Charmed by the Werewolf (8 page)

“When will you understand?
” He stroked her cheek, buried his hands in her hair until she looked into his eyes. “You’re mine, and I don’t abandon things or people who belong to me.” Xavier kissed her, momentarily losing himself in the softness of her lips before pulling away. “I assumed he told you how to break the curse?”

“Yes. He threatened me with death if he caught me harboring rule-breaking beings.
” She rubbed her eyes and wiggled out of his arms. “Sterling said you only need to find a member of the original gypsy family and they can release the curse.”

“Then we
’ll track down a gypsy. At least it’s something.” He moved toward her but stopped when she held up a hand. “What now?”

“I know you think we’re meant to be together. I don’t know how or where you picked up this information. It doesn’t matter. There’s no time for all of that silly romantic stuff.
” She shoved her glasses back into place. “I’m doing my best to keep Sterling away from here!” She raised her gaze to his. “I don’t want to be responsible for another senseless death. I’m not strong enough to survive another catastrophe.”

“
Whatever has happened in your past, I can guarantee nothing like that will occur between you and me.” The haunting pain in her eyes played to his sympathy, and again the urge to wrap her in his arms overwhelmed him. “I meant what I said. I won’t leave you. Not now. Not ever, and I’ll personally enjoy killing Sterling if he attempts to threaten you again.”

She blinked rapidly as tears filled her eyes. “I’ve got to get out of here.
”

“Wait, Sophia…
” Xavier grasped her hand.

“Please, don’t be here when I
return.” She wrenched her hand from his, kicked off her remaining shoe and exited the room.

“Damn stubborn woman.
” As Xavier loped down the stairs, he couldn’t help but wonder if dealing with an unstable female would be worth lifting the curse.

*****

Her heart pounding, Sophia slammed outside the apartment to clump awkwardly over the sidewalk in her sock-covered feet. She slid onto a cold bench under a stand of half-naked trees nearby and took a few deep calming breaths. Dry autumn leaves swirled about her feet. She shivered. Life was rapidly spiraling out of control and she couldn’t stop it. She turned her face to the weak October sun, but it didn’t lift her lagging spirits. The situation was impossible. If she helped Xavier, she risked losing her own life. If she turned him over to Sterling, she got to keep her job, but she’d feel forever guilty about it as well as ending his.
How do I manage to get myself into these messes?
Her skin prickled like an otherworldly divining rod. Sophia sighed and her shoulders slumped in defeat.

“Xavier, how long do you plan to hide behind that tree before making yourself known?
”

“Not long.
” He shoved off from the tree he’d been leaning against. “You have a habit of letting your emotions flow freely over your face. I know what you’re thinking with very little effort. I merely waited for the opportunity.”

“Great.
” She rolled her eyes but made room for him on the bench. The constant butterflies in her stomach since his arrival took flight, tickling her insides, to feed into the excitement of his take-charge attitude. Why did he think she was his mate? Who’d told him that? Above all, Sophia wanted to explore the bright flame of unexplained desire that ignited inside every time she saw him. She’d never had that sort of reaction to anyone. “I take it you won’t heed my warning?” She shivered again and clasped her hands together to keep them warm and mask their shaking.

“No. I
’ve taken your request under consideration but feel it’s not the best course of action for us at this time.”

“Us? You’re going to stick to that mate story, huh?
” Silence reigned for a few minutes. When it became obvious he wouldn’t speak again, she blew out an annoyed breath. “Why?” A pair of squirrels scampered through the fallen leaves, chattering. One had the audacity to sniff Xavier’s shoe before they both ran away as if the hounds of hell were after them. Sophia snickered. They must know he was a werewolf. Animal senses were much more in tune to the world than humans were. Had he ever eaten a squirrel? “Well, why?”

“It’s difficult to explain.
” He stroked his goatee in a gesture she associated with agitation or frustration. It gave him a bit of humanity and made him…endearing.

She stifled a groan. She couldn’t fall under his spell—for his safety and her own. “Try me. Difficult is my middle name.
”

A faint smile lifted the corners of his mouth. “I meant it when I promised to release you from your birthright.
” Shifting, he threw his trench coat around her shoulders, his hands lingering longer than necessary until she thought he must feel her tremors. “I intend to fulfill that promise.”

“Thanks. Unless you happen to be Superman or God himself, I really don’t see how that will be possible.
” When a gust of wind blew up, she snuggled into his coat and breathed in his scent clunging to the fabric. An exotic mixture of oak, apples, and wood smoke, she sniffed the collar and sighed. Whatever it was, Sophia felt safe as the aroma wrapped itself around her consciousness.

“Why do you refuse to accept help or even friendship?
” He casually draped an arm along the back of the bench. The tips of his fingers brushed her shoulder.

“I’ve learned it’s not healthy to get my hopes up because they’ll usually be dashed.
” She shrugged and finally met his gaze, stunned again at the unique color. “I won’t be disappointed if I don’t look forward to anything. In my line of work that’s the safest bet.”

Xavier’s smile revealed straight white teeth and slightly pointy canines. “You deserve more than that, Sophia. I intend to give you the world, shower you with so much love you
’ll drown in it. That’s the right and privilege of being mates.”

Her throat dry, she swallowed and fought off tears. “That’s a fine sentiment
, but it isn’t up to you.” He dropped his arm over her shoulders like a stole. “We play the cards Fate deals to us without complaint.”

“Fate gave me you.
” Xavier drew her closer. “Wolf or man, that’ll never change.”

“Damn it, Xavier.
” She teetered between fighting him off and allowing him to continue his pursuit of fleeting romance. Deep down, she wanted the romance, wanted the security and confidence that came from loving another person. She glanced into his face, taken aback by the admiration reflected there. His golden curls shone in the sun to resemble a halo. “You have everything you need so why not get started on your quest?”

“Come with me.
” He caressed her cheek then slid his hand under her hair. “I promise to set you free. It’s the least I can do in exchange for a lifetime with you.”

“Tempting.
” Sophia almost agreed to his plan when chills prickled her skin from his touch, but Sterling’s threats still echoed in her head. “I can’t. I refuse to be the catalyst in your death.” She held up a hand to thwart the embrace she knew was coming. “I let you kiss me twice before. That’s enough. I have
not
given you permission. I know next to nothing about you, and I have no idea why you feel I’m your mate.”

S
till, her insides fluttered from his attention. She felt herself leaning toward him on the bench.

“All the more reason for you to accompany me on my search for the gypsy, don’t you think? We can spend quality time together. I can convince you we
’re meant to be together, and you can reward me by returning my regard.” He cupped her face in his elegant hands and looked deep into her eyes. Sophia’s heart spun out of control at the sincerity in the honey-colored gaze. “As for the kiss, let’s just say it was something that needed to be done.”

“That doesn’t make any sense!
” Her exclamation was more of a whisper considering his face was mere inches from hers. “Quite frankly, it’ll take a lot of convincing on your part for me to go anywhere with you. I’m just not an adventurous sort of person. My life is quiet, structured, and well-ordered.” A tough sell, even to her ears. “I like it that way. It keeps me safe. It keeps me sane.”

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?”

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.”