Cursed by Fate

by Renee Shearer

  She paused and took another gulp of coffee. Her hands were sweating and shaking, and her heart was racing. But she had to finish. So, she did. She told them everything. Afterwards her throat and insides felt raw; Ariana felt exposed and vulnerable. She kept her head down, eyes focused on her coffee. Ariana couldn’t look at any of them. She couldn’t see the looks of pity, disgust, or even worse. Fear. Fear of her, of what she had done, of what she was capable of.

  Aiden

  What. The. Fuck. How had she survived that? Aiden’s wolf was frantic, clawing and howling to get out. He had never lost control of his wolf and wasn’t about to now. Damn this woman was one of the strongest, fiercest, and bravest women he ever had the privilege of knowing. His wolf howled his agreement and clawed at his insides again, digging deeper. His wolf almost got control. If Ariana were to lift her head and look at him now, she would see his blue eyes glowing. That was sure to freak her the fuck out.

  “Excuse me a minute, I need some air.” Aiden jumped up and practically ran to the sliding door. He ripped it open and stepped outside into the cool spring air. It had rained again that day, leaving everything clean and fresh smelling. Even if it only lasted for a few hours it was his favorite time in the city. But right now, it held little comfort for him. He needed to run, to work off some steam, but couldn’t yet, and not here in the city.

  He scrubbed a hand down his face, telling his wolf to settle just a bit and let him think. He smiled when his wolf relented with a few grumbles of annoyance. Aiden’s wolf periodically craved the woods and free space to run, so he had a cabin set deep into the woods about an hour south of Chicago, in Momence. He had added to the little one-bedroom cabin over the years, mostly doing the work himself. Sometimes the guys would come out for a weekend and help him work on it, blowing off steam of their own. Because of that they each had their own rooms, it was now a retreat for all of them. A light bulb went off in his head. He knew where to take the girls to keep them safe. The cabin had plenty of room for all of them, and since it was isolated enough with him owning the thirty acres that surrounded the cabin, he could insure their safety relatively easy. The small town of Momence was about a thirty-minute drive from the cabin. It boasted a small grocery store, ice cream shop, gas station, and a few tourist shops thrown in. He hadn’t been there in about six months, but knew it was the perfect place to go now.

  Now all he had to do was convince Ariana it was the smart play. How the hell was he going to do that? The woman was as stubborn and independent as they came. He decided he would tell Ariana that he and the guys would be staying the night with her to make sure everything was okay and the stalker didn’t come back. He would make her a cup of coffee in the morning and ambush her then while she was grateful to him for her morning pick me up.

  As far as plans went, it was shaky at best and crumbling at worst. He had dealt with worse and made it out just fine. He had a feeling though, that this one may leave him with more than a few scrapes and bruises. With a semi-solid plan in place, he and his wolf felt calmer than they had in days. He was not a man to sit idly by and let someone else take over. He needed to be doing something, anything, to keep these girls safe. He had a gut feeling that the fate of their world as they knew it hung in the balance of Ariana and her daughters coming out of this alive.

  Fifteen

  Ariana

  She flinched when Aiden abruptly stood and left. He had such anger in his tone when he went out to the balcony. He must hate her now. She had overheard the others call him “Mr. By the Book.” Ariana’s situation was anything but normal, and Aiden wasn’t going to be able to stick to his set guidelines and rule books with this. She couldn’t hold back the wide yawn that escaped her, ending on a squeak. Shit, she ducked her head in embarrassment. She only squeaked while yawning when she was close to the point of exhaustion. Hearing chuckles coming from the couch, she could feel her face start to flame. She must look like a tomato. She hated to blush, so she went on the defensive.

  Glaring at them from under her lashes she snapped, “What?”

  “Nothing, Ariana,” Roman told her with a smirk. “You should probably head to bed soon. You’ve been through a lot tonight.”

  Waving her hand about she went with her usual of deny, deny, deny. “It’s nothing. I’m fine.” Of course, her body would choose that moment to betray her, with another wide yawn ending on a squeak again. Dammit. Her girls always said she sounded like a chihuahua when she did that.

  “No, you’re not. You should head to bed. The guys and I will stay here with you for the night to keep a look out. Make sure that whoever is sending you this shit stays away,” Aiden stated as he came back inside.

  She snapped her head up and glared at him. “Not a fucking chance are three dudes I just met sleeping under my roof!”

  “Ariana, this is not up for debate.”

  “Wanna bet?” She said stubbornly, jutting out her chin and crossing her arms under her breasts. When Aiden’s eyes glanced down at her breasts, she inwardly laughed. Oh she had him now.

  Ariana glared daggers at Aiden when he lapsed into silence; he glared right back at her. There was no way she could have them all stay here only a few rooms down from her, and not just because it made her uncomfortable. For some reason she trusted the guys not to do anything to hurt her. No, it was because she didn’t trust herself. She was so hyped up and frustrated she might not be able to control herself and jump them.

  Ariana yawned again, shaking with exhaustion. She really would need to crash soon. Just as soon as she could get rid of everyone, then she could pass out for at least six hours. She would be fine after some sleep.

  “Ariana, you’re yawning all the time and swaying, you need to get to bed.” Jess told her softly.

  “A yawn is nothing more than a silent scream for coffee,” she replied to Jess flippantly.

  Mateo stood up in a huff. “Oh come on, baby doll, you’re running on fumes! When was the last time you had any real sleep?”

  “Meh, I got like five hours yesterday. I’m good,” Ariana stated firmly, even though she could tell she was running on empty.

  “How about one of the guys and I stay here with you, Ari?” Jess asked, looking at her expectantly, then sharing a look with the guys. Ariana had no idea what that look was for and was too tired to even try and hazard a guess. Her beloved coffee wasn’t working anymore. That was the biggest sign that it was time for her to go to bed. Unfortunately, it wouldn’t be in the fun way that she was starting to wrap her brain around.

  She nodded on a sigh. “Yeah, that’d be fine I guess.” She smiled in appreciation at Jess. “Thanks girl. I owe you.”

  She stood up a little wobbly and started to make her way out of the room when Aiden stopped her. “Ariana?”

  She half turned, bracing herself on the wall, her legs suddenly jelly. “Hmm?”

  She noticed the wolfish grin he sent flying her way with a jolt, “Sleep well and have sweet dreams.” He practically purred at her. Well now, she just might. At least, she hoped she would. She couldn’t take the nightmares anymore, which were her main reasons for not being able to sleep. At least she hadn’t accidentally visited the past lately or called Alaina to her. She’d had about enough of that shit as she could take, and Alaina was just pissing her off with the talking in circles crap.

  Ariana waved her hand vaguely in his direction and walked away, leaning a hand on the wall as she went. She was bone-tired from all the stress of the stalker and the trial that should be coming up soon. Ariana needed to get better sleep if she wanted to pass it so she didn’t die. Not dying would be awesome. Huh… never did learn what was in the box. Ariana shuddered in pleasure as she fell onto her bed after taking off her clothes. She rarely slept naked in case her daughters needed her. That was not a conversation she wanted to have with Avery just yet, but she was too tired to find pajamas. Pulling her covers up as she wiggled her way under them, Ariana immediately fell asleep.

  Mateo

  Mateo won
the coin toss and got to stay in Ariana’s apartment, much to the chagrin of the other guys. Their grumbles of unhappiness were cut short when Jess snorted. “Relax guys, you’re all staying nearby. My apartment is right across the hall. I fully intend to stay here so you guys can go ahead and use mine.”

  “You’re not worried we’ll snoop?” Aiden asked her with a smirk on his face, causing Mateo to grin as well. Like the guys would ever stoop that low. Granted, they were cops, but ones with special abilities so there would be no need to snoop through her things. Roman could test the waters for any Mage related stuff, and Aiden could just as easily sniff anything out.

  Jess shook her head “No, you won’t find anything there.” The way she said it made him think there was someplace else she kept the good stuff.

  Changing the subject, Mateo asked Roman, “What was in the box?”

  Roman looked like he wanted to kill someone again with just the mention of it. Then he seemed confused. “It was a dead Sparrow.”

  Mateo sucked in a sharp breath. He had heard what that monster had called her.

  My little sparrow.

  But how? She had said that she killed him. Hell, he had seen it for himself. The man had stopped moving before they left through the trap door in the ceiling. Recalling that little tidbit, he frowned even harder. “How did we get out?” he asked the room in general.

  Jess shifted awkwardly, and all the guys eyes zeroed in on her. She began shaking her head rapidly from side to side, making her hair swish against her back, and crossed her arms over her chest. “Again, not my story to tell.”

  Aiden huffed. “Fine, let’s all get some sleep and start back up in the morning. I’m going to need help to convince Ariana to leave with the girls and come to the cabin.”

  Mateo was surprised when Jess started to nod her head. “You’re going to help?” He knew the shock was evident in his voice.

  Looking at him with hard dark green eyes she asked, “And why wouldn’t I? Ari is my friend. It’s not safe here, and you guys are cops. End of story. Apartment four sixteen.”

  Jess tossed her keys to Aiden and went to the couch to start pulling it out into a bed.

  Aiden gestured for Mateo to follow them. “Are you sure about this Capt?” Mateo asked as he got closer.

  “We have no choice, bro. She’s in danger, and I convinced the Chief that she is a valuable asset in the drug case. They are all under our protection now. It’s the only place I can think of that’s close enough that we can take shifts coming into the city, yet far enough away that they’re safe.”

  Mateo nodded in agreement. “Well, she won’t go easy. And you had better make sure we are well stocked on coffee, that may be a deal breaker.” He chuckled along with Aiden and Roman.

  Roman clapped him on the back, nearly sending him crashing into the wall. Damn he was a big fucker. “When you’re right, you’re right.” The guys left, saying they would be back over in a few hours and bring the rest of the team, except for Gray. Aiden was sending Gray to the cabin to get everything ready for Ariana and the girls.

  As Mateo returned to the living room, he noticed that Jess had been busy. The fold out couch was already made up and she had an air mattress up already as well. He frowned. How the hell did she do that? There really was something different about her, but he couldn’t put his finger on it and that frustrated the hell out of him. He hated not being able to solve a puzzle.

  “Go to sleep,” Jess said, already climbing onto the pull out. Well, guess I’m sleeping on the air mattress. Not that he minded. He had slept in worse spots and on worse things. After climbing onto the bed, he realized the lights were still on and started to get back up.

  “Don’t bother, I got it,” Jess said a little cheekily. Clapping her hands, the lights went out, all except for the stove light in the kitchen. It shone just enough light into the living room to see clearly.

  Mateo laughed. “She really put The Clapper on her lights?”

  Jess chuckled along with him. “Yep.”

  She sure was a talker. Couldn’t get her to shut up, could you?

  Shaking his head, he closed his eyes and, despite the swirling chaos of his thoughts, he immediately fell asleep.

  Sixteen

  Ariana

  Her room had candles lit everywhere, creating a soft romantic glow. She was wearing her favorite satin pajama shorts with a baby doll top in light blue. Ariana felt powerful and sexy for the first time in her life. Looking at Mateo as he gazed back at her from the bed with naked want and desire in his eyes, she felt herself grow wet. He had suggested for her first time as a willing partner that Ariana tie him up. She had thought seeing him naked and tied to her bed would be a trigger for her and send her spiraling down into the darkness. Instead, it empowered her, made her feel wanton and needy. She didn’t feel ashamed, or like a monster herself, as he was definitely a willing participant.

  Mateo was glorious in his nakedness, tied to her bed frame with silken ties. His tattoo was on full display, wrapping around his muscular arm. His tanned skin gleamed in the candlelight; his breathing already labored as she stood at the end of her bed caressing him with her eyes.

  He had a six pack of nicely defined abs with a chiseled line forming a V practically pointing the way to his manhood. His chest was devoid of hair, nice and smooth and looked soft to the touch. Ariana bet it felt like satin over steel. His lean and toned swimmer’s body shifted as he tried to entice her to join him. His erect cock bobbed against his stomach, almost like it was beckoning her to come closer. Ariana bit her lip and played with the hem of her top. Was she really going to do this? Gazing at Mateo waiting patiently for her to be comfortable enough to join him, she thought, Yes. Yes, I am. Mateo groaned as he watched her standing there biting her lip and fidgeting. Ariana stripped off her top in one quick sweep, and before she could change her mind, her shorts went next.

  Mateo sucked in a harsh breath. “You are stunning.”

  She ducked her head as she started to blush, her hair falling and obscuring her heated face.

  “Please come closer, Ariana,” Mateo rasped, the low, sexy sound making her shiver.

  “Okay,” She whispered back. She was really going to do this. She was going to take back her life from the Monster. This was the only area of her life she couldn’t get back control.

  That stopped now.

  Ariana slowly crawled up onto the bed, skimming her hand along Mateo’s slightly hairy legs as she went. The hair tickled her palm making her giggle, and Mateo grinned at her and licked his lips. She wanted to bite those full, kissable lips.

  As she got closer to his cock, it began to bob up and down more. Partly from his increased breathing and the other half from her nearness. Looking up into his hooded eyes she asked, “May I?”

  Mateo groaned again. “Oh god, yes please.”

  Ariana softly stroked her fingertips down his hard cock from tip to base, lightly cupping his balls. She bent closer and flicked her tongue over the tip before gently sucking.

  Mateo moaned louder. “Harder, Ariana, please.”

  Smiling with him still inside her mouth, she did as he asked, sucking a bit harder as she moved up and down. Mateo was thrashing his head from side to side, moaning and gasping. His arms were tugging at the bonds, she knew he could break free anytime he wanted. It made her feel cherished when he didn’t.

  Releasing him with a small pop, she grew bolder and kissed her way up his stomach and chest. She pressed her lips against his neck firmly before running her tongue up the side to his ear and gently biting the lobe. Mateo gasped in her ear. “Ariana, please, I need to taste you!”

  “Okay,” she said breathlessly. Who knew it would be such a turn on for her to have this big, strong man submit to her; to help her get over her fears. It was a heady feeling and made her dizzy with pleasure. Ariana straddled him, not wasting any time. She captured his lips in a passionate kiss and moaned at how good he tasted. Oranges. She fucking loved oranges.

  Ripp
ing her mouth away from his, she sat there panting. Ariana realized she was sliding her pussy over his cock. Having him rub against her swollen clit felt so good, she sat up straighter and threw her head back. Rocking her hips back and forth, lubricating his dick in her own juices, she could feel her orgasm building but didn’t want to cum yet.

  She was feeling so powerful and bold. There was still one more thing she wanted to try while Mateo was tied down like an offering just for her. Blushing at the thought, she gazed down at him and was taken aback by the heat in his eyes as he watched her.

  “Why did you stop, baby doll?” he asked her in a strangled voice, like she was killing him by stopping.

  “Umm… can I ask you something?”

  “Anything!” he replied quickly.

  “Can I… umm… what I mean is, can you...” Now he was looking at her questioningly.

  “Spit it out, Ariana. It can’t be that bad.” He chuckled softly and smiled, encouraging her to go on.

  “Can you lick my pussy from that angle?” She spoke rapidly, the words tripping over themselves in their haste to be said.

  His eyes turned to molten lava. There was so much heat in them that she squirmed. He licked his lips and moaned. “Fuck yes I can. My mouth is watering. I want to taste you so bad. Please, come here and let me taste you, baby.”

  Ariana started to climb even farther up his body. She was dying to see what this felt like. She had heard others say it felt so good, and from the little porn she had watched, it certainly looked like the girl was enjoying herself immensely.

  Just as she was lowering herself down, a loud and obnoxious ringing tore her from Mateo.

  Seventeen

  Ariana

  Ariana woke up groggily and reached over to her nightstand to slap the alarm off. Her other hand was touching herself from the dream. Well, I might as well finish what I started. She grinned sleepily. Ariana proceeded to rub her swollen clit, the dream still fresh in her mind. As she closed her eyes, she could picture Mateo with that hungry look as she started to lower herself down. Ariana flattened her palm and pushed two fingers inside of herself. With the stimulation from her palm rubbing against her clit and two fingers pumping in and out of her, it didn’t take long for her to orgasm. It was more intense than what she was used to, and Ariana curled on her side with her hand trapped between her legs, shoving her head against the pillow to stifle her scream of pleasure.