by Tena Stetler
Tristian jerked his chin out of her hand, his mouth set in a hard line, eyes blazing. She shifted on the chair arm so she could look him square in the face, eyes slitted. “Speaking of what some people are capable of, shall we discuss what you do for a living?”
His eyes cooled and he looked at the floor refusing to meet Angie’s eyes. “It’s a necessary evil.”
“So I’ve been told. Now before you say anything else stupid. Let me make my position perfectly clear. Knowing what being Bruce’s mate entailed, I agreed to it completely, without being under the influence of magic. No way are you going to lay any blame on Bruce. Is this all clear to you?”
Tristian nodded.
“Good. I consented to be his mate because he is everything I could ever want in a man. So you are going to have to accept him and our relationship on those terms. Come on Tristian,” she said soothingly, “you’ve been my rock since I was twelve. Let Bruce take some of that burden from your shoulders.”
His hand on the other chair arm, Tristian pushed himself up and grabbed for her wrist. “You’ve never been a burden, and you’re not his wife. You’re only his mate, he didn’t ask you to be his wife and acknowledge that important tradition in the world I raised you. Did he?”
She slipped neatly out of his grasp and walked toward Bruce. “No he didn’t. But we’ve had precious little time together since that night and it doesn’t matter how you define our relationship, it’s forever. You know, ’til death do us part.”
His fist hit the chair arm as he threw himself back against the chair in frustration. “It matters to me and would matter greatly to our parents.” There he’d said it, what was bothering him the most, the fear that Bruce was just using her as a toy and would discard her as he had all the others only this time it would end in her death. It didn’t make any sense, that ceremony, the little piece of paper, the promises given. Vows taken didn’t guarantee happily ever after, but in the world he’d built for her, he’d hoped it would work. She shattered that hope by giving herself to, of all things, a demon. How was he going to reconcile that?
Bruce turned to reach out to Angie encircling his arm around her waist pulling her tight against him. “Tristian, I understand how you feel.”
“How could you?” Tristian swore.
“But you know that when a mate is taken in my world, it’s for eternity, only death severs that bond. Why would I bind myself to a woman, if I didn’t intend it to be forever? I’ve had any woman I wanted most of my life, yet never took any of them as a mate, because I believe in destiny. I wasn’t going to tie myself to just any woman no matter how beautiful or how talented in bed she was, when the one woman meant for me was out there somewhere. Now that I have found her, I will cherish her for eternity. All the women I’ve had pale in comparison to Angie. If she wants to be my wife, I’ll happily marry her, but not for you. It’s been her decision all along and will remain so. As I am sure you know she has no trouble stating her mind.” He leaned over and nuzzled her neck then released her and paced back to the desk, shoving his hands in his pockets.
A slight smile formed on Tristian’s lips as he nodded in agreement.
“Now you have less than twenty-four hours to decide whether you can accept Angie’s decision to be my mate and rebuild the trust we’ve enjoyed throughout our working relationship. I truly hope you can, because it’s going to take our combined knowledge and cunning to triumph Rezar, if the rumors are true.”
“What about Angie? You know he’ll come after her first, if he is aware that you’ve taken a mate.”
“Or your sister, someone he already knows exists. She and Willow will leave for a safe house soon, where they’ll stay until this is over. Believe me there is no safer place on earth than where I am going to take them.”
“What makes you so sure?”
The emotional roller coaster of the last hour or so had taken its toll. Bruce felt achy, his self-control was wearing thin, Angie was right he needed to rest. Leaning back against the chair he chose to ignore Tristian’s question and said gruffly. “You’re free to go. Although, you may want to consider a safe place for your woman, Hannah.” He closed his eyes. “Owen, Tobi please step inside and join us.”
Quietly the office door opened, Owen and Tobi slipped inside taking a seat on the sofa.
“You mean I can go home?” Smirking, Tristian jerked his chin up at Bruce, his brow raised incredulously.
“I never intended to hold you against your will, only make sure you healed. Your attack on Angie and I will be dealt with later.”
“Angie walked to her brother and put her hand on his back. You’re healing nicely, but far from battle ready.” She’d heard Bruce use that term and thought it fit. “It would be better for you to stay with Owen and Tobi a few more days, rather than tax your body by traveling too soon.” She glanced over at Owen. “If they are willing to put up with you for a while longer.”
Owen looked at Tobi who nodded. “Not been a problem so far.”
“If you are concerned for Hannah, have her come here.” Angie suggested.
“That’s a great idea. You two can stay at my apartment in the city. A state of the art security system surrounds the facility.”
“And where will you stay?” Tristian narrowed his eyes as he assessed Bruce’s offer.
“I have other homes, and I’ve grown fond of Angie’s place.” He smiled over at her, knowing she didn’t like his apartment and figured they’d stay at her place or drive to the estate.
Bruce took out an iridescent disk from his locked desk drawer. “This is a visitor’s pass to my apartment.” He tossed it to Owen. “I’ll stop by there tonight and sign you, Tristian, and a guest as resident visitors. Owen, you’ll have the authority to provide information on the guest.”
Owen caught the disk and turned it over in his hand. “I’ll take care of it. Where will I be able to reach you, should a problem arise?”
“See that it doesn’t. My cell phone will be on, I may not answer right away, since I want all communications secure, but it won’t be long. Starting now, I want a rotating eight then twelve hour check in for Ruben, Tristian, and Bobby. They’ll report to you.” He studied Owen’s face and body language to make sure there were no objections he wasn’t voicing. “On the opposite intervals, you’ll report to me. If any check-ins are missed by any one, the rest will immediately travel here.” He raised both arms from the chair where they rested and pointed his index fingers to the floor of the office.
“What if it’s just a screw up, forgot?” Owen rubbed his chin thoughtfully raising a brow while looking from Bruce to Tristian.
“Then he’ll have several pissed off individuals to answer to. The chain of command shall remain as always, me, Owen, Tristian, Bobby, and now Ruben. If anyone is missing or killed the next in line will take command without question. Mission is first, next of kin way later. Find the missing, then the bodies.” Head leaned back against his chair, Bruce pressed thumb and forefinger against his closed eyes. The weariness and muscle aches were closing in again, he couldn’t afford to let it show. Taking a deep breath, he let it out and sat up straight, giving each individual in the room a calculating stare with piercing dark amber eyes.
‘If Tristian determines he can’t work for me, cut him loose to handle his own protection and affairs. Then locate a trusted replacement from our ranks and change everything we discussed here today except completion of the mission. This time Rezar’s neutralization will be permanent and his dust scattered over earth, sea, and between.”
“Now.” He motioned Angie to him as he leaned back against his chair, and reached up for her hand, using her healing essence to bolster his physical and emotional well-being as energy flowed between them. “Any questions?”
Silence filled the office as they looked from one to another shaking their heads.
Tristian’s jaw clenched, the vein at his temple bulged as he watched the interaction between his sister and her demon mate. “I’m in ’til the end
as I’ve always been.”
“Great. I’ve your oath on Angie’s life that you’ll have my back as I will have yours, should it be necessary?”
Without hesitation, he swore. “Yes, damn it. She’s made her choice, I don’t like it, but she’s tied herself to you for eternity. I feel betrayed by both of you, but I’ll learn to live with it. As far as you and me, it’s business as usual.”
Bruce arched a brow wondering at Tristian’s quick change of heart. “You sure?”
“Yes.” Tristian said matter-of-factly.
The worst of the meeting finished, Bruce squeezed Angie’s hand. Later my li’l witch. He spoke in her mind.
Promises, promises. Her lips curved into a slight smile as she turned to face him.
He stood feeling stronger. “We are done. Tristian if you choose to travel…”
“I’m not.” Tristian interrupted pushing himself out of the lounger, he extended his hand, Bruce clasped it firmly.
Hoping to ease Tristian’s mind, Bruce reiterated his stance once more. “I’ll be good to her, you’ve my word. There’ll be no other. You’ve my word on that also. Just as you’ve found happiness with your woman, I have with mine.”
“Yeah, but acceptance…” He trailed off. “Thanks for the use of your apartment. I’ll call Hannah tonight. I guess Owen and Tobi will have a house guest at least one more night, if they’ve no objections.”
“We’ll get you set up in the apartment tomorrow.” Owen stood rolling his shoulders then reached down helping Tobi to her feet. “You’re welcome to stay with us. Let’s go, I’m beat, and you look like hell.”
“Owen, send the jet for Hannah, if she’s amenable and Tristian agrees,” Bruce said.
“I’ll see to it, boss,”
Bruce followed them to the door.” See you tomorrow. Owen there’ll be additional changes on the salon’s expansion. We’ll discuss them when I arrive in the morning. Good night.” He closed the door behind them and turned to Angie, drawing her to him, he laid his cheek on top her head, breathing in her wonderful scent as she curved into him. “We need to talk about The Krystal Unicorn and your extended absence.”
Her body stiffened and she tried to pull away. “I’m not going anywhere.”
“Yes, you are. It won’t be safe for you here while we hunt down Rezar.” He held her tight while she wriggled against him making it difficult to keep his mind on the discussion. “My parents want you to stay in the cottage on their property, until I get back. Willow should go with you too.”
“I don’t know your parents. And I’ve made a place for myself here. I’m not leaving, neither is Willow. She won’t leave Caleb. Our business is doing very well. I can’t just up and leave. You should know that better than anyone else.”
He grasped her shoulders, held her out at arm’s length as he tamped down his temper. “Yes, you can and will. I can’t do what I need to do in battle and worry about your safety too. It would give the enemy an advantage and I don’t have a death wish. After six hundred years, I just found you. I want to spend the rest of my life enjoying what we have together.”
His words stilled her for a moment, then she tilted her head and peered up at him. “Ok, so if I agree, what do you propose to do about The Krystal Unicorn? We’ve worked too hard to just walk away.”
“Walking away is not an option for you. I understand that. After the expansion of the salon, I’ll have approximately two thousand square feet of unused space at the end of the building. You could relocate your shop there. It would have outside access to the street and a door into the salon. That way while you and Willow are gone, Tobi could help out your part-time person in the shop for a few weeks, until you return.”
“Have you discussed this with Tobi?”
“Not yet, but I know her well, she’ll be happy to help. I’m going to talk with Owen tomorrow morning and get his input. I wanted to discuss it with you first. You and Willow are welcome to sit in. In fact you two could see the space and decide how you want it designed to fit your business.”
Angie chewed on her bottom lip then sighed. “What about the current lease, it’s not up for another couple of months.”
“Owen helped negotiate that lease. I think we can work something out, besides we have time.” Let’s go have a look. I can show you where the separation wall will be, if it’s not up yet.”
She nodded and drew out a little bottle out of her pocket. “You need to drink this before you expend any more energy.”
“What is it?” Bruce asked suspiciously.
“An herbal potion I prepared to help you heal and keep up your strength. Now drink it.”
“Ok.” He took the bottle and downed the liquid. “Happy now?”
He took her hand in his entwining their fingers as they descended the stairs together. At the bottom, he flipped on the lights and pointed to the construction area cordoned off with large sheets of plastic from floor to ceiling. “Through here.” He parted the plastic, holding it open for her.
A thin layer of white dust floated in the air when the plastic was disturbed and landed lightly on the flat surfaces. The tile was down, the stations set up; chairs covered with more plastic were arranged in each station. Rolls of wallpaper sheathed in plastic sleeves leaned against the wall.
“This way.” He stood in an arched doorway cut into the unfinished wall. They walked through another archway into the dark area. A white blue ball of light appeared at his fingertips, he tossed it into the air where it floated illuminating the area in a soft blue hue.
Angie arched her brows. “Just gotta bend the rules.”
Bruce shrugged. “You know what they say, meant to be broken. Anyway, there’s no electric run in here yet, don’t want you stumbling over anything, so I’d say it was a necessity.”
“You’re just showing off. Need I remind you again, I can see as well as you can in the dark.”
“It’s romantic though, isn’t it? He leaned over and nuzzled her neck.
The area was huge compared to their current shop down the street. Plenty of room for a storeroom, a larger shop with full-mirrored wall, separate section for herbs, potions and ingredients and maybe a small sitting room surrounded by bookcases. The possibilities were endless.
“What’s this going to cost per month? It’s nearly twice as big as our current space.”
“You’ll have to talk with Owen, I own the buildings, he handles the salon finances and paperwork. I believe we can work out a deal that is acceptable to all parties. After all you are…”
“Don’t say it. It’s so cliché.” She stifled a giggle wrinkling her nose and grimaced.
“Sleeping with the boss.” He winked as his eyes sparkled with mischief. “Believe me there is nothing cliché about our relationship.” He pulled her to him and took her mouth with his, penetrating her lips with his tongue exploring her softness and savoring her flavor. “Mmm…so sweet,” he murmured.
She curved her body into him running her hands over his firm butt she found so enticing. She slithered against him until she felt his excitement. “I think we better get a room.”
“Got one.”
“One with a bed.”
He pressed her up against the wall, leaned over and gently put his hand behind her knee and lifted her leg spreading her so he could slide between, pressing his length against her. He could smell her arousal as he moved his hand further up her thigh to the crotch of her panties. She was wet and ready for him.
She unbuttoned his pants and slid her hand inside gripping his thick, pulsating shaft straining for release. Her thumb slipped over the slick head as she moved her hand up and down the length. He jerked forward involuntarily and moaned, “That feels so good.”
“Not here,” she murmured. “Someone might come in.”
He raised his head looking toward the salon. He could see the steady red light through the plastic indicating the alarm was on. “No one can come in without us knowing.” He slid a finger under her panties and into the heat. �
��Besides it adds to the excitement, don’t you think?” he whispered, a wicked glint in his eye as the corners of his mouth turned up in a naughty grin.
She bucked against his hand breath ragged. “Please not here. I want to enjoy you. Not like teenagers afraid of getting caught.”
In a husky, seductive voice he said, “Sometimes the reward is worth the risk.”
“Not this time.” She tried to wriggle away succeeding only in more stimulating contact with his clever fingers. “Ooh this is so unfair.”
“Who told you life was fair?” Chuckling quietly, he slid another finger into her tight channel, caressing her soft folds and teasing the sweet spot inside her. She moaned and arched against his hand more urgently.
Shifting he leaned his shoulder against the wall, freeing his hand braced against the partition and just above her shoulder.
Her eyes flew open as she panted, “Don’t you dare conjure a bed here.”
“Then it’s the floor.” He started to lower her down. It wasn’t going to be slow and sweet like the first time, he needed her hard, fast, and waiting wasn’t an option. He swept her up into his arms and took the stairs one at a time carrying her to his office. The door locked, he shrugged out of his shirt and touched a panel on the wall. With a creaking sound, the leather couch folded out into a bed and soft strains of classical music filled the room.
“This better?” he growled sitting on the side of the bed with her in his lap. He pulled her sweater over her head, flicked open the clasp on her lacy bra and took her soft rounded breasts into his mouth sucking as he caught her nipples between his teeth, circled his tongue around the tips, taking his time and sucking gently.
“It is.” She moaned aloud as he lay her down.
Instinctively, her body arched toward him feeling his erection pressed against her, the hardness electrified her.
Barely able to control the raw animalist power and demon desire that coiled through his body, he kicked off his pants. He gathered her skirt above her hips, and ripped off her matching lacy panties, spreading her legs wide. “You’re absolutely beautiful,” he panted as he slid between them. She was his mate and he’d possess her without caution.