by Melissa Haag
“Not my problem,” I said with a grin before I licked his cheek. It wasn’t in the same light and playful manner he licked my nose. It was with the flat of my tongue and left a trail of moisture behind.
He chuckled and rolled to lie beside me, pulling me into his arms.
“I like this version of you. Can we keep her?”
“Maybe. Are you going to tell me how you managed invisibility?”
He reached into his shirt and pulled out a silver ring on a chain.
“I found a druid with a sense of humor.”
“We couldn’t see you, and Jenna couldn’t smell you. Does it do anything else?”
“It unlocks locked windows and doors.”
“I can’t imagine what something like that costs. Where did you get the money?”
“Not money. Spell ingredients. I charmed a few scales off a virgin mermaid, which are surprisingly hard to come by. Virgin mermaids. Not the scales. Earwax from a teen troll collected on the night of a full moon at the exact moment he finds his release.”
I made a face.
“How did you manage that?”
“Earbuds on full volume and a case of human beer. Once a troll’s drunk, they’re quite amiable.”
“Why would you ever agree to that?”
“There isn’t anything I wouldn’t do to get to you, Eliana. Haven’t you figured that out yet?” His expression turned mischievous. “And trolls don’t sparkle, by the way. They erupt in—”
I clapped my hand over his mouth.
“There are some things I don’t need to know.”
He licked my palm and tugged my hand free.
“You know you want the details.”
“Nope. Right now, I just want some huggles.”
He wrapped his arm around me and pulled me close. With his heart rapidly beating against my ear, I soaked up all that was Fenris, feeding lightly as he held me.
“I wish today was already over and we were in my room,” I said softly.
“Me too. I get to wear less clothes in your bed.”
I smirked and shook my head before getting serious.
“What can I do to make today easier on you?”
“You’re here. That’s enough.”
But was it?
Chapter Twenty-Four
“I better go,” Fenris said into my hair. Yet, he didn’t make any move to release me.
“Jenna’s mom said that Raiden wants us both at the communal fire at nine. Any idea what he has planned?”
“No idea. I reported in like he wanted me to. Met all the females he had sitting in our house last night, then closed myself in my room.”
“Does he still think you’re in your room?”
Fenris chuckled.
“I doubt it.”
“How much trouble are you going to get into for sneaking out?”
“He’s used to it by now. He knows I’ll show up in time for the mate run. That’s all he really cares about.”
“And what time do you need to show up?”
“He said nine. But I know better. Showing up early gives me more time to plot.”
Even though his words held his typical devil may care humor, I could sense his despondency hiding beneath the surface.
“And what do you want to do when you’re done with your mate run responsibilities?” I asked to distract him.
He lifted his head to look down at me, his fingers playing with my hair like he needed to make up for the contact he just lost.
“Spend time with you.”
I searched his hidden desires, and my lips curved as I came up with an idea he’d love.
“I love when your scent changes like that,” he said.
“Like what?”
“Sweeter. Thicker. More mischievous. What are you thinking?”
“I’ll tell you when you’re done with the mate run. I don’t want to distract you before that.”
“Distract me. Distract me,” he begged a second before he buried his head in my hair and gave my collarbone a nip.
“You’re already distracted.”
He groaned, which I took as agreement, and licked where he’d nipped. A shiver stole through me, and he pressed closer, trailing his nose along my neck and jaw. Sexual energy swelled around us as his lips hovered over mine.
“Will you send me off with a kiss?”
I slowly shook my head. Before his disappointment grew, I gave him something better. I threaded my fingers through his hair and wrapped my legs around his waist.
“I won’t send you off,” I said softly. “That’ll feel too much like a goodbye. And that’s not what we’re saying. I’ll kiss you with a promise of more to come the next time I see you.”
A low growl echoed from his chest, and I met his hungry kiss with one of my own. Our tongues danced, dipping and swirling, teasing and tempting each other.
He broke away and stared down at me, shaking the bed with his needful tremors.
“Every time you kiss me like this, you need to feed, Eliana.”
“Sometimes, I just want to love you.”
“And I crave feeling you all around me. In me. Using me. Needing me.”
I pulled him down for more, and this time I fed hard enough that he tore Jenna’s bedding. The sound of ripping material brought me back to reality. I withdrew to lick his nose and trail kisses along his jaw. He shivered and shuddered around me as he closed his eyes and fought for control while basking in the contact.
“What are you going to be like when I finally run for you?” I asked.
“Not helping,” he said through clenched teeth.
“Maybe you’ll be the one to run for me.”
He opened his eyes, which were more wolf than man.
“I’ll be in the woods, running my tail off in less than two hours. I won’t hide from you. Say the word, and I’ll be yours. I’ll run. I’ll chase. I’ll do whatever you want.”
“Your desperation is showing.”
He groaned and set his forehead against mine.
“It’s been showing for days.”
“I know. I kind of like it.”
“Tease.” He hugged me harder before moving to roll off of me. I reluctantly let him go. He tugged me to my feet, wrapping his arms around me again. I could feel his need crawling just below the surface as he inhaled near my ear.
“You know you can make me yours whenever you want,” he said softly. “I’m ready whenever you are.”
I turned my head and kissed him sweetly.
“I know you are. I’m sorry you have to run again.”
His signature smile tugged his lips.
“I’ll run as many times as needed to prove I’m yours. See you soon.”
He licked my nose, opened the door, and disappeared before my eyes. A minute later, Jenna peeked into her room while chewing half a cookie.
“Everything okay?” she asked after she swallowed. “I heard the front door open.”
“It’s fine.”
She inhaled deeply, her grin widening as she hurriedly closed the door. I had no doubt what she was smelling and also was trying to keep from her family.
“Thank you,” I said softly.
“No, thank you. For being nice. For keeping me company. I’m not nervous like I’d normally be.”
We relaxed and ate cookies until it was time to meet by the fire. The walk wasn’t chilly, thanks to Fenris’s visit. But the welcome was. Heads turned as we joined those already gathered. The locals didn’t outright scowl at me. Those not from Uttira did, though.
I scanned the small crowd for Fenris. He either wasn’t here, or he was far enough away that I couldn’t sense him.
Raiden stood near the flames, speaking with several other people. When he saw us, he waved us forward. Most of the nearby people moved away, leaving him and one other man standing together. He was older, and the way he watched me gave me the creeps.
“Eliana, this is Rathel. He’s a mystic druid from Europe. I brought him here for a sp
ecific purpose. To prove to you and Fenris that what Fenris feels for you isn’t real.”
“And how is a druid going to do that?”
“By muting your natural abilities.”
That dark thing inside of me undulated as it rose in defiance of Raiden’s impudence.
“It would only last for twenty-four hours,” he said.
“As if that makes it any more acceptable,” I said. “How is muting my ability going to prove anything?”
“Without your lure confusing him, he will find his true mate.”
I tilted my head back and laughed even as that dark thing clawed at me to do something to show Raiden the difference between using my lure and being myself.
“I’ll agree on two conditions,” I said. “First, this will be the last time you interfere in my relationship with your son, and we will both accept the outcome, no matter what that might be. Second, you will work to repair all the damage your vendetta has caused in your relationship with your son.”
“I agree,” he said.
I turned to the druid.
“If you make any mistakes that have lasting consequences, there is a fury who will hold you personally responsible. Be sure before you cast your spell.”
The druid’s response was to lift his hand and blow dust in my face. I coughed and made a face.
“Why does it always leave a fish aftertaste?”
“Mermaid scales are one of the ingredients,” the druid said. “Can you seduce me?”
I made a face. “No thank you.”
“He would like you to test your lure, Eliana,” Raiden said.
“Well, I’m not seducing a man old enough to be my father.”
Raiden’s gaze scanned the crowd, and he waved someone forward.
“Him then.”
I turned and found a good-looking boy close to my age standing right behind me. Before I could guess his intent, he grasped the back of my head and pulled me in for a kiss. Shock immobilized me for a second before I shoved away and wiped my mouth with the back of my hand.
“Don’t ever kiss me again without permission.”
“Anything?” Raiden asked.
“Nothing,” the boy said.
I sputtered.
“Thank you,” Raiden said before the boy winked at me and left.
“And you’re sure it will hold?” Raiden asked the druid.
“Positive.”
Raiden faced the crowd. “Now that the succubus no longer manipulates the field, we can begin.”
My temper flared. But at that moment, I realized something very important. That dark thing inside of me was still. I focused on it. I could sense it but not touch it. And when the boy had kissed me, it hadn’t reacted.
It always reacted.
“Aubrey!” Raiden yelled. “Where are you?”
Aubrey emerged from the crowd, a hateful smirk on her face.
“I want you to switch clothes with her, Eliana,” Raiden said as she approached.
“Giving up my clothes was not part of the deal.”
“Consider it another way for me to test that the spell is holding. Seeing you naked should do nothing to anyone here.”
“I am not stripping in front of everyone.”
“I don’t think you have a choice,” Aubrey said. The purr in her tone stoked my temp further.
And I narrowed my gaze on Raiden.
“Tread carefully. The spell only lasts twenty-four hours.”
He sighed and waved a hand to the nearest house. “Will you switch in private?”
“Do you really think he’ll fall for Aubrey because she’s wearing my scent? Wouldn’t that mean it’s my scent and not my lure attracting Fenris?”
“It’s the familiarity of your clothes that will draw him to her. Not the scent on them. Her scent will do the rest.”
I rolled my eyes.
“Because today’s magical, and the last four years Fenris has been under my spell.”
“Exactly.”
He was so frustrating I wanted to pull out my own hair. Instead, I took a calming breath and reminded myself that he had agreed that today would be his last attempt to manipulate the outcome of Fenris’s mate run.
“Fine.”
I pivoted and stalked toward the house, Aubrey close at my heels. Too angry to care about manners, I let myself in and strode to the bathroom. Aubrey stopped me from closing the door with a hand on the wood.
“The whole point is for me to see you naked. To test that your lure is really gone so we know you’re playing fair.”
“I’m the only one in this place who has ever played fair,” I said, clenching my fists.
“Then what are you afraid of, succubus?”
The challenge in her eyes proved this was the test of strength that not only Raiden was looking for, but the pack as well. If I wanted to establish my place in it, I couldn’t back down from Aubrey.
“Not you,” I said, unzipping my jacket and throwing it in her face. After that, I didn’t look at her. I couldn’t. I didn’t want to see her knowing smirk at the growing flush on my face. Once I was down to my bralette and underwear, only then did I straighten my shoulders and hold my hand out for her clothes.
She was completely naked.
“All of it, Eliana.”
“If you really believe that it’s not my scent, you wouldn’t need my underwear.”
She shrugged lightly. “All of it, or you don’t get my clothes.”
I was so angry I wanted to scratch her eyes out. Maybe Raiden was smart to put that druid spell on me. Given my current mood, I probably would have done something I regretted.
Without a word, I tugged off the rest and threw them on the floor. Her gaze traveled the length of me.
“He has to be blind to want such a pathetically weak creature.”
She threw her bundle of clothes at my face and laughed when I failed to catch it.
“It wasn’t my strength that attracted him,” I said. “Isn’t catching your mate’s scent the whole purpose of a mate run?”
She sneered at me. “Don’t be naïve. The scent attracts their attention, but it’s the strength that seals the bond. Pairings are always equal, which is why you’ll be on your knees again before the day’s done. Although, I doubt begging for mercy will be enough to keep me from marking you.”
“I’m not one of your pack,” I said, yanking her shirt over my head.
“No, but you did try to take what’s mine.”
“He’s not yours. And this spell won’t hold me forever.” Her jeans, sans undergarments, went on next.
“Fair point about the spell,” Aubrey said, redressing just as quickly. But in my underwear. “After I mate Fenris, I’ll be sure to have Fenris pay the druid to make it permanent.”
“You are so insane. My mom, the Quills, Megan, Oanen…do you honestly think they’d stand by and do nothing even if there was a spell of that magnitude?”
“You’re so weak you have to depend on everyone to come to your rescue. And maybe they would if they ever found out it was me. But I think you’re right. A spell would cost too much when there are cheaper and quieter ways to get rid of you.”
“Oh no,” I mocked. “Now, I’m definitely going to back down and go hide in a corner somewhere. Thanks for giving me a reason to stay so I can gloat when things don’t go your way.”
Her face flushed an angry red, and she took a step toward me as the door opened. I was so livid I didn’t immediately look away.
“Based on what I’m smelling, the spell worked. You can both come out,” Raiden said.
I flashed him a look filled with the promise of retribution then stomped out the door.
“Are you okay?” Jenna asked when I joined her.
During the few minutes I’d been inside, the size of the crowd had almost doubled.
“Fine,” I said quietly. We both knew I was lying, though. I wanted to hit Raiden and Aubrey. Adira had made me angry many, many times in the past. But I couldn’t ever rememb
er wanting to physically harm her.
Focusing on my breathing, I watched Raiden as he stood near the fire and faced the crowd.
“The order has been established. Four groups will run. Aubrey has proven herself the strongest contender. She will have a fifteen-minute lead before the first group is released. You will have an hour before the next group joins you.”
My mouth dropped open. They wanted to chase Fenris for over four hours?
Raiden’s gaze landed on me.
“If there’s no mating howl by dusk, you may join the others in the woods.”
My mouth snapped shut, and my resentment grew on Fenris’s behalf. Four hours had been ridiculous. All day was more so.
He turned to look at Aubrey.
“Good luck.”
With that, she jogged into the woods. The daylight run and forcing me to change clothes made more sense now. They wanted him to see her and think it was me. I shook my head.
“We both know this isn’t going to work,” I said softly.
Jenna made a small, humor-filled noise next to me.
“Nope, it won’t. But, I’m betting he won’t be as nice to Aubrey about the swap.”
“I’m betting she doesn’t even spot him.”
Raiden’s eyes narrowed on us, and he strode our way.
“What are you talking about?” he asked.
“We already tried this. Fenris didn’t fall for it.”
“He kissed me and said it was a nice try, though,” Jenna added with a slight shrug.
I couldn’t sense anything from Raiden. Just how well had the stupid druid spell blocked me?
“You should have told me,” Raiden said to Jenna. “Someone with a chance could have taken your place in the first group.”
“Oh, I do have a chance. Remember? You invited guys as well as girls. I’m hoping I’m mated by lunch.”
“I meant a chance with Fenris.”
She shrugged again. “I won my place.”
He considered her for a moment then walked away.
“Are you going to be okay without a jacket?” she asked me. “I can go back to the house and get you a blanket.”
“I’ll be fine.” My anger was keeping me plenty warm.
“You can use my clothes if you want,” she said, tugging her shirt off.
