Charmed by the Werewolf

by Sandra Sookoo

  She stared at him as if he’d grown another head. “I won’t. I may have his genes. That doesn’t mean I’ll work for you.” Yes, she remembered her father saying she would succeed him, but she believed in free will and refused to do anything she didn’t want to do.

  “Oh, I think it does.” Sterling sauntered so close she smelled the slightly sulphur tinge on his skin. “There’s a two-fold reason. One, I’ll bet you’ve recently come upon a rather interesting problem. Been turning into a statue when you’re under high stress?”

  Heat crawled over Sophia’s skin. How could he possibly know that? Even now, the familiar tightening in her chest signaled a shift wasn’t far off.

  Mentally, she counted to ten then repeated the action, calming herself. “It’s nothing.”

  “Really? Not annoying in social situations? It doesn’t confine you to your house from embarrassment?” He rubbed a hand along his jaw. “If you come work for me as a Gatekeeper—part-time, of course for a while—I can give you a tincture that’ll put those genes in stasis. Imagine living as normal a life as you can and for what? A simple job.”

  Sophia snorted. “No. My father hated working for you. Why should I do the same thing just because you say so?” She risked a glance around the quiet cemetery, but none of the mourners had stuck around once Sterling showed up.

  He gave an elegant shrug. His face had darkened with a scowl that put her in mind of every evil thing she’d ever dreamed of. “Ah, you drive a hard bargain, so let me up the ante.” Sterling studied the immediate area and his gaze settled on a lone worker standing idly by waiting for access to the gravesite. “Let me give you the proper motivation and the second reason you’ll come to work for me.”

  Before Sophia could form a reply, Sterling pointed a finger at the man. Jagged streaks of red lightning left his fingertip and slammed into the worker. With an agonized cry of pain and surprise, the man burst into flames. All ash and leftover body parts vanished into a red puff of smoke. A small scorch spot appeared on the grass where he’d stood.

  “Oh my God! You murdered him!” Sickening fear swept over her as she stared at Sterling. “What kind of person does that?” No wonder her dad never talked about work if he could help it.

  Sterling’s grin held no mirth. “First mistake, my dear. I’m not a person and I have no sappy sentimental feelings for any other being in any realm. Remember that.” He edged closer, his eyes glowing red. “If you don’t become the replacement Gatekeeper as your heritage demands, I’ll systematically kill one random person each hour of each day until you consent to my demands.”

  “You can’t do that.” She gagged as the smell of incinerated human flesh wafted to her nose.

  “Would you like another demonstration?” He laid a hand on her shoulder.

  Sophia sprang away at the burning heat the contact generated.

  “Whether you believe it or not, I know you, Sophia. You’re soft and riddled with guilt, which makes you weak and easy to manipulate. Now, do you really want all those potential deaths on your conscience? I’d imagine it’ll be hard to sleep knowing with each tick of the clock, another random person will die because of your selfishness.”

  Shock, coupled with grief and the anger she’d carried around since childhood roiled through her stomach. Was this what her father meant by falling into the darker side of herself? Did he try to warn her about this moment or something even direr down the line?

  She stared at Sterling as he buffed his fingernails on his suit jacket then bowed her head. God, she needed to grow a backbone, but what was the point? She had no choice, probably never would again. In that one clarifying moment, she finally understood her dad. He did what he did to protect his family and most likely people around him.

  So much for free will.

  She looked up and her gaze connected with Sterling’s. Already, his eyes danced with victory and she hated him from that moment. A deep down, burning hatred that would never go away until he was obliterated from the earth. With an unwavering certainness, she would despise every moment of her life from this point onward. “Fine. What will I need to do?”

  *****

  Xavier paced the tiny amount of floor space between the queen bed and a pine dresser. Anxiety clawed through his being. He shouldn’t have let Sophia go alone. He should have ignored her protests and accompanied her anyway since it was on his behalf she went to Elias Realm. He cast another glance at the closet door—still firmly closed.

  “I’m going after her.” He transferred his gaze to Mona. “You’d do the same thing, right?”

  “Sure, but every time I try to help her, she gets mad and chews me out.” Mona shrugged from her spot on the bed. “Sophia doesn’t like to accept help, especially if it puts the people she cares for in danger.”

  “So I gathered.” As much as he admired a strong-willed woman, was she harming herself in the process? “I have to do something.” A low growl accompanied the statement.

  Further speculation broke off when the closet door flew open. Sophia stumbled into the room, gasping for breath. Xavier halted her forward momentum and wrapped his arms around her. “Sophia?”

  Tears streamed down her cheeks as she attempted to draw air into her lungs. Her body shook with the force of her distress. “I—”

  “I’m so sorry.” He mentally berated himself for allowing her to go to Elias Realm without him. He should have called on his inner alpha-wolf and followed her.

  Damn it, she was his woman, and he needed to start acting like it. She had an unexplainable grip on him and yet because of him, she suffered emotional trauma. He let her wiggle free of his hold, watched with a level of helplessness as she dropped to her knees. “I can’t help you unless you’re calm and relaxed.” He brushed a lock of sweat-dampened hair out of her face. “I suspect that’s not the correct thing to say right now.”

  “Need…Mona…” Her eyes closed as she concentrated on drawing a full breath.

  Xavier looked at the petite accident attractor. “What’s wrong with her?” Sophia’s gasping breaths compelled him to protect her, but he felt ineffectual not knowing what she suffered from.

  “She sometimes has panic attacks.” Mona knelt beside her, stroking her arms.

  The air shimmered near the dresser then Frieda made an appearance. “Why don’t you just die and be done with it?” she asked as she settled on a small, carved box. “So much drama for one human.”

  “Shut up.” A wheeze punctuated Sophia’s command.

  “If you won’t behave yourself I’m afraid I’ll be forced to escort you from the room.” Xavier glared at the small menace. “Do you understand me, pixie?”

  “You can escort me anywhere, handsome.” Frieda batted her eyelashes and walked with exaggerated hip swaying across the top of the dresser.

  “You wouldn’t be able to keep up.” He kept his annoyance in check by sheer willpower.

  “Knock it off you two.” Sophia batted Mona’s hands away from her forehead. “I think I’ll live, much to the disappointment of some of you.”

  “I constantly implore the girl to seek help in overcoming her problem, but she vexes me at every turn.” A ghost in full Cavalier garb made his presence known.

  “Who the hell are you?” Xavier narrowed his eyes. Of course. This interloper must be the ghost Sophia couldn’t get rid of. His blood pressure rose at the constant interruptions. “You know what, it doesn’t matter.”

  “Oh, but it most certainly does, my good man.” Calvin bobbed closer. “Sophia is my lady fair. I have spent countless hours trying to convince her to end her human existence of pain here and follow me into the Afterlife.”

  Xavier stood. “And how’s that working for you?”

  The ghost assumed an annoyed expression. “She is proving very resistant, especially now you are here and vying for her heart.” He narrowed his eyes. “Perhaps you should do the decent thing and bow out. My stake in this matter is much stronger.”

  “Uh, no, and unless you can challe
nge me to a duel with swords or pistols and I can actually kill you, this rivalry ends now.”

  Calvin began a protest.

  Screw it. I’m done with this circus. Xavier let loose a primal snarl that turned into a low-pitched howl. The sound reverberated off the walls, shaking the pictures and disturbing knick-knacks from the dresser top. All eyes turned toward him. A grin stretched his lips—his predatory smile. “All of you listen up. Whether you believe it or not, I, not Calvin, am Sophia’s mate. Period. As of this moment, either you can work with me or you can leave. Your choice.”

  Mona waved the hand containing the washcloth. “But—”

  “No exceptions.” He crossed his arms over his chest as the urge to shift into the beast washed over him. “Do not anger me further, Mona. You’ll not want to meet me in wolf form.” He growled again for emphasis, pleased when she immediately lowered her gaze. “Now, everyone except Sophia leave this room.”

  Sophia shook her head. “That’s not necessary, and it’s still my house.”

  Something inside him snapped. “Get. Out. Now!” This time, the roar brought a mirror crashing to the floor near the closet. “You have mere seconds.” His grin widened when the miscellaneous beings scattered for parts unknown. “Much better.”

  The silence that followed nearly deafened him. Sophia blinked, her eyes big and round with fear. Xavier wondered if he crossed an invisible line with her then just as quickly realized he didn’t care. Sooner or later, she’d realize she belonged to him, which would make both their lives much easier.

  “Do you feel better?” She threw him an annoyed glance. “Has anyone ever told you how scary you are when you do that wolf-growl thing?”

  “Yes, many times.” He helped her off the floor, holding her in a loose embrace. “I’m told it’s a turn on.” He caressed his hands over her ribcage then encircled her waist. “Would you like to see me shift?” Her floral scent danced about him in a teasing whirlwind, built his libido until he wanted to throw her on the bed and mark her as his own.

  “You know I can’t allow that.” Regret tinged her words and clouded her eyes. “Xavier, you need to get out of this house. I don’t know if my lies to Sterling were convincing enough, but suffice it to say, he’ll be monitoring me closely.”

  “When will you understand?” He stroked her cheek, buried his hands in her hair until she looked into his eyes. “You’re mine, and I don’t abandon things or people who belong to me.” Xavier kissed her, momentarily losing himself in the softness of her lips before pulling away. “I assumed he told you how to break the curse?”

  “Yes. He threatened me with death if he caught me harboring rule-breaking beings.” She rubbed her eyes and wiggled out of his arms. “Sterling said you only need to find a member of the original gypsy family and they can release the curse.”

  “Then we’ll track down a gypsy. At least it’s something.” He moved toward her but stopped when she held up a hand. “What now?”

  “I know you think we’re meant to be together. I don’t know how or where you picked up this information. It doesn’t matter. There’s no time for all of that silly romantic stuff.” She shoved her glasses back into place. “I’m doing my best to keep Sterling away from here!” She raised her gaze to his. “I don’t want to be responsible for another senseless death. I’m not strong enough to survive another catastrophe.”

  “Whatever has happened in your past, I can guarantee nothing like that will occur between you and me.” The haunting pain in her eyes played to his sympathy, and again the urge to wrap her in his arms overwhelmed him. “I meant what I said. I won’t leave you. Not now. Not ever, and I’ll personally enjoy killing Sterling if he attempts to threaten you again.”

  She blinked rapidly as tears filled her eyes. “I’ve got to get out of here.”

  “Wait, Sophia…” Xavier grasped her hand.

  “Please, don’t be here when I return.” She wrenched her hand from his, kicked off her remaining shoe and exited the room.

  “Damn stubborn woman.” As Xavier loped down the stairs, he couldn’t help but wonder if dealing with an unstable female would be worth lifting the curse.

  *****

  Her heart pounding, Sophia slammed outside the apartment to clump awkwardly over the sidewalk in her sock-covered feet. She slid onto a cold bench under a stand of half-naked trees nearby and took a few deep calming breaths. Dry autumn leaves swirled about her feet. She shivered. Life was rapidly spiraling out of control and she couldn’t stop it. She turned her face to the weak October sun, but it didn’t lift her lagging spirits. The situation was impossible. If she helped Xavier, she risked losing her own life. If she turned him over to Sterling, she got to keep her job, but she’d feel forever guilty about it as well as ending his. How do I manage to get myself into these messes? Her skin prickled like an otherworldly divining rod. Sophia sighed and her shoulders slumped in defeat.

  “Xavier, how long do you plan to hide behind that tree before making yourself known?”

  “Not long.” He shoved off from the tree he’d been leaning against. “You have a habit of letting your emotions flow freely over your face. I know what you’re thinking with very little effort. I merely waited for the opportunity.”

  “Great.” She rolled her eyes but made room for him on the bench. The constant butterflies in her stomach since his arrival took flight, tickling her insides, to feed into the excitement of his take-charge attitude. Why did he think she was his mate? Who’d told him that? Above all, Sophia wanted to explore the bright flame of unexplained desire that ignited inside every time she saw him. She’d never had that sort of reaction to anyone. “I take it you won’t heed my warning?” She shivered again and clasped her hands together to keep them warm and mask their shaking.

  “No. I’ve taken your request under consideration but feel it’s not the best course of action for us at this time.”

  “Us? You’re going to stick to that mate story, huh?” Silence reigned for a few minutes. When it became obvious he wouldn’t speak again, she blew out an annoyed breath. “Why?” A pair of squirrels scampered through the fallen leaves, chattering. One had the audacity to sniff Xavier’s shoe before they both ran away as if the hounds of hell were after them. Sophia snickered. They must know he was a werewolf. Animal senses were much more in tune to the world than humans were. Had he ever eaten a squirrel? “Well, why?”

  “It’s difficult to explain.” He stroked his goatee in a gesture she associated with agitation or frustration. It gave him a bit of humanity and made him…endearing.

  She stifled a groan. She couldn’t fall under his spell—for his safety and her own. “Try me. Difficult is my middle name.”

  A faint smile lifted the corners of his mouth. “I meant it when I promised to release you from your birthright.” Shifting, he threw his trench coat around her shoulders, his hands lingering longer than necessary until she thought he must feel her tremors. “I intend to fulfill that promise.”

  “Thanks. Unless you happen to be Superman or God himself, I really don’t see how that will be possible.” When a gust of wind blew up, she snuggled into his coat and breathed in his scent clunging to the fabric. An exotic mixture of oak, apples, and wood smoke, she sniffed the collar and sighed. Whatever it was, Sophia felt safe as the aroma wrapped itself around her consciousness.

  “Why do you refuse to accept help or even friendship?” He casually draped an arm along the back of the bench. The tips of his fingers brushed her shoulder.

  “I’ve learned it’s not healthy to get my hopes up because they’ll usually be dashed.” She shrugged and finally met his gaze, stunned again at the unique color. “I won’t be disappointed if I don’t look forward to anything. In my line of work that’s the safest bet.”

  Xavier’s smile revealed straight white teeth and slightly pointy canines. “You deserve more than that, Sophia. I intend to give you the world, shower you with so much love you’ll drown in it. That’s the right and privilege of being
mates.”

  Her throat dry, she swallowed and fought off tears. “That’s a fine sentiment, but it isn’t up to you.” He dropped his arm over her shoulders like a stole. “We play the cards Fate deals to us without complaint.”

  “Fate gave me you.” Xavier drew her closer. “Wolf or man, that’ll never change.”

  “Damn it, Xavier.” She teetered between fighting him off and allowing him to continue his pursuit of fleeting romance. Deep down, she wanted the romance, wanted the security and confidence that came from loving another person. She glanced into his face, taken aback by the admiration reflected there. His golden curls shone in the sun to resemble a halo. “You have everything you need so why not get started on your quest?”

  “Come with me.” He caressed her cheek then slid his hand under her hair. “I promise to set you free. It’s the least I can do in exchange for a lifetime with you.”

  “Tempting.” Sophia almost agreed to his plan when chills prickled her skin from his touch, but Sterling’s threats still echoed in her head. “I can’t. I refuse to be the catalyst in your death.” She held up a hand to thwart the embrace she knew was coming. “I let you kiss me twice before. That’s enough. I have not given you permission. I know next to nothing about you, and I have no idea why you feel I’m your mate.”

  Still, her insides fluttered from his attention. She felt herself leaning toward him on the bench.

  “All the more reason for you to accompany me on my search for the gypsy, don’t you think? We can spend quality time together. I can convince you we’re meant to be together, and you can reward me by returning my regard.” He cupped her face in his elegant hands and looked deep into her eyes. Sophia’s heart spun out of control at the sincerity in the honey-colored gaze. “As for the kiss, let’s just say it was something that needed to be done.”

  “That doesn’t make any sense!” Her exclamation was more of a whisper considering his face was mere inches from hers. “Quite frankly, it’ll take a lot of convincing on your part for me to go anywhere with you. I’m just not an adventurous sort of person. My life is quiet, structured, and well-ordered.” A tough sell, even to her ears. “I like it that way. It keeps me safe. It keeps me sane.”