Taming their Tailfins: Howls Romance

by Marianne Morea

  Ding. Ding. Fraud alert! She had lied through her granny panties and the old woman called her on her shit.

  Okay, then. Time to get a grip.

  She looked at the two men still waiting in her doorway and with a quick exhale stepped aside for them to come in.

  Chapter Two

  “It’s…it’s nice to meet you,” Valerie squeaked, cringing at how silly she sounded. Getting a grip was harder than she thought. Especially with Mr. Universe times two standing three feet away.

  “Zale?” She smiled at the dark-haired man. “—and Adrian, right?” Val nodded toward the blond.

  Adrian’s lips curved in a quiet smile. “At your service.” He nodded as well.

  The blond walked through the doorway first, his arm brushing hers as he passed. Instant electricity crackled along Valerie’s skin and her breath hitched.

  Neither guy turned, nor said a word, so maybe they didn’t notice. She hoped.

  So this was Aggie and Sam’s idea of help. Sending two gorgeous men to rattle her imagination. She took in their full length as the huge hotties walked into the living room.

  Holy Packages in Pants!

  The way they moved was an exercise in erotic. Soft denim molded to muscular thighs, the easy fabric hanging low on each sculpted torso, enough to make a woman’s mouth water. Valerie closed the front door before following them inside.

  “Anywhere in particular you’d like us to get started?” Zale flashed a sinful smile, and then bent to pick up a roll of bubble wrap and a tape gun.

  He was close enough to feel his heat and her stomach flip-flopped. His clean masculine scent made her want to sigh out loud.

  “You said the boxes were upstairs, right?” Adrian asked. “Maybe we should start there.”

  Zale tossed him the tape gun and Adrian twisted to catch it, his tee stretching across his muscled chest as he reached for the throw.

  God damn! They were so fucking hot. The tingle in her stomach morphed into full battering ram butterflies aimed straight at her crotch.

  She gasped at the damp feel between her legs, pressing her lips together not to burst out laughing or freak out. These guys were total strangers. Unbelievably hot strangers, but still. Her libido had gone into extreme autopilot or something.

  The kind of woman the men of Aggie’s world loved to love. Yeah, right…and where the hell was that? Fantasy land? Valerie caught her dusty reflection in hall mirror. At least she was dressed halfway decently, instead of her normal pajama pants and sweatshirt. Leggings paired with a black camisole showed off her curves, while a jean jacket hid a myriad of sins.

  Yours to command.

  With a smirk, she wondered what would happen if she held the two hotties to their word? For the first time in her life, she didn’t want to overthink, and the alien emotion unnerved her. She took a determined breath and peeled the jean jacket from her shoulders. One insta-bimbo coming up. Oh, boys…

  Aggie’s stone communicator thingy was still on the coffee table, and she caught sight of it from the corner of her eye. With her jacket halfway off, she chewed on her lip.

  “And just like that, reality’s back,” she sighed, dumping her jacket onto one of the chairs.

  As if reading her mind, Zale put the bubble wrap down. “Connecting through stone and water. It’s not hard.”

  Her gaze flicked to the large bulge behind Zale’s zipper and she nearly laughed out loud. Yeah, right.

  “Uhm. Okay” She cleared her throat. “Why don’t we get packing. I’d better take advantage of you two while I can.”

  Zale’s eyes found hers and it wasn’t her imagination. His green eyes darkened, and a soft rumble came from his chest.

  “What the hell was that?” she asked, mesmerized by his gaze, even as his outright growl sent her adrenaline screaming.

  “That is the sound a Gemini makes when near a ripe female.”

  Wow. Weird much?

  In New York, it takes all kinds.

  “Gemini?” she asked, not sure she wanted to know, but for some reason she couldn’t help herself. “As in the zodiac sign?”

  “Sort of, but not exactly,” Adrian replied.

  Valerie was sandwiched between them with the backs of her legs against the couch. “Gemini is the sign of the twins. Are you brothers?”

  “No, not exactly.” Zale shook his head. “We belong to the same clan. Néro Drákous.”

  She was suddenly very aware of how close they were and how their body heat seemed to send her nerves into overdrive. God, did they both have to smell so damn good?

  “Not exactly,” she repeated, trying to keep her head in the conversation instead of on how much she wanted to reach out and touch them. “You both said that. Twice. If you’re not brothers, are you related?”

  Kissing cousins came to mind and she grimaced a little. Fantasizing about two hot guys at once was one thing, but incest was a complete turn-off.

  “You cannot connect to Elsa until you provide a water medium.” Adrian gestured to the stone. “And to answer your question, no, Zale and I are not related.”

  “We are connected, though,” Zale continued. “I’m the alpha of the Néro Drákous and Adrian is the omega.” He kept his eyes on her. “It’s common among our kind.”

  “Alpha?” she repeated, humoring the huge hottie. “Is that a style of hierarchy as in a wolf pack? I belong to the Wolf Conservancy, so I know a little about that.”

  Adrian grinned. “Sort of, but not exactly.”

  “Funny.” Valerie shot him a wry look. “I’m guessing you’re the comedian of the two.” Without thinking, she turned and nearly collided chest to chest with Zale.

  The slow grin that spread across his gorgeous lips sent embarrassed heat racing from her cheeks to her ears.

  “Uhm, maybe we should head upstairs,” she mumbled, avoiding his eyes.

  Zale didn’t budge, so she squeezed past.

  “You could’ve moved, you know.” She pushed her hair from her face, mortified her nipples rubbed across his rock hard torso.

  “Yup, and I would have, had you asked,” Zale replied with an even wider grin. “But I’m glad you didn’t.”

  Valerie didn’t dare respond. Instead, she walked straight to the bottom of the stairs and gripped the bannister.

  The two followed close behind and she knew both sets of green eyes were glued to her ass as she climbed to the second floor.

  “So—” She cleared her throat, reaching the top landing, trying to deflect the topic from her nipples and her ass. “What exactly are an alpha and an omega, then?” If they wanted to role play, then who was she to disappoint? She’d been to New York Comic Con enough to know cosplay nerds came in all shapes and sizes. Even hot, unbelievably sexy sizes.

  Zale answered as they followed her toward the master bedroom. “An alpha and an omega are a pair matched at birth to encompass the cyclical nature of our history. There is a special bond between the two. The closest way I can explain is the idea of Ying and Yang. For us, it doesn’t end with only two. An alpha and an omega need a third to initiate that balance, and when they find their mate, the triad is complete.”

  “Triad?” She turned with a question just outside the master bedroom door. “That sounds almost prophetic.”

  Zale nodded as she reached to snap on the light. “Not almost. A triad is prophetic. For the Gemini, the prophecy is one will be mortal and one immortal, but when their triad is complete, the three are granted shared half-immortality.”

  “Half-immortality. What, like a demi-god?”

  Adrian inclined his head. “If your belief system speaks in terms of gods. Ours doesn’t. What it means is a triad’s existence is long and strong enough to ensure the survival of our clan.”

  Valerie blinked at the two. “And what happens if you two don’t find your third? Your mate, as you say.”

  Zale and Adrian exchanged a look before Zale answered. “If a clan’s alpha and omega fail to form a triad, or if their mate is killed, the Nér
o Drákous suffer for generations.”

  “Suffer?” Valerie’s brow knotted. “Wow, talk about pressure, especially finding someone to fit the bill. Is your mate another male?”

  These two were so gorgeous it would make sense if they were gay, still, she couldn’t help but wonder what it would be like to be sandwiched between them for real.

  A soft smile spread across Adrian’s full lips and Valerie blinked at the insta-fantasies they conjured.

  “No, our mate is not another male. In fact, the mate we’ve been searching for is luscious, strong-willed and fiery.” Zale moved from the door, walking her backward until the backs of her legs hit the bed. “Remind you of anyone, Valerie?”

  Her gaze locked with Zale’s, and the rush of lust through her blood nearly knocked her onto the mattress.

  Holy hotness! If Hannah’s claims were even remotely true, no wonder she fell head over heels after one week. Bang!

  “Are you okay?” Adrian asked, striding from the doorway as well.

  She nodded, despite the betraying thud of her pulse. “Just a little claustrophobic.”

  Adrian chuckled, putting a hand on Zale’s shoulder. “Personal space, dude. We talked about this.”

  Zale took half a step back, giving Valerie barely enough room to scoot by. “We have to stop meeting like this,” he joked.

  She shot him a look and then bent to pick up a large cardboard box from the side of the bed. “Closet,” she said, shoving the box at his chest. “You get to pack up Hannah’s shoes. There are at least fifty pair.”

  “I warned you, bro.” Adrian laughed. “Approach with caution, not caveman.”

  Valerie grabbed another box and lifted it to the dresser. “Approach who with caution? Me?”

  “Yes, love.” Adrian looked at her.

  Opening the top dresser drawer, Valerie scooped up a handful of Hannah’s clothes and put them in the box. “Why? I know I came off brusque earlier, but that had to do with the supernatural senior citizens and their busybody magic, not you two.”

  Adrian moved behind her at the dresser and slipped his hands onto her shoulders, his fingers caressing her bare skin. “It has everything to do with us, and why we’re here.”

  Valerie’s eyes found his in the dresser mirror. They were gold with only flecks of green. An overwhelming urge to turn into his arms flooded her body and mind. The feeling was beyond comprehension and fear crept into the mix.

  “Draakki!”

  A growl from the closet shook the bedroom walls and she jumped, breaking the spell of Adrian’s hold.

  Adrian spun on his heel, pushing Valerie behind him. He moved with a predator’s grace, carefully but determined. “Zale? What is it?”

  The dark-haired Gemini filled the closet door, his eyes yellow with streaks of fire red. His fists clenched at his sides and his shoulder muscles bunched as if ready to kill.

  “A Draakki was here.” Zale’s voice was a rough growl and Adrian’s face tightened.

  “You’re sure?” the blond mountain asked.

  “His stench is all over this room, but I didn’t notice at first because of her intoxicating scent.” Zale gestured toward Valerie, his words almost an accusation.

  “Hey! Tall, dark and scary. You’re not so funny right now. What the hell is going on? This room does not have a stench,” Valerie moved from the dresser, but the look Adrian shot her had her stepping back.

  Zale’s fiery gaze shifted to her, and she gasped at his shadow in the ambient light. It was serpentine in shape, like a sea monster, and his skin took on an iridescent sheen.

  She took a step toward the door, but stopped in her tracks, her muscles tense so she didn’t shake in her shoes.

  “I’m not going to hurt you, little one. You are too precious to us. I know this is not your home, so I know this offense is not yours,” Zale replied to her alarm.

  She looked from Zale to Adrian. “You seem like the calm one, so would you please tell me what your partner in crime is talking about?”

  “The Gemini of the Néro Drákous are not guilty of any crime!” Zale growled.

  Adrian held his palm out to his friend. “Zale! Chill. Valerie has no idea what you’re referring to, so take it down a notch or ten.”

  Zale threw up a hand, and then stormed out of the room. Heavy footsteps echoed from the stairwell as he stomped to the first floor.

  “Wait—what the hell just happened? I thought this was harmless role play, you know, fun and flirty.” Valerie’s gaze flicked back to the door. “Adrian?” She prompted. “

  He shrugged, his expression both disappointed and troubled. “Geminis and Draakki,” he answered quickly. “I wish I could explain more, but I have to go. I’m sorry, beautiful, but this party’s over for now. In this state, Zale is dangerous.”

  She stood dumfounded as he hurried past, but even more so when he stopped short and took her hand.

  “Zale is right about one thing. Your scent is intoxicating.” He pulled her close and brushed his lips to hers, lingering just long enough for her body to want for more. “I promise we will meet again.”

  Adrian rushed out after Zale, and she slumped to the bed, her head spinning. Her nipples ached and a dull throb invaded her nether regions. “Holy shit! And he said I’m intoxicating?”

  A slam from the front door broke her carnal haze. She walked down the stairs half in a fog, her mind racing, but when she got to the bottom step, she stopped.

  I wish I could explain more.

  “That’s the third time someone couldn’t or wouldn’t explain things directly affecting me.” Shoving a hand through her hair, she dragged in a breath and stepped off the last stair.

  “A woman the men of my world would love to love,” she mumbled Aggie’s strange words. Hmmph. “Well, in my world, it’s three strikes you’re out.”

  Valerie walked past the couch in the living room, but then stopped. The stone was still on the coffee table. With a nod, she marched to the kitchen for a silver mixing bowl before shoving it under the tap. “Somebody owes me an explanation.”

  Chapter Three

  Valerie placed a shallow silver bowl in front of the stone as instructed. Some of the water sloshed over the rim, spilling onto the rug and the coffee table. “Damn.”

  She used her sleeve to mop up the mess, and then waited as the water stilled. “Okay, Elsa, do your stuff.”

  Expecting the water to swirl or shimmer, Val peered into the bowl, her reflection staring back from the silvered bottom.

  “This is nuts. And I’m even crazier for buying into this hoodoo.” She stared into the still water as though expecting visions like some downtown charlatan.

  She blew dark hair from her forehead, shaking her head. “I am pathetic. Or worse yet, a sucker so willing to believe, she purchased crazy at a premium.”

  Hannah was the one who lived for fantasies.

  Not her.

  Val drained her third glass of wine. At least Sam was right about the vino. She lifted her glass in mock salute. “Water, water everywhere, but not a drop to drink. Elsa, Elsa, activate or I’ll pour you down the sink.”

  She snorted a semi-drunk chuckle, but then froze with her hand halfway to her nose.

  The water in the bowl moved.

  A quick jiggle, like partially set Jell-O.

  No way. She must have disturbed the bowl somehow.

  Or not.

  Valerie hadn’t budged from her spot on the couch. Unless she was suddenly telekinetic, the water moved on its own.

  “Let’s try this again.” She traced one finger over the strange symbols before placing the flat of her palm over the center hieroglyph.

  “Elsa? Activate.”

  A dull hum vibrated from the stone, and Valerie jerked her hand back. Did that sound come from the rock or was she so drunk she imagined it?

  Suddenly, the whirring stopped, and the silence in its wake was almost ominous. The water swirled, forming a tiny whirlpool inside the bowl. It spun clear and fast, until the
mini vortex parted at the center funnel enough for her to see the bottom of the bowl.

  Only the bottom was no longer silver. In fact, it no longer looked solid. Just a mass of disjointed images, like watching a movie via satellite dish during a thunderstorm.

  Valerie leaned closer, squinting to make heads or tails of the erratic pixels, jerking back when the images coalesced into a man’s face. He smiled, waving, big as life.

  “We’ve been waiting for hours for your call!” he exclaimed, moving to sit on what looked to be a deck chair.

  Valerie sat up straight, her mouth open slightly. Holy shit! Was he for real? The man was a romance cover model come to life. Rippling muscles and long dark hair and a smile that would make any woman weak and wet.

  “Dracosarra?” he said again.

  “Uhm, no. I mean—” She exhaled, not sure how to respond. “Look, I’m sorry. I’m a little out of my element here.” Valerie exhaled again, mumbling. “Damn it, Hannah.”

  A deep, sensual chuckle answered from the opposite side of this odd ritual scrying thing. “Hannah told me you were a tough cookie.”

  Valerie’s mouth dropped, watching a gorgeous grin spread on his too perfect face. She had to stop herself from staring.

  “I know we haven’t been properly introduced, but I’m Soren Draakki, Hannah’s mate. It’s nice to finally meet you. Well, sort of. Hannah just left, but I can grab her. She’s not far and has been dying to talk to you.”

  Valerie didn’t reply. Instead, she watched stunned as Soren jogged to the edge of the deck, calling for Hannah somewhere she couldn’t see.

  Holy shit! Did this mean everything Hannah said was true?

  Soren Draakki.

  Draakki.

  Wasn’t that the name that sent Zale into a snarl? Soren was just as big as Zale and Adrian. They said they weren’t related, but there had to be some inherited connection.

  She scanned the rest of the panorama. Violet blue water lapped against a far shore, and in the distance she saw what looked like a thick forest. Dark green/black bark painted the horizon as ominous, but two brilliant stars shined bright as suns, illuminating the top of the tree line to a gorgeous lime green swaying in the breeze. What made the panorama even more unreal was the shimmering, phosphorescence of an obvious dome enclosing the scene. Not to mention the myriad sea creatures swimming on what looked to be the opposite side.