“Why do you care? This has nothing to do with you.” She gritted her teeth. Her body quaked. Her snake’s hiss filled her head, but the animal didn’t make an appearance.
“Because he’s my best friend, and hellhounds don’t normally have those, and he loves you even after you left without a word. I get it about family honor. But what’s worth more, your honor or your mate?”
She gritted her teeth. Damn, hellhounds.
The doorbell rang. He rushed from Mysta’s room. Mysta followed him. “Damn it, this isn’t your home. You’re a guest.”
Malcolm answered the door before she could get there. Viktor stood in the doorway with a smile on his face.
Malcolm grinned and continued to eat his apple. “I’m gonna go read a Poirot and drink some hot chocolate. I won’t wait up. Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do.” He walked past her and went up the stairs.
Viktor coughed, drawing Mysta’s attention back to him. He looked good enough to eat in tight blue jeans, scuffed-up motorcycle books, another form-fitting Henley shirt, and a cracked and ancient brown leather jacket. His wavy blond hair lay flat on his head, but even helmet hair couldn’t take away his appeal. His eyes sparkled with eagerness.
Mysta grabbed her purse and then shut and locked the door behind her.
She spotted the big black beast of a Harley parked at the curb. “I didn’t hear the black monster.”
“Wheeled it down the street. I’ll have to be careful though. You look gorgeous by the way.” Viktor guided her down the path to the motorcycle and handed her a helmet, which she put on. He helped her onto the bike. Mysta thanked the goddess for Lana being thoughtful enough to include leggings with her outfit.
Viktor threw a leg over the bike and started up the engine. The motorcycle roared to life. The vibrations stimulated her sex, awakening her desire.
He kicked out the stand and took off. “Your street’s cobblestones are much smoother to ride over,” Viktor called out, his voice muffled by the purr of the engine and the helmets.
When they stopped at a sign, she slipped her arms around his waist and held on tight to him. The motorcycle continued to vibrate.
Their way was clear. They sped along down Main Street, past the office and the library, heading toward the west of town and the wooded area used by shifters for the full moon. Vibrations raced along her legs, teasing her sex, pushing her toward ecstasy.
“Viktor,” she called out, her voice shaky. Her body had become a wet noodle. “How much longer?”
“It’s a ways to the spot I want to get to. Don’t worry, it won’t be long.”
Damn it. She gulped down air and buried her face into his shoulder inhaling his scent to ground her. Despite it being after Samhain Eve, free magic was still floating around. It added to her pleasure, increasing her arousal. Just feeling the solidity of his body as she pressed against him didn’t help her. The wind stole all her whimpers and groans. She tried to hold still but couldn’t help but squirm a bit. The sensations were too delicious. Now if only he was fucking her at the same time. It would be heaven.
Her snake slipped up, and the shift came upon her. Scales rippled over her skin. Mysta could hear the sounds of night animals scurrying around and taste the heat in the atmosphere.
The bike pulled off into a parking lot at the entrance to the forest. A path of flameless candles and strewn foxglove petals led deep into the trees.
The shift pulled back. The need swirling in her body increased. Her clit throbbed. Her pussy clenched. Tingles raced over her skin. She glanced at Viktor who was studying her, his expression filled with naked hope and worry.
“Lovely,” was all she could muster.
“Just lovely? Well, you need to see the picnic area.” He dismounted and helped her to stand.
She passed him her helmet. Once it was stored he took her hand and guided her into the forest. Darkness surrounded her. The noises of the night dampened the farther they got in. The air around them cooled, but she didn’t feel chilled in the least. Not once did she feel spooked or as if they were in danger.
They came upon a clearing near the falls not far from Silverlake. Here was the call of the wild. The forest where creatures of myths made their homes and lived secure in the knowledge that no one would harm them, that they were completely safe from hunters.
In the clearing he’d set up a red checked blanket with a single candle set in a holder with various fruits, cheeses, a bottle of wine, and dessert. She smiled at the gesture. He was trying, truly he was, to set the mood. “This is beautiful.”
His features softened. “Remember when it rained, and we couldn’t go picnicking for your birthday? I know it’s late, but I figured, happy birthday.”
Her heart clenched. Why was he being so thoughtful after what she’d done to him? She didn’t feel worthy of him. “Thank you,” she whispered. “I…really appreciate the gesture.”
He bowed his head. “No problem.”
She swallowed and followed him toward the blanket.
CHAPTER TEN
Viktor got Mysta settled on the blanket, then took his place across from her. The constant rush of water over the falls and soft chirps and buzzing around them set the mood. A bush rustled close by, but nothing jumped out at them.
“Wine?” He picked up the bottle—this time a blueberry Riesling from the same brand as the strawberry one—and waited for her to give the go-ahead. His heart pounded. His palms were sweaty. Cool air drifted toward them from the lake. She was giving him a chance, and he wasn’t going to mess it up.
“Water, please,” she whispered.
“You want to keep your head. Understandable.” He dug around the picnic basket and brought out a bottle of water. “Glass or bottle?”
“Bottle.” Her gaze darted around the area. They were far from the road, but the rumble of a truck still reached them.
He offered her some water and watched as she accepted it. Her hand trembled, and her cheeks were pink. He scented the tang of her sweat and fear on the air.
“Mys, it’s okay, I’m scared too.” He watched to see if she believed him.
“I’m not scared—” She started to shake her head but stopped. “No, I am scared. Gotta be honest.”
Pride swelled at her honesty. “Don’t be.” He removed a small bouquet of foxgloves from the basket and handed it to her. “Forgot to give you this.”
Fear, longing, hope, and wistfulness flitted across her features. Then her expression became shuttered.
“No, please don’t. You were honest with me.”
She bobbed her head. She sat so still that her body vibrated with tension. “I can try.”
Relief swept through him at her allowance. “Fantastic. Okay, what would you like to eat? I went for diverse tastes rather than a set theme.” He spread his arm over the array of offerings.
“I had some tacos for dinner with Malcolm and Lana, so I need something light. I’ll try some of that cheese.”
He chuckled. “I guess no kissing later.” He cut her a few slices, laid them on a small paper plate, and handed it to her. She took a sip of water while he served himself. Silence fell between them.
He waited. Fear crept into his body with each passing second. Energy jittered up and down his arms and legs. He wanted to move. To do something to show her that it was okay to open up, to be with him.
Viktor licked his lips, thinking over his next words. Maybe some good news would help open her back up. “Your family is doing well, lots of attention in Arbor. I heard your father has a job working at the apothecary, steady work.”
Relief flitted across her face, and some of her tension slipped away. “We haven’t been able to talk much, so I’m a little out of the loop.”
“Help me understand. Why would a branch of the family and not the whole family shun yours?” He’d tried to ask friends who were familiars, but their explanations had always left him confused.
She swallowed. “Well, if one branch of the family shows more magical abili
ty and has more matches they would be considered the superior side. The other branches would be tested and their magical abilities recorded and put forward to the Council of Familiars who would decide whether they were eligible to participate as a familiar. You have to get tested yearly. Anyone at puberty is tested.” She paused to take a sip of water, then pressed on.
“I showed superior magical ability and knowledge year after year before Bridget requested me. I would’ve been up for early selection had the main branch not had a standing bribe with the testing officials.”
Viktor shuddered at the thought. “So wrong. Just…”
“Matters weren’t helped by my mixed blood. It’s not just shifters who think of blood purity. Familiars can be just as snobbish about mixing with regular shifters or humans.” She turned her head away, but he didn’t miss the tears in her eyes. “I could’ve gone one of two ways. I could’ve been a snake shifter with no magic, or I could’ve just been born a witch and not a shifter, since my mother is only a witch and not a shifter or familiar.”
Her pain lashed at him in thin strips. He could taste the bitterness of her fear.
She continued to speak. “When I met you I was about to be tested for the fourth time, the last time anyone can be tested to become a familiar. Bridget’s family had insisted on my being tested. Despite showing great knowledge and ability, I hadn’t been put forward as a candidate by the main branch to become an official familiar. If, after the testing, I wasn’t selected my whole family would be blackballed. Not even my siblings, had they shown any aptitude, would be able to be selected. The main branch saw to that.” Tears slipped down her cheeks. She met his gaze.
“My family honor was at stake, and here you were, coming into my life, pure sex on a stick. I thought we could date, but it wasn’t enough. You were distracting me. When I practiced on my own, or when I created a potion my attention would dart to you, and I’d get distracted.” Her breath came out shaky.
“When I passed and was paired with Bridget it was relief. Her family had always been kind to mine, and I knew her from childhood. When we were kids, Bridget always said it would be awesome if I was her familiar. I didn’t have many friends, and people in the magical community hadn’t always been so nice, but the Roseways…they were above everyone. I needed to become Bridget’s familiar. Not just for my family but for myself. To prove that I was worth something. That all that studying and limiting my friend circle, all of it had been good for something. Marriage didn't fit into my plans.”
Some of his old anger faded as understanding dawned on him. “So, that’s why you left? You found the ring.”
He could see now why she’d been so standoffish when they first met, why she avoided him. He could have distracted her, costing not only her but her family an opportunity they badly needed.
“You were consuming my waking hours and my dreams. My family has never believed in mates. We’ve never found ours as far as I could see. My father fell in love with my mother and against family wishes they got married, but they weren’t mates. The main edict in my family was to be paired up with someone of a higher branch or from a prestigious family of familiars.”
Viktor stilled as her words sunk in. “Wait, were you—”
“No. My family was written off, remember? I wouldn’t be worth pairing with, even with my magical abilities. Though there was talk among the main vein about a possible match for me after I’d been paired up with Bridget and my magic had been certified by the Council.” She ducked her head. “I had limited time to decide. If I was going to move, I had to move right away. Bridget gave me the opportunity.”
He growled. “You were scared. Admit it. I distracted you. So you said.”
She didn’t answer him.
“You can’t use silence to push me away. I won’t let you run away, not from me or what we have.”
“And then what?” She lifted her chin. A challenge sparked in her dark brown eyes.
He shook his head. “It’s not about me, honey. I want to be with you, period. Now it’s on you to figure out what you want. Your dreams and desires are just as important to me as my own.”
“So I have to choose?” She glanced away from him. Her hands tightened around her glass. She inhaled, then exhaled. After a few seconds she turned to face him. Pain in her eyes.
Viktor put down his glass and moved over to her. He wrapped his arms around her and held her close. “I’m not asking you to choose. I wouldn’t, but I won’t step back either. I’ll be in your life regardless of how much time you can give me. You are my mate, and your needs are my needs.”
He reached out and tugged a stray curl. The softness tickled his fingertips. She gazed up at him, so open and vulnerable. Temptation reared its ugly head. Before he could stop himself he lowered his head and kissed her. He shut his eyes and savored the warmth of her body against him, the lushness of her lips, the watery and green scents that drifted around them, mixing with the light aroma of desire that emanated from her. His hand tightened around her hair. She reached up and clutched his tresses, holding him against her for a moment. Then she pulled back, panting, lip gloss smeared. She gazed at him with open lust, but then shook her head.
“We better go. I have work tomorrow.”
She was still finding her way with him and at war with herself. “Okay, sugar, okay. But you’re going to have to make the next move and reach out to me. I’ve pled my case. All I’m asking is you give me a chance.”
“I know,” she whispered.
They packed up the rest of the food and drinks. The wine had gone untouched. He vowed that one day they’d drink it.
They rode home in silence. She held on tight to him all the way back. Her chin rested on his shoulder, but she said nothing.
Viktor pulled to a stop at the curb in front of her house. She climbed off the bike and returned his helmet to him. She didn’t lean in and give him a kiss good night, much to his disappointment.
“Don’t forget, honey, your move.” He tilted his head and watched her expression.
Her features firmed. “I’ll… I’ll call you.”
Before he could respond, she darted up the path.
“I’ll be waiting, sugar!”
She didn’t turn toward him, just unlocked her door and slipped into the house. From the upper window he caught sight of Malcolm’s face. The hellhound tipped his head and gave him a wink before disappearing behind a curtain.
Thoughts of the picnic and the kiss with Mysta swirled through his brain. Lunar Lust turned full blast. His whole body burned. His clothes felt too tight, and his heart rate ticked up. He turned on the motorcycle. The power roared to life, then revved down to a low rumble. The vibrations rushed over his body, tickling his balls and increasing his need. His dick thickened and pressed against the denim. He hadn’t noticed his desire during their picnic, but now he couldn’t ignore it.
The ride from her house to his little cabin in the woods took too long. Every second stretched on into eternity with no relief in sight. Along the way he thought about getting off and walking to alleviate what being on his motorcycle did to him. The moon hung in the sky mocking him in its waxing gibbous state. They had a ways to go before she was full and at her max power.
By the time he got home he was in full arousal mode, and his pants hurt him something fierce. He stored his bike in the garage and headed inside locking the door and setting the alarm after him. As he made his way through the darkened house, he shed his clothes: first his belt, then his top. He arrived in his darkened bedroom. Only the silvery light of the moon poured through the windows. He popped open his fly and yanked down the tab, then bent over to pull off his boots and socks. With a shove he pushed down his jeans and underwear and ran to his bedroom. There was no way in hell he’d jerk off in the middle of the hallway. Sweat trickled over his face.
His fox pushed to the surface until pale blond fur obscured his skin. The change took hold. His head throbbed. The ache began in his forehead, then migrated down to around
his ears. The smell of stale wood, the pine of the forest, old drywall, dust, and mustiness permeated the air. Thank the goddess he wasn’t around Mysta. He wouldn’t let her suffer through this with him. He rushed to the nightstand and yanked open the drawer. Once he had the lube in hand, he fell onto his bed and rolled to his back.
With his thumb he flicked the top of the lube, squirted out a generous line onto his prick and placed the bottle onto the tabletop. The cool gel slipped over his heated shaft and dribbled onto his balls. With a groan he grabbed his penis and worked his way from root to tip in slow strokes. His blood warmed, and with each tug his desire increased. The world around him blurred. An image of Mysta formed in his mind. Gone were the leggings, boots, jacket, and dress. She was glorious in her nudity. A goddess among women with her gentle curves and the slight roundness of her stomach. Patches of scales appeared here and there. Her eyes had become so dark they were black velvet.
She straddled his legs, wrapped her hands around his, and helped glide his grip up and down in slow, even pulls. With his free hand he fondled his balls. Her small, high breasts shook with every movement of his hand. Their caramel-colored tips were tight points that tempted his mouth to suck and flick. He groaned and allowed his instincts to take over. His hips flexed.
The dream changed. Now he was pushing inside of her. His hold on his shaft tightened and relaxed. The tide rose inside of him. Pressure built, and the fire threatened to consume him. With each stroke he climbed closer to orgasm. Precum slipped over his hand adding to the lubricant, allowing for an easy glide. His fingers played and teased his sac until he could barely touch it anymore. His vision of Mysta’s café au lait skin flushed with a light pink glow, and her body was coated with sweat.
“Come with me, Vik.” Her husky voice rippled over him like silk urging him on.
The tide crashed into him knocking him over and taking him under until he couldn’t breathe, couldn’t think, and couldn’t process anything but pure bliss, and he came. Once it was over and he lay panting on his bed, the sheets soaked and his body exhausted, his dream of Mysta wavered. She blew him a kiss and blinked out of sight. He wished she had been real, that she had been with him, but they weren’t there yet.
Outfoxing Mysta Page 10
