It was odd that the females all seemed to glare at him except for Diamond who grinned. That answered his question. She’d told the others he’d gone to the carnival. Naturally they resented that they couldn’t go. His mate was so not being nice.
“Maybe I shouldn’t go tomorrow as intended.” He whispered.
“Too late, you already offered.” She returned.
“I don’t remember it being a sure thing.”
“Males never remember anything that isn’t convenient.”
“Not true. I find females or at least a certain one I know can be that way too. You know we are fated mates, yet you ignore it to your convenience.” He said. Her face turned pink and she looked lovely.
“I know no such thing.” She argued. He snorted and all eyes turned to him and the room got quiet.
He went back to eating until everyone else finally did the same. Diamond shot him looks from time to time. Right now he was ignoring her because he didn’t want this discussion to be public. Maybe she realized it and she kept quiet as well.
Once supper was over, he waited until they’d both dumped their trays. “Come with me. We’ll discuss tomorrow night.” He was sure she’d agree. They’d only been here a few days but she was ready to get out of here and reclaim a sense of freedom.
It wasn’t that he didn’t understand. He hated to be locked away also. But he was smart enough to understand when a target was on your back, you had to exercise caution. Those who didn’t in time of war, died. Now they were in his room. Diamond looked around nervously.
“Why did we come here? There are other places that are private where we could talk.” She observed.
“This was closer and more convenient. Why argue now that you’re here?” He asked smirking.
“Fine. What did you want to discuss?”
“I’m still trying to decide if I should take you to the carnival or not. You’ve not been very nice to me.”
“Don’t take me then. See if I care.”
“I went to a tarot card reader. She told me you’ve always known we were fated mates.”
“You believe the cards now?” She asked.
Diamond was a big believer in cards getting regular readings on matters of business. It had worked for her both in her job and her personal investments. He believed she had more money than anyone he knew. He’d done well in his personal choices where money was concerned, but she’d done better.
“Why do you believe I would stop you from working?” He asked.
“Your beliefs about females have always been well known.” She admitted.
“My beliefs have changed as I matured. This happens to everyone with time. You should have asked me, I am willing to compromise. We can wait to have children or get a nanny and a housekeeper. You can still have your career. Our family would help us.”
“Both of us are top leaders. They don’t need both of us at the same location.” She pointed out.
“I’m still running the US office. I have a good staff and I can flash there if needed. Are you not still in charge of Europe and Asia?”
“Well, yes. But that won’t last long. I’m needed in my office.” Diamond insisted.
“I call bullshit.”
“Is that another human term?”
“It means you’re not being honest. Yes, you need to make certain decisions and deal with urgent matters, but daily matters are being taken care of by your staff.”
“I’ll admit my staff is capable, but I can’t stay gone indefinitely.”
“I also have to check in from time to time, but that’s not a problem. We can manage this.” He explained. Could he convince her?
“I need time. This isn’t an easy decision to make.”
He grinned. “I can give you time if you think things over seriously.”
“Thank you. Now what about the carnival?”
“Be ready at 7 and we’ll go.”
Chapter 2
The Truth
She thought back to earlier when she’d been fuming over being left behind…
So he was going out and having fun without her. So what? What did she care? That boat had sailed long ago regardless of what anyone else thought. It had been easier when they’d been apart and she’d not seen his handsome face daily. Still, she could handle it. She was tough and could handle anything. So why did she feel like breaking down and crying?
Maybe it was just the result of so many unexpected changes? Yeah, that was it. She wasn’t jealous that Cam might be out with a female. That was something she’d learned to overlook years ago when she’d had to listen to all the stories of his conquests from Ram who delighted in telling those kinds of stories. No, she only resented being stuck here unable to go to town herself.
If he didn’t take her to that carnival tomorrow, she might just sneak out herself and go alone. She wasn’t used to letting males run her life. This, more than anything about being here, was driving her crazy. Heading to the females table, she sat with Daphne and Gertie. Janel was probably in the nursery which was no surprise.
“It sucks being stuck here with a carnival in town.” Gertie said. “Maybe if we go as a large group it would be alright?”
“I’m out. I’m just not as brave as you. I remember those pigs who got Cally. They were nasty and it sickened me.” Daphne said.
“You’re right. I’m not setting a good example. It’s just hard being stuck here while the males do as they will.” Gertie observed.
“You’re preaching to the choir.” Diamond said. “Cam went to the carnival tonight, alone. I would have loved to have gone.”
“Asshole. All the guys are. They can do as they will, but we’re stuck here.” Gertie observed.
Later the girls gave him hell at supper and he deserved it, didn’t he? Once he talked to her in his room, she wasn’t so sure. Her feelings had been so clear before, but now she was having doubts. Had she been able to get away from him she could have resisted, but what now? She’d see him every day.
Cam moved in grabbing her and pulling her close. She tried to hold back any reaction so he would think she was disinterested. Her body stiffened as her resolve held until his lips claimed hers. The hunger she always felt hit her. Her lips opened and his tongue slipped inside but she withheld a true reaction, just barely.
Pulling on her inside strength she stepped back. “You sure know how to kiss. I’d consider giving you a roll if I didn’t know how much trouble it could cause.”
A hurt look flashed on his face and she felt guilty. Not guilty enough to give in and give up her personal freedom. Nope. Not happening. Cam turned on his heel and left her. It was for the best. She still felt guilty as hell and didn’t understand why.
Now she was ready to go to the carnival with Cam with only a few minutes before he would come by. Waiting was the hardest job of all. There was a knock on the door. When she opened it Cam stood there looking handsome. He held a red rose, her favorite flower.
“Come in.” She said as he handed her the rose. She found a vase under the sink and put the rose in water setting it on the table.
“Are you ready?” He held out his hand. She took it and he whisked them away.
“Where are we?” She asked as she looked around at the woods behind her and a field ahead.
“We’re just out of sight of the carnival. The rest of the way will be a short walk, but we can’t let humans see us appear out of thin air.” Cam explained.
“Of course you’re right.” She agreed. It had been a stupid question since she knew better. Walking was okay. She’d worn ankle boots with no heal because she expected to walk in a rough field where the carnival would be anyway. Jeans and a pretty top completed her outfit.
It was good she’d not dressed up for her date. High heels would have been a mess with the rough ground they were covering. They finally reached the edge of the carnival. There were rides covered with colorful lights. Some flashed while others didn’t. Those running stalls called out at passers by trying to lure t
hem into their games or to purchase their wares.
She could admit there was excitement in the air. “Where is the tarot reader?’ She asked.
“Her tent was right here. Maybe she moved it?” He suggested. “We’ll cover the whole carnival tonight so I’m sure we’ll find it. Why don’t we see how we do at one of the games?”
Cam picked a game where you threw a baseball at some cans. She declined playing knowing if she beat him it would hurt his delicate male ego. He won every time and eventually claimed a large teddy bear. This he gave her and she had to carry it until they stepped behind a wagon and she flashed it to her room.
Their talents were great but unusable in front of humans. That was such a shame. Now with her hands free, they looked for something to do next. This was a common game in human businesses. It had a glass case full of prizes with a claw to pick them up with. Easy right? People left disappointed, one after the other, until it was their turn.
“What do you want?” Cam asked her.
Surprisingly, there was a Phoenix on a silver chain. It was in a hard to reach place but she had faith in Cam. She pointed to it. “The phoenix?” He asked. She nodded and he grinned at her.
His concentration was complete as he moved the claw. Having seen many others use it before he got his turn, he’d noted how it fell and how not to grab a prize. Their sensitive hearing noted the ping as the claw dropped. Slowly he moved it to close it and pull it up at the same time.
She got excited when she saw it had snagged the chain on several of its claws. Slowly, so as not to jerk the prize loose, he moved it to the slot where prizes were claimed. The crowd around him watched in amazement as the necklace dropped into the slot and he pulled it out.
Cam unhooked it and slid the necklace around her neck hooking it closed. He kissed her sweetly then led her away. The crowd they left behind was cheering but the male who ran the claw looked unhappy. She had no doubt that this was the most expensive prize he had. That was just too bad. The male made a fortune off his claw and would make up the cost of the necklace in no time as more and more tried to win but couldn’t.
“I’m hungry. What about you?” Cam asked. That was when her stomach chose to growl. She realized there was an aroma of good food in the air.
“Me too.” She replied.
“Why don’t we go to the food tent over there? They are bound to have something we like.” She nodded.
The food tent was large with different stalls setup providing different food choices. It reminded her of a mall food court. There was one that sold smoked turkey drums. Another had chili served alone or poured ion hot dogs. They also served nachos and a hot plate that had Spanish rice, refried beans, and enchiladas.
Cam tugged her arm leading her on. This stall had brats, polish sausage, and hotdogs. They were served with potato salad or chips. “Let’s check out all the booths before we decide.” Cam suggested. The idea was sound, but she was starving.
“Why don’t we grab a brat, then look at the other stalls?”
“A good compromise.” Cam said then he ordered them each a brat. The toppings were on their side. Cam got sauerkraut and other toppings while she got hot mustard and onions.
The brats disappeared quickly and were really good. Now they moved on looking at an amazing variety of foods. By the time they’d made a full circle, they were both hungry again. “So what will it be?” Cam asked.
He was being so romantic and sweet. She would never admit he’d put a small dent in her romantic armor. Cam talked a good talk, but she’d put up a wall up between them that wouldn’t be easy to climb. She’d enjoy tonight since they’d always been friends, but it wouldn’t change anything. It might make her feel guilty, but that was all.
She might have been disappointed that the tarot reader wasn’t here. What kind of carnival didn’t have a seer of some sort? But so far she’d enjoyed everything else. Cam had made a good choice for what he’d said he considered their first date. If only she could believe they could work things out.
“What about the funhouse?” Cam asked.
“Sounds like fun?” She’d never been to a funhouse before.
Cam led the way. It looked like two trailers stuck together. They walked up the stairs to where a guy stood taking money. After they paid, he opened the door and motioned them inside. As soon as the door closed, an inhuman laugh sounded. They followed the arrows that showed the way.
Mirrors lined the walls and they distorted their images making them short and fat or overly tall and skinny. “This is kind of creepy.”
“I think that’s the idea.” Cam chuckled.
“Great. What’s next?” She asked as colorful smoke entered the room and she saw gravestones that looked like they were in the distance.
“Beats me.” He replied as a wolf howled in the distance.
A clown jumped out in their way with a cackling laugh. It popped back just as quickly. Something shadowy came down from the ceiling. It was a huge spider with a dozen red eyes. “Oh my goddess.”
“I think this is supposed to be scary. Want to hold my hand?” Cam teased.
“I’m tough enough to deal with this.” She replied.
A giant scorpion skittered by in front of them. “That was interesting.”
Next a little Phoenix on fire came out and rushed by. “That was a surprise.” She declared.
“I wonder what will be next.” Cam asked.
“Never ask that.”
“Why?”
“Because that’s when something really bad happens.” She observed.
They finally made it to the end of the funhouse and they stepped out the door. That was when all hell broke loose. Males surrounded them with guns and knives. “Step away from the female and we might let you live.” The leader said.
“No, if you want her you must take her.” Cam said.
They started to shoot but Cam was touching Diamond and the bullets fell to the ground. That made the males approach them to try to physically take them out. None of them could get to them at first but the problem with the protection medallions was the continued use weakened them.
“Flash when I step in front of you and bring back help.” Cam instructed.
She saw the wisdom of his decision and hoped to get back in time to save him. If they kept doing what they were doing they both would fall. He stepped in front of her letting go to take on their enemies. She flashed in an instant and when she arrived at the castle she screamed drawing in everyone.
“They attacked us and Cam is holding them off at the carnival.”
People began to flash away immediately. She followed them. Cam lay unmoving on the field and she ran to him. Oh, goddess! Yes! He was breathing although it was shallow. Holding him she flashed to the castle. Again, she screamed for help.
“He’s been hurt. A healer is needed.” She called out as a witch approached her,
“Come with me.” The witch said as she grabbed her hand and Cam’s.
They were flashed to a room with a narrow bed. Somehow Cam landed directly on the bed. A different witch showed up in the doorway. “What do we have here?” She asked.
“He was hurt in a battle.” She explained.
The witch stood by Cam passing a stone over him. “I see.” She commented.
“What do you see?” She asked.
“He’s been beaten until he became unconscious. I don’t see any internal damage and while he has a concussion, it’s not a serious one. I’ll give him some medicine and he needs to be watched for eight hours.” The witch explained.
“Do I need to wake him regularly?”
“No, just let him sleep until he wakes then give him his medicine if he has pain and feed him.”
“Okay. How am I going to get him to his room?” She asked.
“Jolene will get him there. She is skilled at such things.”
“Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.”
She waited until Jolene flashed Cam away then she followed to hi
s room. The talented witch had flashed him directly to his bed. “Thank you.”
Jolene nodded than flashed away. Now she was left to deal with Cam. She took off his boots and socks. That was easy enough but undressing him wouldn’t be.
Chapter 3
Moving On
He woke achy and noticed he was naked. It was his room so that wasn’t anything new. Bare was the preferred way he liked to sleep. Most shifters preferred to sleep naked and he was no exception. His bed was warmer than usual so he turned his head slightly and realized he wasn’t in bed alone.
Drawing in a deep breath, he realized Diamond was in his bed. Gods! All this time he’d wanted her in his bed but not like this. As he tried to turn to face her, his body hurt. He stifled a moan not wanting to seem weak. Rolling over slightly, he could see that she was asleep. Why was she sleeping in his bed?
“Diamond?”
“Hmm?”
“Diamond!” He persisted.
“I’m sleepy.” She replied.
“Why are you in my bed?”
“Concussion. Had to check on you.”
“But you are in my bed.”
“Healer said to stay all night.”
Images came back to him. They’d been attacked. Even though he’d told her it was dangerous outside the walls, he’d not believed it was that dangerous. It was clear he’d been wounded and she’d brought back help. In his need to woo his mate, he’d almost got them both killed. What kind of mate was he? Sleepiness hit him hard and he didn’t fight it.
Again he woke and she was still with him. It felt good to know she cared enough to watch over him. He went to sleep again. This sleepiness seemed so strong he wondered if it was caused by a healer’s spell. The next time he woke he felt alert and ready to get up. His memories came crashing back and he remembered every second with Diamond and during the attack.
They’d beaten him senseless, but he’d exacted heavy toll. Their males had taken a beating too. It had just been spread out over a dozen or so males. That’s why his hands hurt so much earlier. His healing had been fast considering the damage he’d received. Now Diamond would realize he was tough. Maybe that would help his cause with her. Didn’t females love tough guys?
Crimson Kisses: Valentine’s Day Edition: A Zodiac Shifters Paranormal Romance Anthology Page 2
