Dante’s time had run out.
Something was happening—something far greater than he, Jace, and Nadie, and Dante was afraid he and the lightning-struck were in the center of it.
Chapter Three
There had to be a precedent for this situation, but if it existed, Jace Goodwin had no idea what it was. He’d purposely left Dante back in the bar while Jace and the woman both men wanted stood outside, knowing Nadie not only needed her space but time with him as well.
Well, he might have been adding on that last bit, but he needed to spend time with her, so that had to count for something.
Now he stood right outside the front door to Dante’s Circle looking down at Nadie, who seemed to be at a loss for words. That made two of them. He stuck his hands in his pockets and rocked to his heels.
His bear growled and slid across his skin, wanting Jace to make a move—or at least reach out and cup Nadie’s face. Each time Dante had touched her so carefully, so sweetly, Jace had forced himself to step back and let the dragon take control. It wasn’t that he was jealous—okay, maybe a little bit—but he didn’t hate Dante for it. It just sucked that he hadn’t known her for as long as Dante had. In retrospect, though, that might not have been such a bad thing considering the anger burning off her at the moment, aimed at a specific black-and-blue-haired man.
“Thank you for taking me home,” Nadie whispered, her voice slightly hollow. The woman had been through so much that night her entire world had been rocked to its core. And from what he’d heard from Dante, this hadn’t been the first time everything shifted for her. He didn’t blame her for sounding as if she had no idea where she was going or where she wanted to be.
Jace shrugged, unsure if he should take her hand or just walk beside her. Damn. He was over a hundred years old and a grizzly bear for fuck’s sake, and he was acting like a high school boy near a girl he had a crush on.
He had to get back that semblance of control he was so famous for.
“I haven’t gotten you there yet,” he said, his voice gruff. “I should have mentioned that I don’t actually have my truck with me.”
She backed up a step so she could see him. Considering he was over a foot taller than she was, it only made sense.
“Then how are you taking me home? My car is out of commission, which reminds me that I need to take care of that. Crap.” She ran a hand over her face. “I think I need a nap. Or to go to bed. Or a lot of tequila.”
He snorted then took a chance and rubbed her temples with his thumbs. She stiffened then let out a little moan that shot straight to his cock. She tilted her head to the side, her cheek resting against his wrist. She was so tiny compared to him, and his bear loved it.
“I can look at your car in the morning. I’m not a professional mechanic, but I can tinker with the best of them. If I can’t fix it, I know my brother, Red, can. He’s an actual mechanic with way more experience. So don’t worry about that part of it. I’m sure it’s something small like the battery since it got you here. And, no, I don’t have my truck, but I did come on my bike. It’s not that cold out, and you have long pants on at least.” He pulled away slightly to look down at her soft gray pants and pink top. “I don’t know how far it is to your house, but you should be fine on the back of my bike.”
He lowered his hands so she could speak since he figured it had to be awkward talking between his two large paws. She was such a tiny thing compared to him and Dante, but that just made his bear want to protect and shelter her all the more.
Yes, fate had gotten it right.
He wanted Nadie Morgan.
“I’ve never ridden on a motorcycle before,” she whispered then smiled. “Unless, by bike, you mean a pedaled one, then I don’t know if I could sit on the handlebars for as long as it would take for us to get home.”
He threw his head back and laughed, the tension between them easing just enough that he knew they’d be okay as long as he got her to her place. Once they were past the introductions and, then, after she had her arms wrapped around him as they rode his bike, it would be better. After that, well, then it would be time for him to find a way to make what they could be work. It wasn’t going to be easy, not at all. He’d just met her, but from Dante, he knew more about her than she of him. Way more. He felt as though he’d known her for years just by being by her side and knew that came with their connection through fate. That might make it easier for him, but it wouldn’t be the same for her. If she gave in to what could happen, rather than what had happened, then maybe they could find that future a little faster.
It was all up in the air, and a planner like Jace didn’t like that.
It was still jarring to him that she was here in front of him when he’d been waiting a lifetime to find her—when Dante and he had been waiting a lifetime apart. Gods, he’d missed Dante. He loved him, though he’d never said as such. Not yet. They’d both had an unspoken rule that they were waiting for their third, whether it was a man or a woman. They were both bisexual and had experience with men as well as women, but being with each other was different. They’d held back from touching beyond a soft graze and had only kissed a few times when they’d found each other.
He was not only starting anew with the woman in front of him, but also with the dragon in his heart.
He couldn’t wait.
“No, not a pedal bike.” He gestured and looked down at his six-eleven frame. It seemed to radiate the idea of the bear within to most folks. “I think I’d break a damn bicycle just sitting on it.”
Nadie’s gaze raked over him, and he grinned, liking the heat in her eyes. She might have been confused as to why he was there at that moment and what she should do, but she wanted him. She felt that pull—the same as he did. And from what Dante had told him about her, Jace liked who she was as well—not just how she looked.
Because, damn, he liked the way she looked, all innocent heat. And she could just fit right there in his pocket.
“You are kind of big. Even bigger than Dante. I think I’m going to get a crick in my neck if I keep staring up at you two for long.”
He shrugged then got to his knees. She was taller than him now, but not by much. “Better?”
She snorted then shook her head. “So you’re just going to walk around on your knees when you come near me?”
He didn’t think she noticed that she was talking about him as part of her future, but he’d take it. “I’d find a way.” He reached out with his senses and made sure they were alone. “Just to warn you, though, I’m even bigger in my bear form. Oh, and Dante is a beast as his dragon.”
“You know, I’ve never seen him as a dragon. I don’t think any of us have.”
He grinned and stood, taking her hand. “He’s careful about it. If you asked, though, I have a feeling he’d show you in a heartbeat.”
“I might have to do that.” She stopped and closed her eyes. Her knees buckled before she fell, and he lifted her in his arms, cradling her to his chest.
“Nadie? What’s wrong?” His bear clawed at him, nudging him to take her to his den and keep her safe.
She took a deep breath, and she shook her head. “I’m fine. I can usually handle the pain that comes with not being able to find my paranormal side, but I think since you and Dante are near, it’s a little too much for me.”
Jace held back a curse at the thought it was him causing her hurt. Damn it. There was only one way for Nadie to find her paranormal, thereby relieving her pain, and that was to create a bond through mating.
None of them were ready for that, despite how much he might want to.
“I don’t know if we should take my bike if you’re feeling like this, Nadie.” He looked around for Dante’s SUV and debated what to do. He could just take Dante’s vehicle, and the dragon wouldn’t mind considering what was going on with Nadie, but it already felt odd that Dante wouldn’t be going with them tonight. He knew Nadie needed space, and taking Dante’s SUV might not be the best way to get it.
“I’m fine, Jace. I can hold on to you, and I won’t be standing, so it’s not that big a deal. Let’s just get home. Okay?”
He looked into her eyes, trying to see the pain that had flared so quickly and hot he could almost taste it, but he saw only the resignation that came with her knowing this wasn’t the first, nor the last, time she’d be in this situation.
“I’ll keep you safe,” he promised, hoping she understood he didn’t just mean for right then.
They made their way to his bike, a new Harley Road King that he’d had custom built for his frame. It wasn’t easy finding anything big enough for him, but this one did the job nicely. Plus, it had the back seat that Nadie would be able to use, though she’d have to cuddle real close.
Not that Jace minded.
She looked at him closely, and he stood still. “I think you will.”
The man and bear let out a relieved sigh, and he set her on her feet. He kept his hands on her shoulders, making sure she was steady then stepped back.
“I’m going to get on first. Then I want you to hold my shoulder with your right hand, put your right foot on the bar, and then swing your left leg over. I’m sturdy enough that you won’t rock me, but don’t go crazy.” He grinned as she rolled her eyes then secured her purse in his saddle bag and put his extra helmet over her head.
He sat down on the bike, and she did exactly what he’d told her to do. She might have been scared a bit at first, but she dove right in.
That boded well for their future.
“Where do you live by the way?”
She chuckled against his back, and his bear nuzzled closer. Damn bear. She gave him directions, and soon they were flying down the road, Nadie’s gasps and laughs sliding right through him and making him want to go faster. He’d do it next time for sure. Every dip and valley, she’d tighten her arms around his chest and snuggle closer. His bear preened, loving the attention. He swore the grizzly was more of a teddy bear sometimes rather than one that killed with one swipe.
When they pulled up in front of her place—a cute little house with pale blue shutters that seemed to fit the Nadie he’d heard about and was just getting to know—Nadie got off the bike like a pro…until she fell flat on her ass.
“Shit,” he cursed and got off the bike in a flash.
She looked up at him from the ground and burst into giggles. “I can’t believe I did that.”
“Are you okay?” He knelt in front of her and ran his hands up and down her body, checking for broken bones.
“I’m fine, just a little embarrassed. You might want to keep your hands to yourself now since I’m pretty sure my neighbors are staring through little slits in their curtains to see the man I brought home. Groping me is probably not the best way to introduce you to the neighborhood.” She grinned as she said it, and he felt heat creeping up his neck. Sure, he’d felt the curves under his palms, but he’d been a gentleman. At least for now anyway.
He stood up quickly and held out a hand. She slid her hand into his, and he pulled her to her feet. She squeaked and slammed into his chest.
“Crap, sorry. I’m stronger than I thought.” Or she was smaller, but since it got her hands on his chest, he’d take it.
Okay, now he was sounding like that teenager with his crush again.
They parted, and she went to her front door. He followed, not wanting to leave and since she hadn’t said goodbye, he’d take it as a good sign. After all, she might need time, but she also needed to get to know him in order to make her decisions…or at least breathe again.
He stepped inside and took in the delicate décor. Oh yeah, this was a place for a small woman who lived alone. He looked down at his big hands and even bigger feet. He didn’t quite fit in.
“Uh, should I take off my shoes?”
Nadie turned to him and frowned. “No, I’m not a neat freak like Lily.” She looked around at her house and bit her lip. “I guess it’s a little girly and small for you in here, huh?”
He shrugged and went to her. “I don’t care that your couch is too small for me, Nadie. I just want to get to know you.”
Her teeth nibbled on her lip then she sighed. “This is weird, isn’t it? Normal people don’t go home with a guy they don’t know. Wait, yeah, they do, but I don’t. And the only reason you’re here, other than to give me a ride home, which thank you for that by the way, is the fact that you think that I’m not only your mate but Dante’s as well. That’s so far out of my realm of experience that I have no idea what I’m doing. You know?”
He ran a hand over his chest, not sure what she wanted him to say. “I’m a bear, Nadie. I’m not used to how humans would see true halves and mating.” That was as honest as he could be. If she’d been an angel or bear or something else paranormal, they’d be in a different situation. But then she wouldn’t have been Nadie.
She just shook her head and walked to the kitchen. He followed her, wanting her sweet scent lingering over him for as long as possible. She smelled of honey and fire, a delicate and strong combination that was perfect for him and Dante.
She got out two glasses and filled them with lemonade from a pitcher in her fridge. From the scent he knew it was fresh and homemade. His bear perked up, wanting anything she’d made, anything that had to do with the woman in front of him.
Hell, his bear was even more twitterpated than he was.
Not that he was twitterpated.
No, he was alpha and male and not so far gone he had stars and hearts in his eyes.
Maybe.
He choked on his first big gulp, knowing he was lying to himself.
“Are you okay, Jace? Too sweet?”
“No, it’s just fine.” He licked his lips, and thanked the gods he hadn’t spilled any down his chin and on his shirt.
Not the best first impression on a night of shitty first impressions.
She gave him an odd look then sat on one of the bar stools. Her legs dangled, but his reached the ground perfectly.
Seriously, she was just too cute.
“Are you really that mad at Dante for what he did?” he asked, unable to hold that question back. He might be there for her to get to know him, but Dante was part of this no matter what.
“He lied to me.” She scrunched up her face. “No, that’s not exactly right. He kept something from me. He kept all these secrets—secrets about you and what I could be—and didn’t even hint at it. How am I supposed to trust him and follow that tug on my heart when he did that?”
Jace reached over and covered her free hand. “I don’t know if I’d have done it differently.” He held back a curse at her wince. “I was trapped in that other realm dealing with another people’s upcoming war, and he couldn’t reach out to me. What use would it have been to tell you what you meant to him? No matter what he’d done, he’d still have had to hold back because, without me, the bond wouldn’t be complete.”
“That still didn’t give him the right. It might have hurt to hold back, but I don’t like being kept in the dark because he didn’t think I was strong enough to deal with it.”
Jace was up in an instant. He stood between her legs and slid his hand through her silky, smooth hair. His bear closed his eyes and growled, loving the way they were so close to Nadie. “Never think for a moment that he thought you weren’t strong enough. Never. You wouldn’t be connected to a dragon and a bear if you weren’t strong enough. You might be small, but you are mighty.”
Nadie snorted a laugh—the exact reaction he’d intended. “Mighty? Cute, Jace.”
He gave her his best grin. “I try.”
“I don’t know if I believe you, but thanks anyway.”
“Hey, everything Dante does is for others. He might be a dragon, a kind known for keeping to themselves and never helping another unless it’s for their own good, but that’s not him. He likes humans and other supernaturals.”
Her eyes brightened a bit. “I don’t know much about Dante beyond what he’s shown us. Meaning his human half. I
don’t know anything about dragons, and the others like Shade and Hunter don’t know much either.”
“Then you can ask him. I only know because I’ve done the same. I can even tell you about bears if you’d like.”
“I’d like that,” she whispered. “It’s all so surreal, you know? One minute I’m ready to leave the bar forever, the next I have a dragon and a freaking bear laying claim.”
“It’s just the way of the supernaturals. We find a mate and we want to get started. Or at least want to when all the players are in place. We have time to find who we are and how we’ll mesh. I’m not saying we should bond right this minute and call it a day.”
She blushed hard and ducked her head. If what Dante thought was true, then their Nadie had never been with a man, period, let alone two at once. That would be an experience.
For all of them.
Time to change the subject. “How are you feeling? Still weak?”
She shook her head. “It comes and goes. I’d rather it go away forever but as we’ve learned from the others, there’s only one way to do that.”
His bear nudged at him, knowing exactly what that way was.
Clearly he hadn’t changed the subject far enough.
“If you feel something coming, let me know and I can get Dante over here to help.”
She narrowed her eyes, even as her cheeks went flame red. “I thought we said we weren’t ready for that.”
He chuckled then. “No, not the bond, but how he siphons off your pain. I know he takes it into himself and that just about kills me, but he can help alleviate some of yours so you can function.”
“What the heck are you talking about?” Flecks of anger scattered over her eyes and Jace cursed.
“I take it Dante held back that piece of information as well?” Dear gods that dragon was in for a world of hurt when Nadie got back to him.
“I’m going to kill him! Who does he think he is to take my pain?” Tears filled her eyes and she wiped them in angry strokes. “Is he hurting? Why would he do that? I don’t want him to hurt because of me.”
Tangled Innocence Page 4