by Sariah Skye
My eyes flew over the pretty flowers and beautiful dress. “Okay, but…what’s the purpose of all this?”
“Summer reminded us that we needed to take you out, as something that doesn’t revolve around anything supernatural,” he said. “We’re not incubi, and you’re not a cambion. We’re just guys, wanting to be with a girl, in whatever capacity she’ll allow us to be. Even if you weren’t a cambion, and we didn’t have a supernatural connection—we’d pick you anyway.” Trystan edged towards me, eyeing my cautiously, gauging my reaction.
I cleared my throat, hoping to distract myself from the formidable and sexy man in my room right now. And the fact I had no pants on. And…yeah. Swallowing thickly, as Trystan sat at the foot of the bed, I finally figured out a question. “You spoke to Summer?” I asked, raising a brow. “Is that the ‘business’ you had to tend to?”
Trystan nodded. “Aye. Smart lady, that friend—feisty too,” he said, with a low whistle.
I snickered. “She is that.”
“Unfortunately, as much as we’d love to take you out on the town, that’s not exactly feasible with our… conditions. Which is why we haven’t done it yet—it has nothing to do with you, and everything to do with us. I reckon it wouldn’t be very fun, out with one of us, having dozens of horny ladies fawning over us, eh?”
I frowned. “No, it’s not,” I said, my mind replaying the club incident where a bitch poured a drink on me, when Xander didn’t reciprocate her attraction.
“We don’t want you do have to worry about that. So, we’ve decided to set up a date night here, on the property,” Trystan said, with a sly grin. “If you’ll let us take you out, of course.”
My mouth drooped open. “A date night?”
“Aye. A fancy dinner at Chez Román, followed by a movie, maybe dancing and drinks, provided by Xander, mixed by Sebastian,” he said, with a chuckle.
I smirked. “Oh? And what does the eagle shifter bring to the event?”
Trystan shrugged lackadaisically, but winked. “Who do ye think bought the dress, lassie? Ye like it?”
I nodded vigorously. “It’s beautiful! But it sounds like a lot of trouble for just—”
“—Avie, when it comes to you, there is no trouble. For any of us.” Trystan reached over, prying my hand away from fingering the fabric of the dress, and clutching it between his, rubbing the pad of his thumb over my knuckles. He gave me a slow, pleading smile—almost as if begging me to agree.
I smiled slowly. “Well then. If you insist. Bring it on.”
Trystan smirked, his eyes raking over my body, pausing at my bare thighs. The hemline of the t-shirt barely covered up my lady bits, my curvy legs were crossed one over the other as I sat at the edge of the bed. I blushed furiously, as his eyes lingered over them, trailing upwards and landing on my boobs.
“Seems a shame to have you undress just to dress, huh?” Trystan said, his gaze heavy.
My breath caught in my throat. I half expected him just by the look on his face, to crawl over me and have his way with me right now. I patted the Excalibur stone under the shirt and swallowed nervously. Maybe this time, I didn’t have to resist anyone. A solicitous smile tinged at my lips.
Trystan let out a loud pointed cough, and suddenly was on his feet. “I um—I will just let you get dressed. I need to…um…yeah.” He rubbed his neck, a strangled expression on his handsome face. He quickly darted across the room, pausing briefly. I noticed how his blue jeans hugged his shapely ass nicely, and it was all I could do right now to stop myself from standing up and grabbing a couple of handfuls. After all, it wouldn’t be the first time. “Mathias should be back from the Stargazer soon and start dinner. Bash is in the game room, duking it out with Xan over Rainbow Six Siege. You probably shouldn’t wait too long to join them, they’ve been known to draw each other’s blood over it.”
I cringed. “Well, that’s unfortunate. But at least that means he’s feeling better?” I asked hopefully. I just saw him this morning, but who knew what lingering effects the magic would have over him after a blast so hard.
“Aye.” He paused in the doorframe momentarily, before throwing a smile over his shoulder. “See you soon.”
I offered him a little wave as he disappeared, his backside in clear view as he departed. “Damn…” I whispered apprising, puckering my lips as he walked away.
“I heard that!” He called from down the hallway.
I covered my face with my palm and shook my head. One of the dogs yipped at me, sitting down at my feet. It was Sierra and if I didn’t know any better, I’d say she was giving me a “look.” Ears slightly perked, eyes mildly squinted, she sniffed. “Oh stop, you. I am not pathetic.”
She sneezed, and it appeared like she was shaking her head, saying, “Yes, you clearly are.”
I stuck my tongue out at her. “Oh hush, or no more eggs for you.” But I flung myself on my bed, clutching the soft cotton dress next to me, squealing with delight quietly into my pillow. I didn’t even bother to scold myself for becoming—at least momentarily—what I hated; a giggling, simpering, happy female.
Chapter Twenty-Two
Getting ready for the upcoming evening, I chose to keep hair and makeup simple. Partially because I was lazy, and partially because I didn’t want to have my face melt off if we spent any time outdoors. It might have cooled some, but this time of year I sweat easily. With minimal makeup I could appear “dewy” instead of a wax-museum horror. Dewy is sexy, right?
Okay unless it’s boobs or butts, I’m sure guys didn’t care. This was for me. I was decently talented with makeup because Summer taught me all the tricks, but all I did was simple black eyeliner, pink shadow, pink blush, and rose-colored lip-gloss, with a light foundation. I swept my hair to the side and weaved my blonde-and-faded-lavender tresses into a fishtail braid, pulling out the sides of the plait for fullness. It didn’t look too bad if I did say so myself. I opted for silver drop earrings and of course, my Excalibur amulet, finishing off with a spritz of floral body spray.
Trystan’s taste in dresses was impeccable; it wasn’t too long or short, and even was a little loose in the hip area—something I didn’t find often. The fabric caressed my skin, and every time I stepped, it swayed back and forth alongside my body. I could wear a normal bra—which was good, because I didn’t care for another pasty nipple fiasco, no matter how much Trystan offered to “kiss them and make it better”. The only trouble was the fabric was somewhat sheer, so I had to opt for my pink bra and undies—most of mine were too dark or too ratty. The only problem with the pink? It was a plunge push-up bra, Summer insisted on purchasing for me for Christmas once. Why? Because apparently my size F boobs weren’t big enough, I needed to suffocate myself with them. Pretty sure that was Summer’s idea of a joke. Haha.
Twirling in the full-length mirror in the bathroom, I smiled at my reflection. For the first time in a while, I actually felt pretty good, terrible Avalon magic and all.
“Let’s see what these guys are up to,” I said, making my way downstairs but not before grabbing my cell and shoving it into my bra. I just hoped it wouldn’t get lost in there. These days, even with the guys around I didn’t dare be without it. Who knew if my mother or a Collector would come out of the woodwork and come after us?
Helpless was just not something I cared to do well.
I half expected to run into one of the guys in one of the stairs or hallways, but they were empty. In fact the house was quiet, and empty. I didn’t expect Mathias to be home yet, as he was probably caught coming from downtown in traffic, but I figured with Trystan’s proposition, the rest of them would at least be milling about somewhere.
A bottle of unopened, white wine sat on the counter; as well as five, long-stemmed, crystal flutes. But not an incubus in sight.
I crossed my arms over my chest, glaring. Did I seriously get stood up in my own “home” (for lack of a better term, for now)?
Now, that’s a first. I’d been stood up for Prom, been slighted fo
r a cell phone—but this was new territory. Man, I got skills!
“Guys?” I called loudly, hoping someone would peek his head out of the game room, or even the bathroom. I’d even settle for having to kick down the toilet seat if it meant one of them were here. My plea was met with silence; not even one of the dogs had anything to say. Pressing my lips into a firm frown, I yanked out one of the stools forcefully, and plopped myself in with a huff and a curse—feeling most surly and unladylike.
I should have known better. Visions of my senior prom, and all the other assholes that abandoned or ignored me flashed through my mind.
“Fuck this.” I can’t believe it happened again! Grumbling, I swiped for the bottle of wine. Thankfully it already seemed to have been opened and I drank straight from the bottle. It was dry and burned down my throat; a welcome sensation to counteract the stabbing pain in my figurative heart. I slammed down the bottle with a loud thunk, not even caring that I smeared my lip-gloss all over the top of it.
A blond form came tearing down the stairway, arms full of—well, I had no idea, actually. Bash didn’t notice me as he darted for the front door.
I let out a loud, pointed cough. “Um—hello?”
Bash stopped in his tracks immediately, as I slid out of the chair and came around the counter. I stood with my hands on my hips and glared profusely. “So, was the date thing a joke?”
Bash’s ice-blue eyes widened, and he looked me up and down. “Holy…” he said, as a small blue box fell out of his grasp, breaking him out of his trance. “Shit.” Strategically placing the remaining boxes under his arm, he leaned over for the fallen box.
Sighing reluctantly, I decided to help him as another large, flat white box fell out of his grasp. I leaned over for the white box, as another fell out of his grip. I placed a hand over my cleavage as I bent over, and my breasts threatened to spill right out. Open-mouthed, Bash eyed my boobs and dropped the remaining items.
“The fuck?” I demanded, standing upright. “You forget about me, and then can’t take your fucking eyes off my damned boobs? I guess being an incubus doesn’t mean you’re not a complete asshole, huh?”
“What?” Bash asked, confused. He shook his head in confusion.
“So, Trystan was just blowing smoke up my ass about the flowers, and the ‘date night’, huh?” I motioned down to the dress. “What was this then? Trying once and for all to get in my pants?”
“Ava? I—” Bash snapped his mouth shut. “You’re mistaken. We didn’t forget anything. There’s an emergency.”
The glare on my face fell off immediately. “Oh no—were the wards broken again?” I suddenly felt sheepish.
He shook his head. “No—I don’t think so. But somehow, Sammy managed to cut himself pretty good.”
“Shit!” I said, covering my surprised mouth with my hand, suddenly feeling like a complete she-dick for panicking and automatically thinking the worst. “Is he going to be okay?”
“Probably. But he’s bleeding a lot, and Trystan says he’s in a good amount of pain,” Bash said, sighing. “Poor guy, been through so much—now this.”
“You have no idea how he hurt himself?” I asked, with concern.
“We’re not sure but judging by the fact that it’s bleeding more than usual, we’re not ruling out magical intervention. Though how, we have no idea.” Bash awkwardly was positioning the boxes and sachets of now what I realized were various first aid items and bottles Bash’s homemade potions.
“Shit…” I pulled a box and a bag full of clattering glass bottles out of his arms, positioning them securely against my chest. “Well—let’s go!”
Bash nodded, with an appreciative smile. “Thank you.” We were about to tear out the front door when he unexpectedly stopped in the doorway. He paused and turned around grinning widely at me. “Ava?”
“Hmm?” I asked.
A flirtatious glint shone in his eyes. He closed the distance between us, and even though our arms were full of crap, he pressed against me and brushed his lips against mine. “You look fucking hot.”
I smiled leisurely, thoroughly enjoying the hot blush spreading across my cheeks—and now, other places. Before I could say anything, he nodded out the door, urging me to follow him.
As soon as we exited the house the loud roar of a bear echoed from a distance. It wasn’t just a roar, but a howl. I had no idea bears could howl, and I said so to Bash.
Bash picked up his pace; not quite running but walking like a man with a mission. He probably would be running but I couldn’t keep up with his long strides. “They’re not supposed to be able to.”
“Shitballs.” I said, thankful for the supple leather flats instead of the heeled deathtraps Summer would have picked for a hot date. The grass and earth below was mushy from the storm’s heavy rain last night, and the air smelled of wet grass and mud. The sky was still overcast, and I was thankful for that; it lowered the temp probably another ten degrees. It was always a blessing not to sweat like a damn roasted pig on a spit.
Bash led me into the wooded area, where we slowed down slightly because even in the middle of the day, it was dark like early evening; the thick green leaves prevented sun from coming through.
“Where is he?” I said, tightening my grip around the box I carried.
“He tried to make it back to his cave but didn’t get so far,” Bash explained, as we dodged fallen branches and mud puddles. I cringed, not wanting to get my new dress all nasty, but Sammy came first. I could always dry clean the damn thing.
“How did Trystan even know he’d been injured? He doesn’t normally come all the way out here?” I asked thoughtfully.
“No not usually. Nessie was out patrolling like she normally does—she and Sammy have a cordial relationship. Predator respect, or something,” Bash said, with a light chuckle. “She found Sammy and went for Trystan.”
I shook my head, amazed. “I never had any idea that animals actually could communicate like that. It’s amazing.”
Bash nodded. “You’d have to ask Trystan; he says it’s not so much communication, but instinct.” He suddenly slowed. “He’s close.” Sammy’s roar was nearly deafening in my ears. I shuddered at the sound, not just because of the obvious pain, but because there was a bear…in the woods. And injured bear that probably wasn’t in a great mood, who could probably claw my face off with just one swipe. Or one of the guys’.
I’d seen Sammy before from a distance. I know Trystan and Mathias had a camaraderie with the large animal, but me? Yeah, I had watched enough Crocodile Hunter in my youth to know predators weren’t to be trusted. Respected? Yes. But not engaged.
“Seriously, it’s okay.” Bash must have noticed my aversion, because he stopped in his tracks shifting all his first aid items, so he could stretch out a hand.
I had apparently halted without realizing. My eyes wide as saucers, I reluctantly put one hand in his.
Bash grinned. “Oh, there you are.”
One of my brows cocked. “Huh?”
“You got scared apparently, and went stealth again,” Bash said with a laugh.
“So—what? You can’t see me?” I asked, surprised. Normally I’d felt that buzz in the back of my mind when my magic unexpectedly activated. I hadn’t felt a thing.
Bash shook his head but squeezed my hand. “I feel you, I can hear you, but I can’t see you. I promise you, it’s okay. Trystan…I don’t know, he has a calming effect on the animals, especially the large predators. Not sure if it’s just him or part of his shifter ability. Maybe they see him as some sort of alpha. But if you’re afraid—which is reasonable, because they’re scary as fuck—you can hold back. Nessie is nervous and could use some comfort.”
I snorted. “Nessie the wolf. Oh, great so I get backhanded by an injured bear, or gnawed on by a gray wolf? Take your pick!”
Bash nudged me. “Nessie was raised by Trystan from a pup. She’s an omega, we think, and doesn’t have a nasty dominant streak. Come on you know her by now!”
“Och! Hold still, Sammy! I need to see!” We heard Trystan’s Scottish accent drawl pleadingly, as he and the injured bear came into view. My eyes widened seeing Sammy up close for the first time. He was a black bear and while not as big as a grizzly, he was still large and intimidating. I frowned sympathetically though, as he lay helplessly on his side, a large gash in his chest. Trystan was standing over him clutching a large gray towel, stained with blood, trying to get close enough to tend to him. Xander was standing nearby, holding a long, white tube behind his back. I narrowed my eyes to inspect it closer; it appeared to be a large syringe.
“That’s just a sedative, just in case,” Bash whispered, voice barely above a whisper. He must have seen me eye the shot. “It’s unlikely that Sammy will charge, but we might have to put him to sleep just for a bit to help him if Trystan cannot get through to him.”
I swallowed nervously. “Why not just do it?”
Bash clasped my shoulder. “Would you want to be knocked out against your will?”
Frowning, I shook my head. “No…I get it. I just don’t want anyone to get hurt.”
“We’ll be fine, Ava.” Trystan flashed a smile at me over his shoulder. “But, I hope one of you has something to help because this poor fella is in a bad state.”
“We got it.” Bash walked over to a worn stump nearby and set down his pile of first aid objects. He nodded to me, insisting I do the same.
“If Mathias were here, we wouldn’t even need anything,” Trystan said ruefully, trying to inch his way closer to the bear. Sammy rolled over, writhing on his back, putting his only front paw over his face. I stifled a chuckle because he totally looked like he was swooning, old Hollywood style.