Prince of Power (House of Terriot Book 2)

by Nancy Gideon

  “Bree?” MacCreedy’s cool detachment fell away. “You called my sister? Knowing she’s pregnant?”

  “She promised me she and the baby would be fine. Besides, she’s always had a thing for Colin.”

  “What? No, she has not!” He scowled then grumbled, “Is there any damned female he hasn’t nailed?”

  “Yeah. Yours and mine.”

  Silas shrugged and nodded that that was true.

  “I reached out to my pal T-Ray. He hasn’t heard anything.”

  “T-Ray, the Guedry who tried to kill you for Casper Lee?”

  “He didn’t have any choice in that.”

  “You have a strange code of honor, Cale. You don’t blame him for trying to kill you, but you’re pissed off at your brother for sleeping with one of them.”

  Cale’s scowled deepened. “I’m afraid he’s doing more than that.”

  Before he could say what, Nica entered the room, bringing him instantly to his feet with a fond, “Hey, Mama. You’re looking good.”

  “I look fat, and I’m slow and clumsy,” she argued, standing still so he could kiss her cheek when only months before she would have gutted him for trying. “How’s Kendra?”

  “The same.”

  “Fat, slow and clumsy?” The still-lethal assassin arched a brow as Cale went pale.

  “No! Of course not. She’s gorgeous . . . and a little cranky, but that’s my fault. So I’ve been told,” he added under his breath.

  “Is that what my mate’s been saying about me? That I’m cranky?” Nica shot a look at Silas.

  A sly smile. “Well, he might have said something kinda like that, but I’m sure it isn’t true.”

  “I did not!” Silas argued in his own defense.

  She leaned over to buss a kiss on her rightfully-alarmed husband. “I’m sure you didn’t, since I know a thousand ways to murder you in your sleep without leaving a mark.”

  “Mine would just back over me with the Jeep,” Cale muttered. "Five or six times, just to be thorough.” Then he grinned. “Just kidding.”

  “Cale was just leaving,” Silas insisted.

  “While the getting is good,” he echoed. Still, he surprised Silas by drawing him in for a quick hug. “You watch over him for me. Call me if you think there’s something I should know.”

  Obtaining that promise, the Terriot king felt a weight lift off his shoulders.

  Though surprised by the call, both Mia and Colin showed up to join Rico for dinner at Mulatte’s in the Warehouse District. They eyed each other warily, not knowing the other had been invited. Rico had a corner table off the long stretch of dance floor where he and the very lovely Amber James were half way through their first glass of beer. Having never seen her out of the Shifter club except when they’d showed up at her door, both thought her earthy beauty made a nice contrast to Rico’s flash. Wearing her usually ponytailed hair in loose chestnut waves about her shoulders, a flattering calf-length knit dress and high boots, Amber’s smile faded slightly when she saw them arrive, at the same time but obviously not together.

  Rico rose in greeting. “I told Amber we all wanted the chance to thank her for what she did for Colin.”

  She blushed deeply. “You didn’t have to do that, Frederick.”

  “Yes,” Colin argued, “we did.” He bent to kiss her cheek then stepped aside to pull out a chair for Mia. She murmured a thank you and sat down without looking at him. “I hope we didn’t frighten your daughter, showing up like that,” he added, settling between the two women.

  “No. Evie’s no stranger to drama,” was her all-too-easy reply. “She went right back to sleep. I’m glad we could help.” She smiled rather shyly at Colin. “You’re looking much better than the last time I saw you.”

  Rico glanced between them, scowling slightly.

  Colin returned her smile with a warm curve of his own. “I can’t say I remember it, but thank you. I’m sorry for the inconvenience we caused.” He raised his glass to toast her, and the others followed suit.

  A loud, rambunctious Cajun band began to play, filling the dance floor with activity, and relieving them of the need for conversation. When their meals arrived, Colin stared in dismay at the onion and mushroom smothered ribeye steak he’d ordered without realizing it required two-handed attention.

  In the middle of the story she was telling, Amber leaned over and quickly sliced it into mouthfuls, only pausing when she’d finished to find the trio staring at her. Her cheeks colored prettily as she explained, “Sorry. Evie broke her arm last summer, and it got to be a habit.”

  She placed the fork in Colin’s left hand and picked up her tale without missing a beat.

  Colin sat for a moment staring at his neatly prepared plate then, without comment, began to eat.

  Across the table, Mia mouthed a “Thank you,” to the comely bartender.

  Throughout their dinner of mouth-watering house specialties, from Amber’s stuffed crab to Rico’s Cajun BBQ baby back ribs, Mia picked at her grilled catfish while watching the other female work to put Colin at ease with a calm, non-solicitous manner. She touched his arm frequently, smiling as she addressed the group while paying particular attention to him. When he dropped his napkin, she nudged hers to flutter after it, sweeping them both up without any fanfare. She filled everyone’s glasses, making sure his was within reach until his smile and laugh came easily as his shoulders rocked to the music. Until a Zydeco reel began to play and his gaze went longingly to the dance floor.

  “I love this song,” Mia announced, her attention beginning to turn to Colin when Rico stood and caught her hand, lifting her up, twirling her out to join the other circling couples.

  To distract him, and herself, Amber filled their glasses and toasted, “To your health.”

  They sipped and he smiled. “You’re very kind. This hasn’t been easy for me.”

  “I know. I can’t bear to see anyone in pain.”

  Colin glanced at the ruined hand he’d hidden inside a thin black glove. “It doesn’t hurt.”

  She smiled knowingly, not needing to look toward the couple dancing together to understand. “Yes, it does.”

  “Yes, it does,” he allowed with an endearing touch of humility.

  Watching the two people they cared for moving together, they sat companionably, smiling at each other, each pretending not to be wounded to the core. Until the music downshifted into a Cajun waltz with Jole Blon. Colin stood, offering his left hand.

  “This I can handle. Dance with me.”

  As a winded Rico and Mia returned to the table, Colin and Amber moved to the floor, stepping into each other’s arms, her head resting on his chest, swaying in an easy, sensual rhythm that had the pair at the table sitting stiff and silent.

  The next two songs were also slow crooners, so they stayed out on the floor, seemingly lost in one another. When they finally returned to the table, Amber placed her palm to Colin’s face as she smiled and vowed, “I haven’t had that much fun in years. Thank you.”

  “No. Thank you,” he returned, bending to follow through with the light stroke of his lips across hers.

  Rico and Mia sat paralyzed.

  “Got to go,” the buxom brunette announced. “My shift starts at ten. It’s been a wonderful night.” After she addressed the group, she let Colin assist her, one-handed, into her coat.

  “I’ll walk you,” he offered.

  Rico came out of his chair so quickly, it almost overturned. “My car’s out front. It’s a long trek on foot, and I can get you there on time.”

  Her hand still on Colin’s chest, she smiled at him. “Thanks. That would be nice.” She gave Colin a pat and let his brother hustle her toward the door without remembering to say good night to Mia.

  Mia and Colin exchanged cool stares.

  “I don’t suppose you need to be walked home.”

  “Hardly. I can handle myself, big boy. How ’bout you?”

  “I’m fine.”

  “Good night then.” She g
rabbed up her coat and walked away from him without a backward glance.

  Left with the bill, it took Colin some doing to wrestle his wallet free and pay the tab. By the time he reached the sidewalk there was no sign of the lovely Mia. He started along the route that would take them both to their destinations.

  The beers took the edge off his thoughts and lent a bit of melancholy to his mood. He should have felt like celebrating. He was alive! He was, for the most part, whole again. He had a job to do and a female to woo. A female who, at the moment, didn’t want any part of him. But he could change that.

  He would change that.

  His stride lengthened as he began looking ahead, to a future he hadn’t expected to experience, and to the woman he couldn’t wait to claim.

  Claim. That word whispered with possibility. Together. Blissfully content. Forever. That could be him and Mia. He’d never thought he’d be ready to close the revolving door to his bedroom and settle down with one female. He hadn’t been looking or even thinking in that direction when Mia Guedry had burst into his life and held his heart hostage.

  She was right. Everything about them was wrong. Except how well they fit together, even when sex wasn’t in the picture. He’d never expected that, to just enjoy the presence of another without the only purpose that rush into the sheets. She challenged him, made him mad, made him think, made him crazy with longing as well as lust. Her smile melted him like candlewax beneath the flame. He admired her independence, her loyalty to her people, her fierce protection of them. What a perfect mate she’d be, strong enough to weather his moods, fiery enough to satisfy his desires, brave enough to brace their differences, tender enough to bear his young.

  His steps faltered under the enormity of that decision. No longer just a dream, a hope, it became his battle plan.

  Colin quickened his pace when her scent reached him. He started running when he realized she wasn’t alone.

  CHAPTER FOURTEEN

  Colin found her torn jacket on the sidewalk. Panic gave way to fury then amusement when he stepped into the alley where three street toughs were beginning to rethink their very bad idea of grabbing Mia Guedry either for a robbery or some other darker purpose. Colin supposed her small, feminine stature marked her as an easy target for three humans. He grinned, imaging their surprise.

  One of the men sprawled unconscious on the stones, the baton Mia carried in her bag having left a welt across his brow. The other two circled, looking for a weakness. Good luck with that, boys.

  “Need some help?”

  She never looked away from her attackers. “No. I got this.”

  “Okay.” Colin leaned against one of the buildings at the mouth of the alley to watch her work.

  She was amazing.

  Black hair tumbled about her shoulders, as wild as the look flashing in her dark eyes. She used the fact that they were both a head and shoulders taller to her advantage, just as she had when sparring with him. She was fast, not hampered by heavy male bulk or outerwear, easily slipping their attempts to grab her. Lucky for them. If they put hands on her, he’d have to step in and rip off their arms. But she had them. They were just too stupid to realize it.

  One seized a handful of her hair, surprising a sharp cry from her. Colin came away from the wall, bristling with protective fierceness. Before he could take a step, she dealt a stunning blow to the thug’s ear with the baton and finished with the clip of her fist to his jaw. As he went down hard, the last attacker thought better of their initial intent, and made a break for the mouth of the alley, yelping as Colin’s left hand closed about his throat and his feet left the ground. The fellow shook like unmolded gelatin beneath the fiery intent in Colin’s eyes.

  “Can I kill him?” Colin called conversationally to a panting Mia. His slow smile revealed sharp teeth. “Or should I start eating him while he watches?” His prisoner soiled himself.

  “Let him go. He’s not worth the indigestion.”

  The instant Colin’s grip loosened, the fellow dropped and darted away, mindless of the fate of his friends.

  “I’ve got your coat.”

  “Thanks.” She came up to take it and slipped it on, scowling at the ripped sleeve. “Damn! I liked this jacket.” Then her dark stare rose to his. “Thanks for not interfering.”

  “You didn’t need my help. Besides, I like watching you, even when the one you’re beating up is me.”

  His admiration fueled the fire in her eyes.

  “How ’bout you walk me home,” he suggested. “I’d feel safer with your escort. Dangerous neighborhood, you know.”

  They walked the long blocks in silence, not touching. She didn’t leave him at the gated entrance, instead following him to his door. He unlocked it, turned toward her, and she leapt on him, legs circling his waist, arms his neck. Her mouth devoured his.

  Mia pulled back, glaring. “You taste like her.” Her palm scrubbed his lips roughly before seeking them again as if needing to swallow him whole.

  “You want to come inside?” The invitation panted from him.

  “Yes. And then I want you to.”

  The interior was dark. Colin didn’t reach for the light, and Mia didn’t let him go. He carried her straight to the bedroom, and she was so okay with that destination.

  His hard, hungry kiss enflamed her own desires. She’d never wanted anything, anyone, the way she did this powerful male. She started pulling off his coat and he peeled hers from her. She couldn’t touch him enough. Her tongue couldn’t taste him deeply enough.

  Apparently, he felt the same way.

  His strong hand kneaded her ass, tugging her into the firm throb of his erection that seemed suddenly so much . . . larger. Maybe absence did make the reality fonder.

  Mia winced as his nails became claws, digging into tender flesh. Before she could complain, Colin began to shift, his body bulking up with muscle, his teeth elongating, pressing sharp and fierce against her mouth. A low, predatory sound rumbled through his chest, vibrating beneath her palms. Alarmed, Mia pushed away.

  He let her go. For a brief, panicked moment, she’d feared he wouldn’t. She stumbled back, panting, braced and defensive. Seeing her fear, Colin quickly morphed back to his familiar form as her palms smacked against his shoulders.

  “What the hell was that? We didn’t talk about that!”

  “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to scare you. I’d never hurt you, Mia, or force anything on you that you didn’t want.”

  She eased away, wary. “Give a girl some warning, pal.”

  “You’ve never mated.” He sounded absurdly pleased, and she wanted to strike him again until he asked softly, “Why?”

  “You’ve never been powerless, or you’d understand.”

  “I’ve been pretty damned powerless for the past week.” He took a calming breath. “I guess I can’t blame you. I didn’t much care for it, either.”

  “What were you thinking?” she grumbled, trying to deny how his statement worked her emotions.

  “I was thinking I don’t want to lose you.”

  She hadn’t expected that. “If I’d wanted to leave, don’t you think I’d have cut and run a week ago?”

  “Why didn’t you?”

  When she didn’t answer, he wasn’t reassured, beginning a restless pacing about the bedroom. Her gaze followed in helpless lust and longing.

  He didn’t want to lose her.

  “I was thinking that there’s nothing to hold us together and everything to keep us apart. You’ll return to Memphis, and maybe I’ll go home to Nevada. What then, Mia? Where does that leave us?”

  “I’m not going any time soon.”

  “But you’ll be going.” He faced her, his expression set and inscrutable.

  “What do you want me to say, Colin?” Her tone gentled without her realizing it.

  “That you don’t want to go.”

  Easy. “I don’t want to go.”

  He wasn’t satisfied. “That you don’t want anyone but me.”

&nb
sp; “I don’t want anyone but you.”

  “Ever.”

  A chill ran through her. “That’s a long time.”

  “That’s forever. That’s what I want.” He sounded terrifyingly certain.

  Breath left her in a rush as understanding struck like a blow. “You’re not talking about mating. You’re talking about bonding!”

  “And if I am? If it’s something you’d never consider, tell me now and I won’t waste any more of your time.”

  “What do you mean? Like not see each other anymore?”

  “What would be the point? I want a future with you. If that’s not what you want, too―” He broke off with a shrug.

  “So you don’t want to see me anymore? After what we’ve just gone through together?” A huge well of despair opened at the bottom of her heart.

  “I want to see you every day and night for the rest of my life. That’s what kept me going lying there in that bed. We never know how much time we have left, and I don’t want to waste any of it. I love you, Mia. I knew you were the one our first night together.”

  It was too much. “Colin, you don’t even know me!”

  “I do. It’s like looking in a mirror. We have the same dreams and desires. I know everything I need to know, and the rest I’ll learn along the way. What I do need to know is if you feel the same. What do you want from me, Mia? Am I just a temporary thing to pass the time until you to move on?”

  When she didn’t answer, he turned away so she couldn’t see his expression. The droop of his shoulders told her everything needed to torture the truth out of her.

  “I don’t know what it is about you, Colin Terriot. I didn’t want to care about you. I didn’t want to like you! And I certainly didn’t want to need you. But I do. I don’t want to give you up. You’re an addiction, an obsession. You’re a damned Terriot and I’m a Guedry! You couldn’t get more wrong than that, but everything about you is so right. I don’t know what to do, Colin. But I know I don’t want you to leave me!” That last escaped as a sob.