Cohen

by Emilia Hartley

  Her words had made him run away. She glanced down at her phone. There was still no response from him.

  “You’ve been spending a lot of time with Cohen,” Kaylee noted as her spoon broke the surface of the ice-cream. There was a knowing smile on her lips.

  Could they all smell it? The scent of Cohen and their love-making that hung in the air? Ashe’s face warmed at the thought, making her flip open the lid of the ice-cream. There was a thick layer of chocolate across the top and it was satisfying to be the first to break it with her spoon.

  “Now,” Joanna cut in, holding her spoon up. “Ashe said that was nothing.” Her voice was pointed and dripping with sarcasm.

  The two shifter women knew what it felt like to be mated. They’d each found a Vancourt man and fallen in love. Joanna’s had been a long time coming, a fate that had stretched so thin it rebounded and bounced them back together. Kaylee had been an utter surprise, yet she fit in so seamlessly it was as if she’d always been there.

  Was that what Ashe would become? A mate? A feeling stirred within her, one of hope and fear. It excited her, yet she worried that it was already crumbling in her hands. She was a witch, not a shifter. Cohen kept running from her and she didn’t understand how to keep him.

  “You should try fucking him,” Kaylee offered.

  Joanna’s laughter broke through the stagnant air and filled it with life. “Ashe is a virgin! I highly doubt she’d start with casual sex!”

  Ashe’s face darkened. She shoved a spoonful of ice-cream into her mouth and avoided the conversation. Joanna’s laughter died, and her lips formed the shape of an O.

  “You did sleep with him?”

  “Uh, maybe?”

  “Ashe! Why didn’t you tell me? I thought we told each other everything!” Joanna’s face crumpled.

  “Because it only happened last night. I’ve barely even had enough time to process it myself.”

  Kaylee threw down her pint of ice-cream. “Details. I need them all.”

  Ashe licked her lips and smiled. She told them what she could, what she could manage to say through her embarrassment. She didn’t talk about how she used her magic on him, but did tell them he came in the middle of the night like something out of one of the rom-coms they had pulled out.

  “Huh,” Kaylee said. “I thought he’d be a lot scarier than that.”

  Joanna smiled with satisfaction. The look slipped, as if a thought struck her. “You don’t seem happy about it.”

  “Oh, I am. I mean, I was…” Ashe searched for the right words. “I may have upset him last night and I haven’t heard back from him since.”

  Joanna shrugged. “Guys have pride issues. The Vancourt brothers are among the worst of them. If the sex was as hot as you said it was, just let him cool off for a little while and he’ll come back.”

  “Crawling back,” Kaylee added.

  Ashe wasn’t convinced, but she nodded.

  “Cohen is…” Joanna paused. “Well, you know. He’s quiet and it comes off as intimidating, but I think deep down he just wants someone to understand him. Of all people, I think that’s you.”

  Ashe nodded. “I thought I did, but it feels like we aren’t speaking the same language sometimes.”

  Kaylee laughed. “You’re telling me. I don’t think men and women speak the same language at all. I could tell Gage all night that I was tired, but to him that means just poke me harder with your dick.”

  “You wouldn’t give in if you didn’t have the energy,” Joanna added.

  Kaylee smiled like a cat who ate the cream. “You’re right.”

  They went back to their ice-cream, pouring over images of Joanna’s wedding dress and the possible bridesmaids colors. Joanna made a big show of asking Ashe to be her maid of honor. Of course, Ashe squealed with delight and accepted.

  She’d been silently hoping she could be a part of the wedding, but hadn’t wanted to intrude. The joy pushed back some of her insecurities. She could sit back and look at the night before with fresh eyes. She admitted that she wanted Cohen to come back, she hoped he would, sooner rather than later.

  The girls spent the rest of the day picking out wedding favors, sampling DJ’s, and investigating bakery websites. It was something fun that took their minds off what was happening around them.

  Yet, after Joanna and Kaylee passed out on the couch together, slumped on one another, Ashe retreated to her own bed. Her mind slipped back to Cohen. She wanted to peek on him, see what he was up to. Would he let her in, or would he ignore her presence?

  She spent hours, laying in bed, debating whether she should or not. Eventually, the desire to see Cohen again overwhelmed her and she gave in. Her spirit slipped away from her body and she sought out the vibrant energy of Cohen. She was drawn to it as if there were a current that ran between them.

  She found him lying in bed. Even though the room was dark, he lay awake on top of the blankets. As soon as she arrived, his body tightened. She could tell he sensed her. She moved to leave when he spoke.

  “I missed you today,” he whispered.

  Her heart swelled.

  “Tell me I’ll see you tomorrow? I need to hear it.”

  She hesitated, still overwhelmed with relief. “You’ll see me tomorrow.”

  He let out a long breath and a smile slipped over his face. The shadows he wore were slipping away, she noticed.

  “It’s late,” he said. “You should get some sleep.”

  She approached and laid a ghost of a kiss on his forehead before slipping back into her body. The sheets slipped across her skin, echoing the sensation of his touch. She smiled.

  Chapter Eleven

  Ashe knew there was something inside her, clawing to get out. Each time she used her magic, it grew stronger. There was a soft sound inside her head, one that echoed as the force rose through her. The force now bore a pair of silver eyes, wide and all seeing. It looked through her, bearing a kind of strength like she’d never felt before.

  That morning, while flipping through the contents of her closet, she came across a sheath of snowy white and dove grey. Something about it felt... right. The dress clung to her curves as she slid out of her car and faced Vancourt house. Her core ached with each small movement. The muscles in her legs protested, but it all reminded her of what she’d shared with Cohen two nights ago.

  It brought a smile to her lips. After she’d used her power on him, Cohen had stormed out of the apartment. There hadn’t been anger in his eyes, but fear. Fear of the words she’d spoken. She’d revealed a truth he’d worked hard to ignore. It was easier to run away from your problems and say that it was the right decision, than face them every day.

  After finding the dress, Ashe had turned a few cards. What they told her had her feeling optimistic. Today would be the day Cohen faced his fears and became the man he was meant to be. He wouldn’t need some spell to cut his bonds to Kaylee and Gage. He would realize what he should have known all along. She just knew it.

  Almost to the door, a figure prowled around the corner of the house. A sadistic smile lit his face. The silver eyes inside her looked down on Killian, somehow upturning a nose it didn’t yet have. It was a haughty creature.

  Killian slunk close, ducking beneath the umbrella she held against the rain. Ashe scowled. He was far too close for comfort. The force with silver eyes whispered to her, her power slithering inside of her. She could make him fuck off. She could make him fuck off a cliff if she wanted. The realization sparked through her and made a smile curl over her own lips.

  Confusion crossed Killian’s face. He didn’t understand the shift between the mousy girl she’d been and the smiling beast she was now. She didn’t want to say it was Cohen’s cock, but something had changed since the night she’d slept with him. She was less afraid of her own self.

  “I heard about you,” Killian began.

  “Do tell.” She cocked her head to the side.

  “Your mother was burnt by your own Pack for being a witch. Not even h
er mate bond could save her. What do you think your Pack will do when they figure out you killed your own Alpha?”

  Her blood froze.

  Killian smiled, having the upper hand once again. “Your mother didn’t even kill anyone, and they burnt her. Once your Pack figures out what you did, there won’t be anywhere you can hide. They’ll hunt you. They’ll make sure you pay for what you did.”

  “I didn’t kill anyone,” Ashe whispered. But, who would believe her?

  Cohen did, the force reminded her. Cohen knew she was good. Cohen loved her.

  But, Cohen wasn’t Pack. He was the outcast son of an Alpha who ran from the power inside of himself. The power that scared those around him. Even if he believed her, who would listen to either of them.

  “What do you want?” she growled.

  Killian reached out and traced a finger along the line of her jaw. Ashe jerked back, but he grabbed her chin and yanked her forward.

  “I want you to work for me,” he said. “When I challenge Cohen, you use the gifts your mother gave you to make sure he doesn’t fight back. You hear me?”

  She stepped back, his fingers dragging along her skin until he let go. “You’ll kill him.”

  His brows rose, and he nodded. “Very astute. Either you let me, or I’ll let your Pack know just. What. You. Did.”

  Fear punched her in the stomach. She could hear the voices, the shouts and screams. Ashe could deal with the pain she’d already endured, but she wasn’t ready to die.

  “I-I-I don’t know…” Save herself or save Cohen and her Pack. The decision should be easy, but Ashe found herself shrinking. She curled in on herself, the confidence she’d just felt suddenly gone.

  “You’ll make the right decision,” Killian said, touching her cheek again. Revulsion made bile burn in her throat. “And when I become Alpha, I’ll protect you from those who might want to hurt you. I promise.”

  Ashe lurched for the door, eager to escape Killian and the oppressive rain. She slammed it behind her. Joanna’s head shot up, but before she could say anything, Ashe ran for the bathroom. She emptied the contents of her stomach into the toilet.

  Sweat beaded on her forehead. Her mind was caught. Part of her was terrified while a small voice championed for what was right. She was afraid the voice would get drowned out.

  ***

  Killian prowled around the house again, slinking back and forth. Cohen was amazed he didn’t meow to get inside like a cat. Cohen leaned against the doorframe, arms crossed over his chest as he watched Killian. He’d returned for another round of fights.

  Above them, the sky had opened up and unleashed a downpour, turning the yard into a quagmire. Mud clung to everything.

  “Cohen,” Joanna said.

  He twisted toward her. When was the last time she had spoken to him? He raised a brow at the woman. She shifted from foot to foot.

  “What is it? Is Archer alright?”

  She nodded. “Oh, he’s fine. Normally I would step in, but I don’t know if I’m the person she wants to see right now…”

  “What are you talking about?”

  “It’s Ashe. She ran to the bathroom when she got here and hasn’t been out since.”

  Upon hearing her name, his heart lurched into his throat. A single night with her and he felt like a puppy. He wanted to shake his head and berate himself, but his concern was overwhelming. He dared away from his post and ran for the bathroom.

  The door was closed, locked against anyone on the wrong side. He pounded and demanded she open the door, but there was no answer. He could hear her breathing, could smell her scent through the chemical air freshener that lingered in the hall.

  Concern bled into panic. He was moments away from breaking the door. He could use the power of his voice and make her obey. She was a shifter after all.

  “Go away,” she snapped.

  “Are you…” he didn’t know how to ask the question. He lowered his voice, hoping only the two of them could hear. “Are you pregnant?”

  They hadn’t used protection. Neither had even considered it.

  She laughed, a weak and broken sound. “No, you idiot. It doesn’t happen that fast.”

  “Then what’s wrong. I need to know.”

  “No. You don’t. Go away.”

  The bear struggled forward. Something was wrong with Ashe and he needed to know. He needed to protect her. The bear thrashed, making his hands tremble. He would break the door down, but he was afraid of hurting her if she was too close on the other side.

  He licked his lip and swallowed, knowing he might regret his decision. “Ashe,” he commanded, using the power in his voice. The power of an Alpha, just like she’d said. “Open the door and let me in.”

  He could hear her groaning on the other side. There was a shuffling sound before the door flew open. He looked down at Ashe, fury burning her eyes. The muscle of her jaw twitched with anger, but it would be alright. He reached to touch her face, nearly melting into a puddle once he saw she was safe.

  She jerked away from his touch and retreated into the bathroom to sit on the edge of the tub. “Can you just go away?”

  “That’s not what you said last night,” he said, trying for humor.

  He crouched on the floor in front of her, trying to get her to look at him, but she looked everywhere but at him. He knew they’d fought the night after they had been intimate, but he didn’t expect this. He didn’t expect this kind of anger and indifference.

  His nose burned, the scent of vomit hanging in the air around them. Ashe leaned and hit the toggle on the toilet, the sound of flushing filling the room. He reached out to her, wanting to touch her, but she pulled back, slinking into the tub and pulling her knees to her chest.

  “Do you know who might have killed your father yet?”

  His brows furrowed. What did that have to do with anything? “What does that matter? He’s dead and there’s no saving him.”

  She laughed, a bitter and brittle sound, before turning her head away from him and resting her cheek on her knee. “But, it might save me.”

  “I won’t let anyone hurt you,” Cohen growled. The bear made his fingers curl into fists. He would destroy anyone who came near her.

  “Killian is going to challenge you today. I… I don’t know what to do.”

  “What do you mean? You don’t have to do anything.”

  Still, she wouldn’t look at him. He watched her, curled up in the tub as if it would shield her from the outside world. Where had the enchantress he had bedded gone? He’d seen her accept her power, seen her acknowledge her strength. But, it was as if she’d fallen several steps back.

  Cohen sat with her, his own mind working. The bear sat back with him, resting on its haunches and waiting for Cohen to make the right decision. It still snarled and demanded blood, Killian’s blood. Would the beast stop there if he killed the man? Or, would it continue destroying everything in its path?

  “If I… If I become an Alpha,” Cohen said, his throat tight as if it wanted to swallow down the words he was trying to say. “Will you accept me as your Alpha?”

  She turned her head to look at him. Her smile was weak. He leaned forward, wanting to kiss it off her face, but stopped. He wanted to pull her out of the tub and wrap her in his arms, kissing her until the enchantress came back.

  It struck him that he might love her. Was this what it felt like? The pain he felt for her, the desire to fix whatever was wrong, was it love?

  “But you won’t, will you? You don’t want the responsibility even if it might be your salvation. You don’t want anything to do with the people around you.”

  “Now, that isn’t true,” Cohen argued. “I don’t think you know me as well as you thought.”

  Tears welled in her eyes, but he knew she wouldn’t let him touch her. Whatever had happened, she blamed him. So, he stood and nodded. He would show her that he could do the right thing. All this time, he’d thought what he was doing was the right thing. He’d thought it’d b
een to protect the people around him, when really, it’d been out of fear.

  He’d been afraid of himself. Afraid of the power he held.

  Their father had taken one look at Cohen and known he would need another son. He’d groomed Archer to become the Alpha of the Pack, making sure Cohen was under his thumb. It’d led him to believe he was somehow broken. Cohen had thought there was something wrong with him, that he was a beast, a monster.

  Perhaps, Sampson had feared his eldest son.

  He feared Cohen would rise up and take his power away. He looked down at the woman in the bathtub. She was his equal in everything. She would see it, would find her power. He had to trust her.

  Ashe stared at the bland white, plastic walls of the tub, trying to get herself under control. Her fear had been wild and untamed, driving her to empty her stomach. She’d thought she’d finally found a balance within her Pack and this shifter had come and tossed a wrench in it all.

  Sampson’s death was his fault, but there was no way Killian had entered the house to poison one of her remedies. He would have been caught almost immediately. Each and every one of the Vancourt boys wanted the man’s head on a spike, for different reasons. Killian wouldn’t have been able to step one foot inside the house.

  No, someone from inside the Pack had done it. She mulled the situation over, trying to control her still rising fear. Someone else had killed Sampson, unafraid of the Bear of the East since he was bedridden. But who? And how did Killian know? It was possible the shifter had also manipulated one of their Pack into killing Sampson.

  The question was, how could she shift the blame off her own head before Killian threw her to the wolves? Could she even do it? It seemed like her life had been getting better, she’d been getting stronger, and then she’d fallen into the same hole she’d always lived in. In the span of moments, she’d gone from feeling invincible to being struck down.

  Chapter Twelve

  Cohen stepped through the mud, annoyed. The Pack gathered around, whispers turning into a dull roar. He didn’t know what they were thinking. Which monster they’d root for? Did the Pack of beasts want Killian to lead them? Had they really lost their way that much?