Romance in Moonspell

by Jesica Coulter Smith

  Reika trailed her hand down his slick chest. “That was wonderful.”

  “It’s always wonderful with you.”

  “I’m sorry my magick zapped you again.” She frowned. “I wonder why it didn’t before, when you had your days off.”

  “Maybe something changed between now and then?”

  She leaned up and pressed a kiss against his lips. “Yeah, it did. I’ve come to realize that instead of falling in love with you like I thought I’m already there. You’re amazing, Jax, and you’re all mine.”

  He gazed at her tenderly. “I love you, too, sweetheart.”

  Reika ran a hand down his arm. “Maybe it will wear off like the last time. But if it doesn’t we can always try a few potions.”

  He hoped he didn’t look as horrified as he felt. Potions? He still remembered how bad the other one had tasted, not to mention there was no telling what they’d do to him. No, he was going to wait and see if it wore off, even if he had to wait days. Sure, he’d have to work with blue skin, but he didn’t really care. The guys would probably give him grief, but it wasn’t anything he couldn’t handle.

  “Have you thought about trying to cure yourself so this doesn’t happen anymore?” he asked.

  Her brow furrowed. “Actually, I hadn’t. But I bet Maya could help me with it. I’ll call her just as soon as we shower and dress.”

  “Well then, come on. The sooner we get cleaned up, the sooner we can resolve this issue once and for all.”

  Chapter Nine

  Maya tapped her chin, obviously contemplating the problem at hand. Reika hoped her friend could help. She didn’t know of another fairy who was as powerful as Maya. Well, that wasn’t entirely true. Forest Winters was rather formidable, but she wouldn’t call on him unless she had to.

  “I think a potion combined with a spell might do the trick,” Maya said. “Let me make sure you have the ingredients I need, otherwise, I’ll have to go home and gather a few things.”

  Reika and Jax followed her to the kitchen, where Maya began rummaging through Reika’s potions cabinet. She pulled out four ingredients and a tube to mix them in before closing the cabinet doors. Maya’s eyes narrowed as she began mixing the liquids together, turning them a lovely shade of orange.

  “That doesn’t look very appetizing.” Jax eyed the mixture.

  Reika grabbed the tube from Maya. “It might not taste good, but if it works I don’t care.”

  Gulping it down, she grimaced and handed the tube back to Maya. Her friend began chanting in the fae language, weaving her spell. Reika felt a tingle start at the top of her head and work its way down to her toes. Her body glowed and turned dark for a moment, then a bright flash of light encompassed the room. Jax and Maya shielded their eyes.

  “What was that?” Jax asked.

  “That was the spell working.” Maya frowned. “But I’m worried about her turning dark for that moment. I don’t think it was Reika’s magick going haywire. I think she was cursed.”

  Jax looked less than pleased with that bit of knowledge. “Is there any way to trace to it, to figure out who cast the curse?”

  Maya held her hands a foot apart then began chanting again. A ball of light formed, then dimmed, looking like a glass surface. In it, smoke swirled. When the sphere emptied, Turrin’s image was very clear.

  “Does that answer your question?” Maya asked. “I always knew he was slime.”

  Reika’s lips thinned and her eyes narrowed. How dare he put a curse on her! She couldn’t let him get away with it. Stomping out of the kitchen, she grabbed her purse and keys.

  Jax grabbed her arm. “Where are you going?”

  “To confront Turrin.”

  “I’ll go with you.” He took her hand, but she shrugged him off.

  “No, this is something I need to do on my own.”

  Jax didn’t look pleased.

  She tried to give him a reassuring smile before slipping out the door. Getting in her car, she sped the whole way to Turrin’s house. She only hoped he hadn’t moved in the past year, otherwise she’d have no clue as to where she could find him.

  When she pulled up in front of his house, she saw his flashy car sitting in the driveway, the candy apple red exterior gleaming as if it was freshly washed. At least she knew he was home. Unless, of course, he’d teleported somewhere. She hoped that wasn’t the case.

  The front door was painted a red nearly as bright as his car. The rest of the house had recently been painted, as well. It was just like Turrin to keep up outward appearances. But she knew him well enough to know his house would be a wreck, unless the maid had recently visited.

  Knocking on the door, she waited patiently, listening for any sounds coming from inside the house. At first, she only heard silence, but after a moment she could hear footsteps drawing near. She wondered if he was peering at her through the peephole and fought the urge to scowl at him. That certainly wouldn’t gain her entrance into the house.

  Turrin opened the door and smiled at her. It was the same engaging smile she’d fallen for a year ago. He wasn’t fooling her this time. She knew he was devious and up to no good. That he’d had the audacity to curse her pissed her off. Who was he to fix it so she wouldn’t have a boyfriend? Of course, it had helped in one way. It had saved her for Jax, who hadn’t seemed to mind her curse quite so much as the others. He’d taken it in stride, and for that she was eternally grateful.

  “Reika, to what do I owe this surprise?”

  “We need to talk.”

  He motioned for her to enter. Stepping across the threshold, she waited for him to close the door before she started.

  “Is something the matter?” he asked.

  “You could say that.” She crossed her arms. “Want to explain to me why you cursed me?”

  A flicker of surprise crossed his face before his mask was firmly back in place.

  “Curse?”

  “Don’t even try to deny it. Maya created a light orb and we saw you clearly. And when she tried to fix me, I flashed black, so there’s no doubt that I was cursed. How could you? Do you have any idea what I went through this past year? The self-doubt and aggravation, thinking something was wrong with my magick?”

  “It wasn’t my intention to make you doubt yourself.”

  “Then what?” she demanded.

  “You were supposed to be mine. I wanted to make sure no one else touched you.”

  “Until when, Turrin? Were you going to let me live that way forever?”

  “No.” He frowned. “I didn’t intend to leave you alone quite so long, but it seemed you were always interested in someone. I was biding my time.”

  “I think you just loved the fact that you were controlling me, you arrogant ass.”

  His eyebrows lifted. “Did you just call me an ass?”

  “If the shoe fits.”

  “I would think you would be flattered. I was ensuring you were mine. Don’t you realize I could have any woman in Moonspell? But I chose you. From the very first, I knew you were special.”

  “You had one hell of a way of showing it. If you’d really wanted me in your life, you’d have called after we had sex instead of brushing me off.”

  Turrin’s jaw tensed. “I did call. You wouldn’t answer and refused to call me back.”

  “Why would I answer when you’d clearly moved on?”

  “I didn’t move on, Reika. There has been no one in my life since you. I merely needed some time to think.”

  “Think?”

  “You confused me. You made me feel things I had never felt before. You’re the first woman who made me think of forever, the only woman for that matter. And that hasn’t changed. You were meant to be by my side.”

  “Whatever. I’m not entirely sure I believe you, and even if I did it wouldn’t change anything. The curse is broken, and if you value your life, you won’t curse me again. I’m with Jax now. Whether you like it or not, I’m his mate.”

  “I don’t like it,” he growled.


  “You don’t have to, you just have to leave me alone. I don’t want to see you following me anymore. And if I do, I’ll let Jax have a go at you.”

  He snorted. “As if I’m afraid of the dog.”

  Reika slapped him across the face. “Jax is not a dog. He’s a majestic wolf.”

  “Have you ever seen him in his wolf form?”

  “Once.”

  He glared at her.

  She marched to the door. “I mean it, Turrin. I don’t want to see you again.”

  “That’s going to be rather difficult since we live in a small town.”

  “Fine, I don’t want to see you watching me or following me.”

  Turrin followed her to the door. “What makes you think I’ll agree with that?”

  “Because I’m not giving you a choice. Leave me alone, or deal with the consequences. You aren’t the only one who can place a curse on someone.”

  “Fine.”

  * * *

  Jax was relieved when Reika returned home. He wasn’t sure how Turrin would react to her news and had worried the whole time she was gone. But now he knew she was safe and seemed to be in one piece. She entered the house and came straight to him, wrapping her arms around his waist. Jax pulled her close and breathed in her delectable scent. “What happened over there?” Jax asked.

  “I told him the curse was broken and that he needed to stop following me and watching me.” She grinned. “And I told him if he kept it up, I would put a curse on him and give you free rein.”

  He chuckled. “I’m sure that went over well.”

  “He wasn’t pleased, but I think I got my point across.”

  “Did he say anything about the fires? Did he start them?”

  “The fires weren’t brought up, but I still think it wasn’t him. It isn’t his style. Besides, what use would he have for an accelerant? He could start the fire magickally.”

  He still wasn’t convinced but there was no point arguing right now. “Why don’t you go change into something nice and I’ll take you to Bad Barton’s for dinner.”

  Reika trailed her fingers along his jaw. “Are you sure you want to go out tonight? I could always fix something for us here.”

  “No, I want to go out and celebrate the end of your curse. No more shifting in the middle of a restaurant, no more blue skin.”

  She smiled. “Be thankful you missed the oozing sores and didn’t lose all of your hair.”

  He shuddered. “Yes, let’s be thankful for that.”

  “All right, I’ll go change.”

  He watched her sashay out of the room and smiled. Life was never going to be dull with Reika. Jax looked forward to spending many happy years with her. Of course, they still had to discuss their living arrangements. Since she owned a home, he figured he would be moving in with her, but she hadn’t brought it up yet. They might be mated, but it was still early in their relationship. Maybe she just needed a little more time.

  Chapter Ten

  Reika was sound asleep, but Jax couldn’t seem to relax enough for the Sandman to find him. Quietly getting out of bed, he went to the kitchen for a glass of water. When he entered the room, he froze. There was a scent, vaguely familiar, yet definitely out of place. Something about it made the fine hairs on the back of his neck prickle. There was trouble, he was certain of it.

  Disregarding the fact that he was only wearing boxer briefs, he stepped outside to investigate. There was a faint hint of gasoline in addition to the odd smell. He followed his nose around the side of the house and stopped, his eyes widening in surprise.

  “What the hell are you doing?”

  Abra jumped. “I… Um… Nothing.”

  “Then why are you standing beside Reika’s car with a can of gasoline? I doubt you’re here to fill up her tank in the middle of the night.”

  He watched as Abra flushed and looked anywhere but at him. It seemed he’d found their fire starter, and he was more than a little surprised. But one question remained.

  “Why, Abra?”

  “Because you should’ve been mine. It isn’t right that you’re mated to her.”

  “You were never my mate, I knew that from the start. I merely went out with you to have a good time. For God’s sake, I never even took you to bed. Why would you think we were meant to be together?”

  “I just knew we were.”

  Jax shook his head. “You know I have to call the police. You can’t just walk away.”

  Abra paled and then she bolted. Before she’d made it halfway down the driveway, Jax had shifted into a large black wolf and chased her. He caught her in the grassy area near the curb, pinning her beneath him. Growling, he let her know he meant business.

  He heard the front door open and smelled Reika. A quick glance showed her walking across the yard toward them. Jax watched as she took in the scene before her, along with the gas can sitting in the driveway.

  “Jax, what’s going on?”

  He looked at her, as if to say Really? You expect me to answer?

  “Never mind. The red gas can in the driveway and you pinning that woman to the ground tells me everything I need to know. Just let me go inside and I’ll call the police.”

  Abra started blubbering and begging them to let her go, but Jax wasn’t about to relent. She’d endangered his mate, had caused her a great deal of trouble, and now she had to pay.

  Reika returned a few minutes later, the phone still clutched in her hand.

  “They’re on their way.”

  It didn’t take long before he heard sirens approaching. It seemed there had been a car in the area, ready to respond to their call. When the officers arrived, Jax backed off, letting them take care of Abra. He listened as Reika explained what had happened and watched as they slapped a set of cuffs on Abra. He felt a certain satisfaction knowing she was going to spend some time in jail. While he’d never harm a woman, he didn’t feel that she deserved her freedom, either.

  Dashing into the house, he shifted and threw on some underwear and a pair of jeans. Then he hurried back outside to Reika, wanting to lend her his support. He could only imagine how she felt, knowing that the only woman who could possibly be considered an ex had been behind the two fires, almost a third. There was obviously something wrong with Abra. He wasn’t sure if she’d get jail time or be sent to a psych ward. Whatever the outcome, he was just grateful she’d be out of their lives.

  First Turrin and then Abra. What would be next?

  “Are you okay?” he asked, pulling Reika into his arms.

  “I’m fine. I’m just glad you caught her when you did.” She looked up at him. “How did you catch her, anyway?”

  “I got up to get something to drink and realized we’d left the window open. Her scent drifted to me. At first, I couldn’t place it, I just knew it was familiar. Then, I smelled the gas and knew our arsonist was back. Although, I have to admit I was a little surprised to find Abra in the driveway. I wouldn’t have thought her capable of something like this.”

  They watched the police car pull away from the curb and went back inside. Locking the door, and making sure the kitchen window was closed, they made their way back to the bedroom. After all of the excitement, Jax knew it would be a while before he would fall asleep, but he wanted to hold his mate in his arms.

  Jax stripped off the jeans he’d quickly donned when he’d shifted back and crawled into bed, pulling her close and kissing her.

  “Maybe things will be quiet for a while,” he said.

  “Maybe. I don’t think I can handle too much more excitement.”

  “I want to make love to you, but I can tell you’re tired.”

  She rubbed her cheek against his chest. “I’m always ready to make love with you. I’ll never be too tired for that.”

  Jax quickly removed her pajamas and his underwear, anxious to hold her naked body. Nothing excited him more than feeling her soft skin brush against him. Placing his lips against hers, he kissed her softly, tenderly. He tried to show her just
how much he loved her.

  Reika pushed him onto his back and inched her way down his body. He gazed into her eyes as she lowered those luscious lips to his cock, taking him in little by little. Her mouth was hot and wet, her tongue wrapping around his hard shaft as she swallowed him down. The head of his cock brushed the back of her throat, then she pulled back, sucking long and hard.

  Jax gripped the sheets to keep from grabbing a fistful of her hair. He would let her play uninterrupted and see just how far she was willing to go. As her head bobbed, her mouth greedily taking him in over and over, pleasure washed over him. Her talented lips and tongue were driving him mad, mad with desire.

  He felt his balls draw up and knew he was about to blow. Grabbing her, he pulled her away.

  “Stop, Reika.”

  She gave him a wounded look, her lips swollen from her efforts. “You didn’t like it?”

  “I liked it too much, sweetheart. I don’t want to come in your mouth. I want to be inside of you. Which brings up a question. Do you want me to use a condom or are you ready to try for a family?”

  She cocked her head to the side. “I’d rather have you to myself for a while longer.”

  Jax nodded and reached for his jeans. Pulling out his wallet, he removed a condom. Tearing open the foil with his teeth, he rolled it on his hard cock. Rising to his knees, he lifted her and lowered her on his cock, her legs wrapping around his waist as she looped her arms around his neck.

  Thrusting into her again and again, he let her heat envelop him. He was still close to coming, but he wanted her to reach her peak first. Reaching between their bodies, he pressed his thumb to her clit and began a slow circular motion. If possible, she got even hotter and wetter. As his cock entered her faster and harder, he felt her tremble, felt her nails dig into his shoulders.

  “Yes, Jax. Please, God, don’t stop!”

  Teasing her clit, he fucked her until he thought he’d lose his mind from the pleasure of it. Her legs tightened around his waist and then she was crying out her release, clinging to him, feeding his desire. As her pussy convulsed around his cock, he exploded inside of her, filling the condom. He wished he could feel her pussy wrapped around him without the thin barrier, but he would abide by her wishes. Perhaps they could discuss other forms of contraception at a later date.