Palm Haven Shifters: Complete Five-Part Series

by Sennah Tate

  “Now!” Ashley shouted.

  A golden stream of light shot out from each of the five witches, crisscrossing around the demon, caging it in the shimmering magic.

  Every witch in the circle had a hulking shifter at her side, lending support and strength. Every witch, that was, except Monica.

  Reed felt frozen in place, even as he wanted to rush to her side and do… something.

  Monica’s golden light was dimmer than the others, flickering in and out, breaking the cage that trapped the demon. She looked paler than usual, her forehead shining with sweat, her breaths ragged and labored — it was too much for her. She’d held off the demon on her own for too long and now she was exhausted, unable to carry on.

  Her head turned and she locked eyes with him — those sparkling mischievous golden eyes he could dive into — and he saw her inner light dimming. Her will to fight waning.

  The demon saw it, too, and honed in on her.

  “You have failed. You were always going to fail. You’re no match for me,” it laughed. A dark shadowy tendril shot from the demon’s wickedly sharp-looking clawed finger and hit Monica in the chest.

  She let out a strangled cry, clutching at her chest, clawing at it as she fell to her knees. The demon seemed to be feeding off of her, sucking the life right out of her as she grew paler and paler still.

  Panic gripped Reed’s heart and squeezed until he couldn’t breathe either. She was going to die if he didn’t so something. But what could he do? He was just a bear and this was a freaking demon.

  He took another quick look around the circle, but everyone else was completely focused, unable to break their concentration without ruining everything.

  And then there was every witch with her mate behind her. Every witch except Monica.

  Get over yourself and go to her!

  The moment the thought entered his head Reed sprinted to her side, falling to his knees next to her.

  “Monica, Monica,” he whispered, cupping her cheek to lift her face. “Monica, sweetheart, you can’t give up. You have to fight.”

  Her lips were turning blue, the demon’s leeching thread still attached firmly to her heart. He wanted to scream and curse and maybe even cry, but instead he just held her.

  “I can’t,” she muttered. “I’m not strong enough… It’s right. We can’t beat a demon,” her voice faded to a whisper, her breaths barely registering.

  “I’m not buying that for one minute,” he said, making her look at him again. “You are the strongest damn woman I know.”

  Monica’s eyes fluttered open and he held them there, brushing her hair back with a gentle touch.

  “Who else would be crazy enough to go into enemy territory and try to help injured angry bears? What other crazy witch has the enormous fucking balls to try and tackle a demon solo until help could show up? If anyone’s strong enough to beat this thing, it’s you. Of course you can do it. You always could.”

  A ghost of a smile lit up her face for a moment, only to be erased by a sharp cry of pain as she was sapped of more of her energy.

  Tell her. Tell her now or you might never get to.

  “Hey, look at me,” he said, his heart beating like a herd of thundering elephants. Her skin was cold, going grey and he knew he was running out of time.

  “You wanted to know why I jumped in front of Cherry to save you?”

  Monica nodded mutely, the movement seeming to take a great effort.

  “I guess it’s because… deep down…he’s chosen you.”

  Her eyes fluttered open once more sending a surge of hope through Reed.

  “Your bear?” She whispered.

  “Yeah. He’s convinced you belong to us. And even if it seems absolutely off-the-wall bat-shit crazy for cocoa puffs… well… I think the damn animal is onto something. Because you’re the most incredible woman I’ve ever met, Monica. You’re fiery and exciting, sexy as all hell and stronger than anyone I know. If I’m fated to be with one person for the rest of my damn life I think I’d be one lucky son of a bitch for that person to be you.”

  He threaded his fingers through hers and lifted her to his lips for a salty kiss, only realizing then that he was crying.

  “God dammit, Mon, you’re not leaving me before we figure out if this thing is as real as I think it is.”

  Something happened when they kissed — his bear roared to life and sensed the demon threatening their mate. Acting on instinct, he kissed her again, pouring everything he had into it. He was consumed with the kiss, forgetting everything else for a moment, but far off he felt a pop like a suction cup releasing as the bear rushed to protect her precious heart. When Reed opened his eyes again, Monica was free of the shadowy leech and her color was already returning.

  “Thanks,” she said weakly, trying to get up, stumbling.

  Reed helped her to her feet and wrapped his arms around her from behind, letting her lean against him for support.

  He kissed the side of her neck and whispered “Kick some demon ass for me.”

  Though she didn’t respond, he saw the corner of Monica’s mouth twitch in a smile and then a stream of golden light shot from her fingertips, completing the circle of five and trapping the demon.

  Around the circle, every shifter mimicked Reed’s actions, wrapping his arms around his mate and holding her close as the witches vibrated with magical energy.

  All at once, they began chanting in unison, growing louder and louder until their voices blurred together.

  The demon howled and shrank away from the shimmering golden light.

  “No! It’s not possible! You cannot defea—”

  The magical cage flared bright as daylight, painting Reed’s vision completely white. He couldn’t even see Monica right in front of him, but he knew she was still there because he held on tight, never letting go of her again.

  When the light faded and his vision returned, the demon was gone.

  He felt Monica slump against him and caught her, spinning her in his arms. “Are you okay?”

  Her eyes drifted and she nodded. “I… think so. Just… tired.”

  Reed let out a sigh of relief he never knew he was holding onto and swept her up in his arms, bringing her up against his chest, just content to hold her for as long as she’d let him.

  “Let’s get you home,” he said, giving a look around at all the other embracing couples. Though he didn’t know them all, and they were all supposed to be enemies, Reed felt a deep-down connection with each and every one of them. They’d all been through something together that no one else would understand and it bonded them in immeasurable ways.

  Monica looked up at him, hazel eyes shimmering with light again, and he just had to kiss her.

  He started to walk towards Mr. Dobbs’ car, thinking he should really pick his up from Buster’s in the morning, and realized Monica wasn’t following him.

  When he looked at her, he saw the slight frown wrinkling her brow and his throat tightened a little.

  “What’s wrong?” He turned back to her side, reaching for her hand.

  Monica clasped his hand, a low hum of energy flowing between them. It was less explosive than before, but no less awe-inspiring.

  “Did you mean what you said?” Her voice was raspy and dry, cracking as she spoke.

  Reed took both of her hands in his and squeezed, “Of course I did. I know it’s crazy. If you think I’m insane I wouldn’t blame you. If you want to run away from me… I’d get it. I wouldn’t like—”

  “What if I want to stay?”

  Monica looked as surprised as Reed felt and he had to smile.

  “I think that sounds like the best damn thing I’ve ever heard.”

  Color flushed her face and Reed’s heart sped up, his blood running hot at the sight of her. He’d come so close to losing her. Hell, he didn’t know what this was, but it was sure something, and he didn’t want to lose it. Or her. Especially her.

  “It is crazy, though… Right?”

  H
e found himself laughing, scooping her in his arms and swinging her around.

  “You’re damn right it’s crazy. It’s insane. Bonkers. Ludacris. Ummm…”

  “Mad?” She offered.

  “Yes! Mad, too. So, is that going to be a problem?”

  A sly smile spread her lips and she shook her head, seeming to regain a little of her strength with every passing moment. “As long as we’re mad together.”

  “I wouldn’t have it any other way. Now, let’s get you home and into bed. You had a very stressful day,” he said, slipping an arm around her waist as she waved at Ashley.

  “What, you don’t find demonic battles relaxing?”

  “Not to mention the wolf attack,” he said, walking toward the car.

  “And the bear attack.”

  Reed stopped at the door to the hatchback, pressing her against the car as she clung to him. He dipped down to kiss her, his kisses trailing down her neck.

  Monica sighed, melting into him.

  “It wasn’t all bad, though,” Reed said, grinning like a… well, a mad man. “I did meet my mate.”

  Monica slid her hand under his shirt. “And we had some incredible sex,” she purred.

  “Mmm,” he said, gently sucking on her earlobe, his fingers wound in her hair.

  “Speaking of which…” She murmured on a sigh. “I might need another recharge.”

  Reed finally pulled himself away from his seductive witch and opened the passenger door for her. “Maybe in the morning.”

  “Oh?” Monica’s smirk was infectious.

  “Oh, yeah. You’re gonna want your strength.”

  She got into the car, laughing as he closed the door and walked around to the other side.

  “I’m gonna want my strength, huh?”

  Reed nodded. “Oh, definitely.”

  “That confident, are you?” She must be feeling a little better if she was teasing him back.

  “Yeah, I am.”

  Monica scoffed, looking unimpressed even as a grin cracked through her façade. “I don’t know. I think there was room for improvement.” There was a challenge in her eyes that he loved. A fire he hoped never died.

  “Oh, I was holding back before. I didn’t think you could handle it.”

  She laughed again and Reed felt her sink her hold on his heart even deeper. “Is that right? You’re setting up some pretty lofty expectations, there mister. You better not be planning to bolt in the middle of the night.”

  Reed turned serious. “Of course not.”

  Monica leaned back in her seat and closed her eyes as he drove, a small smile still there.

  As he pulled into her driveway and parked, Monica opened her eyes and looked at him.

  “Is it weird to say that I’m glad all of this happened?”

  Reed frowned, thinking about that for a moment, but then he shook his head. “No. I am too.”

  “Well, at least if it is weird, we’re weird together.”

  Reed chuckled, opening the car door. “Weird and crazy, that’s a hell of a combination.”

  Monica smiled, her hand slipping into his as they walked up to her front door.

  “Kinda like us.”

  He kissed her before she could open the door. “Exactly like us.”

  Epilogue

  MONICA

  Three months later

  “Will you just tell me what’s going on?” Monica fidgeted with the cloth napkin in her lap, looking around the fancy bistro with nervousness.

  “Why can’t I just want to take you out to a nice dinner?” Reed teased, that mischievous spark in his eyes.

  Monica sighed, “Because our idea of a nice dinner is greasy burgers at the diner.”

  Reed put his elbows on the table and leaned forward. “You can’t tell me you don’t enjoy the excuse to get all dressed up for me.”

  A heated smile crossed her face and she looked down, picking at a non-existent piece of fuzz on her low-cut slinky black dress.

  “For the record, I really like this dress and would prefer it stay intact when the night’s all said and done.”

  Reed shrugged, his broad shoulders looking better than ever in the grey suit jacket. He wore a crisp button down underneath and even had a tie.

  Monica looked at her wine glass and drained it, her palms going sweaty.

  “No promises. I can’t help it that you can’t control yourself around me,” he teased.

  Monica laughed at him in spite of herself. Reed was being his normal charming self, but she knew something was up. They didn’t get dressed up and go out for a fancy dinner for nothing.

  Since that first day, they’d been nearly inseparable. After the demon was vanquished, it didn’t take much for the other shifters to rid the town of rogue wolves and return everything in Palm Haven to order.

  They tried their best for a little while to keep things professional at work, but when word finally got out no one seemed surprised. It helped that Reed was promoted to the head of the IT department the moment he finished his degree, making him an invaluable asset to the company.

  Monica still found herself reflecting back on the insanity of everything and the whirlwind romance they’d had these last few months. Things moved fast, but never faster than she wanted.

  Until now.

  Because, Lord help her, Monica was sure he was going to propose to her.

  And what was she going to say to that?

  I love you, but this is too soon.

  She was sure that would go over well.

  Not.

  “Could you at least pretend to enjoy yourself?” Reed asked with a frown.

  Monica’s heart clenched and she nodded, gesturing to the waiter that she needed a refill.

  “Sorry, I’m just… thinking,” she said, unable to look him in the eye.

  “Well, stop it,” he said with a smirk. “Whatever’s bugging you, put a pin in it and enjoy this date I planned all by myself.”

  Monica giggled. “I am pretty impressed that you made reservations and everything.”

  “Like I’m some kind of respectable adult or something, right?”

  She smirked. “Good thing I know better. There’s nothing respectable about you.”

  Reed’s eyes warmed to near amber and he leaned across the table, his voice husky. “I don’t remember hearing any complaints.”

  And just like that, Monica’s blood turned to lava and her magic sizzled and popped at his implications. He was certainly right about that — their sex was still as incredible as it had been the very first time. Even better now that they’d gotten to know each other's likes and dislikes better. He could make her scream like a banshee with a crook of his finger and she’d brought him to his knees on multiple occasions.

  But was stupidly hot sex enough to get engaged over? Sure they got along outside of the bedroom, too. They meshed in ways Monica never thought possible and she never bored of him.

  That had to count for something. She’d never been with one guy this long — especially not without even considering other options. Other options didn’t even exist when it came to Reed. He made every other choice look like… Well, not a choice at all, really.

  So why was she so nervous about this? Why did his giddy excitement send her into a fit of anxiety?

  She managed to get through the entree without freaking out and bolting. By the time dessert came, she was clammy, her heart thundering, her chest filled with a swarm of bees.

  He was fidgeting, shifting in his seat and struggling to make any more small talk.

  Oh god, this is it.

  How are you going to get out of this one, Monica?

  “So, I have a confession,” Reed said, poking at his panna cotta half-heartedly.

  “You’re not planning on ditching the check, are you?” She tried to push past the subject. Maybe if she made enough jokes he’d just forget about it.

  “I’m not washing dishes with this brand new manicure.”

  Reed smiled and took her manicured
hand in his, that now-familiar jolt of electricity shooting up her arm at their mere contact.

  He’d tried a few times to explain the whole mating bond to her, and while Monica mostly accepted it was something she’d never understand, she still held on pretty firmly to her traditional ideas of dating. And getting engaged after three months just seemed insane. Too insane even for her.

  “No. But I did have another reason for this dinner,” he said, fishing in his pocket.

  Oh no. Please no, she pled silently, swiping her palms over the napkin in her lap over and over again, never ridding of the nervous dampness there.

  “I want to ask you something really important,” Reed continued, presenting her with a velvet box. The same kind jewelry came in. The same kind engagement rings came in.

  She cursed to herself, wondering if it was too late to get up and just run away.

  Monica wasn’t actually opposed to the idea of marrying Reed, but she was still trying to get used to this monogamy thing first. That kind of commitment was way too much. She thought they were on the same page about that. Reed hadn’t seemed like he was in any hurry. So why was he putting her on the spot now?

  “Reed—” She started to stop him, but he held up a hand to cut her off.

  “I practiced this a few times, so I just need to get through it,” he said.

  Monica was simultaneously petrified and enchanted. He seemed more nervous than she was, excited and fumbling — it was kind of charming, really.

  She found herself smiling at the thought of how much energy and effort he put into this. Surely this wasn’t something he jumped into lightly. So maybe he wasn’t completely crazy. Maybe she just needed to get used to the idea.

  He traced the top of the hinged box, finally dragging his eyes up to her.

  “These past few months have been the best of my life. I never thought there was a woman on the planet that could hold my attention the way you do. I never bought into all that fated mates bull or the instant soul-deep connection other people talked about. I thought it was all just a fairy tale. Until I met you and you flipped everything upside down in an instant. I’d never had a girl hand me her panties in a manila envelope before,” he said with a smirk, making Monica glance around to see if anyone was listening, heat rushing to her face.