Charmed by the Werewolf (5 page)

“Truer words have never been spoken.
”

A tiny sigh escaped when Xavier lowered his lips to hers. He nibbled at the corner of her mouth as flutters of excitement played over her spine. He tasted of sweet wine and unfamiliar spices.
She was anxious to kiss him again to see if she could identify them.
Maybe we could stock those spices at Nann’s.
She pressed closer in an attempt to taste those elusive flavors, but he broke the kiss before it could get interesting.

“Once again, that’s not fair,
” she murmured against his mouth.

The door to the library crashed open, interrupting the short interlude.

“Everything’s all right. They’re kissing, but Sophia looks really drunk.”

Mona’s voice was the last thing
she heard before she gave into the dizziness that flooded her brain and slumped into Xavier’s arms.

With a groan, Sophia rolled to her side, away from the window and the intrusive light coming through it. The pounding in her head subsided if she remained perfectly still, so she stared at the wall. Lifting a hand that felt as heavy as granite, she searched the bedside table until she located her glasses. Once the world came back into sharp focus, she glanced around, attempting to keep any sudden movements to a minimal.

She smiled at the tiny blue-stenciled flowers that randomly dotted the subtle lavender surface of the wall. The trailing green stems and vines created a delicate pattern that mimicked the very best Nature had to offer. She narrowed her eyes and concentrated on those vines. With a gasp, Sophia realized they were very real indeed as they writhed and grew along the wall. She grinned, and acknowledged to herself if she didn’t already have a handful of bizarre beings to deal with at home, she’d want a “living
” room.

It was a soothing enough place, but it wasn’t hers. Panic welled in her chest to clog her throat as she struggled to free her legs from the tangle of the bedclothes. The door opened slightly to admit a dog, which distracted from her momentary madness.

“Oh, crap.” Technically, the animal wasn’t a dog. Her mind refused to acknowledge the truth. Sophia fought against the acceptance that she saw living, breathing proof of Xavier’s affliction. Whether she believed it or not, the wolf advanced slowly into the room, stopping just shy of the bed to sit docilely on the indigo colored rag rug beside the bed.

“Go away.
” Her head pounded with each word.

A soft whine was the only answer. The animal sat there silent—waiting and watching—his sandy blond fur twitching.

“Whatever it is you’re trying to accomplish, I feel I must tell you it will fail.” She eyed the animal warily, and ignored the way its pink tongue dangled out of its mouth or the way he seemed to smile with loads of pointy teeth. “I’m not one of those women who get weak at the knees because a furry animal walks into the room.”

Amber eyes regarded her. Intelligence and cunning lurked in the depths. The wolf emitted a low growl and a sharp bark then jumped to the bed, resting its front
              paws on the side of the mattress.

Emitting a squeak of surprise, Sophia clutched the quilt under her chin and stared, hoping he would disappear. He didn’t. “You win. Obviously, you’re not a figment of my exhausted imagination and you’re definitely not a dream brought on by too much wine.
” She propped an elbow on the bed and rested her head on her hand. “Against my better judgment I have to acknowledge you’re more than likely Xavier in doggy form. However, since I didn’t actually witness your change into an animal I still don’t have proof.” She experimentally patted his muzzle, pleased and a bit surprised that his fur was soft and his nose wet. “I’m not a dog person. If I were to keep a pet it would in all likelihood be a cat.”

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 kitchen. “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.”