Better Than Luck

by Brandy L Rivers

  Mathis took a seat beside Paavo. “And she’s comfortable with all of us there?”

  He let out a breath. “She knows this is the only way she’s going to avoid treatment for cancer. She’s not totally comfortable yet, and I’m hoping you’ll help me with that.”

  “We’ll do what we can. When were you hoping to do this?”

  “I need to talk to her still. This needs to happen soon, but beyond that I don’t know.”

  “We’re free all week. Sooner the better, especially if what Amethyst says is true about her nearly dying this morning.”

  His eyes closed. “Scared the hell out of me. Thought I was losing her.”

  Someone’s hand covered his. He looked up to find Paavo watching him, his hand around his. Adam didn’t flinch. All Paavo offered was comfort.

  “When we do this, we’ll take cues from both of you. If either of us push things too far, speak up. Talk to her, make sure she understands this is to help a fellow Fae. We want her to enjoy the night, and you too.”

  “Thank you.”

  “I’m glad you aren’t acting like some new wolves. That could change when the four of us are in the same room.”

  “Not going to be an issue,” Adam assured. This was about Danika living a long, healthy life. “Don’t imagine either of you want to trade partners for good. This is one night. No need to be jealous when it solves so many problems.”

  Paavo turned to Mathis. “I really do like him.”

  Adam chuckled. “Thanks. And thank you for helping Danika. I don’t know what I would do without her.”

  “We understand. Truly. As long as she doesn’t reject the idea, before we do this, we’ll help ease her into the awakening, and you’ll be there, distracting her from what’s happening if need be.”

  “Does it help to know we’ve done damn near everything two people can do?”

  Mathis chuckled. “Yes, as long as that means she’s used to anal.”

  “She enjoys it. I’m not a jealous man. I know she’s mine. I know as soon as we get a chance to make love our bond will grow. Today has been crazy, though.”

  “If she’s open to it, let’s plan for tomorrow night. If you can both get away for it.”

  “I’ll need a number. I’ll let you know what she says once we talk. And we’ll have to find a sitter for Makayla.”

  “Just let us know when you have everything worked out. And we can come to you, or you can come to us.”

  Adam rubbed at his neck. “Is it wrong to prefer your place? I don’t want her to see something at ours and question what we did.”

  “Perfectly normal. Jealous or not, you’d rather not have the distraction of memories when it’s just the two of you.”

  “Exactly.” Then his head tipped as he looked at each man. “But why don’t you mind?”

  Mathis chuckled. “Because we are siren. It’s different for us. We’re sensual creatures, we thrive on it. But our bond is strong, and we see intimacy in a different way.”

  “That’s not to say we don’t understand,” Paavo added. “We get it. And this isn’t something you plan to repeat. It is something we enjoy. And if down the line the two of you decide you are interested in another night, well, we’d be open to it, but we respect the bond between two people.”

  He nodded slowly.

  “Our choices aren’t for everyone, but we want to help Danika and you.” Paavo stood. “We should be going. You should get home and claim your woman.”

  Mathis smiled. “Let’s hope you don’t get too growly once that happens. And trust me, you don’t want that bond to solidify with us in the picture. You would prefer it to happen before then.”

  “I have every intention of making love to Danika tonight. I can’t imagine not mating her before we’re all together.”

  Mathis chuckled. “I’m sure you will.”

  Paavo added, “We’re looking forward to tomorrow.”

  Adam nodded. He was, for more than one reason, but mostly because Danika wouldn’t have to suffer a long treatment.

  Chapter 16

  Finnian paced the little room Robert dumped him in. At least he was no longer cuffed. He couldn’t figure out why the bottom crease of his right ass cheek stung when he moved wrong.

  Robert only said someone would be with him shortly. That seemed to have been hours ago. Of course, it was probably only an hour, but what the fuck was taking so much time?

  He dropped onto the seat and jumped back up with a screech. His ass was really hurting. Slowly sitting back down, he closed his eyes.

  The door opened and he looked up. A woman in a fitted red dress walked in, took a seat, and eyed him carefully. “I hear you’ve been running since your dance with trouble?”

  A snort escaped. “You could call it that.”

  Her dark eyes twinkled. “Why did you hide for eighteen years?”

  “Bad people wanted me dead. At the time, I didn’t believe the Silver Council would be willing to help a leprechaun.”

  “Ah, you aren’t all bad. Why wouldn’t we?” She leaned forward, a smile on her bright red lips. “We aren’t all elitists. I happen to prefer Fae over my kind.”

  He leaned forward. “That so?”

  “Mmm, now, I’m supposed to help you sort out your documentation so you can get back to your daughters?”

  “That’s right. I miss them terribly and haven’t had a chance to reconnect.”

  “We’ll get you on your way, unless you have time to spare tonight.”

  “I could catch a flight in the morning.” Because there was no way in the abyss Robert would bring him back to Edenton.

  “I offer an entertaining night.” She ran the tip of her tongue across her top lip.

  “For an evening of good company and pleasure? I could be persuaded.” He reached across the table. “I’m Finnian Walsh.”

  She took his hand and stared into his eyes. “Abigail Tormley. A pleasure to meet you.”

  “I’m sure the pleasure is mine. Let’s finish up the documentation, and we’ll start with dinner. My treat. Seems you upset Robert a great deal and he was less than cordial with you.”

  “He was an asshole. Preston was no better.”

  “I’m sure it was some kind of misunderstanding. That happens sometimes. Give me an hour and we should be on our way.”

  Something in her eyes said she wasn’t on their side. He wanted more of the story.

  * * * *

  A ringing phone pulled his attention from the woman writhing in pleasure beneath him. And if it wasn’t the very private line, he would have ignored the phone in favor of sex. “I’ll be back.” He pulled out, snatched the phone from the dresser, and left the woman hanging in the rope harness.

  And if the welts faded from his lashes, he would enjoy bringing them back before finishing with her.

  Once he was behind closed doors, he sealed in the sound and pressed talk. “Yes?”

  “S-sir, I caught si-sight of Fi-Finnian Wa-Walsh.”

  He rubbed at his forehead. “That’s not possible. Mercer killed him and his wife in Rome eighteen years ago.”

  “Apparently not. It was definitely him in Sing Shack two nights ago. He was in Edenton just this morning. Stalking a woman who bears a resemblance to him.”

  “Did you get her name?”

  “No. I did not,” he whimpered. “I didn’t realize who she could be until she hurried out of the bar with a man. Finnian tried to follow her. I didn’t even recognize him at first. Like you, I believed he was dead.”

  “And where is he now?”

  “I have a seer working on that.”

  Something Rory should have thought about all those years ago. Though he’d seen Finnian in the room with his wife before Mercer set it all ablaze. The authorities had found two charred corpses. One male, one female. Of course, with as fast as the firetrucks had arrived, Mercer legitimately couldn’t stay to ensure his work was done.

  The question was, did he send Mercer to finish the job? Or did he go to
ensure everything was done right? Most likely, he needed to be the one to ensure the job was finished. He’d seen the report about Finnian’s escape from HARP years ago. The bastard had been broken and come out luckier than ever before. It’s why he knew who the shit was when he robbed his casino blind. He should have known the lucky prick would make his way out.

  And perhaps he should let it go. He couldn’t. He didn’t want to set a precedent for assholes to steal from him. No one went unpunished.

  “Edenton you say? Any particular place?”

  “A diner. The only diner there. He disappeared. Unfortunately, I don’t know where he is now, but I would imagine he’ll be back.”

  “I’ll be there as soon as I’m able.”

  “I hope to have more answers by then.”

  “I’ll expect my home to be ready when I arrive.” He ended the call, put the phone down, and sat back. Anger flowed through his blood. Was he ready to go back to the woman waiting in the other room? Perhaps not. He needed to calm himself first. His goal wasn’t permanent damage, just enough pain to give her what she craved.

  Chapter 17

  Danika moved around the kitchen. Cooking could be fun, but in the moment, she was going through the motions. Her bones ached, she lacked energy, and all she wanted was to soak in a bath.

  She didn’t want to complain, didn’t want to ask Adam to take over when he got home. He worked. Not that she hadn’t, but she loved spending her day with Makayla. Luckily, she had a few slow weeks. She had to imagine it would take time to get used to being a full leprechaun.

  Her mouth dropped open. How had she forgotten what Adam must be going through? He was a werewolf now. How was he dealing with it?

  Arms banded around her waist and she was brought back against a familiar solid chest. She melted into his embrace. “Missed you.”

  “Missed you more,” he murmured. “Tired?”

  She let out a breath.

  “You are. Let me take over.”

  “I need to do this.”

  He turned her gently and kissed her sweetly. “Take a seat, Dani. Let me take over. I have a ton of energy. You don’t have so much at the moment. Let me do this for my wife.”

  “All right, but you need to talk to me. How are you doing with everything?”

  He lifted a shoulder as he stepped away and brought a chair over. “Sit.”

  Rolling her eyes, she did as he asked. “How is being a werewolf?”

  “Haven’t given it much thought. Was more worried about you. And making sure you’re okay with the idea of being with me, Mathis, and Paavo.”

  She drew a slow breath. “For you, yes.”

  He knelt before her. “No, for us.”

  She smiled. “Are you going to let them touch you?”

  “If you aren’t going to take offense.” He chuckled slightly. “There have been a few men I was curious about, before you. The idea doesn’t repulse me. Though I want the focus on you and getting you through the awakening. Amethyst told me how it can be. It can be difficult if not dealt with appropriately. And she’s sure her brother and his man will only ease the situation.”

  “Hmm.” Her head tipped. She couldn’t wrap her head about what she thought. Instead, she changed the subject. “Stir the skillet, please.”

  He did. “Don’t like that idea?”

  “It’s not that. I’m still getting around my mindset. I know why you want this for us. I want to be with you forever. It’s just that I haven’t imagined myself with anyone else since I met you.”

  He moved back to her, kneeling again. “Same here. Did Tremaine give you another option?”

  Shaking her head, she sighed. “No.”

  “It’s one night, Danika. And as long as you enjoy yourself, I can. I have a feeling I’d be carrying you to the car and driving you home after countless orgasms. Is that really so bad?”

  “No, but you truly believe this won’t change anything?”

  “Might learn something new?” He lifted a shoulder. “I know if we do this with Mathis and Paavo, it’s just an intimate act shared amongst friends. It won’t be anything more. They’re in love with each other. And this isn’t the first time they’ve brought other people in. Can’t we take that same attitude in this instance? One night of pleasure to ensure you’re whole and healthy.”

  She took his face in her hands. “Yes, just hope you mean that when it’s happening.”

  “They’re giving me forever with you. How else would I see it? After watching your reaction to Slater’s bite, I know I don’t want to go through months with the fear I might lose you. I don’t want to outlive you. This takes away the fear.”

  She kissed him. Everything he said made sense. She understood his need to keep her. “If you can share me, I can share you. But only that night. No other. You’re mine. I don’t want to share you in the future.”

  He pushed her back, kissing her hard. Then he stood to finish dinner. “It would be best to do this tomorrow night. We just need someone to take Makayla. We’ll do this at their place.”

  “Mathis and Paavo’s? All the way in Seattle?”

  His brow pinched. “I didn’t want the memory to affect what we share here, alone. I know this isn’t your first choice. But it’s the only one.”

  She moved behind him, wrapping her hands around his waist. “Perfect plan. Honestly, that may make this easier.”

  He turned, capturing her hands, bringing them to his chest. “I would hope a night of sensual experience would be easy. I want you to enjoy every moment.”

  “I love you, Adam,” she whispered.

  “You know you’re my world. Makayla is my sun. I cannot imagine life without you.”

  “You don’t mind finishing dinner?”

  His head cocked. “No, why?”

  She took a slow breath. “Need to call my sister. See if she minds hanging out here with Makayla tomorrow.”

  “Good plan.”

  She grabbed her phone and left the room.

  * * * *

  Adam took the skillet off the stove and walked over to Makayla, who sat in her bounder playing with the spinning toy. “Hey, Bluebird. Have fun today.”

  She nodded, then reached out, opening and shutting her hand.

  He crouched down and kissed her forehead.

  “Love, Daddy.”

  “Love you too, munchkin. Hungry?”

  She nodded. “Cookie?”

  Laughing, he stood. “After dinner.”

  His phone buzzed and he pulled it out. Brody sent a message.

  Brody – How is she? Any better? You convince her?

  Adam – Tired, but better than earlier. Yes, we’re going to Mathis and Paavo’s tomorrow.

  Brody – Need someone to watch Makayla?

  Adam – Danika is asking Dominique. If not, then yes.

  Brody – We’re here for you. Anything you need.

  Adam – Thank you.

  Sliding his phone into his pocket, he fixed their plates, took them to the table, and got Makayla in her highchair. “Dinner, then cookie.”

  Smiling, she nodded. “Okay, Daddy.”

  Danika moved to the table. “Aunt Dominique is going to come hang out with you tomorrow. That okay?”

  “Love Dommy.”

  “You’ll have fun.” Danika sat down beside her. “Love you, munchkin.”

  “Love you more.”

  “Nope, I do.” She leaned over and kissed her cheek. “Hungry? Daddy helped me make dinner.”

  Adam brought her a plate with chopped up meat, veggies, and apple sauce. “Here you go.”

  He went back to the counter and brought their plates. “What did my favorite girls do today?” he asked, taking a seat next to Danika.

  “We went to the bookstore. Hung out with Dominique. And then relaxed. It was a pretty chill day.”

  “Mama read stories,” Makayla said.

  “Yup, and you get to read her a bedtime story,” Danika teased Adam.

  He grinned. “My pleasure.�
� He held her eye contact. Desire burned through him, and he knew he needed to claim his mate before the night was over. As for what he thought about being a werewolf, he still hadn’t given it much thought.

  Other than he needed his woman. And there was only one woman for him. He’d seen a few new wolves find mates other than their spouse. Thankfully, that wasn’t the case for them. Hell, he hadn’t even thought about that until he realized the craving was stronger than usual, if that was even possible.

  But until their girl went to sleep, he needed to wait.

  It might just be the longest night of his life.

  Chapter 18

  “Don’t like Robert McCallister much, do you?” Finnian asked. He lay beside Abigail, looking into her eyes.

  “Oh, Finny, you don’t know the half of it. I used to be an enforcer, but he didn’t like my methods.”

  He trailed a finger down her side. “And what methods were those?”

  “Blast first, ask questions later. The problem wasn’t the person’s race. My problem was ensuring justice was met, and sure, I hurt the wrong person a time or two, but who hasn’t? They were fleeing the scene of a crime.”

  “Mistakes happen.” He caressed her face and took a kiss. “Are you trying to knock him out of power?”

  “Him and Preston Emrys. Whereas I agree with a lot of changes they’ve brought about, they are up to something. I can’t put my finger on what, but they must be.”

  “If I learn something, I’ll share with you. I’m guessing you’re in a better position to expose their secrets to those in charge of the Council.”

  “Yes and no. I have the ear of some of the old timers who want them out simply because they’re elitists. They would gladly change everything back. Everyone else seems to love Robert and Preston. It’s truly unnerving. They haven’t noticed how much they hand off cases since being made magister and lieutenant. They disappear, don’t answer important calls from the Council. As if they are carrying out some secret agenda.” She flopped on her back, staring at the ceiling. “If I could expose them, they could be removed, without changing everything back to how it was.”