by P. Jameson
Eagan cleared his throat. “What do you want?”
“Can I come inside? We need to talk.”
Eagan’s jaw turned hard. “My mate’s inside. We can do this somewhere else.”
“Look, I’m not here to cause trouble. I just want to talk. To both of you.” He tried to temper his tone, but he’d been on edge every since leaving Josie.
“Let him in.” A soft voice filtered through the opening in the door, but Eagan’s expression remained hard. “Eagan. Let him come in.”
Seconds ticked by, and then Eagan let out a frustrated sigh, swinging the door wide.
Magic stepped inside and looked around. He was surprised to find his friend’s cabin exactly as he remembered it. Clara had moved in, but there were no flowers in the window sill or pictures on the wall. Nothing that made it seem like anything more than a landing pad.
Magic frowned. Maybe they hadn’t counted on staying.
He looked at Clara where she stood in the crook of Eagan’s arm. She was small and sturdy with wild curly hair. A questioning expression was on her face, and a little hint of trepidation. She didn’t know what to expect from the man who’d wanted to run them both off for falling in love. If only she could know what he knew. But she was a human, and to her, this was all simple.
“Do you love him?” he asked.
Clara frowned but her answer was instantaneous. “I do. More than I ever thought possible.”
“What would you do if he ever cheated on you?”
Eagan let out a low rumble. “Fuck you, Magic. Why don’t you just—”
Magic silenced him with his gaze. “I need to know her answer, understand? I have to know the answer to the what-if. It’s either that or you have to leave here. It can’t go on like this.”
Eagan stiffened. “Fine. We’ll be gone by morning.”
“No,” Clara said, her hair flying with the shake of her head. “This is your family, Eagan.” She turned to Magic. “I would leave, and never come back. If he was unfaithful, that’s what I’d do.”
“And if he sought you out?”
Clara shook her head, sadly. “It would be over. A breach of trust like that can’t be restored. Not… with me anyway. Others maybe, but not me.”
Magic nodded, considering her answer before addressing his friend.
“And you… how do you know you won’t stray? Why would you take a chance with your female? Why risk it?”
Eagan shifted closer to Clara, a fathomless expression on his face. “I don’t think I can explain it.”
“Try,” Magic demanded. “I need you to try.”
Eagan sighed. “You sure you want to hear this?”
“Yes, damn it.”
“Here’s the thing. We’ve been taught straying is instinctual, right. That our animals require it, the same way we need to mate and produce young.”
Magic nodded.
“But that’s just not true. It’s a pile of bullshit we’ve been sitting on for too many years. You wanna talk instinct, needs? Okay, let’s talk shit out. I need to make her happy. Seeing her smile fills me to the brim with pleasure better than any random lay ever could. I need to keep her safe. If any harm was to ever come to her, I’d fucking die inside, you get me?” He raised his brows, knowingly. And yeah, Magic understood that point for damn sure. “I need to love her, in every physical, emotional, functional way possible. I need to give her my cubs and spend the rest of my life devoted to the family I make with her. What I sure as a good hard fuck don’t need, is anyone else.” He paused, but then went ahead and told Magic the truth. “That includes you and this clan.”
Eagan looked at Clara, and his eyes went soft for her. Fucking hell, Magic knew that look. It was what he’d witnessed with Renner. It was… how he looked at Josie.
“Renner says it’s a choice,” Magic mumbled.
“That’s what I’m saying. This shit about straying is the biggest fucking lie we’ve been told.” Eagan shook his head, walking to the sink to fill a kettle with water. “The truth is we’re more like humans than anyone wants to admit. The difference between us and the wolves is that we can stray. Our instincts don’t inhibit us like theirs do. But we don’t have to. We have control over every other aspect of our being, but not our ability to be faithful? Naw. That’s bullshit handed down by people before us who assumed because their cat didn’t stop them from taking others, it meant they could. And should. But those assholes were wrong. Can’t you see?”
He set the kettle on the stove and lit the burner.
“I’m trying,” Magic admitted. “I’m trying to understand.”
Eagan faced Magic, bracing his hands on the countertop. “Are you?”
Magic nodded, finding something interesting outside the window.
“There are rumors around the lodge,” Eagan said carefully.
“Yeah? What rumors?”
“You and Josie. That she’s some kind of shade and she carries your mark. That true?”
Magic sighed, hooking his hands on his hips. “That’s one version I guess.”
“Look, I don’t know what’s going on with you two, but if you want to be with her, make a choice, and stick with it. Choose her, or don’t. But if you do… make it forever.”
Magic ran his tongue along his teeth, holding the reins on his emotions so tight he had figurative white knuckles. “What if I can’t do it… forever?”
Eagan shook his head, his mouth cocking up on one side. “Naw. The Magic of years ago maybe, but not you. I see the way you watch the mated females for signs of distress. You’d be even more careful with your own.”
Magic drew in a shaking breath and had to cough to cover a fucking sob. It felt good that one of his brothers had faith in him when he had such little faith in himself. Maybe it was time to change that. Buck up, and own his shit, in the words of Eagan. Maybe it was time to do what was right for Mandi and Josie… and himself. Time to do right by his clan.
He found Eagan’s gaze and gave him a nod. Thank you.
His friend tipped his chin once. You’re welcome.
Magic headed for the door but Clara’s voice stopped him. “If you, um, want… there’s going to be a little party tonight. I know Josie will be there.”
“A party?”
She glanced at Eagan, but then went ahead with the details. “Nothing official or anything. Just some of the staff decided to meet up in the kitchen and do a drink exchange.”
“What’s a drink exchange?”
“You bring your coolest holiday drink recipe and make some up for everyone. Then you can exchange recipes. Think holiday cookie exchange but way more badass.”
Magic raised an eyebrow. “Huh.” It sounded… fun. They’d never done something like that before. “Who’s idea was this?”
“Josie’s,” Eagan said.
Magic’s mouth turned up on the side, and an ironic laugh snuck out. Of course his female came up with that idea. Who else?
“I’ll be there.”
Clara smiled. “Great! Do you need anything for your recipe? Me and Eagan were just about to hit up a liquor store.” She stopped suddenly, her mouth clamping shut. Her gaze flew to Eagan who busted out a laugh. “I didn’t mean hit it up, like rob it. I meant—”
Magic felt his chest tighten with his own laugh, and then before he could realize what he was doing, it found its way out his mouth. The sound was so foreign, but he was helpless to contain it. The more he heard it, the harder he laughed, the harder Eagan laughed.
Clara covered her face with her hands, but she was laughing right along with them.
“FireBall and RumChata,” he managed. “Better get two bottles of each.”
Chapter Eleven
Josie downed another shot of Agavero Orange and held her glass in the air triumphantly. Being a shifter rocked. She was six shots in and not even buzzing. Someone had turned the Christmas music on even though Thanksgiving was still a couple weeks off and she could just hug them. Christmas music made her want to drink m
ore.
She slammed the glass down on the counter.
“Again.”
Bailey eyed her, holding the bottle of Orange captive. “You sure about that, Jos? Maybe let your cat get used to the alcohol first?”
“Nahhh. I’m good.”
Bailey quirked a dark eyebrow. “If you say so.”
“Jingle Bell, Jingle Bell, Jingle Bell rock!” Ryan’s slurred voice boomed from the middle of the kitchen making everyone laugh.
They were all there. Renner and Beth, Eagan and Clara, Ryan, Mason, Layna, Owyn, Doc, Bailey, and Gash. The entire clan, except Magic. She didn’t expect him to come. Hadn’t invited him, but she figured he knew. Just like he knew she was still hanging around the lodge. She’d asked Layna to move her to the guest wing to limit the chances of seeing him. So far it had worked.
Josie hit her next shot, laughing and pretending to have fun like a champ, when the hairs on her arms stood like little soldiers at attention. The whole air of the room changed, and she turned to see him standing just inside the kitchen door.
In unison all attention turned to him, and it was like the needle scratching on a record.
“Uh. Oh. The law’s here.” She couldn’t help it. Seeing him walk into the party… Mr. Party Pooper himself, he might as well be wearing a police uniform and busting down a kegger at the local college.
His dark gaze found her, and like a real rebel without a cause… she looked away. Oh, who was she kidding. He owned her to the moon and back. One damn look and she was already shaking.
Two days since she’d seen him. Two whole days since he’d kissed her. Two whole days since he’d refused her.
The conversation started back up and her sadness was drown out by laughter.
“Here ya go. Try this.” Bailey set her caramel apple martini on the counter in front of Josie.
“I was hoping for something harder, but if you insist.”
Bailey rolled her amber eyes and cocked her head to the side. “I got a rock. That hard enough? I can toss it at that crazy little head of yours. Snap out of it, girl.”
“Yeah, yeah.” Josie sipped at the sweet apple concoction. “Hold on to that rock though. I might need it later. This is delicious by the way.”
“You like?” Bailey tossed her a card with the recipe on it.
“I do.”
Josie tested three more drinks and listened to Ryan’s hilarious rendition of Feliz Navidad. Clara tried and tried to convince him otherwise, but he still insisted the words were fleas on your dog.
Josie had done a good job avoiding her mate, so when he sidled up to the counter beside her, the instinct to bolt hit her hard. He set two bottles on the counter before turning to watch Ryan and Clara argue.
“What’s that for?” she blurted.
He glanced at her and his breath caught. Slowly, he exhaled before answering. “I was going to let you try my drink but it looks like you’ve had too many already.”
She snorted. “Yeah, right. I’m solid as concrete.”
“For now.”
“What’s that mean? For now?”
He turned so he was facing her. “It means if you keep going like this, you’ll be sloppy drunk by the end of the night.”
She laughed. “That’s kind of the goal. Good to know I’m on the right track.”
“Your goal, huh?”
She gave him a sly grin, licking her lips for emphasis. “Yes. Sir.”
Instantly, she scented his arousal, glancing around the room to see if anyone else noticed. But they were all preoccupied.
Magic’s brown eyes flickered, giving her a glimpse of his cat. “Well, then. I might as well be helpful.”
With commanding movements, he snatched a couple of shot glasses from the rack on the counter.
“Bailey. Cinnamon,” he barked.
She passed him a shaker and he lined it up with the glasses and a lighter he’d pulled from his pocket.
Eyes pinned on Josie, he cracked open the bottle of Rumchata and began pouring it in the glasses.
“A little sweet,” he murmured, his words dancing along her spine to form a pool of desire in her belly. “A little sassy.”
He capped the bottle with authority. He owned it, like everything else. And moved on to the Fireball, adding it to the glasses.
“A little firecracker.” He met her gaze. “Hot. So fucking hot.”
Josie gulped, trying to remain in control of herself, but she was burning up just from his gaze alone.
“But it’s about to get hotter…” He grinned, and it stole every ounce of breath in her body. Magic, grinning. It was better than a full body massage.
He picked up the lighter and set the alcohol ablaze. The thin blue flame was barely visible as he watched Josie over the drinks.
“My sweet little firecracker doesn’t burn up when facing a little heat. She’s tougher than that. I know.” He picked up the cinnamon and shook it vigorously over the flame causing brilliant sparks to fly. “I also know… we aren’t finished.”
Josie pressed her lips together to keep them from trembling.
Magic pushed the shot glass her way and she watched the flame burn out before knocking it down. It was delicious. Like ice cream and redhots. The best drink she’d had all night, even without the sexy cryptic commentary.
“I’ll have another please,” she said, thanking the liquor gods that her voice came out normal. “Gotta get my fill of the booze before I get knocked up and I’m put on restriction.”
She heard another fictional record scratch as her words registered in her own mind.
Holy shit. Did she just say that out loud?
Lifting her gaze to Magic, it was confirmed. He stood rigid, his jaw clamped tight, and his eyes storming with rage.
“Come again?” he ground out, barely audible over the roar of her heartbeat in her ears.
“Forget it,” she said, looking to the counter and hoping he’d let it go.
He pressed his palms into the stainless steel and leaned all the way over it until he was inches from her face. “Explain. Now.”
Josie tapped her nails nervously. “What do you care? You didn’t claim me. Didn’t even try. It’s my choice who I lend my womb to.”
“Lend your—” He stopped, and she felt the counter shake under the pressure of his grip. The muscles of his forearms bulged. “Lend your womb to who?”
“Look,” she whispered, hoping to quiet him down before the others heard. “Like I said, it doesn’t matter—”
He slammed his fist against the counter making her jump. “Who?” This time his voice was loud enough to make all heads turn in their direction.
“Not here,” she hissed.
“Renner?” Magic’s roar echoed off the appliances and rattled her nerves.
Renner’s eyes went wide and his head swung around to Beth who looked guilty as a coyote in a hen house. “I told you that was out of the question,” he rasped.
“I know. I was just… keeping our options open.”
Josie glared at Beth. She’d promised Renner would come around. Damn her.
Magic fumed from across the counter, his eyes never leaving Josie. She could feel his frustration so thoroughly through their bond, it made her squirm.
Beth laughed nervously. “I guess now would be a good time to make our announcement.”
Renner slapped a palm to his face. “Babe…”
“We’re having a baby,” Beth sing-songed.
The room stayed dead silent.
“On… on our own I mean. Without Josie’s help.”
Josie stared at Beth and her uncertain smile. She didn’t know whether to be happy or furious. A little heads up about the womb rental cancellation might’ve been nice. But ultimately, this was exactly what her friend needed. How could she begrudge her this?
Congratulations started up while everyone tried to ignore the big angry elephant in the room.
Josie faced him, swallowing her nerves.
“You are mine.�
�� His voice was rough with emotion, and his eyes blazed, threatening to light her up faster than dry kindling. The cat inside her purred and pawed.
“Josie is mine,” he boomed, grabbing their attention again, but never taking his gaze from her. “Mine, understand? We’ll discuss what that means for our clan later, but she’s mine and I’m claiming her.” He stalked around the counter, grabbing her hand and pulling her toward the door. “And the only fucking baby she’s having is the one I put in her,” he growled, pushing into the dining room.
Josie followed, nearly running to keep up. Not that he’d let her fall behind with the grip he had on her hand.
Her heart pounded at his words. He wanted to claim her. He wanted to finish this transition and make it permanent. Is that what he meant? God, she hoped that’s what he meant.
He stalked past the lobby, his steps eating up the distance between them and his room. At his door, it took him less than a second to get it open. Josie watched it bang the wall with his powerful thrust, and then she was dragged inside. The door slammed shut, and in a blink, Magic had her pinned to the wall, his knee shoved between her legs.
One rough hand gripped her hip while the other held her jaw firmly for his brutal kiss. His lips crashed into her and it was on. She met him move for move, tongue for tongue. His taste invaded her senses and for infinite seconds, he was all she knew.
Mine, her cougar purred, loving every rough touch. The sound erupted from her throat and it spurred him on. Grinding his knee against her hot core, she could have come from just that. The dominance he exerted did something magical to her. Josie was no submissive female. The opposite really. But the way he demanded more from her, like she had no idea what sex was before him, it was fucking beauty in the making.
He broke their kiss, nipping a path along her jaw. “Need you fucking closer,” he hissed. “Need you bare. Fuck. Need you on me, in my mouth, everywhere.”
He jammed a hand past her waistband, not bothering to undo the button. A gasp tore from her lips as his hand made contact with her wet sex.
Magic shuddered, his eyes rolling back in his head. “Oh… this’s mine. Sure as fuck, this is mine.” His touch had turned gentle, sliding carefully along her folds and making her quiver.
