by Vella Day
“Thanks, but I might run out before tomorrow.”
Finn looked over his shoulder. “That bad, huh?”
“It’s on fumes.”
“Then let’s fill it up for you right now. You can come with me, and I can show you what to do.”
“You don’t have to do that. You’re working. Plus, I’m starving.”
“Okay, we’ll get you something to eat first. I’m due for a break in a half hour anyway. I’ll drive you over and show you how to fill up. How does that sound?”
She smiled. “You are the best brother.”
“Don’t let the rest of the family hear you say that.” He grinned then tapped her nose. “What would you like to eat?”
“What do you have?” she asked. Finn rattled off some bar food options, and they all sounded good. “I’ll go with a hamburger and fries.”
“Good choice. And to drink?”
“A beer.”
“Coming right up.”
Her back was to the main crowd, but her wolf was acting up for some reason. Random bolts of lust and excitement kept poking her, which was ridiculous on so many levels.
Will you stop it! She couldn’t help but chastise her wolf.
If you would turn around, you’d see your mate. On second thought, don’t.
What the hell did that mean? Naturally, Chelsea had to swivel back around. For some reason, her gaze shot to where Sabrina was plastered to her man. When her boss’ sister broke the kiss, exposing the man’s face, Chelsea nearly fell off her stool.
Declan? What was he doing here? And kissing Sabrina no less? As if she’d willed him to see her, his gaze caught hers and all joy evaporated from his face.
He said something to Sabrina, stood, and plowed his way over to her.
“What are you doing here?” he asked a few seconds later. He sounded accusatory, like she had no right to leave her cabin.
“For your information, my car was about to run out of gas, and I needed to find out how to fill it. I came to ask Finn.” She lifted her chin.
“You could have called me.”
That was rich. “I thought you’d be busy at the mine. I also didn’t want to bother you, especially since you said we needed time to cool off. I just didn’t realize cool off to you meant you’d take the opportunity to have a date with someone else!”
He held up a hand. “I did not have a date with Sabrina. Griffin is in charge of sales for our mine, but since he was busy, he asked me to speak with one of our best customers about buying some of our metals. The man insisted I meet him here. As I was about to leave, Sabrina showed up.”
That sounded plausible. “How do you know her? Or does everyone around here know the Sinclairs?” There was no reason for her heart to be beating so fast or her palms to be sweating, but they were.
“Sabrina and I used to date.” She wasn’t able to tell if his locked gaze held defiance or cheer.
It took all of Chelsea’s resolve to school her emotions. “Used to?”
His brows pinched, and then he leaned closer. “Do you think I’d make love with you and go out with Sabrina two days later?”
She huffed out a laugh. “We never mentioned anything about being exclusive.”
Before he could comment, Sabrina strode up to Declan. She dragged a hand down his shoulder and gave him what Chelsea could only describe as her sexiest look. “Come on, sweetie. It’s lonely at the table.”
Declan’s jaw clenched. Not wanting to interfere in his love life, Chelsea held up a hand. “You go ahead. I’m grabbing a bite, and then Finn is driving me to the gas station.”
Sabrina tugged on his arm. “Lover?”
Chelsea couldn’t handle seeing them together. It made her sick. She’d just swiveled around on her seat when Declan placed a hand on her shoulder. “We’ll talk later.”
At the moment, she wasn’t in the mood to speak with him—ever.
Someone other than Finn set a beer in front of her. “Your food will be up in a moment.”
She tried to smile and thank the young man, but her lips were quivering too much. When she lifted her beer, her hand trembled so much, liquid sloshed out of the sides. Damn Declan. No, they weren’t fated for each other, but the pain of him being with someone else didn’t hurt any less.
She’d gulped down half her drink when Finn came over carrying her dinner. “What was that all about?”
“What was what all about?”
He cocked a head. “Declan. I thought you two were chummy.”
“Past tense.”
“Ouch.”
She inhaled deeply. “Did you know that he used to date Sabrina?”
Finn shook his head. “It was probably before I arrived.”
That meant their time together was in the past. “It sure looks like Sabrina at least wants to pick up where they left off.” Her words came out bitter, and she shouldn’t act that way. She and Declan could still have sex—and only sex. Too bad her heart wanted more.
Finn cupped her hand. “Is that so bad? Declan isn’t your mate. Maybe you should go about your job and wait for Mr. Right to come knocking.”
The problem was that Chelsea’s wolf was still convinced Declan was Mr. Right.
Chapter Eleven
As soon as Chelsea left with Finn, Declan excused himself.
Sabrina reached out and grabbed his arm. “You don’t have to go, do you? Come back to my place. I can show you a good time. For old times’ sake?”
Seriously? He’d told Sabrina several times already that what they had was temporary and that he wasn’t looking for anything other than some fun. She had been completely on board at the time, but when she started to get serious and look for commitment, he had ended it.
“Sabrina, we had this discussion already. We can be friends, but nothing else is going to happen.”
Sabrina scooted out of the booth. “Then will you walk me to my car?”
It was the least he could do—especially in front of a bar at night. “Sure.”
She slipped her arm through his, and his dragon cringed at the contact. He wanted to remove her hand, but he didn’t want to cause a scene, so he’d let her cling to him until they reached her vehicle.
Once she opened the door, Sabrina slipped in, and Declan leaned an arm on the hood. “Listen, Sabrina.”
She held up a hand. “Don’t think about brushing me off. We are right for each other. Remember what you said? No strings attached. Just a good time in bed. And I’m good with that now.”
He didn’t need this. He didn’t want to be a dick, but she just wasn’t getting it. “Look, I’m just not interested anymore.”
“It’s Chelsea, isn’t it? I saw the way you looked at her.”
He had no idea how to answer that, nor did he want to. “You know my reasons why I ended things.”
“I understand that you thought I was looking for more, but I’m only suggesting we have fun together.”
At one time, he would have said to hell with it and jumped at what she was offering, but he couldn’t bring himself to do it. He wanted Chelsea and that was all. “I’m sorry, Sabrina, but I just don’t have the feelings for you that you want me to. Take care of yourself, and drive safely.”
He stepped back and closed her door. Once she drove off, he decided he either needed a Chelsea fix or therapy. Since Chelsea had been rather cold toward him tonight after seeing Sabrina kiss him, he decided to ask for some advice.
Instead of driving, he walked to the end of town and took flight.
A few minutes later, he arrived at the Four Sisters Pottery store. It was dark inside, but it made sense since the store was closed.
He rang the bell and waited. A minute later, lights lit up the back room, and Magnolia came out to greet him. While he had no idea how old these women were, Magnolia seemed to be the matriarch of the group—and the strictest one.
The store lights blazed, and a second later, she was ushering him in. “Declan, this is a surprise. What can I do for you?”
While he had rehearsed what he wanted to say, the words now escaped him. “I kind of have a problem.”
“What kind of problem?”
He wasn’t about to tell the prim and proper Magnolia that he’d had the most amazing sexual experience with a woman, and that he couldn’t stop thinking about her. Furthermore, it was with a woman who wasn’t his mate. “Do you recall that my mate, Bess, was killed three years back?”
Magnolia wrapped an arm around his shoulder and led him to the back room. Potters’ wheels took up most of the space, but in the corner sat a table and four chairs. “Of course I do. Have a seat so we can chat. Can I get you some coffee?”
“I’d love some, thanks.” He needed something to do with his hands.
While she fixed him a cup, Declan tried to figure out the best way to word his question.
Magnolia delivered the steaming brew for both of them, and then sat across from him. “You’re confused, I see.”
Whether she was a psychic or a goddess, he didn’t know, but his whole family had come to accept the sisters’ talents as impressive. “Yes.” He sipped his hot drink. “Do you know if it is possible to have a second chance at a mate?”
Her eyes widened, and his heart sunk. “I’ve never heard of any such thing, but neither my sisters nor I have control over Fate. Have you met someone?”
If they didn’t have control over Fate, why were they called the Four Sisters of Fate. “Yes. She’s Finn McKinnon’s twin sister.”
“From Earth?”
“Yes, but she’s here now.”
“I see. And you are highly attracted to her.”
“Very much so.” He could tell himself until the moon disappeared that he only wanted her for sex, but the futility of believing it had finally become clear. He wanted more, whatever that meant.
Magnolia stared off into space for a moment. “Didn’t Bess come from Earth?”
She sounded like Birk. “Yes.”
She snapped her fingers. “Ophelia mentioned that she was taking you back to Earth to help heal someone. Is that where you met Chelsea?”
How did she know Ophelia, and how did she know Chelsea’s name? Perhaps Finn had mentioned her. Too many other questions bombarded him, but he needed to remain focused. “Yes, but before you ask, Chelsea looks nothing like Bess.”
“I was about to ask that. I wish I could help you, but there is no potion in the world that can change Fate. The rule says one man or woman—one mate.”
He figured she’d say that, but he had to ask. “Thanks for letting me vent.”
Declan pushed back his chair. Uncertain where to dump the remainder of the coffee, he left his cup on the table.
“I’m sorry I couldn’t help,” Magnolia said. “I’ll walk you out.”
Once he shifted and took off, instead of heading back to the mine or to his condo, he headed to the mountain where he and Chelsea had watched the stars and made love. Perhaps the memory would bring him closer to her. Right now, a memory might be all he’d have for the rest of his life.
Chelsea had barely been able to get through the day, which was unfair to the animals. They hadn’t done anything wrong. Declan had. She’d not been her usual affectionate self with them, and they could sense it.
One of the tramors was rather listless. Feeling a bit guilty, she shot into healing mode. Placing her hands on the animal’s head, she closed her eyes, listening to what ailed the animal. Ever since she’d arrived on Tarradon, her ability to communicate with animals had increased. She believed that when she embraced her Wendayan side, her powers had steadily grown stronger. If it hadn’t been for those blue sparks, she never would have known what she was truly capable of.
Waves of fear, pain, and then some joy entered her mind. The animal complained that his side hurt. Chelsea wasn’t sure which side, so she gently ran her hands down both of his flanks. When she hit one particular spot, the animal whimpered. Upon closer perusal, she found a large bruise. It was possible this tramor ran into something. It was also possible that Stick or Marty had kicked him. Anger ripped through her at that thought, though she wouldn’t accuse either of them without proof.
Chelsea could heal animals, but it took a lot out of her. Right now, she didn’t care. It would bring her joy knowing she’d done some good.
“Lie down on your side,” she said, as she guided the animal to stretch out.
Once he was in position, she ran her hands along his flank, sending her healing magic into him. His heartbeat slowed, and his muscles relaxed. It didn’t take long before the animal was back on its feet. He licked her hands and then her face. She laughed. “If you can help it, stay away from whoever hurt you.”
As if the tramor understood, he let out what sounded like a cross between a howl and a bark, and then trotted off.
Chelsea stood. Weak from the experience, she spent the rest of the day alternating between paperwork, making phone calls to people interested in adopting, and feeding the animals. By closing time, she was more than ready for a run. While her physical energy had returned, her mental energy remained low. She just couldn’t shake witnessing that kiss between Sabrina and Declan.
After she said goodbye to Stick and the animals, she took off. Chelsea debated stopping at the store for food, but her need for release had to come first. Once she drove home, she rushed inside, ditched her clothes, and raced outside. How wonderful to be in a place where the weather was never cold. Sure, she’d missed running around in the snow, but the balmy weather spoke to her more.
Once she shifted, she took off down her usual path. The adrenaline rush from being outside usually helped calm her wolf. When she was in a contemplative mood, like she was today, she liked to sit by water. While the spot near her home didn’t have a view of the valley below or the stars above, the sound of the stream would ease the ache in her heart. Hopefully, with enough time and thought, she’d figure out how she wanted to handle Declan.
She inhaled the fresh air as she ran, slowly releasing the tension in her muscles. When she finally slowed and found a spot to relax, she took in the soothing sounds of the forest animals.
After resting for close to an hour by the gurgling brook, she’d decided Declan was the one who needed to take the next step. She didn’t want to second-guess what Sabrina meant to him. Not only that, if—and that was a big if—her mate did cross her path, she’d have to go to him and leave Declan. If she and Declan were together for any length of time, his heart would be broken again.
Ugh. Life wasn’t fair. To think she’d been so excited when she first thought the two of them belonged together. If only Fate would have been kind enough to give her a sign—before she came here and told her that she had it all wrong—Chelsea wouldn’t be in this position.
A clap of thunder sounded, and she rose to her haunches and raced back home, hoping to rid her body and mind of all the worry it had collected. After a quick shower, she changed and headed to the store for food.
Buying for one was always depressing. It hadn’t helped that Chelsea had been mentally deciding what cool things she could make Declan for dinner—assuming she could find all the ingredients. Now, there wouldn’t be any intimate affair or after dinner romance.
She wanted to punch the depression out of her. Feeling sad for herself never helped anyone. What would help would be chocolate chip cookies with ice cream. Yeah, that was it. With a new mission, she added sweets to her shopping list.
For her own mental health, Chelsea decided it would be best not to see Finn or Kaleena since her brother would report on Declan’s mood. If she learned he was in a foul mood, she might be tempted to rush over to his place and soothe his aches—as well as quench her needs. If Declan acted like life was wonderful, she’d want to throw up. No, it was better not to know how this little break up was affecting him and just pretend as if her mate would waltz into the shelter looking for some unloved animal to adopt.
She smiled at that image. Yes, for the time being, she’d remain on Tarradon. She
’d have to ask Finn to escort her back to Earth one more time to say goodbye properly to her family and friends. She’d tell them that she was convinced she could have a new life on Tarradon. Naturally, trips back to Earth—especially around Christmas—were a must.
For now, Chelsea would go to work, enjoy the animals, and go home. If the girls suggested a night out, she’d go. The best thing right now was not to worry about her love life. She’d explore Tarradon and learn about the culture here. For now, returning to Earth permanently wasn’t a good option.
“Chelsea?” Stick strode up to her.
She’d been daydreaming again. She stood. “Yes?”
“Have you fed the new kittens that came in last week?”
No, she hadn’t. “That’s next on my list.”
Crap. The last thing she needed was to be fired for not doing her job. Decision made: no more thoughts about Declan!
Oh, no you don’t, her wolf said. He’s our mate.
You do realize that Tarradon is full of witches, or rather white lighters, who might be able to do a spell to shut you up?
You wouldn’t dare, her wolf shot back.
I just might.
After Chelsea tended to the kittens, she was able to get through the day, then the next day, and the next.
On Friday, she was cleaning one of the cages, when a car rolled to a stop in the parking lot. Oh shit. It was Sabrina again. She hadn’t shown up all week, and Chelsea had thought she might have been too embarrassed to visit after having made such a fuss over Declan at the bar. Guess not.
Just her luck, Chelsea was cleaning poop from the cages when Sabrina passed her, dressed in a clean white outfit.
“Hey, Chelsea!” Sabrina said with an overly cheerful tone.
“How’s it going?” Her response wasn’t as upbeat as she’d hoped. Jealousy was an ugly trait, but right now she couldn’t help it.
“Fantastic.” Sabrina grinned and stepped into the office.
