Mending Scars

by Rivers, Brandy L

  Fire Fae – A fae descended from the Fire Kingdom of Faerie. Many have visions. Their magic is generally heat and fire based.

  Iron – Certain types of faerie have an aversion to iron and other metals with iron content.

  Leprechaun – Fae with no elemental association. Most can’t control their inherent magic. Spells and wards often unravel around them. Luck is generally in their favor. Even if chaos breaks out around them, they tend to stay safe.

  Mages – Humans who possess elemental magic. They can either sling spells like weapons or heal, though it is rare for a mage to be a healer.

  Mate – Fae, and some other creatures, sometimes create a supernatural bond with their soul mate. The bond is nearly impossible to break unless one party dies. The bound couple will sometimes feel what the other is feeling, or sense the danger the other is in.

  Nymph – There are water nymphs and wood nymphs. The water nymphs originated in Faerie near lakes, oceans, and rivers. Wood nymphs originated in the oldest forests. Most of their magic is powered by love, lust, and similar emotions, and enhanced through orgasm. Some nymphs have other forms of magic as well. Unlike most faerie, they have no glamour and are stuck with their unusual coloring.

  Oath – Most fae can form a promise that is bound in magic.

  Others – Any being that isn’t quite human. Werewolves, vampires, shaman, druid, mages, witches, warlocks, and fae are some examples.

  Shield – A protection spell. Forms a wall usually of one or two elements.

  Silver Council – Organization of mages. They are the governing force of most Others. Not everyone recognizes them, but they try to police all Others. The Silver Council is mostly made up of formally trained mages. They occasionally will employ other casters.

  Silver Council Enforcer – The mages who police Others.

  Ward - A spell that protects, sometimes keeps people from entering.

  Werewolves – Specific type of wereanimal. A werewolf is created when a werewolf in either its beast form, or half-man form, bites and in rare cases scratches a human. They are incredibly strong, and faster than a normal human. Powerful werewolves can not only shift into their wolf form but also a physical presence larger than human, covered in fur with enormous claws and bestial head. Their sense of smell and sight are very strong, especially in their beast forms.

  Witch – A human who is highly sensitive to magic, and can cast a limited amount of magic. Abilities vary from clairvoyance, empath, telekinesis, or various other psychic abilities. Most are adept at potions which combine natural ingredients with magic.

  Acknowledgments

  Mom, you are an inspiration.

  Alan, my awesome husband, I love you.

  My three munchkins, I couldn’t ask for better kids.

  Rebecca and Kristin, thank you for all the help with alpha reading.

  Kym, you know I love ya, can’t wait to see you in San Diego.

  Tara, you are an amazing editor, as always thank you.

  To my betas, thank you for all the hard work.

  Rivers Others, you are all incredible. I love your enthusiasm and all you do. From the bottom of my heart, much thanks.

  Preview: Accepting Fate

  By Brandy L Rivers

  Chapter 1

  Two weeks ago…

  Why am I here again? Mike was having a hard time playing aloof when the woman he’d been pining for was clearly off the market. He knew it was coming, it was just a matter of time.

  Isa stood in the circle of Toryn’s arms, a smile on her face. They belonged together, always had. Resisting Isa was impossible though. She was everything he craved and knew he should stay away from.

  She had a funny way of frazzling the wards Tremaine placed on him, bringing his magic to the surface. It had been ages since he wanted to tap into that power. He’d long since learned it was better to shut it down than play with fate.

  Shaking his head, he went back to the makeshift bar, and ordered a drink from Toryn’s old boyfriend. Odd how he seemed perfectly at ease in the same room as Isa and Toryn. Then again, he was flirting with a gorgeous brunette, and a woman at that. At least someone was able to move on.

  Leon acknowledged him with a sympathetic smile. “Hey, Mike. What are you drinking?”

  “Beer, any beer.” He sighed as he leaned against the counter.

  Leon slid a bottle his way. Mike dipped his head in a nod, and tried to tip.

  “Nope. Keep it. I’m not taking anyone’s money tonight.”

  Mike harrumphed and moved to the corner of the room. He heard the door again and watched a strawberry blonde walk in. She knocked knuckles with some dude who looked eerily like a harder, tatted up version of Toryn.

  Mike couldn’t tear his eyes away from the woman as she walked to the bar. Petite, curvy, and wore a smile full of confidence. His dick woke up for the first time since Isa ended their friends with benefits situation.

  He could sense the woman’s essence calling to him from across the room. This party was packed with Others. He’d tried to avoid mingling with their kind for so long, he couldn’t tell what most were. However, the new arrival felt a lot like Tremaine, which made her a mage. Same as Toryn’s look-alike, and several other people in the room.

  Her magic sparked his, but he didn’t care. He needed a distraction and she was the only thing taking his mind off Isa.

  With a drink in hand, she crossed the room, and her honey colored eyes locked on his. “Dance with me.” It wasn’t a question.

  He nodded, took the last sip of his beer and sat it down on the nearest table.

  She gulped down her drink and placed her cup beside his bottle. “Come here,” she demanded.

  “With pleasure.” He moved closer and her hands landed on his shoulders. He wound his arms around her waist.

  “I’m Gwen. You?”

  One corner of his mouth lifted. “Mike. What brings you here?”

  Her brow arched as she took a look around. Mischief danced in her eyes. “You’re not what you appear, are you?”

  He frowned. “What do you mean?”

  “You’re hiding something.”

  He shook his head. “I have no clue what you mean,” he lied through his teeth. “And you didn’t answer my question.”

  She let out a tiny laugh. “A co-worker convinced me it was a good idea. I didn’t think so until I saw you.”

  He relaxed slightly, but felt the sparks dance up his spine as she tiptoed up, her breasts pressing into his chest. Desire erupted, and all he could think about was sweeping her off her feet, and carrying her to the nearest bed.

  She whispered against his ear, “Relax, Mike. I have all the time in the world to learn your many secrets, and I have a feeling it will be worth the wait.”

  “Don’t know about that. Not much interesting here.”

  “I sense a beast lurking under the surface. That’s exactly what I’m looking for.”

  Mike moved back, and Gwen looked up at him with a curious glint. “Too fast?”

  “Beast?” His alarm bells pinged off the charts. She knew something about him. Sensitives had never been able to tell what he was in the past. Even when his magic bled through, everyone thought he was a simple human.

  “Don’t tell me you aren’t going to be wild when I get you home and strip you down.”

  Only desire stared back at him. Maybe he was being paranoid. Or maybe she knew what tiger’s tail she was pulling. Maybe the feisty mage would be safe.

  Swallowing back his apprehension, he taunted, “Depends. Are you wild?”

  “With the right man, you bet. You may be him.”

  “Perhaps.”

  “Let’s get out of here. You can get to know me.”

  * * * *

  Intrigued, Gwen dragged him outside. She felt his magic flare as he looked into the breeze and raised his head to the falling rain. The magic bled through wards to lock down his power. When his control finally snapped free, it was going to unleash a storm.


  She knew all about that after watching her brother try to bottle his up and lock it away by force. When the wards broke, it destroyed him and half a rural town.

  Something about Mike called to her. He was big, powerful, and clearly had a story he wasn’t ready to share. The way he clammed up when she mentioned beast gave her an idea as to what he was. The way nature seemed to speak with him was the second clue. Maybe she’d have enough time to wiggle her way in and break open his shell.

  “You want to follow me home?”

  “I walked.”

  “Then I’ll drive.” She led him to her vehicle.

  He smiled over at her. “A truck?”

  Shrugging, she glanced over. “Don’t knock it. I can go off-roading in this baby.” She patted the bumper as she walked to the driver’s side. “Nothing like driving out to some remote forest and hiking further to camp.”

  His head tipped to the side with a frown. “You like roughing it?”

  “Yup. Why?”

  “You seem all city-girl.”

  She laughed. “Looks can be deceiving.”

  “This is truth.” He chuckled, watching her with open curiosity.

  It was late enough she easily made her way home and pulled into the parking garage. She shut off the engine. “Come on. I want to get to know you better.” She trailed a finger up his thigh with a smirk.

  They shut their doors at the same time and he caught up to her as she hurried for the elevator. They stepped in and she pressed the button to the eleventh floor. He spun her around and pinned her against the wall as his lips descended on hers in a rush of passion.

  His big hands travelled down her body and she moaned.

  There was a ding and the doors opened. He stepped back, and she glanced up to make sure it was her floor. Fastest elevator ride, ever. She grabbed his hand and dragged him to her door.

  Gwen barely got it open before he picked her up and carried her inside, efficiently kicking the door shut and flipping the lock into place.

  “Where’s the bedroom?” Desire filled his voice with gravel, making her throb for him.

  Lightning flashed, inspiring her. “Window.” She wanted him against the big thick pane of glass.

  “Oh, fuck yes. I love the way you think.” He carried her across the room and put her back on her feet. His hands slid down her body, catching the hem of her dress. So slow, he pulled it over her head and took a step back. His eyes trailed over her as his dimples deepened. “Can’t wait to have you.”

  Closing the distance, she opened his belt as she leaned up to press a kiss to his lips. He palmed her breasts and thumbed her nipples. The sparks danced over her, playing along her senses. She moaned in response.

  His cock sprang free and she tried to move back but he followed her, pressing her bare ass to the cold window as he dropped to his knees. She grabbed the shoulders of his shirt and pulled it over his head with a smile.

  “First, want you soaking wet.”

  “Yeah, I am. Need to feel you.”

  His laugh was a low rumble. “Oh, you’re about to.” His hands landed on her upper legs and he pressed his mouth to her inner thigh. “Open for me.”

  She widened her stance, leaning fully back against the glass as he rose up to taste her. “Mmm, like that,” she moaned.

  He flicked his tongue over her pearl and she pressed her hands back against the glass.

  With a jerk, her head thumped the pane as his thumb dipped into her heat while he teased her with his tongue. His magic danced across her nerves, heightening the sensation.

  Climax hit and she was soaring. She hadn’t even come down before he spun her around. Her hands hit the glass and she heard his belt and zipper, then the sound of foil ripping. A second later, he gripped her hips and entered forcefully from behind.

  His pace was hard and desperate, pushing her to new limits. She felt his cock jerk inside her and he slowed, one hand landing on the window beside her head as he caught his breath.

  “Don’t stop,” she begged.

  “Not ready for it to end,” he panted.

  “We have all night.” That might have been wishful thinking, but she’d worry about that later. She needed more and pressed back, squeezing him tight.

  “Oh fuck,” he groaned and pulled out only to hammer into her at a harder pace. The sound of skin-on-skin and pleasure-filled cries echoed in the room.

  “Yes, yes, yes!” She came undone when he hit his peak the second time. He scooped her into his arms and collapsed on the couch with her.

  * * * *

  Mike lay on his back panting. Gwen was draped over him. Her tongue flicked over the ring in his nipple. He gasped, his gaze blazing to hers.

  “Like that?” she asked innocently, but mischief danced through her eyes.

  He nodded before his head fell back. His heart still thundered in his chest. “I didn’t hurt you, did I?”

  “No. That was exactly what I was looking for.” Her fingers trailed down his ribs where a tiger was tattooed. He tried not to grimace.

  The ink had been to remind him what he was. Ever since Amanda, it was a reminder of the damage he could do and why he kept that side bottled up, never to see the light of day.

  She paused. “Why so tense?”

  He let out a strained laugh and tried to force himself to relax, but he was wound so tight he was about to snap. “No reason.”

  She sat up, straddling his lap as lighting flashed behind her in the big window. “I do something wrong?” Her fingers drifted down his body toward his still protected cock.

  He sat up. “Let me deal with that.”

  She looked down with a smirk. “You clean?”

  He nodded as she moved out of his lap.

  “I’m on the pill. And clean. If you want, you can skip it.”

  “Where’s the bathroom?” he asked.

  She pointed to the hall. “First door on the right.”

  Fleeing an uncomfortable conversation, he locked himself in and considered the shower. With a sigh, he dealt with the condom. He still had everything on from the waist down, so only had to pull his pants back up, and buckle his belt.

  Bad move, Mike. She’s not human. Whatever she was, her magic called to his, bringing it further to the surface, threatening to shatter the wards Tremaine rewove two days before.

  He could feel the energy flowing through him, wanting out. His tiger prowled through his soul. Really fucking stupid dickhead.

  He walked back out and found Gwen in the kitchen pouring a glass of red wine. She only wore those sexy-as-sin stilettos. Lightning flashed and thunder rolled. His eyes snapped to the storm outside. Every hair stood on end as goosebumps flowed down his skin. “I really should get home to take Sasha out before the storm gets too bad.”

  “Sasha? Should I be insulted?” Her eyes narrowed playfully.

  “My dog. Puppy really.” He walked to where his shirt was still on the floor.

  “I love dogs. You could bring her here, or I could come to your place,” She hopped onto the counter and crossed one shapely leg over the other.

  His dick throbbed under his fly. Desire almost won out as lightning struck again. The squall was getting closer, and his power was expanding.

  He took a calming breath. “Not tonight. She doesn’t like storms. Probably freaking out. I should really get going.”

  “Your number?”

  Picking up his shirt, he gave it to her. She repeated it silently a few times, memorizing it. He almost wished he gave her the wrong one.

  He pulled his shirt on only to find her closing the distance. She tiptoed up and placed a kiss on his lips. “Let me take you home at least.”

  He shook his head. “No. Not tonight. You’re hard to resist, but my dog is going to demand attention.”

  She pouted as he backed toward the door.

  * * * *

  They say curiosity killed the cat, but Gwen wanted more of Mike any way she could get him. They clicked, even if he was hiding his true nature. Th
e question was why.

  The tiger on his side made her think shaman or druid. He had an affinity to nature, love of animals. Definitely something more primal.

  She wanted to follow him. Hell, she wanted to call him in ten minutes to get his motor revving so he’d beg her to come over.

  Mike intrigued her. She wanted to sneak into his head and find out what made him tick. Why did he shut down the moment she touched his tattoo? And wanting to take care of his dog was sweet. She could spot a lie, he might have used it as an excuse, but there was truth to what he said.

  Sighing, she took her glass of wine back to the bathroom and filled the tub. Tomorrow, she’d call and see if she could crack his exterior.