Fates, Mates & Apple Turnovers

by Lisa Oliver Dani Gray

  “No, you fucking can’t and leave Peter alone you philandering bastard.”

  “Hey, I know who my parents are.” Thor sounded aggrieved, but Cupid was beyond the apology stage.

  “Just leave me the hell alone.” Putting on a sprint, Cupid ran down the corridor to his own room. The wards welcomed him despite his anger. Closing the door, he carefully set the box on his bed. There was one pastry left. Save it, eat it? Cupid was torn. He hardly needed the pastry for nutritional purposes, but if he left it and saved it for another day someone might steal it. Cupid mentally cursed his sister and Thor.

  But if I eat it, then that will be it. No more pastries. Somehow, that made Cupid’s guts churn in a most unpleasant way. The box was from the bakery – keeping that wasn’t going to soothe Cupid on those nights when he was too frustrated to sleep. And yep, Cupid knew that was coming. The Fates would push and push and there’d be nothing he could do but stay away from the one sweet man meant for him.

  I could go back and get some more, Cupid reasoned with himself as his fingers reached out for the last pastry. Peter doesn’t have to be there. I could call, ask Athena to reserve some for me. I don’t have to see him. I really shouldn’t see him.

  Because Cupid knew Peter was a shifter and shifter’s were hard wired to want no one but their mates once they’d scented them. I’ll give it a little while, then I’ll find someone else for him. Someone worthy and kind, and who can look after him. I’ll use my arrows. I’ll make things right for him. But as Cupid bit into the pastry, he was honest enough with himself to know that might take some time. Peter was far too special to let go to just anyone.

  ***

  Aletheia knew there was something going on about Cupid and this Peter, and she knew just where to go to see this man. Her brother hadn’t realized, but the logo for his namesakes’ bakery was clearly visible on the box. She decided to go and see who this man was. Just for shits and giggles, she decided to take a friend with her. Thor would be perfect.

  Chapter Six

  Peter made quick work gathering what little he and Harvey had.

  “Can I ask you a question?” Liam asked, and he helped throw their stuff into bags.

  “Sure.”

  “Was your mom killed because of you being shifters?”

  Peter stopped in shock, looking at Liam with his mouth hanging open.

  “But no one knew!”

  “Maybe someone found out, you said they did go back and try to kill you and Harvey.”

  Peter’s legs gave out from under him and he fell onto the floor.

  “We got our mom killed?”

  “I don’t know, but who are these guys that are coming after you now?” Liam wondered. “Could they be part of it, or just another set of assholes trying to take advantage of someone smaller than they are.”

  “All I can say is they don’t smell the same as the ones who broke into the house.” Peter stopped, giving Liam’s questions some serious consideration.

  “Thinking back to the night mom was killed and the night those guys came after us, the smell of them was similar, but different. The guys coming after me now don’t smell like the others, but I’m not positive. We’ve been on the run now for months, so I might have forgotten their scent. I hope I haven’t.”

  Liam gave him a sympathetic look. “I’m sure it’s not easy, but your secret is safe with us. Cupid and I will never tell anyone about you two.”

  Peter sagged in relief. He was sure these guys were some of the good ones due to the wards protecting the shop, but it helped to hear the sincerity in Liam’s voice.

  “Thank you. I’ve been worried about finding a safe place for Harvey and myself. I know he wants to be working, so if you know of anyone who needs help, please let us know.”

  “One of the guys at work has a relative who works in construction, I’ll make mention to him and see if we can get Harvey hooked up with them.”

  Peter was relieved to know that Liam may know someone. He was worried about who Harvey could end up working for and them being the wrong people for him to be around.

  Standing up, Peter went over and grabbed a couple of the bags, and Liam grabbed the rest.

  “Let’s go home, I’m sure that Harvey is worried about me and Cupid is probably wondering where you are.”

  Liam started to laugh. “You don’t know Cupid. Now that he has a new project, meaning getting your brother Harvey a job, he probably hasn’t noticed that we’re gone. Besides, if he can’t help Harvey find a job, he’ll just put him to work doing the dishes and such while getting you to help him with the baking.”

  “Well, I’m just glad that those guys haven’t ruined Cupid’s business. I was worried that they were going to some damage.”

  “That was why I’m glad it was near closing time that this all happened.”

  As they walked out of the warehouse, someone called out his name.

  “Peter!”

  Turning to look behind himself, he saw one of the older homeless guys who also stayed in the warehouse.

  “Hey, Mark.” Peter called out to him. “How can I help you?”

  “I see you have all your stuff, do you mind if Saul and I take over your room?”

  “Go ahead. I left behind the mats we had been using to sleep on, so you are welcome to them. I also left behind an old camp stove we found in the garbage. It’s out of propane, but if you can get some, you can make some meals, and it will give you a bit of heat in the room too. I also left behind some old pots we found too.”

  “Thanks.” Mark leaned in closer to Peter. “We sure are going to miss you guys, especially your brother. He made sure that no one messed with us. He helped to keep the peace.”

  “I’ll be sure to let him know, and he’s probably going to want to stop by and check up on you.”

  “He’ll always be welcome here, he’s one of the sweetest souls you can ever meet.”

  “Take care Mark, I need to get back to Harvey, so he doesn’t worry about me.”

  “Give him our best, and good luck to you.”

  Liam paused and took a card out of his pocket, giving it to Mark.

  “Stop in sometime and give this card to someone behind the counter. This will give you a free cup of coffee and a muffin.”

  Mark took the card, holding it carefully.

  “Oh wow, this is for that coffee shop that always smells so amazing. Thank you.”

  “No worries, and besides, Peter here has a job there, baking in the back.”

  “I’m so happy for you two. I knew you didn’t belong on the streets with us, you had homebodies written all over you.”

  “I know that you tried to keep Harvey safe when I wasn’t around, and you have no idea how much I appreciated that. If I can, I’ll try to stop by some evening with some left over baked goods.”

  “Now that is something that we would love, thanks Peter. Take care of your brother.”

  Liam also pulled some money out of his wallet and handed it to Mark.

  “Use this to get some propane, this way you can heat the room and cook some food. Get one of those barbeque propane cylinders from the gas station. If you all mingled your funds, you can buy some groceries and cook for a few of the others.”

  “Thank you, just wait till I tell Saul.”

  With a wave, Mark turned and went back into the building.

  “Do you know why some of these guys don’t go to the shelter?” Liam quietly asked.

  “Some. Most of them were vets and because of the lack of treatment given to them, they are now on the streets. They no longer know how to have steady employment because of the years of mental abuse they have endured as homeless. I wish I could make it better for them, because most of the are really great people.”

  “I can see that, especially from the way they seemed to have looked after Harvey.”

  “Harvey wasn’t always like this. Mom said he was fine, up until he was hurt at the daycare. That injury has left a permanent injury on his brain.”
r />   “What happened?”

  “I guess these days it’s called Shaken Baby Syndrome, and someone got frustrated with Harvey and hurt him. Guess what they called it didn’t have a name until a few years later.”

  “I’m so sorry to hear that happened to him, he’s such a sweet guy.”

  “He is, just don’t try to hurt anyone around him and he won’t have a problem with you, but the moment you do something to hurt another person or an animal, he will tear you apart.”

  Liam didn’t say anything to that, and belatedly, Peter remembered who he was talking to. But as Liam drove them back to the bakery, and Peter and Harvey’s new apartment, Peter was glad Liam was warned in a way. Harvey genuinely had a heart of gold. He rarely fought anyone who picked on him directly and was so happy if he came across a cute little kitten or a bunny rabbit, playing with them for hours if he could. But if he saw anyone smaller than him, and that was ninety percent of the population, getting hurt, he waded in to save the day. Never caring about his own safety, Harvey always wanted to protect others. Whether it was his shifter genetics, a result of being shaken as a child, or an innate part of who he was, Peter didn’t know. But it was something he loved and respected about his brother, and if Liam and Cupid wanted to consider themselves family, then it was only right they knew too.

  Chapter Seven

  Cupid slammed down the book he was trying to read as a tingle ran down his neck. Peter! Someone was upsetting the wards around his namesake’s shop – wards Cupid had intensified, strengthened and modified to allow the small shifter’s energy signal to pass through. But whoever was passing through the wards around the shop now weren’t just sauntering through them, they were smashing them.

  Jumping to his feet, Cupid hesitated just for a second. Shifters became instantly attached to their mates – they couldn’t help it. It was part of their make up. Him seeing Peter would just upset the small shifter all the more, but…. The ward alarm felt more intense as they rattled down his arm for the second time. Fuck it, it’s a risk I have to take. I’m sorry little guy.

  Relocating in the alley behind the bakery, Cupid ran around and slammed open the door. What he saw made his blood boil and his fists clench. “What the hell are you two doing here?”

  ***

  Peter had been surprised, and a little bit embarrassed when Athena poked her head around the kitchen door and told him a couple of customers wanted to compliment him on his baking. The previous night’s sleep was the best he’d had in ages, curled up in a real bed. His hair was still all sticking out, because he’d spent so long in the shower, he didn’t have time to dry it properly. Tugging on his clean t-shirt (he even had access to a washing machine), Peter looked across to Cupid for the okay before he left his post.

  “Go on, Peter,” Cupid smiled as he punched down some dough. “Your apple turnovers are selling as fast as you can make them. You deserve some recognition.”

  “It’s your store,” Peter mumbled, but with Athena waving her hand, and Cupid grinning like a loon, he didn’t have much choice. Following Athena out of the kitchen, he stopped dead behind the counter. Standing there, as though coming to a bakery was an everyday occurrence were two of the finest looking beings he’d ever seen.

  The woman was simply stunning with her long black hair falling in waves over her shoulders. Her form fitting dress discreetly clung to a frame that promised any straight man hours of pleasure. Her full lips were curled into a smile as she held out her hand. “Peter, we meet at last. My name is Aletheia.”

  “Do I know you?” But as Peter stepped forward to take the offered hand in his, he could scent the family tie to his mate. Bright eyes, just like his mates, shone with amusement – something that did nothing for Peter’s aching heart. Dropping her hand as quickly as he took it, Peter took a step back.

  “My brother was given some delightful pastries yesterday and he was being so possessive over them, I just had to meet the man who created such wonderful goods,” Aletheia purred. “Maybe when your shift finishes you could join me for a coffee?”

  Peter didn’t know where to look – his eyes darting around the room as he struggled to find a way to refuse gracefully. Yes, the woman claimed to be his mate’s sister, but she was flirting with him and nothing about that felt right to him.

  “Of course,” a deeper voice sounded, coming from his side, “if Aletheia isn’t your cup of tea, perhaps you’d consider dining with me instead?”

  Muscles. Peter had read the phrase ‘miles and miles of muscles before’ but he’d never met anyone who filled that remark. Chest – Peter’s head had to turn both ways to catch the full width of it. Biceps that definitely resembled basketballs if basketballs wore short sleeves. Peering up, Peter stared at an inhumanly beautiful face framed by glorious wavy blond curls. He swallowed hard. Oh man, if I wasn’t mated, I’d climb him like a pole and hang on for the ride.

  But he was mated, at least in his eyes. Yes, the man in question had rejected him, and Peter would likely be alone for a very, very long time, but he wasn’t the fickle type. He swallowed again so he could get the words out. “That’s a no,” even to his ears his voice sounded raspy. “No, thank you, to the coffee or the dinner, whoever you are.” The muscled hunk had the same other-worldly scent his mate was carrying. Maybe this hunk and his mate were lovers. Maybe that’s why he rejected me. Peter couldn’t blame him if that was the case. This guy took the concept “drool-worthy” to a whole new level.

  “My name is Thor,” Thor’s gray eyes twinkled. “I confess, Cupid wouldn’t share your pastries with me at all, but they smelled divine. Are you sure you won’t reconsider the dinner invitation?”

  “Cupid!” Athena, who’d Peter had completely forgotten about, sounded shocked.

  Thor chuckled in Athena’s direction. “Your brother had to be named after somebody, didn’t he? Yes, that Cupid is the one who took a gift box from this sexy young baker and stole his heart at the same time. It’s written all over this poor darling’s face. And seeing as the silly god couldn’t appreciate the gift the Fates left for him, it’s up to me to help this gentle young man find the will to love again – with me, this time.”

  “Wait… what… no.” Peter stammered. “My kind only get one mate their entire lifetime. It’s not possible to….”

  “I have the Fates on speed dial,” Thor confided leaning over the counter as if to get closer. “Cupid clearly rejected your bond, or you wouldn’t be here, with your aura all pale and sad.”

  “Well, yes, but…” Someone come in, please. Someone human, normal, someone who just wants to buy donuts or something, Please.

  As if in answer to his pleas, the front door the bakery flew open, but it wasn’t the normal human customer Peter had asked for. Cupid, the god this time, stood framed by the door, his fists clenched, his scowl etched deep on his face. “What the hell are you two doing here?”

  Chapter Eight

  Cupid was beyond pissed. How dare they even speak to his mate. Okay, it was the mate he rejected, but that was irrelevant. These two predatory assholes had no right going near Peter for any reason.

  “Well, is someone going to explain this to me?” I can’t look at Peter. Focus.

  “It’s very easy, dear brother. Thor tells me Peter is your mate. Peter confirmed it. You rejected him, which was a shitty thing to do. Now, Thor and I are willing to help him find a mate. Someone who will appreciate him.”

  “You don’t get to decide that.” Cupid snarled out. He moved so that he was closer to Peter, even if he couldn’t look at him. No one was getting their hands on him.

  “Really.” Thor drawled out, reaching out his arm and wrapping it around Peter across the counter. “I’m sure that the fates had a better mate in mind for this little cutie. How they could’ve even considered you is beyond my comprehension.”

  Cupid watched as Peter tried to pull away from Thor. Stupid Norse god better be thankful that the counter was still separating them.

  “What’s going on
here?” Liam’s voice was heard from the doorway. “What are you doing here in my husband’s shop?”

  “Um, Liam” Athena said, moving closer to him. “These are the real gods. The beautiful blond is Thor, and over there is Cupid. I’m not sure who the lady is, but if she is his brother, then she is Aletheia.”

  “Very good sweets.” Aletheia purred. “You have made your namesake proud, she was always impressed at your ability to keep others safe.”

  “I…but…really?” Athena stammered out.

  “Enough.” Cupid roared out. “Thor, get your damn hands off Peter.”

  “This isn’t the same Cupid I’m used to from the books Mom read to us.” Cupid said, peeking into the room from behind Liam.

  “Can you please let me go?” Peter asked Thor.

  “It’s okay sweetheart, once we get this sorted out with the Fates, it’ll be all good.” Thor smiled down at him.

  “I’m going to fucking kill you if you don’t get your hands off Peter.” Cupid snarled out.

  “Wow,” Cupid whispered out. “He sure is cranky.” Cupid looked up to his husband.

  “I’m not sure what’s going on, but can you step back into the kitchen?”

  “No.” Cupid snorted out. “This is much more fun.”

  “What the hell is going on here.” Athena yelled out. “You don’t get to come in here and create this kind of havoc.”

  Athena walked up to Peter and pulled him away from Thor.

  “I don’t give a shit how hot you look, you’re scaring Peter.” Athena wrapped her arm around Peter and led him over to the kitchen doorway so Cupid could look after him.

  As soon as he left, Athena turned around and stomped over to the original Cupid.

  “What the hell can I call you, so I don’t keep confusing you with my brother?”

  “If you want, you can use the Greek version of my name, Eros.” Worrying about names was the last thing Cupid/Eros wanted to think about.

  “We can always call you asshole, since you are rejecting your mate.” Thor snarled out. “Peter is one of the sweetest men, and you turned your back to him.”