Tarot Card Anthology: Synchronicity Volume 3

by Tina Bendoni, Michelle Hasker

  Cynthya shivered at Scott's words. She remembered the last time she'd witnessed someone who'd thought they were normal be forced to realize they were more. It paled in comparison to this.

  "You made love to me. Over and over again, trying to force me to reveal my ability?"

  "Why not?” Clark snapped. “It was no more than you planned to do to me. Wasn't it?"

  Cynthya opened her mouth, then closed it when she realized he was right. She'd set out to seduce Clark and get him to work for the agency. She'd been more than willing to use her body for the agency, so why shouldn't he? But it hurt.

  She buried her face in her hands as the pain consumed her. Warm hands covered hers, and pulled them away.

  "We're both guilty of something terrible. But can I tell you why I was so willing to seduce you and trick you into realizing what you were?"

  She blinked back tears and nodded.

  "Once I learned you were wolf, I realized you are my other half, my mate. The only reason I chased you away all those years ago was because I didn't know. All I knew was that I'd outlive you and I didn't want to put you through all the extra issues I have to deal with as a wolf-shifter. If I'd known then what I know now, I'd never have let you go."

  Cynthya wrapped her arms around herself and rocked back and forth on the floor. Okay, she could understand now why he'd broken up with her. And it was true that he'd set out to seduce her, but she'd done the same thing. Even if it had been under orders. Apparently he'd been under orders too.

  "Think about us, Cynthya. Forget the agency right now. I want to know where I stand with you. I want to know if I've blown my chance to win you back. I want to spend the rest of my life with you."

  She looked up at him and saw the concern etched in his features. She could feel his pain or was that her own?

  "We've both made mistakes, but we were both following orders. If you want to hate me, go ahead. But you are guilty of the same thing you hate me for."

  "Are you saying that you love me? That you want to be my ... mate?"

  "Yes.” Clark sank to his knees.

  She looked around and realized Scott wasn't in the room anymore.

  "He did his mist thing and evaporated when you were crying."

  "Oh."

  She didn't know what to say. She hadn't been pining away for him. She'd been plotting ways to get even with him for being so cruel to her. But now she knew why he'd treated her the way he had. He'd wanted to end all contact with her. He'd loved her as much as she'd loved him, but he hadn't even considered making her a wolf. He hadn't wanted to change her, to make her like him so he could have her. Wasn't that more important than the way he'd tricked her into discovering she was like him?

  "I thought only cats held down their partners as they fucked."

  Clark laughed. “I couldn't fight the urge to mark you, and well, I needed to hold you down or you'd have bolted. Don't believe stereotypes."

  Cynthya shivered. Clark wrapped his arms around her before she could protest.

  "I know you're mad at me. Hell, you probably hate me. I really do love you. I went along with this plan because not only do I love you, but I agreed with the boss. You should be aware of the wolf that runs in your veins."

  "I hate wolves,” she moaned, but wrapped her arms around him as she melted into his. He felt so good, and more importantly, she felt safe. Secure. Loved. How could she not believe him? But no way would she give up her control.

  "Why?"

  "I don't know. But if you think this gives you the right to tell me what to do, you've got another think coming, buddy."

  "I didn't realize how badly I hurt you back then,” he whispered as he tugged her even closer.

  "It hurt, but I got over it."

  "Did you really? I never got over you, Cynthya. You were always on my mind. Why do you think I'm still single?"

  "I-I don't know. I didn't think about it, except how much I wanted to prove you wrong."

  "So I was on your mind.” He grinned. “Was I on your mind every time you made love with another man? Did you compare me to him and find him lacking?"

  "Damn you!” she cursed as she smacked his chest. “You are so egocentric."

  "You love me,” he said and kissed her forehead.

  "I do not.” She narrowed her eyes and pushed at him.

  "Fine. I love you, and I don't care if you want to just use me for my body."

  Clark kissed her, gently this time, stealing her breath as his mouth moved slow and soft over hers. She melted against him, desire coiling in her stomach. Though she'd protested, her body had still hungered for him, even when she'd tried to run from him. The fear hadn't stopped her from wanting to feel him pounding inside her again.

  "It's the wolf in you. It recognizes me and wants to be possessed. You don't have to fight it. It's part of you, fighting will only make it worse."

  "I don't want to fight it.” Cynthya sighed. “Make love to me, Clark."

  His eyes lit as he scooped her up and carried her over to the bed. He set her down and they both stripped off their clothes, then met in the center of the bed in a tangle of limbs. This time wasn't like the others. As Clark lowered on top of her, his caresses were gentle and patient. He massaged her breasts and sucked on her lower lip.

  Cynthya moaned and scraped her nails down his back to his ass, where she massaged him. When he switched to the other breast and nipple, she slid her legs around him and rubbed against him.

  "Slow down, baby. I've done you a terrible injustice by taking you hard and fast. I want to make it up to you,” he said as he pulled away from her.

  Cynthya sighed, but not in disappointment as she lowered her legs and arms. She ran her hands up and down his arms as she met and held his gaze. Her heart twinged, and she gasped as she lost herself in a sea of deep blue. Something happened inside, like a dam bursting, and warmth spread through her body as her heart swelled.

  His mouth met hers again, and she gave into the sensations that coursed through her. The desire, the need to feel love, to be cuddled and held tight. Cynthya wrapped her arms and legs around him and rolled him over as she kissed him until she was breathless, and then kissed him some more. Without a word or sound of protest, he matched her, kiss for kiss as he wrapped his arms around her and held her tight.

  As wonderful as she felt being held, she wanted more. Needed more. Cynthya deepened the kiss, then trailed open-mouthed kisses down his neck to his carotid. She gently bit him and whimpered as his hands tightened around her. As she began to move, rubbing her damp mound against his hard cock, Clark reached down, spread her open, and thrust inside.

  Cynthya arched her back and froze, letting the delicious sensation of being filled block out every other thought and feeling. Just his cock, buried in her to the hilt. A long, low moan filled the room, and she realized with surprise that it came from Clark. Her eyes flew open, and then she realized they'd been tightly clenched shut. As she looked down at him, his face contorted in ecstasy, his cock twitched deep inside and his balls pressed against her.

  Slowly, she pressed down on him even though he was in all the way, and was rewarded with another moan. His sexy noises rushed liquid to her core, and she felt it drip past his cock as she sat there, just enjoying the sensation of being completely filled.

  "Sweet, Cynthya. I love you,” he said as he dug his fingers into her hips and pressed up into her.

  "I love you too,” she whispered as she ground herself back and forth on him.

  She realized that as his sounds aroused her even more, hers had the same effect on him. Shivering, she looked down at him and watched his face.

  She'd never seen a more beautiful sight. His mouth curved up and his lips parted slightly as he panted. The control he exerted to keep from taking charge and thrusting into her was obviously taking a toll on him as his hands shook on her hips.

  "You feel like heaven,” he said as he opened his eyes and focused on her face.

  "So do you.” She moaned and arched her
back as she rose up and slid down on him.

  "Yes,” he hissed and reached up to cup her breasts. He kneaded them and pinched her nipples as she began to ride him.

  With as slow a pace as she could stand, she rose above him, then sank down on him, over and over until his breath hitched and his hands tightened. When he thrust up into her and tried to hold her there, she knew he was close to coming. Hell she was too. She'd never experienced anything this passionate, this soft, with anyone, and she knew she'd treasure this moment forever.

  "Cynthya,” he said and repeated her name over and over as his body shook under hers.

  Determined to make him explode, she leaned forward and kissed him again, hard and deep as he twitched, impatient inside her. Cynthya grinned and then moved, lifting then slamming herself back down on him. He grunted, eyes wide open as he stared at her in pleasure. Again, she moved up and then sank on him fast and hard. Clark shouted her name as he came, his hot cum filling her as her own orgasm swept over her, catching her off-guard.

  She clenched around him, milking him as she rode her climax until she collapsed on top of him, thoroughly sated, and feeling complete. His arms flew around her, his hands caressing her back as he gasped for air. He kissed the top of her head and closed his eyes with a sigh.

  "I've died and gone to heaven,” he said finally.

  "No. You're certainly not dead. But this is heaven.” Cynthya sighed and kissed his chest as she closed her eyes.

  "You're mine. You can't leave me now,” he said. She heard the catch in his voice and knew his fear, because she felt it, too.

  "You're wrong, Clark. You're mine. And you're going to spend the rest of your life loving me and pleasuring me."

  "Only if you marry me and make an honest man of me."

  "When?” She wanted to look at him, but she was so tired from the excitement and sex that she didn't even try.

  "Tonight. We'll fly to Las Vegas. You can have a fancy wedding later, but I need to make you mine as soon as possible."

  "I don't need a fancy wedding, Clark. All I need is you."

  "About damned time you realized it.” He chuckled.

  "As long as you worship the ground I walk on and listen to everything I say, we'll be okay."

  He laughed again, his chest rumbling underneath her. “Seeing how I'm your new boss, that might make things a little awkward at work."

  She froze and looked up at him. “Damn. That fortune teller was dead on accurate. I've got a deal for you. I obey your every command at work, but when you get home you answer to me."

  "I'm an alpha, honey. You can't expect me to obey you."

  She arched an eyebrow and stared at him. “I'm an alpha, too, honey. And you damn well better obey me in the bedroom."

  "I'm too tired to spank you, but when I wake up, you're getting beat for talking to your master like that."

  Cynthya laughed. “Not if I spank your delectable ass first."

  "Mmm.” Clark sighed. “I can't wait to get in your ass."

  Cynthya shivered as his eyes darkened. “Oh no you don't. Nap first. Then we can play King of the Mountain."

  Clark grinned and held her tighter. “Anything you say, my love."

  Cynthya sighed and placed her head on his chest again. She had a lot more to say when she wasn't so damned tired.

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  THE DEVIL

  by

  Tina Bendoni

  Tabitha looked up at the water stain in the ceiling and debated crying. Why bother? It won't fix anything. Then you'll have a leaky bathroom and a streaked face.

  Shaking her head as she thought of one more thing needing to be fixed in the house, she walked out of the dining room and smack dab into her younger sister.

  "What's wrong?"

  "What do you mean, what's wrong?"

  "Tabitha, you look like you're about ready to kill or cry. Something happened. What is it?"

  Tabitha debated lying to Carol, and decided it wasn't worth it. The girl was fifteen, it wasn't as though she could be turned away with thoughts of an ice cream cone and a bedtime story any more.

  "The leak in the dining room is getting worse. I thought the plumber fixed it last time, but apparently not."

  "Well then get him back here and make him fix it right."

  "Not so easy, sis. When the disposal broke and I tried to call him, his number had been disconnected. He's long gone."

  Car put her hands on her hips. “How the hell can you possibly manage to luck out every single time? Doesn't anything go right for you anymore?"

  "Yeah, I know, tell me about it. You'd think at least I could have a little sister who was nice occasionally."

  "Naw, what would you do with her?"

  Tabitha laughed with her sister at their long-standing joke. But underneath, she was still worried. She had a good paying job, and it wasn't like they would become poverty-stricken, but everything seemed to be hitting her at once lately.

  The company was going through a restructuring process, and although she didn't think she was in danger of losing her job, she didn't know where she was going to be in a couple months. Carol had applied to a summer learning program at the local university, and their income was too high for much in the way of financial aid. Unfortunately, the house ate up quite a bit of that money, thanks to the fact it was over one hundred years old and Tabitha doubted any of the previous owners did much to it.

  Tabitha had been hoping not to have to pay for any more repairs for at least a few more months. So much for their week away before Carol's school started.

  "Well, it's Friday night, so not much we can do now. I suggest you take showers in my bathroom ‘til we get it fixed."

  Carol grimaced. She hated the old-fashioned tub and makeshift shower. “Well I guess it's better than no shower at all."

  "What time is your professor coming by?"

  "Oh, damn! I forgot! He should be here any minute."

  Tabitha shook her head. Even though Carol had a genius IQ, sometimes she lacked any common sense. God, her mother used to say that to her when her parents were still alive. What Tabitha wouldn't give to hear her mom say that just once more.

  Just then the doorbell rang. Car looked down at herself in her jeans and t-shirt with a panicked look on her face. “Tabitha, please. Let him in. I'll be right down. Three minutes."

  Tabitha shook her head as she watched Carol run upstairs. That girl needed to get her act together. How Carol managed to juggle schoolwork and all her extra curricular activities was beyond her.

  Tabitha turned and walked to the large oak door. She opened it and froze.

  "Hi. I'm here to meet with—Tabitha?"

  Tabitha stared at the gorgeous specimen of masculinity on her front stoop. A hard, chiseled face, strong jaw, wide shoulders and beautiful milk chocolate skin. Johnny Dow stood on her front doorstep. What the hell is he doing here? She hadn't seen him for over fifteen years.

  "Tabitha Thompson? What are you doing here?"

  What did he mean? Where else would she be? “This is my house."

  "But I was supposed to meet a Carol Thompson."

  "You?"

  "What do you mean?"

  "You're the professor who was coming to interview her?"

  She didn't think she'd ever see the day, but Johnny Dow blushed.

  "Yeah, believe it or not, it's me."

  "But how, why?"

  "The Step-Up program is my baby. I interview all the kids who reach this level in the application process."

  "I didn't know."

  Johnny smiled. “Yeah, very few people around here put the football quarterback together with a college professor."

  "I thought you'd gone on to play professionally or something."

  "No, I decided in college I enjoyed the learning and teaching too much to try to compete in the world of professional athletes."

  Tabitha remembered they were standing on her front porch, and he was here for her sister, not for her. “Oh, God, sorry,
please come in.” She led him into the living room and offered him a seat.

  "Can I get you anything? Soda? Coffee? Carol will be down in a minute.” Tabitha realized she was babbling, but she was nervous. She'd had a crush on this man since her freshman year of high school, when she first saw him. He had been a sophomore, but even then he was above her. She had been the nerd, he the jock. Every girl had a crush on him and someone like her hadn't stood a chance.

  He'd always been polite to her, but that had been part of his charm. He had been nice to everyone. They had even shared a couple electives together. Hell, they even had a couple friends in common. They'd been to events and parties together. Well, at the same time. But she'd never had the courage to approach him. He'd been too perfect. And she had not.

  "No. I'm fine, thank you. How have you been? What have you been up to?"

  Tabitha laughed nervously. “Nothing much to tell. Went to college, got a master's in business management and now work in Center City. What about you?"

  "Went to college on a football scholarship, which I think everyone in town knew. Once I got there, though, I realized there was so much more open to me, so I played my four years and quit. I got a doctorate and moved back. I started this program to help kids from different backgrounds meet each other and learn to work together in a more team oriented atmosphere than high school."

  "It seems like a good program. I know Carol is excited about it."

  "Well it's only in its fifth year, but I think it's making a difference.” He shook his head. “But tell me about Carol."

  Tabitha smiled. “She's a trouper. I can't believe how smart she is, or how mature. She's been through a lot, and still she has a great outlook on life."

  "And her father?” Johnny seemed to phrase the question reluctantly.

  "He's dead."

  "I'm sorry, Tabitha. Was he a big part of her life?"

  Suddenly it occurred to her what Johnny was getting at. “Johnny, she's my sister, not my daughter."

  The relief on Johnny's face was visible. But why would he be relieved?

  "She's barely fifteen, Johnny. I'm only thirty."

  Johnny shrugged. “It happens. And last I heard you were pretty hot and heavy with Rick Stevens."