Accepting Fate

by Rivers, Brandy L

  Trevor rounded on him and Mike managed to gently roll him to his back before bounding away.

  Joey came tearing out of the trees, snarling and snapping. Mike pivoted and swiped out a massive paw, catching Joey’s shoulder and ripping him open.

  “Shit, fucking, shit,” Mike stammered as he shifted back and moved toward Joey who flopped to his belly with a pained howl. “Sorry, man. Shit.”

  There was so much blood, and Joey’s skin started to tear worse as he shifted back. Fumbling, Mike placed his hands on the worst of the damage, attempting to hold him together and apply pressure.

  Shane sighed. “Mike, he’ll be fine in a few minutes. Don’t worry yourself.”

  It was too late, Mike felt a chill rise from the pit of his stomach washing up and out through his hands. His eyes went wide as he tried to figure out what the fuck he did.

  Joey’s body settled into his human shape and all trace of the gnarly wound had disappeared.

  Mike scrambled back and fell on his ass, looking from the blood on his hands to Joey’s shoulder. “Fuck, you do heal fast.”

  Sitting up, Joey laughed. “Nah, we heal fast, but not like that.”

  “Then what the hell happened?”

  Shane reached out and caught Mike’s hand with a wince. “Freezing cold.” His brow arched. “Sure you aren’t geared more toward healing?”

  “What?” Mike frowned, and looked back at Joey. “Healing? Like, as in, I put him back together again?”

  Joey nodded. “Yup, that was you. Fiona has done similar for all of us.”

  Trevor had already shifted back and yanked up his pants. He shook his head. “Amazing. Healing leaves Roxy weaker for a bit. Other than shocked, you seem fine.”

  Mike’s head was spinning. “No one mentioned healing to me.”

  Trevor shrugged. “Something tells me you’d rather have healed him than left a gaping wound in his shoulder for Sorcha to find.”

  “Oi, what gaping wound?” the fiery werewolf asked.

  “The one he healed, Babes. Don’t worry your pretty head. I’m fine.”

  Sorcha took a look at Mike’s hands, then frowned at Joey. “Fiona can help train you after all, Mike. She does pretty well with healing, without being mated.”

  Trevor caught Mike’s shoulder as he stood. “Come on, let’s get you cleaned up in the stream, and then we can meet up with Roxy and Gwen.”

  Mike turned to Joey. “You’re all right?” He’d seen the damage.

  “I’ll admit it smarted, but the damage is fixed. Don’t feel a thing now. Don’t worry about me, kid. And stop looking like you killed me. I’m right here, perfectly whole.”

  “Okay.” Mike followed Trevor into the woods.

  “You and your sister both.” Trevor laughed. “She worried when she was sparring with Joey and knocked the wind out of him. We really do heal fast. He would have been fine by now even if you hadn’t healed him, but thanks.”

  Mike nodded, unsure what to say.

  “And take it as a blessing. Some druids can heal a mate. Others can’t heal anyone. Looks like you can heal everyone, and it’s rare because most who can heal, can’t sling around lightning balls like they’re pitching.”

  “Dude, I ripped his back open. Nothing heals that fast.”

  “Trust me, by now, it would have been mended. Maybe a touch sore for an hour, but that’s it. He’s fine. Don’t stress. In fact, this is good because you learned something new about yourself.”

  Chapter 15

  Gwen sat at a table, watching condensation drip down her beer. It had been a strange day. Now, she wanted to curl up with Mike. That desire was unfamiliar, but comforting.

  Then she remembered Roxy’s situation. Her eyes rounded as her head snapped up. “Should I be drinking this in front of you?”

  She laughed softly. “No reason not to.”

  Sighing in relief, she smiled slightly. “Feeling better about the munchkin?”

  Roxy nodded. “Very. Thank you. I wouldn’t have thought to go to anyone. I had no clue it was possible.”

  “It’s not widely known. Not too many druids, and even fewer hooking up with werewolves.” She paused for a second. “Okay, apparently it’s more common in these parts, but until I met Fallon, I hadn’t met a druid who mated a wolf.”

  A smirk lifted one corner of Roxy’s mouth. “Wouldn’t trade Trevor for the world. I wish they would get here already.” She sighed. “It’s weird. I used to love being alone, but now I always want him with me.”

  And I can relate. Shit, it’s way too soon to be thinking this way.

  “What is it?” Roxy asked.

  Gwen shook her head and took another drink. Then she heard the door open and her head snapped toward the entrance. Mike’s grim expression transformed into a smile as their eyes met.

  Laughing, Roxy said, “Oh, I see.”

  “I told you, I have the hots for your brother. No denying it.”

  “Good. Clearly, he feels the same.”

  Trevor dropped into the seat next to Roxy and pressed a gentle kiss to her lips. He groaned lightly. “Missed you.”

  Gwen caught her lip between her teeth as she looked over to find Mike scooting in next to her. His hand came up and his thumb tugged her lip free before he leaned in and sucked lightly.

  She tried to pull away, but his hand wrapped around the back of her neck as he deepened the kiss. All she could do was fall into him. Her fingers drifted up his chest, and then further, to sink into his hair.

  Roxy cleared her throat and Mike released her. “Needed that,” he admitted.

  “Glad I could help,” she teased.

  His eyes sparkled. “Me too.”

  She looked over to find Roxy watching with rapt interest.

  Smiling back, Gwen nodded to Trevor. “Want time alone with him?”

  * * * *

  After shaking her head no, she took a deep breath for courage. There wasn’t much that made Roxy nervous. However, Trevor’s reaction could go either way. The what-ifs spinning through her head made it worse.

  She turned to Trevor with an uneasy smile. “You have to promise to hear me out before reacting.”

  He drew a slow breath and nodded. “You got it, A Chroí.”

  “We’re going to have a baby—”

  He shook his head, “Rox—”

  She covered his mouth with her hand. “Just listen.”

  He nodded, but she saw the fear in his eyes. She could feel it.

  “I know, werewolf females can’t usually have children, but I’m also a druid. This is our only chance to have a baby, but it’s doable. It’s not the first time someone in my situation had a child. We can do this.” She almost added, if you want to, but was afraid of the answer.

  His expression softened, hope lighting his eyes. He gently pulled her hand down. “Is this what you want?”

  She tried not to wince. “Do you?”

  His brow arched. “Can it be done safely?”

  “According to Fallon, Tremaine, and a couple other people. There’s documentation on what needs to happen. So, yes, safely. I’ll have to be careful to shift to wolf through druid magic, but I already practiced and I can do it.”

  His whole face lit up. “And you want this?”

  “I do.”

  “How long have you known?”

  “Figured it out shortly before we boarded the plane home. That’s why I’ve been stressed. I didn’t think there was anything I could do.”

  He caressed her cheek with his thumb. “You could have told me. I’ll always be with you, through everything.”

  “With your past, I didn’t want to put a burden on you. Didn’t want you to stress over what couldn’t be changed.”

  He shook his head. “That’s not fair. You’re mine and I’m yours. Whatever you’re going through, I’m here for you.”

  “I was scared,” she admitted softly.

  “Doesn’t change the fact you should have told me. I suspected, but hoped to god I was wrong
or you didn’t realize. Then you started to shut down. Don’t hide from me, Roxy. I can handle anything as long as I have you.”

  “God, I love you, Trevor.”

  “Mmm, as I love you, A Chroí. Now, how’d you find out about this option?”

  Mike cleared his throat. “I caught a message hidden in Roxy’s poem. I asked some questions.”

  “You found the solution?” Trevor asked, but it was more a statement. “Thank you, Mike. Truly, thank you.”

  “You can thank Gwen. She knew who to call. I would have been there for Roxy, but I didn’t have the answers.”

  “My deepest gratitude, Gwen.”

  “Told you, I’ll help Mike any way I can.”

  “That’s not in question,” Roxy pointed out. “Not anymore.”

  Trevor looked to Roxy. “Don’t know about you all, but I need to start researching. There are a hundred things I want to know about having a baby in this time and age.”

  Gwen laughed. “Internet, books. You have your pick. Roxy’s in good hands. Fallon’s going to shift with her every full moon. She’ll be monitored. We’ve got you covered.”

  Roxy nudged Trevor. “No stressing. No reason to.” She smiled at her brother. “And you are still the best big brother, Mikey. I hope the guys didn’t give you too much hell.”

  He shook his head, a light dancing through his eyes. “I’m fine. Go on though. I think you two should celebrate or something.”

  “All right. I’ll get the story from Trevor.” She winked, nodding toward the door. “You ready, babe?”

  “I am.” He scooted out and took her hand, gently pulling her to her feet. His hand caressed her stomach, and a hint of doubt flittered across his face. “You’ll be all right?”

  She nodded. “I will. Come on.”

  He pressed a kiss to her lips before taking her hand and heading out.

  * * * *

  Mike watched Roxy and Trevor leave. He turned to Gwen with a tight smile. “You’re amazing. You saved us all a lot of heartache.”

  “Heartache is the last thing I ever want.”

  He took her hand, his smile dimming.

  “Everything okay? How was your session with the guys?”

  He groaned. “I’m surprised Joey didn’t kill me. I scratched him pretty bad.” Sighing, he looked into her eyes and shook his head. “Didn’t mean to.”

  Gwen laughed. “Oh, he’s fine. I bet he’s already healed. That is one benefit to being a wolf.”

  “That would have been weird enough. The blood freaked me out, and I had to touch the wound. My magic burst up, but instead of warm, I was freezing fucking cold. I thought my hands might fall off. Next thing I know, his back is fine, like nothing happened, except my hands were covered in blood.”

  Her head tilted to the side. “I believe I told you that your magic would be stronger than Roxy’s. Most druids can’t do both offensive and healing magic so well. It’s generally one or the other.”

  “That’s why you didn’t warn me I might be able to do that?”

  “Never would have expected it after what I’ve seen you do offensively.”

  “It does take away some of the fear of hurting someone,” Mike conceded.

  Gwen gave him a seductive smile. “Want me to take your mind off your strange afternoon?”

  “Not here. Was thinking we could go back to your place or mine. Either one works for me, as long as I can stop by home, feed Sasha, and take her for a quick walk.”

  “Mine then.” She traced her finger down his thigh. “How do you feel about dancing tonight? At a club?”

  “Sounds like a plan.”

  Chapter 16

  Gwen quieted after receiving yet another text the moment they got in her truck. They’d stopped by his place, but she stayed in the car while he fed and walked Sasha. Now they were headed to her condo.

  Mike was ready to kill her damned phone that kept chiming. Something was up. Her brow was drawn together and she kept chewing her lip.

  Once inside her condo, he finally asked, “What was the text?”

  “We need to talk. Before we get to the distraction. And I’m hoping what we discuss doesn’t change your… opinion of me, but I’m not going to keep secrets.”

  “Secrets?” he asked, mildly amused.

  She let out a heavy sigh. “Yeah, sort of. Only I didn’t know until the middle of last night, and I really didn’t want to talk about it then.”

  “So what’s the problem? I don’t care about Robert and Preston. It’s in the past. What else can there be?”

  She paced away, with her arms wrapped around herself. Then she came back with a heavy sigh and blurted out, “Cole is Coltrain. The man who broke my heart.”

  Mike’s brow cranked down. “What?”

  “Your ex’s brother was the guy I fell for forever ago. He’s not a good man, Mike. In fact, he’s done some pretty detestable stuff. Getting his sister hooked on whatever and then having her changed to a vampire doesn’t even scratch the surface.”

  He believed her. Sure he was shocked, but not really surprised. “Did he disappear after leaving the program?”

  Gwen nodded. “Pretty much. And I know the guys didn’t want me involved when they searched for him, so they sent me on an assignment as far away from Cole as they could manage.”

  “How so?”

  “A mission on another continent.” She half-laughed. “For the best most likely. I’ve come to the conclusion Cole never loved me. He loved what I could help him achieve, but he couldn’t sway my views.”

  Mike shook his head. He wasn’t understanding her concern. “Why did you think that would change my opinion of you?”

  “You don’t know what he’s capable of. I didn’t until he left and started trying to bring the Council down.”

  “Then stop. I don’t blame you for what you didn’t know. I am trying to wrap my head around Cole’s age. I knew he was older than Amanda, but not that much older.”

  “Really?” Her brow quirked. “That’s the one thing that weirds you out? You realize how old I am, right?”

  He grinned. “Yeah, cougar.” He pressed closer, backing her into the wall as his hands landed on her waist. “You sure as hell don’t feel or act like a fifty-year-old.”

  Laughing, she teased, “Hey now, casters don’t age much past a certain point.”

  “Whatever, still twice my age, Sweetheart.”

  Slipping her hand between them, she cupped his hard length. “You don’t seem to mind.”

  “Hmm, no, I don’t. Shit, you still want to talk? Or can that wait?”

  “Wait.” She unzipped his pants, staring up at him. “Need you.” There was a hint of desperation in her eyes, and fear.

  He pulled back, gently catching her face in his hands, and trailed his thumbs over her cheeks. “Hey, don’t worry about the past. I know you won’t lie to me. Had you known, you would have told me in the beginning.”

  She nodded, letting out a sigh that dropped her shoulders. Her hands came up to wrap around his wrists. “I would have. I like this, and I like you. I’m upfront, and will always tell you the truth. I’m not used to anyone accepting that.”

  “Why not?”

  “Probably my brother. Doesn’t help that you didn’t want to accept what you were either.”

  “That was my issue with myself, no one else. I had no problem accepting others for what they are. I wanted you more because you were different. Same with Isa. Stupid probably, but in a way, being with you makes me feel like less of a freak.”

  “You’re not a freak, Mike. Well, other than behind closed doors, and I love that.”

  He chuckled and pulled her toward the couch. “If I have a problem with you, or something you tell me, we’ll talk it out.”

  “What about with you? I’m here to help you too.”

  His breath stalled. “What happens after I accept it all?”

  “With us?”

  He nodded.

  “You’re not an assignment. Not any
more. I’m not going anywhere. Unless you want to be rid of me.”

  His grin turned wicked. “Nope. I may have an addiction to the feisty mage in my lap.” Bringing her face down, he captured her lips in a kiss.

  Without breaking the kiss, she stood and squirmed out of her jeans while he freed his cock.

  Before he could shift to roll her to the couch, she was back in his lap, gliding over him with a hiss of pleasure. “Later, you can have whatever you were planning.”

  “Greedy,” he teased, “and impatient.” He groaned as her hips swirled. “No complaints.”

  She stared into his eyes. “Same here,” she moaned, her hands gripping his shoulders.

  He was mesmerized, the pleasure deepening. There was only Mike and Gwen. Nothing else existed as their bodies became one, and his feelings for her flourished into something more.

  Already on edge, he found her clit hard and slippery. The sounds she made undid him. He soared into bliss as her body undulated, then collapsed against him.

  He wound his arms around her, and held her close. A soft laugh escaped. “I feel pervy for being mostly dressed.”

  She snuggled tighter. “Blame me. I couldn’t wait.”

  “No wonder I’m falling for you.”

  She didn’t look up, but he heard the emotion in her voice. “Same here.”

  His hand slipped under her shirt to rub her back in sweeping strokes. He could sense her heart beating with his and closed his eyes, enjoying the feel of this woman in his arms.

  Chapter 17

  Gwen sat on her balcony, staring out over the Puget Sound. She drew a tight breath and hit send. Robert answered after a single ring. “Hello, Gwen. What’s up?”

  “An update. Mike’s adapting quickly. He’s not all there yet, but close. I don’t want off this assignment, but I should warn you, I feel something a lot stronger than lust for Mike.”

  “Where is he?”

  She smiled. “Walking Sasha.”