Amber: July: Mystic Zodiac, Book 7

by Brandy Walker

  Andreas grinned and clapped Theo on the shoulder. Theo grabbed the beer bottles and went to the kitchen while Andreas bounded up the stairs and chucked his shoes off in the room he found his stuff in. He stripped down and met Theo at the back door, not the least bit bothered by his nudity. Shifters generally didn’t have a problem with that.

  Stepping out onto the patio, a warm afternoon breeze skated across Andreas’s body. The scent of heated earth and crisp green vegetation called the wolf within. Tipping his head back and shutting his eyes, he breathed deeply allowing the wolf free.

  It pushed to the forefront and erupted from within. Bones snapped and reshaped, forcing him onto all fours. His snout burst from his face, his skull elongating, remodeling into that of a wolf. Deep brown, almost black fur sprouted from his skin, turning into a thick, shiny coat.

  When the transformation was complete, Andreas shook himself like a dog. A wisp of freedom and getting back to his true form sending a rush through his animal’s body. He thrust his nose into the air and sniffed, catching the scent of deer, rabbits, and the stream yards from the cabin. Wilderness invaded his body, and the wolf howled long and loud.

  Theo bumped into his side, snatching his attention. Andreas snapped at him, but all Theo did was yip and bound off the patio. Andreas shook his furry head and followed behind.

  They raced through the woods chasing the scent of rabbit, but didn’t have any luck catching them. A few minutes of jumping in the stream resulted in them catching fish for a light snack.

  The two hours spent as wolf flew by, and Andreas felt better than he had in months. Getting back to the cabin, Theo and Andreas showered, changed, and headed back to the bar feeling refreshed and hungry. Andreas for his mate. Theo for whatever woman he picked up for the evening.

  Chapter 10

  July 4th – Saturday 1830

  Amber knew the minute Andreas stepped into the bar. The doors opened, and his hulking frame filled the doorway. A thrill at seeing Andreas skittered down her spine, setting her tattoo on fire vertebrae by vertebrae. She took a deep breath to clear the fog he continually put her under. His shaggy-haired friend, Theo, strolled in behind him like his second in command.

  I wonder if they’re in a Pack together? She may want to ask him about that.

  They hadn’t gotten around to talking about his family or his Pack. They’d touched lightly on her life, after her rambling in the SUV the night before, and that was more than usual. A part of her was afraid if she did ask him, if she showed interest, that it would lead to talking about the mating bite and more. Another topic they skirted around.

  There was no way she was ready for that. After one day together, she was more attached to the man than she’d ever been with anyone else, and that didn’t sit well with her. She’d hoped after they got to the bar and she went inside that the hunger for him would die down with a little separation. Out of sight, out of mind usually did the trick.

  Unfortunately, her Siren was on board with everything Andreas kept intimating. That strange sexual bitch wasn’t interested in anyone else.

  “Hey,” Brit came over and bumped her gently. She nodded with her head in the direction of the guys. “Looks like those two hunky wolves are back. I didn’t expect to see Theo again after I kicked him out of bed. What about you?”

  Amber pretended to glance up, because Goddess knew she’d been keeping a covert eye on him after that first look, and watched Andreas prowl across the hardwood floor. People naturally got out of his way without so much as a nudge or word from him. A predatory smile curved his lips, sending an all over shudder through her body.

  “I had an idea he would show up again.”

  “Oh really?” Brit sounded intrigued. “And what time did your wolf leave you this morning?”

  Amber felt the flush of embarrassment rush to her cheeks. She looked back down at the glasses in front of her. She was supposed to be filling up a tray of beers for one of the waitresses, yet that hadn’t happened yet. “When I got to work,” she murmured, grabbing up a glass and filling it.

  Amber didn’t need to look at Brit to know the woman had a shit-eating grin on her face. “Well, I’ll be damned. The wolf took you down, didn’t he?”

  More like went down and it was damn good. “You have some customers at the other end. Might want to take care of them before Frost comes out here and flips.”

  Brit laughed loudly and sauntered away. “Oh, Amber. You have it bad for that man, and it’s only been one day.”

  Amber ignored her co-worker and continued filling the beer order. Steph came around the end of the bar and grabbed the tray right after Amber set the last glass down.

  “You have it bad for what man?” A low growl sounded next to her. One that sounded a lot like Andreas.

  She looked over to where Steph had just been standing and found Andreas there. His eyes did that wolfie glow thing, and his nostrils flared. She was ridiculously turned on by the show of jealousy.

  She wanted to say who do you think, but squelched the thought. That wasn’t something a woman who wanted to stay single and unattached would say.

  “I see you’re back for more.”

  “There was never any doubt. I told you I would be here. I’m not leaving you, Amber.”

  “Well, you aren’t getting back there.” Frost’s deep voice came out of nowhere. “Customers stay on the other side of the bar.”

  Andreas turned around slowly. She could see the tension running through his back, shoulders, and arms. His hands curled into fists and, for the first time in all the years she’d worked at the bar, she was afraid for her boss. A pissed off, territorial wolf was nothing to sneeze at. Not even if the man pissing off said wolf was a bear.

  “I know where I belong,” Andreas said, a thread of steal coating his words.

  The bar went quiet. Everyone could feel the energy of the two Alpha males squaring off.

  Frost’s eyes narrowed. Amber saw the bear ripple beneath the surface. A soft silver shimmer flowed over his skin. It was the freakiest thing to see, in her opinion. It also scared the shit out of her; because she knew what Andreas did next would either mean a fight between the two animals or a hearty laugh and a handshake.

  Amber inched up behind Andreas, unsure of the best way to approach him. She placed her hand on his back before leaning in. “Andreas,” she said on a whisper.

  He curled an arm around her, anchoring her to his back. “I protect what’s mine,” he rumbled.

  She wrapped her free arm around his waist. “But no one is threatening me.”

  “He is.” The words were almost inhuman. She could feel his body vibrating with the power of his wolf, and could make a damn good guess that his wolf’s teeth were pushed through his gums. Also, if she could see his hand, there would be claws instead of nails.

  An oppressive heat blasted over them. She sucked in a harsh breath. When her lungs had enough, she exhaled and suddenly the heat was gone. The tension drained from Andreas, and she could hear Frost chuckle.

  “You two make a great pair.” There wasn’t the slightest remnant of Frost’s bear to be heard.

  “I think so too.” Andreas’s arm loosened, and she finally got a peek at her boss.

  Frost stood with his thick arms crossed over his chest. A half grin lifting one side of his face. Anyone looking at him now would never believe his bear had been ready to roll to the surface with one wrong move from Andreas.

  “I still can’t let you behind the bar,” Frost said.

  Amber wasn’t up for another showdown between the two men. She slapped her hand on the bar in front of two of her regulars. Their heads snapped in her direction. With a little of her own mystical skill, she dropped her voice a notch and infused the Siren into her words. “That’s fine. Pete and Dave were just moving, weren’t you?” She nodded her head and waited for them to agree. It didn’t take but a second for it to happen.

  She smiled and looked back over at Frost. “There. Now Andreas and Theo can sit at the
bar.”

  Frost’s easy laugh had the patrons, who had probably been hoping for a fight, going on about their business. Theo plopped down in one of the stools and waggled his eyebrows. “Thanks, doll.”

  Amber waited for Andreas to sit. Butterflies took flight in her stomach the longer he stood there facing Frost. There wasn’t much else she could do, other than freezing the entire bar and trying to physically move him. He’d know she was doing it too. People were aware of what went on during a Págoma and she didn’t think he would appreciate her interference.

  Amber found her gaze going to Theo. If she could get his help, maybe they could stave off a war.

  He chuckled under his breath and shook his head. He didn’t seem worried at all about the other two men. “It’s fine.”

  She didn’t know why, but she believed him.

  Andreas kept his eyes on Frost, waiting to see what he would do next. It came as a slight surprise when the man came up behind him. Normally, no one could approach Andreas without him being aware of it. It told him how much his mind was elsewhere.

  “You don’t plan on taking her away, do you?” the other man asked, eyeing him skeptically.

  Andreas was shaking his head no before he could even form the word. “No.”

  “Good. She’s one of my best, and I’d hate to lose her.”

  “Is that all?” Andreas couldn’t help but wonder what kind of relationship they had. He could feel the bond between them, and it was more than friends but less than lovers. At least it was now.

  “She’s a good friend as well. Nothing else.”

  Yeah, that was what he felt coming from the big bear. He gave a quick nod before spinning around. Amber jerked in surprised. Those beautiful eyes of hers rounded briefly. He wrapped a hand around the nape of her neck and pulled her in for a hot, possessive kiss. Her lips were cool and wet against his. A result of her licking them and the air conditioning pumping through the place. He dipped into her mouth, tasting her. Needing to consume her passion. Feel her acceptance of him and that of his wolf.

  He doubted she understood the scents and vibes she gave off. Her arousal was an aphrodisiac. Her need for him a drug. It fueled him as a man, and soothed him as a wolf.

  Catcalls started to echo around them and as much as it pained him, he knew he needed to pull back. Turning around, he nodded to Frost and took a seat next to Theo.

  A couple seconds ticked by before Amber shook her head and the pleasure, lust-filled glaze in her eyes slipped away. He caught the soft brightening of her cheeks right when she turned away.

  Chapter 11

  July 5th – Sunday 0200

  Amber wiped down the bar one last time and cast a glance at Andreas. He sat on his bar stool, the one she’d evicted a couple of regulars from, talking to Frost. Andreas had been there the entire night and not one soul bothered her.

  She strained to hear what they were saying, but it was no use. Their deep, hushed voices were too low to discern anything. If only she had that fabulous wolfie hearing like her mate. No. Not his mate, she chastised herself. I’m not a fucking wolf, and he’s just a weekend fling. That’s it. Nothing else. Just a fun way to experience some personal fireworks over the holiday weekend.

  “Amber, I think that spot is as clean as it’s going to get.” Frost’s amused voice broke her reverie.

  Chucking the rag in the bin, she grabbed her purse out of the safe and headed for the door. “Night,” she called out, walking away. She’d been caught mooning over a guy. Frost didn’t say it, but she could read it in his eyes. Could see the humor that danced in his light orbs.

  “Don’t think you’re getting away from me that easy.” Andreas strolled up next to her.

  “Well, you were so busy with Frost, I figured you had a different date for the night.”

  “Not likely, glykó mou.” He draped an arm around her shoulders, tugging her in close.

  She damn near melted into his side. His warmth and spicy scent washed over her, easing the tension that built during work. The longer she stood in the shelter of his arm, the quicker that tension turned into something more sensual. Her mind assaulted her with thoughts of how it felt to be filled by him. How he thrust into her like she was his only safe haven.

  As they reached her SUV, she pulled the keys out. As quickly as she had them in her hand, they were gone. Andreas plucked them from her fingers and guided her to the passenger seat.

  Getting her up into the seat, he leaned across her body and buckled her in. He paused, their faces in alignment. Pressing a swift kiss on her lips, he shifted back marginally. “You relax. I’ll take care of you.”

  The door closed, and he was in the driver’s seat before she registered how much she loved hearing those words. The internal battle of resisting and reminding herself not to fall for him dissipated, and she allowed herself to relax.

  Chapter 12

  July 6th – Monday 1400

  Amber puttered around the kitchen in an attempt to keep her mind and hands busy. She straightened the towel hanging on the oven handle. Adjusted the mugs sitting next to the coffee maker. She wiped down the counters. Looked through the fridge, tossing out any expired or old food.

  Andreas had called his friend Theo over ten minutes ago to come and get him. She didn’t know where the man was coming from, so she had no idea when to expect him.

  With her lover back in the bedroom getting dressed after pulling his clothes from the dryer, she felt aimless and adrift. Her heart worked over time, beating out of control as nerves attacked her.

  Their weekend together was over, and for the love of Demeter, she didn’t know what to do. Her life felt as if it were careening out of control. Feelings and emotions welled in her chest. Things she had never dealt with before. Nervousness. Discontent. Uncertainty. Her stomach tumbled uncomfortably. Those damn butterflies threatening to escape at any minute.

  She fixed herself a cup of coffee. Breathing in the normally soothing scent of a fresh brew. Yet this time, it made the butterflies dance harder and nausea churn.

  Moving into the dining room, she walked over to the bay window and stared out, checking to see if her neighbors were up to anything even remotely interesting. Marge plucked weeds from her flower garden. Mr. Henderson, Marge’s next-door neighbor, pretended not to ogle her, while sitting on his front porch. The two retirees were usually a hoot to watch, but today Amber couldn’t fall into their antics.

  A huge black truck pulled up into her driveway. The rumbling of the engine vibrated the ground enough to feel it inside the house. The door popped open and out stepped Theo, the shaggy-haired wolf. He slammed the door and looked around. Marge, the sweet dear and nosy neighbor she was, practically flew across the street to intercept him, and no doubt interrogate him.

  Not a single person could come into their cul-de-sac without her knowing who they were and why they were there. She protected them all in her own quirky way. Amber was sure she caught the older woman casting a spell on an unwanted solicitor one weekend not too long ago. The man never did come back to stop at the rest of the houses.

  Andreas’s warm scent swirled around her, raising the hairs on the back of her neck. He had to be coming down the hall. She was beginning to notice her senses were sharper than before, and idly wondered if it had to do with the bite. Within seconds of becoming aware of him, he wrapped his strong arms around her from behind. “Anything good going on out there?” Andreas pressed a kiss her to head, and she melted into him, leaning back into his strong body.

  “Theo just pulled up. I’m sure you felt it with that monster truck of his. Marge is chatting him up at the moment.”

  “He’s looking this way.” He leaned them forward slightly. “Is he blushing?”

  Amber chuckled. “Looks like it. Marge does have a dirty little mind.”

  “I’ll say. Enough about them, I’d rather spend my last couple of minutes concentrating on you.” He spun her in his arms, capturing her lips with his before she could steady her legs. It was
a good thing he held her firmly against his body.

  She slid her hands up his chest, wrapping them around his neck. She nibbled on his lips. Sucked his tongue into her mouth. And fell into a pool of lust. Heat licked at her core and made her head spin. The man simply undid her at every turn.

  A knock on the door had her dragging her mouth away. She untangled her limbs and went to answer it. They both knew who it was.

  Pulling the door open, a flustered Theo stood in front of her. He grinned nervously and kept casting glances behind him.

  The laugh that fell from Amber’s mouth loosened something in her. “Don’t worry, Marge isn’t going to hog-tie you and hold you captive in her bedroom. I think Mr. Henderson might object.”

  Theo’s shoulders slumped as a relieved breath escaped his lungs. “Thank the Gods for that. Is Andreas ready?”

  The man in question appeared behind Amber. That same thrill she got every time he was close skittered down her spine.

  “Give me a second. I know you need to get back so you can get together with your Dad.”

  Amber scrunched her brow in question, looking between the men.

  “I work for my Dad as well. Nothing like a mandatory Monday gathering to end a great weekend.” Theo shoved his hands in his pockets and nodded toward Andreas. “Thanks for putting up with him the last couple of days. I know he can be a beast to keep entertained.”

  “Is that what they call a weekend fling theses days—entertainment?”

  Andreas’s heavy palm came to rest on the back of her neck. “It was more than a weekend fling.”

  “If you say so,” she said, pushing casualness into the words she didn’t feel.

  Andreas and Theo shared a look she couldn’t interpret. “Good seeing you, Amber. Maybe I’ll see you around again sometime,” Theo said.

  “If you ever come out to Ecstasis D again then I’m sure you will. Drive safe.”