A low woof was the only response.
As the plumed tail wagged with what she could only assume was happiness or possibly enthusiasm, Sophia scratched behind its alert ears and gazed into the citrine depths of the eyes that were so much like Xavier’s it was creepy. She shivered when she detected profound sadness there then dropped her gaze to focus on his rather large front paws. “Go on now. I refuse to get out of bed with you watching even if I am still fully clothed.”
“Xavier Leighton, how dare you sneak in here to annoy our guest?”
She glanced at the door. Hannah stood in the doorframe, a breakfast tray in her hands, her eyes shooting green daggers. The last person Sophia wanted to see was her. “Really, it’s no problem. I need to get up and moving anyway. I’m sure things at home are in a sorry mess.” Left to her own devices, Sophia imagined Mona held hostage again by the pixie or in any number of dire situations. The urge to leave was undeniable.
“Get out. Now!” Hannah lifted a red eyebrow.
“Geez.” Sophia blinked in amazement at the pregnant woman as she stared down the wolf until he left the room, insulted dignity evident in his ramrod straight back and clenched jaw. Apparently, Hannah had a bit of a temper in addition to her insatiable need for meddling. “Thanks for the canine removal.” Struggling into a sitting position, she finally succeeded in untangling her legs from the bedclothes. “I was a bit stumped at how I was going to get by him. He’s awfully determined to be near me.”
“Of course. You’re his mate, after all, still Xavier knows better than that. In his defense he’s anxious to clear up this curse thing.” Hannah set the breakfast tray on the bedside table. “I’ve made you a nice hearty meal. Nothing takes the sting out of a hangover better than food.”
Sophia caught a strong whiff of bacon and her stomach threatened to expel its meager contents. “I hate to disappoint you but—” Once again the woman cut her off.
“But the thought of eating makes you sick?”
A swift glance at the tray revealed bacon, sausage and a thick piece of ham, along with scrambled eggs, toast, and orange juice. “Listen carefully, Hannah, because I’m only going to say this once.” Sophia covered her nose with her hand and hoped the meat would somehow disappear as a dry heave threatened. “I don’t have a hangover, just a headache. Trust me, I know the difference.”
She moved off the bed and put as much space between her and the tray as she could get. “I also hate to be interrupted. It’s a big pet peeve of mine, so in the future I’d appreciate it if you’d let me finish a sentence.” She tugged her sweater into place and ran her fingers through her tangled hair. “It’s not your fault you don’t know this, but I’m a vegetarian. I don’t eat meat. On occasion, I’ll eat dairy products. That’s why I feel sick. Guess you didn’t have a vision about that, huh?” She couldn’t resist getting a quick dig.
“No, and Xavier didn’t mention it to me.” Hannah narrowed her eyes. “In fact, he didn’t say much about you, which is out of character for him.”
“It’s all right.” As her annoyance with the woman evaporated, Sophia grabbed her shoes then dumped them into her bag. “It seems Xavier failed to mention numerous things to either of us.” She glanced at Hannah again, smiling when she rested her hands on the swell of her stomach. “Excited about being a mom?”
“It depends.” She sank down on the side of the bed. “Some days I’m thrilled to face the new challenge. On other days, I’m fearful.”
“Of what? It’s just a kid, not a monster.” Sophia frowned. The part of her brain in charge of obscure information wondered how she got her red hair to be so spiky. “I don’t have kids, but surely it won’t take a degree in engineering to raise one.”
“One?” Hannah’s laugh was unexpected. “I’m having twins.” Her grin was rueful as she picked at a piece of bacon from the tray. “Then there’s always the worry the kids will be vampires like their father. Can you imagine two arrogant vamps running around the Irish countryside? Of course, I hold out hope the girl will be more mild mannered.”
Sophia blinked. “What?” Vampires? “Are we talking about Duncan?” She rubbed her forehead as the headache rallied strength.
“Nope, not him. Edwin had to give up his paranormal powers before we were married—it’s a long story—but since I got pregnant before that happened, the verdict’s still out on the kids.” She wiped her fingers on a napkin and nibbled a piece of toast. “Let me give you some advice.”
“Uh…” Sophia didn’t want to hear what the strange woman had to say. In fact, just thinking about the possibility of marrying vampires gave fuel to the already raging headache. “Why don’t we save it for another time?” She made it to the door before Hannah spoke again.
“Trust me when I tell you there are certain things you need to know before you embark on what will most likely be a rather long quest with Xavier.”
Anxiety tickled Sophia’s stomach. She ignored the sensation. “That’s where you’re wrong because I’m not going anywhere with your friend.” She gripped the handle of her bag and crossed her arms beneath her breasts. “Once I walk out of this house, my association with Xavier is over. I’ve told him several times, and I’ll tell you, too. It has to be this way to keep him safe.”
“Safe and miserable?” Hannah shook her head. “Is that how you want him to live out the remainder of his life?”
“Why should I care what he does? I just met him, dammit.” The vehemence in her statement did nothing to alleviate her headache.
“Because I believe you’re the woman Fate picked out to spend eternity with him.”
“Maybe those pregnancy hormones have stolen some brain cells, but I can assure you Xavier is not my idea of husband material. Besides, I haven’t made up my mind whether to spend my life with anyone, all things considered.”
“Fate doesn’t make mistakes.” Hannah took a sip of juice and met Sophia’s eyes over the rim of the cup. “You might be content with the status quo of life, but Xavier isn’t. He deserves happiness. It’ll be a shame if you allow your selfishness and fear to hinder the only chance he has in obtaining that happiness.”
“How the hell can you possibly know what I want from my life? You have no idea what drives me to get through one day, let alone months of them.” Sophia wanted nothing more than to get away from the meddling woman. “And what are you to him anyway?” Spikes of jealousy pricked at her heart.
“I’m his friend. I’ll do everything I can to see that Xavier can be who he was destined to be.” Hannah set the juice glass down with a clink. “Period.”
“Destiny is not dependent on one single person. Oftentimes, it’s a cooperative effort.” As the pregnant woman hoisted herself from the bed, Sophia retreated until her back was flush against the hallway wall. “I need to get home.”
“Fine, run away if you must, but remember this. Xavier can help you if you would give him the chance.” She advanced, stopping only when a scant twelve inches of space separate them. “Make sure your birth control pills are in your purse at all times. This will be especially helpful if you find yourself trapped in a forest for several days and choose to indulge in a bit of harmless adult-oriented fun, if you know what I mean.” She winked and giggled. “If you come across magical beings in your travels, it’s usually best to respect their customs otherwise they get cranky. Lastly, sometimes when you think you have died, it could be just a time to regroup and get your bearings, so don’t be frightened. The Earth Mother is very nice.”
The Earth Mother? Birth control?
Sophia wouldn’t have been more floored if she turned into a chicken and laid an egg at Hannah’s feet. “What?” Her mouth opened and closed as the other woman patted Sophia’s shoulder, all traces of her earlier rage gone. “Do you seriously think I’m going to allow anything like that to happen to me?”
“I was much like you before I met Edwin—a skeptic, afraid of my own destiny.” Hannah shrugged and made her way down the hall in the direction of the ki
tchen. “Stranger things have happened. Fate is a funny thing, and it doesn’t care what you want.”
Resisting the urge to stamp her foot, Sophia rolled her eyes. “I am not going anywhere with Xavier!”
*****
Xavier made a sound of annoyance and clicked the television up a notch, dumping his tan fedora-matching trench coat onto the coffee table in the process. Sophia had arrived home ten minutes before. He’d followed in wolf form then shifted so Mona would open the door to him. Now, she and her roommate were bickering—over him.
Ordinarily, the prospect of women fighting for his attention would amuse him, but not in this moment. He’d found his mate, now the only thing he wanted was the opportunity to be with her. Which meant the roommate would need to go. “Ladies, please.” When they ignored him and went into the kitchen, he sighed and turned the program off. He might as well listen to their conversation.
“I’m not going with him, Mona, so stop badgering me about it.” Irritation and anger tinged Sophia’s voice. “It’s not my fault he’s under a curse.”
“No, but you are the first line of defense for breaking that curse.” The women trailed into the living room, giving Xavier an unobstructed view of their animated faces.
“Wouldn’t it be nice to use your power for good instead of only furthering Sterling’s career?”
“That’s an excellent point, actually.” Xavier grinned when Sophia threw him a black look.
“Use my power for good?” She transferred her glare to Mona. “Tell me, over the course of my servitude for Sterling, how I’ve used my power for good?” She tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. “Tell me, how is turning people over to Sterling a good thing? They were minding their own business, I had a hunch they were of the paranormal variety, so I befriended them. I wormed my way into their lives and learned their secrets. After that, I shuttled them off to the Portal Master without a second thought.”
“That’s not true. You felt bad each time and you know it.”
Xavier cocked an eyebrow. “It wouldn’t be like that with me. I need an audience with the man at any rate, so feel free to take me.” The passion Sophia invoked from her job—whether good or bad—fascinated him. He couldn’t wait to see how she would employ it in the bedroom. When she curled her hands into fists, his grin widened. “Did you feel regret?”
“Perhaps a little bit.” She sighed. “There were two people who didn’t have an ounce of supernatural blood in their bodies. I needed to make my quota and grabbed them. I sent them to their doom for nothing!”
“You don’t know they met their doom,” Mona said in a small voice while wringing her hands.
“Right.” Sophia stared over the top of her glasses. “I’m not a good person, and by rights, I shouldn’t help Xavier.”
“We all have things we’re ashamed of.” Xavier stood. “But job dissatisfaction should never make you lash out at your friends.”
“You’re not helping.”
“No, but I’m not hurting anything either.” Xavier chuckled at the frustration in her blue eyes. “The sooner you accept my appearance as fate, the sooner we can all move on with our lives.” No matter her off-putting attitude, his interest was still piqued. He wished to know the secrets to her relationship with the Portal Master. Why did she stay with him beyond keeping her birthright at bay?
“How did you get in here anyway? I meant it when I told Hannah our association was over.” She rubbed her temples. “I think Hannah is a bulldog. She’s not very pleasant. And quite frankly, if I really am your mate, the first thing on my agenda is kicking her to the curb.”
At least she was thinking about him in that manner. It was a start. “She is…protective due to our prior history. I can assure you, she’s no threat to a relationship between you and me.” Xavier smiled. “As for my presence here, I called Mona and informed her of your inebriated status. She advised me to let you sleep it off at my house.” He handed her a book. “I wanted to give you this. It’ll help your understanding of my problem.” He hoped she didn’t ask if he’d shifted. It would be odd indeed to explain his clothing and the book itself since wolves don’t have pockets.
“You came all the way across town to give me this?”
“I had two objectives. Make sure you returned home safely and to deliver the book.” Her glasses slid down the bridge of her nose. Why didn’t she wear contact lenses? His fingers itched to remove the eyewear to see her face unobstructed.
“What makes you think that I’m going to read…” Sophia glanced at the front of the book. “… Basic Lycanthropy, Living Beyond the Curse?” She thumbed through a few pages.
He shrugged and exchanged a curious glance with Mona, who hovered nearby.
“I don’t, but I do know you’re intrigued. I felt it in you from the first moment.”
Confusion now battled in her gaze. Xavier stifled a grin. She’d help him; she just needed a bit more encouragement.
“It won’t kill me to find out more about the disease.” She placed the book on the coffee table then glared. “I’ll read it—but don’t get your hopes up.”
“You were right, Xavier!” Mona’s squeal rang through the room like a rocket engine. “She’s starting to cave!”
He chuckled. The petite dynamo would make some poor man’s life miserable in the future. “It’s not caving, Mona. She’s simply acknowledging to herself she wants to help me because she feels the same connection I do. It’s Fate. Sophia wants to get involved and stop locking herself away from the world.” His words were designed to irritate the Gatekeeper, and he wasn’t disappointed.
With a strangled cry, Sophia threw up her hands in defeat. “You’re incorrigible.” She put a hand to her forehead and frowned. “I said I’d read the book because maybe I want to know more about Xavier’s disease. So what?” She paced the length of the room. “I haven’t had to check in with someone for a long time and it’s really starting to irritate me you two are behaving like parents.” She secured her hair into an elastic band.
“I don’t understand how you have accomplished so much in your life without receiving a huge dose of comeuppance.” With a look of what he hoped was reassurance at Mona, he gently but firmly guided Sophia to the sofa and pushed her into it. “I understand your need to protect me, but it isn’t necessary.” He sat beside her. Once again, her scent wafted up to tease him. “I’ll do the protecting in this relationship.”
“Think of it this way, Sophia.” Mona insinuated herself between them, very nearly sitting on Xavier’s lap. He cleared his throat and she squirmed a tiny bit away.
“If you can pull the wool over Sterling’s eyes regarding Xavier then that would be great, but wouldn’t helping to lift the curse be better? It might go a long way in convincing Sterling to release you from your contract.”
“Or he might be so angry he decides to terminate me on the spot.” She sounded so depressed Xavier ached to bundle her into his arms and comfort her.
“That’s rather extreme. You have my guarantee I’ll never let that happen.” Xavier shooed Mona off the sofa. Really, the girl was as annoying as a mosquito. “Sophia, you said yourself Sterling is dependent on you, so I doubt he’d be willing to rid himself of your employment.”
Mona perched on the coffee table. “Then maybe Sterling will be promoted and we won’t have to worry about it.”
“Sure, and maybe I’ll be crowned Miss America in the next twelve minutes.” Sophia visibly swallowed. “What do I get out of it?”
“I don’t know.” Mona shrugged. “The joy in knowing you made someone else’s life better?” Her lavender eyes filled with tears. “Please?”
“Yes, please?” Xavier smiled. “I’m good at begging.”
“Oh, brother.” Sophia rolled her eyes. “That’s not fair. Mona, I know you can cry on command, and Xavier’s hardly wasting away because he’s a werewolf. If you ask me, he has a darn good life.”
“You’re right, I have, but now it’s becoming cumbersome to be a wo
lf, especially in light of finding my mate.”
Her cheeks turned pink. “I mean look at him. He’s handsome, sexy; he’s got piles of money.” She ticked off the facts on her fingers as if he’d never spoken. “He’s successful and he’s smart. Being a werewolf hasn’t harmed him—other than maybe having to clean up the occasional stray dog hair from his furniture.”
“Thank you for your astute observations, Sophia, but material possessions and physical attributes don’t make me soul happy.” They had their place, yet there were certain things he desired much more. He knelt before her and took her hands in his, capturing her gaze. “I will do everything in my power; call in every favor I’ve ever racked up, to find a way to release you from your birthright if you’ll do this one little thing for me.” Her hands were warm and shook in his. Xavier could almost feel her waver. He wished the roommate would make herself scarce. He would have loved to kiss Sophia again to see if he could encourage her help, or at the very least see if the initial spark he felt during their first two embraces was a fluke. Hell, who was he kidding? He wanted her in his arms again.
“And I promise while you’re busy working on lifting the curse I won’t let Frieda take advantage of me. I’ll even keep the house clean,” Mona added. “Besides, it’ll be the perfect place to host a bridal shower.”
“Oh please!”
Xavier snorted, glad for the first time for Mona’s presence. “Well?”
“Okay, you’ve convinced me, but not about the marriage thing.” Sophia yanked her hands from his grasp. “With you two around, who needs enemies?” She struggled to her feet. “I’ll pay Sterling a visit.”
Oh no, the minx would not outfox him. “I’m coming with you.” His tone brooked no argument.
“I need you to stay here and keep Mona occupied until I get back.” She sighed and laid a hand on his as Xavier reached for his hat. “And by that I mean keep your hands to yourself.”
“So then you acknowledge my claim to you?”
“No, I just want you to stay here.”
Charmed by the Werewolf Page 5
