Tempting the Dryad

by Rebecca Rivard

  It was as if a fog had lain over his heart, a fog that was one part youth and one part sheer stubbornness. Yeah, Cleia was a fucking sex goddess and he’d never forget the week he’d had with her, but the two of them would never have had the equal relationship she had with Dion.

  No, to a powerful fae like her, Tiago had been little more than a shiny new toy.

  But Alesia was different. She saw him as himself, Tiago. And he was pretty sure she was in love with him.

  Which was good, because he cared about her. Now the fog had lifted, he realized just how much. So what if she wasn’t his mate? Hell, Dion had seen one hundred turns of the sun before he found Cleia.

  You didn’t have to be mated to want a woman—and he wanted Alesia, very much.

  He was going to have to apologize, though, explain that he’d panicked because he’d been afraid to lose her. And then he’d do whatever it took to win her back. He’d worked hard to gain her trust. One mistake couldn’t blow that completely—could it?

  The bottlenoses circled him, clucking in agitation at his odd behavior. The more aggressive dolphin nudged Tiago with his beak and Tiago lunged back, raking his teeth over its back.

  The dolphins backed off, but he could tell they were upset, and a few minutes later they slipped away. He started swimming too, but west across the top of the bay toward Rock Run. It was nearly dawn. The sky was slowly lightening into a hazy pink and gold. He waited until the sun was above the horizon and then snacked on a couple of mouthfuls of herring before setting out in earnest.

  As he entered the mouth of the Susquehanna, he wondered why he was returning so tamely. He could head south down the bay to Baltimore and then just keep going. Sign on with a freighter or the merchant marine; water fada were always in demand in the shipping industry. He couldn’t hide from Dion forever, but he wouldn’t have to. He hadn’t done anything bad enough to get himself banished. He was a grown man; he had the right to leave if he chose.

  He could even go looking for his brothers, Nic and Joaquim, and hire out as a mercenary as they had.

  But he’d given Dion his word. He wasn’t going to turn tail and run at the last minute like the half-grown pup his brother seemed to think him.

  And if he left now, who knew when he’d seen Alesia again? By the time he returned, she might be with another man—even mated.

  His jaw hardened. Over my dead body.

  No. He’d stay and face Dion.

  He turned up Rock Run Creek. Chico was on duty as a sentry along with a friend of theirs named Eliana, both of them patrolling as their dolphins. The two of them whistled a greeting, then Eliana slid up alongside Tiago, sending out a stream of worried clicks.

  You okay, Ti? I heard you were in a fight.

  You should see the other guy, he shot back. Then he remembered that the other guy was dead and grimaced.

  Eliana had been in his cohort along with Chico, Jaxon and Gabe. Everyone liked her; she was hard-working and sweet without being too girly. Now she gave a dolphin chuckle—which was more like a snort—and then sobered.

  What happened? People are saying it was Jorge and Benny, that they’ve gone feral.

  It was them. And two sea fada from Okeanos’s den.

  It’s true about Benny? You—

  Yeah.

  She clucked in sympathy.

  Chico had been circling and listening. Now he said, The base is on alert. Security’s doubled. Rui was out all night looking for Jorge and the other two. He just got back.

  He shifted to human, and Tiago followed suit. The two of them looked at Eliana, who rolled her eyes but took the hint. She gave a slap of her tail that drenched them both and resumed her sweeps of the creek.

  Chico took in Tiago’s still-healing black eye. “So what happened?”

  Tiago gave him a short version of what had happened, leaving out the part about his Gift. He intended to tell Chico—soon—but right now he was still too raw from Alesia’s reaction. As he talked, the two of them swam slowly upstream to where the water was shallower until they were standing waist-deep in the creek.

  He finished his story, and Chico put his hands on his hips and shook his head. “Damn, bro. You’re lucky you got out of there alive. And what’s with Jorge and Benny? So what if they’re not officially members of Rock Run anymore? That’s on them, not you. But to drug you and a woman?” He spat into the water. “That’s fucking messed up on so many levels. I only wish I’d known you were in trouble—I’d have helped kick their asses. But I was with that human.”

  “Good, huh?” Tiago asked to change the subject. He appreciated that Chico was pissed—he’d have felt the same in his place—but he was done talking about last night. All he wanted was to get through his interview with Dion and then go try to fix things with Alesia.

  His friend just smiled.

  Tiago shook his head, but he was smiling too. He thought of telling Chico about how he’d almost had an earth shifter, but that was probably best forgotten. And he was not going to talk about Alesia.

  “Look,” he said, “I’d better get going. Dion wants to see me for an ass-chewing. I was under orders to stay away from the earth shifters. I promised to report back by noon.”

  “What’s the hurry? It’s not even nine o’clock yet.”

  “Might as well get it over with.” Tiago ran a hand over his chin. “Besides, I could use a shave and some breakfast.” Those few mouthfuls of herring seemed a long time ago.

  “Okay. We’ll talk later—I’m on duty until four o’clock. And Tiago?”—Chico pulled him into a hard hug—“do me a favor, okay? Next time you go investigating, take me along.”

  “You got it.”

  They nuzzled each other, exchanging scents in the way of longtime friends. Chico’s skin carried the sharp bite of worry, telling Tiago he was more upset than he was letting on. Tiago swallowed and hugged him back.

  Eliana glided up. Well?

  He gave her a lopsided grin. “Sorry, Eli. Chico can tell you what happened.”

  She nudged him affectionately, and he hugged her back before heading downstream to Rock Run’s deep water entrance.

  Most of the clan was already at work. He made it to his room without running into anyone else, but barely had time to shed his shorts when Rosana knocked on his door.

  “Tiago? You back yet?”

  He stifled a groan, but wrapped a towel around his hips and let her in.

  She grabbed him by the shoulders. “I’ve been so worried.” She gave him a little shake. “Why didn’t you come home with Dion?”

  “I needed to heal.”

  She narrowed her eyes. “You are hurt. What happened, anyway? Dion wouldn’t tell me anything, just that you were in a fight with Jorge and Benny, and that Benny’s dead.”

  Tiago pulled her close for a hug and a kiss, and then set her gently but firmly aside. He loved Rosana, but as the only girl in a family of four older males, she’d been petted and spoiled since the day their mother first brought her into the world. It was even worse now that she was a woman, and damn pretty—for a sister. Half the clan’s unmated men were after her.

  He, however, was her brother, not some lovesick, horny male.

  “Sit, Rosie.” He pointed to one of his two chairs. “I need a shower and a shave. If you want to talk to me, you’re going to have to wait.”

  “Don’t call me Rosie,” she returned automatically, but obeyed. “Did you really kill Benny?”

  “Yes,” he said shortly, and before she could ask anything else, grabbed a pair of shorts and went into the bathroom. “Fifteen minutes,” he said and shut the door.

  When he returned, he felt much better. He’d showered and shaved, and combed the tangles out of his hair.

  Rosana bounced out of the chair. She looked more like their Irish sea fada mother every day, right down to the stubborn look on her pretty face. Tiago felt a pang. He still missed his ma, even after all these years.

  “Well?” she demanded.

  He sighed and
once more gave the short version of what had happened.

  Her fine black brows furrowed. “You fought off four men? Without any help? I heard Dion say something to Cleia about your Gift. But your Gift is talking to animals, right? How could that hurt anyone?”

  Tiago dragged a hand over his wet hair. Rosana might be spoiled, but she was smart—and she knew how to keep a secret. And he was done hiding what he was from his closest friends and family.

  “I have another Gift,” he said.

  * * *

  The dining hall was nearly empty. Breakfast had already been cleared but the gruff head cook, Gabriela, had a special fondness for Tiago, and produced a basket of rolls, cheese and a plate of salted cod, which he washed down with a large espresso.

  Fausto trotted into the big hall. He was welcome to come and go in the base as he pleased, but somehow he only showed up when Tiago was eating.

  He headed across the room to where Tiago sat at a table by himself and set his paws on the bench beside Tiago. “Up,” he said in his otter-flavored Portuguese.

  Tiago boosted him onto the bench. “I guess you heard.”

  Fausto grunted, his gaze on the last piece of cod.

  Tiago waved a hand. “Help yourself.”

  The otter wrapped his paws around the fish and made short work of it. Tiago tipped some of the espresso onto the plate for him and handed him a chunk of bread. Fausto had developed a taste for caffeine, which was probably as bad for him as it was for canines, but hey, he was a big boy.

  The otter dipped the bread in the bitter brown liquid and downed it in a few quick bites, standing on his hind legs to lap up the last of the espresso from the plate. He lowered himself back to the bench and tilted his head to consider Tiago with his round black eyes.

  “You okay.” It wasn’t a question.

  “Sim. Pissed off that those guys got ahold of me, but I’ll live.” Tiago leaned closer and lowered his voice. “They’re not going to get away with it. I don’t care what Dion says, I’m going after Jorge and the other two.”

  Fausto made a doubtful sound. “See Dion. Then see.”

  Tiago scowled. “I knew you’d say that.”

  Fausto just shrugged. “Come. Get me.”

  “When I go after them?”

  Fausto nodded.

  “Obrigado,” Tiago said without saying yes or no. Fausto was a tough bastard in his own world, but at twenty-five pounds or so, he wasn’t a match for a fada. Still, he appreciated the offer.

  “Get me,” the otter repeated and then flowed off the bench to the floor in his boneless way. “Later,” he said and headed for the door.

  Tiago shook his head. Sometimes he thought the only reason Fausto put up with him was for the food.

  He came to this feet. Time to get this over with.

  He found Dion in the operations room with Rui. They were with two sentries, but Rui immediately dismissed them. “You have your orders. Report directly to me if you see any trace of them.”

  They nodded and left, and Dion and Rui turned to him.

  Rui knew. Tiago could tell from the look on the older man’s face. He should’ve expected it, but this was a secret he’d kept from everyone, even his family, for three years. His whole body went taut. He felt exposed, and let down by Dion.

  “Good morning.” He knew he sounded stiff, but damn it, that’s how he felt.

  Dion opened his arms. “Come here, irmão.”

  Tiago hesitated, and then went to him. His brother’s arms closed around him and they hugged for a long moment. At least his beast accepted it. Tiago had been half-afraid it would challenge Dion again.

  Dion released him and looked him over. “You’re better?”

  “Yeah.”

  “Good.” His brother folded his arms over his chest. “So, Tiago—what the fuck? You go behind my back, conducting what amounts to an unauthorized investigation. You hide a Gift from your alpha. You’re my brother and I love you, but you’re subject to the same rules as anyone else in the clan.”

  Tiago glanced away. “I know. And I’m sorry—there’s no excuse. I just thought—”

  “Go on,” Dion prompted. “I want to know. What the hell were you thinking?”

  “I suppose I wanted to prove myself. Show I could be trusted. After that thing with Adric five years ago, I know you’ve never really been sure of me.”

  Dion frowned. “That’s not true—”

  “No?” Tiago met his eyes. It was his brother’s turn to look away.

  “But I don’t blame you,” Tiago continued. “I deserved it. Hell, I gave Rock Run’s location to a Baltimore shifter. I did it for Cleia, but we both know Adric would’ve taken you out in a heartbeat if he’d had the chance. So I’ve worked my ass off to show you I can be trusted. I’ve obeyed you without question, followed my squad leader’s orders to the letter, done my damn best to make every mission a success. But it never seems like enough.”

  “That’s where you’re wrong,” Rui interjected. “We noticed. You’re under consideration as a squad leader yourself.”

  “I am?” Tiago felt a flash of pleasure, until he realized that was another thing he’d probably screwed up. “I admit that coming on to an earth shifter female was a dumbass idea. But I won’t apologize for trying to find out what Jorge and Benny were up to. You and Rui are always telling us to think on our feet. Jorge came to me—I didn’t go to him. The man’s smart. If I’d have left even for a few minutes to contact Rock Run, he’d have disappeared.”

  “Okay,” Dion said. “I’ll give you that. But this Gift of yours—” He blew out a breath. “I need proof you have it under control.”

  Tiago stiffened. “I’ve controlled it for three years.”

  “Sim? From what you said earlier, I’m not sure who’s controlling who. Sounds more like a tiger you have by the tail. Can you swear to me you can control it in every situation?”

  Tiago stared at him. His hands wanted to fist but he forced them to remain loose at his sides. Losing his cool would only count against him.

  “No,” he admitted. “I can’t.”

  Dion and Rui exchanged a look. Then his brother shook his head. “I’m sorry, Tiago. I can’t clear you to go out with your squad until we’re sure—until you’re sure. You can train with them, but you’re to stay close to base for the next month. Meanwhile, I’ll contact the Rhode Island sea fada. They may have someone who can help you with your Gift.”

  “No,” he blurted. “Let me go after Jorge. Give me that much.”

  “Absolutely not,” his brother returned. “And that’s an order. Any questions?”

  Tiago’s stomach churned. But he bit back his anger to say, “No, sir.”

  Dion dragged a hand through his hair. “Look, irmão, take a couple of weeks. Relax, swim, allow your body to heal. You’re on medical leave as of now.”

  Tiago gave a tight nod.

  “This is only a precaution,” Dion added. “I believe—no, I know you can do this. You appeared in complete control at the hotel. If it were only you and me, I’d take a chance, but I have the rest of the clan to think about.”

  It was too little, too late. Tiago’s hands fisted. This time he didn’t try to unclench them. “Do I have permission to leave the creek?”

  “Of course. You’re not confined to base. Feel free to travel anywhere in our territory. You can even go into Grace Harbor.” Dion named the nearest small town. “Just stay out of Baltimore—and that’s for your own safety.”

  Tiago jerked his head in assent.

  Dion studied him, a worried frown between his eyes. “You sure you’re okay?”

  “I’m fine. Can I go now?”

  Dion put a hand on his shoulder. “I love you, Tiago. You know that, don’t you?”

  “Yeah. Sure.”

  Dion waited for him to say more, but Tiago kept his mouth stubbornly shut. His brother could protest all he wanted, but it was clear he didn’t trust Tiago worth a damn.

  Dion let out a small breath. “
Okay. Here’s what I want you to do: think this over for a week. Then come to me with a plan. Explain how it works and what you’re doing to control it, and we can go from there.”

  “Thank you,” he said stiffly. That was something, at least.

  Dion waited another few moments and then said, “That’s all.”

  “Obrigado, meu senhor,” he repeated in that same stiff voice, and with a nod to Rui, stalked from the room.

  CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

  Adric watched as Marjani sat in his kitchen eating a plate of jerk chicken, rice and plantains with single-minded determination. She’d spent most of the last twenty-four hours asleep, waking just once to eat and use the bathroom before crawling back into bed again. He’d stayed close, alternating with Suha in watching her.

  Sometime after midnight, she’d gotten so restless that he’d changed to his cougar and climbed into bed with her. She’d awakened enough to take off the T-shirt and change to her cat as well, then settled next to him with a sigh. He licked her jaw until her eyes closed and she fell back asleep.

  They slept the rest of the night curled together. He woke to find she’d burrowed her head and part of her body under his so that he was draped over her back. His stomach clenched. She hadn’t done that since they were cubs and she’d been afraid to sleep because both their parents were gone on missions and they’d been left with their uncle Leron, a man who’d been quick and brutal in his punishments. His own three cubs were as afraid of him as Adric and Marjani, but that didn’t stop them from tormenting their two younger cousins when the adults weren’t around.

  Shortly after dawn, Zuri arrived to update him on what he and the other lieutenants had discovered. To Adric’s frustration, it wasn’t much. Tiago do Rio had left the Full Moon shortly before closing and reappeared a short time later at the Wildcat. He’d had a drink with Shania, but she’d left soon after he’d started drinking with the two river fada. After that, Tiago hadn’t been seen again until Luc and his men had come across him and Marjani trying to hail a cab in Canton, a neighborhood on Baltimore’s east side.

  Adric frowned. “He wasn’t seen after he left the Wildcat?”