  He snorted. “Against a tiger?”

  She lifted a hand and flame filled her palm.

  Captivated, Mike watched the flickering flame. He couldn’t resist passing his fingers through it and jerked back with a hiss. “That’s hot!”

  Rolling her eyes, she answered, “No shit.” Gwen closed her hand around the fire, snuffing it out. “I’m not helpless. That wall you smacked into, the one you can’t see? Yeah, that’s what I would throw between us if you went feral, but you know what?”

  “What?” he whispered.

  “You won’t go feral on me. You’re too afraid to let the beast take control.”

  A smile tugged at his lips as he studied her honest expression. “You don’t think I’d hurt you?”

  “Nope. I’m a serious pain in the ass, but you’d still be here. Somewhere in there, you’re starting to trust me.”

  He took a slow breath, his head tipping to the side. “You’ll stop me if I lose control?”

  “I will.”

  His tiger prowled through him and he took a step back, fighting the change out of habit. He whispered, “I’m scared.”

  “Don’t
be. I’m not.” Then she bit her lip, obviously fighting a smile.

  “Spill it, what’s that look for?”

  A giggle escaped and light danced through her eyes. “Here kitty, kitty.”

  He couldn’t help laughing. Then he let go. A purr rumbled from his chest as he dropped to all four massive paws.

  “Beautiful.” Her face lit up as she knelt in front of him and held a hand out. “May I?”

  He stared at her, fully in control of himself, unlike the last time, or any of his nightmares. Relaxing, Mike raised his head, making contact with her hand.

  “So soft,” she murmured, running her fingers through his fur. He closed his eyes, enjoying her touch as a deep purr rumbled through him.

  Maybe she’s right and I can handle this.

  * * * *

  Mike’s purr made her smile. Gwen was enchanted. She could have sat there forever petting the big tiger before her. Too bad they had so much ground to cover.

  “You ready to follow?” she asked as she stood.

  He made a mewling sound and bumped her thigh.

  “I’ll take that as a yes.” Turning, she hiked further into the forest.

  Memories of her childhood danced through her head. Her parents had loved camping, before Dad shut everyone out. She still felt at home deep in the forest with little-to-no supplies.

  They entered her favorite clearing and Gwen perched on a boulder. “Go ahead and shift back.”

  He moved closer, big blue eyes sparkling before shifting. He stood there, a look of awe on his face. “That was almost too easy.”

  “Feel better?”

  He nodded. “Surprisingly.”

  Gwen was elated at how easily he was adapting. She hoped he kept it up. With a mischievous grin, she nodded. “Now, let’s start with magic. I can show you how to control the sparks.”

  His chest heaved with his breath. “Hope you’re right.”

  “Don’t worry. I’m more comfortable with fire, but I can play with electricity too.” She snapped her fingers and let lightning dance over her hand. She wouldn’t mention that her skill with electricity gave her some immunity to it. No need to worry him about everyone else yet.

  “Show off,” he huffed.

  “I’m an elementalist.”

  Amusement danced through Mike’s eyes. “Which means?”

  “Fancy word meaning I can play with all the elements. You have your own tricks. We need to find out what they are.”

  “How?”

  “We play. Don’t worry about me. I’m tougher than I look.”

  He grinned. “You’re something all right. Gutsy seems more apt.”

  “Come on, big-shot, hit me with all you got.” She danced back, taunting him with a smirk.

  “You’re going to have to start at the beginning, sweetheart. Remember, I have no clue what I’m doing, but I’m trusting you to show me.”

  “That’s a better attitude.”

  “I’m trying.”

  “Close your eyes. Find your center, where all that power is stored. Now embrace it.”

  * * * *

  She hadn’t led him astray yet. Mike closed his eyes and reached for the magic he normally kept tightly coiled in his gut. He gasped at the hum that immediately flowed through him.

  The wind picked up, swirling. The daylight dimmed. He felt hairs standing on end as the storm brewed.

  “Okay,” she said slowly. “Open your eyes and take a moment to relax. Don’t bottle it all up again, but relax.”

  Mike flinched when he looked up in time to catch a raindrop in his eyeball. Blinking, he noticed the small dust devil swirling around him, picking up leaves and twigs. Lightning flashed across the clouds and thunder rolled over them.

  “Shit, it was cloudy a minute ago, but not like this.”

  “That’s all you. So chill. It will ebb in a few.”

  His eyes popped wide. “I can call storms?”

  “It’s a rare talent from what I understand. Liz, Tremaine’s woman, can do it. I watched her pull lightning from the sky like it was the most natural thing in the world.”

  “Not ready for that. I’m creeped out by the fact I pulled a storm from nothing.”

  “Exactly like you did the night of the party.”

  “It was a rainy night. Could have easily turned into a storm on its own.”

  Smiling, she shook her head. “The sky was mostly clear when I arrived. By the time we left, your magic was trying to burst free. Nature responded to your call.”

  “And you wonder why I worry about hurting someone? I can’t control this.” He gestured around the clearing.

  “Wrong. You can, but you need practice.”

  “I don’t know how,” he protested.

  “That’s what I’m here for.” She looked up at the sky. “See, it’s already dissipated.”

  He looked up and saw she was right.

  “Now catch!” She flung her hand out and a bolt of blue energy shot toward him.

  By reflex, he lifted his hand and absorbed the lightning with a gasp. It didn’t hurt, but seemed to dance through him sparking with his own magic.

  He cupped his other hand over the ball of pure energy now spinning up and expanding in his hands. Sucking in a breath, his gaze snapped to hers. “Now what?”

  “Throw it back.”

  “I’ll hurt you,” he growled.

  Her brow arched. “Did I hurt you?”

  “No,” he grumbled and gave his hands a dubious look. With a sigh, he hurled the basketball-sized orb at her. It kept expanding as it traveled, until she whipped her arm to the side. The spell hit a tree, shattering the trunk.

  “Thought you said it wouldn’t hurt?” Mike asked gruffly.

  “It didn’t. I told you, I can take care of myself.”

  “Smartass.”

  “I have my moments.” She grinned. “And you’re catching on quick. This isn’t as hard as you want to believe. Trust me, Mike.”

  He took a deep breath and looked around. “I’m getting there.”

  Chapter 7

  Mike nervously walked down the street to his favorite Thai place. He’d already taken Sasha to the park and then given her a good brushing. He expected Gwen in thirty minutes and he’d promised her food.

  Jordan hurried up to him. “I tried to call you earlier.”

  “Sorry, man. I’m not ignoring you. There’s a lot on my plate right now.” Mike rubbed the back of his neck and looked over. “Everything good with you?”

  “Yup, very.” He still looked concerned. “What’s with Amanda being back?”

  Mike lifted a shoulder briefly. “Don’t know. Don’t want to find out.”

  “For the record, I told Amanda to let you go and leave you alone.”

  “Thanks. I haven’t seen her since. Thank god for small favors.”

  “No trace of love left?”

  “It’s been years since I wanted her back. Sorry I bailed, but I couldn’t deal with her.”

  “Don’t worry about it. You’ve been busy with one project after another. It’s good, man. I’m curious if you know when we’ll be getting back to work on rehearsals. I have some new songs I want to try.”

  Mike grinned. “That’s great. I can’t wait to hear them.”

  Smiling, Jordan nodded. “Have plans tonight?”

  “I do. Someone’s coming over.” He couldn’t hide his smile.

  “A woman is coming to your place for food?”

  Laughing, he nodded. “And to meet my dog.”

  “This going to be the same lame attempt at finding a woman? You don’t need another Kara.”

  He shook his head. Kara had been a set up. She was sweet—too sweet. “One hundred percent different. Kara never moved me. Gwen… well, I can’t resist her. I want to explore the spark between us.”

  “Good for you.”

  Mike shoved his hands in his pockets and shrugged. “Things are changing for all of us, and for the better. I’m finally accepting things I never thought I wou
ld.”

  “Because of this chick?”

  “Nope, though she’s encouraging me to find myself.”

  “I think it’s about time. We all need to do some soul-searching eventually.”

  Another conversation he knew he should broach, but wasn’t sure how. That could wait for another day.

  “Roxy comes back in the morning. I’ll talk with her and we’ll set something up. Sound good?”

  “Yup. Enjoy your night.”

  “You too.” Mike slipped into the restaurant to pick up food. He felt someone’s eyes. Whatever was watching him felt like Amanda’s presence the night before. He still didn’t have a clue what she was, and honestly didn’t care.

  Shaking off the creepy-crawlies, he walked to the counter and paid for his order. In under five minutes, he was on his way.

  The feeling of being watched came back the second he stepped outside. Mike didn’t see anyone of note when he looked up and down the street. A chill travelled along his spine and he picked up his pace.

  Gwen leaned beside his building’s front door. Her hands were in her pockets as she stared down the street in the opposite direction. Something snagged her attention, turning her head.

  Their eyes locked and he felt himself smile.

  “Mmm, food.” She grinned. “I was hoping you hadn’t ditched me.”

  “No more of that. In fact, I was hoping we could start fresh.”

  She pushed off the wall and stepped closer with a twinkle in her eyes. “On one condition.”

  He unlocked the door and glanced over. “What’s that?”

  “Instead of running, talk to me. No matter what.”

  “Deal. Come on. I’m starving.” Not only for food, but he needed to remember why getting down and dirty with his temptress was a really bad idea—for now.

  * * * *

  Amanda was working up the courage to confront Mike. Maybe if it was quiet and they were alone, she could tell him the real reason she wanted to talk. Yeah, the night before she made a blunder. She’d realized years ago that Mike needed someone better than her.