A Tale of Two Horns (Corent City Tales Book 1)

by Hannah Walker

  “As long as I get to learn more about you as well,” Charlie insisted. He felt dwarfed at times by Knox’s dominance, his self-assured nature, and wanted to be sure, whatever this was, they were on equal footing.

  Knox caressed his cheek. “As far as you’re concerned, I’m an open book. Whatever you want to know, ask.”

  Charlie bit his lip. Screw it. “Why me?”

  “What do you mean, why you?”

  “Why are you wanting to take me out to dinner, why agree to the event, why… kiss me?”

  Knox turned to face Charlie fully, pulling him flush against his body. “Because when you came out of here all righteously angry about what happened with Danny, I saw someone who was prepared to stand up for those they loved, those they protected, even if it was against a bigger predator. I see someone who is confident in their own skin.” Knox wound a couple of strands of Charlie’s rainbow hair through his fingers before letting it slide free. “I see someone doing what they love, and being true to themselves, and that’s rare. I see someone who is incredibly sexy, with one of the finest asses I’ve seen in a while.”

  “You like my ass?”

  Knox grabbed the ass in question and squeezed. “That’s what you took from that?”

  “Among other things, yes.” Charlie chuckled.

  “Yes, I like your ass, the way it moves, the way it feels in my hands, the way it looks. It’s a mighty fine ass.”

  Charlie pushed up on tiptoes and brushed his lips across Knox’s lips, whispering, “I like your dimples.”

  “I’d noticed. I think I’ve smiled more for you than I have in years.”

  “Oh? I make you smile, do I?”

  “You do, and you know it.”

  “Maybe I just like to hear it, to hear I affect you.”

  “Oh, you affect me alright.” Knox thrust his hips forward so Charlie could feel the proof of just how much Knox liked him.

  Charlie whimpered.

  “Fuck, the things that sound does to me.”

  The words were torn free from Knox in such a way Charlie couldn’t doubt the veracity of them.

  “I want to kiss you again.”

  “Please,” Charlie begged, completely uncaring that he was.

  “I can’t. If I start kissing you again, we’ll never make it out to dinner.” Knox gently eased Charlie back and stepped away. “And I want to get to know you, Charlie. Yes, I want to kiss you, but honestly, I want to get to know you more. You’re someone I can see having a relationship with.”

  “I am?” Charlie was stunned. “I mean, I feel the same, but I did wonder if you were after something short-term.”

  “I’m too old for that.” Knox scowled. “I refuse to be ashamed that I’m looking for more.”

  “How old are you?” Charlie finished closing down the till, and started to turn the lights off.

  “Thirty-four.”

  “Huh.”

  Knox narrowed his eyes. “What? Too old?”

  Charlie looked around the shop, checking he hadn’t forgotten anything. “No, just that’s about what I thought you were.”

  “You’re what twenty-two?” Knox looked almost nervous guessing.

  “Twenty-four.”

  “Close enough.” Knox walked to the door, waiting for Charlie. The minute he was in range, his hand went to Charlie’s lower back, guiding him through the door, before he took the keys from Charlie’s hand and locked up.

  “Where are we going?” Charlie waved to Sam and Alfie who were busy smirking at him.

  “Trevecki’s.” Knox’s hand went straight back to resting just above Charlie’s ass.

  Charlie stopped dead. “Trevecki’s?”

  “Yes, why?”

  “Everyone who is anyone goes there.”

  “And?”

  “You’re sure you want to be seen there with me? It’s going to be all over Corent by the end of the evening. You know people gossip, and that’s the best date night spot to go to.”

  “Why do you think I’m taking you there?” Knox dipped his head to Sam and Alfie as they passed.

  “Have a beautiful night, boys!” Alfie called, making Sam laugh.

  “Boys?” Knox looked over his shoulder.

  “You’re young compared to us, so you’re boys.” Alfie shrugged.

  Knox rolled his eyes. “Have a nice night, gentlemen.”

  Charlie could still hear Sam and Alfie gossiping as they walked down the street. When Knox reached for his hand, he jerked, but threaded his fingers through Knox’s before he could pull away. “Sorry, you just surprised me.”

  “Didn’t think I was the type of man to hold hands?”

  “Not really.”

  “I like touching any part of you.” Knox winked.

  Looking around reminded Charlie just how much he loved living in Corent. The stars were starting to come out as the day darkened into evening, and there were no clouds in sight. The gentle breeze brought a slight trace of honeysuckle. A nudge on his shoulder made him look up. Knox pointed to the park across the road. A family of rare arctic foxes, noticeable for their white coat all year round, were racing around the kiddie obstacle course, being cheered on by what Charlie was guessing were their parents. The pure white foxes gleamed in the light of the rising moon, bright against the backdrop of play equipment. In the large pool, it looked like there was a late-night swimming class going on. It always made him smile to see ducks share their water with the penguins, swans, and stingrays. Chuckling away, he pointed out a young bear who was staring at the water. “What’s the betting he dive-bombs them?”

  “High. I tell you what, if he doesn’t, I’ll do anything you want, when you want it. It could be working in your shop, something at home, whatever.”

  “And if he does?” Charlie checked.

  “Then I get to kiss you whenever I want, wherever I want, without complaint.”

  “I don’t see me losing on this. Deal.”

  “You think that now, but just wait.” Knox winked.

  “What do you have in mind?” Charlie tried to work out if Knox had played him.

  “Time will tell.” Knox tapped the pout that was forming on Charlie’s lips. “No pouting allowed, we have a bear to watch.” He maneuvered Charlie until he was in front of him, wrapping his arm around Charlie from behind, one hand laying over Charlie’s heart.

  Charlie rested his own hands on top, holding Knox there, liking the connection. Staying silent, they watched the bear planning his attack. He was sneaking in-between the small huts there for shifters to change in. His gaze was darting about the place, making sure no one was watching. The pool guard on duty had his back to the bear, and was oblivious to what was about to happen.

  Suddenly the bear raced forward, letting out a roar as he jumped. The splash was incredibly impressive, arching up so high it managed to soak not only everyone already in the water, but everyone standing around watching. A chorus of shouts rang through the early evening as the bear lay on his back in the water. Within seconds the other animals dive-bombed him.

  “A water-fight, why am I not surprised?” One of the parents on the edge groaned, making Charlie chuckle.

  “Sometimes I miss those carefree days,” Knox’s voice had lost all trace of amusement. “I tried so hard to keep things fun for them. Cora was so small…” His voice trailed off.

  Charlie wrapped his arms around Knox’s not saying a word, just trying to provide what comfort he could.

  A little while later, Knox seemed to come back to himself. “I’m sorry. My mind went—”

  “It’s okay,” Charlie cut him off. “I’m perfectly happy just being here in your arms.”

  “You seem to bring out all my emotions. I think it’s because I feel so relaxed around you, like I can be myself. That you won’t think less of me if I show how I really feel.” Knox placed a tender kiss on top of Charlie’s head.

  “I’m glad you feel that way. There’s nothing wrong with emotions, and it warms my heart that you feel comf
ortable enough with me to show me. Thank you.” Charlie squeezed Knox’s arms tighter.

  “Come on, time for food.” Knox shifted, wrapping his arm around Charlie’s waist and leading him away.

  “Can I ask something?” Charlie looked up to Knox.

  “Of course.” Knox smiled down at him.

  “Do you regret giving up being in the PAF?”

  “Yes and no. I always wanted to work to protect people. Both my parents were in the PAF, my uncles, most of my family. Being a Siberian tiger, it’s normal to go into the PAF. Having to give all that up was hard, but I did it to give my siblings the best life they could have. Me being in the PAF was too big a risk. If they lost me, they would have gone to the lone shifters sanctuary. I couldn’t have that. In the end, it wasn’t a tough decision to make. They come first, they always have. If anything, they tell me to back the fuck off now.” Knox rolled his eyes. “It’s hard to step back after all this time, but watching them all move on, go into the PAF, is difficult. In many ways I feel like a father. It makes me worry about what I’m going to do with myself when they all get completely fed up with me.”

  “You could always take in a younger shifter who is too old for the lone shifter sanctuary. Say, someone who has recently joined the PAF, might be feeling a bit overwhelmed, and could do with having a father-type figure who will understand exactly what he is going through. I don’t doubt for one minute your brothers will always come to you for advice, but maybe it’s time to be more of a brother to them, rather than a father? Maybe that’s what they need more from you right now?”

  “You have a wise head on your shoulders.”

  Charlie sent Knox a cheeky grin. “Fancy telling my sister that? She never listens to me.” His accompanying pout was enough to lighten the mood.

  “I think that’s a lie. I believe she listens to you a lot, just not always what you want her to listen to.”

  That drew a surprised laugh from Charlie. “There is that.”

  Knox leaned forward and opened the restaurant door, holding it open for Charlie. “After you.”

  The maître d’ sat them in the middle of the room, clearly visible by everyone, and they were certainly attracting a lot of attention. It was making Charlie feel just a little bit uncomfortable. Thankfully he could hide behind the menu, at least for a little bit. His eyes widened as he took in the prices. Holy shit, this place wasn’t cheap. But they had zirafon, the seafood dish that was incredibly rare, and only ever found in the paranormal world. The closest to it was lobster, but it was so much more than that. It was caught by sirens, responding to their call, walking up from the deepest trenches on the earth. The meat was juicy, tender, and succulent. Paired with a creamy peppercorn sauce, it was incredible. Served with seared vegetables in a garlic glaze and he was in heaven. It was expensive, and he groaned, looking at what else he could order.

  “You’ve seen something you like?” Knox pulled the menu down with the tip of his fingers.

  “No,” Charlie insisted.

  “Liar,” Knox chuckled. “What have you seen?”

  Scowling, Charlie confessed. “The zirafon in peppercorn sauce. It’s my favorite, but I never order it in restaurants. I’m lucky I do deals with one of the sirens for some.”

  “You have a zirafon dealer?” Knox shook his head. “I don’t know what surprises me more, the fact you love zirafon, or that you have a dealer.”

  “Let me guess, I’m a unicorn so you thought I’d go for a fruity type of salad?” Charlie refused to look away, yet Knox wouldn’t look at him. “You did!”

  “Uh, no comment on the grounds it may incriminate me.”

  “Oh, you did!” Charlie shook his head. “I’ll have you know I love eating something tender and meaty that I… can…” Charlie broke off as his own words registered. His face flamed. “I, umm, didn’t mean it quite how it sounded.”

  Knox was shaking with suppressed laughter and the waiter’s face was contorting as he watched them. Managing to get himself under control, Knox looked at the waiter. “Two zirafon with all the trimmings please, and we’ll have a bottle of redari wine, please.”

  The waiter reached for the menus and walked off.

  “You didn’t have to do that. The zirafon is expensive enough without buying a bottle of redari.” Charlie laid his hand on top of Knox’s smiling, when Knox turned his over and held his. “I’d have been happy with anything. I’m here to spend time with you, and not to simply get expensive food and drink.”

  Knox’s thumb stroked back and forth over the back of Charlie’s hand. “I know, but I have a feeling you don’t get pampered often, and I wanted to do this. I happen to love zirafon and redari, I’m not ordering them just because they are some of the most expensive items on the menu.”

  “Good.”

  “Now tell me more about this dealer you have. I have got to hear this.”

  Charlie grinned. “Abalia is a siren, works for Zinkie’s, the main broker in custom spell work. He’s an avid reader and has been coming into my shop since I opened. It turns out he hates eating zirafon, but loves going out into the sea to sing. He used to just let the zirafon go, but we got talking one day, and he offered to do a deal. Once a month he brings me some zirafon and I trade him some of the newest releases. I know I get the better deal, but he says he does, seeing as he doesn’t pay for the zirafon. I tend to give some to Evie, have friends over for dinner, or pass some over to Matt’s mom.”

  Knox whistled. “Depending on how many books you give him, you definitely get the better end of the deal.”

  “Anywhere between five and ten books.”

  “Definitely the better deal.” Knox’s thumb was still tracing back and forth over the back of his hand. “Tell me, have you and Matt always been best friends?”

  “For as long as I have memories. Our mothers were best friends from childhood, and they bought houses next door to each other when they settled down with families. We’ve always been close. Mama Alice took Evie and I in when my mother passed on.”

  “And your dad?” Knox asked gently.

  “He lived apart from us. I know there was some reason it was kept quiet, that he stayed away from us, but I never did find out why. I’m not sure if Evie knew either. We do have the same father though.”

  “I’m sorry.”

  “I had Matt’s dad— Jack, he was a father-figure to me. I had a happy childhood, never lacked for anything.” Charlie’s eyes were wistful as he reminisced about his childhood.

  “What happened to them, if you don’t mind me asking.”

  “Hunters.” Charlie’s jaw cracked. “She was on a business trip to Jenvia, and they got ambushed. They cut her horn off, and she died before anyone could help her. The trade in unicorns is still as rife as ever. I know some people have questioned Evie, Lane, and I for allowing the twins to be outside, even Danny, but Sam and Alfie are fierce in their protection. They’re ex-PAF, they would give their lives for those babies.”

  “It’s obvious how much they adore them.”

  “It is, no matter how grumpy they pretend to be. What most people don’t know is that Sam and Alfie are guardians to all three. They watched us grow up, lived on the same street as Matt’s mom when she was little.” Charlie leaned back as the waiter set a plate in front of him. “There’s no one else I would trust as much with the babies as I do those two.”

  “I can see why.” Knox groaned as he took the first bite. “Holy shit, that really is amazing.”

  “It is. You can see why zirafon goes for as much as it does.”

  Knox’s gaze became calculating. “I’m going to have to think of ways to get into your good graces and see if I can’t gain an invite to dinner the next time you’re cooking this.”

  “Why, Knox, are you just after my food?” Charlie baited him.

  “Oh, I’m after your food, alright, but I’m after the guy that makes it a lot more.”

  “Is that right?”

  “Yes, it is.” Knox’s gaze held his s
teady.

  Charlie thrilled inwardly at the revelation. “I was wondering…”

  “Why do I suddenly get the feeling that I’m not going to like this?” Knox teased.

  “I’m just wondering if you can tell me anything more about Lane and Carter, their mission? I don’t know what Carter looked like, but Lane had scratches, bruises, and scrapes. It was obvious he’d been fighting, but it had me worried. He’s been going out on missions more and more. I’ve seen more units moving about, I hear the gossip about which family members are out. Putting the clues together, there’s a lot more feral activity going on than most of us are being told about.”

  Know was looking around the restaurant as if checking to see who was there. “Let’s have dinner, and then talk elsewhere, okay?”

  Charlie’s heart thumped like crazy. “Of course.”

  “Now, why don’t you tell me more about who you are?”

  The rest of the meal was spent going back and forth, learning all they could about each other. Conversation flowed easily, and it wasn’t until there was a discrete cough beside Charlie’s chair that he realized the restaurant was starting to empty. With wide eyes, he turned to Knox. “How long have we been here?”

  Knox looked around the restaurant, his eyes widening. “All night?”

  Looking at the table, Charlie saw the bottle of wine and the remains of the decedent chocolate cake they’d shared. “Maybe we should go.”

  Knox grinned and signaled for the check.

  Chapter Eight

  He was falling for Knox, he knew he was, and there was little chance of stopping it. The walk home had been romantic, holding hands as they strolled along moonlit streets. They hadn’t rushed, instead, taking their time to look at flowers, animals, and the wonders of Corent City. The experience had infused his soul. Something was building inside him, and he wanted to explore what he was sure could be a budding relationship. He still couldn’t quite believe he was in this position, but he was.