18
Evelyn
I finished putting on my lipstick then stepped back from the mirror. Natural, but effective. I smiled to myself. My hair was up in a chignon on the back of my neck, two smaller tendrils loose. My pearl earrings were classic, they’d go perfectly with the dress. I sighed and walked into my bedroom. I opened my closet and went still. Suits hung in my closet along with several pairs of men’s dress shoes on the floor. I smiled to myself. It looked like Atticus had moved in. I went to my dresser and found his boxers and socks folded and tucked in with my panties and socks. I played with my locket as I tried to decide how I felt about this. He didn’t ask me first… that bothered me. But otherwise… I didn’t mind so much. Going back to my closet I pulled out my navy-blue lace cocktail dress. The neckline was modest, the hem below my knees. I loved the dress. I hated wearing it for this. It was a funeral but it seemed wrong to wear black considering I was the reason she was dead. Pushing the thought aside, I slipped the dress on and zipped it up. I slipped on my black heels, checked the mirror one more time, then opened my bedroom door. Everyone turned to me.
Atticus
Apparently the signing of a Treaty between Evelyn and the Witches’ Council was semi-formal. She had dropped that bomb on us an hour and a half before the event. Except for me and Ranulf, the rest of the team had to scramble to a department store and find what they needed. I wore a black on black suit without a tie. That was it. I wasn’t wearing a damn tie. Hell, Ranulf was refusing to wear anything but his usual black leather pants and shirt. Falk had found dark gray slacks, a dark teal button down and a dark gray tie that matched his slacks. Zahur had khakis and a white dress shirt.
After our talk Evelyn had spent the rest of the afternoon weaving spells into the parchment of the Treaty. The parchment practically glowed by the time she was done with it. I checked my watch. We needed to get going and she was still getting dressed.
We were lounging around her apartment, either pacing like Ranulf or busying ourselves with a book like I was. What was taking so long?
Her bedroom door opened. I turned and all but dropped my jaw.
Evelyn was a vision. Her hair was up at the back of her neck. Small pearl earrings could be seen behind tendrils of soft hair. Her cognac eyes glowed somehow. And the navy-blue lace dress…. I had to take a breath and let it out slowly. It hugged her curves but left something to the imagination. And I didn’t need to imagine that body… Stop it, we’re working tonight. I swallowed hard as she walked into the room. The dress flowed around her knees, showing off her legs. I took a deep breath and let it out slowly again. My Match really was too beautiful for words.
“Everyone ready?” she asked, looking around at each of us. She ran her eyes over me and smiled. My heart skipped a beat. “You guys all look great.”
I got to my feet. “We’re going to be late.” Everyone moved toward the door.
Zahur stepped to her side. “What he meant was, you look beautiful.”
I picked up her coat, cursing myself. I should have told her that. Her smile faded as she walked to the counter and picked up the Treaty. Her face was troubled as she rolled it into a tube. She came to the foyer. I helped her put her coat on as the others moved into the hall and down the stairs. I leaned down to whisper in her ear, “You do look beautiful.” Her cheeks tinted pink.
“Thank you,” she said softly. I rested my hand on her lower back as I walked her down the stairs and out to the car. I opened the front passenger door for her.
“Are you ready?” I asked gently.
She shook her head. “Not in the least.”
Evelyn
The front doors had been repaired, the house was lit up like day. One witch was waiting in the foyer. Carlena was one of those women who looked better in black than most. Her black hair and green eyes were striking. Add in her pale skin and a face most models would go under the knife for and she was a vision.
I met Carlena before the stairs. “Carlena, you look stunning as always.”
She bowed her head in thanks. “As do you, Evelyn.” Her eyes ran over my dress then met mine again. “Never black. Why?”
Over the last twenty years, two Treaties had been signed with the witches. Carlena had been at both, though she didn’t look it.
“It seems hypocritical when I’m the one who put her in her coffin,” I admitted. She tilted her head to the side and eyed me.
“Do you regret not pardoning her?” she asked quietly.
“No,” I stated simply. “She violated the Treaty and caused a death toll that is still climbing.”
Her eyes ran over me again, her gaze appraising. She nodded before meeting my eyes again. “I would have done the same.” She glanced toward the ballroom doors. “You won’t find many who agree.” She gave me a small smile. “Let’s get this over with.”
Carlena led the way. I followed, feeling the males spread protectively around me. Carlena opened the doors to the ballroom and stepped back.
The room was decorated in black and green. Death and rebirth. After the new Treaty was signed, the funeral would start. For them, I traditionally left as soon as possible. The ballroom was full of magic users, all dressed up. A center aisle was open allowing us to walk to the center of the room where Delia waited.
My stomach knotted as eyes ran over me. Whispers ran through the room. Several called me names. Most were murderer, but I pretended not to hear it.
Delia was in her thirties, but looked just out of her teens. She was a small, thin woman with white blonde hair. Her blue eyes were crystal clear. Her black gown left her arms bare. The round, white-marble topped table was in the center of the room, the ceremonial pen waiting.
“Ms. De Haven. Welcome to the Head House,” Delia greeted formally.
“Ms. Delia, formerly Rowena’s second in command,” I answered as we reached the table. “Let me introduce you to my companions; Atticus, Ranulf, Falk and Zahur.”
Delia looked at each of them. “It’s surprising to meet you. Thank you for coming.” She turned to me. “Shall we begin?”
My stomach rolled. I swallowed hard as I stepped forward and unrolled the long Treaty. Murmurs ran through the crowd. It was an impressive piece of work. When I finished rolling out the Treaty I straightened.
“The Treaty states as follows: Harm none, unless in the case of self-defense or in the defense of others,” my voice rang out.
“We know the Treaty by heart, Ms. De Haven,” Delia announced. I was grateful for it. Reading out the rules and laws was a long, arduous process. Delia slid the Treaty towards her.
She picked up the pen and signed. She turned it back to me. My heart heavy, I picked up the pen on this side then signed my name.
“It’s done.” As soon as the ink was dry, I rolled it up and tucked it under my arm.
Delia met my eyes. “Thank you, Ms. De Haven. Would you like to join us for Rowena’s funeral?” Huffs and disgusted noises ran through the room. I ignored them again.
“Thank you, but I think it’s best if we leave,” I said.
Delia gave me an understanding smile. “I understand, have a nice evening.”
I turned and walked down that aisle again. Mumbling ran through the room, more insults.
By the time we walked outside I felt beaten. “I need a drink.”
I was deep in my mind as we walked into Astrid’s bar. It was still too early for the usual crowd, which was fine. I just wanted a drink to drown out the voices calling me names and Astrid had the best. She spotted me, her smile disappearing. By the time I reached the bar she had a tumbler of vodka on the rocks for me.
“Thanks hon,” I said before taking a sip.
“Rough?” she asked quietly.
“Nothing like being called a murderer over and over again to make you feel like a monster,” I said quietly.
“You’re not. She knew the laws and chose to violate them,” Atticus reminded me as he stepped up to the bar.
I met his eyes. “It doesn’t
make it easier.”
Ranulf came up to the bar. “So, Goddess, what kind of scotch do you have?”
Astrid smirked before pulling out the strongest bottle. “Lewis, I’ll take care of Evie and her friends. You’ve got the rest.”
Lewis nodded as he served a wolf a beer. Everyone ordered and sat down.
As the night moved on the more we drank, the more I forgot about Rowena. The guys made jokes, trying to cheer me up. Eventually it worked. As everyone drank, stories of past screw ups came out until it turned into a game of ratting out one of the others with a worse story about them. Oddly, no one told a story about Atticus.
“What about Evie?” Ranulf asked, his eyes glazed. “Come on, she has to have some embarrassing stories.” The others joined in harassing Astrid.
My face was warm as I smiled and shook my head. Atticus’s arm moved across the back of my chair. “Good luck,” I told them. “I don’t make mistakes.”
“Not in a fight…” Astrid’s smile grew bigger.
I shot her a look. “Don’t you dare.”
“If not in a fight, then when?” Zahur asked, his own face flushed.
Astrid met my eyes. I shook my head at her. “I know yours,” I reminded her.
She smiled a big, drunk smile. “But I’m not embarrassed by mine. I call them lessons.”
We both giggled as the guys chuckled. Atticus’s fingertips trailed up the back of my neck making me catch my breath. The others didn’t notice since Astrid was telling them a story about a night out at a bar years ago. I turned to look up at Atticus. Those golden, shining eyes met mine, he seemed relaxed.
I smiled, “Are you drunk?” My voice slurred a bit.
He grinned. “Perhaps.” His eyes ran over my face.
“What are you thinking?” I asked in a whisper. He looked away to the others to see that they were all still talking.
He turned back to me. His eyes ran over my face before leaning in to whisper in my ear, “Have you thought about the ring?” His whisper ran over my skin. He pulled back to meet my eyes. Heat pooled between my thighs.
“I’m… still considering it,” I whispered back softly. His eyes flared with heat. “We still have things to figure out.” I didn’t know if I was reminding him or myself.
“Still need to decide if we fit,” he agreed softly, though the heat in his eyes grew. My pulse picked up.
His other hand took my chin, his thumb stroking my bottom lip. “What is a gargoyle wedding like anyway?” I asked, my curiosity taking over.
“I’m going to use the rest room,” Zahur announced. Out of the corner of my eye I barely noticed Falk getting to his feet as well.
“Hey Goddess,” Ranulf called, “do you have anything stronger than this?”
“Uh, yeah, at the bar,” Astrid said awkwardly. They both left the table.
His hand left my face to take my left hand. He met my eyes again. “There’s no ceremony, no public display. It’s just the promises I make to you, and you to me.” Heat rolled over my body at the molten look in his eyes.
He leaned closer, his lips brushing mine. I tried to think through the fuzziness in my mind.
“We… we still need time…” I reminded him. We still needed to talk about things; him moving in without asking, him pushing me out of the fighting. But all I could think about was my body throbbing with my pulse.
“You’re right, and we’re in no hurry,” he admitted, pulling back a little so he could meet my eyes. “But right now, I need to get you alone.” The hunger in his voice was too much. My body throbbed, my panties soaked.
“Then take me home.”
Ranulf
I met Astrid at the bar as the others became scarce. The heat Atticus and Evie were putting out was distracting enough. But when she asked about gargoyle weddings we all had to get out of there.
Astrid rested her elbows on the bar, leaning forward as she shamelessly watched the two at the table. “When did he ask her to marry him?” she asked.
“I don’t think he did,” I told her, holding back my laughter. I explained what happened with the cop and how Evie came back in with a ring on her finger. “I didn’t hear him ask her.”
“Are you fucking kidding me?” she snapped, turning my attention back to her. “Evie deserves a proper romantic proposal.”
I smiled at her. “Agreed. Those two are still feeling each other out.”
She eyed me then smiled. “You seem like an intelligent male; do you know how to treat a female right?” The heat in those electric hazel eyes had the blood flowing straight to my cock.
“In more ways than you can imagine,” I assured her. She ran her eyes over me then stood up straight.
“I can imagine a lot of ways,” she countered as she reached under the bar and grabbed a bottle of scotch. Movement out of the corner of my eye had me looking over my shoulder back to the table. Atticus had gotten to his feet, slightly unsteady. He helped Evie to hers. She leaned into him as they began to weave for the door. I shouldn’t let them leave, they were probably going to fly, but with the way they were talking… I should probably go with them, talk to Atticus when she goes into her apartment.
“Here.” Astrid’s voice stole my attention from them. She held out a tumbler of scotch. I reached out and took it, my fingers brushing hers. Instantly my body was aching as heat washed over me. Electricity ran over my skin. I grunted as I met her eyes. The Matching...
Astrid
My heart slammed as my body burned, my core throbbing. I met Ranulf’s eyes, stunned. Mates. With a different species. I’d never heard of that happening in the history of werewolves. I needed to think… My body gave another hard throb. I couldn’t think, not with my body begging to take his. I tilted my head for him to follow me and let go of the glass. I took controlled breaths as I moved through the bar to the office.
When we reached the office he closed the door. I turned and met those turquoise eyes. Gargoyle, werewolf, it didn’t matter. Not right now. A wave of heat poured over me, taking my control with it. I grabbed his shirt and pulled his lips to mine. My whole body went up in flames. He dug one hand into my hair and held me still while he took control of the kiss. He drove into my mouth, plundering, taking what he wanted. His hard grip in my hair had my body soaking my panties. I moaned at the taste of him. My body trembled as wave after wave of heat ran through the center of me. He pushed me back against the desk, pressing his hard body against mine. The world dissolved. There was only Ranulf, his mouth, his touch, and the desire racing through me. I ran my hands over his chest. I couldn't take it anymore, I had to feel more of him. I yanked at his shirt, trying to pull it over his head. He growled against my mouth, making my hips shift against him. He pulled back and looked at me with fire burning in his eyes, his hands running over me as I pulled his shirt up. He took control again, pulling it off and dropping it before taking my mouth again. Gasping, I turned my face away. His hot mouth moved to my throat, his teeth grazing me. I ran my hands over the muscles of his shoulders, his arms. My breasts rubbed against the material of my shirt, the tight peaks ached for attention. His grip on my hair pulled me from the desk, turning me, pressing my ass against his hard body. He jerked my shirt down, his hand covering my breast and squeezing hard. I cried out as lightning shot through me.
“Oh God, yes.” I moved my hips, stroking him through our clothes, my arms going behind me to weave around his neck. He growled against my throat again. As he pinched my nipple hard I threw my head back, crying out as my body throbbed. His hand moved down my body and up my skirt to find me. His hand covered my soaked thong. His lips moved to my ear.
“You like it rough,” he whispered in a husky voice.
I nodded as much as his grip on my hair would allow. “Wolf thing…” I managed through my heavy breathing.
His fingers slipped into my panties. He groaned when he found me wet. I moaned as he stroked me.
“I’m going to bend you over this desk and fuck ye till you scream,” he growled
in my ear. My body clenched, another shudder of desire tore through me.
“Please…”
He pulled his hand out of my panties and swept part of my desk clear. I was already bending over when his hand left my hair to press me to the wood top. His other hand pulled up my skirt, grabbed my thong and tore it off me. I whimpered in need as the inferno built inside me. The heater sent warm air over my exposed ass as the laces of his leather pants brushed me while he worked to free himself. I needed to see. I turned my head to see his dick but his hands were already at my hips, his head already pressing against me. He thrust into me in one hard stroke. I cried out as he filled me completely. Oh shit! He was perfect!
“You’re so fucking wet, Astrid.” He didn’t wait for me to get used to him. He pulled out and started pounding me into the desk. Crying out, my body trembled as my hands scrambled over the desk for something to hold on to. He kept driving into me, hitting the end of me with every thrust. The sound of skin slapping skin filled my office as he continued to do exactly as he said he would. He grabbed my hair again and pulled me up until my hands were braced on the desk. Sparks shot along my nerves, my body tightening around him. His teeth found my neck as his hand reached around my hip to the front of me. He stroked me. The firestorm grew hotter.
“Shit! Don’t stop!” I cried out, not caring if I was loud. His teeth bit down hard. I screamed as my body exploded. My nails dug into the desk, my body milked his as he continued to pump into me. He thrust once, twice, then growled against my throat as he came deep inside me.
That’s when it happened. Images flooded my mind. Memories. But they were his. Growing up in Scotland, his family, the ache of losing his brothers and sister. The jealousy that ate at him when he watched others with their Mates and families. The anger he felt when Atticus kept refusing Evie… I saw it all, felt it all. 1300 years of pain swamped me. I knew I wasn’t alone, he was seeing my life too. It was the Mate Bond, it stripped you bare and showed your Mate the truth of you.
Found (Books of Stone Book 1) Page 26
