Masters of the Hunt: Fated and Forbidden

by Sarra Cannon

  Gaby had made it clear that she wanted nothing more to do with him beyond the children. When she spoke of a lack of love and feelings, maybe she had been referring to herself. What if she didn’t feel that way about him? It was wrong of him, but he didn’t like that possibility.

  He ran a frustrated hand through his hair and made his way back to the bedroom where he put his pants back on. The best thing to do would be to give her some space. A friendship was not the worst idea. They could get to know each other and sort through their feelings. He glanced into the bathroom as he walked out of the bedroom, Gaby was just grabbing herself a towel.

  It was keeping his hands off her in the process that would be difficult. Phoenix had not expected to find himself so attracted to Gaby’s pregnant form. It was possible that it was because he knew on some instinctual level that the babies inside her were his. Hounds, from her engorged breasts with their wide areolas to her swollen belly. Even her pussy had been swollen and so fucking wet.

  Friendship.

  It was his new mantra. He needed to respect her need for space and he needed to take the time to figure out his own feelings.

  — —

  Gaby heard the sound of keys in the lock and the door closing. She looked down at her flannel pajamas and had the ridiculous urge to hole herself up in her room.

  Phoenix walked in, the first few buttons of his shirt were open, the sleeves were rolled up and his jacket was slung over his arm. He smiled as his eyes met hers. “Hey.” He walked over to her and kissed the top of her head. “I’m so sorry we didn’t make dinner.”

  He had called a few hours earlier to cancel their dinner plans. “Don’t worry about it. I’m really tired so it worked out in the end.”

  His face turned concerned and he dropped to his haunches. “You’re fine otherwise though?”

  “Yeah, I’m great.” Physically, aside from feeling really tired, she was doing fine for a heavily pregnant woman. Emotionally was a whole other story. Over the last couple of days, Phoenix had spent most of his time at the office. The little time they spent together was strained and formal. It seemed that outside of the bedroom, they had very little to say to one another. Yeah sure, they tried to make small talk but that was the problem, it felt forced. “I made pasta, there are some leftovers if you’re hungry.”

  “Thanks, Gaby, I already grabbed something at the office.” One side of his mouth quirked up and he stood in one fluid motion.

  “What are you working on?”

  “It’s the Robinson trial, but I can’t talk about any of the details.” Phoenix hung his jacket on a chair back.

  “Robinson as in the Robinson trial?”

  “One and the same.”

  It was a high profile case involving a famous couple. The wife had shot the husband dead claiming that she thought he was an intruder, but there were questions raised as to the close proximity of the shooting that took place making it questionable that she could have mistaken him for someone else. It was also reported that she had possibly been beaten, as her lip was split. The incident had happened on Halloween, giving the whole thing a sinister undertone.

  “So you’re defending Christina Robinson?”

  “Yes, I am.”

  “Wow, no wonder the long hours.”

  He raised his eyebrows but didn’t elaborate on the case. “Can I get you something?” She watched his receding back as he made for the kitchen.

  “No thanks, I think I’m going to turn in.”

  He turned to face her. “Good night. Sleep well.”

  “Yeah, thanks.”

  Gaby watched until he disappeared down the hall. This wasn’t going to work. She’d have to tell him in the morning that she was moving back into her own apartment. Phoenix was with her for the children, he’d said as much. How long would they end up living like this if she allowed it to continue? The way she saw it, they had two options. One, they made a clean break, Phoenix would be a part of the children’s lives but they would move on or they could really work at getting to know each other. The thought of losing this man, of watching him take another mate, of having him be a part of her life without being able to be with him felt like a poisoned dagger to her hearts. There was also the very important fact of going into labor alone. The risk to her children was too great. Okay, so she’d have to give the friendship thing a try, hopefully it would lead somewhere. If that didn’t work, she’d make a clean break. For all of their sakes.

  Gaby followed the big wolf to the kitchen. Phoenix had his head stuck in the refrigerator and emerged with a bottle of water and a chocolate bar. “Are you sure I can’t get you anything,” he asked, still facing away from her.

  “A bottle of water would be great.” She wasn’t thirsty but needed a reason for being there.

  He grabbed the water, then turned and kicked the door closed. Smooth, easy. Damn, he looked good in suit pants with his shirt pulled tight over muscles most men could only dream about having. The man in question handed her the water, which she was grateful for since her mouth felt dry all of a sudden.

  “Thanks.”

  His dark eyes bore into her. “Sure.” His masculine scent hit her full on as he lingered in her personal space for a few beats before stepping back and leaning on the center island.

  “I thought demon wolves ran in packs. You do belong to a pack...”

  His lips twitched. He could probably read straight through her attempt at getting to know him better. At trying to take this somewhere.

  “I belong to the Wilderness pack and spend as much time on the reserve as possible. This apartment is a necessity due to high demands at work.”

  That explained why the apartment didn’t feel like a real home. “I see.”

  Gaby tried hard to mask her emotions, but must have failed dismally because he continued. “I will be taking you and introducing you to the pack”—he paused—“to my family once the pups are born. The Alpha is mated to a human. The union has been mostly accepted by the pack so...” He left the sentence hanging, taking a big glug of his water.

  A lump formed in her throat so she opened the bottle and tried to drink it down. It didn’t work. “I’m a skin. Your pack won’t accept me. I’m hoping they’ll at least accept your children.” She put a hand to her stomach, feeling the intense need to defend her babies against harm. This included the sting of rejection. She knew firsthand how it could scar a person right to the core. Gaby was fine with being alone, with not having a family, but she wanted more for the little ones. Chances were good that she and Phoenix would not end up together so they would already be a part of a broken home. They didn’t need the rejection of their father’s pack to complicate their lives even more.

  “Your pack will accept them, won’t they?” She felt a degree of desperation as she waited for his reply.

  “Either they accept my pups or I will no longer consider myself a part of the pack.” It was almost unheard of for a wolf to become a loner.

  “Surely you have parents, siblings?”

  His demeanour softened. “Yeah, my parents are at Wilderness. I also have an older sister who mated with a wolf from a neighboring pack.” Phoenix looked her way, his eyes moving across her face before locking with hers. “You are my family now. You and the babies. We’re either accepted as a family unit or not at all.”

  “We’re not mated.”

  “You are the mother of my children. That makes you my family. I don’t think that we should be having sex right now, but I haven’t changed my mind about us.” He stepped forward, taking her hand in his. “Please try and see this my way. Let’s get to know each other. Let’s see where this goes. Will you at least give us a chance?”

  His words mirrored her thoughts, she nodded. Phoenix grinned, it made him even sexier. Gaby couldn’t help but to smile along with him. It was a big surprise when he leaned in and kissed her. A quick, easy brush of the lips that took her breath away. This wasn’t sex, this was a show of emotion.

  “They’ll accept y
ou, Gaby, because you’re great, the nicest skin I ever met.” His smile had become tight and his whole stature had tensed up.

  “I would never expect you to turn your back on your pack.”

  He shrugged. “I know that. There’s something I’ve been meaning to ask you.” He ran a hand through his hair. “I’ve never heard of a skin being abandoned by their family. Skins may be a lot of things but one thing’s for sure, they are loyal to their own. How is it that you ended up in an orphanage?”

  She felt her cheeks heat.

  “Look, if I’ve overstepped the line then please tell me to go to hell. I just want to know what makes you tick, want to know more about your life. Want to know more about who you are.”

  She held up a hand. “It’s okay. I told you I confronted my parents once I became a Demon Chaser. They told me that I wasn’t normal, for a skin that is. Skin babies, up until a year of age, are supposed to change characteristics of themselves.” He lifted his eyebrows so she paused for a few seconds before continuing. “Yeah, I know, a little strange. It happens regularly. Green eyes become brown. Hair will be long and then short, even the sex of the child will change a few times.”

  He choked out a laugh. “Sorry, it’s just so...different, which is normal for us demons. Carry on please.”

  “The baby eventually settles on features and what sex it wants to be. This normally happens at around one year. The problem with me and my twin sister was that we never changed after we were born. My parents kept us for a few days, waiting for something to happen. We were labeled as freaks and were left at the door of a local church.”

  “They abandoned you just because you were a little different?”

  “Yup. The whereabouts of my twin sister is unknown. I was the only baby found on the steps that day, although my parents swore that both of us were left there.”

  “That’s terrible.”

  “I still find myself looking for her. Maybe one day.” She’d never given up searching and never would. Gaby knew that she would recognize her sister regardless of the skin she was in. There had always been something missing. The feeling had gradually decreased as she grew older though.

  “I’m sure you will find her.” Phoenix stepped in and cupped her cheek. “There was...is nothing wrong with you. You know that right?” He was looking at her with such intensity.

  “Yeah, I know.” Yet, would he be standing here right now if it hadn’t been for his unborn children? She hated the insecurity.

  “I mean it, I’m here for you whether you want me or not. I’m here to stay.”

  Gaby wished so hard that his being here had to do with his feelings for her instead of his sense of duty. Phoenix wrapped his arms around her and pulled her against the hard wall of his chest. She leaned against him, allowing herself to enjoy the sense of comfort. Maybe it could work between them.

  Chapter 6

  Armed with roast chicken sandwiches, Gaby exited the elevator in Phoenix’s building. It was lunch time and she’d decided to surprise him. She’d called ahead to discuss the arrangement with his personal assistant to ensure that he didn’t order in or leave the building. So far so good.

  A well groomed mature lady sat behind an ornate desk. Her face lit up as she spotted her. “Hi there. You must be Gaby. Welcome.” She brushed a wayward strand of hair from her face. “I’m Jessie.” She held out her hand and Gaby took it in a brief single shake.

  “Good to meet you.”

  “I’m afraid Phoenix is not in his office but if you make your way down the hall just past the restrooms on your right, he’s in the boardroom which is the very next door same side.”

  “Thanks so much.”

  Gaby made her way past fine art in the reception area and onto the plush woolen carpeted hallway. The building was exactly how she pictured it would be with no expense spared. Even though she’d gone to the bathroom before leaving home, she needed it again so she set the food down on a table in the hall. One of the many joys of pregnancy. True as nuts, barely a trickle of wee, she washed her hands and continued down the hall. She could make out two voices, Phoenix and a woman. Gaby peeped around the jam. The wolf had his back to the door and was sitting, a petite, attractive woman stood to his side. She laughed at something he had just said and squeezed him on the arm. Phoenix shifted in his chair looking a little uncomfortable, he opened a file on the desk.

  “Doctor Compex has stated that he will testify that Christina’s wounds are consistent with having bashed her face into the door while running to find her mobile phone and forensics neither supports nor contests these findings.” His voice was tense.

  The woman stepped in closer, leaning in over Phoenix and the file. As far as demons went, skins didn’t have the best sense of smell and even less so now that she was pregnant, yet Gaby could scent two things, firstly, the woman was a human and secondly, she was heavily aroused. The scent that poured off her was so heavy that it seemed to mask Gaby’s own scent from Phoenix.

  “Good. We need a back up doctor just in case,” she purred.

  “Make no mistake, there will be a whole queue of medical experts lined up to testify that the wounds were consistent with an assault, but all we have to prove is reasonable doubt.”

  Phoenix looked tense, she caught a mild peppery tang coming off him which indicated that he was irritated. This woman was in his personal space, she exuded sensuality. What she didn’t know was that he’d be able to smell her intentions from a mile away. What surprised Gaby though was his complete aversion to it, even to the point of irritation.

  His head lifted in a sharp motion. Busted. He turned and looked straight at her.

  “Sorry to interrupt,” her voice came out sounding soft and timid. Flip, it wasn’t like her to feel so out of her depth.

  He smiled the moment he saw her before standing and making his way to her. “This is a pleasant surprise.” Then he kissed her, on the lips. His eyes shone. “Monica, I’d like to introduce you to Gaby.”

  Monica gave her the quick once over, her eyes lingering on the swell of Gaby’s belly. They widened momentarily before darting to her face. “So nice to meet you. Um, Phoenix, I didn’t know that you were involved.” The eye contact didn’t last long because next her dark irises slid to Gaby’s left hand.

  Phoenix must have noticed because he put his arm around Gaby’s shoulders. “As you know, I like to keep my private life very separate from the office. Gaby is my fiancé, she isn’t wearing her ring because of the slight water retention. Didn’t want to risk it.”

  Monica’s eyes drifted back to her stomach, they narrowed and her mouth tightened. “Of course. When is the baby due?”

  “Twins.”

  The other woman’s jaw dropped.

  “And they’re due any day now. We’re extremely excited about becoming parents.” Phoenix grabbed hold of Gaby’s hand and squeezed. “Can we take a little break, Monica? Give me”—he looked at his watch—“ten, fifteen minutes tops.”

  Gaby decided to try and be polite, even though this woman had been drooling over Phoenix not five minutes ago. “You’re welcome to join us if—”

  Phoenix cut her off, “Ten minutes please, Monica.”

  The attorney inclined her head, Gaby could make out a light sigh as she walked out of the room.

  The big wolf closed the door. “I can’t believe you came.”

  “I thought we decided to get to know each other, thought this would be a good way to start.”

  He walked towards her, his dark eyes on her.

  She swallowed. “I brought some sandwiches. They’re...”

  His lips covered hers. Soft, pliant yet demanding. One of his hands threaded into her hair while the other moved to the small of her back. He pulled her against him and deepened the kiss. Gaby whimpered and clutched at his biceps. She wasn’t a wilting flower and yet her hands didn’t make it around the circumference of his upper arms. Not even close. The scent of arousal was back and this time from her.

  He broke the k
iss. His nostrils flared. “You smell good.”

  Damn those wolf senses. At least the peppery scent was no longer coming off of him. “Yeah well, I guess the smell of aroused females is one you’re used to.”

  He choked out a laugh. “I take it you’re referring to Monica.”

  She raised her eyebrows in reply.

  “Hey, you know I’m not interested in—”

  “I know. I’m just teasing you.”

  “Anyway, she doesn’t smell like anything I’m interested in...” He buried his head in her neck. “Mmmm, nothing like cherries dipped in dark chocolate.”

  His warm breath tickled, so she giggled.

  Phoenix tensed, keeping his arms around her, he pulled away so that he could look her in the eye. “I’ve been thinking.” He hesitated, seeming unsure, which worried her because it was so out of character for him. “Since tomorrow is Saturday, I was wondering if you wanted to go to Wilderness. I’ve changed my mind, I want my pack to know you before the babies come.” His eyes burned with excitement. “I know once they get to meet you, they’ll accept you.”

  She wanted his enthusiasm to be catching, but she knew he would probably be disappointed by the outcome. Going to Wilderness was something that had to happen sooner or later though so it may as well be now. She nodded, plastering a smile on her face.

  “I called Devlin and he’s given you the all clear. We’ll take a chopper just in case.”

  — —

  After Phoenix had seen Gaby to her car, he pulled out his mobile and dialed Gray.

  “Phoenix, it’s been a while.” It was good to hear his best friend’s voice. Gray was the Alpha of the Wilderness pack.

  They got the pleasantries out of the way.