Xavier shrugged. “It’s time for a change.”
Sophia was ready for his kiss, but not the intensity of the contact. It was almost as if she’d plugged herself into an electrical outlet as her nerves sizzled and sparkled. When he slipped his arms about her waist to pull her close, she opened her mouth to protest or to urge him on, she couldn’t say. Xavier took advantage of her surprise by stroking her tongue with his. Warmth built throughout her body until the chilly October air ceased to be an issue. She pulled slightly away. “It’s a crazy idea and most likely means certain death for one or both of us.”
“Then we’d better be sure each move is planned with no margin for error.” He nibbled her lips before kissing a heated path down the column of her throat.
“I need more time.” She shivered with pleasure as his lips captured hers with a light, gossamer caress. It would be so easy to give in to the feelings he invoked, but she couldn’t give up control, not yet. Caution had been her companion longer than love and wasn’t easily forgotten.
“Over eighty percent of what people tell you as truth is oftentimes wrong.”
She nipped a line of kisses along his jaw, reveling in the feel of his goatee when it tickled her lips. “I’m a vegetarian and you eat meat—not to mention the occasional person.”
“You’ll have to trust me.” He ran his fingers along her ribcage then claimed her lips once more. “Do you have any more excuses?”
“Not at the moment.” Sophia sighed then sprang away from him when she nearly melted into his arms.
Xavier laughed, a deep warm sound that brought comfort as well as excitement. “I assume this means you’ll come with me?” He adjusted her glasses. Tiny fires ignited up and down her spine when he caressed her bottom lip with a thumb. “Right?”
“Damn werewolf.” Nevertheless, she grinned and ignored her body’s reaction to his nearness. There’d be plenty of time to condition herself to his advances in the coming days. “When do we leave?”
Chapter Six
When Sophia and Xavier returned, Mona met them at the door and announced she located a bona fide gypsy a few blocks over from the apartment. She’d even gone so far as to make an appointment for later in the afternoon.
“There’s just one catch,” she added as she swept the remnants of the last of the coffee mugs. She’d been attempting to concoct hot cocoa, the ensuing mess was the result of that experiment— and she hadn’t even warmed the milk yet.
Containing her annoyance by sheer will power, Sophia drummed her fingers on the dining room table. “And the catch would be?” Since her talk with Xavier, part of her wanted to hurry and start the quest, while the other part desired nothing more than to lock him in her bedroom and get to know him on a physical level. Once the idea of love entered her mind, she couldn’t shake it.
“Madame Mirela might be under the impression you and Xavier are married.” She ducked to deal with the dustpan, hiding her face from view. “I kinda told her you two were having disagreements.”
“Why? What on Earth would possess you to make up some cock and bull story? Why not tell the truth?” Sophia bit the end from a baby carrot with a sharp snap and chewed. “Why not tell her we simply need to speak with her?”
“Oh, like you always tell the truth?” Mona thumped her dustpan on the floor for emphasis. Her gaze landed on Xavier then just as quickly darted away.
“For a delicate flower she packs a lot of punch.” He grinned as he emptied his soup bowl. “I don’t know which one of you is more annoying.”
“Mona has always had spunk.” She found it hilarious her roommate was terrified of the werewolf now since he had shown his true nature. Maybe if she encouraged him, he’d growl again and totally send Mona packing. Just the remembrance of the overt strength and display of virility made Sophia’s heart pound and moisture accumulate between her thighs. “That’s why we get along. She’s the fire and I’m—”
“Ice.” Xavier’s rich laughter filled the room. “I don’t know how much of that statement is true. Sometimes ice can cause as much pain and awareness as fire.”
“Uh…” Sophia’s cheeks burned under his knowing gaze. To cover her confusion, she re-filled his bowl.
“I’ve never eaten a meal quite like this.” He shoveled a spoonful into his mouth and chewed with obvious enjoyment.
“It’s called lentil soup, Xavier.” Finished with the last of the hummus and carrots, Sophia carried her plate to the sink. “Congratulations on successfully eating your first vegetarian dinner.” She smiled at Mona. “I think our werewolf is expanding his culinary horizons.”
“Lentils?” He chewed another mouthful. “I like it. I don’t realize the meat is missing from the meal.”
While he occupied himself with scraping the last fragments from his bowl, Sophia turned her attention to her roommate. “Why did you tell this gypsy person Xavier and I were married?”
“Madame Mirela said she didn’t take cases unless they had a good story or were an emergency.” Mona shrugged and began cleaning the soup pot. “So I made up a story and figured you guys could tell her what the emergency was.” She stopped scrubbing long enough to scratch her freckled nose. “Do you want to break Xavier’s curse or not?”
“I hate it when you’re right.” On impulse, Sophia gave the other woman a hug. “Thanks for your help.”
Her grin lit the kitchen. “Hey, just don’t forget me when you’re free and happy and having babies.”
Sophia snorted. “That’s about as likely to happen as me being able to breathe under water.”
“And Sophia? I’m gonna keep to my room while Xavier is here. Uh, you know, to give you two some privacy. I don’t want to cause another outburst.” She shivered and avoided looking directly at the werewolf.
“Good idea.” Sophia’s lips twitched as she exchanged an amused glance with Xavier. He wasn’t all that bad, actually.
*****
Sophia blew out a frustrated breath. “What are we supposed to tell this woman?” She and Xavier sat in the waiting room, looking anywhere but at each other.
Madame Mirela ran a fortune telling and marriage counseling “business” out of a strip mall off the main highway. As far as Sophia could tell, there were only two rooms. The one where the fortunes were read and couples were counseled was currently occupied. “What’s the point of making an appointment if she’s not going to keep it?” Hard plastic maroon chairs lined one wall of the waiting room under cheap oil paintings of generic landscapes.
“Hush.” Xavier didn’t glance up from the outdated magazine he perused. “You need to trust me. I’m your mate and therefore the head of your household.”
“Are you kidding me?” When he shot her a steely look, Sophia dug into the depths of her bag and pulled out the book he gave her. Flipping to the first chapter, she nearly choked on her mint. “Listen to this: Lycanthropy, during the European Middle Ages, was believed to occur within the bounds of witchcraft or magic. Modern theory stated the fungus ergot contaminated the rye bread favored by the poor, causing hallucinations and delusions about werewolves. “Can people really be stupid enough to believe this?”
Xavier’s lips drew back to bare his white teeth. “While lycanthropy may provide you with a source of amusement, I can assure you it’s only too real for me.” Throwing the magazine down, he stood and paced around the small confines of the waiting area, the raw power he wielded barely controlled and very much resembling a wolf. “Perhaps I’ve misjudged your character.”
“I’m sorry.” Sophia swallowed in an effort to bury the guilt crawling through her stomach. She crammed the book into her bag, then raked her fingers through her hair. “I’m nervous. When I get nervous I tend to make stupid and sarcastic comments.”
In the short time she’d known him, he’d never been anything but polite and gallant—except for their initial kiss when he’d nearly attacked her on the street. She frowned.
Really, that wasn’t polite, but it had served to make her very
aware of him as a man. Now, common sense forced her to revise her original assessment and made her recognize his animal side. Blinders fell from her eyes to reveal the primal animal in his stealthy movements. The muscles in his legs, arms, and jaw were tensed and ready for action while his eyes were alert and probing. He was powerful, he was threatening, and he was very very dangerous. She jumped when he loomed over her, forcing her to crane her neck to look at him.
“Sophia, never forget what I am behind this false facade. If I were to transform before you, I couldn’t guarantee your safety.” He growled, and the sound vibrated in her chest, made the hair on her arms stand to attention. “Don’t mock me again.” He drew a deep breath, bringing his emotions under control.
“I’m sick to death of powerful males like you who swagger about and threaten me.” Anger rose in her chest, almost choking her. She glanced at the connecting door to Madame’s inner sanctum. It was firmly closed. Launching out of her chair, she rounded on the agitated man. His flashing eyes didn’t deter her. “Let’s get something straight. I’m here for your benefit.” Sophia jabbed him in the chest with a finger, staring him down. She resisted the urge to tumble into those golden eyes that had softened slightly. “If you ever try to intimidate me again, I’ll turn you over to Sterling so fast you won’t have time to think.” She dug her finger into his rock hard shoulder for emphasis. “Do we understand each other?”
“More than you know.” The air between them shimmered and crackled with magical energy. “I’ve killed many people, and I’m feared in more worlds than this one.”
“And I’ve led innocent people to the slaughter.” His next growl resonated within her stomach, alternately bringing out fear and excitement. Sophia’s mind screamed a warning, but she ignored it. From deep inside, something bubbled and grew, began to change her. Confidence asserted itself where she thought there was none. “You’re preaching to the wrong woman if you’re looking for pity.”
He blinked then stalked to the opposite side of the room to lean a shoulder against the wall, his legs crossed at the ankles. “If we weren’t already destined to be soul mates, I’d leave you to Sterling’s wrath.”
“If you’ll remember, I did tell you numerous times I didn’t want to come.” Sophia hoped her voice projected calm because inside a mass of anger, sadness, and regret seethed and churned. Her chest heaved and she fisted her hands. She’d never wanted a man more than she did Xavier right now. He made her feel many emotions, but desire dominated all others. She lowered her gaze under the force of his rage, not understanding why she did so. Even in the face of Sterling’s displeasure she’d never backed down. What compelled her to be subservient now?
The door to Madame’s inner sanctum opened and the gypsy herself stood in the doorway. “Sounds like you two got here in the nick of time.” Her eyes glittered with anticipation as she showed another couple from the office. Once they were out of earshot Madame Mirela turned to Sophia and said, “Let’s save a marriage today, shall we?”
“The sooner we get started, the better.” She followed the gypsy into the office, ignoring Xavier, and going to extraordinary lengths to maintain some distance between them. She dropped her bag on the floor then claimed the chair nearest the door.
“Ah, I can see how anxious you are to put things to rights.”
Sophia bit down hard on her bottom lip to derail a derisive retort.
“I couldn’t help but overhear the angry tone in your voices as you waited.” Madame perched herself on the corner of her modest gray, resin desk. “You must remember anger doesn’t solve anything. It only creates more anger.”
From the top of her frizzy blond head to the soles of her red slipper covered feet, Madame Mirela appeared to be every inch the consummate professional gypsy. Clad in a gauzy orange peasant blouse with sequins and a vibrant yellow broomstick skirt, her demeanor screamed carnival attraction. She’d even gone as far as trying to tame her hair with a neon blue scarf but in spite of the cheesy clothing, she emanated a sense of calm and quiet power. She was the real deal.
Sophia cleared her throat. “I think you misunderstood.”
Coral hued lips parted in a smile to reveal lipstick smeared teeth. “Oh, I don’t think I have.” She unfolded her tall frame from the desk and drifted between the chairs. “You feel guilty because things have gotten to this state.” Mirela focused her attention on Xavier, simpering when he smiled. “We’ll start with an exercise designed to clear the air and cleanse the spirit.” Picking up a clipboard and pen from her desktop, she smiled again. “Healing cannot start while anger is present.”
The knot in Sophia’s stomach expanded. She shot a glance at her alleged spouse, immediately wary at the mischievous twinkle in his eye. The fact he appeared to be enjoying the farce didn’t bode well. “Crap.” When the gypsy snapped her fingers, Sophia re-focused her wandering attention.
“I’ll start with Xavier. What I want each of you to do is this: pick one thing about your mate that angers you and explain why.” She nodded encouragement to him and waited, tapping the pen cap against her chin.
Xavier turned his chair slightly toward Sophia then cleared his throat. “I find your lack of assertiveness to be extremely off-putting. You need to stand up for yourself more.”
“Excellent, now Sophia you do the same for Xavier.”
“I can’t.” Mirela’s brilliant green eyes never left her face. Sophia groaned. “Well Xavier…” She stumbled, hating the slight nod from the gypsy. “It really ticks me off you don’t value my opinion or what I say. I feel like you’re humoring me so I’ll go along with your plans.”
“Very nice, Sophia.” She scribbled on the clipboard then pointed to Xavier with her pen. “Now again. It’s important to continue the cleansing process.”
“Your lack of fashion sense is annoying. How hard is it to wear an outfit that compliments your shape? I’d like to see your curves.” In his zeal, Xavier turned to face Sophia, a wicked on his lips.
“Is that so?” She glared and fought off a blush. “Why do you assume we’re mated without even asking me what I want from a man?”
“I cannot fathom why you won’t stand up to your employer.”
“I think your dependence on meat is deplorable!”
“Why can’t you believe in yourself?
“Why do you always think you need to be right?”
“I wish you’d be more sympathetic regarding my affliction!”
Sophia shot to her feet and planted her hands on her hips. “I wish you’d stop ordering me around. I don’t belong to you no matter what you might think, and if that’s true, why the hell are you spending so much time with Hannah?” Her breath came in short gasps. Tears gathered behind her eyelids. Just the fact she was close to crying made her anger boil over. The afternoon charade was rapidly evolving into something beyond the original deception, but the raw pain that clogged her throat was very real. “You don’t understand me. I can’t be with someone who won’t respect me.”
The stress from the last few hours finally caught up with her. She chewed a fingernail. Why did she care so much about their fictional relationship?
“And you don’t understand me.” He handed Sophia a snowy white handkerchief. Her fingers tingled when they brushed against his as she accepted it. “It seems we’re at an impasse.”
“But you have made great progress.” Mirela beamed. “Let’s sum up what we’ve learned.” She settled behind the desk and consulted her notes. “Xavier, you need to work on your listening skills when Sophia has something to say. You need to accept the fact you won’t always be right. Marriage is a compromise, a give and take. Some friction is good to keep interest in the relationship.”
When both Xavier and Sophia nodded, she made a checkmark next to an item on her clipboard then continued. “In the future you should limit your romantic attention to only your partner. If you want your marriage to prosper, you must have eyes only for Sophia. She deserves your full attention.” She frowned. “I real
ly don’t see how your fondness for meat has any bearing on the relationship though.”
“It does because I’m a vegetarian!” Sophia glared at Xavier and resisted the urge to stick out her tongue. “Why can he not negotiate with me on this issue?”
“Hannah suggested I restrict my diet to venison. She didn’t mention going meat free.”
Another wave of anger washed through her. “Oh, then by all means if Hannah suggested something it must be the law!” Sophia threw up her hands.
Xavier narrowed his eyes. “What does that mean?”
“You tell me.” She shrugged. “I’ve been living with Hannah’s specter since you arrived in my life. Now you spout off this stuff about you and I being life mates. What the hell am I supposed to think?”
“You’re the one meant for me, but Hannah is....” Sadness filled his amber eyes.
“Forget it.”
“Again, the existence of the other woman will need to be dealt with, Xavier.” Mirela frowned as she studied the werewolf. “My dears, you’ll have to come up with a concession that works for you regarding meal time.” She cleared her throat, her gaze darting between them. “Now for you, Sophia. You need to make an effort to dress in a more becoming manner, be a bit more strong-willed in the matter of your work and personal lives, and find it in your heart to understand Xavier’s illness.” She smiled. “Excellent.”
With a sniff, Sophia twisted the handkerchief between her fingers. Her tears had dried, but her stomach churned from the accusations and emotions. Agreeing to help Xavier wasn’t one of her better ideas, yet she had no clue just how horrible it could become, especially since her own mind couldn’t settle on how she felt about the werewolf. Why had he decided to come waltzing into her life? Did he intend to destroy the last shred of her sanity? Was he really her soul mate? Did she want him to be?
Charmed by the Werewolf Page 8
