Accepting Fate Page 7

  Having her first love in front of her brought back a wave of happy memories, making her want what she’d lost. After he left, and Jordan caught sight of her, she remembered all the reasons their relationship broke down.

  Didn’t change the fact Mike needed to know Cole wanted something from him. She didn’t have a clue what, but her brother was ruthless. If she could warn Mike, in spite of the past, he could avoid Cole completely.

  Psyching herself up, she took a step from the shadows. Mike paused when the gorgeous strawberry blonde gave him a wicked smile. His whole demeanor changed, and she could hear his deep timbre warm with desire.

  The woman answered with sass, and Mike’s body responded immediately. He clearly wanted her.

  Her chance was lost. Amanda slipped back into the shadows.

  Another night, maybe he’d be willing to talk, as long as she could focus on what needed to be said, and not fond memories of a love that was never meant to be.

  * * * *

  Gwen followed Mike up to the fifth floor, which he apparently occupied by himself. “How’d you land the whole upper floor?” she asked.

  He grinned. “I was in the right place at the right time. I made a killing off one contract, and splurged on buying the floor. It wasn’t much. A couple friends and I renovated it all, including the roof.”

  She smiled when she caught sight of the doggie door. “Sasha has access outside?”

  Mike nodded. “Yup. Even has a doghouse, and a place to play. No grass. She has a turf patch for her business, but that’s the downside to living in the city. At least the park is close.”

  A beautiful Siberian husky puppy charged inside the second he set the bag of food down. Mike dropped to his knees and accepted the big wet kisses while combing his fingers through her fur.

  “Hey, Sasha,” he greeted affectionately. “Meet my friend, Gwen. Gwen, Sasha, the girl I ditched you for a couple weeks ago.”

  Sasha jumped up, carefully placing her paws on Gwen’s shoulders and gave her kisses. “Oh, you’re gorgeous, and sweet. Mike is totally off the hook. I’d have ditched him for you, too.”

  Mike stood, and patted Sasha on the head. “Thank you, Sasha.” He took dinner to the kitchen and pulled a couple plates down. “Let’s hope Gwen still likes me after you get done enchanting her.”

  Gwen gave Mike a raised brow. “I may love dogs, but they can’t take a good man’s place.”

  He sighed. “Pretty sure good is the wrong word to describe me.”

  “Hmm, now I have to disagree. You were willing to lock away your power to keep people you care about safe. You ditched a hot night of sex to take care of your dog. You clearly care about your friends and family. So far, I have to say you’re a pretty amazing guy.”

  He glanced away. “For now.”

  “Don’t doubt me, Mike. I wouldn’t say it if it weren’t true.”

  Dipping his head in a nod, he went back to making plates.

  * * * *

  Gwen was stuffed. She sat curled in Mike’s rocking chair, watching him savor the last of his dinner. He sat cross-legged on the floor, sneaking glances her way. She felt like a teenager on a study date with warm fuzzies and rampant hormones.

  Finally, Mike set his chopsticks aside and looked up at her. Something about him soothed and revved her up at the same time. She wanted to delve into every aspect of his life to learn all she could.

  Blushing slightly, he cleared his throat. “Talk to me, Gwen. Where’d you grow up? Until your dad left, were you a happy kid?”

  Leaning on the arm of the chair, she nodded. “My parents owned a big house on Lake George in New York. It was beautiful, and holds such happy memories, along with a single very sad one.”

  He shifted to face her better and placed an arm on the couch cushion. “When they split?”

  Her eyes closed briefly. “Yeah. I haven’t been back much since, but I keep the property maintained. One day, I’ll go and walk the halls so I can relish the good memories.”

  The smile on Mike’s face spread, his dimple deepening. “Share some of the happy ones, please. You want to get to know me. Well, sweetheart, that goes both ways.”

  Her whole body warmed in response to him. Not with desire, though that was there, but with something more. A connection, an understanding, something that made her want to be his.

  She sat forward and looked into his eyes. “All right.” She breathed in deep and thought back. “I remember lying on the floor in the front room, staring out the window with my brother. He was a few years older, and so imaginative. He would make up stories about all sorts of craziness.”

  “Like what?” Mike murmured.

  “Once, I caught a shrew. You know, those tiny mice with big ears? He was trapped in a crate outside and had an injured leg. I took care of him, and he became my pet. Well, my brother helped, because he could heal, but didn’t tell me that until later.” She laughed softly. “I was like four. He created stories about my adventures with Dumbo.” She blushed, and glanced away. “Sounds ridiculous, huh?”

  His eyes sparkled as his head tipped. “The name was because of the ears? Nah, that’s cute. And you were little.”

  “Really?”

  He nodded. “I was never gifted with words. My sister told me stories, and I would illustrate my favorite parts. Even when she was very young, she told the wildest tales.”

  “You two are still close?” she asked.

  “Always. I haven’t seen her as much lately, but she’s happy, and I’m here when she wants her big brother. I know she’d do the same if I needed her.”

  “She’s lucky. I miss Greg every day. I won’t let her go through the same thing I did.”

  “What about your mom. Where is she?”

  “On assignment in Greece. She’s always going.”

  “Sounds familiar. Did you get your work ethic from her?”

  A laugh escaped. “That’s an understatement. She prefers to stay busy to keep her mind off the past. I’m exactly the same way.”

  His brow arched. “Is babysitting me going to drive you crazy?”

  “Nope. I’m not sure I’ve ever enjoyed an assignment this much. You have all these layers I get to explore, and I get to find new ways to train you.”

  One corner of his mouth quirked. “I’m lucky to have such an attentive instructor.”

  “Now who’s teasing?”

  He ducked his head. “Sorry.”

  “I’ll consider it payback for earlier.”

  “Fair enough.”

  Needing a change in topic, she redirected, “After our enlightening day, how are you?”

  “Pretty damned good.” He sighed, laying his head on his arm. “No one ever told me what could happen by locking away the magic.”

  “Tremaine tried.”

  He winced slightly. “I wasn’t listening. He’d been doing it all my life, then wanted to change the rules. I didn’t understand the risks.”

  “Now you do?”

  Letting out a heavy sigh, he shrugged. “I’m not a complete moron. I can adapt. You’re helping me get over my fears.”

  “Seems to me your biggest issue is what someone else thought of you, rather than what you thought.”

  “You’re right. I honestly hadn’t considered how I would live life with magic before Amanda. And then, when she started using drugs, I stopped being able to keep my magic buried. She was terrified of me. That really fucked with my opinion.”

  “You’re not a freak, Mike. You protected yourself and her.”

  “I know. Didn’t stop the nightmares, but I know.”

  “Still have them?”

  He shook his head. “Not for a few years. Remember, I wasn’t around a lot of Others. I felt like I had to hide, and it became the norm.”

  “And today? How did you feel with your power flowing through your veins, completely uninhibited?”

  “Amazing. Rejuvenated. Incredible. I never realized how big a part of me it was because I didn’t have access. Now, I’m
not sure I could go back even if I wanted to.”

  “That’s a relief. Because we are nowhere near done.”

  “Thank god. I’m still worried I’ll hurt someone by accident.”

  “You’ve got me for as long as you feel that way.” She bit her lip and lifted her shoulder. “Hell, you have me as long as you want me.”

  “Gah, don’t tempt me. I don’t have a handle on myself yet. Let me learn control, because there are no wards holding back the magic anymore.” He looked up at the ceiling.

  She sighed. “Sorry. I don’t mean to. For you, I can be patient. You’ll learn.”

  He glanced at the clock. “Still want to watch a movie?”

  “Sure.” She climbed out of the chair and walked to the DVD rack. “Do I get to pick?” she asked, looking over her shoulder.

  “Absolutely. I’m intrigued. What do you like?”

  “Depends on my mood.” She ran her finger over some of the titles and pulled one out. “How about Boondock Saints?”

  “Perfect.” He chuckled. “Now that wasn’t what I was expecting.”

  “I’m full of surprises.”

  Chapter 8

  The doorbell buzzed, pulling him from sleep. Mike stumbled out of bed and scrubbed a hand over his face, blinking at the clock that blurred.

  Then the pounding started. Mike walked through the apartment to open the door. Sasha was on his heels, barking excitedly.

  Roxy stood there with her hands on her hips and her eyes blazing white—fucking white—not blue. “What the hell is going on with you?” she demanded, waving her hand up and down at him.

  “Shit, come in,” he grumbled.

  She didn’t move. “I come home today and I can feel magic pouring off you from across the damned street.”

  “Roxy, it’s seven in the fucking morning. Why are you waking me up with this nonsense?”

  “I can feel your magic. You have magic! When did that happen? And why aren’t you freaking out?”

  He grabbed her wrist and dragged her inside before slamming the door. Rubbing his head with a frown, he asked, “You can feel it that far away?”

  She nodded. “It’s like a damn beacon. Talk to me.”

  He slumped onto the couch. Having greeted Roxy, Sasha curled up at his feet. “How about you talk first. When did you find out about your magic?”

  Her eyes narrowed. “You’re going to redirect this conversation?”

  “Fuck, fine. Yes, I know what I am.”

  “You never had magic before.”

  He laughed bitterly. “Not exactly true.”

  “Who and what is she?” Roxy demanded as her eyes flew to the hall where a grumpy mage stood in tiny shorts and a tank that did nothing to hide her lush curves.

  His stupid dick stood up and he dragged a pillow over his lap before anyone could notice.

  Too late, Roxy’s attention jolted to him, her nostrils flaring as she breathed deep. “Oh, eww! What the hell did I walk in on?”

  Gwen grinned, a sparkle in her eyes. “Don’t worry, cupcake. I haven’t slept with your brother—lately. Though I have nothing against feral loving with a druid. But first, he’s got to get over his fear.”

  “Oh, fuck me sideways.” Mike got up and walked back to his room where he slammed the door, and locked it, before going to his bathroom, and locking that door too.

  Roxy called after him, “Mikey, don’t shut me out. A lock won’t keep me from breaking the damned door down. You need to start explaining.”

  He turned on the water and tried to wish it all away.

  Roxy shouted, her attention clearly redirected to Gwen, “You stop your laughing. I’m trying to give whatever you are the benefit of the doubt.”

  “It’s too damned early for this,” Mike yelled back and stepped into the freezing cold shower.

  * * * *

  Gwen attempted not to laugh her ass off as she started a pot of super-strong, curl-your-toes coffee. Roxy had followed her brother to his bedroom door.

  Then someone pressed the buzzer. Gwen and Sasha answered the door. She found herself staring at a gorgeous man who sniffed the air and frowned down at her.

  Mike had already told her about Roxy and her new husband. She assumed she was staring up at Trevor. Then Sasha scooted closer to him, confirming her assumption.

  “Interesting. I’m almost afraid to ask.” His Irish accent was so damned sexy. And one more clue for good measure.

  “Trevor?”

  He nodded, his brow arching.

  “I’m Gwen. Your woman is down the hall. I’m making us some coffee. I have a feeling we’ll all need it.”

  Wolf-boy chuckled. “You know what we are?”

  She nodded. “Don’t worry, your secret is safe with me.”

  His brow arched. “You’re Silver Council though, right?”

  Sighing, she nodded. “But I’m not here on Silver Council business. Well, not exactly.” She headed toward the kitchen. “My goal is to help Mike accept what he is.”

  “Mikey, I’m coming in,” Roxy slammed her hand on the bedroom door.

  His jade eyes snapped to his mate and went wide. “Now I’m doubly curious. You can explain in a few.” He stepped inside and shut the door before striding toward Roxy. Taking her face in his big hands, he murmured, “Calm down, A Chroí.”

  Aww, he was sweet, and good. He stopped over-protective little sis from busting down the door.

  Roxy shook him off. “Calm! You want me calm? First, there’s some weird caster here with her own magic sparking along my senses. Then Mikey’s in there giving off power like he’s about to light up the whole damned town, and you want me calm?”

  “Yeah, love, calm. We can figure this out. The woman is a mage. She was clearly invited, and…” he sniffed, “they haven’t been together, if it makes you feel better.”

  She growled, “He wants her though, and she sure as hell wants him.”

  Gwen sighed and moved to the hallway. “Look, I’m not going to take advantage of your brother. He’s a sweet guy who has two choices. Learn to accept his magic, or attempt to convince Tremaine to lock it up again. For the latter, hell is more likely to hit glacial temperatures because Mike will take out most of Seattle when the magic blows. So I’m here to teach him control.”

  Roxy’s hands landed on her hips as she spun toward Gwen. “Tremaine? What does he have to do with anything?”

  “I’m sure Mike will explain, but if you’re impatient I’ll give it a shot.”

  “Talk.”

  Gwen snorted. “Look, Roxy, I get why you’re pissed off, but tone back your beast a bit. Okay?”

  Roxy’s eyes flared, then she blinked in confusion.

  “Give her a chance,” Trevor urged.

  Roxy closed her eyes and breathed deep. When she opened them, they were back to the beautiful blue color of Mike’s. Sasha crept over, sliding her head under Roxy’s hand. “You aren’t using him for something?”

  Gwen crossed her arms over her chest. “No. I want to help. Simple as that.”

  “And you want him.”

  Gwen nodded. “Wanted him from the second I saw him. Won’t lie about that. However, before I go after sex, I’m going to help him.”

  Roxy’s eyes flashed white. “Why do you care?”

  “Watched my brother’s magic break loose. The rush of power killed him and several other innocent bystanders. Similar situation to Mike’s in that he also had someone blocking his magic for too long.”

  “Blocking it? Mike had no magic.”

  “Oh, he’s always had it, but it was bound up, locked away. Tremaine has been casting the spells since you were both little. Until yesterday, Tremaine was recasting the wards, but he put his foot down when Mike showed up. I happened to be there, and I wanted to help.”

  “I hadn’t ever met Tremaine until a few months ago.”

  Gwen shrugged. “I don’t know all the details. Tremaine claimed he shut down your magic once and that was all it took. Mike, on the other hand, h
ad to go back on a regular basis to keep his under control.”

  “I don’t remember any of that.”

  “You’ll have to talk to Mike. I only know what they told me.”

  The fire died in Roxy’s eyes. “And he’s known all along?”

  She nodded.

  Mike opened the bedroom door and crossed his arms over his broad chest. He wore a pair of gym shorts and a towel over his sculpted shoulders.

  A wave of lust hit her, and Roxy growled.

  Gwen snapped a glare at Roxy. “Oh, for the love of god, if you put a half-naked gorgeous man in front of me, of course my mind is going to sink straight to the gutter. I can’t help the fact he’s your brother, or that you have a super-wolfie sniffer.”

  Sasha voted by moving to sit next to Gwen.

  Mike’s brow arched as she looked up at him. Then he licked his juicy lip and bit down.

  Closing her eyes, she took a slow breath. “And now he’s taunting me, so thank you.”

  Roxy gasped and there was a smack.

  Gwen looked to find Mike frowning at Roxy. “What was that for?”

  “She’s behaving, so you should too.”

  “It’s too early for this shit,” he groaned. “You’re the one who showed up at the ass-crack of dawn.”

  Gwen let out an amused laugh. “I made coffee.”

  “Mmm,” he rumbled, and moved past them all to get a cup.

  Roxy poked her head in Mike’s room and sniffed. “You didn’t sleep in there?” she asked with wide eyes.

  “He has a guest room, and like I said, I’m more worried about getting his power under control than taking a ride on his magic stick.” She scooted past Roxy and Trevor, throwing her shields up as she went. Sasha followed on her heels.

  Roxy’s protective snarl made Gwen chuckle.

  Trevor tsked. “I wouldn’t taunt her. The shield she threw up is likely to zap you.”

  Gwen added, “Listen to your man. He knows what he’s talking about.”

  Mike gave her an amused smile as she walked around the counter and poured herself a cup of coffee. For her loyalty, Gwen slipped Sasha a biscuit from the treat jar.