“Hey, guys,” she calls out. “I’m heading out for a jog.”
“Do you want me to come with you?” Travis asks.
“No. I’ll be okay. Thor’s with me.”
“Thank God,” Travis says with a sigh of relief. “I don’t know how you do it. I thought I was dying yesterday when we went jogging.”
“That’s because you’re not in shape, couch potato.” She pats his stomach.
Standing on the tips of her toes, she gives him a quick peck on the cheek before heading out the door. Once she reaches the trail, Thor extends his stride. As they jog, he keeps pace with her. It’s nice having him beside her. It makes her sad to think that Logan is going to ask her to give him back at some point.
The drumming sound of shoes striking the dirt trail resonates behind her. She shakes her head because he’s right on cue.
Chapter Ten
Logan Van Rosen
“IF YOU’RE GOING to keep the same pace, then you might as well join me.” Sophia cocks her head to the side.
“How did you know it was me?” Logan follows the scent swirling around her. “For all you know, I could’ve been someone else. You need to be more careful.”
“Geez, I knew it was you. You’ve only followed the last five days I’ve been on the trail.”
“With the information you turned over to the police, you need to be aware of your surroundings.” Logan holds her gaze. “Plus, you have the dark looking to swoop in, and jogging out here alone, well, it gives them an easy target.”
“The people involved have been arrested or are on the run,” Sophia replies with a huff. “And I can’t live my life scared of what lies around the next corner. Plus, as I said, I knew it was you. After all, it’s not as if you’ve stealthy.”
“Yeah, well, I figured there was no use in hiding. I expected either you’d see me, or Thor would smell me.”
She looks up at him with a smile then frowns. “I get the impression there’s more to your visit. So, why are you here?”
“To make sure you’re safe.”
“Well, as you can clearly see, I’m safe and sound.”
“How did the delivery of your uncle’s workbench go yesterday?”
“It was fine.” She sighs then shakes her head. Maybe I’m being too hard on him. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have snapped at you.” She pauses. “The delivery went off without a hitch.”
“I’m glad to hear that.”
“Logan.” Sophia stops.
“Yeah?”
“Thanks.” She kisses his cheek. “My uncle’s workbench is beautiful. And it still has our initials etched into the top of the work surface where he carved them years ago.” Her voice cracks. “He carefully etched them into the wood the day I moved in with him.”
Logan looks down at me. “You know, he's worried about you.” His eyes soften. “Jogging out on the trail alone really isn’t safe. You know it isn’t.”
“I’m not his to worry about—or yours. And you should tell him that I don’t appreciate him sending people out to spy on me.”
“I’m not spying on you, and neither are the other men assigned, who watch over you.”
“Logan, he has no right or claim to send bodyguards or whatever they are to watch over me,” she torts. “He saw to that when he lied to me. Plus, I’m not jogging alone. Thor is with me as you can clearly see. And then there’s the Druid the High Order sent, which doesn’t make me any happier.” She takes several steps.
“To be fair, Sophia.” Logan reaches out, stopping her momentum. “Aden didn’t lie to you. He may have withheld information, which isn’t the same thing.”
“That’s just as bad if not worse than lying. He should’ve said something.”
“How would it have made a difference?”
“I’d have at least known then I could have decided where to go from there. But he didn’t give me that option. Now did he? For all I know, he’s the secret party that paid off the loan. And the same person who wrote in the clause that states as long as I live there, the bookstore will remain mine. But if I move, I lose all rights to it, which is cold.”
“You didn’t give him a chance to explain.”
“Explain what? That he was looking to acquire my uncle’s property? And that he still is. I can’t help but think that it wasn’t me he was after all this time, it was the bookstore, or maybe even the Book of Light and Shadows—or any number of other artifacts my uncle might have hidden.”
“Sophia, that’s not fair, and you know it. He did more research than you realize—than you give him credit for. And trust me when I say, it’s not the bookstore or the spell book he wants. He wants you!” Logan tilts Sophia’s chin back then peers into her eyes. “I know you have feelings for him. I don’t have to be a gargouille and smell it because it’s written all over your face.”
Sophia’s eyes close, briefly, then she reopens them. Logan is right. She does still have feelings for Aden. “If I ask you a question, will you answer it truthfully?”
“I’ll try my best.”
“Is Aden the one who paid off the loan?”
“Perhaps, you should ask him that question tonight at his birthday party. It’s at his place...eight o’clock sharp.”
“Answer the question, Logan. Then, perhaps I’ll go. Well, depending on the answer, that is.”
“Yes. He paid it off.” Logan studies her face. “He wanted to talk to you about it first, but you never gave him a chance.” He pause. “He had his people do deeper research on the building the day after you were attacked. And Sophia, when we walked you home the day you were attacked, that’s when he made the connection between you and your uncle—not before then.”
Her eyes brim with tears, and she turns away from him.
“Please, will you come tonight? I’m asking you as a friend.”
“I don’t know.” She chews on her lower lip.
“It would make his birthday if you showed up.”
“What’s the dress? I mean, in case I decide to go.”
“Formal. A cocktail dress would do.”
She frowns then scrunches her nose.
“If you’ll allow it, I’d like to send over a dress for this evening.”
“Why? Why would you do that?”
“Because I know you’re still dealing with the repercussions of the fire and break-ins, not to mention the increased traffic from the supernatural world. Plus, it would mean the world to Aden if you showed up tonight. It would allow the two of you time to talk. Please, let me do this one thing for you—for both of you.”
Tears brim her lower and spill over. “Okay,” she says, barely above a whisper.
“Good, then it’s settled.” Logan gently wipes the tears from her face. “Will your friends be joining you tonight?”
“Yes.” She nods. “If that’s okay.”
“Of course, it’s okay.” Logan smiles then draws her into a firm embrace. “Come on, we have a trail to jog.” He kisses the top of her head.
Logan matches her pace. When he rounds the first corner of the trail that goes downhill, he takes Thor’s leash. He draws in a deep breath and breathes in the aroma swirling around her. A mixture of nervous energy and sadness etches her scent.
Chapter Eleven
Sophia Mahoney
ADEN’S APARTMENT is full of people.
Sophia fidgets with the black strapless dress.
“Stop being a wallflower.” Tara loops her arm through Sophia’s and drags her into the living room.
Tara gives Sophia the look. The one that clearly states grow a backbone stand up straight and leave the fucking dress alone.
Travis winks then walks toward the double French doors, which are standing wide open. He strolls through the opening in his tailored black Oscar de la Renta suit.
“You’re tense,” Tara whispers in Sophia’s ear. “You sure you want to do this, love?”
“Yes.” Sophia nods. “I’m sure.” Her fingers tighten around the ribbon handles of
the gift bag she’s holding. “I’m going to the bathroom.”
“You want me to go with you?” Tara locks gazes with a blond-headed man on the other side of the room.
“No. I’ll be fine.” Sophia waves her off. “Go. Have some fun. I know you want to. Plus, if I need you, I’ll text.”
“Okay, love.” Tara gives Sophia a quick peck on the cheek then walks away.
Sophia makes her way across the room then step into the hallway. She turns the bathroom knob, but the door is locked. Sighing, she turns around. Aden’s office door catches her eye.
Walking forward, her knees shake. What if he’s in there? Am I ready to see him?
She turns the handle. The door opens, and her heartbeat quickens. She was sure the room would be locked.
The sound of fast approaching footsteps, bouncing off the walls, resonates in the hallway. Quickly, she steps into Aden’s office then closes and locks the door. She presses her back against the cool hard surface and exhales a ragged breath. Nice. Do you have any other bright ideas?
Indistinct voices waft from the other side of the door. They’re muffled. Sophia can’t make out what’s being said. Crap. What if the footsteps are headed this way?
The bathroom door down the hall squeaks and she breathes a sigh of relief. The voices fade away, and the footsteps recede. Her heart, still racing, hammers in her chest. She inches away from the door and walks toward Aden’s desk. Looking at the sleek surface, her cheeks warm. Intimate memories of her spread out and bare on the desk flash through her mind.
Sophia slides the tips of her fingers down the length of the cool, hard desk then sets down both the gift bag and card she was holding in her hand.
If she knows Aden, it won’t be long before he retreats to his office, leaving the social aspects of the party, the celebration he didn’t want, behind for Logan and the others to police.
Her eyes zero in on the gift bag. Slowly, she eases the small black velvet box out of the bag. Her hand trembles. Opening the case, a fierce lion’s face glares at her from behind a rich golden mane.
The lines of the lion are richly crafted. A full mane, whiskers, and wise eyes stare at her. The beautifully hand-sculpted Victorian cufflinks have an image of a roaring lion—not only the front—but on the back, as well. They belonged, first, to Sophia’s father then to her uncle. She takes in a sharp breath and examines them closely.
She snaps the box shut then slips them back into the blue gift bag. Running her fingers over the envelope of the sealed card, she exhales, slowly.
After her run with Logan yesterday, she had time to think. And mere words cannot express her gratitude for what Aden did. He didn’t have to pay off her uncle’s loan, but he did. And when she found out the clause was something already in the original paperwork she felt horrible. She prejudged Aden, harshly, without giving him a chance to explain his actions. Now, she just hopes he can forgive her.
Slowly, she makes her way to the door. She presses her ear against the cool, hard surface, listening for any sound that may signal people may be in the hallway. But it’s silent.
She grips the door handle with her right hand then slowly turns it. A click wafts in the air and the door unlocks. Sophia pulls it open just enough to peek into the hallway. It’s empty. So she steps out into the hall and makes her way back to the living room. She searches for Aden, but he’s not there.
Stepping out onto the patio deck, laughter fills her ears. She looks up. Tara and Travis are at the far end of the deck talking to a group of people. Scanning the area, Sophia doesn’t see any sign of Logan or Aden.
Sophia pivots on the balls of her feet and turns around. She comes face to face with Aden. “Um...”
Aden raises an eyebrow and peers down at her. His eyes rake up and down the length of Sophia’s body.
His stare makes her feel bare, vulnerable. “Happy birthday,” she blurts out.
He takes a step closer.
Sophia bites down on her trembling lower lip.
“Sophia,” Aden whispers, softly. He draws her into his lean frame and cradles her to his chest.
Her body tenses and she swallows hard. Sucking in a deep breath, she breathes in his cologne.
Aden places a finger under Sophia’s chin then tilts her head back. His eyes lock with hers.
Sophia’s stomach somersaults, and her body warms.
Slowly, he lowers his head until his lips are inches from her mouth. The warmth of his breath on her face and neck makes her shiver. His lips lightly brush against hers, and she gasps.
Sophia wraps her arms around his neck. She closes her eyes then lean into his kiss.
“I’m glad you came,” Aden says with a smile that brightens his eyes.
“Aden,” she says with a quiver in her voice. “I’m sorry.”
He guides Sophia out to the middle of a makeshift dance floor then draws her back into his arms. Holding her close, his body sways to the music playing.
Sophia rests her head against his shoulder, taking in his familiar scent. It feels good to be in his arms once again. She closes her eyes and laces her fingers through his curly hair
Aden guides her across the dance floor. Gently, he takes hold of her right hand. He brings the tips of her fingers to his lips, kissing each one.
Aden spins her around before him. “You look beautiful.”
Her cheeks warm, and her face reddens. “You don’t look bad yourself.”
“I take it you approve of the tuxedo.” Aden draws her back into his arms.
“It makes you look a little like a penguin.” She grins. “But it will do.”
“A penguin?”
“Okay. A cute penguin.” She smiles then gives him a peck on the cheek. “How’s your party going?”
“Better since you arrived.”
“Good answer,” Sophia says with a giggle.
“Do you want to continue to dance or sit down?”
“Whatever you’d like to do, I mean, it’s your birthday.”
A wolfish grin spreads across his face. “Anything?”
Sophia’s eyes widen. “We can dance or sit down if you need the rest.” Then she grins, again. “After all, you aren’t getting any younger.”
Aden arches a brow. “Mmm...there are many things I’d like to do right now.” He strokes his jaw. “However, resting isn’t one of them.”
Chapter Twelve
Aden Clarkson
ADEN TWIRLS SOPHIA to the beat of the music. Once the song ends, he leads her to the stone wet bar next to the pool. He requests a gin and tonic then grabs a chilled bottle of water.
“Are you cold?”
“No. I’m good.” She rubs her arms. “Well, maybe a little.”
Wrapping an arm around her waist, he guides her into the living room.
In the center of the room, Tara and Travis are engaged in a heated discussion about the potential candidates for the next presidential election. A conversation he’s not sure he’s ready or willing to broach.
Aden stands behind Sophia and wraps his arms around her waist. He draws her against his lean body. His inner gargouille breaths in the palatable, alluring scent of her growing arousal. Gently, he nuzzles the back of her neck.
A small squeak escapes her lips.
Tara looks at her with furrowed brows then returns to her conversation.
Aden softly chuckles in Sophia’s ear, and then he kisses the nook of her neck. Goose bumps cover her silky flesh.
Sophia glances over her shoulder.
Licking his lips, he peers down at her with hooded eyes. His lips curl upward into a wolfish grin. “I’m going to grab another drink.” Aden releases her. “Would you like another bottle of water?”
“No. I’m good.” Sophia’s voice is soft, airy.
“Don’t move,” Aden says. “I’ll be back in a minute.”
Chapter Thirteen
Sophia Mahoney
THE SOUND of approaching footsteps draws Sophia’s attention to the left. She turns turn t
oward the doorway where she last saw Aden.
Tara walks toward her with the blond man in tow. “How are you doing, love?”
“I’m good.” Sophia smiles.
“Travis and I have been invited to a club just north of here. Will you be okay if we leave?”
“Um...yes.” Sophia nods. “I’ll be fine.”
“So, I take it; things are okay, now?”
“Yes. I think so,” Sophia replies. “Don’t worry about me. I’m sure Aden or Logan will take me home if I ask.”
Tara pulls her into a hug. “You have my number,” she whispers in Sophia’s ear. “Call me if you need to. And Soph, don’t do anything you’re not ready to do.”
“Okay.” Sophia’s eyes widen, and her cheeks warm.
Tara and the blond walk up to Travis, who is standing on the other side of the room.
Scanning the area, Sophia realize it’s not as crowded as it was before. She turns and watches the people on the balcony through the French doors.
Aden’s waiting at the bar. He’s approached by a group of people. A woman dressed in a red and black short dress staggers up to him. She wraps her arms around his neck then presses her body against him. Aden pivots to the side, and it looks as if they kiss. When he releases her, the woman starts to laugh.
Sophia takes a step forward then stops. Her eyes follow the woman in red, who steps through the opened French doors. She stops, briefly to adjust her dress, then levels her chin.
Crap. She’s looking right at me.
The woman in red, her intense eyes bore through Sophia. And she’s walking right toward where Sophia is standing.
Taking a deep breath, Sophia holds the woman’s penetrating gaze.
“You must be Sophia Mahoney. I’m Heather,” the woman in red says. “I’ve heard all about you.”
“Really, that’s funny because I’ve not heard anything about you.”
“Mmm...” A smile touches her lips, but it doesn’t travel up to her eyes. “I can see why Aden is attracted to you.” The woman cups Sophia’s chin, tipping her head side to side.
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