Magic After Dark: A Collection of Urban Fantasy and Paranormal Romance Novels

by Margo Bond Collins

  “Me. He thinks to use you. By marking you, he challenges me.”

  I blinked. If that was true, then I must mean something to Conner…but what? Something more than attraction, otherwise why use me as bait? “How are you and I connected?”

  “Do you always ask so many questions?”

  I felt my lips twitch. “Do you always try to change the subject?”

  He flashed me a cheeky grin. “It’s a gift.”

  “One of many, it seems.”

  “Everyone has to excel at something.”

  “Fine. When are you going to get around telling me that your mother is a wolf?”

  Eyes flashing, face grim, Conner shoved an impatient hand through his hair. “You aren’t the only one who bears the mark of a wolf. My father was a druid. His power and his blood are part of me. But only a part. My mother is a shifter, a wolf.” He twisted in his chair and pulled up his shirt, exposing more than just a well-defined back. On the left side of his shoulder was an identical mark to mine.

  I leaned on the edge of my chair, my hand reaching to trace over the mark before I realized what I was doing. A zing ignited on contact, making my fingers tingle. “Is that your curse? The druid and the wolf?”

  “Some might think of it as a curse.” He let his shirt slip back over his chest, and I would be lying if I said I wasn’t a little bit disappointed.

  I had at least a million questions. Typical. They flittered through my mind faster than I could process. “My dreams are changing. He is able to hurt me.”

  “I’ve noticed.”

  “That shouldn’t happen. And I don’t know how he’s doing it.”

  His lips pursed together. “I can’t be certain, but I think my presence here in Kenmare has altered the line between your visions and reality. The connection between us somehow thins the barrier.”

  “My amulet doesn’t seem to be working either.”

  “I have a spell that can block your visions. He won’t be able to reach you.”

  I shot to my feet, unable to sit still. “No. I need my abilities.” It was how I made a living. Without them, I wouldn’t be able to service my customers or keep an eye on Conner. If I was being honest, that freaked me out more.

  Conner was right behind me. “Mirela, you need to think about your safety.”

  I spun around. “I am. Without my abilities, I’m defenseless.”

  “Not true,” he argued, grabbing my wrists and lifting them up. “Your visions aren’t your only abilities. You have magick.”

  I snorted. “The magick I have is barely a spark.”

  He laid my hands on his chest. “It only takes a spark to make a flame. With the right elements that flame can thrive and become quite dangerous.”

  My hands curled on his chest, eyes lost in the mosaic shades of blue and green. “Are you offering to teach me?”

  He leaned in, brushing his nose against my cheek. “You aren’t safe with me, Mirela. And if you keep looking at me like you want me to devour you, I will, without an ounce of remorse. That’s the kind of guy I am. Think twice, before you do something you’ll regret.”

  “How do you know what I’ll regret?”

  Conner moved fast, hooking a finger in the waistline of my skirt and tugging, pulling me against him. “I might not be a mind reader, but I know when a woman wants me.”

  I was instantly aware of my chest pressed against his. Warmth flooded me, and I was cloaked in his wild scent. “Does this mean you’re done pretending there is nothing between us?”

  His hand slipped from my waist, up to the curve of my ribs as his lips leaned close to my ear. “I know what you mean to me. I was giving you time to catch up.” His lips pressed against the spot under my ear.

  I shuddered. “What does that mean?”

  “Don’t ruin the moment, Mirela,” he said, tracing his lips over my beating pulse.

  Air caught in my throat. We were having a moment all right. There was something wicked in the way he dropped little hot kisses over my throat. His hands edged under my shirt, traveling up my stomach and scorching the skin. When his fingers traced the swell of my breast, I arched into his hand, willing him further.

  “Conner.” His name tumbled in a moan from my lips. He had a way of turning me inside out, without me even realizing it. This wasn’t a dream, and it felt as if I’d waited a lifetime for him to touch me, but it wasn’t enough.

  I wanted more.

  He understood, covering his lips over mine. Our bodies were flushed, pieced together with minimal air between us. His wild and crisp scent surrounded me.

  He shifted so one leg was between mine. “You really need to stop kissing me.”

  “Let me guess, it complicates matters.”

  “I knew you’d see things my way. I don’t have time for distractions,” he said.

  I titled my head to the side and nibbled my lip. I could taste him. “Maybe I should just start dating other people,” I challenged.

  His eyes flashed, and the muscle along his jaw ticked. “Only if that’s what you want.”

  It had been a joke, and although his body language boycotted the words he spoke, a lick of anger ricocheted in my blood. “Fine. Have it your way. I’m done kissing you, Conner of the Whelans. The wolf can have you, because I don’t want you.”

  “Liar.”

  He was the most frustrating man I’d ever met. He wanted me. He didn’t. The games were over. My emotions and heart couldn’t handle being cared for so sloppily. I deserved someone who wanted my love. “This is what you want, isn’t it? For me to stay away?” I whipped around, throwing dark curls in his face. “I think it’s time you leave.”

  He stood in the doorway, a hand on the frame. “Mirela—”

  “Don’t,” I said, shaking my head. “You made your point. I’m tired. It’s been a long day.”

  He stared at my face, and I thought he might argue. I crossed my arms, straining my back against the wall. Then he turned and left without another word. And I let him, regardless that my heart was protesting.

  Chapter 10

  I was feeling the height of bitchiness.

  Damn Conner.

  Damn the wolf.

  Damn them both to hell.

  He didn’t want me meddling in his life. He didn’t want me kissing him, distracting him. He didn’t want me to get hurt. The list of didn’t wants went on.

  And my insomnia returned, the root of my bad attitude. As usual, Conner was to blame, but this time it wasn’t a dream. It was five in the morning on a Saturday. I should be sleeping in, getting my beauty rest instead of cursing Conner with every creative swear word I could come up with. It beat counting sheep.

  I crossed over to the terrace and flew open the French doors, letting in the crisp morning air. I took a deep breath of dawn as the sun took its first peak over the horizon.

  There was something peaceful about waking before any life stirred. Nothing seemed to move. Too bad I wasn’t a morning person. What I needed was a pot of strong coffee and a long run.

  I left the doors open as I walked back into the bedroom. From the silver box on my dresser, I plucked a hair tie and secured my hair into a ponytail. Shedding my pajamas for yoga pants and a half-zipped hoodie, I laced up my sneakers, stuck in my earbuds and turned up some Eye of the Tiger to get me in the mood.

  Locking up the house, I started down my usual path. I needed a run, an outlet to burn this excess energy without anyone getting hurt.

  I followed the path that went into town, taking the scenic route toward the coast. Springtime in Kenmare was something straight out of HGTV. The trees budded and flowers blossomed, scenting the air. Halfway through the second mile, I was feeling a hundred times better. My feet hit the pavement in a steady rhythm as I inhaled the ocean air.

  I passed by the lighthouse, a lovely little corner, ringed by water. God, I adored living here. Loved the people, the small town, the water, and even the persnickety little old ladies with nothing better to do than talk about my pa
thetic dating life.

  I’d given them quite a lot to talk about in the last week. And things were just getting started. Kenmare was about to be bubbling about the local gypsy and the death of Conner, unless a miracle happened.

  As I rounded the corner, I was in my grove, mouthing the words to Brass Monkey when I collided into something…or someone. At least I wasn’t carrying tea this time.

  My hands flattened on a firm chest. My face was tilted downward, and I stared at a nice looking plaid shirt. I tilted my head back, almost expecting to see a startling pair of mischievous aqua eyes. Disappointment sank, regardless that I was irritated with Conner at the moment.

  Sean Brady. Local veterinarian, and my would-be boyfriend, if only I’d ever agree to go out with him.

  I ripped out my earbuds, taking a moment to catch my breath. “Oh, Sean, sorry. My mind was elsewhere.” I really needed to stop making this running into guys a habit. It was so unlike me.

  He was the studious type in a handsome kind of way. Warm cognac eyes behind wire-rimmed glasses. “Bumping into you is always a pleasure, Mirela.”

  Sean and I had gone to school together. He was in his first year of veterinary medical school, and had asked me out more times than I could count. I’d run out of excuses.

  My hands were still on his chest, and Sean wasn’t complaining. If anything, he was thoroughly enjoying the close encounter. I took a step back, letting my hands fall to my side. “It’s a lovely day, that’s for sure.”

  “I gotta ask you something.”

  I glanced at him, immediately thinking he was going to ask me out. Again. “If it has anything to do with the state of my hair, ask at your own risk.”

  He laughed. “Do you own a pair of jeans?”

  My lips quirked. “Possibly. Your interest in my wardrobe is very strange.”

  “I was just thinking…”

  Here it comes. I forced my expression to stay blank as we began to stroll down the path.

  “…if you don’t have plans, we could take a ride, enjoy the day and the sun. I’ll buy you dinner.”

  The casual let down was there on my lips, but an idea struck. And once it took root, I acted on it before I had the chance to talk myself out of it. “I’m not getting on the back of your bike, but dinner would be nice.”

  He smiled, and it was a pleasant smile, even if it didn’t make my stomach do cartwheels. “Okay, no motorcycle ride, but you still have to wear the jeans.”

  “Deal. Casual dinner at the pub?” I tried not to think about the last date I’d been on at the same place.

  “It’s a date.”

  I forced a smile. That it was.

  By the time I finished my run and showered, I was having second thoughts about my date tonight. It had seemed like a good idea, but now…I should cancel.

  It would be wrong of me to mislead Sean. I was going on this date for all the wrong reasons. Hell, I probably wouldn’t even be good company.

  The excuses just kept on coming.

  This was what Conner wanted, but it wasn’t going to make either of us feel better. If anything, I felt sorry for Sean. And that was exactly why I should cancel.

  I grabbed my phone, and began scrolling through my contacts. My finger hovered over his name. Maybe I should just shoot him a text. I stared at his name.

  Sighing, I tossed my phone on my bed. I wasn’t in junior high. Sean deserved a date, and I was going to have a lovely dinner, but I wouldn’t lead him on. I wasn’t interested in dating…anyone…unless they had sandy hair and aqua eyes.

  I groaned, grabbed my tote and took a long look at myself in the full-length mirror. Studying myself with a critical eye, I decided I looked casual yet sexy. Just what I was going for. The jeans made my butt look fantastic, and the thin black top was loose on the shoulders, cinching at the waist. The pumps gave the ensemble oomph. I removed the clip from my hair, shaking out the curls that fell just past my breasts.

  “Here goes nothing. And if I’m lucky, I’ll only think about Conner once or twice.” Who was I kidding? I hadn’t even left the house and he was on my mind.

  Sean stood outside of the pub, leaning on the brick wall. He wore a white shirt that showed off his hard abs, the sleeves rolled up, revealing a tattoo on his left arm. When had Sean gotten a tattoo? His dark waves were styled away from his face, accentuating the sharp angles of his cheeks. “Wow, you look stunning,” he said, dragging his eyes back to my face.

  I wasn’t the only one doing a bit of ogling. “Even in jeans?” I smiled.

  “Never looked better.”

  “Gee, thanks.”

  Sean held open the door to the pub for me. I was a sucker for a guy with manners. Maybe he could teach Conner a thing or two.

  Face palm. I had barely a foot in the door, and he had managed to already weasel his way into my thoughts.

  The soft chatter of people sitting at the bar and booths filled the air, along with the scent of ale and today’s special, chicken pot pie.

  “You still prefer to walk everywhere, I noticed,” he murmured from behind me.

  I turned my head to the side. “I like the fresh air. Are you still sore I wouldn’t get on that bike of yours?”

  “One day, Mirela.” Once we stood inside, he held up two fingers to Mary, who gave him a nod.

  “I wouldn’t hold your breath.” As we followed Mary to our table, I couldn’t help but think how weird it was being here, with Sean, someone who knew me through all the phases of my life, including the awkward teen. And yet, I preferred the mystery of Conner.

  “This place hasn’t changed, huh?”

  “Nope,” I said with a grin, surveying the pub. “You’ve got to try the chicken pot pie. It’s life changing.”

  “Sold.”

  We slipped behind the table. “I’ll have a pint of Guinness,” I said, when Eillis our waitress, stopped at our table.

  “A pint? Not a glass of wine?” she asked, proving I needed to shake things up. I was far too predictable.

  “Not tonight. Getting a little crazy.”

  Sean looked impressed. “I’ll have the same.” Little did he know, I needed something strong to get me through this date.

  “Look at you, Mirela Rawlings. Two dates in a month.”

  I sent Eillis a forced grin when all I really wanted to do was jab her with my fork. How dare she try to sabotage my date? I felt my cheeks get hot. Then she spun to get our drinks, feeling pretty smug with herself.

  Sean was a smart guy. “Look, ignore Eillis. I plan on it. I’m not going to let her ruin the date I’ve been trying to land since junior high.”

  I laughed. “You’re way too nice for me.”

  He set his menu aside on the table. “Possibly. You’ve always been out of my league. Even if this is the only date we ever go on, I want to at least think it was memorable.”

  It was almost as if Sean was the fortuneteller. This date was going to be memorable all right, but for entirely different reasons.

  “Mirela?”

  My stomach jolted unsteadily at the sound of Conner’s voice. I glanced up, and all the sounds in the world vanished the moment I got an eyeful of Conner. Holy hotness with an extra side of mouth-watering. When I tore my gaze back to his, I saw I hadn’t been the only one doing the scrutinizing. “What are you doing here?” I said through my clenched smile.

  “A man’s got to eat.” He held up a bag of takeout.

  True. But did he have to do it here? Tonight? “There wasn’t another restaurant you could eat at?” I was being rude and ridiculous, but I didn’t care. He was intruding on my no-Conner night.

  “Is that the chicken pot pie?” Sean asked, not the least bit weirded out as I was.

  Conner kept his eyes glued to mine. “I heard it was life changing.”

  I wanted to crawl under the table.

  “Funny. So did I.”

  “How about that?” Conner said, eyeing me with a smirk.

  Suddenly, I couldn’t stop thinking about his tongu
e ring. “It was nice of you to stop by and say hi.”

  “Be careful with this one, she isn’t as sweet as she looks,” Conner said.

  “I’m not so sure about that. I couldn’t get her on the back of my bike,” Sean replied.

  Conner opened his mouth to say something, but I kicked him in the shin. He scowled in my direction. Eillis came to the table with two plates. It was perfectly timed on my part.

  I smiled sweetly at Conner. “Enjoy your pot pie.”

  “Enjoy your date.” I was going to pay for my behavior later. It radiated in Conner’s eyes. I watched him saunter away, and besides appreciating the view, I’d lost my appetite.

  Sean took his first bite and grinned at me. “Okay, you were right. It’s good.”

  I lifted my fork. “See, I wouldn’t steer you wrong when it comes to food.”

  I enjoyed his company. He had qualities I thought I’d been looking for in a man, the combination of easy charm and a hint of rough edges, the quiet humor and a touch of dork. Yet, regardless of his company, I found myself constantly thinking about Conner, the guy who wanted me to stay away, but his eyes pulled me in.

  “Mirela?”

  “Hmm.”

  “Is everything okay?” Sean asked. He laid his hand over mine, making me jump.

  “Sorry, I—” The vision came quick and clear.

  Sean was throwing a little toddler with chubby cheeks and a huge smile in the air. Beside him a woman laughed. Mary. She held a tiny baby girl in her arms, wrapped in a pink crochet blanket.

  When my eyes cleared, Sean was watching me intently. “You had a vision?” he whispered.

  I nodded. “Do you want to know?” I always gave people the option.

  “Was it good?”

  I gave his hand a squeeze before removing my hand to take my drink. “I’d like to think so.”

  His gaze held mine as he mulled it over. “In that case, what does my future hold?”

  “You were with your wife,” I started.

  “Tell me she’s hot.”

  “Do you think Mary is hot?” I asked, grinning.

  “Mary? Mary Sullivan? Are you sure?” His gaze volleyed between the front of the pub and back to me.